Chapter 13 - The Unseen Guard|
Despite the legal victories, the psychological aftermath of the poisoning lingered heavily over their lives.
A month after the incident, Elena drove down to a historic brownstone in West Village that her consultancy firm was restoring. As she pulled up to the curb, she noticed a sleek black SUV parked casually across the street.
She recognized the driver instantly: one of Marco’s senior security operatives.
She pulled out her phone and called Raphael immediately.
"Remove the car," she said without greeting him.
"No," Raphael answered calmly from his office.
"Raphael, we had a deal. I agreed to security at my apartment building. I did not agree to a tail following me to my restoration sites."
"You are a star witness in a high-profile federal prosecution, Elena. Nico’s allies could still try something stupid."
"I am an independent woman running a business," Elena shot back, her tone sharpening. "I will not live my life inside a mobile panic room!"
"It’s discreet security!" Raphael argued, his voice rising. "You don't even have to interact with him!"
May you like
"Discreet control is still control!" Elena snapped. "You are using my safety as an excuse to manage my life because you can't manage your own fear!"
Silence heavy enough to crush a building filled the line.
