Chapter 11 - The Job Interview
"You worked in one house for four years," the interviewer said. "Why leave now?"
Rosa kept her hands still on her knees. The building-services company had a morning shift, decent insurance, and openings near Lily's preschool. She needed this job.
"The working environment changed," Rosa answered. "I can provide references for every duty on my resume."
"Can you supervise a crew?"
"I trained three new employees. I know supply orders, laundry systems, and what happens when somebody promises to clean a room without checking how long it takes."
The woman smiled. "We could use that last skill."
Outside, Rosa called Maribel.
"I think it went well."
"Of course it did. You can organize a natural disaster by color."
"Natural disasters don't ask about employment gaps."
"You have one afternoon off. Stop interviewing the clouds."
Rosa laughed for the first time that week. At her car, the laughter stopped. A folded note had been tucked beneath the wiper.
The Moretti name follows you farther than you think.
She stood still, photographed the note without touching it, and called Helen. Then she called the police, as she had promised herself she would.
"You okay?" Maribel asked when Rosa finally spoke again.
"Not completely. But I know what I'm doing next."
At home that evening Lily insisted on washing a plastic bowl three times. Rosa let her.
"All clean," Lily announced.
"Beautiful work."
"I get job too?"
"Your job is being little. Mine is keeping us safe."
Lily frowned. "Big job."
"Yes," Rosa said, hugging her. "But I have help."
Helen called after dinner. The messages had been added to the report. There was still no clear evidence identifying the sender.
May you like
"You might need some temporary changes to your routine," Helen said.
Rosa looked at Lily building a crooked tower from blocks. "I'll make changes. But I won't teach my daughter that we have to disappear because someone else has a powerful last name."
