Secrecy In The Note.
580 Words
Chapter 5: Secrecy In The Note
Anna kept the note in her pocket throughout the rest of her shift.
She couldn't stop thinking about it.
Your mother didn't die naturally.
It was only five words, but they had opened a door she had spent years keeping closed.
Her mother was dead.
That was all Anna had ever been told.
A car accident.
A tragic accident that happened when Anna was young.
She had accepted it because her father never gave her a reason not to.
But now someone was telling her that it wasn't an accident.
And the worst part?
Someone knew she was working at The Crown Table.
Anna glanced toward the private dining area.
Michael was still upstairs.
She remembered what she'd overheard.
She doesn't know anything.
Keep watching her.
What exactly did Michael know?
"Anna!"
She turned.
One of the waitresses was standing beside her.
"The customer at table nine is asking for you."
Anna forced a smile.
"I'm coming."
She picked up the menu and walked toward the table.
But before she reached it, she saw him.
The same man from the previous day.
He was sitting alone.
Watching her.
Anna stopped.
"You again."
The man smiled.
"Do I know you?"
"You've been staring at me."
"I was admiring the restaurant."
"Then admire the walls."
His smile disappeared.
"You look exactly like her."
Anna's heart skipped.
"Like who?"
The man stood.
"Your mother."
Anna's face went pale.
"What did you say?"
But the man was already walking toward the exit.
Anna followed.
"Wait!"
He didn't stop.
She pushed through the doors.
"Who are you?"
The man turned briefly.
"Someone who knew your mother."
Then he disappeared into the crowd.
Anna stood frozen.
Someone who knew her mother.
She reached into her pocket and pulled out the note.
Her hands shook.
This was no coincidence.
"Anna."
Michael's voice came from behind her.
She quickly turned.
He stood in the doorway, watching her.
"What are you doing outside?"
"Nothing."
Michael's eyes moved to the note in her hand.
"What's that?"
Anna immediately folded it.
"Nothing."
He stepped closer.
"You're lying."
"I'm not."
"You're a terrible liar."
Anna's irritation returned.
"And you're extremely nosy."
Michael stared at her.
"Give me the note."
"No."
His expression hardened.
"Anna."
"I said no."
For several seconds, neither moved.
Then Michael lowered his voice.
"Who gave it to you?"
Anna's eyes narrowed.
"So you do know something."
Michael said nothing.
She stepped closer.
"What do you know about my mother?"
His face became unreadable.
"Nothing."
"You're lying."
"I said I know nothing."
"Then why are you so interested in that note?"
Michael looked at her for a long moment.
Then he said quietly,
"Because whoever gave you that note shouldn't have found you."
Anna's blood ran cold.
"What does that mean?"
Michael looked toward the street.
"Go home tonight."
"Why?"
"Just do it."
Anna shook her head.
"You don't get to order me around."
Michael's eyes returned to hers.
"I'm not ordering you."
His voice was unusually serious.
"I'm warning you."
Before Anna could respond, his phone rang.
He answered.
"Yes?"
A pause.
His expression changed.
"Where?"
He listened for another second.
Then looked directly at Anna.
"Don't let her leave."
Anna frowned.
"What's happening?"
Michael ended the call.
He looked at her.
"Someone broke into your apartment."
Anna's heart stopped.
"What?"
Michael stepped closer.
"And they weren't looking for money."
He paused.
"They were looking for something that belonged to your mother."
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