Hope raised her head. “Daddy?”
He gazed into her scared blues eyes and quivery lips. “It’s all right, honey. My leg hurts, that’s all. I have to figure out how to get my leg out. But don’t worry, we’ll be all right.”
He felt delirious from the heat and smoke. The pain shooting through his leg made him want to close his eyes, but he wouldn’t. He couldn’t lose sight of Hope. What if she ran off? He’d made the call, help would be here soon.
***
Sam paced like a caged animal in front of Kate. Every once in a while he looked to the building, hoping he’d see Dante come out carrying his daughter. He kept expecting something to fly through a window to show their location.
Nothing.
He didn’t know what to say to console Kate anymore. He couldn’t understand why help hadn’t arrived yet. He’d tried to use his own phone, but something was interfering with the signal. What if this was all some set up? Dante would come out the hero, and he’d look like a jerk. Kate appeared beside him, scattering his thoughts. She looked about ready to lose it.
“I think something is wrong. Why isn’t anyone here?” Her face was ashen, and she kept wringing her hands.
He scanned the horizon, hoping to see flashing lights or hear a siren. He needed to stay positive. “They’ll be coming.”
“How much longer do we have to wait? I just want this to be over.”
He did, too. What would happen when it was all over? He began to doubt he’d end up victorious, but he still saw that spark in her eyes when she looked at him. They were meant to be. He couldn’t lose faith, not after all of this. He cleared his throat.
“Do you think we have it? You know, what it takes to make it?”
Her eyes still glistened from all the tears she shed. “It’s faith, Sam, just like you said. We need to believe.”
“Do you believe in us?” He watched her gaze jump to the building and then back to him as if she were afraid she’d miss a sign, something.
“I do,” she finally said, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Will you trust me?”
“Yes.”
While he’d been pacing, he thought of everything that had happened between them, from day one all those years ago to the present. All of the hurt, the misunderstandings and mostly the love they’d shared. Everything that ever mattered was on the line right now. Kate needed him, and so did Hope. If he ever needed to fight for something, it was now.
He took a deep breath before blurting out, “I can’t do this any longer.”
Her eyes grew large. “What are you talking about?”
“Stand here and do nothing.” He took a step forward. “I’ve got to go in there.”
She grabbed his arm and pleaded, “No. You can’t.”
“I have to. I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t.”
“And I can’t lose you, too.”
He leaned down and tenderly kissed her moist lips. When he stepped back, he touched his finger to her lips. “Forever, remember?” He jogged to the bay doors and passed through the impending smoke before he lost his nerve, praying he wasn’t too late.
Once inside the warehouse, he squinted in the dim light waiting for his eyes to adjust. The smell of smoldering paper and chemicals among other things burned inside his nose. The intense heat, along with thick smoke, made breathing difficult.
The place appeared to be consumed by flames, its contents burning rapidly. Sam felt the sense of urgency as new fires sprang up around him. He scanned the lower level for any kind of movement. His ears tuned in for any unusual noise.
“Hope, Dante. Can you hear me?” Sam ran, dodging pieces of the building as they blazed and fell. “Dante, where are you?” He coughed.
For an instant he fell prey to his earlier insecurities. This was all a set up, and he was going to die while Dante walked away with Kate, happily ever after. A loud ‘snap’ caused him to look overhead. A ceiling beam let loose and crashed to the floor several feet away. The place was getting more dangerous by the moment, and still no help.
His eyes were drawn to a crumpled staircase. He prayed he wouldn’t find the body of his daughter there. As he got closer, he swore he could hear crying. She was alive, he just had to find her. Relief washed over him when he didn’t see a tiny body mangled within the stairs.
“Hope, where are you?” He looked up to the second level which was deteriorating fast. He heard coughing, masculine coughing. “Dante, are you all right? Do you have Hope?”
“Sam,” the reply sounded hoarse, “I’ve got her.”
“Where are you? I can’t see you.”
“Up here, but my leg is trapped.”
“Hold on, I’ll be right there.” Sam rubbed his burning eyes as he searched for a ladder or some way to get to the second floor. He coughed again as the ever-thickening smoke filled his lungs. Deeming some nearby crates sturdy enough to stand on, he began to push them under the overhang, which appeared to be the only thing left of the second floor. It took much effort to shove and lift the crates into a makeshift stairway. He’d figure out his next move once he got up there, if he got up there.
Following the sound of Hope’s sobs, he cautiously made his way. When he reached the top, he collapsed from exhaustion. His lungs could hold no more of the ash and soot. He needed fresh air. His body felt dehydrated from the searing heat. At the sound of another tiny cough, he rolled to his knees.
He had to go on. This was his family. He wouldn’t give up. Rising to his feet and coughing hard to clear his lungs, he shuffled forward. It didn’t take long to find the room where Dante and Hope were. She sat by Dante’s shoulder, clutching her doll and looking frightened. He grabbed her and pulled her close.
“Are you okay?”
“My Daddy’s hurt bad.” Her tears left a trail down her smudged cheeks.
“Don’t you worry, I’ll help him. You sit right here where I can see you, okay?” He guided her slowly to the desk chair, making sure things were secure before moving away. She looked so small. He had to move fast. The heat and smoke had taken their toll on her as well.
“Some hero you are.” Sam attempted to lighten the air as he knelt next to Dante’s legs. Dante turned his face to the side.
“I’m no hero.”
“Not when you’re laying here on the floor. Let’s get you out of here.” Sam attempted to shove the cabinet. The movement caused Dante to groan then laugh when his eyes met Sam’s.
“I thought you’d leave me here once you found Hope.”
Sam stopped fiddling with the cabinet and looked at the man lying on the floor. Of course, the thought had crossed his mind, but he’d never admit it. “What are you talking about?”
Dante cleared his throat and paused a moment to wince. “You know...save your daughter, be the hero...let me die. You could say you never saw me in here.”
“Unlike you, hot-shot, I’ve got a conscience. Now let’s get your sorry ass out of here.” Sam wiggled the cabinet away from the beam. “Can you slide your leg out if I lift this?”
“I think so.”
“Listen, we don’t have time for I think so’s.”
“I can.”
“Good. On the count of three...” Sam gripped the beam like a pseudo-lumberjack. “One...Two...Three!” He strained to lift, pleased when Dante rolled to the right and out of the way.
The beam hit the floor, and Sam heard a squeal from Hope. He turned to find her plastered against Dante’s chest. Dante’s arms stretched protectively across her back, his eyes were closed. Sam wondered what could be going through his mind. He studied the heart-wrenching picture for a moment and silently thanked the man for so obviously loving her. A crash from out in the warehouse made them all catch a breath. Sam reached out a hand to help Dante sit up.
Hope’s scratchy voice cried out, “Daddy, I’m scared. I want to go home.”
Both men answered the call. “It’s okay.”
They looked quickly to one another then
away. It was Sam who broke the awkward silence.
“Can you stand?” Sam pulled Dante to his feet, supporting him with his left arm. Dante hopped, holding Hope tight in his left arm.
Sam and Dante froze at the sound of an almost demonic groan. The floor vibrated then pitched. The groan became louder. Fear surged through Sam’s body. He’d come so far and they were so close to safety.
No sooner did he think to pull them all to the right, when the floor gave way beneath Dante’s feet. The man’s right arm slipped off of Sam’s. At the sound of Hope’s scream, Sam’s heart stopped.
A cloud of smoke cleared and Dante dangled at Sam’s feet, Hope clinging frantically to his neck. How long could she hold on? Could he pull them both out? Fighting fatigue, he dropped to his knees and extended his hand.
“Take my hand. I’ll pull you up.”
“I’ll lose her. I Can’t. Take Hope. Get her out of here.”
“Listen, I’m not leaving you behind.” Sam needed to act quickly. Even though he’d love to rescue his daughter alone, Dante had been the one to find her. He spoke more out loud than to the man clinging for his life. “For some reason, Kate seems to believe in you, even if you are an ass.”
At the mention of Kate’s name both men shared a knowing glance. The time they’d been dreading was at hand. One would win and one would lose, all in the name of love.
“C’mon.” Sam nodded and extended his arm again. “Take it, man.” They’d get out of this unscathed, they had to.
But he couldn’t prolong fate anymore. A burst of flames shot up from below followed by another ominous groan from the structure. Dante pushed Hope from around his neck with one arm and shoved her toward Sam. Sam grasped her sleeve holding on for dear life.
“Bella!” Hope screamed as the doll disappeared through the smoke.
“Take her. Take her now.” Dante’s voice sounded weak.
“Hold on man. I’ll get you, too.” Sam pulled Hope up and away from the edge. “Stay there, honey.”
“My daddy! I want my daddy!”
“I’ll get him sweetheart.” Sam turned to pull Dante’s arm, but it was too late. The man couldn’t hold on any longer.
“Take care of them.”
“No!” Sam reached dangerously over the edge in an attempt to secure his rival, but Dante’s grip gave way as he vanished into the inferno below.
***
Kate felt on the verge of a break down. She’d been standing outside, pacing for so long, she could barely think straight. Her mind raced with every scenario imaginable. Sam’s cell phone still had no signal. Help had not arrived. She was tempted to jump in Sam’s truck and find help herself, but she feared if she left, they would need her.
So she continued pacing.
Exactly how many Hail Mary’s she’d recited, she couldn’t remember. She hadn’t been a woman of faith in many years, but she swore if God answered her prayers, she’d plant herself in the front pew every Sunday from now on.
She snapped her head toward the sound of shattered glass. An office chair sailed through the second story window. She began to run toward the building. Sam’s head was the first thing she saw. He looked filthy and tired.
“Sam, are you okay? Do you have Hope?” She stopped and waved some of the smoke away from her face.
“Hope is with me.”
“Are you sure Hope’s all right? Where’s Dante?” She could feel the panic building. She needed reassurance her daughter was unharmed. She had every urge to run into the warehouse herself.
Sam coughed and leaned against the window ledge. “He didn’t make it. We need a way out, Kate.”
“What?” She stared blankly, stunned by what he’d just said. Dante was dead?
“Kate!” Sam yelled, snapping her back to the dire situation at hand.
“How?” She called back up to him, still feeling helpless. What could she do? They couldn’t jump. She spun around at the whirl of sirens. Waving her arms, she flagged down the fire engine. Two squad cars and two unmarked sedans followed. “They’re up there!” She pointed as she ran. “Help them.”
A second engine appeared with a ladder. Hoses were unloaded, and the firemen went to work. Water soon sprayed everywhere. When most of the flames were contained, they started sending up the ladder.
Kate placed a hand over her mouth when she saw Hope’s body being passed through the window. Her daughter seemed so tiny in the fireman’s beefy arms. For such a large man, he took great care coming down the ladder. Kate knew he was doing his job, but if she didn’t have her daughter in her arms soon, she’d lose it.
Once on the ground the large man handed Hope’s lifeless body to another fireman. Kate rushed to the man’s side. Hope’s eyes were shut, and she didn’t move. Kate tried to touch her, but the fireman hurried to an awaiting ambulance.
“Is she okay? Why isn’t she moving?”
“Ma’am, I need to get her to the paramedic. She breathed a lot of smoke in there.”
“I’m her mother. Is she breathing?” Kate stopped short her own breath.
“Ma’am, please, I need to do my job.”
Kate grabbed hold of the man’s coat sleeve, motherly instincts kicking in. He hadn’t answered her question. She asked again, fear thick on her tongue. “Is she breathing.”
“Barely. Step aside, ma’am.” He pushed past her and handed Hope to the paramedic.
Kate stood in shock as three people worked over her daughter. She took a hesitant step forward then froze. The fireman’s glare told her to back off and sit tight. There would be no room for her there, and Hope’s health was most important. Her daughter was alive. She prayed they’d gotten her out in time.
To take her mind off Hope, Kate’s gaze returned to the building as Sam stepped off the ladder. She felt delirious and ran toward him. He folded her in his arms and held her tight, too tight, but she didn’t care. She never wanted him to let go. There were moments when she didn’t think they’d get out at all. He began coughing as his lungs took in clean air. Through the spasms, Kate still hung onto him.
“Where is she? Where’s Hope?” He lifted his eyes and searched around the rescue trucks.
“They took her to the ambulance. They’re checking her over and giving her oxygen. Sam, I was so scared.”
“Me too. I’m sorry about Dante. I tried, Kate. I really tried.”
“I’m sure you did.” Kate felt a surprising sense of loss. Dante may have changed in the end, but he had once loved her. There was no denying he loved the child he’d thought of as a daughter from the day she was born. At least he’d finally done something good in his life. He’d saved Hope. And for that, Katrina would forever be grateful.
***
Sam sat next to Kate in the ambulance while the paramedics secured Hope for the trip to the hospital. Kate seemed distant, and after everything they had gone through, he had no problem giving her space if she needed it. “You okay?”
“Yes. I didn’t think losing him would feel like this.”
“Dante did what he had to do. He knew what he had to do.”
“I know. I should have known him better. I wish I could have believed in him the way I believed in you.”
Sam took Kate’s hand. “I promise from this moment on, not to let anything happen to either of you.” He leaned down and kissed Hope’s forehead just as the ambulance lurched forward, sirens blaring. “Have I told you that I love you?” he whispered against Kate’s ear.
“Not nearly enough.” She replied as she leaned back against his chest.
“I can’t wait to get you girls home so I can tell both of you every day for the rest of my life,” he squeezed Kate’s hand and winked, “for the rest of forever.”
EPILOGUE (two years later)
“Look, Mommy, a rainbow!” Hope pointed to the vibrant colors arching in the grey sky. Kate closed her umbrella and smiled. “It’s beautiful, sweetie.”
“It’s Daddy smiling at us.”
Hope’s innocent words wer
e enough to bring tears to Kate’s eyes. Moving forward continued to be a slow process. She thought after the first year, these visits would be easier. Coming to the cemetery had been Kate’s idea. While transitioning Sam into their lives, Kate didn’t want to confuse Hope. She’d insisted, much to Sam’s distress, on bringing the girl several times a year. Hope had adjusted well to the absence of Dante and seemed to enjoy the times Sam came around. Kate promised Sam there would be no more secrets. There would come a day when Hope would be old enough to understand, and they would tell her the truth, together.
Thankfully, the paparazzi were more concerned with the disappearance of Carlo Santini than they were Kate’s growing relationship with Sam. Rico Ramirez proved to be more of a trusted friend than Kate ever realized. He cooperated fully with the authorities, providing evidence they needed to indict Jose and Cody on drug possession and distribution. Kate’s business was free and clear, and her employees were found innocent. Rico returned to Argentina after providing Kate with a purchase order which would keep her more than busy for the next two years. Unfortunately, Carlo Santini escaped far underground before any activity could be linked to him. Kate prayed that justice would one day be served and he would rot in a jail cell for the rest of his miserable life.
The wind picked up, and Kate froze in motion as she tied the belt of her rain coat. She blinked several times then breathed deep. No, it couldn’t be. No matter how long it had been, she’d never be able to forget Dante’s cologne. The unique blend of spice and musk swirled around her like a cyclone. She loved Sam with all her heart, but Dante had been a big part of her life for a long time. A part of her would always care about him … miss him, even. Kate turned in a circle, scanning the surrounding area. There was no one around other than Sam parked along the gravel road.
I must be imagining things.
“Love you, Daddy,” Hope said, and let go of Kate’s hand.
Twist of Fate Page 23