Chapter 3 - THE COST OF SURVIVAL
The surgery for Lucia was scheduled for the following week, but the bills were astronomical. Even with the money I had saved, we were short fifty thousand dollars.
I was working two jobs, living in a cheap motel, and avoiding every shadow in Chicago. I knew Adrian was looking for me. I could feel his presence, his reach. He wasn't a man who left business unfinished.
Lucia was getting worse. She was pale, breathless, and tired. Every time I looked at her, I felt the guilt. If I hadn't been in that alley, if I hadn't found Emma...
I was at the hospital when the call came.
"Isabella."
The voice was unmistakable. Adrian.
"How did you find me?"
"I’m the devil in this city, Isabella. I find everyone." There was a pause. "Santos brought the files to me. She didn't have to, but she knew what I’d do if I found out the truth on my own. Karen Mitchell is... handled."
"Handled?"
"She won't be bothering anyone again. But there's a problem. The Morettis know you’re the one who provided the evidence. They have a bounty on your head. They’re coming for you, and they’re coming for your sister."
I felt the room spin. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I owe you," he said, his voice tight. "For saving my daughter. I’ve wired fifty thousand dollars to the hospital’s account for your sister’s surgery. It’s done."
"I don't want your money! I want my life back!"
"You don't have a life anymore, Isabella. You have a target. Pack your bags. My car is outside the hospital. We’re leaving Chicago."
"I’m not going anywhere with you!"
"It’s not a request," he snapped. "The Morettis are two minutes away. You can trust me, or you can die in the parking lot. Choose."
May you like
I looked at Lucia, who was sleeping peacefully in her bed, unaware that her world was about to be turned upside down. I chose survival.
We sped away just as a black van screeched into the hospital driveway. I watched from the rear window as gunfire erupted. My heart shattered. I was leaving everything behind.
