Chapter 30

Chapter Thirty

On the other side of Selina Lawson sat Fiona, her anxiety clashing with her curiosity. The other woman had been very plain-speaking about the help that her organization could offer but Fiona had to hear the whole story about what would be expected in return. Beside her, Rosa sat, a solid rock in the centre of this whirlpool of events unsnaking themselves around them.

Selina took a sip of her coffee, her face reflecting thoughts somewhere else. "Well, just to outline our offer a bit more precisely: the help we're offering here. it's money, a place to live, and legal protection. But there are conditions attached to that deal, about keeping certain things secret or cooperating with our wider objectives."

The narrowing of Fiona's eyes was almost audible. "What's that you're saying there, 'wider objectives'? And what would that have to do with us, except perhaps peripherally?

The gears enclosed within the intensity of Selina's narrowed gaze. "The organization aims to handle the business fallout left by Raven Qing. That also includes handling some problems that have been born as a result of his actions. Your involvement would help clarify things a little more about these issues and how they impact people like you."

Rosa's first instinct was defensive. "What kind of involvement are you talking about? We need specifics."

Selina nodded. "Of course. Your cooperation could include participating in interviews, providing information about what Raven does and has done, and cooperation with our legal team if needed in that regard."

All the possibilities began to race through Fiona's mind, and she snapped her eyes back to Rosa. "And just how is that going to be of help to us exactly? What's the end game here?"

Selina's expression gentled. "The objectives are two-fold. First, to put right any legal or financial mess that Raven made, which might reflect positively on you. Second, by addressing and controlling the more general implications, we can provide stability for you and others involved."

Rosa's frown deepened. "That sounds very abstract. We need to understand how this will affect our daily lives, if at all, and whether there are any risks.

Selina took a deep breath. "I understand your concerns. The nature of our work can be convoluted sometimes and, therefore, opaque. Be that as it may, I want to reassure you that we will take good care of your well-being above all. If you are ready to participate, we shall provide you with a dedicated liaison who shall be on hand to help you along the way and help resolve any apprehensions you might have."

Fiona was filled with hesitation but also a touch of hope. It was a lot of support, but this kind of fast talk on involvement left her cold. "Well, thanks for the honesty. I want some time to think about this and talk it over with Rosa and our options."

Selina nodded. "Of course. That's what Novela is here for. If you have any other questions or need any information, feel free to contact us."

As Selina exited, Fiona and Rosa stayed behind in the conference room, heads full of questions. While enticing, the offer brought the idea of potential risk and just general abstractness of involvement to uncomfortable levels.


Fiona and Rosa found themselves shouldering the decision as they returned to the apartment. The rain had ceased, and the city sparkled under the sun of two hours after noon as they sat in the living room, their discussion moving to what would have to happen next.

"I'm torn," Fiona eventually admitted, a tone of almost frustration catching her voice. "That's precisely what kind of support we need, but I don't know enough about what we're getting into.

Rosa nodded in understanding. "It's a tough call. On the one hand, that money and a place to live would make all the difference in the world. On the other, we have no idea how extensive this involvement will be in our lives."

Fiona sighed again. "I just wish there was some clarity. It feels like we're being asked to step into a situation blind.

Rosa reached across and took Fiona's hand. "We really need to contact others who may have had dealings with similar organizations. May give us a better handle on what to expect."

Fiona's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea. I'll see if I can find any contacts or references who might have had dealings with them.

I spent the rest of the evening doing research and contacting my potential contacts. And, true, all the efforts had paid off as Fiona got through to one of the ex-clients of the organization. The conversation was insightful, and they did gain some valuable insights.

Better equipped with the new information, Fiona and Rosa could tackle matters more astutely when they finally could meet up with Selina again. Their questions would be pointed, their concerns sharp.

"We did a little research, talked to some people who have worked with your organization," Fiona began. "We have a better idea what we're getting ourselves into, but still have questions."

Selina nodded. "Good to hear that. I'm here to clear any of your doubts."
Rosa took a deep breath. "First, of course, is the question of confidentiality—how secure will our information be? What are your safeguards against it ?"

Selina's face grew grave. "So is confidentiality for us. We have very tight procedures, to ensure that your personal information and your involvement is well-protected. We grant access to any sensitive information to persons with legitimate authority only, and if there is a breach, we deal very harshly with it."

Fiona and Rosa shot relieved glances at each other. "That sounds pretty good," said Fiona. "Well, as for cooperation, what would be expected of us? Could you give us some examples?"

Selina leaned a little forward. "Your cooperation may take many forms, including testimony or documents relating to Raven's business practices. This could include any information about interaction that you have had with him or his associates. It's designed to help us build a comprehensive picture of the situation."

Rosa nodded thoughtfully. "And if any of us meet any problems or at any point start feeling uncomfortable, how then can we withdraw?"

Selina's eyes had the promise of reassurance. "We have a support team available at each stage that will guide you and help you with the process. Of course, if there is any issue with anything or you want something to be adjusted, we are here to make sure all your needs are met."

Fiona felt a pulse of tentative optimism. "All right, under these conditions we are willing to go ahead. We'd really like to think we are making the right choice for us and our future.".

Selina smiled. "Thanks for having faith in us. We will go ahead immediately, guiding you accordingly."


The weeks that followed were just too active as Fiona and Rosa carried out their job under the new arrangement. The help of the organization proved to be a real savior as it provided them with funds, residencies, and even offered legal aid to them. Fiona felt her situation coming under control, more or less, as she got accustomed to her new life.

One day, while sifting through some paperworks, Fiona's phone rang. It was Elijah Blackwood. "Ms. Hardin, there just to check in on you. Everything okay?"

Fiona smiled and replied graciously. "Yes, actually. The support has been great, and now we're feeling a bit relieved. Thank you that it can be like this.".

Elijah spoke in a warm voice. "I'm glad to hear that, and if there is anything more we can do, by all means, let us know."

When Fiona hung up, she felt refreshed with hope. Sure, the road ahead was still unknown, but with her sister and the organization in her corner, she found her way through the many problems. }\

One afternoon, as Fiona was unpacking a box of old photographs, she came upon an envelope buried at the bottom. Her curiosity piqued, she opened it and found a series of documents and letters, many of them with Raven's name on them.

She took the documents around to Rosa, who was equally intrigued. "These look important," Rosa said, examining the papers. "What do you think they are?

Fiona's brows knitted together as she went over the papers. "These are legal documents and official papers of communication between Raven and different businesses. Some of it looks like it pertains to financial transactions and contracts."

Rosa's eyes widened. "You think that has something to do with the investigation going on in the organization?"

Fiona inclined her head slowly. "It might. If these documents show anything substantial about what Raven was dealing with, then it's extremely useful information to have at hand for the organization.

They knew they had to bring their find to the attention of Selina and the legal team. The next day, they met with Selina, and Fiona handed the documents over, her heart pounding in anticipation.

Selina's eyes widened as she looked through the papers. "This is major information. Seems to include notes on Raven's financial transactions and associates. This could be of monumental help in our working to mitigate the damage his actions have caused.

Fiona felt a little wash of relief. "I'm so pleased that's helpful. I just want to be sure we're doing everything we can toward moving forward."

Selina nodded. "Your cooperation is invaluable. We will integrate this with the other information we do have in hand and keep you apprised of any further development.

Exiting the meeting, Fiona walked a little bit livelier. Her new support system and the information she had been able to find had pointed her toward a new, fresh path ahead of her. She felt that the journey ahead of her was still not very clear, but what Fiona did know is she did not have to walk alone anymore. The presence of Rosa and the organization by her side was enough to boost her confidence to face whatever came her way ahead.