Chapter 6 - THE WOMAN WHO LEARNED TO SAY NO
Sadie returned to work at the Continental two weeks later.
Her injuries were healing.
The bruises had faded from purple to yellow.
Her ribs still ached.
But she could breathe more easily.
Thomas looked uncomfortable when she entered the kitchen.
“Sadie.”
“Thomas.”
He glanced at her face.
“How are you?”
“Better.”
He nodded.
Then looked away.
Sadie waited.
Finally, he said:
“I should have noticed.”
She studied him.
“Yes.”
Thomas swallowed.
“I thought you were having personal problems.”
“I was.”
“I didn't want to interfere.”
Sadie looked at him.
“Sometimes asking if someone is safe isn't interference.”
Thomas nodded.
“I know that now.”
She considered.
“Good.”
***
The Continental introduced new staff training.
Employees learned how to respond when coworkers showed signs of abuse.
Managers were instructed not to punish workers for seeking help.
Information about confidential support services was placed in employee areas.
Sadie didn't believe one training session would change everything.
But it was a beginning.
***
Ronan kept his distance.
He didn't visit her shifts.
He didn't send gifts.
He didn't ask Marco to watch her.
He occasionally sent a message.
How are you?
Sadie answered when she wanted.
Sometimes immediately.
Sometimes hours later.
He never complained.
One evening, she replied:
I bought myself dinner.
Ronan answered:
That sounds good.
She smiled.
You don't understand. I bought exactly what I wanted. Nobody argued.
There was a pause.
Then:
Then I hope it was excellent.
Sadie laughed.
It was terrible. I burned the garlic.
Ronan replied:
Still yours.
She stared at the words.
Then smiled.
Still mine.
***
Meanwhile, investigators uncovered a pattern.
Rourke had been using compromised workers at restaurants and shipping companies to gather information about business rivals.
Carl was one of several men paid to create situations that could be exploited.
Sadie's assignment to the Obsidian Room had been arranged through a manager who owed Rourke money.
But the plan had gone wrong.
Ronan had noticed the injuries.
Instead of reacting violently, he had arranged medical care.
Instead of confronting Carl, he had preserved evidence.
Instead of making a private deal, he had contacted counsel.
Rourke had expected rage.
He got an investigation.
***
One afternoon, Sadie met with Rebecca.
The attorney explained that prosecutors wanted to interview her again.
Sadie listened.
Then asked:
“Will I have to testify?”
“Possibly.”
“Against Carl?”
“Yes.”
“And Rourke?”
“Potentially.”
Sadie looked down.
“I'm scared.”
Rebecca nodded.
“That's understandable.”
“What if I can't do it?”
“Then we'll discuss your options. Nobody should pressure you into testimony without understanding the consequences.”
Sadie considered.
Then said:
“I want to try.”
Rebecca smiled faintly.
“That's your decision.”
***
That evening, Sadie walked home from a counseling appointment.
She stopped outside a small bookstore.
For years, Carl had mocked her love of reading.
He called novels a waste of time.
He complained when she spent money on books.
Now she entered.
She bought a paperback.
Seven dollars.
A small thing.
But when she stepped outside, holding the book against her chest, she felt something unfamiliar.
Joy.
Not because the world was suddenly safe.
Not because her problems had disappeared.
But because she had made a choice that belonged entirely to her.
Her phone buzzed.
Ronan.
Would you like to have coffee sometime?
Sadie stared.
Then typed:
As friends?
His reply came quickly.
As two people who enjoy talking. No expectations.
She smiled.
Okay.
May you like
And for the first time in years, Sadie Bennett looked forward to meeting a man without being afraid of what he would demand.
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