Chapter 2 - The Shadow on the South Side
Wednesday night arrived with a bitter Chicago wind that rattled the windows of the 74th Street bus.
Tessa leaned her head against the cold glass, exhausted from another double shift, clutching her worn ASL practice book.
She walked the three blocks to the community center, unaware of the sleek, black Lincoln Navigator idling a safe distance behind her.
Inside the brightly lit room, Danny’s face lit up the moment he saw his sister walk through the double doors.
They spent an hour practicing complex conversational signs, laughing as Danny corrected her clumsy finger-spelling.
For the first time in years, Tessa felt a genuine spark of hope for her brother’s future.
When the class ended, she walked out into the freezing night, bracing herself for the long walk back to the bus stop.
Suddenly, a massive man in a tailored suit stepped out of the shadows, making her freeze in her tracks.
Before panic could set in, the man raised his hands and signed with perfect, practiced precision.
May you like
Mr. Marquetti sent me to ensure you get home safely.
Tessa gasped, realizing the most dangerous man in Chicago had been quietly looking out for a broke waitress.
