I took a sip from my glass of water and I gave a hesitant smile.
"When I saw you at that hospital, I was overwhelmed with guilt and hate in my heart. Seeing you in the condition that you were in, also pregnant and I couldn't bring myself to take off my mind how much I've failed you," she paused. "But then he made me realize that what mattered was the fact that I had gotten another chance to make things right. He really loves you and genuinely just wants what's best for you and though you seem to be trying, I can see how much my presence makes you uncomfortable" she said, holding my hand on the table.
I had too much going on in my mind already, most especially how unsafe I felt knowing that my accident was originally a murder attempt and of course it would take me a while to adjust to the relationship we couldn't build over the years. I was happy, extremely happy that she was back in my life but at the same time, I was a bit thrown off guard, it hadn't been easy living without my family all these years and it would take a while for me to readjust to this new setting.
"No mom, I'm really happy you're here," I said, assuring her.
Dante returned to the table and his mood seemed to have changed. The look on his face wasn't pleasant but I didn't make any inquiries until my mom left. I didn't want her getting involved in any of it or getting worried for me.
"The inspector called earlier while we were having dinner," Dante said, rubbing my feet as we sat on the sofa watching TV.
"And?" I asked inquisitively.
He hesitated for a bit. "They checked the security footage from the scene of the accident and the vehicle that hit you has been traced. Apparently whosoever the mastermind behind this plot is has been getting information from an insider, someone that knows our routine."
It immediately clicked in my head, Missy? How could it be? I was confused. Missy stopped by the day before the accident happened and she was the only one I informed about my plans for the next day. Could she be the one? I wasn't certain and didn't want to say anything that would implicate her, because I had grown fond of her and she was more like a sister to me now so it didn't make any sense to me why she would be in support of someone trying to hurt me.
"The inspector informed me that Missy was also spotted around the vicinity. She couldn't have been there after the accident had already happened, something was fishy" Dante said and it immediately confirmed my speculation.
"Missy was the only one I informed that I would be stopping at the Laundromat before getting to the office" I confirmed and Dante stood up infuriated.
"I should have known something was up with her right from the day of her interview. She insisted on the position of your personal assistant though her qualifications gave her a better advantage for a higher position."
I was in shock, why would Missy want to hurt me?
"Is she being blackmailed?" I thought out loud.
"She'll be taken into custody for questioning tomorrow, we'll definitely get to the bottom of this. I promise you." Dante said with clear concern in his eyes. It made me think of what my mom had earlier said. Did he actually love me? Or was he just being kind in order for me to fulfill my own end of the deal.
All through that night, I could barely sleep. A Lot was running through my mind and what struck me most was Missy being a part of the misfortune that befell me.
Early the next morning, Dante headed out to the police station and I was made to remain indoors at all cost for the sake of my safety. Dante ensured that all security measures were put in place to guard the house against any possible attacks. My mind raced all through the time he was away, but I hoped he would return with positive news about the culprit being caught.
Hours later, Dante returned with the news, "She admitted to being the informant for the person who intends to harm you"
My heart dropped. "Who?"
Dante's lips tightened. "She wouldn't say. She claims they threatened her family and she'd be killed if she didn't cooperate."
I struggled to process it. Missy had always been kind and supportive. It didn't make sense. "Did she say why I was targeted?" I asked
He hesitated. "Apparently, it wasn't you specifically—it was me. They wanted to hurt you to get to me."
I was in awe. "But why?"
"I don't know. I've made quite a number of enemies over the years in business but none who would go this far." Dante ran his hands through his hair, his frustration evidently written all over his face. We both sat trying to place things together to possibly figure out if we could maybe have a clue but it wasn't clear. Since I moved to California, I hadn't made any enemies and apart from people who Dante had outshined in business over the years, he really wasn't a problematic person. Anyone trying to harm me to get to him must be someone who may have had a sour relationship with him and we couldn't figure it out either.
Dante sat beside me, his hand on mine. "We'll figure this out, Sienna. I promise." he reassured me.
I felt sad, Missy who I had grown to love as bithe a friend and a sister was a cohort to someone plotting against me. Now I had no idea who I could trust anymore, someone was out to get me and I knew surviving the accident was just the beginning.
Just then, my phone buzzed. A message from an unknown number: You survived. Impressive. Watch your back.