The color bleaches from her face. “O-of course I did, but I’m also allowed to go wherever I like on my time off without your approval.”
I’m disappointed, and I let the silence fill the space, her squirming in the chair a dead giveaway. “A body was stolen fromthe morgue the last night you worked; a family member of the Vescari crew, no less.”
She turns almost gray. It’s then that I wonder if she had no idea what she was helping with. She might’ve been ushered by charming words. Promises of money and power. Whatever the reason, she’s old enough to know the consequences.
I watch as she puts the two together, realizing why Silas Vescari has been making many personal visits, regardless of his other reasons.
“Who did you let into the morgue that night?” I ask more pointedly. Her jaw drops, and her hands wring together. I wait for her to deny it, but instead, tears stream down her face.
“Are they going to kill me? I didn’t know who the body belonged to. I just?—”
My heart sinks. She was used. Like a stupid girl. And I can’t even reprimand her for it, because I know it’ll eat away at her the most. We’ve all been fooled by a man, who not so quietly strips away our innocence, often not allowing us to fully trust ever again.
I think of Nessa and sigh. However, some never harden; they just keep diving into the same old pattern.
“Who was it?” I push. This doesn’t only impact Silas—it impacts me. I need to know who would disrespect me so much and decide how I conduct business with them moving forward. She stares, her hands still wringing together as if she doesn’t know what to say or whether she should reveal the truth. “Was it Giorgos Nero?”
More tears spill over her cheeks as she simply nods. “What do I do?” she asks quietly, her voice shaky. “I didn’t want to betray you, Leonore. I need this job. He offered me extra cash, and well… We…”
I raise my hand. I’ve got what I need and can summarize for myself. She was played for a fool.
“You even told me not to get involved with them because they’re dangerous men. But he was so sweet, and I think he loves?—”
“He doesn’t,” I quickly say, immediately zapping the notion. “If Silas Vescari finds out you’re involved, you’re fucked,” I speak frankly, and her eyes grow wide.
“Will you tell him?” It bubbles from her chest.
“I should.” I know I should, but she doesn’t deserve to be punished for her stupidity. “I should also fire you.”
She looks down, ashamed. It would be easy to discard her. I’ve had to do it in the past. But knowing the conversation I have to have with Nessa later, a small part of me wants to keep at least someone familiar around.
Perhaps I’ve softened. I don’t know what’s brought it on or if it’s because she reminds me of my sister ever slightly, making me nostalgic. But I also feel pity for the girls who are used in such a way.
“You’re to stop seeing him and never speak of this to anyone,” I say, and she lifts her head, her eyes growing wide, shocked. “It’s hard to get good help these days, but I mean it, Tori—if you ever betray me again, I’ll do far worse than what Silas Vescari will.”
She hiccups and then sobs. “I’m so sorry, Leonore.”
I grow uncomfortable with her sobbing. “The money at the front still needs to be counted,” I instruct, looking down at my work. I can sense her gaze on me as she sucks up another sob.
“Thank you, Leonore. I won’t do it again. I promise.”
Promises, huh? Even though they’re almost always broken. I look up to the vacant chair once she’s gone. Maybe I am turning soft, but my world is starting to change once again, and slowly, I’m having to choose who can and can’t be in it.
I sigh, feeling exhausted as I think of Nessa. How many chances can you give someone? I’m a fool for sticking my neckout for her, especially against Silas. Then again, he’s after the person who killed his uncle. Not the foolish girl who simply unlocked a door at a time she shouldn’t. Which still technically means that the only asshole who actually broke into my office and made himself at home is Silas.
I begin work on a body, finding my happy place, where I’m not thinking about anything or anyone. The dead don’t complain. My music blasts out the outside world as I busily immerse myself in my world again, but it doesn’t last long.
“Phone call,” Tori says, pausing my music. I look up at her, and she’s pale. She knows that I don’t take calls while I’m working. But considering how terrified she looks, I can assume who’s on the other side of the phone. I’d usually tell her to hang up, but I think she’ll have a fucking heart attack if I do. I snap one of my gloves off and walk over to the phone and grab it with my hand that isn’t gloved.
“Hello.”
“When can I see you again?” No hello, just straight to the point and ever demanding. His voice is rough, and my body naturally responds to it like a calling card. It’s imagined his body against mine vividly for days.
“I’m busy working, is that all?” Tori seems to let out a breath, realizing it’s not about her, and walks out of the room. I casually lean against the wall.
“I’m standing out front,” he says. My eyebrows dip. Pushy bastard.
“I told you not to come to my work,” I remind him.
