Chapter Eleven
Daniella
Back in my apartment, I spread the printed documents across the coffee table, my mind racing as I try to make sense of it all.
Jeremy had been laundering money for the Durettis, using his skills as an accountant to hide their illegal activities.
But he had made a mistake, a costly one and the Durettis had decided to eliminate him before he could become a liability.
The revelation is a gut punch. Jeremy had been playing with fire and it had burned him alive. But why hadn't he told me? Why had he kept me in the dark?
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. My heart skips a beat as I cautiously approach, peering through the peephole. It's Renee.
"Hey," she says softly when I open the door. "I brought dinner. Thought you might need a break."
I step aside to let her in, grateful for the distraction. We settle on the couch and as we eat, I fill her in on what Chris discovered.
"Jeremy was involved with the Durettis," I say, my voice trembling. "He was laundering money for them and it got him killed."
Renee's eyes widen in shock. "Oh my god, Dani. I'm so sorry."
"I just don't understand why he didn't tell me," I say, tears welling up in my eyes. "Why did he keep this from me?"
"Maybe he was trying to protect you," Renee suggests gently. "Maybe he didn't want you to get caught up in it."
"Maybe," I say, though it doesn't make the pain any less. "But now I'm in it, whether I like it or not. I have to find out who killed him."
Renee nods, her expression determined. "Then we'll find out together. Whatever you need, I'm here for you."
"Thank you," I say, my voice choked with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
“Wait, aren't you supposed to meet Lorenzo tonight?” she asks and I nod.
He had finally gotten back to me, claiming he had to leave town for a few days to deal with an “emergency”. I’m not sure why I’m so nervous to see him, but my stomach has been in knots all day. I even threw up earlier.
“Yeah. What should I wear?” I ask my friend, feeling unexpectedly concerned about coming across the right way.
“If he’s as smart and calculating as everyone is making him out to be, you need to keep up the same presentation you’ve used in the past. He would probably notice if you showed up dressed like a different person.”
I look at her with wide eyes.
“Are you trying to scare me?”
“No, I’m just saying this to be practical. I think the best thing to do is be yourself, but you know, without mentioning who you are or what you’re trying to do. Don’t try too hard to impress him, either. Men like him can see right through fake behavior, regardless of what form it comes in.”
I nod, and she sighs.
“Good. Now, what are you going to wear?”
***
We head to my bedroom, where Renee starts sifting through my closet with the same determination she applies to everything else. She pulls out dresses, holding each one up for my consideration.
"What about this?" Renee asks, holding up a sleek, black cocktail dress. "It's elegant, but not over the top."
I shake my head. "Too formal. I don't want to look like I'm trying too hard."
She nods and moves on to another dress, this one a deep red with a plunging neckline. "This could work. It’s bold, but not too flashy."