CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY NINE – THE SNITCH

Joan arrived at Kara's apartment, her heart pounding. She knocked urgently. "Kara? It's Joan. Please, I need to talk to you." The door opened a crack, revealing Kara's frightened face. "Dr. Keppler? What are you doing here?" "May I come in? It's important." Kara hesitated, then nodded, opening the door wider. Once inside, Joan took a deep breath. "Kara, we need to talk about what you found." Kara's eyes widened. "You know about that?" Joan nodded gravely. "I do. And I need you to understand how serious this situation is." "I had to report it," Kara said, her voice shaking. "What I saw... it was illegal. I couldn't just ignore it." "I know," Joan said softly. "But Kara, you've put yourself in terrible danger. The people involved... they're not going to let this go." Kara paled. "What do you mean?" Joan took Kara's hands in hers. "The Fratelli family is involved in organized crime. They're dangerous, Kara. And now that you've reported them, they see you as a threat." "Oh God,