Chapter 4 - THE MAFIA BOSS WHO DIDN'T FORGET
Ravi Greedy had built his empire on discipline.
He controlled shipping contracts, private security operations, and businesses that existed in the gray space between legitimate commerce and organized crime.
People feared him.
Some respected him.
Very few trusted him.
When Diane entered his office the following afternoon, she expected a monster.
Instead, she found a man standing beside a wall of windows, reading a file.
He looked up.
"Miss Harper."
She stopped near the doorway.
"Mr. Greedy."
"Sit."
She remained standing.
He raised an eyebrow.
"You're afraid of me."
"Yes."
"Good."
Diane frowned.
"Good?"
Ravi closed the file.
"Fear makes people careful."
Diane's voice shook.
"Then you should know I'm being very careful."
Something flickered across his face.
Almost amusement.
He gestured toward the chair again.
This time, she sat.
Ravi placed the photographs on the desk.
"Do you recognize these people?"
Diane nodded.
"Catherine Voss. Leonard Pike."
"How do you know Pike?"
"He manages the catering agency."
"How long have you worked for him?"
"Eight months."
Ravi studied her.
"Has he ever asked you to do anything unusual?"
Diane hesitated.
"Define unusual."
Ravi leaned forward.
"Anything involving private documents, locked rooms, or specific guests."
She shook her head.
"No."
He watched her for a long moment.
Then asked:
"Why did you take the money?"
Diane looked down.
"My sister."
"Explain."
She swallowed.
"She's ten. Our parents died two years ago. I'm raising her."
Ravi said nothing.
Diane continued.
"Our rent is overdue. She needs dental treatment. I thought one stupid kiss could solve everything."
Her voice cracked.
"I know it was wrong."
Ravi looked at her.
"Yes. It was."
She nodded.
Then he said:
"But Catherine knew exactly what she was doing."
Diane looked up.
"What happens now?"
Ravi leaned back.
"That depends."
"On what?"
He studied her.
"Whether you're willing to tell me the truth."
Diane met his eyes.
"I already have."
For the first time, Ravi Greedy smiled.
Not kindly.
Not warmly.
May you like
But with unmistakable interest.
"Then perhaps," he said, "you're more useful to me alive than Catherine expected."
