Chapter 8 - THE SENATOR'S DINNER
Senator Richard Hale was hosting a private fundraiser at his Chicago residence.
The guest list included judges, business executives, donors, and several people whose names appeared in the ledger.
Dante had received an invitation through one of his legitimate companies.
He planned to attend.
I planned to go with him.
He objected at first.
“You don't need to put yourself in that room.”
“I know.”
“Cameron will be there.”
“I know.”
“His father may recognize you.”
“That's why I want to go.”
Dante studied me.
“Are you certain?”
I adjusted the silver bird at my throat.
“For two years, Cameron decided what I could wear, where I could go, and who I could speak to. I'm not letting him decide this too.”
Dante nodded.
“Then we go together.”
The residence was filled with flowers and expensive art. A string quartet played near the staircase.
I wore a dark green dress Isabella had helped me choose.
When we entered, Cameron saw me immediately.
His expression changed.
Then he smiled.
“Nora.”
I kept walking.
Dante offered his arm.
I took it.
Senator Hale approached us.
He was in his sixties, silver-haired, and charming in the way of men who had spent decades convincing people they were trustworthy.
“Dante Valenti,” he said. “I wasn't sure you'd come.”
“Senator.”
His gaze shifted to me.
“And who is this?”
“Nora Bennett.”
The senator's smile disappeared for half a second.
Then returned.
“Bennett?”
“My mother was Margaret Bennett.”
His eyes narrowed.
“I see.”
I held his gaze.
“Do you?”
Cameron appeared beside him.
“Dad, perhaps we should speak privately.”
The senator ignored him.
“Your mother was a talented accountant.”
“Was she?”
“She made some unfortunate choices.”
“Like helping Lucia?”
The senator's expression became cold.
Dante stepped forward.
“Careful, Senator.”
Richard Hale looked at him.
“Are you threatening me?”
“No. I'm reminding you that people are listening.”
The quartet continued playing.
Guests nearby had begun to notice the tension.
I reached into my small purse and removed a folded copy of the ledger.
“I know about the payments,” I said. “I know about the recording. And I know you were there when Lucia asked my mother to take me somewhere safe.”
The senator stared at the paper.
“You have no idea what that document means.”
“Then explain it.”
He leaned closer.
“Your mother was not innocent.”
“Neither were you.”
His face hardened.
Cameron took my arm.
I pulled away immediately.
“Don't touch me.”
He smiled for the guests.
“She's upset.”
I looked directly at him.
“I'm not confused, Cameron. I'm finished.”
A man near the doorway raised his phone.
The senator noticed.
His expression shifted.
“Let's not make a scene.”
“Then tell the truth.”
For a moment, he looked almost amused.
“You think the truth will save you?”
Dante's voice cut through the conversation.
“No. But it will end your protection.”
A door opened behind the senator.
Two federal agents entered with a warrant.
The room fell silent.
One approached Richard Hale.
“Senator, we need you to come with us.”
Cameron stepped backward.
The second agent turned toward him.
“Mr. Hale, we'd like to speak with you as well.”
Cameron looked at me.
His face was no longer handsome.
May you like
It was frightened.
And for the first time, I didn't feel responsible for calming him down.
