Chapter 6 - THE MAFIA BOSS WHO READ THE WRONG FILE
At the Ferraro estate, Elias couldn't sleep.
He stood in his study, staring at the financial report Bernard had delivered.
Hion Ridge Partners.
The name appeared in three separate transactions.
Elias remembered Delphine's words.
They're using your name.
He'd dismissed her.
Not because he believed Camille was innocent.
Because he'd been furious that a stranger had forced the question in front of three hundred guests.
Now he looked at the report.
And felt ashamed.
He called Otis.
“Find the maid.”
Otis paused.
“Delphine?”
Elias closed his eyes.
“So that's her name.”
Otis said nothing.
Elias continued.
“Bring her back.”
Otis hesitated.
“She may not want to come.”
Elias looked toward the window.
“Then ask her.”
The next morning, Otis arrived at Odette's house.
Delphine was helping Josie pack her school bag.
She opened the door.
Saw Otis.
And went still.
“Mr. Ferraro wants to speak with you,” he said.
Delphine stared.
“No.”
Otis blinked.
“No?”
She folded her arms.
“He fired me.”
Otis nodded.
“I know.”
“He humiliated me.”
“I know.”
Delphine swallowed.
“And now he wants me back because he needs something.”
Otis looked down.
She shook her head.
“Tell him I don't work for him anymore.”
Otis nodded.
Then turned to leave.
But Josie appeared in the doorway.
She looked at Otis.
Then at her mother.
Delphine signed:
THIS MAN WORKS FOR MY OLD BOSS.
Josie frowned.
THE MAN WHO MADE YOU SAD?
Delphine swallowed.
YES.
Otis watched the exchange.
He didn't understand the signs.
But he understood the expression on Delphine's face.
He turned back.
“Miss Aubrey.”
She looked at him.
“Elias doesn't apologize often.”
Delphine stared.
Otis continued.
“But I think he's trying.”
She shook her head.
“Trying isn't enough.”
Then she closed the door.
That afternoon, Elias received Otis's report.
He listened.
Then nodded.
“She's right,” he said.
Otis looked surprised.
Elias stared at the Hion Ridge documents.
Then reached for his coat.
“Where are we going?” Otis asked.
May you like
Elias looked toward the door.
“To ask properly.”
