Rose's Point Of View
My mind spun through a chaotic tangle of worst-case scenarios. If I gave her even a sliver of the truth, she'd investigate with the fierce, relentless drive that made her a double director. If she looked into it, she'd cross paths with Diego.
And if Diego smelled even a hint of corporate interference, my parents back in Italy would pay the price in blood before Friday's sun went down. I could see it so clearly… Diego's cold smile, the casual way he'd give the order, the phone call I'd receive too late to stop it.
I dragged my hands down my face, pulling at the skin around my eyes to try and force the puffiness away. My reflection in the mirror looked like a stranger… pale, hollow-eyed, desperate. I couldn't stay in this bathroom forever, no matter how much I wanted to hide.
Pushing through the door, I stepped into the bright, unyielding glare of the hallway and forced my leaden feet to carry me back toward the Operations Department.
