I’m hoping it will help keep Mr. Oliveira safe.
Yes, he killed four men, which is scary, but he did it to help me and has only shown me kindness.
I feel torn in two about the lie I wrote down for the police.
I’ve just started my shift and already wish it were over. The gas station is the last place I want to be right now.
When an SUV pulls up, my heart sets off at a crazy pace, and I stare at the tinted windows. But then a woman climbs out, and when I look at the back door, I don’t see any dents.
Shoot.
She comes into the store, carrying an envelope, and looking at me, a smile forms on her beautiful face.
I love the dress she’s wearing. It makes her look glamorous. Her light brown hair is styled in soft curls, and her makeup looks like it’s been done by a professional.
Feeling self-conscious, I bow my head and fist my hands in my lap.
“Hi, Jenna,” she says, her tone friendly. “My name is Cassia.”
I nod and peek at her from under my bangs.
“I heard about the robbery. I’m sorry you had to experience that.”
I lift my head slightly, wondering who she is and why she’s talking to me.
“I have a job offer for you.” She opens the envelope and pulls out a piece of paper. “I’ll wait while you read through it. Take your time.”
With a frown forming on my forehead, I don’t touch the document but lean forward so I can read what it says.
It’s a position as a housekeeper for a recluse who lives in Tower. The town is even smaller than Aurora.
There’s a photo of what can only be described as a mansion, and the details say it’s a four-bedroom.
Then my eyes lock on the pay being offered, and I let out a squeak because it’s more money than I’ve ever hoped to make.
Ten thousand dollars. This has to be a joke.
Pulling back, I duck my head lower.
“What’s wrong?” Cassia asks.
I push the paper away from me and point at the amount.
“Your income can be negotiated.”
Frowning again, I look at her face.
“How much do you want?” she asks. When I don’t respond, she continues, “Twenty thousand?”
I hate being teased, and after the awful few days I’ve just been through, it really gets to me.
I shove the page off the counter and point at the door, indicating for her to leave.
Cassia tilts her head, and when a compassionate expression softens her features, it fills me with confusion.
“I’m not here to upset you, Jenna. I was here the day of the robbery and saw you sitting in the back of the ambulance. You don’t belong in a place like this and working for…my partner will be a much safer environment for you where you don’t have to deal with people at all.”
I press a button on the card machine so it spits out a piece of blank paper, and tearing it off, I write a quick note.
