Chapter 4 - THE FILE

The investigator sent Vanessa a file forty-eight hours later. Most of it was boring. Naomi Reyes. Age twenty-nine.

No arrests. No lawsuits. No social media worth mentioning. PRIVATE SECURITY LICENSE - INACTIVE.

She kept reading. Close-protection certification. Defensive tactics instructor qualification. Emergency medical training.

Firearms permits in three states. Attached was an old photograph. Naomi wore a black suit and stood beside a senator entering a courthouse. Her hair was pulled back.

Her eyes were different. Sharper. Vanessa smiled. That night she showed the file to her mother, Celeste Sterling.

Celeste looked through it without emotion. “This is not scandalous.” “She lied about who she is.” “Did she?” “She told them she was a housekeeper.” “She is a housekeeper.” Vanessa frowned. Celeste closed the folder. “Your problem isn’t her past.” “What is my problem?” “You are threatened by a woman who wears a uniform and earns a salary.” Vanessa stood.

Instead, it made her crueler. The next morning, she entered the laundry room where Naomi was folding sheets. “I heard you used to carry a gun.” Naomi’s hands stopped. Vanessa smiled.

“That got your attention.” “How did you find that out?” “I’m good at learning things.” Naomi returned to folding. “My old job isn’t a secret.” “Why did you quit?” “That is private.” Vanessa stepped closer. Vanessa saw the reaction. There it was.

The wound. “Oh,” Vanessa whispered. “Someone did.” Naomi slowly turned. “Do not use something you don’t understand.” Vanessa’s smile became smaller.

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Hurt me?” “No.” Naomi’s voice was almost gentle. “I’m going to walk away.” She did. Vanessa watched her leave and felt cheated. She wanted fear.

She wanted anger. She wanted proof Naomi was dangerous. Instead, she got control. And control was exactly what Vanessa could not stand.