Chapter 4

The standoff lasted half a minute.

Then someone stepped forward and said, "Give us the money first, and we'll see."

I nodded and exhaled, then transferred money into each of their accounts. It wasn't much, just enough for a week's food and lodging.

Once the money came through, they left for the casino to collect their things.

After they'd gone, I opened the manila envelope.

"This is my resignation letter," I told Frank. "I don't plan to work for the family anymore. Please process it and pass it on to the underboss."

Frank looked surprised for a moment. Then he studied my face and didn't try to stop me.

"The house you live in is in your name. The Don gave it to your father, so you can do as you like with it."

I nodded and headed out. Before I'd even reached the door, I called a real estate agent and listed the house for sale.

I went straight over and signed the contract.

The agent promised me it would sell within two days.

Two days was enough. I went home, packed my things, and booked a flight to North Haven.

Early the next morning, movers came to ship my belongings to North Haven. My resignation was approved soon after.

But at noon, someone knocked on my door.

I opened it to find Beth on my doorstep with a crowd behind her. She craned her neck to peer inside.

She smiled. "I didn't think you'd make room for us so quickly. You've even moved everything out."

She stepped around me and walked right in.

The others trailed in after her and started looking around.

Beth went to the window and looked outside. "This place is so much bigger. Way better than that dark old casino."

"Exactly. We could fit a few more beds in the living room."

"We can get workers in to remodel later."

"The master bedroom's big. Whoever takes it has to do the cooking."

They talked over one another, already making plans for my house.

I frowned. "What are you talking about?

"Have you had your eye on my house all along?"

Beth turned to me. "What do you mean? Didn't we agree? You're responsible for finding us a place to live.

"Since you wouldn't find us one, we found one ourselves. We'll count the money you gave us as food money and compensation.

"We'll get workers in to fix this place up ourselves."

Beth said it without a shred of doubt, as if the whole thing had already been settled.

"Get out. This is my house," I said flatly.

"Now you're going back on your word?! Monica! You did this to us! You think you can just walk away?!" Beth's eyes went red with fury.

"You don't want us living here? Fine. Then go find us a place right now! You're the one who did this to us!"

Beth advanced on me, glaring.

"I gave you money to help you get settled. I never said I'd be responsible for where you live."

I looked at her, my voice steady and my eyes full of contempt.

Beth lost it. "Fine! We'll take this to the Don! We'll keep exposing you on the family message board! We'll make sure you can't stay in the family!"

The moment she finished, the others backed her up.

Curses rose around me as though I'd wronged them. I tilted my head and looked back at them calmly.

"Go ahead. The affairs office has already decided my punishment. I paid the fine and restored the casino.

"I even compensated you. So go on, make a scene."

I looked around at them. "Better yet, take it to the Don. Everyone at the affairs office heard your demands. That's extortion.

"And now you're trespassing in my house. That's another offense."