Chapter 9 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO HIDE
Nora was frightened.
But she was also angry.
For three years, she'd lived under a different name.
Avoided photographs.
Changed jobs.
And looked over her shoulder.
Now she was tired of hiding.
She met with Evelyn and investigators.
She provided the old documents.
The threatening messages.
The photograph of Sophie.
And everything she remembered about the warehouse fire.
Evelyn explained that the case would take time.
Evidence needed verification.
Witnesses needed protection.
And the financial records had to be examined carefully.
Nora understood.
Roman offered her a place to stay while the threats were investigated.
She hesitated.
“I don't want to depend on you.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
She eventually agreed to temporary accommodation in a secure apartment managed independently of his business.
One evening, Roman visited.
He brought coffee.
Nora smiled.
“Black?”
He nodded.
“Mine.”
She laughed.
“And mine?”
He handed her a second cup.
“Two sugars.”
She stared.
“You remembered.”
Roman smiled faintly.
“I pay attention.”
They sat by the window.
Chicago glittered below.
Nora looked at him.
“Roman?”
“Yes?”
“Why are you helping me?”
He considered.
“Because someone tried to hurt you.”
She smiled sadly.
“That's not the whole answer.”
He looked at her.
“No.”
Silence.
Then he said:
“Because I care about you.”
Nora's heart pounded.
She looked down.
“I don't know how to do this.”
Roman smiled faintly.
May you like
“Neither do I.”
For the first time, they laughed together.
