Chapter 11 - The Unbreakable Trap
“You’re the only civilian witness to the crash,” Dante continued, pacing slowly across the hardwood floor as his good hand slid into the pocket of his silk robe. “Whoever sabotaged my car knows I survived. They know someone pulled me out before the vehicle went under.” He stopped pacing and fixed his dark, piercing gaze directly on her. “And once they inevitably learn that a homeless waitress from a diner on the South Side is the one who fished the capo of the Midwest Outfit out of the Chicago River, they are going to come looking for loose ends.” Minna felt an icy shiver race down her spine, far worse than the chill of the river water the night before. Her knees felt weak. “They’ll come for me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“They’ll assume you saw their faces, that you heard something, or that I told you who gave the order,” Dante stated bluntly, offering no comforting falsehoods to ease her terror. “You cannot return to your car. You cannot return to Lou’s diner.” Panic surged into her throat, choking off her words. “I need that job! That’s my only income!” Dante walked over to the desk, closed the manila folder with a sharp snap, and turned to face her with an expression that brooked no argument. “You don't need a diner job anymore,” he said quietly, his voice dropping into a tone of absolute command. “Effective immediately, you work for me.” Minna stared at him in utter disbelief. “Are you out of your mind? I’m not joining your criminal organization!” Dante didn't blink. “It’s not a request, Minna. It’s protective custody with a very aggressive employer. My men will secure your car, clear your debts, and relocate you to a safe apartment within the hour. You either stay under my roof where nobody can touch you, or you walk out those doors and become a ghost by sunset. Choose.”
