Page 7 of Samson

“Who?”

“She helped me decorate the restaurant and did me a favor when I knew you were moving in. After everything you went through, I wanted you to feel at home. I know what a step down this is.”

“Don’t say that. You’ve been amazing. I appreciate everything more than you can know.”

“I know you appreciate it. You’ve always been like that. Even as kids I don’t think I ever heard you complain.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure I did my fair share.”

“Still. This is a step down. A big one. And I want you to know that I understand being a waitress in my restaurant is only temporary until you get back on your feet.”

“I don’t know what I would have done without you. So many people turned their backs on me after what happened.” She cleared her throat to push away the emotion that threatened. “No one believed me.”

“You paid a high price for what that guy did. Did he have to face any consequences?”

“Nope. He cashed out and disappeared before the collapse.”

“Karma will get him in the end. You hang in there, and you’ll be back on top in no time.”

“Honestly, I think I’m lucky not to be in jail.”

“You have to put all that behind you. You’re a brilliant businesswoman. Something amazing is around the corner. I know it.”

“I hope you’re right.” Except she didn’t think he was. She couldn’t see any way to claw her way out of the hole she was in. After being declared bankrupt, a lot of her options had been taken away and would be for some time. “But I’m going to make the most of my time here.”

“I know you will.” He squeezed her arm. “I’ve got to get back to work, but you let me know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you. This place is great. I know I’ll be very comfortable here.”

“Come down when you want some dinner. Everything’s on the house.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

He threw his head back and lamented at the ceiling. “Stop being so stoic and let me spoil you a little.”

“Okay. If I’m hungry. I don’t know that I will be, but if my stomach starts grumbling, I’ll come down.”

“When you start smelling the aroma from the kitchen, you’ll change your mind.”

After Luca left, she stared at the door for a minute. One thing she had determined to do was not let herself sulk, and she’d done a terrible job of that so far.

“Right.”

She kicked off her shoes, then went to her bed, bouncing on the end of it. It was springier than her last one.

“This is going to be good. A fresh start.”

She slid up the bed and fluffed the pillows.

“Luca, you are an absolute gem.”

She laid back, and her head sank into the down pillow.

Her intention was to get back up in a minute and unpack, but her eyes got heavy, and she fell asleep instead.

Chapter 3

Andy ledSamson into the main part of the warehouse where the air was heavy with the acrid scent of blood and metal.

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