Chapter 12 - THE PRICE OF PROTECTING HER
Victor's arrest came two weeks later.
Investigators connected him to the fraudulent accounts, witness intimidation, and payments involving Keller.
Additional evidence supported charges related to Nora Whitfield's death.
The case was complicated.
Some witnesses cooperated.
Others refused.
But the financial records were extensive.
And the employees were no longer silent.
***
Emily became a public face of the investigation despite trying not to.
Reporters waited outside her apartment.
Her photograph appeared in newspapers.
One headline called her:
THE HOUSEKEEPER WHO BROUGHT DOWN A MAFIA EMPIRE
Emily hated it.
“I didn't bring down an empire,” she told Roman.
He looked at the article.
“No?”
“I helped people find their money.”
Roman smiled.
“That's considerably less dramatic.”
“It's considerably more accurate.”
Then he became serious.
“Emily, there's something we need to discuss.”
She looked at him.
“What?”
“Your job.”
Her stomach tightened.
He noticed.
“Not termination.”
“Then what?”
“Your role in the investigation has become significant. And my feelings for you are no longer entirely professional.”
Emily went still.
Roman looked uncomfortable.
Actually uncomfortable.
“I don't want you to feel that your employment depends on how you respond to me.”
She stared.
“Roman.”
He continued.
“So I intend to remove myself from any decision involving your position or compensation.”
Emily's expression softened.
“You've thought about this.”
“Yes.”
“A lot?”
“More than I'd like to admit.”
She smiled.
Then became serious.
“I care about you too.”
Roman stopped breathing.
“But I don't want to be the housekeeper who falls in love with the boss because he finally noticed her.”
Roman nodded.
“Neither do I.”
“I want my own career.”
“You should have one.”
“And I don't want people thinking I earned opportunities because of you.”
“I understand.”
Emily looked at him.
“Then we need time.”
Roman swallowed.
“Yes.”
He stepped backward.
“I can wait.”
Emily shook her head.
“Don't wait like I'm something you're owed.”
His expression changed.
She smiled gently.
“Live your life. I'll live mine. And if we still want this when the investigation is over, we'll talk.”
Roman looked at her.
Then nodded.
“Agreed.”
***
Emily enrolled in evening classes.
She studied hospitality management and employment law.
The hotel provided tuition assistance through a program available to all eligible staff.
She applied through the same process as everyone else.
Roman had no involvement.
Months passed.
They spoke occasionally.
Professionally.
Respectfully.
Sometimes their conversations lasted longer than necessary.
Sometimes they laughed.
But neither crossed the boundary they had agreed to keep.
And slowly, Emily discovered something surprising.
She missed him.
Not the powerful man in the penthouse office.
The man who burned toast.
The man who listened.
May you like
The man who had learned to ask before deciding.
---
