Chapter 5 - THE NOTE
Emma's apartment was in a narrow brick building on the Northwest Side. Her father, Robert Reed, was asleep in a recliner when the security team arrived. Her younger brother, Nathan, opened the door and immediately became defensive.
“Who are you?”
“Luca Moretti's security team. We're here because your sister received a threat.”
Nathan looked at Emma. “What did you do?”
“Nothing,” she said. “I noticed something at work.”
Her father woke at the sound of their voices. His speech was still slow after his stroke, but his eyes were alert.
“Emma?”
She crossed the room and took his hand. “I'm okay, Dad.”
Luca arrived with Marco and one officer. He did not bring a crowd into the apartment.
“Mr. Reed,” he said respectfully. “I'm sorry to bring trouble to your home.”
Robert studied him. “You're the man she works for?”
“Yes.”
“Then make sure she gets paid.”
Emma closed her eyes. “Dad.”
Luca nodded. “She will.”
He asked to see the note. It was a small piece of paper folded twice, with the message printed in block letters. No signature.
“Did you see anyone near your locker?” Marco asked.
Emma shook her head. “The staff corridor was busy. Anyone could have walked past.”
Nathan paced the room. “Then she should quit. This job isn't worth it.”
“We need the money,” Emma replied.
“We'll manage.”
“With what? Your part-time shifts?”
Nathan stopped.
Luca watched the exchange. “Emma, you can take paid leave while this is investigated. Your position will remain open. You don't have to decide anything tonight.”
“I don't want charity.”
“It's not charity. You were working when you discovered a possible crime. You shouldn't lose your wages because you reported it.”
Robert squeezed her hand. “Take the leave.”
Emma finally nodded.
Before Luca left, Nathan followed him into the hallway.
“Why are you helping her?”
“Because someone threatened her family.”
“Is that all?”
Luca looked at him. “It's enough.”
Nathan lowered his voice. “She thinks she can fix everything by working harder. She won't ask for help even when Dad needs another therapy session.”
“I noticed.”
“Then don't make her feel like she owes you.”
“She owes me nothing,” Luca said.
May you like
In the car, Marco handed him a new message. Peter Lang's phone had been switched off. His apartment was empty. A toll camera had recorded his vehicle heading toward a private airfield outside the city.
“Send the information to the authorities,” Luca said. “We do not chase him ourselves.”
