Chapter 1 - The Offer
Constantine Voss looked at the empty plate with a quiet intensity that made the hair on Josie's arms stand up.
He looked back at her, his dark eyes stripping away every layer of her defenses.
"She has not eaten a full meal in a year," he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through the silent pub.
Josie swallowed hard, keeping her chin raised despite the terrifying aura of the man before her.
"Then your people need to learn how to make a proper grilled cheese," she replied, her voice surprisingly steady.
One of the bodyguards behind Constantine flinched, stepping forward as if to reprimand her for speaking to the boss that way.
Constantine simply held up a single, leather-gloved hand, and the man froze instantly.
He slowly pulled out a checkbook from his tailored coat, his movements precise and unhurried.
"I know who you are, Josephine Morrow," he said, uncapping a heavy gold fountain pen.
"I know your brother Liam is at Mass General, and I know you need eleven thousand dollars by tomorrow or he loses his dialysis slot."
Josie's breath hitched, a cold spike of panic piercing her chest.
"How do you know that?" she demanded, stepping out from behind the booth.
"It is my business to know everything that happens in my city," he answered smoothly, writing a figure on the check.
He tore the slip of paper free and slid it across the wet table toward her.
Josie looked down and saw the number fifty thousand written in neat, aggressive handwriting.
"I am buying your time, your silence, and your culinary skills," Constantine stated, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
"You will pack your things tonight, and a car will collect you and your brother in the morning."
"I can't just leave my job," Josie argued, even as her eyes stayed glued to the life-saving piece of paper.
May you like
Mila reached out, her tiny, cold fingers wrapping around Josie's wrist.
"Please," the little girl whispered, the sound breaking Josie's heart all over again.
