Chapter 11
After limit set, threat hung over apartment and office. I spent Tuesday night packing mentally. Wednesday morning I woke at 5:30, checked lease — month-to-month through Russo brother LLC. Knew brother controlled lot, could pull housing fast.
Called county housing office at 8:05 from diner phone, not office line. Asked about tenant rights, month-to-month notice period. Woman said 30 days written notice required in this county. Relief small but real. Not overnight eviction.
At work Wednesday, Russo acted as if Tuesday lunch never happened. Assigned extra lockup duty again, keys left on my desk with note: Close alone tonight. Isolation tactic again. Mrs. Chen avoided eye contact, filing silently.
I used lunch break to secure resources. Drove to bank, withdrew emergency fund $1,400 cash, left $200 for checks. Stopped at gas station, filled tank. Texted Jen: Need storage for boxes if needed. She replied: Garage open, bring tonight.
Afternoon, Russo called me into office, door closed despite my preference. Warm wood paneling same as video night, floor same boards where I had knelt.
"Elena, reconsider boundary," he said, stern expression back. "My method worked for Sophia too. She understood after second reflection. You emotional now. Rescind paper and we reset."
Mention of Sophia confirmed system. I held boundary, standing position deliberate.
"I will work standing," I said. "Not kneeling. Wish to stay employed, but not that way."
He studied me, then nodded slowly. "Then you should prepare. Positions requiring reflection not suited for you."
Felt dismissal forming, not yet spoken. I returned to desk, copied memo photo to Jen email and to personal drive at library after shift. Proof secured outside office.
At 5:45 tried to leave with boxes — had packed personal items from desk into tote, photos, checkbook with evidence, spare keys. Russo blocked hallway, casual.
"Leave personal effects," he said. "Inventory tomorrow. Door locks after I inspect."
Delay tactic. Exit blocked, not denied. Required inventory gave him overnight control of office items. I left tote on desk, took only purse with phone and boundary papers.
May you like
Walked to parking lot, gravel cold, Jen car gone. Realized exit needed keys and time he controlled. Resources secured, but physical exit delayed by his lockup rule.
Home that night, packed apartment essentials into two boxes: clothes, documents, kitchen basics. Left furniture. Breathing slow, hands steady now. Plan for Thursday morning early retrieval before he arrived. Need witness for that too.
