I smiled and nodded. My sister had been one of several scammers who’d sent emails to millions of unsuspecting victims, stating they had an Amazon package to be delivered. But first the victim needed to provide a credit card to verify the package. The scammers sent a clickable link that installed malware, allowing them to harvest tons of data.

Marissa examined her veggie omelet and tasted a bite. “Cash businesses provide the least risk. A solid place for you to start.”

“Which ones do you prefer—restaurants, bars, casinos, check-cashing stores, car washes?”

She laughed. “I started with donut shops. Took a while to make it profitable, but the business model is safe. I learned how to speak to the owner with what he or she wanted to hear. I’ll take you with me on a few calls so you can see firsthand how to work.”

I forced interest in my omelet. “I need the experience.” Marissa had been at this for over fifteen years, and from what I’d seen of her penthouse, I doubt she still resorted to donuts. I silently thanked Denton for insisting I study money laundering. The operation required placement, layering or moving the money around, and integration or pulling the funds out to use when it was cleaned. “Where do I begin?”

“I’ll invest in a decent wardrobe for you. Currently you’re an embarrassment.” She raised her palm. “Rule number one is always look the part. The last time we were together, your hair looked disgusting. I’ll make an appointment for a cut and highlights. I’ll purchase wigs and miscellaneous items to change your appearance before you enter my world. The cost of my investment will be deducted from your pay.”

I nodded as though her stipulations suited me. “Rule number two?”

“Disguise yourself for each new vein of clients. That allows you to check on the investment without the person’s knowledge.”

“The check-cashing businesses see one person while the casinos see another. Makes sense. Rule number three?”

“Trust no one. Not me. Certainly not Eli. He’d stab his mother, especially if I gave the order. Along with trust, give those around you various levels of it while always remembering the sacred rule.” She sipped orange juice laced with vodka. “Live and breathe those three rules, little sister. Forget them and I’ll pull the trigger.”

67

Marissa’s investment into my new wardrobe made me question in what capacity I’d need to perform to please her. We’d spent two full days shopping at high-end stores I’d heard about but never entered. On those trips, she granted me permission to bring one of my new purses. Various disguises, cell phones, and the clothes meeting Marissa’s approval were grouped together according to the client. She’d completed my training with a virtual doctorate in illegal operations.

The two men, Lee and Jess, accompanied us everywhere we went. They never talked, and neither did Marissa speak to them.

Always the ever-present question of why she was making an investment in me. I’d given up thinking she held the keys to my fate out of a sense of debt. Something more. Something beyond a game, something she feared from me worse than my death.