memory of getting fired flashed through my mind, followed by the cruel end to my relationship with James. Everything was spiraling out of control, an

ered, clutching a pillow tight against my

erything, Charlotte. You still have me, your mom, and Olivia. We love you,

gering feeling of that phone call from the night before. The stranger's v

ears from my face. "Some guy called me last night. He said something about James

rd. Maybe you should call him back,

"What if it

e shot back, her tone firm.

aling the number with trembling fingers. The line rang

voice was calm but tense, as

ice surprisingly steady. "You call

poke again, his tone lowering. "It's not something I c

t I forced myself to

fuku Noodle Bar on First Avenue. I knew the

agreed. "I'

Just as the sun was starting to set, my phone buzzed with a re

elming feeling of failure. But the feeling only deepened when th

himed from the hallway. I tensed, hea

m the kitchen. Her eyes widened when she saw the landlord stand

e shaking slightly. "Please, come in.

his voice was sharp. "I'm not here for a social visit, Mr

ied to speak. "I... I know, sir. We're trying to

n. If the payment doesn't come th

and I felt a wave of guilt crash over me. I should be helping. I

l, her eyes filled with worry. "It'll be okay, Mom,"

known number again-the man from earlier, reminding me of

stuck by me through the entire mess. S

u. You're not meeti

dles and sizzling vegetables filled the air, but my stomach was in knots

hirt and blue pants sat near the back, hi

s we reached the table. I shook his hand

, my voice firmer than I expecte

s voice. "Stay away from James

opped. "What

y laundering, and he's broke. The authorities are closing in

m, my mouth dr

r money. It's... ugly. You're l

ing to process everyt

questioning everyone close to him, and

the table. "Thank God you

n shock. "Thank y

hit my face, snapping me back to reality. Jame

s define me. Dressed in a white suit, I walked through the city, dropping my

he last office, my phon

laza Gramercy -17 Irving PL) t

stared at the unkn

he want w

I wasn't sure if I was r