Chapter 6 - THE RESIGNATION ON THE FRONT PAGE
By 8:00 AM the following morning, the news broke across every major news network in New England.
BREAKING: Senator Richard Caldwell Announces Immediate Resignation Amid Ethics Investigation.
The morning papers detailed a stunning series of disclosures: financial kickbacks, abuse of legislative power, and extortion involving state medical grants.
In the sunlit living room of the new apartment on Elm Street, Liam Bennett sat propped up against a pile of pillows, watching the television report with wide, disbelieving eyes.
"Chloe," Liam said, turning his head to look at his sister as she poured hot water into a mug of tea. "Is this real? Did Senator Caldwell really just resign?"
Chloe set the kettle down, smiling as she looked around the spacious, warm apartment. "It's real, Liam. And our hospital bills are completely paid off."
"Who did this?" Liam asked, his brow furrowing. "A politician doesn't just implode like that without someone pushing him."
"A friend," Chloe said simply, walking over to pat her brother’s shoulder. "A very powerful friend."
There was a soft knock at the apartment door.
Chloe walked down the short hallway and turned the deadbolt.
Standing in the doorway was Martin, her former floor manager from the Gilded Stag, holding a cardboard box containing her personal items from the restaurant locker.
"Martin? What are you doing here?" Chloe asked, surprised.
Martin shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot, looking down the hallway before meeting her eyes. "Mr. Costello sent me. He wanted to make sure you had your things. Also... he asked me to deliver a message."
"What message?"
"You're not scheduled to work at the Gilded Stag anymore," Martin said, a faint, nervous smile touching his lips. "Mr. Costello has appointed you as the director of the Moretti Foundation’s community healthcare initiative. Starting Monday."
Chloe stared at him, her jaw dropping. "Director? But I don't have a college degree in administration! I'm a waitress!"
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"Mr. Costello doesn't care about degrees, Chloe," Martin said, handing her the box. "He cares about competence and loyalty. And by the way... the salary is six figures."
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