Diving in Deep (A Bay State University Novel Book 2)

by Katie Holland

  “She’s stubborn and for once it’s working in her favor. So, what now?”

  “Bill said she’s going to be booked into the holding facility and he’ll find out the next step. How are you holding up son?”

  “I’m doing better than Karma. Please tell me after this that we’re done doing business with the Pagano’s. I know they are responsible for this fucking mess.”

  “Yes, we’re done with them.”

  “Good.”

  “What are you working on?” he asked me.

  “I just gave a shitload of data to Cathy. It’s all the money transfer information. There’s like fifteen hundred transactions. I know the answer is in that data, I just have to figure out what it is.”

  “Have you talked to Anthony?”

  “Why the fuck would I do that?”

  “I just thought he might have some insight into the situation.”

  “For all I know, he’s behind it.”

  Dad looked at me for a minute, but didn’t say anything. Then I got what he meant. I needed to pay him a visit. I got up and started to walk out of dad’s office.

  “Don’t go alone,” dad said.

  I nodded and went to find Scott. He was our resident martial arts expert and all around badass. He was in the breakroom and didn’t hesitate when I asked him to go with me. On the way out I made one more stop.

  “Dave, I need you to pull up everything on Anthony Pagano. Traffic tickets, credit cards, associates, anything you can find, and I need it in the next twenty minutes.”

  “Consider it done,” he said and started typing.

  Scott and I went to the company garage and got in one of the SUV’s. I looked up the address for Pagano Imports and gave it to Scott. On the way there I was getting bits of information from Dave. So far, there was nothing I didn’t already know. It’s like the guy was a model citizen, but I knew better than that. I had a thought and called Dave.

  “What’s up?” he said, when he answered.

  “I need you to check and see if there is a police report for Anthony Pagano for a carjacking. Happened in the last half of January.”

  “Hang on.”

  I heard him typing. “Nothing. There are no reports of anything like that happening.”

  “Son of a bitch,” I muttered. “Okay, thanks. Keep digging.”

  “This guy is dirty,” I said to Scott. “I can feel it. What I don’t know is if it’s just him, or his father, too. I never liked the guy from the first time I saw him.”

  Scott pulled up in front of Pagano Imports. It was a two-story office building with a huge warehouse behind it. We got out of the SUV and went in the front door.

  “We’re here to see Anthony Pagano,” I said to the receptionist.

  “Do you have an appointment?”

  “Nope, but it’s extremely urgent we see him. Call him and tell him it’s about Karma.”

  She picked up the phone and made the call. “He’ll be out shortly.”

  “Thank you.”

  So, we didn’t make the poor girl nervous, we each took a seat in the waiting area. I pulled out my phone to see if there were any updates from Dave. Nothing.

  “What are you doing here?” Anthony asked when he walked into the reception area. I could tell he wasn’t thrilled to see it was me.

  “We need to talk. In private,” I said.

  “I have nothing to say to you.”

  “I think you do.” I got right in his face. “I know the carjacking was all a lie. Now, do you want to continue this here, or somewhere else?”

  His face paled a little. “Follow me.”

  We ended up in a boardroom at the end of a long hallway.

  “Talk,” he said.

  “Do you know what happened to Karma this morning?”

  “Yes. My father informed me that she was arrested for stealing from us. I can’t believe I fell for her lies. That bitch …”

  “I’d be very careful what you say right now. We both know she’s innocent and what you say from here on out will depend on what Scott here does to your face. Got it?”

  He looked over at Scott who was blocking the door. Anthony nodded.

  “Good. Now we’re going to start with something simple. Why did you fake the carjacking?”

  “I wanted Karma to get closer to me. It felt like she was on the fence about our relationship and I couldn’t let that happen.”

  “Why?”

  “I just couldn’t.”

  “That’s not an answer. Scott.”

  Scott went over to Anthony and backhanded him across the face. Blood formed on his lip.

  “Fuck,” Anthony yelled, and touched his fingers to his lip. “What the fuck was that for?”

  “Not answering,” I told him. “Next one will be worse. So, try again, why did you fake the carjacking?”

  “My mom was all over me about getting a suitable girlfriend. I wanted to piss her off by being with someone who wasn’t like us, okay?”

  I didn’t believe him for a second. “I think you picked Karma because she was someone to take the fall for you. Either that or you and your father are in this together and using Karma as the scapegoat.”

  Anthony didn’t say anything, so I assumed at least part of it was true.

  “I want you to know that I will figure out what you’re up to Anthony. I will prove Karma is innocent and take you down in the process.”

  A smug look came over his face. “You can do whatever you want, but everything points to Karma, so good luck with that.”

  I moved to punch him, but Scott was faster than me. He grabbed my wrist and stopped me. “He seems like the type to press charges and we don’t need that right now.”

  “Fine.” I looked Anthony right in the eye. “This isn’t over,” I said, and stormed out the office.

  Chapter 35

  Karma

  That was the longest night of my life. I didn’t sleep at all; I was too scared. Even though I was alone in my cell, I could hear other people yelling. I was actually glad to see the guard come with breakfast. I think it was supposed to be scrambled eggs and toast, but I wasn’t sure. I ate the toast and took the water.

  It was Saturday morning, and I was supposed to be at the swim meet, instead I was sitting in jail wondering if I was ever going to see the light of day again. The guard came and took my breakfast tray. When it was gone, I noticed a folded-up piece of paper in its place. I quickly grabbed it and went back to the bed.

  I unfolded the paper and saw that it was messages from my friends and family. I teared up instantly. I had a feeling it was Bodie who managed to get this to me, and I was forever grateful. I read the notes. The first one was from Kayleigh.

  Karma,

  I’m so sorry this has happened to you. Don’t forget that you’re not in this alone. You have a huge support team and we’re doing everything we can for you (especially Bodie). I talked to Coach Everett and you’re not off the team. She doesn’t believe for a second that you’d do something like this, so don’t worry about that. I know this has to be so hard for you, but if anyone can handle it, it’s you. You are one of the strongest people I know, and we’ll get through this together. I love you like a sister.

  Kayleigh

  The tears were freely flowing down my face now. I loved that girl. Glancing down at the next message I started to cry a little bit more. I recognized my mom’s writing instantly.

  Our Dearest Daughter,

  I want to start by saying how much your dad and I love you and how proud we are of you. I know you are 100% innocent, and we’ll stop at nothing to prove that. Your friend Bodie is quite the young man. I’ve never seen a more determined person, except you. He’s been busy trying to find evidence that clears you and I believe if anyone can find it, it will be him. Please know that your dad and I will be here for you, no matter what happens, and we’ll do whatever is necessary to help you. You will not have to face this on your own. We love you honey and will see you Monday.

  Love,
/>   Mom and Dad

  I had to put the letter down because my eyes were too blurry to read it. I took a few minutes to collect myself and wiped my eyes. Once I was able to see again, I picked up the precious paper. The next note was from Major.

  Karma,

  I don’t really know what to tell you that will help, except maybe this. Bodie is a man on a mission. He’s not going to stop until he sets you free. I’ve never seen him like this before. He cares about you, a lot, so keep that in mind please when this is all over. And don’t worry about Kayleigh, I’ll take care of her until you get back. Take care and be safe.

  Major

  The end of his note made me smile. At least he knew that Kayleigh was always going to be my girl, even with him in the picture. The last message was from Bodie. I took a deep breath and started reading.

  Karma,

  I’m feeling so many emotions right now, but I’m sure it’s nothing compared to how you feel. You have no idea how sorry I am that you’re having to go through this and if I could trade places with you, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I need you to know that all of West Security has your back. We will do everything in our power to get you cleared of this. I know with absolute certainty that you didn’t do anything they’re accusing you of. You may be stubborn and full of pride, but you’re not a criminal. You’ve worked hard to get where you are and there’s no way you’d ruin that for money. I know this about you and I’m going to make sure the entire world knows it too. You mean a lot to me Karma, you have for a while. You’re more than just a friend to me and I will do whatever it takes to make sure you are free to live the rest of your life how you want to. I’m making a promise to you that I will save you from this, all you have to do is trust me.

  Love, Bodie

  Putting the letter down, I started to cry all over again. Bodie’s words got to me in a way that I didn’t think was possible. They touched me deeply. I read the last line again, all you have to do is trust me, and I did trust him. I’d told him what happened to me when I was a kid and never once did it occur to me to tell Anthony. I guess that should have been a clue that I wasn’t meant to be with him. I knew Bodie wouldn’t give up on me and I couldn’t say the same about Anthony. Fuck, what an idiot I’d been. I’d been wowed by Anthony’s charm and swagger and look where it had gotten me.

  I folded up the paper and tucked it into my bra, then I sat back and thought about all the things Bodie had done for me. No one else besides my parents and Kayleigh had ever been so thoughtful. From staying with me when I had the nightmare to getting me all that ice cream when I was mad at him, he never gave up or made me feel like I wasn’t worth being around. And all I’d done was give the poor guy a hard time. I asked him to tell me to an orgasm while I was at my boyfriend’s place, God, I was such a dick.

  This was my chance to change. Bodie was making me want to be a better person. I laughed to myself. If I had told him that when we first met both of us would have thought that was crazy, but Bodie had changed over the last few months. I felt like he was growing up, which sounded stupid since we were both in college, but I didn’t know how else to word it.

  As for me, I was the same as I’d been in high school. Mostly selfish and thoughtless. I cared more about my feelings than anyone else’s. I liked to have a good time and that’s what mattered. It was time for a change.

  I’d always heard that writing things down can help, and since I had nothing but time for the next two days, I decided to try it. For the rest of the day, I wrote letters. I started by writing one to my younger self. It was an interesting exercise but one that helped me a little. Then I wrote one to my parents and one to Bodie. I didn’t know if I’d ever give them the letters, but it was something I needed to do for me.

  That night I was able to sleep a little, but I was exhausted Sunday morning when they brought breakfast. I thought about the letters I wrote yesterday, and my mind was a little lighter. I’d written down things that were sometimes hard to admit but were the absolute truth.

  Today, I was going to focus on something entirely different. I was going to try to figure out who set me up. I had to admit it was either Antonio or Anthony. Just thinking about Anthony doing it made me sick.

  I looked at the list I’d made about everything the detectives had told me. The two things that I kept going back to where the clothes and necklace. How would Antonio convince Anthony to buy me a shitload of clothes and a ten-thousand-dollar necklace when it was clear he didn’t want me in the picture? Wouldn’t Anthony want to know why his dad would do that? So that led me to two conclusions, this was all on Anthony, or they were in on it together. But what would Antonio have to gain by stealing money from his own company and then reporting it to the police? That didn’t make any sense.

  I started going back over my whole relationship with Anthony. Everything had been perfect. The only exception was when I found out his father had been having me investigated. I remember overhearing their conversation and thinking how angry Anthony sounded when he said, “I have plans for her dad, don’t fuck this up for me.” At the time, I thought he meant for our future, now I was positive that’s not what he was talking about.

  The more I thought about it, the more everything was pointing to Anthony using me to steal the money for himself. But why? He was set to take over his father’s company and he already had a shitload of money. I didn’t get it. I needed to talk to Bodie about this.

  ****

  Bodie

  I had just left dad’s office and I was pissed off. Bill called and told us that nothing was going to happen with Karma until she could see a judge on Monday. She was going to have to spend the weekend in jail. I wanted to punch something, or better yet, someone. Dad told me to get out of the office and take a breather. He said he would have Cathy email me the data when it was ready.

  After leaving the office, I just drove around the city and ended up at the beach. The sound of the ocean had always helped me think. I knew Anthony was behind this, I could tell by the look on his face when we’d left there. I just wasn’t sure how to prove it.

  There were people on the beach, but it wasn’t crowded. I found a place away from everyone and sat in the sand. I felt so bad for Karma. She must be scared and confused. I wished I could talk to her, but no visitors were allowed. I hated that she was dealing with this alone. As I stared at the crashing waves, I had an idea. I didn’t know if I could pull it off, but I was going to try.

  I’d been at the beach for much longer than I’d realized. The alarm went off on my phone telling me it was time to go pick up Karma’s parents from the airport. I still had Karma’s phone so they could call me when they got off the plane.

  Once I parked and went into the terminal, I was slightly nervous, and I had no idea why. I guess I was just hoping they weren’t blaming all of this on me. I went to their gate and waited, gripping Karma’s phone in my hand.

  When it rang, I actually jumped a little. I told her mom that I was there and wearing a green t-shirt and jeans so she could find me. I shouldn’t have worried about trying to spot them because Karma’s mom looked just like her. Same red hair and body type. I waved at her to get her attention. They didn’t have any bags to get so we went straight to my car.

  “Thank you for plane tickets,” Mrs. Webster said. “We’ve never flown first class before. And thank you for picking us up.”

  “It’s not a problem. I’ll do anything to make this better. I’m so sorry this happened.”

  “Can you tell us everything you know?” she asked. “I mean, right from the beginning.”

  “Sure.” I talked the whole way to the hotel, telling them everything I knew. They both had some questions and by the time I was pulling into a parking spot Mrs. Webster had a few tears. I felt so bad for them. We got out and I checked them in.

  “Here are your room keys,” I said, handing them two plastic cards. “Kayleigh should be here in the next few minutes. I hope it’s okay that I asked her here.”

  “Of cou
rse, it’s okay, she’s like a daughter to us,” Mrs. Webster said.

  “Uh, is it alright if I come up to your room while we wait for Kayleigh and Major? I have something I’d like to talk to everyone about.”

  “That’s not a problem at all.”

  I took Mrs. Webster’s carry-on bag, and we went to the elevators. I’d booked them the best room at the hotel, so we went all the way to the twentieth floor. I could tell they were shocked at the room when we walked in.

  “Bodie, this is too much,” Mrs. Webster said, when she saw the room. “An ordinary room would have been just fine.”

  “I didn’t want you to have to worry about anything other than Karma while you’re here, so I got the room with the most comforts of home. There is also unlimited room service, or you can eat in the restaurant if you want as well at no charge to you.”

  “We can’t accept this,” Mr. Webster said.

  “You have to,” I told him. “It’s the only thing I can do for Karma at the moment.”

  I think he understood what I was talking about because he nodded at me.

  There was a knock on the door and since I was closest, I answered it. Kayleigh came in and ran straight to Mrs. Webster. I couldn’t hear what they were saying to each other, but I could tell that Karma’s mom was happy to see Kayleigh.

  “Here’s the paper you wanted,” Major said, handing me a notepad.

  “Thanks man, I appreciate it.”

  “What is it for?”

  “You’ll find out in a minute.”

  I waited a little bit until it looked like Kayleigh was done talking to Karma’s parents.

  “So,” I started, “I have an idea about how we can get in touch with Karma. I don’t know if I can make it happen but I’m willing to try. I thought we could each write her a short message and I’d try and get a guard to give it to her.”

  I saw both Mrs. Webster’s and Kayleigh’s faces light up.

  “That’s a wonderful idea, Bodie,” Mrs. Webster said. “I think getting messages of support will mean the world to her.”