Secret Past Read online

  Psychopaths were known for their charismatic abilities and no matter how genuine he played the part, Daniel wasn’t buying Anthony’s long-lost father adoration. Was he?

  He’d seen the case files. Planted evidence. Was that possible? Had Garrett’s love for Evangelina made him blind to justice? He didn’t want to question Garrett’s loyalty, but the tiniest seed of doubt fought to take root.

  Giovanni entered, dressed in another custom-fit suit. “Good morning. I’m surprised you’re up so early. What have I missed?”

  “Housekeeping items. Mr. Knight and I came to an understanding regarding his stay here.” Anthony sat down again.

  Giovanni pulled out a chair across from Daniel. His unbelieving gaze fixated on his father.

  Between Giovanni and Anthony, it was getting harder to tell who was the bigger criminal in this bizarre family circle. Daniel recalled the flight to the Marino estate and The Professor’s words about picking the winning side. What side would that be?

  * * *

  “Good morning, Bella.”

  Katie shot up in the bed, heart in her throat at the sound of Priscilla’s voice. The woman smiled, perched on the edge of her bed. Okay, that’s not creepy at all.

  She blinked against the morning sunlight streaming through the window. The curtains had been tied back. How long had Priscilla been there? “What time is it?” Katie turned to look at the door. “Where’s Daniel?”

  The armchair had been returned to its proper location. How had she gotten in without Katie hearing?

  “Early, hon. The men are already up and moving. I’m here on a private matter.”

  “Before coffee?” Katie pushed herself to a sitting position, hugging a pillow.

  Priscilla scooted closer invading her personal space bubble. “Giovanni’s behind the attack on you. When he wants something, he will do whatever it takes to get it. He has no limits. All for a stupid piece of jewelry.”

  Katie considered playing dumb, but she was growing weary of the effort. “How do you know about the locket?”

  Priscilla tilted her head. “Everyone knows. Your father was furious when he couldn’t find it. He knew Evangelina had taken the priceless item. Who could blame her? She’d endured so much.”

  Katie fought the urge to shake the maid or shove her off the bed. “I don’t mean to be rude, but could we continue this conversation after I’ve gotten dressed?”

  “You’re in danger.”

  Was that the standard conversation icebreaker in this house? “Yes, I keep hearing that.” Katie worked to keep the snark from her tone.

  “Several billion dollars mysteriously disappeared from the Marino’s accounts when Evangelina left. Truth be told, the money belonged to her, but Anthony doesn’t see it that way. He believes the locket is the missing piece in retrieving that money.”

  Katie’s heart pounded against her ribs. The engraved numbers inside the locket were account numbers. She feigned a yawn. “I don’t understand what this has to do with me.”

  “Giovanni wants that money.”

  “He already has everything. What more could the man possibly want?”

  Priscilla tsked. “Greed is a selfish, insatiable taskmaster. For Giovanni, it’s not about the money, it’s about Evangelina choosing you over him.”

  “That was two decades ago, and he’s a grown man. Besides, I had nothing to do with any of Mama’s choices. Whatever her reasons, she must’ve loved Giovanni. I can only imagine her sorrow at leaving behind her son.”

  “Yes, but their relationship was...different. Your mother was a wonderful lady. Kind and merciful even under the most dreadful of circumstances.”

  “What kind of circumstances?”

  The weight of the information appeared to drain energy from Priscilla. “That’s for another day.” She reached for Katie’s hands. “Sweet Bella, don’t doubt your father’s love. He’s missed you and is desperate for a relationship with you. It’s no secret he’s done many awful things, but everyone deserves forgiveness. Anthony’s time in prison made him a changed man. Don’t waste your precious moments together on suspicions or being distant. Enjoy the renewed relationship for however long it lasts.”

  Katie forced a smile, refusing to allow her doubts about Anthony to be loosed from her heart. “He’s been generous. However, I’d be less skeptical if I weren’t held prisoner here.”

  “He’s on borrowed time.” Priscilla pursed her lips. “Upon Anthony’s passing, he desires that you and Giovanni share the estate. You are an obstacle to Giovanni’s goals, and the locket is merely a stepping stone for him. Once he finds what he’s looking for, he’ll want to be rid of you.”

  “Because if Giovanni gets rid of me—”

  “He’ll inherit the entire fortune.”

  Katie rubbed the goose bumps from her arms, eager for Priscilla to go. “I appreciate your concern, but as I’ve said repeatedly, my mother never gave me a locket.” Do extenuating circumstances like survival excuse lying? Forgive me, Lord.

  Priscilla quirked an eyebrow and stood. “I see. Well, I’ll let you get ready for breakfast.” Before exiting the room, she said, “The men are meeting in the dining room.”

  Did the woman think Katie would blurt the locket’s whereabouts? She threw back the covers and got up. Her gaze fell to the sneaker poking out from underneath the bed. The same shoe where she’d hidden the locket. Curious, she pressed her foot on the toe of the shoe, feeling the shift of the necklace inside. Had Priscilla found it? Is that why she was so adamant about sharing her suppositions regarding Giovanni?

  Katie glanced at the door once again noticing how the chair had been moved without her hearing Priscilla enter. A reminder that Daniel had already gone to breakfast, leaving her without protection. Thanks a lot.

  Irritation gave her a turbo boost, fueling her to complete a shower in record time.

  A brief reduction of her momentum came as she contemplated clothing options. Days in the same hoodie and pants held no appeal. The closet full of clothes—conveniently yet no less than creepy—already in her size, beckoned. Before she could talk herself out of it, Katie chose a pair of designer jeans, a purple cotton blouse and a white duster sweater that hung to her knees, covering the front pocket where she’d placed the necklace. It pressed against her leg. A pair of white gladiator sandals caught her eye, but that might encourage Anthony to believe she’d surrendered to his provision. Katie pulled on her own sneakers, hurried to the door and swung it open.

  She jumped back, startled. The shorter guard she’d met the night before stood waiting inches from her in the doorway, wearing a big grin. “Good morning, Bella.”

  Nothing about his boyish appearance was intimidating except for the Sig Sauer perched on his hip. Could she snag the gun? Right and do what? Run through the house firing like she was in a bad Western?

  “We haven’t been introduced. I’m Zach. I’ll escort you down to the dining hall. Mr. Knight and the Marinos are waiting for you.” He reached for her arm.

  Katie shifted out of his reach. “I’m good.”

  Zach frowned and touched the weapon reminding her who was in charge.

  She pushed by, not bothering to acknowledge the man-child’s eyes on her. Katie raced down the stairs. She gripped the banister railing as her shoes squeaked on the polished floor.

  Zach’s quick footsteps followed behind as she skidded into the dining room where Lorenzo stood, guarding the doorway. He cleared his throat and shifted, announcing her entry.

  Daniel, Giovanni and Anthony sat at the expansive table, their heated discussion stalled at her arrival.

  Fear turned to irritation. “I would’ve come earlier, had someone shared what time breakfast would be served.” She didn’t try to hide the sarcasm aimed at Daniel.

  “I’m afraid that’s my fault,” Anthony defended. “I woke Daniel early to go over so
me security details.”

  The scowl on Daniel’s face said otherwise.

  “Really? Security for what?” Katie walked around the table toward Daniel.

  “It’s really something men handle. Nothing a woman should be concerned with,” Giovanni said.

  Katie glared, fighting back her rude reply.

  Anthony rose with arms wide. “Bella, you look beautiful as always.”

  Compelled to acknowledge the elder man’s extension of warmth, she shuffled toward him and stood in his awkward embrace.

  “Don’t be angry—I’ll explain later,” Anthony whispered against her ear, sealing his words with a light kiss on the cheek.

  His gentleness and response to her hurt feelings chipped a hole in her anger armor.

  “Sit here, Katie.” Daniel pulled out the chair next to him.

  Grateful for the interception, she withdrew from Anthony and slid into the seat. She grinned at Daniel’s change of clothing, noting he wore his own military-style boots. She glanced down considering her shoe choice.

  Daniel’s dark blue shirt and jeans complimented him, enhancing his handsome features. The smell of soap drifted to her, confirming he’d also taken a shower. Her appreciation was sideswiped by the remembrance that he’d left her unguarded.

  “Thank you,” she said dryly.

  Priscilla rushed into the room and spoke as though it was their first encounter for the morning. “Good morning, Bella. Mr. Marino prefers a buffet-style breakfast so grab a plate and help yourself. If you don’t see something you’d like, let me know and I’ll have it made for you.”

  Katie twisted to see an expansive table filled with food.

  “She gets it,” Giovanni snarled.

  Priscilla’s smile fell. With slumped shoulders, she hurried out of the room.

  Katie glowered at him. Why was he always so cruel to the woman? She stood and walked toward the food. Eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, waffles, breads and muffins galore. “All of this is for us?”

  Giovanni laughed. “When you’re a king, you eat like one.”

  She ignored his arrogance and grabbed a plate, filling it with eggs, bacon and two different types of muffins. Her stomach growled as she returned to her place at the table. “Guess I’m hungrier than I thought.”

  She and Daniel delayed their consumption until Anthony and Giovanni joined them. Was her father limping a little? Or walking with exaggerated sluggishness? Katie tried not to stare, but something was off.

  “I’ll say grace.” Without waiting for the men’s agreement, Katie said a simple prayer of thanks. Opening her eyes, she saw Giovanni shovel in a forkful of food, while Daniel and Anthony politely withheld.

  Daniel gave her a tight smile.

  “Now that we’re all here,” Anthony began, placing his napkin on his lap.

  Giovanni snapped his fingers at Tiffany, who’d come in and rushed to his side, refilling his coffee cup while he leered.

  What was his deal?

  Anthony continued, “I’d hoped to do this in a more celebratory setting, but after last night’s events, it’s imperative we expedite matters.”

  Giovanni’s attention reverted to his father.

  “I’m sorry—am I late?” A tall man with curly gray-and-white hair wearing a wrinkled brown suit entered, carrying a briefcase.

  “Edward. Your timing is perfect.” Anthony gestured toward the buffet. “Please make yourself a plate and join us.”

  Katie’s gaze shifted between each of the men. Giovanni’s immaculate appearance was darkened by his troubled expression. His fake smile contrasted his narrowed eyes. A rattlesnake biding its time before an attack, he zeroed in on Edward.

  The unkempt businessman returned with an overflowing plate and sat opposite Anthony. “Good morning.” He faced Katie. “You must be Isabella.”

  Katie nodded unsure whether to correct him or not. Maybe a big My Name Is Katie button would help when meeting people in the Marino home.

  “This is my attorney, the man I owe for making sure I didn’t spend one more day in prison. He’s brilliant,” Anthony gushed.

  “Brilliant would have gotten you out of prison twenty years earlier,” Giovanni retorted.

  Anthony winced as if someone had slapped him. “Edward, I’ve called you here because it’s time to have Isabella reinstated in my will.”

  Giovanni coughed, sputtering juice onto the glass table. Composing himself, he turned to Anthony. “Father, don’t you think that’s a little premature?”

  “What is there to wait for? I’m dying, and our Bella is home. Edward, make the necessary adjustments effective today. Giovanni and Bella will share the entire Marino fortune. In addition, Bella shall also be given my fifty-one percent of the businesses,” Anthony announced.

  “But I...” Giovanni stood, his perfect appearance marred by his reddened face and clenched fists. He cleared his throat. “No disrespect, but I’ve been managing the companies. What does she know about it? Perhaps a sixty-forty split would be a better choice.”

  Katie clung to her fork. It wasn’t as if she wanted the authority, but Giovanni’s disapproval was a little more than telling. What could she say? She didn’t even know what their business dealings involved.

  “Giovanni, you’ve proven to be an effective businessman. However, this is my decision, and it’s final.” Anthony sipped from his coffee cup.

  “I’ll have it ready for your signature before lunch.” Edward reached into his jacket and withdrew his phone.

  The silence hung around the group heavier than the chandeliers.

  The only one who didn’t appear affected by the news was Edward. He tapped away on his smartphone, then dropped the device into his pocket.

  Katie stared at the table, tumultuous thoughts bouncing in her brain. Had Anthony just tossed down another gauntlet? He’d given her business authority, whatever that meant. If Marino Industries was a legitimate business—which was doubtful—or a criminal empire, did he seriously expect her to stay and run the company? Anthony’s sly move contradicted his promise to let them leave.

  Edward’s obnoxious chewing resumed as he forked food from the mountain on his plate.

  Giovanni broke the silence, pacing near his seat. “Father, may I speak with you in private?”

  “We’re done with secrets in this family. If you have something to say, do so now.” Anthony’s complexion paled, and he dropped the coffee cup, clutching the table.

  “Are you okay?” Katie pushed back her chair.

  Anthony rose slowly. “Forgive me. I need to lie down. Edward, have the forms completed this morning. I may be dead before tomorrow.”

  FIFTEEN

  Katie gripped the table as Giovanni rushed to Anthony’s side. He placed his hand against the elder Marino’s back, steadying him. “Here, Father, hold on to me. I’ve got you.”

  Anthony’s hand shook as he gripped Giovanni’s shoulder. The patriarch’s eyes, so similar to Katie’s, glistened with moisture. “Grazie, my beloved son.”

  “You’re welcome, Father,” Giovanni cooed.

  Their heated conversation only seconds before evaporated in concern and love as Giovanni assisted Anthony out of the dining room. The exchange only served to emphasize the bond between father and son, leaving Katie once again on the outside looking in.

  She should be helping Anthony too, but she couldn’t move. Memories assaulted Katie from every direction. All of those precious last days with Mama, helping with her medications, bathing and eating. They filled every waking second with vocal reminders of how much they loved one another. The vivid recollections bolted Katie’s feet to the ground, constricting her throat with emotion. She clung to the tabletop watching Anthony and Giovanni, but only saw herself with Mama.

  Lorenzo shifted slightly allowing the father and son to pass while uncomfortable silence
hung in the air.

  Daniel’s light touch snapped her into reality, releasing her from the immobile state. “Katie, are you okay?”

  Her eyes blurred with memory tears and she struggled to swallow. “All I could see was me and my mother.”

  She shook her head, blinking away the moisture and sat. Katie lifted her fork, desperate to give her hands something to do.

  Stoic as ever, Lorenzo maintained his rigid posture and expressionless face.

  Edward reclined and used his fingernail to pick at his teeth. He let out a lengthy belch before slapping his palms on the tabletop. “Well, that was tasty. I’ll get busy on the paperwork. Glad you made it home safely, Isabella. Talk with you soon.” He shook Daniel’s hand and strode out of the room whistling.

  “He was interesting.” Katie faced Daniel. “Why didn’t you come get me this morning?”

  Daniel took her hand, meeting her eyes. His touch instantly dissolved her anger and ignited her pulse. “Believe me, it wasn’t my idea to come down to breakfast without you. Lorenzo and his weapon are persuasive.”

  “Oh.” She moved food around on her plate. “Why would Anthony give me fifty-one percent of the holdings?” Giovanni was furious. “If we hadn’t been here...” She shuddered and whispered, “Anthony’s weak and fragile. Not to mention terrified of his own son.”

  Daniel frowned. “The Marinos are dangerous. They don’t own the local store. They’re drug runners. Crime lords.”

  Katie’s gaze shifted to Lorenzo. Had he overheard Daniel? Anthony seemed anything but dangerous. “His illness appears to be getting worse.” She considered Priscilla’s words. “I can’t help but wonder if he’s sincere about wanting a relationship with me. Or...” She let the unspoken words linger.

  “Remember what I’ve told you. The business transfer is another manipulation technique to keep you here.”

  “Right.” Katie mentally slapped herself back to reality.

  “Anthony can appoint you to whatever position he wants. It doesn’t mean you have to accept the job of overseeing their nefarious dealings.”