The Shadows Between the Lines

Chapter 4

Fiona Marino POV

Day and night rush by in a blur. I spent the last two days with my mother and sister gardening, chatting, and even baking. Everything Franny and I loved doing with Mamma when we were kids.

It was like old times again. Ya know, maybe they had a point, I have been away for too long. Would it really be so bad to move back home? I can't. I have to be strong. I can't let Mal's death completely derail my life. Even though it had.

I am currently walking around the woods surrounding the property with Francesca. She is telling me all about her work as a journalist. I guess she got a new case to investigate and it is pretty big.

"Hexcorp has grown to be one of the biggest corporations in the Country, Right? So get this... I have gotten a few leads of possible money laundering being tied to the company. Not just a small amount too, I got word that half of Hexcorps net worth is made up of dirty money that will eventually lead to the company's downfall."

"Isn't Hexcorp that corporation that owns casinos, hospitals, hotels, and I am sure there is more. Now that I mention it I am pretty sure that Vetvantage, my work, is owned by them."

"They are, I read that you guys got bought out by them a few years ago before you started working there. Hopefully this whole situation doesn't affect your business at all, though I am sure someone else will buy it before you guys completely go under." I nod and look up as I notice us nearing the front of the house again.

"Speaking of Hexcorp, my boss recently got an invitation to a company ball and she gave it to me," I laughed, joking about even possibly going to it. I quickly regret even bringing it up after I notice Francesca stop in ehr tracks and point an eager look at me. Shit. I messed up.

"You got invited to the Hexcorp Annual Ball!" Like a volcano, she erupts with excitement.

"Okay, yes I did but I don't think I am going to go so don't get too excited about it."

"What do you mean you don't know if you're gonna go!? Screw the money laundering allegations, it is a ball! You have to go!"

"Oh my gosh what do you mean 'screw the allegations', it could be even more dangerous than we know, I have heard that money laundering is just the start of major corporations going down in a ball of fire of drugs, guns, and criminals. I will not take any chances." I chuckle, slightly uncomfortable with the topic.

"Fiona." She starts, and I know I will never hear the end of this. "I am going to say this as nicely as I can... You are a loser. And you should get out more." She plants a fake smile on her face.

"Wow. All of a sudden I really want to go now." I say deadpan as I level her with a sarcastic glare. I shake my head slightly and start walking back in the house where Mamma is cooking up dinner. The scent of basil and tomatoes hits my nose and my stomach growls.

"Mom, tell Fiona that she needs to get out of the house more and she should go to the ball she got invited to since it is a once in a lifetime opportunity." I roll my eyes as I realize what she is trying to do.

"A ball? That sounds meravigliosa!" (Wonderful)

"Mamma, it is for some huge company that could care less whether I show up there or not, I would much rather be here with you guys."

"No amore, I think you should go. It would be good for you! Get out of your comfort zone and live a little.!" I sigh and look at the both of them, clearly smug that they are teaming up on me.

"When is the ball Fi?" Frany grins and attaches herself to my side as I begin to realize there is no getting out of this.

"Tomorrow night." She gasps dramatically.