Twist of Fate (26 page)

No sooner did he think to pull them all to the right, when the floor gave way beneath Dante’s feet. The man’s right arm slipped off of Sam’s. At the sound of Hope’s scream, Sam’s heart stopped.

A cloud of smoke cleared and Dante dangled at Sam’s feet, Hope clinging frantically to his neck. How long could she hold on? Could he pull them both out? Fighting fatigue, he dropped to his knees and extended his hand.

“Take my hand. I’ll pull you up.”

“I’ll lose her. I Can’t. Take Hope. Get her out of here.”

“Listen, I’m not leaving you behind.” Sam needed to act quickly. Even though he’d love to rescue his daughter alone, Dante had been the one to find her. He spoke more out loud than to the man clinging for his life. “For some reason, Kate seems to believe in you, even if you are an ass.”

At the mention of Kate’s name both men shared a knowing glance. The time they’d been dreading was at hand. One would win and one would lose, all in the name of love.

“C’mon.” Sam nodded and extended his arm again. “Take it, man.” They’d get out of this unscathed, they had to.

But he couldn’t prolong fate anymore. A burst of flames shot up from below followed by another ominous groan from the structure. Dante pushed Hope from around his neck with one arm and shoved her toward Sam. Sam grasped her sleeve holding on for dear life.

“Bella!” Hope screamed as the doll disappeared through the smoke.

“Take her. Take her now.” Dante’s voice sounded weak.

“Hold on man. I’ll get you, too.” Sam pulled Hope up and away from the edge. “Stay there, honey.”

“My daddy! I want my daddy!”

“I’ll get him sweetheart.” Sam turned to pull Dante’s arm, but it was too late. The man couldn’t hold on any longer.

“Take care of them.”

“No!”  Sam reached dangerously over the edge in an attempt to secure his rival, but Dante’s grip gave way as he vanished into the inferno below.

**
*

Kate felt on the verge of a break down. She’d been standing outside, pacing for so long, she could barely think straight. Her mind raced with every scenario imaginable. Sam’s cell phone still had no signal. Help had not arrived. She was tempted to jump in Sam’s truck and find help herself, but she feared if she left, they would need her.

So she continued pacing.

Exactly how many Hail Mary’s she’d recited, she couldn’t remember. She hadn’t been a woman of faith in many years, but she swore if God answered her prayers, she’d plant herself in the front pew every Sunday from now on.

She snapped her head toward the sound of shattered glass. An office chair sailed through the second story window. She began to run toward the building. Sam’s head was the first thing she saw. He looked filthy and tired.

“Sam, are you okay? Do you have Hope?” She stopped and waved some of the smoke away from her face.

“Hope is with me.”

“Are you sure Hope’s all right? Where’s Dante?” She could feel the panic building. She needed reassurance her daughter was unharmed. She had every urge to run into the warehouse herself.

Sam coughed and leaned against the window ledge. “He didn’t make it. We need a way out, Kate.”

“What?” She stared blankly, stunned by what he’d just said. Dante was dead?

“Kate!” Sam yelled, snapping her back to the dire situation at hand.

“How?” She called back up to him, still feeling helpless. What could she do? They couldn’t jump. She spun around at the whirl of sirens. Waving her arms, she flagged down the fire engine. Two squad cars and two unmarked sedans followed. “They’re up there!” She pointed as she ran. “Help them.”

A second engine appeared with a ladder. Hoses were unloaded, and the firemen went to work. Water soon sprayed everywhere. When most of the flames were contained, they started sending up the ladder.

Kate placed a hand over her mouth when she saw Hope’s body being passed through the window. Her daughter seemed so tiny in the fireman’s beefy arms. For such a large man, he took great care coming down the ladder. Kate knew he was doing his job, but if she didn’t have her daughter in her arms soon, she’d lose it.

Once on the ground the large man handed Hope’s lifeless body to another fireman. Kate rushed to the man’s side. Hope’s eyes were shut, and she didn’t move. Kate tried to touch her, but the fireman hurried to an awaiting ambulance.

“Is she okay? Why isn’t she moving?”

“Ma’am, I need to get her to the paramedic. She breathed a lot of smoke in there.”

“I’m her mother. Is she breathing?” Kate stopped short her own breath.

“Ma’am, please, I need to do my job.”

Kate grabbed hold of the man’s coat sleeve, motherly instincts kicking in. He hadn’t answered her question. She asked again, fear thick on her tongue. “Is she breathing.”

“Barely. Step aside, ma’am.” He pushed past her and handed Hope to the paramedic.

Kate stood in shock as three people worked over her daughter. She took a hesitant step forward then froze. The fireman’s glare told her to back off and sit tight. There would be no room for her there, and Hope’s health was most important. Her daughter was alive. She prayed they’d gotten her out in time.

To take her mind off Hope, Kate’s gaze returned to the building as Sam stepped off the ladder. She felt delirious and ran toward him. He folded her in his arms and held her tight, too tight, but she didn’t care. She never wanted him to let go. There were moments when she didn’t think they’d get out at all. He began coughing as his lungs took in clean air. Through the spasms, Kate still hung onto him.

“Where is she? Where’s Hope?” He lifted his eyes and searched around the rescue trucks.

“They took her to the ambulance. They’re checking her over and giving her oxygen. Sam, I was so scared.”

“Me too. I’m sorry about Dante. I tried, Kate. I really tried.”

“I’m sure you did.” Kate felt a surprising sense of loss. Dante may have changed in the end, but he had once loved her. There was no denying he loved the child he’d thought of as a daughter from the day she was born. At least he’d finally done something good in his life. He’d saved Hope. And for that, Katrina would forever be grateful.

**
*

Sam sat next to Kate in the ambulance while the paramedics secured Hope for the trip to the hospital. Kate seemed distant, and after everything they had gone through, he had no problem giving her space if she needed it. “You okay?”

“Yes. I didn’t think losing him would feel like this.”

“Dante did what he had to do. He knew what he had to do.”

“I know. I should have known him better. I wish I could have believed in him the way I believed in you.”

Sam took Kate’s hand. “I promise from this moment on, not to let anything happen to either of you.” He leaned down and kissed Hope’s forehead just as the ambulance lurched forward, sirens blaring. “Have I told you that I love you?” he whispered against Kate’s ear.

“Not nearly enough.” She replied as she leaned back against his chest.

“I can’t wait to get you girls home so I can tell both of you every day for the rest of my life,” he squeezed Kate’s hand and winked, “for the rest of forever.”

EPILOGUE (two years later)

“Look, Mommy, a rainbow!” Hope pointed to the vibrant colors arching in the grey sky. Kate closed her umbrella and smiled. “It’s beautiful, sweetie.”

“It’s Daddy smiling at us.”

Hope’s innocent words were enough to bring tears to Kate’s eyes. Moving forward continued to be a slow process. She thought after the first year, these visits would be easier. Coming to the cemetery had been Kate’s idea. While transitioning Sam into their lives, Kate didn’t want to confuse Hope. She’d insisted, much to Sam’s distress, on bringing the girl several times a year. Hope had adjusted well to the absence of Dante and seemed to enjoy the times Sam came around. Kate promised Sam there would be no more secrets. There would come a day when Hope would be old enough to understand, and they would tell her the truth, together.

Thankfully, the paparazzi were more concerned with the disappearance of Carlo Santini than they were Kate’s growing relationship with Sam. Rico Ramirez proved to be more of a trusted friend than Kate ever realized. He cooperated fully with the authorities, providing evidence they needed to indict Jose and Cody on drug possession and distribution. Kate’s business was free and clear, and her employees were found innocent. Rico returned to
Argentina
after providing Kate with a purchase order which would keep her more than busy for the next two years. Unfortunately, Carlo Santini escaped far underground before any activity could be linked to him. Kate prayed that justice would one day be served and he would rot in a jail cell for the rest of his miserable life.

The wind picked up, and Kate froze in motion as she tied the belt of her rain coat. She blinked several times then breathed deep. No, it couldn’t be. No matter how long it had been, she’d never be able to forget Dante’s cologne. The unique blend of spice and musk swirled around her like a cyclone. She loved Sam with all her heart, but Dante had been a big part of her life for a long time. A part of her would always care about him … miss him, even. Kate turned in a circle, scanning the surrounding area. There was no one around other than Sam parked along the gravel road.

I must be imagining things.

“Love you, Daddy,” Hope s
aid, and let go of Kate’s hand.

Kate snapped to attention, and handed her daughter a small bouquet of red and yellow roses. Hope carefully set them at the base of the granite headstone. Taking her hand once more, Kate led her daughter back toward Sam’s truck.

They hadn’t walked far before they bumped into someone. Kate had been so caught up in her memories she hadn’t noticed another person in the cemetery. Mortified, she stopped and placed her hand on the sleeve of the man’s sweat shirt.

“Oh my gosh
, I’m so sorry!” she exclaimed.

She looked up toward his face, partially covered by the deep, cotton hood. Even his eyes were hidden behind dark glasses.

“It’s alright,” the stranger replied in a soft, raspy voice. He nodded his head toward Hope and smiled, lingering for a moment. Then he jammed his gloved hands into the pockets of his sweatpants, as if resisting an urge to reach out, befor
e he reluctantly stepped aside.

Kate gripped Hope’s shoulders and steered her forward as an odd sensation vibrated from within. She returned a polite smile and continued on her way. Visits to the cemetery always seemed to make her anxious, leaving her exhausted by the end of the day, and today was no exception. Of course, it didn’t help that the anniversary of Dante’s death happened to coincide with the closing on the sale of the penthouse. Today was a huge day in so many ways, and she just wanted it over.

She helped Hope into the back seat. With a sigh of relief, she closed the truck door, climbed into the passenger seat and buckled up. Her new life was about to begin.

“Everything okay?” Sam questioned as he started the truck.

“Fine,” Kate replied, resting her head against the back of the worn, vinyl seat and staring at the diamond ring on her finger before Sam’s hand covered hers.

“So, are my two favorite girls ready to go home?”

“I’m more than ready.” Kate smiled and leaned over to give Sam a kiss.

“What about you, Hope?” The truck remained silent. Sam glanced in the rearview mirror then out the side window. “What on earth is she looking at?”

Kate turned in the seat and watched as their daughter smiled and blew kisses out the back window. She followed Hope’s gaze, but there was no one ther
e. The cemetery remained empty.

“Hope, what are you doing?” The odd sensation returned, and Kate hoped she’d been able to cover
the slight quiver in her voice.

“Just saying goodbye to Daddy...”

The only problem was, she wasn’t looking up at Heaven.

THE END

Coming soon from Barbara Witek

From the
Love is Timeless
Trilogy

Heart's Desire

Chapter One

“I’ve been waiting for ye,” a scratchy voice crooned in Mia Fronterra’s ear. Before Mia could react, a weathered hand grabbed her wrist and yanked her through the door to the gift shop at McGregor Castle.

“Me? I just got here. Straight from New York, total tourist,” Mia rambled, her eyes darting about, searching for a way to escape. Hand-made tapestries, bags, leather items and blouses lined iron hooks along the walls, but she couldn’t even enjoy them.

The petite, old woman wore a pale-blue cloak with a flowing hood which covered her long, silver hair. With great skill, the woman took both of Mia’s hands and ushered her to a small wooden stool. Mia’s senses were instantly on high alert.

She turned to her business partner, Erin, for help, but realized she wouldn’t be getting any. Her friend had followed them inside and moved to the far wall, not seeming worried in the least. As Erin lost herself in sniffing the display of perfume bottles in different shapes and colors, Mia tried to take her mind off the uneasy quiver working its way over her skin while she sat under the watchful eye of the old crone.

“That’s a beautiful necklace ye be wearin’, lass.”

“This?” Mia startled from her daze and touched the shimmering gemstone at the base of her neck. The McGregor family collection they’d bought at auction would either make or break JEM Antiques. The women had put everything they owned into starting their business. All they needed now were sales, which was why she’d worn the heirloom piece in the first place. Without missing a beat, she shot straight into business mode. “It’s part of the McGregor family collection.”

“Aye, so it is.” The woman smiled a knowing smile, making Mia even more ill at ease, but she wanted this sale.

“Then you’re aware of its value,” Mia said, trying to judge the woman’s sincerity.

“Of course. But are ye aware of the curse?” The woman pointed a gnarled finger at Mia’s throat.

“Curse?” The hairs on the back of Mia’s neck jumped to attention at the sound of the word, and she protectively covered the gem within her fist. If the collection
were
cursed, surely they would have read about it somewhere. “I’m sure it’s a silly superstition.” She glanced once more at Erin, who was fully engrossed in every trinket along the plaid-lined table.

“Ye will find him again.”

Mia’s eyes shot back to the old woman as goose bumps climbed her arms. “Find who?”

“Your true love. Ye will find him twice in this lifetime.” She fanned a worn deck of cards between her long, bony fingers. “I read it here.”

“That’s nice.” Mia raised her brows and smiled, slowly standing, ready to make a run for it. “My friend and I have to go. Nail, hair, bridesmaid stuff. You know how it is.” She took a step toward Erin. The old lady sprung from her chair and set Mia back down.

“But ye can’t. Not yet. There’s more.” Her voice held an odd sense of urgency and a note of command which had Mia obeying as if the old girl were her mother.

“More? Oh, you mean you want to buy the necklace?” Now it all made sense. This was probably some eccentric old woman with a penchant for antiques and the folklore that came with them. All Mia had to do was change her sales tactic a bit. No problem.

“No, ‘tis yours, lass.”

“Yes, and I’m willing to negotiate a price with you. I feel confident we can work out a suitable arrangement.”

“Wait! The curse will continue if ye sell it. It needs to return to the castle.” The woman’s eyes grew wide with shock, then darkened to a smoky-grey, and her voice took on a serious tone. “The necklace will bring ye to him. He needs ye now more than ever.”

“And we need to go.” Erin appeared from over Mia’s shoulder, apparently just now tuning back to the real world. “If a guy shows up for Mia, that would be great, or for any of us for that matter,” Erin continued, as she yanked Mia to her feet reminding her of the need to move away from the old woman.

“Our friend’s wedding is tomorrow, but we’re also on vacation.” Mia didn’t know why she felt the need to explain. Screw the sale, this was becoming too weird.

Erin winked at the old lady then turned to Mia. “C’mon, I can’t leave you alone for a minute! You know we’ll get a lecture from Julia if we keep her waiting too long.”

The ancient woman blocked their path. Knowledgeable old eyes, as silver as the woman’s hair, held Mia captive. “Ye must continue to wear the necklace, lass. He’s waitin’ on ye. If you take it off, the cycle will be broken once more and the curse will lay claim to another.” An immediate yet strange calm washed over Mia as the woman crooned, “Through the storm, he will find ye.”

Clueless, Erin shrugged. “Okay, whatever.”

As Mia watched her just about skip out of the shop, rose-colored glasses firmly back in place, she thought,
why can’t I be as carefree as Erin?

A powerful feeling charged from the necklace through Mia, as though she’d been zapped by a hair dryer, forcing her to rub the patch of skin under the pendent.
What just happened?
Even scarier, what did it all mean? Stopping at the door, she touched the sparkling stone and then glanced back at the old woman.

Who are you?”

“Karina.” The woman touched her own neck. “Wear the necklace, lass.”

It wasn’t a request but a command. And as crazy as Mia thought the woman was, she couldn’t seem to stop herself from nodding in agreement. In the off chance Karina would want the necklace at a later date, Mia fished a business card from her wallet and left it on the table before scooting out after Erin.

For now, Mia would continue to wear the necklace. Not because of the old lady’s prediction, but because she’d carefully planned her wardrobe around it with the intent of closing a sale. Mia stopped for a moment and sighed. With a little luck there would be truth behind the gypsy-woman’s words.

***

“I still can’t believe our little Cami is actually getting married
here
.” Mia smoothed the front of her linen suit and gazed at the brightly colored tents set around the grounds of McGregor Castle. The majestic Scottish fortress towered high over steep, grey cliffs. It was the most breathtaking sight she’d ever seen.

She couldn’t take her eyes off the enormous stone structure as she walked up the cobbled path. After the gift shop episode, she’d needed some fresh air. Julia, their other business partner, had joined Erin and Mia to tour the magnificent grounds while they waited for their rooms to be ready. Enticing aromas made Mia’s mouth water. This was like stepping back in time to one of the Renaissance Festivals so common at home.

“I know, isn’t it gorgeous?” Erin squealed as she grabbed Mia’s shoulders. “Why do you think I’ve been so excited? We get to stay in a real castle.”

Mia tucked her shoulder-length brown hair behind her ear. This was like a little girl’s fantasy come true. She’d all but given up on a happily ever after, thanks to her former jerk of a boyfriend. If only her Prince Charming were hidden inside….

“Don’t go there,” Julia stated as she tucked a magazine into her designer bag and adjusted its strap over the shoulder of her slightly wrinkled navy blue suit. With her blond hair pulled back in a standard ponytail, and sunglasses firmly in place, her friend could have easily passed as a federal agent.

“Go where?” Mia avoided Julia’s hidden eyes, and hopefully a lecture.

“Steve-land,” Julia responded in her matter-of-fact tone. “I was reading in Cosmo that statistics show if he cheats once, he’ll probably cheat again.”

Six months into Mia’s relationship with her ex, and Julia--the classic pessimist--had warned her something wasn’t right. Even after the bastard cheated on Mia, Julia continued to find ways to remind her ‘I-told-you-so’ because she worried Mia would get hurt again.

“Trust me, I have no plans to ever set foot in Steve-land again,” Mia countered, knowing her friend meant well.

“Honestly, you guys.” Erin shook her fiery auburn curls, her ankle length floral skirt billowing in the breeze around her. “Mia, maybe you should give the guy another chance. Look at Cami. She’s marrying the love of her life!”

“How can you always be so bubbly and full of promise?” Mia grumbled. She and Steve had dated for a year, and had planned on taking the trip together. She felt foolish for not having picked up on the signs which had resulted in her utter humiliation. At this point, a second chance was not an option.

“Because we’re going to a wedding, silly, life doesn’t get more promising than that!” Erin shoved Mia’s shoulder and laughed. Her never failing positive attitude was what made her such a fantastic person and endearing friend.

“You’re just floating in pre-fairy-tale-wedding bliss.” Mia couldn’t help but smile.

“Personally, I think Erin’s rose-colored glasses are full of the Scottish ale she had earlier,” Julia added, tightening her ponytail.

“You’re probably right.” Mia laughed, opening the large wooden door to the castle and holding it for her friends.

“Very funny, guys.” Erin started with her comeback but was immediately distracted by the interior of the lobby. “Look at this place! It really is so beautiful and romantic here,” she gushed as if she were a child at Santa’s Workshop.

A middle-aged man, wearing a kilt, approached them with a luggage cart full of their belongings. “You’re all checked in, lassies. I’ll just be taking these bags up to yer rooms.”

Erin giggled and Julia rolled her eyes over the rim of her glasses. Mia thanked and tipped the man, then watched him walk away. He wasn’t the kind of Prince Charming she’d had in mind, reaffirming her doubts that one even existed.

“We’re meeting Cami and the other girls at five o’clock for a final makeup check,” Julia said. “The photographer will be there, too.”

“Makeup check, seriously?” Mia placed her hands on her hips. This place seemed to speak to her, and she couldn’t wait to explore it further. Playing makeup and taking pictures didn’t rank high on her list right now.

“Hey, have you seen some of the stuff around this lobby?” Julia rushed to a pair of paintings on the wall. “This is first-hand research on our McGregor family heirlooms.”

“You’re right,” Mia said, thankful her level-headed friend was on the same page. Mia walked to a podium and picked up a worn leather book, fanning its pages. “I wonder if this is some sort of family Bible, or journal. Look at the drawings.”

“Is that guy dead?” Julia pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head to get a better look at the sketch of a man lying on an altar with some kind of chain hanging from his hand. “Who is he?”

Mia studied the picture and felt a heavy ache in her chest as she read from the page. “His name is Collin McGregor. It says he died when his wife accused him of loving another.”

“Ugh, another cheat. It’s a century old problem,” Julia huffed. “She was probably better off without him, too.”

“It sounds like she was the one who killed him. Listen to this.” Mia trailed her finger down the yellowed pages until she found the right passage. “Lord Collin McGregor returned to the chapel after his wedding. Found deep in prayer by his new bride, she accused him of using her while his heart belonged to some strange woman from a foreign land. Lord McGregor did nothing to deny her accusation. During their quarrel, she was said to have feared for her life. She called for her man at arms, who slayed the castle lord to protect his lady. The Baron McGregor, heavily saddened by his son’s death, confirming the legendary curse on his family name, sentenced the man at arms to death by hanging. Lady McGregor later gave birth to a son she conceived on her wedding day. After several years, she married Lord Bram Campbell, giving him many heirs for their large holdings. Young Aiden McGregor died at the age of fifteen during battle.” Mia closed the book, keeping her palm flat against the leather cover as though feeling a connection to the stories it told.

“That’s so sad.” Erin sniffed and rubbed at her eye.

“His only son died
...
” Mia said on a whisper, more to herself than to her friends. She wanted to cry, but no tears fell. Instead, she felt an ache straight through to her bones. Hugging the book against her chest seemed to dull the pain, but a deep sense of loss took its place.

“Are you okay?” Julia asked, putting a hand on Mia’s shoulder. She nodded, not trusting herself to speak just yet, and placed the book back on the podium. Julia returned her focus on other paintings around the room.

“Tell Julia about the creepy old shop lady,” Erin said, conveniently changing the subject and moved in the room as she wandered to a wax statue of a McGregor family ancestor. She had to crane her neck to take it all in. “Wow...they made them big back then.” She bit her bottom lip and reached for the edge of the kilt.

“Don’t you dare!” Mia slapped Erin’s hand then scanned the lobby to make sure no one was watching them.

“Tell me she did
not
just go for the skirt.” Julia rolled her eyes again.

“What? As if you two have never wondered
...
” Erin raised her brows, trying to look innocent. “Mia could use a big strapping man like ole’ Angus McGregor, here.”