Secret Past Read online

  “I will make sure it’s returned.” Anthony searched her eyes.

  “I’d appreciate that,” Katie said.

  “I’d like my gun back too,” Daniel interjected.

  Anthony turned, pinning Daniel with a scowl. “That will not happen.” He returned his focus to Katie. “Giovanni is goal-driven with a great eye for details. He’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants, even to the degree of being ruthless. His biggest weakness is that he fails to see the human component in business relations. That’s where you come in. You will be the softer side of Marino Industries.”

  “Let me get this straight, you brought Katie here to run the family business—which we all know is made up of human trafficking, drugs and weapons—knowing it would put her closer to danger?” Daniel assessed.

  A chill slithered up Katie’s back. Her mouth went dry.

  “No, I brought her here because I need her help,” Anthony growled.

  Katie noticed he didn’t dispute Daniel’s accusations. So, it was true.

  Daniel straightened, and focused over Katie’s shoulder. Mockery was evident in his tone, “Hello, Giovanni. We are so glad you could join us.”

  “There you are. Did I miss much?” He sauntered toward the trio.

  Katie turned. How long had he been there?

  “No, I was just learning some of our family history and looking at old pictures.” Katie’s words rushed out more enthusiastically than necessary.

  Giovanni dropped down into the only available chair. “Find anything valuable?”

  Was it her imagination or did he emphasize valuable?

  “No, but it was a delight to tell Bella about Grandmamma,” Anthony responded.

  Giovanni snickered. “Not much worth telling.”

  The smile faded from Anthony’s face.

  Katie needed to talk with Daniel. Alone. She stood and walked to the railing, glancing out over the ocean. “I can’t get over how beautiful it is here. Thank you both for your hospitality.”

  “Bella, you’re not a guest, this is your home,” Anthony said, setting the photo album on the table.

  She turned to face them and forced a smile. “If you’ll excuse us, Daniel and I would like to take a walk along the beach before heading to bed.”

  “It’s dark,” Giovanni argued.

  “Not with the moon and the patio lights.” Katie sent a pleading glance to Anthony.

  He waved over Lorenzo. “Accompany them.”

  “That’s not necessary,” Katie insisted.

  “It’s always necessary,” Giovanni retorted.

  “Bella, Lorenzo will keep a respectable distance to allow you privacy, but your security is of utmost concern.” Anthony nodded at his bodyguard. “Have Zach join us and keep watch from here.”

  Lorenzo pulled out his cell phone and made a call. Within seconds, the younger bodyguard appeared from the house, palming his weapon.

  “Tell me again how we’re not prisoners.” Katie stormed toward the slate steps, Daniel at her side.

  “It’s for your own good,” Anthony called. “Mr. Knight, I’ll warn you only once. Don’t try anything stupid.”

  The sand restricted her pace, and she didn’t speak until they’d reached the shore. She slowed, keeping out of the ocean’s grasp and peered over her shoulder. Lorenzo followed but true to Anthony’s promise, stayed several feet away. She prayed her performance and the crashing waves would keep the Marinos away while drowning out her voice.

  Katie tucked her arm through the crook of Daniel’s and whispered, “We need to talk.”

  * * *

  Daniel eyeballed Lorenzo. The bodyguard wasn’t within hearing distance—provided they spoke quietly—however, he was within shooting distance so an attempted escape wasn’t wise.

  Katie stayed close to him, her stride determined.

  “What’s on your mind?” he whispered.

  “Anthony clammed up in Giovanni’s presence. He’s adamant about finding—”

  “Garrett’s instructions were clear,” Daniel interrupted. The mention of his mentor’s omission grated on him, but he wouldn’t allow himself to dwell on the matter. Garrett had his reasons for not sharing the information with Daniel. “There’s more to Marino’s inquiry than a missing family heirloom.”

  “Are Giovanni and my father telling the truth about my mother?”

  My father. Two words that set Daniel’s worry into overdrive. Was she wearing down? Had she started accepting Anthony? “Garrett always said the best lies were laced with truth. There’s some truth to the things they mentioned about Garrett and your mother’s situation.”

  “Situation?” Katie tilted her head.

  “Garrett loved Evangelina and wanted to marry her.”

  “They never behaved like anything other than siblings.”

  “I don’t think his feelings were reciprocated. I wish I could give you all the answers but I can’t. Just...”

  “What?”

  “Don’t believe everything the Marinos say—they’re professional con men.”

  “I know.” She stopped and rocked back on her heels. “Should I use the safe Anthony offered?”

  Daniel considered that option. “He might be setting you up.” If so, why not take the locket? Marino had proven he wasn’t above breaking the law to get what he wanted.

  “Do you think they know about the numbers?” Katie furrowed her brows, keeping close to his side.

  “That’s a definite probability. And it explains why they’re playing up the family thing. Right now, it’s our only bargaining tool. Once they get what they want, they’ll eliminate both of us.”

  “Mama and Garrett are dead. They can’t offer any defense. It’s one person’s word against another. I’m caught in the middle.” Katie released her hold and threw up her hands as if to say, I give up.

  “Katie, you’re the strongest woman I know. Whatever the truth is, we’ll figure it out together.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled, tucking her arm into his.

  They strode along the water’s edge, enjoying the scenery and the company. Minus Lorenzo.

  “What was the deal with Tiffany?” Katie’s question sounded innocent enough.

  Daniel detected an unspoken something. He wasn’t sure exactly what, but a part of him hoped it was jealousy. Or at least, interest. “She’s different.”

  “She’s really pretty.”

  Ah, so that’s it. Tiffany’s little attempt at dissuasion hadn’t gone unnoticed. “I guess. Although she’s not my type.” Daniel caught a glimpse of Katie’s grin.

  “Really? What’s your type?”

  “Let’s just say the bar’s been forever raised on my idea of the perfect woman.” Since you came into my life. Because no one compared to Katie.

  “Funny, because my taste has recently evolved.”

  “Do tell.”

  “I’m finding the rugged, lawman type to be intriguing.”

  “Hm. Good to know.”

  They stood at the water’s edge as it crashed in a steady, rhythmic pattern, contrasting Daniel’s rapid pulse. He guided Katie, keeping her back to Lorenzo.

  Daniel shifted uncomfortably. He needed to get honest with her. She deserved his transparency. “I have something to tell you. Giovanni and I had quite the conversation. He offered to help me find my sister if I agreed to leave.”

  “Oh.” Katie blinked, withdrawing her arm from his hold and spun on her heel. She walked away, facing the ocean. Her words were barely audible. “I understand if you need to go.”

  Daniel ignored the voice in his head telling him to stay professional. He moved behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

  She didn’t resist his touch.

  “I won’t pretend that I didn’t think over his offer. Five years of searching for Brittany
with no results has been hard on my family.”

  Katie turned, a shimmer of tears reflected in the dim moonlight. She averted her gaze and bit her lip.

  That look gave Daniel confirmation of what he’d known since he met her. Katie had his commitment. She was vulnerable and he wouldn’t allow the Marino monsters to hurt her. He stepped closer, gently tilting her head to face him. “The problem is, I have this horrible propensity to be stubborn.”

  “Oh, yeah?” Her smile quivered, drawing his attention to the fullness of her lips.

  He struggled to swallow the beach towel in his throat. “Yep. I always finish what I start.” His tone was husky and he leaned back, absorbed by her emerald eyes. “So, you’re stuck with me.”

  Katie lifted her chin, her lips beckoning him to seal the words. “Well, I’d hate to be the one responsible for you not finishing something, especially if you’re going to be chief someday.”

  Daniel’s heart swelled at her thoughtful words, making him want to kiss her more than anything. More than his next breath. “I’m in this with you.”

  “Promise?”

  “I promise.” He lowered his head, feeling her breath warm against his skin. Stay professional. Remember Garrett. No woman is worth losing your career over. Daniel inhaled Katie’s enticing scent, his arms trembling at the restraint required to keep him from kissing her. And for the first time in his life, he wasn’t sure he believed his personal mantra. Katie Tribani was worth giving up his career. Worth giving up everything.

  Katie looked down, breaking her gaze. “We should probably get back.” She tucked her hands into her hoodie pocket.

  Right. Get back in the game. In his peripheral, Daniel caught sight of Lorenzo inching closer. He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Our company’s getting nosy.”

  Katie nodded and they increased their pace. When they’d gained a little more distance, backs still to Lorenzo, she spoke, “Anthony made it clear he’s not going to let me leave.”

  Daniel gritted his teeth. “We’re not asking.”

  “They’re playing the family card, right?”

  “Yeah...”

  “He seems more than willing to divulge information to me outside of Giovanni’s presence.”

  “They’re going to lose patience with you if they don’t get what they want. Anthony seems sweet now, but remember what I’ve told you about his methodology.”

  “I agree. Give me one day. If by tomorrow evening, we don’t have any real information, we leave. Do you have a plan?”

  “Sort of. Let me work on Priscilla. She’s the most reasonable here. I don’t need a gun to break us free, but we do need a vehicle.”

  Daniel would do his job and protect Katie without hesitation. He’d stay by her side until one of the Marinos grew tired of his presence, or realized the threat he posed. And he’d guess that time was quickly approaching because they were leaving tomorrow whether Katie realized it or not.

  THIRTEEN

  Katie’s eyes flew open to darkness, and she gasped, unable to breathe. She was suffocating...dying. Desperate, she tried to push herself up, but her arms and legs were bound. A weight pressed down on her chest and mouth, smothering her screams. She thrashed her head back and forth, fighting for relief.

  “Stop moving or I’ll squeeze the life out of you,” the man growled. “The locket isn’t yours. Tell me where it is, and I might let you live.”

  The blindfold shifted and Katie tilted her head, struggling to see the attacker. His hand partially covered her nose, restricting her airflow. The urgent need for oxygen overrode her desire to identify him. She bucked, trying to throw him off, but he was too heavy and pinned her down.

  “Keep fighting me, and you’ll suffocate yourself. If you make a sound, I’ll kill you. Do you understand?”

  She nodded, trying to place where she’d heard his voice before.

  He slowly removed his hand. “Where is the locket?”

  Katie sputtered, breathless and sucking in air. Was having the locket worth this? Daniel said it was their only bargaining tool. “My mother never gave me a locket,” she choked.

  “Liar! Just like your mother!” He slapped her across the face.

  Katie’s head jerked to the side from the impact. Her cheek stung, and she blinked back tears. The bitter scent of cigarettes drifted to her, tickling her nose. He clamped his hands around her throat, crushing her windpipe. Just before she blacked out, he released his grip.

  She coughed, frantic, needing air.

  “Tell me where it is,” the man growled.

  Tears filled her eyes. “Please, if I could, I would give you whatever you’re looking for.”

  “Maybe you require stronger persuasion.”

  Katie felt a cold object against her cheek, moving slowly down her face. He continued his perusal, and she cringed. Please, God...don’t let him... It was now or never. She let out the loudest, ear-piercing scream she could muster.

  The man cursed, and the bed bounced. His pounding footsteps faded from the room.

  Katie cried louder, fear and anger surging through her body. She inhaled then exhaled a scream. Her throat was dry and scratchy, but she refused to relent and continued blaring at the top of her lungs. She thrashed, fighting against the restraints.

  Heavy footsteps rushed toward her, growing louder.

  Please, God, help me. She let loose again, using every ounce of oxygen to increase the volume of her cries.

  Light broke through the blindfold and hurried steps drew closer.

  “Katie?” Daniel’s voice. “What’s going on here? It’s me!”

  She gasped with relief. “Daniel! Help me!”

  The mattress shifted with his weight, while he worked to remove the mask from her eyes. He yanked off the bindings from her hands and feet.

  Katie jerked free and scrambled off the bed. She stumbled backward against the wall, knocked over the lamp on the nightstand and stood shivering. Goose bumps covered her exposed skin and she rubbed vigorously.

  Daniel approached with open arms, but she stepped out of his reach. Rejection flitted in his expression as he walked around and sat in the armchair giving her space.

  Tears blurred Katie’s eyes as she sulked to his side. Not wanting to be touched, yet needing him.

  “What happened? Who did this?” Daniel’s jaw was tight.

  “I... I don’t know. A man.” She shivered and put a hand to her neck, gingerly touching the tender spots. The attacker’s hands were gone, but the phantom sensation of him crushing her throat still lingered. Katie swallowed against the tenderness from her screams.

  “Here.” Daniel stood and offered a blanket from the foot of the bed.

  She wasn’t cold, but Katie allowed him to wrap the warmth around her shoulders. Her body’s involuntary flinch at his touch caught both of them off guard. She gave him an apologetic grimace. “He demanded the locket.”

  “Did you tell him—”

  “No,” she whispered. “He said if I made a sound, he’d kill me.”

  “And you screamed? That was either very brave or crazy.”

  Daniel reached for her, and this time Katie surrendered to his embrace. “I had to. I felt something cold, like steel. A knife maybe? He started to...and I was afraid he’d... Uncle Nick always taught me that in a situation like that, scream anyway.”

  “Smart.” Daniel’s arms were strong, his scent reassuring. “Did you recognize his voice?”

  Katie pushed back, regarding him. “I don’t know.”

  “Think hard. Did he sound like anyone familiar?”

  She forced herself to remember the words the attacker had spoken, nibbling on a fingernail. “Possibly? Sort of like the creepy guy I head-butted at the ranch house. He smelled like cigarettes too.” Katie gasped, covering her mouth, and dropped onto the bed. “It was him!”
r />   “Had to be working for Giovanni then. I should never have left you.”

  For a moment, she agreed. “How did you hear me? Your room’s so far away.”

  Daniel’s words tumbled out like a teenager caught after curfew. “I heard footsteps in the hallway. When I opened the door, there was no one around. Figured I’d check things out, maybe find my gun while I had the chance. I’d just put on my boots when I heard you scream.”

  Was he lying to her too? Did he plan on leaving her to find his sister? Katie lifted a brow. “Did you see a man running out of my room?”

  “No. I heard you, then someone running and your door was open.”

  Daniel promised to stay with her. She needed to remember that. To remember their time on the beach. Doubting him wasn’t the way to handle this.

  Katie looked down, inspecting her wrists. The red welts were remnants from the white strips of cloth that hung from the headboard and footboard. “Anthony said Giovanni would do anything to get that locket. Guess he wasn’t exaggerating.” Her voice was hoarse.

  “Bella, is everything all right?” Anthony stood in the doorway, dressed in a black robe and slippers. Concern etched his face.

  How long had he been there?

  “Someone attacked her,” Daniel snapped.

  Katie pulled the blankets tighter over her shoulders as Anthony rushed to her side. Daniel blocked his way, forcing the man to go around him. The protective gesture touched her.

  “Are you hurt?” Anthony sat next to her, lifting his frail hand to brush a stray lock of hair from her face.

  Katie retracted from Anthony’s touch. “A little.”

  “Can you not see she’s hurt? Look at her,” Daniel barked.

  Anthony frowned, folding his hands in his lap.

  “She’s been in danger from the moment you reentered her life.” Daniel’s rigid stance and fisted hands demonstrated a defensive pose. “She could’ve been killed tonight. The bruises on her neck and cheek are already forming. We need to go to a hospital and have her checked out.”

  Anthony turned to him, the apprehension in his expression hardened into resolve. “Mr. Knight, please close the door.”