Forbidden Disclosure (A Billionaire in Disguise)

by Terri Marie

  “I’m comfortable in these, Carl. My attire doesn’t change or make who I am. Good to see you again.” He shook Carl’s hand and walked away, leaving the man standing there, staring at his blue flannel back.

  Daniel knocked on the study door, then entered it after he heard his father’s booming voice.

  Francesco hurried to his son and gave him a tight embrace, then kissed his cheek. “Daniel, welcome home!”

  “Thank you, Father.”

  “You didn’t have to put those clothes back on, Daniel.”

  “These clothes are what I feel comfortable in. You should try it sometime.”

  Francesco smiled at his son’s suggestion. “I’m glad you learned the lessons in life that will always benefit you. I’m sorry I had to go to such extremes, but I hope you understand why I did what I did. It was very hard for me to send you away, Daniel.”

  “Thank you for doing it. I’m not the same man I was when I left. I’m a better one because of you.”

  “Daniel, I need to ask you about this woman Rosie.” Francesco couldn’t hide the look of concern on his face. “You were close to her?”

  “I love Rosie. She has been sort of a mother to me.”

  “You worked on her farm, no?”

  “Every day I worked long, hard hours. She isn’t a young woman, and she was working just as long and hard as I was. Then she’d go in the house and prepare these meals that were like heaven. She even has a couple of horses I became close to. They’re magnificent animals.”

  “Do you know a lot about this farm?”

  “Rosie said her husband bought it some years ago and built a home there. His name was Albert and he died a decade ago, but she kept the farm going. It’s just her and a man named Sam, who works the land. He has a family and lives a few miles away. He comes over and helps her out, but I don’t think they get along as well as what Rosie claims. He’s pretty stern and not very pleasant.”

  “How is the farm doing? Is it successful?”

  “I think it is. She paid me well, and I was able to save up a decent amount. I kept a thousand dollars when I left in case of an emergency and to buy my plane ticket, but then I left the remaining money with her. I hope it helps her out.”

  “You gave her your money?”

  “She needed it more than I did. I knew I was coming back here and would have access to everything. That’s what I want to talk with you about, Father.”

  “Don’t tell me you wrecked your car…”

  “It’s about the car and a few other things. But no, I didn’t wreck it. I don’t want it.”

  “Daniel, you don’t have to have another sports car. This one should last you for quite a while.”

  “I’m sure it would. I just don’t want it.”

  “You don’t want it?”

  “It’s a waste of money, Father. I don’t want that penthouse either. I want both of them sold.”

  “What has gotten into you, Daniel?”

  “Rosie just about kills herself every single day keeping that farm running. She doesn’t have any other ranch hands to help her other than Sam. Now that I’m gone it could take her quite a while before she finds more help.”

  “Daniel, I have to tell you something. I don’t want you to be angry with me.”

  “What is it?”

  “You know that I love you and I know you got to spend a great deal of time with this woman and grew to trust her while you were in Tennessee. I still had to make sure you were protected. I had Rosie investigated.”

  “You what?!” Daniel quickly rose to his feet. He was furious.

  “On paper only, Daniel. I didn’t find anything that would suggest that Rosie knew who you were and would try to get money.”

  “Oh my God! She isn’t even like that at all!”

  “I realize this, Daniel. She isn’t hiring any more ranch hands. She never intended on it.”

  “Wait. What are you talking about?”

  “Rosie is losing her farm, Daniel. The three hundred acre farm is being foreclosed. It seems that back taxes, loans, and bad debt sunk her.”

  “Wait a minute. Her farm is not three hundred acres. You have the wrong person. I lived on that farm, and I know it isn’t three hundred acres. It’s surrounded by other property. She only owns a hundred, if that, and probably closer to seventy-five, as we only grew hay and some produce that was sold. That's about it.”

  “Is this Rosie?” Francesco turned the picture to face Daniel. He saw the concern and sadness in his son’s eyes. He hadn’t seen that since Daniel was a little boy.

  Daniel took the file from his father’s hands and sat back down. His hands began to tremble.

  “I have to go, Father.”

  “Where are you going? We have other matters to discuss.”

  “Rosie can’t lose that place. If she does, she’ll lose her horses. They are like children to her. I’m sorry, Father, but I have to get back to Tennessee. I’ll work day in and day out if I have to.”

  “Daniel…” Francesco smiled at his son. He had never been so proud of this young man standing in front of him.

  “What is it, Father? I have to leave.”

  “You’re rich.”

  “Please don’t start on me about money. I’m not like I was.”

  “I know this, Daniel. It’s evident that you’ve changed. But you’re rich. You’ve blown money left and right and for all the wrong reasons. But you say that this Rosie is important to you?”

  “She is very important to me. She’s…family.”

  “Then family should stick together.” Francesco pushed the button on his desk, and Carl entered the study shortly thereafter.

  “Yes, Francesco, may I be of assistance?”

  “Carl, I need a bag packed as quickly as possible.”

  “What climate, Sir?”

  “We will also need the jet. We have to get to Tennessee.”

  “Very well, Francesco.” Carl turned and quickly left the room.

  “We?” Daniel didn’t know what to think.

  “We’re family, Daniel. Let’s put all of our resources to good work!” Francesco smiled when his son ran to him and threw his arms around his shoulders.

  “Thank you, Father. I don’t know what to say.”

  “Well, you will have to think of something to say, because Rosie doesn’t know who you really are.”

  “Oh God…”

  The flight to Nashville was welcomed. It gave Daniel and his father time to fill in the blanks. Francesco couldn’t believe what a wonderful man Daniel had become and was excited to hand over the business to his son. But now wasn’t the time to approach company business.

  Daniel led his father through the airport at a fast pace.

  “You are going to have to slow down some, Daniel. I’m not a young man anymore.”

  “I’m sorry, Father, I just need to get to the farm.”

  “Where are you going? A limo is picking us up. Where is the damn thing?” Francesco was getting angry.

  “We don’t have to wait for a limo. There’s no time.”

  Daniel walked out to the parking lot, and there stood the old, faithful red pickup. He reached in his pocket and pulled out the key. Daniel opened up the passenger door without a second thought, then turned to see his father’s shocked face.

  “What is this, Daniel?”

  “Our limo. Get in and buckle up, I’m not sure of its safety.” Daniel laughed to himself. Francesco wasn’t laughing one bit, but did as he was told.

  “Where are we going, Daniel? We can’t go to the farm, it’s too late. Rosie will surely be sleeping. Let’s just get a room, and we’ll drive out to Montoose Farm first thing in the morning.”

  “Yeah, you’re right.”

  Disappointed, Daniel drove around Nashville until he found a nice motel that his father would approve of. For the entire night that Daniel lay on the stiff, bleach-smelling sheets, he wished for his warm, comfortable room by the barn, with the ‘night talk’ from Rosie’s hor
ses.

  “Father, wake up, we need to get going.”

  “Daniel, what time is it?”

  “It’s five in the morning. We can have breakfast and then head over to the farm. If we don’t hurry, Rosie will be difficult to find.”

  “Wait a minute, you got up every morning at five?”

  “Yes, and it was a great way to start the day. I didn’t feel like I missed a single thing. I don’t want the nightlife anymore, it just isn’t for me.”

  Francesco nodded with approval and hugged his son. His pride for Daniel Giordano was beaming through his eyes. He was definitely going to make this family proud.

  The old pickup bounced down the rough gravel roads until they approached the sign, “Montoose Farm.” The kitchen light was on, so Daniel climbed out of the truck and headed up to the house.

  Before he could knock, he saw the foreclosure notice taped to the middle of the door. Oh my God, it’s true! With a shaking hand, Daniel knocked softly, then opened the door. There were no smells of scrambled eggs, bacon, and coffee. There was no Rosie there to greet him.

  “Rosie?”

  “John?” I’m in the living room, come on in!” She tried to make her voice sound as cheerful as she could.

  Daniel let his father inside, then cautiously rounded the corner. What he saw broke his heart.

  “Rosie, what is happening?” Daniel went down on his knees in front of her and wrapped her up in his arms. She cried loud, uncontrollable sobs. After a few minutes, Daniel sat back on his heels and held her hands.

  “John, the farm is gone. Someone is coming at eight to pick up Patches and Daisy. They’ve been with me for so long. They’re my babies.” The sobs became even louder.

  “Rosie, who is coming to get the horses?”

  “A farmer that Sam found wants them. I don’t have a place to keep my girls. I don’t have a home. I would love to offer you your room to stay in, but there isn’t one, John. I have nothing anymore.”

  Daniel was seeing red. “Rosie, do you trust me?”

  “Of course I do.” Rosie smiled through her tears and patted Daniel’s cheek.

  “Rosie, this is my father, Francesco Giordano.”

  She stood up, and Francesco smiled and put his hand out.

  “You've raised a fine young man. I just love him! He’s like a son to me, so I guess that means you’re family too!” Rosie wrapped her arms around Francesco and hugged him.

  The older man blushed but was enjoying the embrace of this woman in his arms.

  “Rosie, why are you losing your farm? I thought you were doing so well.” Daniel was beside himself.

  “Albert drank heavily, John. When he drank, he gambled. Before I knew it, all of our savings was gone. After his death from a heart attack, I was made aware of the many loans that Albert took out, putting the farm up for collateral. The sums owed were so large, I couldn’t repay them. I have three hundred acres. You only saw a small part of it. I couldn’t afford to keep the livestock. I couldn’t afford to hire the men it would take to keep a farm this size up and running.” Rosie’s face showed utter defeat.

  “Be honest with me, who is Sam?”

  “Sam is Albert’s brother. I’ve never liked him, and he was trying to force me into giving him the farm. He told me I could continue to live here, but the horses were an expense that wasn’t necessary, and he wouldn’t let me keep them.”

  “Father…”

  Francesco cleared his throat, broadened his shoulders, and got ready to reintroduce his son. “Rosie, this young man’s name isn’t John Williams. My son was a pretty reckless man and ran from reality. I sent him here as a test, made him leave the family name in New York and learn to make it on his own so I could hand over my shipping business to him. His name is Daniel Giordano. Do not be angry with him, this was my doing. He had no other option but to use the new identity that I gave to him. Daniel has more than proven to me that he has grown up. I’m very proud of him and I’ll be gladly handing over my business to my son so I may retire.”

  “Daniel?”

  “I’m sorry, Rosie. All of my feelings for you are real. The man you know is real. I’m here to help you. Please let me.”

  “John, I mean, Daniel, it would take money that neither of us have.”

  Francesco interrupted. “Rosie, if we had the money would you let us help you?”

  “I love my horses, and seeing them leave is going to completely break my heart. The farm I don’t care about. It’s very beautiful land, but I feel so lonely in this town. I don’t have any friends, and working this farm takes up my life. There are no days to relax, and if I don’t feel well, I work anyway. I never wanted this for myself. This place holds a very painful past with Albert, and now with Sam.”

  “So the only things you want out of here are your horses?” Daniel looked his father in the eyes.

  “Rosie, have you ever been to New York?” The old man was feeling such compassion for this woman.

  “Well, the only places I’ve been are up to Nashville, then back here to Prairie.”

  “Would you be interested in coming to New York?” Francesco smiled.

  “I really couldn’t afford to move anyplace, especially to New York. There are rooms to rent here in Prairie, so I should be okay.” Rosie smiled and gave her best attempt to convey that she would be just fine. The truth was, Rosie had very little money. Rosie wanted to give Daniel back his money she found in her sweater, but knew he wouldn't accept it. She would have to rent a place from Beatrice.

  “Well, it’s settled then.” Francesco took out his phone, picked up a utility bill on the table, and used his authoritative voice.

  “Bill, Francesco here…Good and you?...Great. I need a nice place on my estate for two horses…TWO HORSES! I don’t have time for this. Either you can handle it or you can’t. I want it completed as soon as possible, and I don’t care how many men you have to hire. Just get it done. The faster you work the more money you’ll make. I need fencing put up for them. I think fifteen acres of the property will be just fine. Keep me posted, and Bill? Make it nice!” Francesco hung up the phone and dialed another number.

  “Mark, draw up some papers, I want to purchase a farm at forty-seven Shenandoah Road, Prairie Tennessee. I want all three hundred acres and the dwellings. I don’t care what the cost is. Pay whatever they’re asking. I need this put on the top of your pile, Mark.”

  Rosie chimed in the second Francesco hung up. “Mr. Giordano, this is very expensive. Even if you buy this farm I can’t afford to stay here. It will take the rest of my life to pay for the many loans, and even then it won’t be the complete amount.”

  “Rosie, please call me Francesco. What you need to know is that we have money. We aren’t going to stand by and watch you suffer or struggle even for one more day. I need to know who you owe and we’ll take care of it now. Then, you’re coming to my home, since you were so kind to let my son into yours.”

  “Daniel, is this real?” Rosie was afraid to feel hopeful.

  “It’s all real, Rosie. Your new life, which you’re more than deserving of, is about to begin.” Daniel wrapped his arms around her and struggled to maintain his composure.

  After a few more phone calls, Francesco phoned Carl and requested a limo because there was no way that all three of them were going to fit in the old pickup. Rosie cooked one of her amazing meals as they waited for the limo to drive in from Nashville. Daniel never saw his father consume that much food, that fast, in his life.

  “Rosie, this was the most amazing meal I’ve ever eaten. And if I don’t stop, I’m not going to fit in any automobile.” Francesco laughed and gave Rosie his biggest smile.

  As the limo pulled up, so did the local farmer and Sam, who was wearing an evil smirk on his face.

  “What the hell is this?” demanded Sam. “Rosie is signing over this farm to me as soon as we get the two deadbeat horses out of here. I was just informed that someone is trying to buy the place. It’s mine so ya’ll better just m
ove along.”

  “You can’t take this farm, Sam. And you won’t go near either of my horses. There’s been nothing signed and no money has exchanged hands. Get off of my property. Your days of bullying me are over!”

  Sam stepped close to Rosie and shoved her. That was the last straw.

  “Don’t you dare lay a hand on her!” Daniel drew back his fist, but his father stopped him.

  “Son, you can’t strike an old man! It isn’t right. But I can!” Francesco hit Sam in his face, causing him to go to the ground. “Get off this property and don’t you ever step another foot on it again!”