Chapter 5 - THE FIRST THREAT
The first threatening letter arrived two days after the gala.
It was addressed to Claire.
No return address.
Inside was a photograph of her leaving the office.
On the back, someone had written:
STOP ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT ANTHONY VESCARI.
Claire stared at it.
Then walked straight into Dominic's office.
He looked up.
“Claire?”
She placed the photograph on his desk.
“Someone needs to explain this.”
Dominic's expression changed.
He picked up the photograph.
His jaw tightened.
“Where did you get this?”
“My mail.”
“Did anyone see you open it?”
“No.”
He reached for his phone.
“Marco. My office. Now.”
Claire folded her arms.
“I'm standing right here.”
Dominic looked at her.
“I know.”
“Then don't discuss me like I'm a problem to be managed.”
He stopped.
For a moment, he looked almost ashamed.
“You're right.”
Claire blinked.
She hadn't expected that.
Dominic stood.
“Someone is threatening you because you interfered with Anthony's operations.”
Claire frowned.
“His delivery schedules?”
“Possibly more.”
She stared at him.
“What aren't you telling me?”
Dominic hesitated.
Then said, “Anthony has been involved in activities outside the legitimate business.”
Claire felt her stomach drop.
“Illegal activities?”
“Yes.”
She took a breath.
“Then why is he still employed?”
Dominic looked away.
“Because removing him is more complicated than it should be.”
Claire studied him.
“That's not good enough.”
He looked back.
“No,” he admitted. “It isn't.”
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Claire said, “I'm not quitting because someone sent me a photograph.”
Dominic's expression hardened.
“You may not have a choice.”
She stared at him.
“Excuse me?”
“I won't let you become collateral damage.”
Claire stepped closer.
“Mr. Moretti, I spent years letting other people decide what I could handle.”
Her voice remained steady.
“I'm not doing that again.”
Dominic looked at her.
May you like
Then nodded slowly.
“Then we handle this together.”
