Shadow of Secrets

by Kacie Clement

  Slowly walking into the dining room, she found, Howard, Vittoria, Carmine, and Amelia along with Nurse Reynolds enjoying a hearty breakfast of Eggs Benedict, hash browns, a variety of pastry and hot coffee. Carefully sitting in the one empty chair at the table next to Amelia, Emma smiled as Amelia set a cup of coffee in front of her. “Thanks,” Emma said, “I am still getting used to only being able to use one arm.”

  Howard, looking over at Emma with intense concern, said, “How did you sleep, Emma? Are you sure you should be up and moving around?” Emma grinning at her father, replied, “Actually, I slept good, the pain is bearable, and this breakfast looks amazing.” Reaching over the table with her one right arm, she grabbed an Apple Danish and took a large bite. Vittoria quickly filled a plate of Eggs Benedict and hash browns for Emma. Walking around the table to set the plate down in front of Emma, she gave a soft kiss to the top of Emma’s head before returning to her seat beside Howard and across from Carmine. Looking at Emma, Vittoria asked, “What are your plans for the day, Emma?” Howard was about to say something when Vittoria put her hand on his leg under the table, giving him a pinch to stop him. Emma giggled seeing what Vittoria did and answered, “Well if Nurse Reynolds will be kind enough to help me get in the shower without getting my cast wet, I would be forever grateful. I think that alone will take most of the morning. Then Amelia and I have some work to do as we are scheduled to meet with the Tribal Council in a few days and I want to be well prepared. Dad, we need to talk there is something I need you to do.” Howard perking up said, “Anything, how can I help you.”

  Emma raised her left eyebrow looking at her father and said sternly, “You are a part of this whole fiasco, so I would like you to attend the Tribal Council meeting with me. Grayson’s father will be in attendance. As far as your part of the solution to this problem, dad, you are going to have to open your checkbook.” Howard sensing this new attitude in his daughter that was so much like his was appreciating the new directive in her tone and the way she was currently showing her new-found independence.

  Looking back at Emma, Howard said: “Done, how much do you need Emma.” Emma again raised her left eyebrow, a new signature look, for a new attitude in life, replied, “You're not writing the check to me, dad, you're making it out to someone else. I have come up with a solution to this, which I now call “The Fiasco.”

  My plan will not only keep you out of hot water, but it will allow for the completion of the project in the Navajo peoples best interest. Amelia and I will be meeting this afternoon, and after that, I will let you know the amount, but it will be a substantial amount Dad so prepare yourself and find a pen.”

  After finishing her breakfast, Emma turned to ask Amelia politely to pour her more coffee and found she was already doing so. Amelia set the cup in place, and Emma continued saying, “I am concerned about Jack Thomas and his family’s safety, Carmine has that been taken care of?” Carmine shook his head in acknowledgment replying, “Jack has joined his family on vacation with a few of my men. Though I hear, Jacks mother Jesse is keeping them on their toes, and a rollercoaster.”

  Carmine smiled while thinking that Emma had finally found her mother’s spunk and her father’s strength and cutting edge in business. Combined, Carmine continued to believe that Howard should marry his sister and retire, that Emma was going to prove to be dangerously more successful than her father and him combined.

  Howard looked at Emma and sternly said:” Emma, this was not a mishap, someone tried to kill you. As much as I appreciate this new-found independence you have seemed to acquire, understand, you will not underplay this, you will not be alone, and you will not argue with me about this. Understand?” Emma giving her father a sly smile, while looking directly at her father said, “Understood.” While taking a sip of her coffee, she smiled brightly looking over the top of her cup at her father while thinking, this new relationship is undoubtedly going to be interesting. Howard was catching the look in her eyes and that sly smile that made her look just like her mother. Howard barely shook his head back forth, while thinking, help me now Christine, this girl is turning into a force of nature. Vittoria watching the whole exchange smiled and patted Howard's leg softly. When he turned to look at her, she smiled lovingly, and Howard knew that she had read his thoughts. He was going to love spending the rest of his life with this woman. Howard leaned over and kissed Vittoria softly on the cheek. Howard looked over at Emma and stated, “Emma, I am thinking about cutting back at the office, how would you feel about taking control of Matrix International?”

  Emma glanced at Amelia before answering her father, “Sorry, Dad, not interested right now. Amelia and I are starting Harris and Graystone. A legal investigative firm. We have just put in an offer on an estate in Las Vegas and will be moving there and finding office space nearby.”

  Howard stunned, spit his coffee across the table, looking at Emma he said, “Harris and Graystone? Las Vegas, Nevada?” Emma laughed out loud, while Amelia tried to hide her smile, Carmine burst out in loud bellowing laughter, and Vittoria giggled softly. Taking the coffee cup out of Howard’s hand, she reached for a napkin to clean up the coffee from the table. Emma, wincing in pain from laughing, said, “Yes Harris and Graystone dad. It has a ring to it. Yes, we're moving to Las Vegas with a pool and spa right outside one of the many doors, plus there is no snow, and it’s warm year-round. Amelia and I think it’ a great place to start our new business."

  Amelia's ringtone of Material Girl by Madonna caught everyone’s attention at the table. Amelia answering her phone, said, “Amelia Harris here.” After a moment, she continued, “Perfect! I will contact you with the exact date later today. Goodbye.” After hanging up her phone, she turned to Emma excitedly saying, “They have accepted our offer! We are now officially homeowners, and we can pick up the keys as soon as we can get there.” Emma screamed in delight while making an awkward attempt to hug Amelia, with-out her casted arm knocking her unconsciousness. Emma and Amelia hugged excitedly. Amelia pulled away and looked at Emma said, “We're going to need furniture I better get busy. I will start shopping this morning while you are in the shower.”

  Emma laughed, saying, “Sounds good, but I will find the furnishings for my bedroom, you are not buying my bed.” Amelia laughed heartily responding, “Okay fine, if you insist but how do you feel about a paisley patterned couch?” Emma gave her a look that said you are impossible. She replied, “Your teasing, right? If not, we need to work this out.” Amelia wiped the tears from her eyes from the laughter, saying, “Yes, I am teasing silly.”

  Carmine looked at Emma with sternness saying, “You had to pick Las Vegas? Give me the address of your new home, and I will make sure your security needs are in the highest order.” Emma looked at Carmine with a renewed inner strength, replied, “Our new home has a state-of-the-art security system, Uncle Carmine. One that Amelia and I feel will be enough. When this fiasco is over, there will be no need for any further security measures. I will give you the address but only to be used when you come to visit.” Carmine was smiling at Emma, mentally reminded himself to talk to Frank this morning.

  Vittoria looking happily at Emma and Amelia asked, “So exactly what is Harris and Graystone Consulting going to focus on?” Amelia excitedly answered, “To start, environmental issues around the world. With Emma’s talent in project management and investigative skills and my legal experience, we should make great changes in the world. Exactly what we were planning to do after college, but life got in the way, and now it is finally happening?” Emma taking another sip of coffee picked up another Apple Danish from the plate in the middle of the table.

  Taking a large bite to hide her smile, she watched as her father gaped, saying, “Around the world?” Emma laughed while saying, “Relax Dad, we haven’t even had time even to find our first client.” Emma turned towards Nurse Reynolds, who was enjoying the breakfast table conversation asking, “Will you help me now with a shower? I would also like to speak with you in private.” Nurse Reyn
old nodded in agreement and stood walking to the other side of the table to assist Emma to the master bedroom.

  As Emma and Nurse Reynolds walked towards the Master Bedroom, Amelia stood as well, saying, “Well, I have got a house to furnish, so I better get busy.” Watching, Emma gingerly walking towards the master bedroom, she loudly said, “Emma, I will meet you here for lunch, and we can get started on our work. Please after your shower, get some rest.” Emma turned, giving her a thumb up in agreement.

  Emma and Nurse Reynold entered the master suite. Nurse Reynolds went into the bath area to assemble everything needed for Emma’s shower, while Emma went through the closet looking for an outfit that would fit over the large cast on her arm that currently reached from her shoulder to her fingertips. Emma thoughts turned to dread. It would be a long six weeks she would have to wear the cast. She should probably do some shopping online for some tops and dresses that would fit over the large cast. Removing a light blue sundress blanketed with embroidered tiny white flowers, Emma thought the dress would be perfect for the day. Laying the dress on the bed, she assembled the needed lingerie and chose a flat pair of sandals to finish the outfit. She then made her way into the bath area to find Nurse Reynolds.

  After showering and getting dressed, Emma asked Nurse Reynolds to stay and have a glass of lemonade on the garden patio with her. Calling the cook on duty, she asked for a tray of lemonade and scones to be brought to her suite. Just as Nurse Reynolds was completing the braid in her hair, Emma heard the cook enter the room. Instructing him where to put the tray, she thanked him and asked Nurse Reynolds, “Let us go out to the garden patio and have some lemonade.” Taking seats at the glass table on the sun-bathed garden patio, Emma turned to Nurse Reynolds and said, “I want you to know I am aware of everything you have been doing since you have been in charge of my care, and since your time here in the Penthouse. You have not only provided great care to me, but you seem to have taken over the organization of the Pent-house. That is not easy to do with my father and Carmine.”

  Nurse Reynolds grinned while saying, “I do what needs to be doing; it’s the Irish in me.” Emma, laughing said, “You heard this morning, Amelia and I have purchased a new home. The estate has a small two-bedroom guest home on the grounds, and I wondered if you would consider coming to Las Vegas with us. I would like you to oversee the estate, hire the staff needed to maintain our new home, and stay in the guest house with a compensation plan that will include a generous wage, along with full health and retirement benefits. Amelia and I would give you a large household budget to manage, and you would have complete control over it. What do you think?”

  Sitting back deep in her chair while taking a bite of her scone, Nurse Reynolds thoughtfully replied, “I lost my husband five years ago, and our children are now scattered, around the world. A change of scenery maybe what I need. Yes, I will accept your offer.” Emma smiled and asked, “So we should get on a first-name basis, what is your first name?” Nurses Reynolds laughed, “My name is Maeve, Maeve Reynolds.” Emma held her hand out to Nurse Reynolds so they could shake on the deal, Maeve shook Emma’s hand with a firm grip. Emma was smiling, and said, “Maeve, that is a beautiful name. Welcome to the family. Can you be ready to go by the end of the week?” Maeve grinning said, “I do believe I can. We have only had two hours until lunch. Perhaps you should rest before then.”

  Emma smiled replying, “I think I will, Amelia and I have a lot to discuss this afternoon. Please join us for lunch so I can inform the family about your new position. By the way, please take time to meet with Amelia this morning to order furnishings for your new home. Tell me, Maeve, what have you ordered the cook to make for lunch?” Maeve, laughing genuinely, said, “Soup and sandwiches, you need some good chicken soup to heal.” Emma grinned replying, “Sounds great, say Maeve can you do one more thing for me? I want to begin your position today, and I want you to plan an event for me. I need to talk with Vittoria first, but will have her assist you in the planning.” Maeve stood up from the table, saying, “That would be just fine. I will see you at lunch, Emma.” Maeve helped Emma get settled in on the soft king-size bed and covered Emma with the light blanket on the end of the bed. Emma laid her head on the soft fluffy pillow, her last thought before dropping off into a relaxed slumber was that finally, things were all coming together.

  Emma awoke three hours later to find Amelia sitting on the edge of the bed beside her watching her sleep. Emma tried to stretch, grimacing with a bit of pain when she extended the stitches farther than they were willing to go saying, “Is it lunchtime already?” Amelia looked at Emma with concern and asked, “Are you okay, is the pain intense today?” Emma laughing replied, “I feel like I got hit by a truck, it seems every time I move these god-awful stitches in my stomach pull, reminding me they are there. I am fine, not one hundred percent yet, but strong enough to get done what we need to get done. Will you promise me one thing?” Amelia, with a look of grave concern, answered, “Yes, Emma, always, what is it?” Emma, with Amelia’s help, raised from the bed into a sitting position. Emma turned towards Amelia said with a broad grin, “When we move into the house, I would like us to spend the first week sitting out at the pool sipping wine and eating cheese.” Amelia laughing said, “Sounds great to me, I need a tan. Now let’s go eat some lunch, something smells good."

  Emma taking Amelia’s hand in hers said, “That would be the chicken soup Maeve ordered the cook to make, using her special recipe to ensure my healing process.” Amelia looking confused, said, “Who’s Maeve?” Walking through the door, hand in hand, Emma replied, “Nurse Reynold’s, did you not ask her first name when she came to see you about furnishings for the guest house this morning.” Amelia was looking at Emma confused, said, “She said you asked her to inform me to furnish the guest house as I saw fit.” Amelia with a look of realization, excitedly said, “Your kidding, she accepted the offer? Perfect. Oh, Emma, things are coming along fabulously. Let’s have some lunch and get busy with the plan objectives.”

  With the family gathered at the table for a lunch of Chicken Dumpling Soup and all the fixings for sandwiches that included a wide selection of meat and cheese. Emma looked around the table beginning the conversation, “Dad, Vittoria and Carmine I want to let you know that Nurse Reynolds here.” Emma looked at Maeve with a grin, and said, “Maeve Reynolds, has agreed to become Amelia and I’s Estate Manager. The estate we just purchased has a small guest house on the grounds, and she will be moving in the house while hiring and overseeing the staff we will need in maintaining the estate ensuring everything is well taken care of.”

  Howard surprised looked up from his soup and bellowed, “That is one of the best ideas I have heard. Welcome, Maeve.” Maeve was smiling shyly, glanced around the table, watching for everyone’s reaction to the news. Stopping at Carmine, Maeve saw a look of challenge in his eyes. Sitting a bit straighter, she thought there is only one way to handle this. Giving Carmine the same challenging look in return, she asked, “Is there a problem, Carmine?” Carmine was gazing at Maeve appreciatively, replied, “No, Maeve, I think it is a wonderful idea.” Maeve smiled at Carmine and then turned towards Emma, asking, “How is the Soup Emma, is it to your expectations?”

  Emma and Amelia catching the whole exchange between Carmine and Maeve looked at each other and giggled. Amelia blurt out, “It’s perfect, and I have a feeling I am going to gain twenty pounds Maeve with you in charge! Tonight, after dinner I was hoping you could meet with me in my room down on the 12th floor. I want to show you pictures of your new home, and we can shop for your new furnishing’s so it’s ready for when we get there.”

  Amelia turning her attention to Carmine, asked, “We can use your jet when we go to Las Vegas, right?” Carmine suddenly looked seriously perturbed with the direction of this conversation. He was about to respond in his usual, I am the Boss manner, but Vittoria spoke up saying while looking at her brother, “Of course dear, we would not want Emma flying commercial in her condition.”


  Emma realized she was holding her breath during their conversation, said, “We don’t need your jet Carmine, I intend to buy another car this week, and the three of us can drive to Las Vegas and stop on the way to revisit the Grand Canyon. It’s a beautiful sight to see.” Howard quickly retorted, “You are not, I repeat, not buying another Volkswagen Beetle and the next car you buy, please choose a less noticeable color. With that lime green, anyone could see you coming three miles away.”

  Carmine holding his hand up for everyone to be quiet, said, “We will take my jet, I have some business to take care of in Las Vegas. It will take a few days, and Frank can take you girls shopping for a car when you get settled in.” Everyone smiled and went back to eating their delicious lunch. No one noticed the frown that crossed Vittoria’s face.

  After lunch ended, Maeve went on to organize the clean-up of the table. Howard moved into the sitting room to read the latest financial reports in the New York Times, Emma and Amelia headed for the Garden Patio off the master bedroom to get to work. Vittoria took Carmine's arm and quietly said, “Care to tell me what business you have in Las Vegas?” Carmine grinned knowingly and replied, “Remember that little weasel Vino Marino? He has moved on, which leaves an opportunity in Las Vegas. I believe we are going to expand the business into Nevada.” Vittoria nodding her head said, “Moved on, you say? He is the one who worked with Martin in planning Emma’s so-called accident is he not.” Carmine evilly smiled, reaching up to gently touch his sisters face, “Not exactly, it appears Wesley, one of Martin’s cohorts set up the accident. He is attempting to leave Martin to take the blame for everything. He will not be a problem for much longer. I am working with Emma on her plan, but as you know, I will make sure this ends and Emma is safe.” Together the two of them walked into the sitting room where Howard was reading the paper, Vittoria quietly said for Carmine's ears only, “Very good then.”