Chapter 25 #2
“Daddy didn’t give me any details, but it seemed like he knew back then he had a target on his back.
He warned me that he had to go away for a little while.
Something about the family’s legacy, a requirement to finish what had been started two decades before.
No, he didn’t explain any details, but I sensed how nervous he was.
He continuously looked at his phone as if he was expecting a call.
Just before he left, he warned me that we could both be in danger and not to admit who we were. ”
“Finish what he started? So he left.”
“I don’t think it was his choice. I could tell he felt extreme pressure. You think he abandoned us. Don’t you?”
What if he had been threatened?
“I know he did. He left in a hurry, Brooke. He didn’t care that I couldn’t get in touch with you. He acted as if he couldn’t care less.”
“I think someone was after him, Fallon.”
As the words sank in, I realized I hadn’t thought about the possibility. “Because of the way he was acting?”
“Yes, and because whoever broke into my apartment was looking for something. I don’t think they realized I spoke Spanish. They were looking for a formula. Do you have any ideas? I know Daddy dabbled in science, but a formula?”
I nodded. “The formula for a compound I found at his house. From what Navarro said, it was an additive used with cocaine to make it more addictive. He killed people, Brooke, and not just in our past. Our father is a murderer. Did dear old Dad mention in the old days he was called the Brain?”
“You always tried to protect me, Fallon, but that’s not necessary any longer.
Daddy mentioned he’d done some horrible things in his life that he’d atone for until he died.
I don’t know about today, but that doesn’t change the fact he’s still our father.
I know you and Daddy didn’t get along all the time, but he did love us.
I’m no fool. Neither are you. Our father was born into a life that he had no choice being in. ”
“There are always choices.”
“Are you certain about that? I don’t know everything that happened with Navarro. I knew you were led to believe he was responsible for my abduction. At least now you know you were both being led into a game.”
A game. She was right, which was exactly what Navarro had suspected. Sadly, we weren’t certain who was pulling the strings.
Seeing my sister’s determined face was a reminder of how important family had always been. “It’s more complicated than that.”
“Than the fact you’re a mafia princess?” I could tell she was only partially teasing.
“I’m not a mafia princess.” That’s exactly what I’d been thinking.
She laughed. “Yes, you are. You always dreamed about being a princess. You used to tell me that all the time.”
“Entirely different.”
“Is it? You love Navarro and don’t try and tell me you don’t. I can see it in your eyes.” She pushed me with the tip of her index finger.
“I don’t love him.”
“You’re doing that thing with your face,” she told me.
“What thing?”
“That thing you do when you’re lying. Why do you think Dad always knew?”
I pressed my hand against my face, groaning as she laughed at me. “He’s not too bad. I think he’s trying to keep me here.”
“Ooh-la-la. I told you, a fairytale.”
Fairytale wasn’t the word I’d use.
“Just so you know, Dad was headed to Santa Barbara after meeting with me so he could talk with you.”
“He never arrived. When I couldn’t get in touch with him, I came to LA where I discovered the truth.”
“I’m sorry you had to find out that way,” she offered. “Daddy mentioned he’d set up a trust fund for us. Did you know that?”
“He left a few things I haven’t had time to look at, but a trust fund is like blood money.”
Brooke took my hand. “Dad sacrificed for us, Fallon. I don’t know all the ins and outs of a crime syndicate family other than watching The Sopranos .”
“A fairly accurate depiction.”
“Then it’s survival of the fittest. When Dad had a chance to leave, he did. I think the life came back to haunt him.”
“You mean to haunt his family.”
“Yes. What if Dad is as much of a victim as we’ve both been?”
I didn’t know how best to answer that. “I don’t know.”
“Maybe that’s something you can figure out with Navarro. Although maybe not, since you two hate each other and all.”
“I don’t know if I hate him. Okay, I did, but now? I’m not so certain.”
She wagged her finger. “See what I mean? He’s a very nice man and thinks highly of you.”
“Now, how would you know that?”
“Let’s just say we bonded over a slice of pizza.”
“Where was I?”
“Painting outside. Don’t look so shocked. He was making certain I was okay and we got to talking.”
I gave her a hard look. “Which means you grilled the man.”
“Of course I did. Any man who has the hots for my sister gets my rapt attention.”
“Spill it. What did he tell you?”
“Oh, no. You’re not getting a single thing from me. You can find out on your own.”
“You’re a terrible sister.”
“You know you love me,” she countered. Her smile fell. “He really does care about you. I can tell just from his expressions. Maybe give him a chance.”
“Why should I?”
“Because you were the one who tried to kill him. Remember?”
“Oh, that.”
“Yeah, that.”
Scowling, I thought about how Navarro and I had tiptoeing around each other since arriving in Spain. “Since when did you get so smart?”
“Since you were trying to become the next great Picasso. You need to work with Navarro to figure out what’s going on.
Daddy needs your help, big sis. That’s why he made certain you’d learn who and what he was.
He knew you were the only person capable of protecting me and preserving our family.
Do whatever it takes to make that happen. ”
My sister wasn’t just wise, she’d given me a good idea, putting the last pieces on a plan I’d initiated in Mexico. One that Navarro hadn’t liked very much. Well, guess what? He didn’t get to choose.
“Mafia princess, huh?”
“Exactly. I can see those wheels turning just like they did when we were kids.”
I grinned. She was right. “If I’m a mafia princess then I should have a kingdom. Right?”
Brooke narrowed her eyes. “Yes, although it might be in storage in mothballs. However, you do have a built-in Prince Charming. If you’d just open your eyes and see what’s right in front of you.”
We laughed again and I glanced at the painting. Maybe my baby sister was right.
Navarro electrified me, igniting the kind of desire I’d never felt before. He also infuriated me to the point of ripping out my hair.
Talk about annoyance. He was the master of driving me batty.
His determination that I follow the rules made me want to scream.
But it was the butterflies I felt every time he walked into a room that affected me the most.
I’d be fooling myself if I didn’t think I was falling hapless and hard for the stunning man.
There was only one thing to do.
Ask the man to marry me.