Chapter 4 - The Waitress and the Boss
Inside the panic room, the heavy steel door finally clicked open.
The bright overhead lights flooded the small space. Celia blinked, shielding her eyes, as Vincent stepped inside. His suit jacket was torn at the shoulder, and a shallow scratch bled down his left cheek, but his eyes were clear.
“It’s over,” Vincent said softly, kneeling down beside the medical cot. “Simon has been contained. The house is secure.”
Leo let out a massive, shuddering sigh of relief, his little shoulders slumping. “Is the bad man gone?”
“He’s gone, son,” Vincent murmured, kissing Leo’s forehead. He then looked up at Celia, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor against the reinforced wall, her cheap trench coat ruined by mud and blood.
He extended a large, scarred hand to help her up.
Celia hesitated for a second, then took his hand. He pulled her up effortlessly, but he didn't let go of her fingers right away.
“You saved his life twice tonight,” Vincent said, his voice dropping into a register reserved only for her. “In the alley, and in this room.”
“I just didn't want to see a kid die,” Celia said, looking away, suddenly acutely aware of how out of place she was in this world of blood, money, and marble. “I need to go home, Mr. Romano. My apartment is in Astoria. I have a shift at Mel’s tomorrow morning—well, technically later today.”
“Your diner is closed, Celia,” Vincent said gently.
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Volkov Holdings acquired the entire block surrounding Mel’s Diner yesterday,” Vincent replied calmly. “The lease has been rewritten. You are no longer an employee. You are the owner.”
Celia stared at him, her jaw dropping. “Are you insane? I can’t run a diner! I don’t know anything about commercial real estate!”
“You know how to survive,” Vincent countered, stepping closer. “You know how to show courage when everyone else runs. That is more valuable than any business degree.”
Dr. Sterling hurried into the panic room carrying a fresh medical kit and a syringe. “Boss, the paralytic is wearing off. Leo’s motor functions are returning. But he needs absolute rest for forty-eight hours.”
May you like
True to the doctor’s words, Leo groaned and wiggled his toes beneath the blanket. “Dad... my legs feel tingly.”
Vincent’s face softened into a smile that completely transformed his dangerous features. “Welcome back, champion.”
