Chapter 4 - THE SECRET INSIDE RICHARD'S BRIEFCASE
Dante arranged a hotel room.
Not at his house.
Not somewhere isolated.
A reputable hotel with security, a staffed front desk, and easy access to legal services.
He paid for two nights.
I protested.
He simply said, “You can repay the hotel directly someday if that matters to you.”
It did.
I didn't want another powerful man controlling my life.
The next morning, a lawyer named Elena Ruiz arrived.
She was in her forties, sharp-eyed, and carried a leather briefcase covered in scratches.
She listened as I explained everything.
The threats.
The financial control.
The bruises I'd hidden.
The messages.
The fear.
Then she asked, “Does Richard have any reason to believe you possess information about his business?”
I froze.
“Why?”
Elena studied me.
“Because his behavior suggests he's desperate to find you quickly.”
I looked toward Maya.
She was coloring at the small table.
I lowered my voice.
“Three weeks ago, I found something in his office.”
Elena leaned forward.
“What?”
“A folder.”
I swallowed.
“Bank statements. Shipping invoices. Payments to companies I'd never heard of.”
Elena frowned.
“Did you copy them?”
I nodded.
“Yes.”
“Where are they?”
May you like
I hesitated.
Then whispered, “In Maya's stuffed rabbit.”
