Contents
Chapter 18
Overview
Hounded by media after a viral article, Elsie hides and seeks recourse. A call to police yields nothing and makes her suspect Joan leaked details. Senior partner Linda Raiti explains a defamation case would likely fail and outlive Elsie. Daphne supports Elsie as she faces hard, isolating reality.
Summary
With reporters swarming her street after a sensational article, Elsie refuses in-person meetings and hides at home, frightened but defiant. Daphne stays close, arriving in a makeshift disguise to help her cope with the siege.
Elsie first calls the police to challenge the “suspicious death” framing of Ishaan’s passing. Routed to an unhelpful officer named Greg, she learns detectives deny speaking to media. Concluding a neighbor likely tipped reporters, Elsie fixates on Joan as the probable source.
Seeking remedy, Elsie contacts a law firm. After indifferent gatekeeping, her notoriety as “Mad Mabel Waller” fast-tracks her to senior partner Linda Raiti. Linda methodically explains that the headline is largely accurate and Elsie’s history is considered public domain, making defamation action difficult and protracted.
When Linda cautions the fight would likely outlive her, Elsie is shaken to tears by the lawyer’s kindness. Daphne comforts her, and together they accept the grim outcome: there is little legal recourse, and the media narrative will persist—for now.
Who Appears
- Elsie Fitzpatrick (Mabel Waller)Under media siege; calls police and a lawyer; learns defamation is unlikely; suspects Joan leaked; breaks down, then steels herself.
- DaphneStands guard with Elsie, lightens tension, manages calls, and offers steady emotional support.
- Linda RaitiSenior partner who explains defamation hurdles and cautions the fight would likely outlive Elsie.
- GregUnhelpful police contact who says detectives didn’t speak to media, prompting Elsie’s suspicion of a neighbor leak.