"Special Agent McNaught," he says, opening his jacket slightly to show me his badge. "Please sit down."
"I'm sorry, I think you have the wrong person," I say, taking a deep breath and trying to calm down.
"Your husband is Enzo Agosti, son of Rocco Agosti. Please sit down. You might be interested in what I have to say."
I don't know what prompts me to do this, but I resume my seat. I'm well aware that both Rocco and Enzo operate outside the law, but I've never heard specifics.
"What do you want?" I ask, keeping my gaze forward.
"We've been studying your husband's family for a while now. It's very much a surprise to be able to meet you here. We've known about your existence for a couple of years now, but you've barely been sighted in the city before."
"So?"
"I can only assume your husband has been keeping you away," he says, and he's not far off the mark. Still, I don't trust him.
"I'm not sure how that's any of your business, agent," I mutter, a little put off by his tone.
"I don't know if you're aware, but your attending physician when you had your ER visit in August noted potential domestic abuse in your file. That's how you came onto our radar for the first time."
"I explained to the doctor, and I'll explain the same to you. It wasn't, and it's never been, domestic abuse," I say through gritted teeth.
Why are people so quick to assume?
"Do you know what your husband's family does, Mrs. Agosti?" the agent continues, and I have an idea where this is going.
"Yes. They own a restaurant chain," I answer truthfully.
"The restaurant is a front for multiple clubs facilitating drugs, human trafficking, and prostitution."
I don't answer, because what can one say when faced with such facts?
"So? Get to the point, agent."
"I think we can help each other. We know of the existence of these clubs, but we don't know the exact locations. If you could find that out for us, then…"
I tilt my head to the side, a bored expression on my face.
"We'll help you get out. We can move you into a witness protection program. You and your child would be safe." He nods toward my belly.
I smile at him sweetly. It's interesting how a few months ago I would have jumped at this opportunity. But I've since decided to give Enzo and parenthood a chance. And my baby will havebothparents.
"That sounds like an interesting story, agent. For whoever will believe you," I start, and I look at him from the corner of my eye. His fists are clenched.
"Mrs. Agosti," the nurse calls out for me, and I stand up to go. But I feel the need to clarify one thing.
"Just for the record, agent, I amnotin an abusive relationship, and my husband is a wonderful man. If you'll excuse me," I start walking toward the exam room, when the agent grabs me by the hand.
I'm ready to go on the defensive, but he only slides a contact card into my hand.
"If you ever change your mind," he nods at me before he disappears down the hallway.
Although the encounterwith the agent rattled me, I tried to put it out of my mind. It wasn't worth losing energyover. But for some reason, after I'd gotten home, I'd immediately set out to find the location of those clubs. It had taken me a few weeks, some strategic snooping, and listening in on phone calls, but I'd done it.
Leverage.
That's what I told myself. After all, nothing is ever certain in this world, and I won't take any chances with my baby.
I'd only managed to find where two of the clubs are, but I have another list with properties owned by Rocco under different aliases. If anything were to happen, I'd be ready.
