CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THREE – SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG

Kathy's eyes widened. "Seriously? That guy's been a nightmare for weeks. How did you handle him so smoothly?" Nia shrugged, a small smile playing at her lips. "Just did my job, I guess. Listen, I should get back to work. These phones aren't going to answer themselves." As Kathy walked away, shaking her head in amazement, Nia turned back to her computer. She pushed thoughts of Leon and the weekend to the back of her mind, focusing instead on the tasks at hand. There was comfort in the routine, in knowing she could handle whatever challenges the day might bring. The week progressed, each day a blur of phone calls, appointments, and filing. Nia threw herself into her work with a dedication that bordered on obsession, staying late most evenings to ensure everything was perfectly organized for the next day. On Thursday, Kathy caught Nia as she was preparing to leave for the night. "Hey, want to grab a late dinner? I could use a friend to vent to about this new case I'm working on." Nia