Chapter 11 - THE MAN WHO LEARNED TO KNOCK
The investigation changed everything.
Federal authorities seized records.
Several executives were arrested.
Victor Salerno's network began collapsing.
Vanessa was recovered during a coordinated operation.
Daniel Russo was taken into custody.
And Ethan Blackwood faced scrutiny over his own business practices.
For months, Chicago newspapers covered the scandal.
I watched from my condominium.
Occasionally with popcorn.
Adrian visited often.
At first, we discussed legal documents.
Then business.
Then books.
Then nothing important at all.
One evening, he arrived carrying groceries.
I opened the door.
He smiled.
“Dinner?”
I stared.
“You cook?”
“Better than Ethan.”
“That is a low standard.”
He laughed.
We made pasta.
Or rather, Adrian made pasta while I criticized his technique.
Then we ate beside the windows.
Lake Michigan glittered beneath the moon.
For a while, we were quiet.
Then Adrian said, “Claire.”
I looked up.
“Yes?”
“I've wanted to ask you something.”
I smiled.
“Should I be worried?”
“Possibly.”
He looked nervous.
Adrian Moretti.
The man who had survived a car bombing.
The man who had returned from the dead.
Nervous.
I set down my fork.
“Go on.”
He took a breath.
“Would you go on a date with me?”
I stared.
Then laughed.
“This isn't a date?”
He smiled faintly.
“I didn't want to assume.”
Something in my chest softened.
Ethan had assumed everything.
That I would stay.
That I would forgive.
That I would accept whatever he decided.
Adrian was asking.
I looked at him.
Then smiled.
“Yes.”
His expression changed.
“Really?”
I laughed.
“Don't make me repeat myself.”
He grinned.
May you like
And for the first time in years, I felt something that had nothing to do with money.
Hope.
