Chapter 4 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO HIDE
Lena returned to work two days later.
Jimmy had offered to cover her shifts.
Matteo had suggested taking a week off.
But Lena refused.
“I like my job.”
Matteo looked at her.
“I know.”
“Then stop treating it like something I should be ashamed of.”
His expression changed.
“I don't.”
She studied him.
“Good.”
She put on a fresh blue uniform.
The diner had replaced the torn one.
Jimmy had also installed a new security camera.
Mrs. Patterson arrived early and brought homemade muffins.
“Thought you could use something sweet,” she said.
Lena smiled.
“Thank you.”
The older woman sat in her usual booth.
Then looked toward the door.
“Those men won't be coming back, will they?”
Lena shook her head.
“I don't think so.”
Mrs. Patterson nodded.
“Good.”
Then she leaned closer.
“And for what it's worth, I should have said something.”
Lena looked at her.
“What?”
“That night.”
Mrs. Patterson's eyes filled.
“I was afraid.”
Lena sat beside her.
“So was I.”
The older woman took her hand.
“But you still spoke.”
Lena smiled sadly.
“Eventually.”
Mrs. Patterson squeezed her fingers.
“That's enough.”
Later that afternoon, a woman entered the diner.
She wore a dark coat and carried a leather briefcase.
She introduced herself as Detective Nora Ellis.
Lena felt her stomach tighten.
“Is something wrong?”
Nora sat at the counter.
“I'd like to ask you about the men who assaulted you.”
Lena nodded.
“Okay.”
Nora opened a notebook.
“Did Travis Cole mention your husband?”
“No.”
“Did he ask about your home?”
“No.”
“Did he say anything about the waterfront?”
Lena frowned.
“No.”
Nora looked thoughtful.
“Interesting.”
Lena studied her.
“Why?”
The detective hesitated.
“Because Cole's phone contained photographs of your house.”
Lena stopped breathing.
“What?”
Nora continued.
“Several were taken over the past month.”
Lena gripped the counter.
“Why?”
“We're investigating.”
She looked at Lena.
“Have you received threats?”
Lena shook her head.
“Matteo received one.”
Nora's expression changed.
“Did he report it?”
“He sent it to his lawyer.”
The detective nodded.
“I'd like a copy.”
Lena took a breath.
“Detective, is my husband in trouble?”
Nora studied her.
“That's what I'm trying to determine.”
Lena felt cold.
For years, she'd believed Matteo's past was behind them.
Now it seemed to be moving toward them from every direction.
She looked at Nora.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Do you think those men knew who I was?”
Nora hesitated.
Then said:
“Yes.”
Lena's stomach dropped.
The detective continued.
“I think they were sent to frighten you.”
Silence.
Lena looked toward the windows.
Rain had begun falling again.
The highway shimmered beneath the gray sky.
Then Nora said something worse.
“And I think whoever sent them wanted your husband to react violently.”
Lena stared.
“Why?”
Nora closed her notebook.
“Because a man with Matteo Marquez's history would be easy to frame.”
And suddenly Lena understood.
The assault hadn't been about humiliation alone.
May you like
It had been bait.
And the person who set the trap knew exactly how much Matteo loved her.
