Secret Past Read online

  Priscilla chattered on about Florida, making small talk with Katie. Daniel appreciated the distraction. He needed to come up with an escape plan. His gaze flitted to the housekeeper and an idea sprouted to life. What was better than someone with insider knowledge?

  When they’d reached the top of the staircase, Priscilla led them down a never-ending hallway with closed doors on both sides. They were out of Giovanni’s or Lorenzo’s hearing range.

  “I’m sorry about how Giovanni treated you back there,” he interrupted.

  The older woman paused and pivoted. “Oh, honey, he didn’t treat me wrong. Mr. Giovanni is a kind and wonderful man. It was my fault for forgetting my place. I tend to do that. Old age setting in.”

  “Does he do that often?” Daniel probed in a softer tone, drawing closer to Priscilla.

  She tilted her head. “Do what, hon?”

  “Belittle you,” Katie inserted.

  “Oh, he doesn’t mean anything by it.” Priscilla worked her apron over her fingers. “Don’t fret yourself over such things. Come on, there’s so much left to show you.”

  “This is quite the home,” Daniel said.

  “Uh-huh,” Katie responded with a wide-eyed expression.

  “Yes, indeed,” Priscilla cooed.

  Daniel touched her arm. “If it wouldn’t get you into any trouble, could I have my gun back?”

  “Oh, yes, and my backpack?” Katie asked.

  Priscilla stopped at a door in the center of the hallway. “Gun? Oh, hon, you don’t need that here. You’re safe.” Lowering her voice, she said, “I’ll see about the bag.”

  Daniel smiled his appreciation. Though he wasn’t pleased with the arrangement, it was progress and it showed Priscilla was amenable to their requests.

  Priscilla pushed open an oversize white door revealing a bedroom the size of his apartment.

  He took in the expensive decorations and contemporary-styled furniture that included a king-size bed with a dark brown leather pillow headboard and cream duvet.

  He turned to see Katie’s reaction.

  Her mouth gaped as she ran her hand along the foot of the bed.

  Nightstands made of a light wood on either side of the bed held decorative brushed nickel lamps. Floor-to-ceiling windows were veiled behind sheer curtains. Cream drapes pulled back on either side by white cord tiebacks matched the duvet.

  He’d expected basement prison cell accommodations, so everything about the place surprised Daniel. He reminded himself that Marino’s nefarious dealings paid for his life of comfort.

  Priscilla moved to a large armoire positioned at the opposite wall and opened the doors. Inside a flat-screen TV sat on a pedestal. She pulled out several of the drawers. “Mr. Marino provided you with essentials.” She lifted a few shirts and sweatpants to illustrate her comment. “I do hope they fit.”

  Daniel squeezed out a polite, “Thank you.” He’d reserve his rude comments for the Marinos.

  “This is incredible,” Katie exhaled.

  Priscilla pointed to a door, explaining it was the bathroom. “Let’s go see your bedroom, Bella.”

  “As lovely as all of this is, Katie and I won’t be staying through the evening.” Daniel glanced out the window.

  “Mr. Knight, don’t be silly. You just arrived. Please take the necessary time to clean up before dinner. Make yourself comfortable and Lorenzo will come for you when it’s time.”

  Daniel turned to see Priscilla tug Katie out of the room.

  “Wait!” He ran toward the women, missing them by inches as the door closed, followed by a subsequent click. He gripped the handle and tugged. Convenient. The lock was on the outside. Daniel pounded on the door. “Katie!”

  He slumped against the door. His emotions danced between humor at being outsmarted by the sweet housekeeper, and annoyance for allowing it. More than that, Katie’s absence made him want to blast through the walls to reach to her.

  Daniel reminded himself Marino didn’t bring him here to kill him. At least, he hoped not. His emerging personal feelings about Katie had to be squelched because those distractions weren’t what either of them needed to escape this place.

  Might as well make the most of the time. He moved through the room, checking for bugs, cameras or anything else intrusive.

  Neither of the nightstand drawers held anything except the remote control for the television set. He walked over and pulled back the sheer drapes, revealing the single-paned window. Of course, it wouldn’t open.

  He looked out at the ocean crashing onto the shore beneath. Anthony’s bodyguards he’d met earlier in the living room stood on the slate patio. They waved with the distinction of two participants riding a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, reminding him there was no escaping this place.

  ELEVEN

  Daniel’s bedroom door lock clicked, and Giovanni entered. “Sorry about keeping you secured. It’s precautionary.”

  “Really, for what?” Daniel closed the distance between them. Giovanni was unarmed but doubtful the man was alone.

  Giovanni pushed the door closed. “Because you’d love to drag my little sister from us again. We needed to be sure you couldn’t do that. Priscilla is an old woman who you’d easily overpower. I advised her to lock the door.”

  “I’m a guest with no privileges like a phone or windows that open? Sounds more like a prisoner.” Daniel stood feet shoulder-width apart, arms crossed.

  “Guess it’s what you make of it. You know, Isabella—”

  “Katie.”

  “My sister’s home. Your services are no longer needed.”

  “I guess we’ll see about that. How long do you plan to keep us against our will?”

  “You are free to go, Mr. Knight. Without Isabella. In all honesty, it would be better if you left.”

  “I won’t leave her.”

  “Then we’re not keeping you against your will, are we? You’re choosing to stay here. As for your weapons, I might consider returning them. After we’ve established you’re not a threat. You can’t blame me for being cautious.” Giovanni sighed. “You’re here as our guest, but if you cause any problems, or try to take my little sister away, I’ll be forced to take care of you...permanently.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  Giovanni’s sardonic laugh accentuated his words. “Threats are for schoolyard fights.” He crossed the room, stopping inches from Daniel’s face. “Be good, Marshal Man. Or you’ll no longer be welcome here.”

  Daniel stepped closer. “My only allegiance is to Katie.”

  “Yes, you do appear... What’s the word? Loyal. Like a dog.” Giovanni turned away from Daniel. “My men were instructed to kill you, but they were clearly incapable. No worry about that. I won’t tolerate incompetence. They’ve been punished for their inability to complete the simple mission.”

  “Your father didn’t appear to appreciate your interference.”

  “My father is senile and unable to think clearly. He insisted on bringing you here, but I haven’t figured out why.”

  “Make it easy on me. Give me back my gun, and I’ll call a cab.”

  Giovanni turned to face Daniel, a smirk on his GQ face. “If I bought that line, we’d both be idiots.” He turned and stared out the window. “I know a lot about you, Daniel Knight.”

  “I guess that makes us even. I know plenty about you too.”

  “I’ll always be a step ahead. Just like I knew where to find you every time you made some feeble attempt to get away.”

  Daniel took the bait. “That was convenient. Tell me, who’s the mole in my office?”

  Giovanni chuckled. “Let’s say I’m very persuasive when I need to be.”

  “Were they bought? Threatened?” Daniel pressed.

  “A gentleman never kisses and tells,” Giovanni said. “Suffice it to say, wh
atever illusions you have of protecting Isabella are just that, illusions. Go away and let us rebuild our family. Your government did a lifetime of damage. Even you can’t deny that.”

  “You must have a hearing problem, so let me say it again. I’m not going anywhere. Katie’s isn’t naive enough to buy into this innocent businessman routine.”

  “Maybe not, but what concern is that to you?” Giovanni brushed past Daniel and leaned against the wall. He crossed his ankles and put his hands into his pockets. A terrific model pose for his fake world. “I am a businessman, as you’ve so conveniently stated, and I understand the need for a good deal. Leave us, and I’ll make it worth your while. You and I are more alike than you think. I know what it’s like to want to reunite family. To wonder every day if she’s safe.”

  Giovanni grinned, and Daniel shifted uncomfortably. What was the maniac saying?

  “Mr. Knight, I can help you find what you’ve been looking for all these years.”

  Daniel smirked allowing the full depth of his sarcasm to ooze through his words. “Oh, yeah, and what could you possibly think I need to find?”

  “Brittany.”

  He struggled not to show the emotions threatening to surface. Daniel wouldn’t give Giovanni the satisfaction. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “You don’t have a clue where my sister is.”

  “Don’t I?”

  “Unlike your family, we don’t kidnap and drag members of my family back home. Brittany is capable of returning when she wants to.” Daniel worked to increase the confidence in his tone, but the temptation hung in the air.

  “You’re not thinking clearly. I’m sure the tranquilizers are still fogging your brain. Take some time to consider my offer. Isabella would never need to know why you left. I’ll cover for you. You can return to your meager life as a marshal, and bring peace to your own family by rescuing your sister.”

  Giovanni’s arrogance was annoying.

  “You don’t know anything about my family,” Daniel said. “Interesting that you used the word rescue. Do you also have my sister hostage?”

  Giovanni ignored the question. “She’s had her share of problems. A confused young woman. She asked about you.”

  Daniel lunged, grabbing Giovanni by the shoulders and slamming him against the wall. “If you lay a hand on my sister—”

  “Now, now, Mr. Knight. Threats don’t work with me. Remember, I have too much to bargain with.”

  Daniel shoved him away. “Tell me where she is.”

  “I’d love to. But as I said, I need something in return.” Giovanni spun on his heel and walked toward the door. “Brittany’s drug habit is quite sad. How can anyone with a brain buy into the lie that a substance means more than her own flesh and blood.”

  Daniel glared at Giovanni’s smooth-as-a-baby’s-bottom face. “You’re beyond a hypocrite. It’s scum like you that provide drugs on the streets, trapping people like Brittany. Don’t you dare pretend to sympathize when you’re the monster that lured her into misery.”

  “You give me too much credit. I wouldn’t dream of providing illegal drugs on the streets of America.” Giovanni sneered. “I can understand your irrational thoughts, however. Your sister needs your help. Ponder my proposal.” He opened the door, exposing Lorenzo on the other side, cradling the MP5. “See you at dinner.”

  The men walked away from the room, leaving the door open.

  A test? Daniel waited a few seconds before peering down the hallway where Lorenzo stood with a stupid grin plastered on his ugly mug.

  Giovanni’s deception was evident every time he opened his mouth, and that loving brother act didn’t sit well. The man was a beacon of arrogance and wickedness. Being in the Marino home was like standing in the lion’s den waiting to be attacked.

  Daniel’s stomach tightened at the impossible situation with no winning choices.

  Giovanni was providing a way for him to get Brittany home. Years of searching would be over. Wondering. Worrying.

  He couldn’t fathom abandoning Katie to the mercy of two psychopaths. If he left, who knew what the Marinos would do. Daniel closed his eyes. The truth was he couldn’t imagine never again seeing Katie Tribani. The reality was a high-speed transaction from his head to his heart. The little brunette had invaded his defenses more than he cared to admit, and there was no denying he’d do anything for her.

  Yet, if he stayed, what would happen to Brittany?

  * * *

  Katie sat on the bed, fingering the dusty rose evening gown. She looked down at her jeans again, debating whether to change into the dress that Priscilla had insisted—no, begged—her to wear. The maid seemed confused when Katie refused and offered her the choice of a different gown instead.

  The bedroom closet was filled with beautiful designer outfits and she’d almost given in to Priscilla’s request, until she noticed all of the clothes were in her size.

  She shivered at the realization that her father had somehow managed to find out such personal information long before she’d arrived. Did the man have any inkling how invasive and creepy that was?

  Daniel’s absence convinced Katie she’d do just about anything to get back to his side. It wasn’t just having him there to protect her. Though he made her feel safe in ways she couldn’t describe. It was as if Daniel grounded her. Gave her a center of gravity. Had it not been for Priscilla’s assurances that he was safe and would join her in minutes, Katie would be beating a hole through the wall to get to him.

  She paced between the closet and her bed, clutching the locket in her hand. She needed a hiding place. The safe? No. Why would Anthony offer her a place to secure things, knowing full well she hadn’t brought anything with her? No doubt they’d gone through the backpack—which still hadn’t been returned to her. It wasn’t as if it had anything of value, but she detested that they’d taken it away.

  Maybe the safest place for the locket was in her possession. She tucked the necklace back into her pocket and pulled the oversize hoodie down around her hips.

  The latch clicked, jolting Katie. She rushed to the door, anxious to be released from the confines of the bedroom.

  Lorenzo’s massive presence filled the doorway. Head shaking with disapproval in his expression, he shifted to the side. Relief coursed through her at the sight of Daniel in the hallway. He was still dressed in his cargo pants and a black T-shirt. She wasn’t the only one who’d refused the clothing offers.

  Katie squeezed past the bodyguard and moved to Daniel’s side, inhaling his scent like oxygen filling her lungs. “Am I ever glad to see you. It’s a good thing I’m not claustrophobic because being locked in that room wasn’t fun.”

  “Tell me about it.” His eyes met hers, and she didn’t look away.

  Lorenzo poked at them with his gun, motioning toward the stairs. “Let’s go.”

  “Really?” Katie shot him a glare.

  “Guess it’s time for dinner.” Daniel placed his hand against the small of her back, and stayed close to her side, leading her down the staircase.

  Lorenzo’s silent, intimidating presence lingered behind them.

  Priscilla stood at the doorway and waved them over. She frowned as they drew closer. “Bella, did the dress not fit you?”

  “I’m sure it would have, but I’m more comfortable in my own clothes,” Katie said.

  The maid’s eyebrows furrowed and she pursed her lips together. “I hope you’ll reconsider.”

  Daniel led Katie through the doorway, and into the dining room. She took in the elegant space, holding tightly to his arm.

  The far wall was made entirely of windows overlooking the ocean. White-and-black chairs surrounded the rectangular smoked glass table positioned in the center of the room. A stone fireplace covered one wall and two spherical glass chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft light. Anthony sat at the head of the table with Giovanni
to his right. Both were dressed in suits and deep in conversation that ceased as she and Daniel entered the room.

  Anthony’s obvious disapproval was written in the frown on his face. “Did Priscilla not instruct you to dress for dinner?”

  Katie turned but Priscilla wasn’t with them. “She did.”

  “Then what’s the problem?” Giovanni inserted.

  Daniel’s arm tensed beneath her fingers. She squeezed gently aiming her reply at Anthony. “Although I’m sure you meant well, I find it disconcerting that you purchased clothing in my size before I’d even arrived.”

  Anthony’s eyes narrowed, enhancing the gray shadows on his face. “Shouldn’t a father provide for his family? I hoped to surprise you with the best gifts since I’ve not had that opportunity throughout your life. I meant no offense and hope you’ll reconsider my generosity.”

  Daniel snorted. “Why don’t you start by giving us the freedom to leave this place?”

  “I agree,” Katie chimed in.

  Anthony steepled his fingers on the table. “As much as I understand your desire to leave, Bella, I must insist you stay. You’ve been misled into believing lies. I want the chance to clear up those misunderstandings. If I let you leave, you’ll never return.”

  “That would be a shame,” Giovanni inserted. One side of his lips inched upward and he took a sip from his crystal goblet.

  Katie swallowed. “Shouldn’t I have the freedom to make that decision? Wouldn’t you rather have me here because I want to be, not because you’re forcing me?”

  “Right now, I will take the former because it is what is best for you.”

  “You don’t know anything about me.” Katie’s cheeks warmed, and she worked to keep her tone calm. “And you can’t keep me here forever.”

  Lorenzo stepped forward and tapped his fingers lightly on the MP5.

  Anthony sighed and gestured toward the table. “Please, sit.”

  “I don’t think we have a choice, Daniel,” Katie replied.

  His scowl mimicked her thoughts. They walked to the left side of the room and sat across from Giovanni.