Chapter 3 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO STAY
Rosie woke to the smell of fresh coffee.
For a moment, she forgot where she was.
Then she saw the unfamiliar ceiling.
The heavy curtains.
The expensive furniture.
And the prosthetic leg resting beside the bed.
Memory returned.
The snowstorm.
The restaurant.
Dante.
She sat up quickly.
Her phone showed nine missed calls from Aunt Martha.
Rosie called back immediately.
"Rosalie!"
Her aunt's voice cracked.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm fine."
"Where are you?"
"At the house I told you about."
"That man's house?"
"Yes."
Martha went silent.
Then whispered:
"Rosie, you need to leave."
Rosie frowned.
"Why?"
"Because I know that name."
A chill moved through her.
"What name?"
"Valerio."
Rosie looked toward the door.
"What about it?"
Martha hesitated.
"Your father used to work for that family."
Rosie froze.
"My father?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because your mother didn't want you involved."
Rosie swallowed.
"Was Dante involved in Dad's death?"
"I don't know."
The answer frightened her more than a lie would have.
Rosie ended the call and began dressing.
She fastened her prosthesis, adjusted the socket, and pulled on her coat.
Then she opened the bedroom door.
Dante stood in the hallway.
He looked as though he'd been waiting.
"Good morning."
Rosie gripped her crutch.
"I need to leave."
He nodded.
"The roads are still dangerous, but Tomas can take you when they're cleared."
"I don't want to wait."
Dante studied her.
"Something happened."
She looked directly at him.
"Did you know my father?"
Silence.
Dante's expression changed.
"Yes."
Rosie's chest tightened.
"Samuel Bellwood?"
"Yes."
May you like
She swallowed.
"Then tell me why he died."
