Shadow of Secrets

by Kacie Clement

  Howard entered the sunroom to find Emma had fixed a plate for him. Sitting down, he heard Emma ask, "So exactly how long has this been going on with you and Vittoria, and for heaven's sake, why have you not mentioned it?" Howard with a look at Carmine, who had a sly smile on his face, said," That young lady is my business, and when I thought you were ready to know I would have told you."

  Taken aback, Emma sat straight up in her chair, her eyes turning hard, and cold. Emma looked from Howard to Carmine, and responded, "Yes, you both seem to think you can keep secrets from me and seem to naively think that you can inform me of things when you see fit. That is why I am here; it's time the three of us clear the air right here and right now."

  Carmine looking puzzled, placed his fork on the table carefully. Setting his gaze on Emma, he asked her to continue. Emma blurted out, "Carmine you have had a man parked outside my apartment door since I arrived in Flagstaff and he has followed me everywhere taking pictures. You didn't think I would notice?" Howard turning towards Carmine, said, "You have had a man watching my daughter?" Chuckling Carmine responded, "My Emma, I just wanted to make sure you were protected as you ventured out to your new life."

  Emma, with a look of disgust, said, "Some new life." Turning to her father, she continued in disdain, "And Dad, do you think I couldn't figure out how much money you stand to gain from this project under the table? Did you think I was just some naïve little girl? I know what you have been up to, and I know who owns Clean Energy Solutions Dad. I know that you partnered with three members of this project as shareholders of Clean Energy Solutions. Are you the one that told them to bury me in boxes scanning files into a fake server?" Both Carmine and Howard started to speak at the same time.

  Emma raised her hand to stop them, saying, "Both of you have explaining to do, so tell me, Carmine, have you found the contractor that murdered Antonio yet? Tell me his name and his connection to this project I am supposedly working on." Carmine taking a drink of his wine looked at Howard and said, "Who is this Clean Energy Solutions, Howard, and please explain your involvement in this and what connection there may be to my son's murder."

  Continuing, he turned to Emma, "Exactly how long have you known about Antonio's murder, Emma." Seeing the look on Carmine's face, Emma felt a wave of fear and guilt, responded, "I heard you and dad talking about it in the library. I haven't said anything, because I have been reeling with the fact that Antonio didn't love me, he was only marrying me to blend the families. When dad offered me the project in Flagstaff, which I thought was his way of letting me go to start my own life and prove myself, I took it. There was nothing I could do about Antonio any longer, and the farther I was away from your two's business, the better I was."

  Emma's eyes filling with tears turned to her dad, "Apparently, you don't need me to marry one of Carmine's son any longer since you are blending the families on your own. But I am here to tell you, dad, I know what you are up to, and I am not going to let you get away with it, I am stopping the project next week one way or another, and then I will not be coming back here, I am ending your control tactics over my life once and for all."

  Turning towards Carmine, Emma continued, " Carmine, you call your man off, I don't need protecting I can take care of myself. Now if you two will excuse me I have some packing to do before Amelia's arranged car picks me up in the morning for a shopping day, which I will be doing with your credit card dad, not mine. I think the two of you have some things to talk about." Emma stood, leaving the room and crept out the front door hurrying to the other side of the house so she could listen in to the conversation that was to begin between her father and Carmine. Finding a spot, outside the sunroom, she squatted down out of sight behind the tall hedges surrounding the sunroom.

  "Howard," Carmine began "Is there a reason you have not mentioned this Clean Energy Solutions before now? I may be a silent partner, but we are partners, you are to tell me of any new business interests with Matrix International. What is this all about, and why is Emma involved."

  Howard ran his hand through his spiky gray hair in frustration. "I was at an energy conference last year and met this young man, Steve Hopkins. We had drinks, and he told me about the Navajo project and that they were looking for investors. I asked who was working with him and it turned out a guy I went to high school with was chairing the project, Martin Stevenson. It caught my interest; I gave Martin a call and thought the project was impressive. I invested and am one of the shareholders with the agreement our business consulting department would manage the project. When Emma's life turned upside down with the loss of Antonio, I arranged for her to work on the project in Flagstaff. I wanted to give her some time to come to her senses. But someplace I could make sure she didn't get into too much trouble. You know how she is Carmine, I figured she would go there and enjoy the change in scenery."

  Carmine was silent for a few moments, then said, "If that's the case, then why didn't you just tell her you were part of this company." Howard shook his head and replied, "I didn't want her to think I was over-controlling her again. I don't know what has made her so upset about this. I have not interfered in her work. The project should be off the ground in six weeks, and then she should be returning home."

  Carmine looking at Howard with a hard look in his eyes, said, "Why does she think there is a connection between this project and Antonio's murder? She overheard our conversation in the library. You underestimate that girl Howard. She is smart, and if she thinks there might be a connection, we need to look into that deeper, I will get my men started on looking into that today." Howard surprised, replied, "Wait, I don't see where there can be a connection Carmine, it's a renewable energy project, three thousand miles away. I don't know what she's talking about with a fake server, or why is she upset about my return on my investment."

  Carmine standing and walking to the open set of patio doors that looked out over the garden said, "Emma, come out of the bushes, you have some things you need to clear up with us Bella.”

  Emma standing came out from behind the bush and walked through the patio doors into the sunroom. Howard stood roaring, "Emma, what are you doing hiding in the bushes? Sit your ass down, and you have some explaining to do young lady." Emma sheepishly sat down in the padded Queen Anne chair across from her father. Carmine taking a seat in the chair next to Howard looked at Emma concerned and asked, "Emma, I am concerned for you. Why are you upset about the amount of money your father will see on his investment return and what connection do you think there is between Clean Energy Solution and Antonio's murder?"

  Emma looking at her father angrily said, "What have you done? You sent me to Flagstaff on the pretense of managing this project; instead, you were placating me once again. You have no confidence in my ability as a businesswoman, yet you tell me over and over you are building Matrix International for our future." Howard raised his hand and said, "Now Emma, you were hiding in the bushes to hear what Carmine and I were discussing, and this is not the first time. You are acting like a child. I think it's about time you came back home; your behavior is proving you are not able to manage this project."

  Emma stood abruptly looking straight in her father's eyes said, "Excuse me? You're accusing me of acting like a child when you involve your only child in a crooked deal that will make you lots of money while the Navajo people pay the price? You're not the man I thought you were Dad, and I am not coming home. I will not be a part of your greed, and slimy business deals any longer." Taking a step towards her father, she continued, " I am shutting this project down, and I will make sure you and your pals, Martin, Steve, and Westley are all held responsible for trying to fraud the Navajo people. I can tolerate a lot of things, Emma, but I will not be a part of this." Howard stunned at her aggressiveness and remarks, remained silent.

  Carmine stood, gently taking Emma's elbow, "Emma, please sit down. Maybe you should explain why you think this project is a crooked deal." Emma sat down, facing Carmine asked, "What is your role in this Carmine, do you also
think I am naïve enough not to understand what and who you are? I have loved you all my life like an uncle, and I loved your son, who also lied to me. It’s over. There will be no more lies, control, and I will cut both of you our of my life. Now if you will give my regrets to your sister, I am going to my room for the night, and I will be taking care of business on Monday." Aghast, Carmine with a hardened look at Emma said, "Tread carefully, my Emma, unless you can explain why this project is what you call crooked, and why there is a connection to Antonio, I will not allow you to talk to me, or your father in this way. You want to be a grown woman, then maybe you should explain what you think is going on."

  Emma frustrated looked at both her father and Carmine, saying, "Did you think I couldn't figure out who Clean Energy Solutions were? That you sent me there to get me out of the way by burying me in paperwork, organizing and scanning files from god knows how many projects into a fake server fully knowing all those files were already in the Green Touch Renewables official servers? Did you think I couldn't figure out the different size generators and how you Dad, stand to benefit from that?"

  Tears filled Emma's eyes, "I can't deal with this betrayal dad. I'm not a little girl anymore, Dad, and I know that Carmine is your silent partner." Looking at Carmine, Emma continued, "I am fully aware of your line of business as well Carmine." Smiling Carmine said, "My Bella, we all make choices in our lives, we do what we have to do, but tell me about these generators, how do the generators affect your fathers return on investment." Looking at her father, she retorted loudly, "Like you didn't know that half the turbines on the project will house larger generators producing a much larger excess of power to sell. Which you and your pals up to gain a boatload of money for the next twenty years with your percentage. The Navajo people are to pay the price with a lower percentage of return for twenty years. I've done my homework, Dad. Did you know that there are many of the Navajo children who don't even own a pair of shoes? There are over 15,000 families who live with no electricity. I have said nothing about your partnership with Carmine, even after Antonio’s murder because of this business. That was your son Carmine. I don't know if there is a genuine connection there, and I don't want to know. Antonio is a part of my past. I am shutting the project down dad."

  Howard standing walked over to the patio doors looking out over the gardens, saying, "Emma, you need to listen to me for once without flying off the handle." Turning, he came back to sit again in his chair. Gazing at Emma with same ice blue eyes they shared said quietly, "I don't know what you are talking about with the server issue or the generators. I have had no part in this, and my only part is what I invested in the project. Since I am sure you had your friend Amelia find the shareholder for Clean Energy Solutions, I am sure if you have her look a little deeper you will find that all the profits that I am to gain from this project goes to the American Cancer Foundation in your mother's name to further their research."

  Emma sat back, stunned, "You don't know about the generators?” Howard responded quietly, "No, Emma, I don't, so why don't you explain to me how these larger generators work."

  Emma proceeded to tell her father and Carmine the details of what she had recently found on the site with Jack. When Emma finished filling them in, she sat back in her chair, exhausted. Carmine walked over to the bar in the sunroom, pouring Emma a glass of white wine and handing it to her. With a warning glance at Howard, Carmine moved to take a seat back in his chair. Carmine looked at Emma, saying, "Emma, I believe there to be a misunderstanding here between the three of us. Your father sent you to Flagstaff because he thought you needed a change and some sunshine in your life. Now listen to me Emma, if what you’re saying is true then you need to not say anything to anyone yet outside the three of us until I can check the situation out."

  Looking at Carmine with determination and stubbornness, she replied, "I will talk to Jack and Grayson and explain everything I have found. I will tell them about our conversation; they will stay quiet until we can figure out a solution." Sitting to attention, Howard asked, "You mentioned a Jack, who is this Grayson and what part does he play in this." Smiling shyly Emma replied, "Grayson Blackfeather is the Native representative for the project, he conducted the environmental tests, analysis and makes recommendations. He's also someone I am seeing Dad, I care about him, and he is a good man. Grayson is not part of this. I am scared to tell him what is going on, and I am not sure how he is going to react to this".

  Carmine sitting quietly, listening said, "Howard, from my research, he is an honorable man, and he cares for your daughter." Before he could continue, Emma and Howard turned to stare at Carmine, saying, "Your research?" Carmine chuckling responded, "Yes research, Emma, you didn't think I wouldn't ensure your safety when you are on your first adventure of independence, did you?" With an in-depth look of concern on his face, Carmine continued, "Emma you are part of my family, with or without Antonio and until we know this project's secrets in full, you will accept my men protecting you from afar. We don't know the full scope of this secret, that is why it is so important for you to stay quiet. Tell this Grayson if you must. Tell him about the conversation with your father, but do not mention my name, our conversation, or the men who will be protecting you. Emma, this is not a request."

  Meanwhile, back in Flagstaff, Martin sitting in his office picked up his phone. His banker from Estonia was calling. "Hello, Martin, Johann Krech here. I wanted to call you as we had an incident earlier this week that has just come to my attention. A woman called, an attorney inquiring about the identity of the Shareholders for your Clean Touch Solutions business, she said she was considering investing and was researching the company before making a final decision. She talked to my assistant; he gave her the information. Should I be adding this woman to the account?"

  Surprised, Martin replied, "I am not looking for further investors, did she leave her name, and who does she work for?" Martin heard Johann shuffling papers, then grabbing his pen, and a pad of paper wrote the name down that Johann gave him. Amelia Harris. Ending the call with Johann, Martin googled Amelia Harris, she is a New York Attorney, but why would she be asking questions about Clean Energy Solutions. Maybe he should give Howard a call and see if he knows who this young woman is. Standing, he walked out of his office, to find Steve Hopkins and Westley Bentley standing and talking against the wall. Martin approached them, saying, "In my office now." Turning the three of them headed back to Martins office.

  "Gentleman, we may have a problem, have either of you ever heard of an Amelia Harris? She is an attorney in New York City. This Amelia Harris has contacted our banker in Estonia about investing in the company and has discovered who the shareholders are."

  Westley and Steve glanced at each other in confusion. Steve said, "Never heard of her." Looking at Westley, Steve asked, "Have you?" Westley shook his head in response, saying, "No." Martin raising his hand as a request for silence, picked up his phone to call Howard Graystone.

  Emma ready to accept Carmine's terms of protection and silence suddenly heard her father's phone ring. Howard was disgusted by the intrusion glanced at his phone. Looking surprised, he held his hand up to Emma and Carmine. Answering his phone, he began, "Martin, glad to hear from you how is the project going? Slow down, do I know who? Amelia Harris?" Howard, his eyes turning to ice, looked from Emma to Carmine saying into the phone, "No I do not know Amelia Harris, you're saying she is thinking about investing, so she is researching the company? Why would that be a problem Martin are we not listed openly on the project? I thought you told me it was worked out with the tribal government so that there would be no conflict of interest in the project and our involvement in different areas?"

  Martin taking a breath, continued saying, "No, No, Howard it is not a problem, I was just surprised as this woman has not approached me personally about investing and since she was from out east, I thought she might have contacted you. Everything is fine, tell me how your visit with Emma is going, she's doing fine work down here in the desert Ho
ward." Smiling at Emma and Carmine, Howard responded, "Good, I would hate to hear we have a problem Martin, Emma is fine, I haven't seen much of her since I have been home yet, she has had some shopping to do and catching up with friends. I did let her know I will be coming to Flagstaff soon so we can spend some time together, perhaps we could meet for dinner. I will probably not see much of her this trip. Martin, I have a meeting to get to, can we talk next week?" Ending the phone call, Howard looked at Emma, "They know about Amelia. Emma, call Amelia and tell her to come here tomorrow it's time we have a conversation."

  Emma looking at her dad, said, "You will not, I will talk to Amelia and explain everything. The problem is mine to solve, not yours. I am going upstairs to rest. I am leaving for New York in the morning, then I am flying back to Flagstaff on the red-eye tomorrow night, I won't say anything about you and Carmines relationship, but you have to let me work this out my way dad." Kissing her father's cheek and turning to Carmine, giving him a quick hug, Emma left the room to rest and reflect on the conversation that just happened.

  Martin hanging the phone up, looked up abruptly when Steve exclaimed looking at his phone, "Dam it, Amelia Harris was Emma's college roommate. We have a problem." Martin's face turned into a look of grave concern, said, "Apparently, we do. I will handle the problem; I need you two to keep a closer eye on her, see if you can find out what she knows. Westley, I want you to pay attention to the relationship between her, Jack, and Grayson. How much does she know and who has she told?"

  While Emma was upstairs resting, Carmine and Howard took a walk outside to the gardens, strolling along the path of greenery and roses. Carmine, in thought, looked at Howard and said, "Amelia's father is my attorney, I will talk with him. Then I will assign one of my men to protect Amelia, but Howard, we need to find out what is going on here." Howard nodded his head in agreement saying, "I will be visiting Flagstaff on Tuesday, I want to visit the site with this Jack when no one is there and see this all for myself. I will then talk with Emma, Jack, and this Grayson fellow." Taking his phone out of his pocket, he typed a quick text to Emma. "I will be in Flagstaff Tuesday afternoon, staying at the penthouse, set up a meeting with Jack to visit the site after the crew has gone home, tell your friend Grayson I expect him and you to meet with Jack and myself after the site visit for dinner at the penthouse." Showing the text to Carmine before sending, Carmine was shaking his head in agreement while Howard pushed the send button. Carmine looking at Howard said, "You go that direction, I am going to do a background check on all involved people, including the construction crew, I own the Union Rep down there."