Chapter 9 - THE WOMAN IN THE RED COAT
The woman appeared outside my apartment on a snowy Tuesday.
She wore a red coat.
Dark sunglasses.
And carried a black leather handbag.
I was returning from work when she stepped into my path.
“Clara Hayes?”
I stopped.
“Yes?”
She smiled.
“My name is Isabella Salvatore.”
My stomach tightened.
Salvatore.
Victor's surname.
I stepped back.
She noticed.
“Relax.”
I stared.
“What do you want?”
She removed her sunglasses.
Her eyes were tired.
“Five minutes.”
I hesitated.
Then she whispered:
“My brother is going to kill you.”
My blood ran cold.
I stared.
“What?”
Isabella looked toward the street.
Then back at me.
“Victor thinks Dante loves you.”
My heart raced.
She continued.
“And he's going to use you to destroy him.”
I swallowed.
“Why are you telling me?”
Her expression softened.
“Because I know what it's like to be treated like property by men who think power means ownership.”
Silence.
Then she handed me a small envelope.
“Give this to Dante.”
I stared.
“What's inside?”
She looked toward the street.
May you like
Then whispered:
“The truth about Victor's next shipment.”
