Chapter 3 - The Unwanted Promotion
Norah stood before the massive oak doors of Arthur’s private office.
The armed guards opened the doors without a word, gesturing for her to enter.
Arthur was sitting behind a massive desk, nursing a glass of dark amber liquor.
He looked completely composed, the terrifying mob boss fully restored.
"Sit down, Nora," he commanded quietly.
She took a seat in the leather chair, keeping her posture stiff and respectful.
"You showed a remarkable amount of discretion last night," Arthur stated, studying her face intensely.
"In my world, discretion is much rarer than loyalty."
Norah kept her hands folded tightly in her lap.
"I just did my job, Mr. Costello."
Arthur set his glass down with a sharp clink.
"I am officially taking you off the cleaning rotation."
"Starting tonight, you are my personal server."
"You will pour the drinks during my private meetings, and you will remain completely invisible."
Norah’s mind raced frantically.
She was trying to stay away from the dangerous men in this house, and now she was being thrust directly into the center of their operations.
"I don't think I am qualified for that, sir."
"It wasn't a request," Arthur replied smoothly.
"Be in the formal dining room at eight o'clock tonight."
"I am hosting Dominic Rossi, the head of the rival family."
"We are negotiating a truce regarding the man I killed last night."
Norah nodded silently and backed out of the room.
At eight o'clock, she stood silently in the corner of the dining room wearing a crisp white blouse and a black skirt.
Dominic Rossi was a terrifying man with cold, calculating eyes.
He smiled falsely at Arthur while his heavily armed men stood by the doors.
Norah approached the table with a silver tray to refill their glasses.
As she poured the wine for Dominic, the rival boss looked directly at her.
He did not look at her like a servant.
He looked at her with sudden, sharp recognition.
When Norah pulled the silver tray away, she noticed a small, folded napkin sitting on the edge.
She quickly slipped it into her apron pocket and retreated to the shadows.
Once the meeting was over, she locked herself in a bathroom stall to read it.
The note was written in hasty, dark ink.
May you like
"I know what Arthur actually did to your father."
"Meet me at the east gate at midnight, or I will tell Silas you have the ledger."
