Twist of Fate

by Witek, Barbara

  “Tell me.”

  “I woke up in the hospital believing Sam was my husband.”

  “Your what?” Anger flashed once more in his dark eyes.

  “He never denied it.”

  “Why would he?” Dante grabbed her arm when she tried to walk away.

  “You’re hurting me.” Kate glanced from his hand to his eyes. Her own eyes grew wide with fear the moment he yanked her against his solid body.

  “Don’t play dumb, Trina. It’s not becoming of you.” There had been a time when she enjoyed him calling her Trina, but not now. She could see the muscles in his jaw clench, his face still full of resentment. “Did you sleep with him?”

  Her eyes widened. “That’s none of your business. We’re legally separated, remember?”

  “Answer me.” He shook her, and she started to cry.

  “I thought he was my husband. I, I--”

  She wished she could tell him she’d fallen in love with Sam. She wished she could say she was leaving to make a better life for Hope with Sam. She wished she could, but she couldn’t. Regardless of what she felt, Sam didn’t love her. There was no such thing as a one-sided relationship. He’d betrayed her trust for the second time. She’d have to find a way to let him go.

  Dante’s breath was hot against here ear, snapping her back to reality, as he hissed, “I’ll kill him.”

  “Don’t!” Her heartbeat quickened at the thought.

  “He slept with my wife. You’ve basically admitted it.”

  Kate swallowed. She knew it was pointless to argue when he was like this, but she needed to stand her ground for her sake as well as Hope’s. Her own voice sounded deadly as she ground out, “I won’t be your wife anymore.”

  He released his hold but cupped her chin, which held her head up. “You will not mention his name again. Mark my words, Trina. If he dares to show his face around here or tries to contact you in any way, he will die. Is that understood?” His hand left her chin, but he stood menacingly before her.

  Kate could barely nod. His next words had her bracing the wall for support.

  “You may not want to be my wife now, but you will soon change your mind. You see, thinking your body had been swept away by the current and that you were dead, the judge granted me custody of our daughter. She’s safe here with me, Trina. If you want to see her and keep her safe, you’ll stay here with me too and do as I say.”

  “You can’t do this.”

  “I can, and I will. For all purposes we will be husband and wife. Carlo will believe we are back together. So will the paparazzi, our family and our friends, everything will be as it was before.”

  “No.” The word was barely a whisper.

  “You caused the family much distress by leaving me so publicly. You threatened to expose my connection to the Santini family at the custody hearing.” Dante backed her against the wall, pressing his body into hers. “A debt needs to be paid, my dear. I’ve felt the pressure of your absence for far too long. It’s time you did things my way.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Don’t fight me on this. You will lose. If you leave this house, if you leave me, both you and Hope will die.”

  “You can’t threaten me. I’ll have you arrested.”

  “Think about it, Trina. Staying married to me is a small price to pay for Hope’s life.”

  “You’re talking crazy. I don’t even know who you are anymore.”

  Dante wasn’t going to let her take Hope. He made it impossible for her to leave. How could she jeopardize her daughter’s life? Not wanting him to see her fear, she fled upstairs. His dark laughter followed in her wake. When she reached the guestroom, she closed the door and locked it. He’d won for now, but as soon as she figured out how to get Hope away from him, she’d have the last laugh.

  Looking about the taupe and beige room, the night of passion she’d shared with Sam still burned within her soul. How was she supposed to sleep under the same roof as Dante when he’d become such a monster? Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the doorknob rattle and she wondered if he’d force it open. Time seemed to stand still as she held her breath, waiting. She knew he stood outside, listening for her sobs. Burying her face in the antique lace pillow, she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. Only when she heard him hit the door and walk away, did her body relax. After taking a moment to compose herself, she reached for the bedside phone and called her parents. She couldn’t believe how her hands shook as she punched the numbers on the phone.

  “Hi Dad, it’s Kate. Yes, it’s really me.” She had to pause for a moment at her father’s sobs of joy that she hadn’t died in that car crash. “Dad? Yes, I love you too. Dad, listen to me for a moment. I’m here at the penthouse with Dante and Hope. I know, I know, he told me he got custody at the hearing because I wasn’t there. I had trauma amnesia and was in a hospital. No, I don’t want to get into this right now.” He had all sorts of questions and according to Dante’s new rules, she couldn’t be truthful. She needed to make her father believe everything was fine. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and continued with the charade hoping she’d be able to fool him.

  “The hospital was finally able to contact Dante, and he brought me home. No, Dad, you don’t have to come over. I’m fine.” Her chest ached as she fell deeper into the lie. “Dante and I are working things out.”

  It was then that she noticed she’d never taken Sam’s ring off. As she listened to her father, she pulled the band free and held it between her fingers. “Yes, of course I know what I’m doing.” She exhaled loudly. “Listen, Dad, it’s late and I’ve had a very long day.” She walked over to the dresser and set the ring in the top drawer. “Tell Mom I love her. Don’t worry, everything is fine. I’m where I need to be right now.”

  Kate hung up the phone, opened her jewelry chest and slipped on the diamond bridal set Dante had given her six years ago.

  ***

  Jed’s Bar echoed with music and the occasional smack of a pool cue. Sam and Rusty perched on their usual stools at the end of the bar. Sam slapped the bar with his palm as he finished the recount of his story. “And there you have it.”

  “Sorry, Ace.” Rusty’s voice choked.

  “What are you sorry for? It’s my fault. I’ve really ruined it this time.”

  “Maybe things will be all right once she cools off. She’s had quite a shock, ya know.” Rusty pointed to the bar tender to refresh their drinks.

  “Doubt it.” Sam tipped back the whiskey then tapped his glass on the worn, wood of the bar. “Make it a double, Jed.”

  “Give her time. Don’t jump to conclusions,” Rusty added.

  “You didn’t see the look in her eyes.” Sam drained the glass as soon as the drink was poured. “Leave the bottle,” he instructed Jed more sternly than he’d planned.

  “Getting drunk isn’t going to solve anything tonight.”

  “Yeah, but it sure as hell might make me forget for a while.” Sam raked his hand down his face. “What the hell did I do?”

  “Nothing any other man in love wouldn’t try.” The knowing look on Rusty’s face only made Sam feel worse.

  Sam tried to sound flippant. “Who said anything about love? I don’t know where you get this stuff. I did it to keep her safe, and that’s all.”

  “Don’t give me that line of crap. Have you forgotten how long we’ve known each other? C’mon, I was there at the beginning. I’ve seen the two of you together. Remember?” He paused then shoved Sam’s shoulder. “It’s written all over you, Ace. Someone had to give you a push in the right direction.”

  “You got it all wrong.” Sam scooped up a hand full of peanuts.

  “I beg to differ.”

  “I should have left well enough alone. She hates me. And I can’t blame her.”

  “I’m betting she doesn’t.”

  Sam tried for his best ‘I don’t really care’ attitude. “What can I give her she doesn’t already have? C’mon...she’s got her fancy cars, clothes, that bi
g penthouse and all the opportunity in the world.”

  “There’s one thing she doesn’t have.”

  “Yeah, what’s that?”

  “The one thing she can’t seem to hold onto.” Rusty raised his rocks glass in Sam’s direction.

  “Well, I blew that right out the window now, didn’t I.” Sam poured his own drink, tossing it back with a shake of his head. “I can’t blame her for leaving. I’ve never been the right guy for her. All I ever end up doing is breaking her heart.” He shoved the glass away, not liking the depressed emotions starting to take over. “I gotta go.”

  “You okay to drive?”

  “Yeah. I’ll call ya tomorrow. Give my love to Jill.”

  “Will do, buddy.”

  Sam stood in the parking lot, remembering the fateful night he’d watched Kate drive away. What would have happened to her if he hadn’t come along when he did? What was going to happen to her now? Even after all this time, maybe Kate’s old man was right. She was out of his league. He drove down the familiar road, thinking long and hard about his actions.

  Forget what Rusty had said, he’d done what any friend would do. From the beginning it had been about what was best for Kate. Sam had sworn to protect her that was true. But when had that vow turned into something more?

  He cranked up the music, trying to drown out the mental chastising he was giving himself. This was ridiculous. He’d also sworn not to lose her again, but his stupidity had cost him her love for a second time. What more could he do that he hadn’t already done? It didn’t matter what he might be feeling. She didn’t feel the same, and that message had come through loud and clear. Since when did he ever listen?

  Punching the radio knob with his knuckle, he stopped the music. He needed to do something about the situation, and the answer came to him like a bolt of lightning against a desert sky. He loved her. He always had. What kind of man was he if he gave up now?

  Challenging her powerful husband and his goons was not tops on his list. He could think of better things to do. But if it meant Kate would see him in a different light and prove to her even though he didn’t have the wealth and power, he was just as good for her, then he would challenge the devil himself if he had to.

  Cranking the truck sharply in a u-turn, he headed toward Philly, feeling recharged as he drove down the highway. There was no turning back, and he didn’t want to. He didn’t know exactly where he was going, but he’d iron out the details once he got there. At least now he headed in the right direction. Sam was ready to fight, and he wasn’t going to leave until Kate agreed to come back with him.

  “For once I’m going to be that guy who wins your heart.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Kate sat in the sunny breakfast nook, her cappuccino untouched. She’d stayed awake half the night. Dante’s door had opened and closed several times, and she faintly remembered hearing the phone ring in the wee hours of the morning. She hadn’t even been back for twenty-four hours, and already “they” were calling. Absolutely nothing had changed, and she was right back where she’d started.

  Dante was nowhere to be found this morning. The sound of a key in the lock had her spinning toward the door. To her surprise a matronly woman wearing a grey pressed dress walked in.

  “Good morning.” Kate smiled and asked, “Who are you?”

  “Oh, my.” The woman blushed. “I didn’t realize Mr. Pizzaro was having a guest.”

  “I’m no guest.” Just a prisoner against my will, Kate thought and took a sip of her cappuccino. “I’m Dante’s wife.”

  “My stars, I read about you in the morning paper. I didn’t realize you’d be staying here. Forgive me, ma’am.”

  “That’s all right, Mrs....?”

  “Jones. Abbey Jones. But please call me Abbey.” The woman seemed friendly enough.

  “Dante hired a new maid? I find that hard to believe. We’ve always been happy with Celia.”

  “No, ma’am. I’m the nanny.”

  “A nanny?” The wheels turned in Kate’s mind. Dante had hired a nanny to watch over Hope, so he could continue to do the dirty work for Carlo Santini. Very clever. He’d still look like the dedicated father, watching out for his daughter’s welfare while he worked long hours in the law office. What judge wouldn’t give him full custody, seeing as she had been declared missing or dead?

  “Is something wrong?” Abbey asked.

  “No, no, nothing is wrong. Listen, Abbey, I’m going to be staying here for a while so we won’t need your services any longer. I’ll make sure Dante pays you appropriately, and we will provide impeccable references for you. Thank you for all you’ve done in my absence.” Slipping the key out of the nanny’s hand, Kate skillfully ushered Mrs. Jones back out the door. She didn’t need another factor in this equation. Getting Hope out of the penthouse and to safety was something she’d have to figure out on her own. Locking the door again, she walked back into the kitchen.

  “Mommy, I’m glad you’re home. Did you miss me?” Hope’s voice chirped between bites of cereal. Kate shook her head, taking herself out of the bad place.

  What had he told their daughter?

  She smiled at her daughter’s curly head. “I missed you very much, sweetheart. Finish your breakfast.” Looking out the window as she’d done many times before, she wondered where Dante was and what he’d been doing all night or if he was even alive. Just another reason why she’d tried to get out and she wouldn’t fall back into this way of life again.

  “Why didn’t you call us, Mommy?”

  “W-what?” She turned back to Hope.

  “If you missed us so much, how come you didn’t call?”

  “Oh, angel,” Kate tucked a stray curl behind Hope’s ear, “I couldn’t call.”

  “Why?” Hope tipped her bowl to finish the milk. Smiling proudly, she showed the empty bowl to her mother. “All done.”

  Kate was taken off guard at Hope’s persistence, but what would she expect from a child who just wanted to understand how her mother could have left her like that. This was such a complicated matter. Kate wondered how she could explain it on five-year old terms. She took a deep breath, ready to try her best.

  “Mommy was very sick for a while.” She watched as Hope’s eyes grew large.

  “Were you scared?”

  “Sometimes.” Not always.

  Sam’s smiling face popped into her head, warming her chilled heart. She couldn’t help wondering if he was all right. She hoped Dante or Carlo’s other thugs hadn’t gone to hurt him.

  “Mommy?” Hope poked her in the arm. “You won’t leave again, will you?”

  Kate pulled her daughter close. “No, honey, I won’t leave again.” Not without you. She picked up Hope, and while balancing her on a hip, took the dishes from the table to the sink. “Hey, we’ve got to get you ready for school.”

  “I don’t want to go to school.”

  “All smart little girls need to go to school. Now come on and let me do your hair.” Kate set her on a chair.

  “No. I don’t want to go.” Hope defiantly crossed her arms and stuck out her lip.

  “But you love school.”

  “I don’t want you to go away.” Hope’s bottom lip quivered.

  Kate saw the tears in Hope’s eyes as she knelt before her daughter. “I’m not going away, baby. I’ll come to pick you up just like I always do.”

  “Where’s Mrs. Jones? She picked me up when you were gone.”

  “I told Mrs. Jones we didn’t need her anymore because Mommy was back.”

  “Good.” Hope beemed. “She’s really nice, but I like it best when you pick me up.”

  She hugged Hope tightly. For the first time she wished none of this had happened. She’d wanted Dante to see she was serious, to see she had a mind of her own. Somewhere along the way, he’d forgotten that fact. She hadn’t planned to be gone too long, and she certainly hadn’t planned on Sam. But it happened, and she needed to get over it.

  “Do I still have to go to
school?” Hope pulled away and tilted her head to the side. Kate swept her back in for another quick hug.

  “March, young lady, upstairs and brush your teeth.”

  Hope stomped her little feet all the way to the bathroom, with an occasional grunt of displeasure. Kate couldn’t help smiling. She’d thought about keeping her home, but she needed to think things through and figure out where she could go with Hope to make a fresh start, and she couldn’t do that with a chatty five-year-old around. She had to forget Sam Hackett as much as Dante needed to forget working for Carlo Santini.

  But neither one of those things would ever happen.

  Dante had always been a man of honor. What honor was there in lying to everyone? She remembered what Mrs. Jones had said about the morning paper. While Hope remained upstairs, she went to the foyer where the paper lay on the table. Her hands trembled as she stared at the front page. It hadn’t taken the paparazzi long to make headlines with the pictures from last night.

  With the words “reconciliation” in big bold letters, Kate stared at the picture taken as Dante had helped her out of the car. He’d pulled her close and kept his arm around her all the way to the door. Anyone who looked at this picture would easily think the headlines were true. And according to Dante, she’d be making them believe it. Kate turned her attention back to the stairs as a very cheerful Hope hopped down each step.

  “I want pigtails today.” She handed Kate a brush and two blue hair bands.

  Kate made two, curly, pigtails to which Hope smiled her satisfaction. She ran to the door and slipped on her pink plaid backpack.

  “Ready, Mommy.”

  ***

  Hand in hand they walked the three blocks to St. Anne’s Academy, very aware of the photographer and very aware of Paulie. Kate squeezed her daughter’s hand. “How about I get your favorite meal for dinner tonight?”

  “Yeah!” Hope bounced beside her.

  “What would you like?”

  “I want to go to the Pizza Factory.”

  “Are you sure?” Kate asked, not ready to be on public display.

  “Yup. They give out the neatest prizes. Please, Mommy?”