Chapter 2 - THE MAN WHO NOTICED EVERYTHING
Victor arrived upstairs within three minutes.
His face was pale.
“Mr. Moretti.”
Jack didn't look at him.
He was watching me.
“What's her name?”
Victor swallowed.
“Lily Bennett.”
Jack nodded.
“Lily.”
The sound of my name in his voice made my stomach tighten.
He turned toward Victor.
“Why is Lily working with a broken shoe?”
Victor laughed nervously.
“She was late, sir. She didn't have time to change.”
Jack looked at him.
“That's not what I asked.”
Silence.
Victor's smile vanished.
Jack continued.
“Why didn't you provide a replacement?”
Victor swallowed.
“We don't keep spare shoes.”
Jack nodded slowly.
“Then perhaps you should.”
One of the men at the table looked away.
Jack turned back to me.
“Can you walk?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
He studied my face.
“You're lying.”
My cheeks burned.
I looked down.
He continued.
“Have someone bring her a chair.”
Victor hesitated.
Jack's eyes narrowed.
“Now.”
A chair appeared.
I sat.
My ankle throbbed.
Jack looked toward Victor.
“She's finished for the evening.”
My heart stopped.
“No.”
Everyone looked at me.
I swallowed.
“I mean, sir, please. I need this job.”
Jack studied me.
“I'm not firing you.”
I looked at Victor.
He was staring at the floor.
Jack continued.
“Your shift will be paid. You can go home.”
My eyes filled.
I hated that.
Hated how quickly kindness could make me cry.
Jack noticed.
But he didn't mention it.
Instead, he asked, “Do you have someone waiting for you?”
I nodded.
“My son.”
Something changed in his expression.
“How old?”
“Four.”
May you like
Jack leaned back.
Then said quietly, “Go home to him.”
