CHAPTER 167: CHAPTER 167 STAY HERE

*LORENZO*

“How did you escape from him?” I asked, trying to keep my voice even.

We were both startled by the rattle of a key in the front door. Alarmed, Danica leapt to her feet, and I jumped up, knocking my chair to the floor.

“Stay here,” I growled, pulling open the kitchen door.

A blond woman in her forties stood in the hallway. She gasped in alarm when she saw me.

“Magda!” Danica cried. Dodging around me, she runs to embrace Magda.

“Danica!” Magda exclaimed, and hugged her. “You’re here. I thought...I thought...I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” Magda babbled, anguish in her voice, as she began to cry. “They were here. Some men.”

Danica took Magda by the shoulders. “Tell me. Tell me what happened.”

“Who is this?” Magda turned her tearstained face to me with suspicion. “This is...my boss. It is his apartment that I clean.”

“Did they come to his apartment?”

“Yes.”

Magda gulped and held her hands up to her mouth. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.

“Perhaps Magda would like some tea, and she can tell us what happened,” I said, gently.

The three of us were sitting at the table while Magda puffed on a brand of cigarette that was unfamiliar to me. I declined her offer to try one.

I had quit smoking.

“I don’t think they were from the Police. They had a photograph of John and you,” Magda said to Danica.

“What? How?” I asked.

“Yes. They found it on Facebook.”

“No!” Danica exclaimed, and clamped her hand over her mouth in horror. She looked at me. “John had taken selfies with me.”

“Selfies?” I asked.

“Yes. And I guess he posted it,” Danica said, frowning.

Magda continues, “They said they knew where John went to school. They knew all about him. All his personal information is on his Facebook page.” She took a long drag of her cigarette, her hand trembling.

“They threatened John?” Danica’s face was ashen.

Magda nodded. “I had no choice. I was scared. I’m sorry.” Her voice was little more than a whisper. “There was no way I could contact you. I gave them the address where you were working.”

Well, that cleared that mystery up.

“What do they want with you, Danica?” She asked.

Danica gave me a brief, imploring look, and I realize that she want to relieve every detail of what happened with that man.

What to do? This wad far more than I bargained for.

“Have you contacted the police?” I asked.

Magda and Alessia both shook their heads.

“My families has some connections. We were take care of those men. Is it just the three of you living here?” I asked.

They both nodded

“Where is your son now?”

“At a friend’s house. He’s safe. I called him before I got home.”

“I don’t think it’s safe for Danica to stay here, or you for that matter. These men are dangerous. And until I find them and deal with them, all three of you have to be in a safe place.”

Danica nodded. “Very dangerous,” she whispered.

Magda’a face whitens. “But my job. My son’s school. We are only here for another two weeks before I leave...”

“Magda, no!” Danica tried to silence her.

“For Canada,” Magda continued, disregarding Danica’s objection.

“Canada?” I look to Danica and back at Magda.

“Yes. John and I are emigrating. I’m getting remarried. My fiancé lives and works in Toronto.” Her brief smile was a fond one. I offered her my congratulations, then turned my attention to Danica.

“And what are you going to do?”

She shrugged as if she’s got everything under control. “I will find another place to stay. I am to see a place this evening.” She glanced at the kitchen clock. “Now!” She stood up, panicked.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I interjected. “And frankly, that’s the least of your worries right now.”

She sat back down.

“Those men could come back at any time. They could easily snatch you off the street.” I shuddered. They want her.

Evil fuckers.

What can I do?

Think. Think.

We could all hole up in one of my family’s mansions, but my mother would ask questions, and I didn’t want that, it was too complicated. I could take Danica back to my apartment, but they’ve already been there.

One of the other properties?

Perhaps I could take her to another of the buildings that I own and no one would question. No one would find us there.

And as I contemplate my options, I realized I didn’t want to let her out of my sight.

Ever.

The thought surprised me.

“I want you to come with me,” I said to her.

“What?” Danica exclaimed. “But...”

“I can find you somewhere to live. Don’t worry about that.” Jesus, I have enough property at my disposal. “But you’re not safe here. You can come with me.”

“Oh.”

I turned my attention to Magda. “Magda, as far as I can see, we can move you to a local hotel for now, or we can put you up in a house in town. Or I can organize some close-protection security for you and your son, and you can stay here.”

“I cannot afford a hotel.” Magda’s voice faded while she gapes at me.

“Don’t worry about the money,” I replied.

I do the calculations in my head. It’s not much in the scheme of things. And Danica will be safe.

Worth every penny.

Magda scrutinized me, her fixed stare intense. “Why are you doing this?” she asked, bewildered. I cleared my throat and wonder why myself.

Because it was the right thing to do?

No. I was not that altruistic.

Because I wanted to be alone with Danica? Yes. That was the real reason. But given what she’s been through, she was not going to want to be alone with me. Is she?

I ran my hand through my hair, uncomfortable with my thoughts. I didn’t want to examine my motives too closely.

“Because Danica is a valued employee,” I answered.

Yes. That sounded convincing.

Magda eyed me with suspicion.

“Will you come with me?” I asked Danica, ignoring Magda’s doubtful expression. “You’ll be safe.”