Chapter 3 - THE MAN BEHIND THE NAME
Three days later, I returned to work.
Laurel had a new manager.
She was a middle-aged woman named Margaret who seemed determined to avoid looking at me.
“Mr. Mercer gave me strict instructions,” she whispered.
“What instructions?”
“Treat you like everyone else.”
I almost smiled.
“That's actually reassuring.”
My first shift went normally.
Until two men entered at 7:15.
They sat in the corner.
They didn't order.
They watched me.
I tried to ignore them.
Then one approached the service station.
“Miss Walker?”
“Yes?”
“Roman Mercer wants you to leave.”
I froze.
“Why?”
“Because you're in danger.”
“I don't know you.”
“You don't need to.”
He handed me a phone.
Roman was on the line.
“Where are you?”
“At work.”
“Leave.”
“Why?”
“Because two men are watching you.”
“I noticed.”
“Then why are you still there?”
“Because I have rent.”
He went silent.
Then sighed.
“I'll be there in ten minutes.”
“You don't have to.”
“I know.”
The call ended.
Ten minutes later, Roman walked into Laurel.
He wasn't wearing the expensive coat this time.
Just a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
He looked less like a businessman.
More dangerous.
The two men immediately stood.
Roman looked at them.
Neither moved.
Then one reached beneath his jacket.
Roman's security reacted instantly.
The restaurant erupted in screams.
Roman grabbed my arm and pulled me behind him.
“Stay behind me.”
A gunshot cracked.
The window shattered.
People screamed.
Roman's men dragged the attackers outside.
Within seconds, it was over.
Roman looked at me.
“Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
He touched my shoulder.
His hand was warm.
“Good.”
I stared at him.
“You knew this would happen?”
“I suspected.”
“Why?”
“Because someone is trying to find something you have.”
“I don't have anything.”
Roman's expression hardened.
“Yes, you do.”
“What?”
“Your father's old records.”
I froze.
“My father?”
He nodded.
“Your father worked for Mercer Holdings before he died.”
I stared.
“My father was a bookkeeper.”
“That is what everyone believed.”
“What was he really?”
Roman hesitated.
“An accountant who discovered financial fraud.”
I swallowed.
“By whom?”
“We're still investigating.”
“Then why am I involved?”
“Because your father left something behind.”
“What?”
“A key.”
I stared.
“A key to what?”
May you like
Roman lowered his voice.
“A safe.”
