“All while married to you? When Giacomo and Enzo were born?”
“So she says.”
“And you say?”
“I say I believed every word that came out of my husband’s mouth. I trusted him. No one has ever accused him of these kinds of things before, not that I have heard. The trouble is that the proof starting to stack up is convincing. Plus, in the court of public opinion, the facts aren’t even necessary. I have painted Fabrizio to be a hero to his sons. What if I’m wrong? One day they will be adults and hear this about their father.”
“That is something we will have to deal with when the time comes. Are you sure you don’t want to quit your job and move to Madrid with me?”
“I love my job. I’m passionate about cycling. I have zero tolerance for drug use but I didn’t have the guts to be a whistle-blower years ago. I was young, and married to someone who asked me to be quiet and I was making a lot of money. I made mistakes myself, and looked at my own interests. Now, it’s all different. Darren is an accomplished rider and could win the Tour de France this year on his own merits. I want to be on his team. I want to be there. But if he and I are tarnished by this, all our work could be for nothing. No one will believe Darren is clean. I could be fired, so they don’t have any connection to Fabrizio Merlini on the team. And you, and this fucking ‘wedding of the year’? We do interviews, and it’s ‘Luna Montgomery, wife of the late Fabrizio Merlini.’ When this story blows up, all that name dropping will come back to haunt us. The trashy Spanish magazines love to dig into people’s lives, famous or not. Your ex-wife has a television show dedicated to that crap. I wish we could live our lives in private.”
“But that isn’t who we are. It isn’t who I am. I’m a bullfighter, preciosa, the best in Spain. I won’t give that up for the quiet life.”
“A month ago, we found a mass grave up at Escondrijo, the place I wanted to rebuild my dream country home. It’s right next to the secret graves of my grandfather and your grandmother. That should be our biggest concern. We are hiding that. We should have contacted the Guardia Civil about it, and didn’t. Never mind all that has gone on between you and I, that issue is still outstanding. Plus, you said you weren’t sure you wanted to be part of the Beltrán Morales bull breeding business. Not after you heard all about José and his murderous exploits that made your family rich. But you want me to move to Madrid and associate with your family? Our lives are a fucking mess!”
Cayetano glanced out the window; the rain had stopped, but the storm inside was still brewing. Happily ever after hadn’t reached their families after all. “Why don’t you take time off work, to think things over in peace? We will go to Madrid, take a break from everything here over the weekend. Maybe things will seem easier, and we can work something out.”
3
Madrid, España ~ Marzo de 2010
Madrid was piercing cold, a frozen chill that felt like a dagger through the chest with every breath. Grey clouds hovered over a darkening sky when Luna ushered her children in the door of the Beltrán Morales well-appointed luxurious home in La Moraleja. They had slept all the way to Madrid in the back of Cayetano’s Mercedes and were bright and perky. The opposite of their mother, who didn’t fancy an evening with her in-laws. But Cayetano was right; a weekend out of Valencia seemed fitting. Soon everyone would learn about the alleged affair and drug use of her late husband. Luna’s future at Ciclo Comunitat Valenciana would be shaky, like everything in Spain at the moment.
“My darling,” Inés said as she embraced her son. “Home at last.”
“Mamá, I was here a few days ago,” Cayetano joked. “Although, you do look blonder than just a few days ago.”
Inés smoothed her short golden brown and smiled. “A woman in her mid-fifties deserves to look good! I’m glad you brought your family home with you this time.” Inés reached out and hugged Luna, who did the same. “It is so delightful to see you again, Luna. We haven’t seen you in months.”
“Well, I’m busy…”
“Stuck out there in Valencia must he hard.” Inés didn’t see Luna’s frown, but Cayetano did. “¿Cómo estás, mis queridos niños?” Inés gushed to the twins. “Welcome, come inside and let me spoil you!”
Cayetano trailed behind his mother, who ushered Giacomo and Enzo inside, and put his arm around Luna. He figured she just needed time to get used to his family.
In the living room was Cayetano’s father, Paco, who waited with Inés’ parents, José and Consuela. The old woman looked just that – old. She barely raised a smile when the children came into the room, and Luna felt sorry for her. Her husband José sat next to her, his characteristic stone-cold expression stuck hard. Luna noticed his eyes follow her as she moved about the room.
“Luna,” Paco said warmly as he jumped from his seat. He gave her a welcoming hug. “Welcome back to Madrid.” He smiled and Luna returned the gesture. Paco was the 70-year-old spitting image of Cayetano, right down to his genuine smile.
“Always nice to see you.” Luna glanced over his shoulder through the door, where her children had followed Inés, who handed them something to eat. Christ, those kids would follow Jack the Ripper if he promised treats.
“Luna,” said Consuela in a gentle voice said as they all sat down around the sumptuous living room, “we were starting to think that maybe Cayetano had lost you.”
“Mamí!” Cayetano replied. “You think me foolish enough to lose this lady?”
“No, my young one,” she said to her grandson. “But we get together as a family every Sunday, and you have yet to bring your new family, and you have missed many lunches yourself.”
“There are so many in our family, I’m sure you barely noticed my absence.”
“Of course we do,” José said, his voice coarse. “You are our number one grandson. You are our blood. We care for you.”
“I understand, Papí.” Cayetano looked over at Luna. It was hard to look at the man after finding out what he had done in his younger days. Cayetano felt ashamed that he saw José in a different light now, after loving him his whole life. What he hated more, though, was that he felt ashamed himself for what José had done. Kill people, rape women… why should he feel that guilt because José had once been a member of Franco’s special forces? Were other people living with this? Probably. With luck, the others didn’t learn the whole truth about their loved ones and their past. The truth was a double-edged sword.
“Luna,” José said as he leaned forward in his seat. “Tell me, has Cayetano adopted your sons yet?”
“I...” Luna looked around, the boys still through in the kitchen with Inés. Enzo sat up on the counter, and spoke while his brother listened. “We haven’t discussed it yet…”
“I’m not sure I’m going to adopt the boys,” Cayetano said.
“Why not?” José barked. He looked at his wife, and then to Paco. “Paco, why did you not mention this?”
“I didn’t know.” Paco looked to Cayetano. “That’s my son’s choice.”
“It’s Luna’s choice,” Cayetano replied.
Luna resisted the desire to roll her eyes. Thanks, Caya, lay it all on me. “Maybe once we are married we can discuss that,” she squeaked.
José threw a dismissive gesture in her direction and sighed. “Anyone can get married these days. Married, separated, divorced… even our Cayetano has failed at the act of marriage already. However, to take on a child that is not your own, and love them as your own is greater than any romantic relationship.”
Luna cocked one eyebrow. “That is true.”
“Precisely, so if my grandson is prepared to do this great thing for your sons, then I fail to see your hesitation.”
How was I meant to prepare for this conversation, one minute after walking in the door? Luna’s reasoning was that the children had a father, and just because Fabrizio was dead didn’t mean that he needed to be forgotten.
“Papí, it’s okay, we have only been engaged a few months,” Cayetano said for Luna.
/>
“Adoption is an amazing thing,” Consuela said. She surprised Luna with how gentle she spoke; in contrast to her husband, who was so rough. They seemed to be an odd pair. “I’m sure you’re aware, Luna, that until a child is born, you can’t understand how much you love the baby.” She paused when Luna nodded. “With adoption, you have to create a bond with a child, and when you can do that, it’s rare and beautiful.”
“Are you about to tell me that I’m adopted?” Inés asked as she came into the room with Giacomo and Enzo, who ran to sit next to their mother.
“Of course not,” José said. “You’re our darling daughter and we love you so much. You have done nothing but make us proud.”
“That isn’t always true,” Inés smiled as she sat down next to her husband.
“Yes, well, you may have not chosen the best way to find a husband, but you did find a suitable one.” Consuela pulled over her grey shawl tighter over her chest. Forty years on, her teenage daughter getting pregnant while unmarried still seemed to be a hush-hush affair.
“I can see what you want to ask,” Cayetano said to the group. “Yes, Luna and I will have children one day. Go easy, please.”
“We have more urgent things to discuss before dinner,” Inés said.
If this was pre-dinner chat, what was the post-dinner chat? Imagine what it would be like when the story of Fabrizio and his drugs and affairs came out. As if stepping into a close-knit family and being the foreign outsider wasn’t hard enough. “¿Sí?”
“Yes! The wedding is a few months away, and you have no dress! I have designs to show you. I went to a few stores, and they can have a dress done in time. Are you in Madrid next week?”
“No, I have a meeting at work on Monday, and then the Las Fallas celebrations with the children… and then you will all be in Valencia for Cayetano’s fight.”
“We must look at dresses now, then.” Inés jumped from her seat and pulled Luna from hers. She barely had the chance to ask the twins to sit with Cayetano before she got dragged down the hallway.
“I’m sorry about my parents,” Inés said as she and Luna went into Paco’s office at the end of the hallway. “They make no secret of the fact that Cayetano is their favourite grandchild, and they want him to be happy.”
“I come from a place where family ties don’t mean anywhere near as much as they do in Spain,” Luna replied.
“And, of course, your family has passed away. Our family looks at you and feels pity.”
“Yes, that is obvious.”
“Then let me apologise for that, too. Paco likes you, and that has made my parents think you are perfect for Cayetano. I hope that doesn’t feel like pressure.”
“I’m getting used to having a lot of opinions on my personal life.”
“Give it time, my dear,” Inés said as she pulled a folder from a side drawer of Paco’s large desk. “Paco has been so annoyed at me, keeping all these wedding things in his office. He will be grateful when the wedding is complete.”
Him and me both. “Inés… the wedding…”
“I know, it’s so overwhelming! That is why I’m doing everything. I finished the guest list. Around 350 people have replied to the invites so far. Are you sure you don’t want to add anyone? You only invited a few friends.”
“I’m fine.”
“I hope you’re not worried about the cost. We will pay for everything.”
“No… I want…”
“Good. Now, the dresses. Please, tell me what you think and I will arrange for you to meet the designers and get you fitted into one. Here, this is my first choice for you.”
The dress was hideous. Luna tried to smile as she looked at the page. She didn’t even want a bloody wedding. “It’s big… and white…” She would walk like the marshmallow man to get down the aisle of the church she didn’t want.
“This is a tremendous occasion. Did Caya mention that he signed a deal for an exclusive magazine shoot to cover the wedding?”
“No!”
“Oops, maybe he wanted to surprise you.”
Luna sighed as she looked at the dress designs Inés laid out over the desk. The opinions of the Morales family had engulfed her. The wedding had been arranged; a grandiose church ceremony, bridesmaids and best men picked. A reception in a ballroom arranged, flowers, champagne, photographs, and now bloody media. How was she supposed to say no to it all?
“Oh, my love, is it all too much? You can be emotional. It’s okay.”
“Inés… I…”
“Princesa?” Paco appeared in the doorway behind them. “The timer on the oven is beeping. Is there anything I need to do for you? Your mother wanted to help, but José insisted she rest.”
“Oh, no, let me check it. I will leave Luna here to decide on a wedding gown.”
Paco placed a gentle hand on his wife’s back as she passed him and disappeared down the hall. “You’ve filled my office with wedding preparations,” he said to Luna.
“I’m so sorry, Paco.”
“Nonsense, niña. Don’t be sorry. They’re essential things.”
Luna folded her arms. “You confuse me,” she replied with a smile.
“How?”
“You’re a gentleman of a certain age, of a certain generation, but you are openly romantic with your wife, and have talked of private emotional things.”
“Perhaps I am one of these ‘new age’ men after all.”
Luna laughed. “Don’t be too hasty. There is still a need for quiet, powerful gentlemen.”
“I think if you have been hurt by something, or someone, you sometimes over-compensate in your protection of what you have left. I know that you understand what I mean, look at the way you protect your children.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
“Please don’t think we have any intention of hurting you. I know you and I did not start off well…”
“It’s okay.”
“And I’m sorry about José and his adoption rubbish. What would he understand about adoption? He has four children, all his, and loves to play them off against one another. He says it made them stronger. Except with his daughter, José worships Inés.”
“José is another man who should be hard, and yet is so very soft at times.”
“José is a mystery best left undiscovered.”
“José makes me uncomfortable.”
Paco frowned. “Must be confusing for you.”
“What exactly?”
“The things I have seen and heard over time, Luna… Spain has changed so much over the course of my life and even more so for José. What we had to do for ourselves is nothing you will need to understand in modern times. Spaniards know what their family history is, and what went on, who believed what, all that. You don’t have that. You can’t understand why we keep secrets. Our lives under Franco need to be left alone. Just like your grandfather and what happened to him.”
“Thanks to a bullet in his back, I will never know Cayetano Ortega anyway.”
“But you knew Alejandro Beltrán, better than I did.”
“Alejandro murdered my grandfather.”
“He’s my biological father. I feel his guilt, and I didn’t meet him. These are confusing emotions, but we can’t carry them around.”
“Of course,” Luna said. “José was talking about adoption, and you only just found out you were adopted.”
“I’m sure José just forgot that. I consider Luna Beltrán to be my mother, my whole family. Alejandro and his wife Sofía can remain my uncle and aunt. To me, they will never be my parents. I’m glad you discovered the truth about your grandfather and found the identity of my real parents, but that can be laid to rest now.”
“I have yet to bury Alejandro’s ashes at Escondrijo.”
“Will you bury him with Sofía?”
“I suppose. It means I also bury Alejandro with my grandfather, his murder victim. I thought maybe I could bury him with his sister Luna here in Madrid, but she hated him.”
“I
think Escondrijo with his wife is best. Alejandro loved her, and he obviously loved Valencia, so the property is a fitting place to do it.”
“One day.” Luna looked at all the awful dresses laid out. “I haven’t even begun to work on the farm in Valencia. At this rate, I will never live there.”
“I wanted to ask you something.”
“Claro. Of course.”
“Can I visit Escondrijo? I mean, one day it will be your Valencian base, out there in the mountains, and my biological parents resting place… I hate my father, but I would like to see the place he hid to avoid me for my whole life.”
“Paco, it wasn’t like that.”
“Maybe not, but for now, it’s still hard to grasp.”
Luna nodded. “Of course, please come next week before Cayetano’s fight. I can take you out while the children are at school.”
“Gracias, Luna. I appreciate it. José and Consuela aren’t coming to Valencia for the fight so it will make things easier.”
“Is Consuela ill?”
“A little, but I’m sure she will be fine. She is a very quiet woman, she doesn’t like a fuss. I might leave you to your dresses, and help Inés in the kitchen.”
“You cook, too?”
“Don’t be so surprised, I have mellowed in my old age.”
Luna turned back to the dresses; there was one that might be okay. Maybe they could make it in another colour. She heard footsteps behind her; maybe Cayetano had come to rescue her from wedding shit.
“Luna.”
“José.” Wow, pinned in a room with the creepy old guy.
“I have a feeling that you don’t like me.”
“No... I…”
“You have created problems between my grandson and me. Paco asked me to be quiet about my life, and I did that for Cayetano, but since you dug into our family history, it has caused trouble.”
Secrets of Spain Trilogy Page 45