Secret Past

by Sharee Stover

  An awkward silence filled the room. Katie didn’t appreciate the way neither man addressed Daniel. She sat and took a sip of water from the crystal goblet, grateful he remained close to her side.

  A maid entered, pushing a rolling serving cart with covered platters. The thin blonde, in her early twenties, wore a uniform similar to Priscilla’s. In contrast, this woman’s clothing contoured her body in a snug, revealing fashion. Her hair was short and pulled back in a tight ponytail. She was attractive even with the excessive amount of makeup she wore.

  She set a silver-domed plate in front of Katie, and offered a thin-lipped smile. With expert precision she removed the cover, revealing a thick steak, mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables.

  Katie met Daniel’s eyes and lifted an eyebrow. He gave her slight nod and mouthed the word wait. She lifted her glass and smiled, acknowledging the silent advice. She resisted the delicious smells wafting from the plate, while her stomach begged she dive in.

  The maid delivered the remaining platters, with Giovanni’s being the last.

  “Thank you, Tiffany. Always a delight to be in your care.” His obvious flirting made Katie uncomfortable.

  Tiffany appeared thrilled by the attention and giggled as she exited. Giovanni’s leering gaze focused on her the entire time.

  “Please enjoy,” Anthony announced.

  “Before we do that,” Daniel interrupted. “What’s my assurance that our food isn’t poisoned?”

  Giovanni snickered. “If you’re concerned, we can swap plates, Mr. Knight. We might be wealthy, but we wouldn’t waste good food trying to kill you off.”

  Daniel stood, carried his plate to Giovanni and exchanged the meals.

  Katie watched the interaction, noting Giovanni’s smug grin. “Here, Daniel, let’s exchange,” she offered.

  “That’s not necessary,” Anthony snapped.

  “Why not?” Daniel asked, holding both plates.

  “If you’re to be in our home, you need to have some measure of trust. I assure you, the goal was not to bring you here and poison you. Please do not insult my generosity any further.” Anthony’s aged face took on an element of exhaustion.

  Daniel didn’t move for several seconds.

  “Relax, Mr. Knight. Take whichever plate you prefer, but please sit down and stop hindering this lovely meal,” Giovanni said.

  Daniel exchanged plates with Katie and sat down.

  The group dug into the meal, and the clatter of silverware against the fine china filled the room.

  Between bites, Katie looked from her brother to her father. She forced herself to eat slowly and use all her best manners. When most of her dinner had been consumed, she spoke. “Mr. Marino—”

  “Please, call me Anthony,” he requested.

  “Anthony, I’m not sure how to say this without it coming out wrong.”

  “Offending us doesn’t seem to be an issue to you. Why worry about that now?” Giovanni asked.

  Katie shot a glare at him.

  “Go ahead. You can ask me anything, even if it comes out wrong.” Anthony dabbed at his mouth with the crimson cloth napkin.

  “As much as I appreciate the extravagance you’ve offered, you understand that I can’t stay here.” Katie looked at Daniel.

  He leaned forward facing Anthony.

  An unbearable second ticked by.

  Anthony sighed and set down his silverware. “It’s no secret I’ve done horrible things in my past. I’m sure Mr. Knight has provided details for you.” He didn’t appear angry, instead, his eyes were sad.

  Katie shook her head. “He—”

  “I paid for those things in prison. I’m a changed man. Evangelina was troubled and paranoid. Though she embellished to the prosecution, her delusions defined her perception. They failed to allow evidence of her institutionalization. They wanted to believe her lies.” Anthony sipped his water.

  Katie blinked several times. Had she heard Anthony correctly? “Mama was institutionalized?” This man’s irrational. Although...Mama did have those few bouts of depression.

  “Several times. I never dreamed she’d take you away though.” Anthony lifted his silverware again.

  “Funny, I’ve never heard of anything like that,” Daniel challenged. “Since we’re sharing stories, Giovanni, why don’t you tell Katie about the time you tried to drown her?”

  Giovanni choked on his forkful of food. When he stopped coughing, he swiped at his face with his napkin, focusing on Katie. “Is that what our mother told you?”

  Katie shook her head. What was Daniel talking about?

  Her sibling’s reptilian eyes narrowed. “I see. More fabrications. Though I’m sure you’re only regurgitating what you’ve been erroneously taught. Let me tell you the true version of that tale.”

  “You seem to think the government has a lot of time to craft tales,” Daniel baited.

  Giovanni leaned back and placed both of his palms on the table. “We were children, playing in the pool. You slid through your floatation device, a duck-shaped thing I think, and went under. I tried to help. As simple as that. I can’t imagine how it went from a childhood accident to me trying to kill you.” He stabbed at a piece of steak.

  Anthony cleared his throat, aiming his words at Katie, but kept his gaze on Giovanni. “Your brother understands the need for clarification from your lifetime of deception.”

  Tiffany entered again, interrupting the uncomfortable dinner.

  Katie rested her hands in her lap as the maid exchanged her dinner with a dessert plate. Chocolate cake topped with chocolate shavings.

  “I’m happy you’re home.” Giovanni smiled, lifting his goblet. “Here’s to the beginning of family.”

  “Indeed,” Anthony said, holding his glass. “To family.”

  Daniel remained silent.

  Katie halfheartedly lifted her glass and took a sip, unable to speak the word family.

  TWELVE

  The crashing waves and thick, humid air soothed Katie. A full moon hovered in the onyx sky, glowing over the ocean. The light breeze caressed her skin. All of it created the perfect background for a romantic dreamy night—except for Lorenzo’s intimidating presence and that stupid gun. Both reminded Katie this dream was a nightmare.

  She lounged in the Adirondack chair closest to the iron railing and fingered one of the many leafy plants bordering the slate patio. Decorative sconces hung on the outer walls of the home and light fixtures along the railing cast a soft illumination around them. “Thank you for speaking up at dinner.”

  Daniel faced her, glaring at Lorenzo. “There’s no good way to ask if we’re about to be poisoned.”

  “I guess they had a point. Why bring us here to kill us? They could’ve had Lorenzo take care of that,” she whispered.

  The corners of Daniel’s lip lifted slightly only to be replaced by a scowl and defensive stance. Katie twisted around in her seat. Anthony exited the house, his gait slow and steady as he approached them.

  Well, it was almost a pleasant evening. She sat up straighter.

  Anthony dropped into the chair beside her. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

  Katie gawked at his question. Did he really think this was a vacation for her? How was she supposed to answer that? She’d already offended him at dinner, a second offense wouldn’t provide any benefit. “You have a beautiful home. I’m curious, what does your business do to provide such elegant surroundings?”

  Anthony shook his head, ignoring her statement. “I have forgotten to be thankful for many things, Bella.” He cringed. “I’m sorry. Katie. Forgive me, I’m learning to use the name you prefer.”

  If she didn’t know better, she’d think the man was a kind, elderly gentleman. Katie tilted her head. “It’s okay. Bella’s starting to grow on me.”

  “Thank you for indulging an old man.”
He smiled.

  “Where’s Giovanni?” Daniel asked.

  “He had business to attend. Such a workaholic,” Anthony said. “But it is good because I have some things I must talk with you about. Mr. Knight, perhaps you’d excuse us?”

  Daniel moved to Katie’s side before Anthony finished the request. His chin lifted in defiance. “Nope.”

  “I trust Daniel with my life. You can speak freely in front of him.” Katie pivoted in the seat, setting her feet down on the balcony floor. “You could send Lorenzo away though. That gun is unnerving.”

  Anthony sighed, turning his back to Daniel. “I cannot do that. Pretend Lorenzo is not there.”

  Right. That’s totally possible to do.

  “We’ve lost so much over the years. Memories that can never be replaced. Money can buy many things—too bad time isn’t one of them.” The wrinkles around his green eyes increased with the downturn of his lips and he looked away.

  Katie waited for Anthony to continue, but he didn’t speak. In the fading light, a tear weaved through the crevices of his worn face. She gripped the sides of the chair, battling the impulse to give in to the man’s tenderness and vulnerability.

  “I’m dying, Bella. It’s why I had to kidnap you to bring you home. Forgive me for my desperate methods.” Anthony shook his head.

  Katie struggled to find words to respond to the report. The news didn’t shock her as much as Anthony probably thought it would. The elder Marino’s demeanor and coloring were evidence of his condition.

  “My weak heart is giving out. The doctors have told me to set my affairs in order.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.” Katie shifted her glance to Daniel.

  He gave a slight shake of his head.

  Was Anthony lying about his heart condition? She focused on her father and softened her tone. “As much as I understand your desire for a reunion. The aggressive, death-threatening method was over-the-top.”

  “Giovanni—” Anthony sighed. “His impatience impedes his common sense. I don’t know what I’d have done if they’d hurt you or worse.” He clenched his fist.

  “I’m sure if Daniel hadn’t been there, I would be dead.” Annoyance returned as she recalled the past twenty-four hours.

  “I do appreciate that, Mr. Knight, however, I’m sure you can understand my reluctance to trust anyone involved with law enforcement.” Anthony leaned back in his chair.

  “No problem. The feeling’s mutual with ex-cons,” Daniel grunted. “I can’t help but wonder why you’ve allowed me to be here. It’s not like we’re all going to live happily-ever-after under your roof.”

  Happily ever after with Daniel? Katie focused on the ocean waves, otherwise her imagination might take her places she couldn’t afford to go.

  Anthony frowned, red-faced. His words were spoken in a tight, clipped manner. “I tolerate your presence only because my daughter has requested it. Don’t ever forget that.”

  Still didn’t explain why he’d brought Daniel here in the first place.

  A long pause with only the water’s background noise filled the air between them.

  Anthony turned to Katie, breaking the silence. “You are more lovely than I imagined. You remind me of my mother.”

  Curiosity overran Katie’s caution. “My grandmother? Are there pictures of her?”

  Priscilla walked out on the deck, moving to Anthony’s side. “Such a perfect evening. I came to see if you would like anything?”

  “Yes, please have Tiffany bring me a glass of ice water. And would you be so kind as to retrieve the family photo albums?” Anthony asked.

  Katie nodded. “I’d love a glass of water, please.”

  “Mr. Knight?” Priscilla tilted her head.

  “No, thank you,” Daniel said.

  “Very well, I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Priscilla disappeared into the house and returned a few minutes later with the black photo album.

  “Grazie.” Anthony took the album with both hands.

  Tiffany sashayed out carrying a tray with drinks. “Mr. Knight, I brought a glass for you, in case you changed your mind.”

  Katie didn’t miss how she brushed against Daniel’s side, placing the beverages on the table between them.

  “That’ll be all,” Priscilla interjected.

  Tiffany glanced over her shoulder, meeting Katie’s eyes. She lightly caressed Daniel’s arm. “Let me know if you need anything.”

  The maid’s flirtatious tone ignited an unexpected spark of jealousy, and Katie stiffened.

  “Yeah, thanks.” Daniel lifted a glass from the tray.

  The insecurity disappeared as he met Katie’s eyes, handing the drink to her.

  “Come on, Tiffany,” Priscilla called from the doorway.

  The young maid turned with a raised eyebrow, flashed a cold smile to Katie and retreated to the house.

  What was that about? “May I?” Katie motioned to the book.

  “Yes, yes, please.” A sparkle danced in Anthony’s eyes.

  She reached over and pulled the album onto her lap. Marino was embossed in gold on the black leather cover. She took care flipping the delicate pages and stopped on a black-and-white wedding picture.

  Anthony leaned closer to her, placing his rough leathery finger on the picture. “Those are my grandparents, Valentina and Roberto.”

  “They make a stunning couple.” Katie traced their faces before turning the page. She stopped and stared at the picture of a striking young woman with eyes like Anthony’s, though the black and white provided no color.

  “This is my mother, Sabine. She married Valentina and Roberto’s son, Francesco.” Anthony smiled. “She was a strong woman. Elegant. Controlled. Never raised her voice or a hand to me. Although, I deserved it many times.” He chuckled.

  “I wish I’d known her.”

  “You did, when you were little. Your sweet face lit up when Grandmamma held you. She could send you into a fit of giggles. Such a precious memory for me. She adored you.”

  “She did?” Katie murmured. Why couldn’t she remember her grandmother? A double loss pricked her heart. She’d known and been known but couldn’t remember any of it.

  “Grandmamma lived with us after my father passed. She was heartbroken when Evangelina took you away. You were only a toddler, still learning to talk and teetering on chubby little legs.” Anthony’s gaze hardened.

  Katie contemplated his explanation. No one could truly know another’s heart. Was it possible he’d changed? Giovanni admitted to sending the men with guns, right? She caught a glimpse of Daniel in her peripheral vision and shook off the sentimental nonsense. No, Anthony was a criminal, and Mama deliberately left for that reason.

  Anthony interrupted her thoughts, “Do not let your heart become hard, Bella. It’s not worth holding grudges. Gives you wrinkles.” He emphasized his point by waggling his thick eyebrows, and smiling. But the grin didn’t reach his eyes. “Look at it this way, I’ll never have to ground you for being naughty.”

  She grinned despite her reservations.

  The ocean waves crashed in the distance, rhythmic and comforting in their timekeeping.

  Anthony leaned forward, his tone low. “Bella, I’m sorry to intrude into your privacy, but I must ask, did your mother give you a necklace? A special locket, perhaps?”

  “Why would that matter?” Daniel inserted, reminding them of his presence.

  “It’s personal, Mr. Knight,” Anthony answered dryly.

  Katie maintained a blank expression. “A locket?”

  Anthony blew out a breath and nodded. “Yes. I gave it to your mother on our wedding night. Ironically, the locket was already engraved with the letter E in the center. Almost as if it had been created just for Evangelina.”

  “It wasn’t made for Mama?”

  “No, it’s a priceless h
eirloom rumored to have belonged to the queen of Italy. It has been in our family for generations.”

  “No way.” Katie clamped her mouth shut.

  “She never showed it to you?” Anthony probed.

  “I can honestly say she never wore or talked about anything like that,” Katie offered. Nice recovery and not a lie.

  “I know she took it when she left. Perhaps she sold it,” Anthony said.

  “Let me guess, you want it back?” Daniel asked. “Is that the real reason you dragged us here?”

  Anthony scowled at Daniel. “Mr. Knight, must you always speak with such disdain? And why must you poke your nose into our business? This doesn’t concern you.”

  “Funny thing, being kidnapped and held here at gunpoint has given me a whole new perspective on what’s my business.”

  The tension was as thick as the humidity.

  Katie studied her father’s aged face, framed by his thick salt-and-pepper hair, making him look distinguished.

  “Are you sure you’ve never seen the locket?” He asked his penetrating gaze fixed on Katie.

  “So what if she had?” Daniel asked.

  Thank you. Katie caught a glimpse of Lorenzo in her peripheral vision. He still wore those ridiculous aviator sunglasses, hiding whatever he might be focused on. Was he listening?

  Anthony ignored Daniel and returned to the album, flipping to a wedding picture. “I’d forgotten how captivating Evangelina is...was... I fell in love with her the day we met, you know.” He ran his fingers over the photo. “That was the happiest day of my life. Until you were born.”

  Interesting he didn’t say the same about Giovanni.

  Anthony leaned next to Katie, and whispered, “I understand that you don’t trust me. Why should you? But, my darling, if you do know about the necklace, remember it is priceless. Precious. It must be guarded...even from Giovanni. He’s lived with a terrible anger and need for revenge since your mother left. I did my best to help him to move past it, but he holds a grudge. There is a secret compartment in your bedroom, beneath the closet floor—”

  “Priscilla showed me,” Katie interrupted. “Remember I came with nothing since my backpack was taken from me.”