‘Can you remember where she kept her box?’
Sighing deeply, that was the problem.
‘I think she had it in the bank, but that branch closed years ago. I don’t know where it could be now.’ I slumped on the sofa in exasperation.
‘Lex, this is a huge breakthrough. Don’t be despondent, we will find it,’ jumping up and taking my hand. He picked up the phone as I went to check on Caitlan, eager to start the search just as much as I was.
Another month had passed since we found the key and still there was no sign of the safety deposit box.
I was beginning to give up hope and found myself resolute with the fact we would always need security teams following us. Nicholi was putting a brave face on it, but I could see he was thinking the same.
Slipping out of bed quietly, I made us all breakfast and as Caitlan awoke, Nicholi brought her downstairs to nurse.
‘Good morning. I have pancakes, bacon, and eggs for you.’ Trying to cheer him up, knowing he was not looking forward to leaving us today and going back to work.
‘Thanks, baby. But I would much rather be curled up back in bed with you.’ He kissed me slowly as JC joined us, eager to start his breakfast.
I kissed Nicholi and JC goodbye as he waved completely forlorn out of the driveway and got quickly dressed. I had a mommy and baby class to attend and after that, I was hoping to do a little shopping wanting to get something to cheer Nicholi up.
Choosing the photo, I paid the cashier and waited for the print to be processed.
Wrapping it in a big bow, I drove to Nicholi’s office and surprised him after his meeting.
‘I am so happy to see you,’ he pulled me into his arms and kissed me and then Caitlan as he eyed my package suspiciously.
‘A little something to brighten your office.’ I handed him the print and he ripped the paper eagerly.
‘Oh, that is perfect. I’m going to hang it just here.’ His eyes lit up at the sight of the family picture I had printed off for him.
‘Now, we are never far away.’ I kissed him gently until he pulled me into his arms and I longed to be back home in private.
‘Later, Mr. Veneto,’ my voice seductive as he pouted driving me crazy and walked us out.
‘Are you going straight home?’ Checking the security team were behind me, I confirmed I needed to stop by the bank and would call him once I was home. I could tell he was uncomfortable about leaving us, but we were trying to be as normal as possible and the bodyguards helped control his fears to a certain degree.
Waving as I drove off, I peeked at my sleeping angel before pulling out into the city to complete my errands.
Deciding to call Sophia and see if she wanted to meet me for lunch, I text the team behind me the new destination, copying Nicholi in and hoped he would not be mad.
The returning message confirmed all was well, with his proclamation about, later, running through my mind, I felt my face flush, waiting for Sophia at the café.
‘Lexi, is that you?’ A woman in her late sixties stopped at my table laden down with shopping bags, designer and I tried desperately to recall who she was.
‘I’m sorry; I can’t recall your name?’ Feeling terrible, and at the same time checking my bodyguard was close by.
‘I’m sorry, dear. It is Sheena; I worked at the bank. Your mom was friends with my daughter,’ she continued and I stood up to shake her hand.
‘I’m so sorry, of course, Sheena, I remember you.’ My mom had mentioned her a few times particularly how she helped her after the break in. My mind illuminated expediently as I remembered the security box.
‘It is a pleasure to see you and your little one is simply gorgeous,’ cooing at Caitlan who was sound asleep in her stroller.
‘Sheena, I was wondering if you could help me with something. My mom had a safe deposit box at the bank, but they have closed the branch. I am having trouble locating where it moved to?’ Hoping I did not sound rude, not having even asked her how she was.
‘Oh, I’m not sure, dear. There was a lot of moving around going on with things being sold off. I can ask a friend for you. They helped with the administrator who dealt with the liquidation.’
My ears pricked up at the chance there was still hope and I exchanged numbers with her as Sophia arrived.
‘Lovely to see you, dear. I will be in touch,’ waving just as Sophia parked her car and joined me with Liam.
‘Who was that?’ she questioned as I explained everything and we ordered some food.
‘Sounds promising, don’t you think?’
I took a sip of my smoothie as Caitlan stirred ready to nurse.
‘I hope so.’ Sophia nodded, giggling as Liam kissed his cousin and we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon together.
Picking JC up from school, I was desperately trying not to check my phone every two minutes, eager for news from Sheena that I had to keep telling myself may not come.
Nicholi returned home and after filling him in on everything, he called Cross to ask the private investigator to look into it further.
Settling Caitlan and JC in bed, I re-joined Nicholi who was taking a shower and decided to switch my phone off so I could forget about it for a while. Climbing inside with him, I applied soap and rubbed him gently all over.
Washing my hair, I heard his phone go off and he went to retrieve it as I wrapped a towel around myself.
‘Come here.’ His eyes were on fire as I fell into his arms and we fulfilled our, later, plan until we were both exhausted wrapped in each other’s arms.
‘Worth the wait,’ I teased, sitting up and crossing my legs, watching his eyes trace over my body as my heart raced.
‘Oh, yes,’ smiling his ultimate smile that had me quivering internally, I flopped back onto the bed.
‘What is it, baby?’ he asked, stroking my arm as I turned to face him.
‘Meeting Sheena today. I don’t know, I just got so hopeful and now it may all have been for nothing.’ I placed my hand on his heart, the sound so comforting, echoing all around me.
‘The PI is on it. The bank liquidating made everything more difficult. People accessing things they should not and everyone was so suspicious of any questions. Now, though, I definitely think there is a chance.’ He pulled me into his arms and stroked his hands against my back soothingly.
We watched a movie and after nursing Caitlan settled down into bed ourselves. I was just drifting off to sleep when the phone rang.
‘Yes, okay, great. No, thank you.’ Hanging up the phone Nicholi closed his eyes.
‘Who was it?’ my voice raw and on edge as I tried to gauge his mood.
‘It was the PI, he thinks he may have found where the box has gone,’ taking my hand and kissing it.
‘This could be over soon.’ I nodded my head and hugged him. The mere thought alone, worth all the stress today. Sheena was going to be our saviour; I just knew it.
The next few days went by painfully slow as we waited for news that seemed like it was never going to come.
Sheena had called back and given us an address that turned out to be bogus. The private investigator was in Atlanta, digging around at the administrator’s office and Nicholi had left for work, dropping JC at school on the way.
I was milling around the home, trying not to stress, enjoying watching Caitlan smiling and grasping for her toys, cherishing the moments one by one.
I had settled her for a nap and was just closing my eyes when I heard the door open. Checking the time and noting it was only two pm, my heart began to race. Reaching for the phone and turning on the security monitor, I felt my heart stall and resume normal service seeing Nicholi in his office.
Descending the stairs, I opened the door and almost fell into his arms.
‘Sorry, baby, I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you were taking a nap and didn’t want to wake you.’ He stroked my hair calming me as I clung onto him.
‘You are home early.’ I could see how distracted he was and feared the re
ason why.
‘Yes, we need to book a flight tomorrow.’
I turned to meet his eyes, completely confused at the impending travel when the dawn of realisation flooded through.
They found the box.
TWENTY
THE TRUTH BE TOLD
I stared into his eyes, watching him nod and confirm the information we had been longing to hear.
‘He found it at a different bank having transferred everyone’s box who had paid for a lifetime package.’ Nicholi took my hand, the only reassurance I ever needed to feel strong.
‘Okay, so what are we waiting for? I will call Sophia and see if she can watch JC.’ I was about to pick up the phone when Nicholi stopped me.
‘I was thinking she would want to come too. My mom could watch him. She and my dad have moved in together and he has his own team of security. I would feel happier him being there while we are out of town.’ He stroked his finger down my cheek and planted a chaste kiss.
I nodded in agreement and went to pack.
Grabbing everything, I thought we could possibly need, I wrapped Caitlan in her blanket and carried her out to the car.
Picking up JC from school and taking him to his grandparents was never easy for me. But he had school tomorrow and I knew it was better he be there than trekking across the country looking for a box that could hold my families killer’s name.
‘He will be fine, baby. Try not to worry,’ Nicholi reassured, having left two of our security team there to keep him safe.
Boarding the flight I smiled at Caitlan, her first time on a plane and Nicholi held her close as we started to taxi out to the runway.
Landing in Chicago, I tried to recall whether we had been here before, the airport looked really familiar when a flashback to a terrible vacation when my brother was two years old flashed before my eyes.
‘I think the last time I was here was when my dad found out Seth was not his.’ I held tightly onto Nicholi’s hand, the memories of that trip bittersweet.
‘My mom took us for ice cream in a local store while my dad no doubt told Larissa everything.’ Shaking my head, this was pointless.
‘It will all be over soon, Lexi.’ Nicholi pulled me into his arms as I tried to focus on the here and now.
Checking into the hotel, I called Mia straight away and spoke with JC. He was raving about the new dog she had just got and Nicholi was shaking his head.
‘No more dogs,’ his brow furrowing. ‘People will be coming to us soon instead of a pet store; we will have everything they ever need.’ His voice was resolute, but I knew he was only teasing. He loved the animals as much as we did.
‘I love you, sweetheart,’ hanging up and nursing Caitlan while Nicholi called the private investigator.
Settling her down to bed, I quickly took a shower and got ready for bed. Catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I certainly looked different. Everything was bigger than it used to be and I was turning around checking my body from all angles when Nicholi walked in.
‘You look hot and extremely sexy.’ He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed my neck seductively.
‘I look fat,’ I shouted, watching as he turned me around to look into his eyes.
‘You look gorgeous, and I wouldn’t change a thing,’ he reassured as I vowed internally to start working out when we got home and everything was back to normal. The thought alone had me crinkling my nose.
‘What’s wrong?’ surveying me and making me feel like the most beautiful woman on earth.
‘I love you.’ I fell into his arms and felt the spark ignite instantly.
I tossed and turned all night and watched the sunrise as Nicholi and Caitlan slept peacefully. I could not help think that this was going to turn out to be nothing and we had wasted our time longing for peace that would never come.
Distracted, staring into space, I did not hear him wake up and feeling his arms encircle me I quickly turned round.
‘Sorry, did I wake you?’ He pulled me closer and Caitlan stirred.
‘Did you get any sleep at all?’ kneeling in front of me as I held Caitlan and she fell back to sleep.
‘A little. I just want this to be over with.’ He knew I meant everything and not just going to the bank and I felt instantly guilty.
‘If nothing comes of it, we will move on with our lives, Lexi. This is the turning point, I can feel it.’ He brightened in front of my eyes as I let his words penetrate.
Heading to the bank, my stomach was churning and looking from Caitlan to Nicholi, I prayed this would work out and my gut instinct was wrong.
‘I would like to open a safe deposit box,’ Nicholi asked politely, giving the cashier the number and reference code from the key while I stood in silence with Caitlan in a sling.
‘Of course, come this way please.’ Following the women down into the bowels of the bank, I suddenly felt more nervous than ever. She looked around mid-twenties and with her bright red hair and green eyes, extremely pretty.
‘Thank you,’ I confirmed watching as she walked away and Nicholi located the box.
‘Here it is.’ He pulled the large gun grey coloured box out of its housing and lowered it onto the awaiting table.
‘Ready?’ I asked handing him the key and he shook his head.
‘No, you do it.’ He moved the box around so I could reach the lock easily. Slipping the key in I watched it turn, and imagined what would be inside.
Opening the lid, I took a deep breath, turning once more to Nicholi and Caitlan and looked inside.
There were two brown envelopes. One had clearly been there a considerable amount of time, the other looked fairly new, barely wrinkled and retained its colour. I pulled out the older envelope first, fumbling with it as Nicholi touched my shoulder reassuringly.
Pulling out its contents, the first thing I saw was a newspaper article.
‘Officer convicted of rape, sentenced to ten years in prison.’ Reading the headline and not understanding what that referenced to.
Opening the next letter, a transcript from the court and my mother’s name at the top.
‘Oh my God,’ Nicholi whispered, seeing the name of the defendant before I had processed it.
‘Seth’s biological father was convicted of rape?’ I turned to Nicholi confused for a moment as the words sunk in and I gasped.
‘He raped my mother.’ I felt my throat close and the urge to panic. Nicholi led me to the chair and poured me a glass of water from the cooler opposite.
‘Are you okay to continue?’ My hands were shaking, but I nodded weakly. We had to carry on.
Opening the final envelope, I felt the need to vomit profusely as the photographs spilled out of my father and Larissa together. The way he was staring at her, completely in love.
Dropping the remaining items onto the table, a floppy disc fell out. It looked like someone had tried to burn it and I felt the tears flow copiously down my face.
‘Nothing here to help us.’ The disappointment radiating throughout the room and other than the heinous information concerning Seth and my mother, we had found out nothing new.
‘I will send the disc off to a lab. They may be able to save whatever was on there.’
Ever the optimist and I nodded weakly.
Boarding the flight back home, I was immensely relieved to be returning to JC, and for the final piece of the puzzle to be completed. The knowledge that we would never know the truth was finally able to sink in without false hope and despite the obvious upset that caused, I too felt optimistic in a different way.
‘I will send it to the lab,’ Nicholi confirmed to Cross as he and Sophia listened intently. She had been unable to travel with us due to the twins having chicken pox and I made sure to stay a minimal time there for fear of bringing it home to the baby.
Sitting back in the car with Caitlan, Mia, and JC, I tried to distract myself and focus on the present, something that was working as long as Nicholi would stop dishing up false hope.
‘Pl
ease, Nic, I know you think there is a chance, but I need to move on. How are you going to feel if this turns out to be beyond repair?’ Staring at the disc in the packaging that Nicholi had all his hopes pinned on.
‘Trust me, Lex; I really feel this will have all the answers.’ He took my hands as I leaned my head on his shoulders.
‘If it doesn’t?’ Wanting him to acknowledge the possibility at least, but it was futile, nothing was going to change his mind, not now.
**
Sitting down on our bed after settling Caitlan, something occurred to me. Grabbing my diary off the nightstand, I counted the days.
‘Lex, what is it?’ He sat down next to me as a wry smile crossed my lips.
‘I’m late,’ my smile broadening as I watched the pieces click into place in his mind.
‘Late, as in late?’ his eyes twinkling as he pulled me by the hand into the bathroom.
‘We have a test here somewhere right?’ searching through the bathroom cabinet as I stared at myself in the mirror.
‘Here, got one.’ Nicholi handed me the pregnancy test as I started giggling and could not stop.
‘All this time I thought I was fat and in actual fact I was pregnant,’ still laughing as Nicholi urged me to take the test.
The result came up almost instantly and I knew why.
‘How far along are you?’ amazed at the speed as I did the maths.
‘Best guess, around four months.’ I was still grinning as he pulled me into his arms.
‘Holy crap and we had no idea,’ stroking my belly as I pondered how tight my jeans were earlier.
‘Doctor tomorrow,’ pointing his finger at my stomach before kneeling down and kissing it tenderly.
The shock of my pregnancy had definitely taken the attention off the disc recovery and I could not have been happier.
Having my ultrasound confirm I was sixteen weeks pregnant, had certainly put a happy spin on things and when the report did finally come back saying the disc was unrecoverable, I was grateful we had this distraction.
Echo (The Butterfly Series Book 3) Page 23