Chapter 11 - THE FIRST DAY WITHOUT FEAR
Sadi enrolled in a community college program in business administration.
She had always been good with numbers.
At Frankie's, she had quietly balanced the register whenever Frankie made mistakes.
Now she wanted a career that did not depend on twelve-hour shifts and unpredictable tips.
She worked part-time at a neighborhood bookstore while attending classes.
The job paid less than she hoped.
But her manager treated her respectfully.
Her coworkers became friends.
And slowly, her world expanded.
Leo remained in contact.
He never demanded to see her.
Never appeared unexpectedly at her apartment.
Never treated the help he had given as something she owed him.
Sometimes they met for coffee.
Sometimes they walked along the waterfront.
Sometimes they argued.
Sadi disliked the way Leo occasionally spoke as though every problem required an order.
Leo disliked how often Sadi apologized for ordinary mistakes.
They challenged each other.
One evening, while sitting beside the water, Sadi asked:
"Do you ever miss it?"
Leo looked at her.
"The power?"
She nodded.
He considered.
"Sometimes."
"Does that frighten you?"
"Yes."
She appreciated the honesty.
Leo continued.
"I miss being able to solve problems with a phone call. I don't miss what those calls meant."
Sadi looked toward the harbor.
"Then maybe you're changing."
Leo smiled faintly.
"Maybe."
She turned toward him.
"Just don't expect me to be impressed because you stopped doing terrible things."
He laughed.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
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For the first time, their conversation felt less like a wounded woman speaking to a dangerous man.
And more like two people learning how to know each other.
