The attorneys gathering their papers.
“Do they know whether the two incidents are connected?”
“They’re investigating that possibility.”
Dominic leaned forward.
“Miss Bennett, I want you to understand that I won’t ask you to change your statement or keep quiet about what happened.”
I nodded.
“Thank you.”
He glanced at Ben.
“I also understand your time has been disrupted. My office can arrange reimbursement for documented wages you’ve lost through the necessary interviews, without requiring any confidentiality agreement.”
I hesitated.
“I don’t want anyone thinking I was paid to say something.”
“Then discuss the offer with your own adviser before accepting anything.”
I appreciated that answer.
Before we left, Dominic asked what I had studied.
When I told him about comparative linguistics, he seemed genuinely interested.
“Have you considered returning to translation work?”
“Sometimes.”
“Why didn’t you?”
I thought about the overdue bills.
“My family needed a steady income.”
He nodded.
Then he said, “An independent translation firm is reviewing some of our overseas documentation. If you’re interested in that field, I can give you the firm’s public contact information. There would be no obligation and no guarantee of work.”
I thanked him.
But I didn’t ask him to solve my finances.
He’d already done something much more important.
He’d listened to me when everyone else wanted me silent.
The investigation continued for several weeks.
The restaurant preserved its service records and surveillance footage.
Investigators established that the wine bottle had been left at the designated service station before dinner.
The footage showed Lydia, Celeste’s assistant, entering the restricted service area during a period when no restaurant employee was attending the station.
