Chapter 39
Palm Springs, April 1995
Issy and Brad rolled up to the Sunrise Wellness Facility in Brad’s sleek red Porsche. It was a stifling hot day, the sky azure blue with puffs of white clouds high above. The building itself looked calm and serene, against a backdrop of the San Jacinto mountains, with palm trees dotted liberally throughout the grounds.
They parked up, stepping out of the air conditioning into the oppressive desert heat. Brad was wearing a baseball cap and glasses, and had dressed down in jeans and a T-shirt, but it was hard to get away from being one of the most famous people on the planet.
Issy greeted the reception staff, and they buzzed her in through the internal doors, where she headed along the corridor to her mother’s room. On the way, she quickly glanced into the communal areas, in case her mom was taking part in one of the many activities the centre offered, but she couldn’t see her and she was glad – she wanted a little privacy when her mom met Brad for the first time.
They reached room twenty-three. The door was partially ajar, and Issy could see her mother lying on her bed, reading a novel. She tapped gently on the door and Darlene looked up.
‘Issy,’ she smiled when she saw her, closing the book and getting up to greet her daughter.
‘Wait here for a moment,’ Issy murmured to Brad, before stepping into the room.
‘It’s so good to see you,’ Darlene said, giving her daughter a warm and lengthy hug.
‘You look great, Mom,’ Issy told her. ‘I love your hair.’ In the short time she’d been at the facility, Darlene had transformed. Her sallow skin, lank hair and emaciated frame had all disappeared. Now she looked healthy and happy.
‘Thanks,’ Darlene beamed. ‘I fancied a change. They have a hairdresser here, you know. In fact, they have a whole beauty salon. I might treat myself to a manicure next week.’
‘You should,’ Issy beamed, thrilled to see that her mother was taking an interest in herself again. The two had the same red hair, though Darlene’s was styled in a sleek bob and had flecks of grey, while Issy’s vivid and riotous curls were pulled back in a ponytail.
‘So what’s new with you?’ Darlene said. ‘Tell me some stories of the outside world.’
‘Actually, Mom,’ Issy began, unable to keep the goofy grin off her face. ‘There’s someone I’d like you to meet …’
Hearing his cue, Brad strolled into the room. He was carrying his cap, and had pushed his sunglasses up on top of his head. Even in the tiny room, he radiated charisma and star quality.
Darlene’s eyes widened. ‘Jesus Christ, am I tripping? Is that Brad Redford?’
‘Guilty as charged,’ Brad grinned, holding up his hands, his eyes twinkling.
Issy felt that familiar pull in her stomach as she looked at him, and was amused to see that her mother appeared to be equally smitten. Darlene’s mouth dropped open, a hand flying to her chest in shock.
‘No offence intended, but what the hell are you doing here?’ Darlene said, with a laugh of disbelief.
‘Actually, you owe him a thank you,’ Issy explained. ‘He’s been helping us to pay for your treatment.’
‘But I thought …?’
‘We’re kind of together,’ Issy giggled, slipping her hand into Brad’s.
‘Actually, we’re very together,’ Brad added, sliding an arm around Issy’s waist and pulling her to him.
Darlene stepped backwards and sat down on her bed. ‘You’re going to have to give me a minute,’ she said, looking at them suspiciously, as though they were playing a trick on her. ‘Wait a second – I read the National Enquirer religiously. Was Issy the reason you broke up with Lexi Parker?’
Brad considered the question. ‘No, she wasn’t. But I’m so grateful she was there for me when I needed her. I guess Lexi and I were over long before I realized I was falling in love with Issy.’
‘In love ,’ Darlene squealed. ‘Brad Redford is in love with my daughter! Oh my goodness, are you planning on getting married?’
‘Mom!’ Issy chastised, her face flushing. ‘You’re so embarrassing.’
‘I can assure you, ma’am, I have only the best of intentions towards your daughter,’ Brad grinned again.
‘But Mom, you can’t tell anyone about this. Not yet.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘We’re only just getting used to the idea ourselves. When the news comes out, it’s going to be crazy. I worked for Brad for three years, and I know what his life’s like, and how intense it can be, what the press will say. We’re enjoying the privacy for now.’
‘Well, I’m dying to tell everyone in this place, but I guess I can hold it in for now,’ Darlene laughed.
‘You might not have to wait for too much longer,’ Brad said, as Issy looked at him curiously. ‘The High Voltage premiere’s slated for this summer. I thought it might be kinda nice if you were on my arm for the red carpet.’
‘Oh … Really? I …’ Issy trailed off. ‘ Me? ’ she said in disbelief, which made them all laugh.
‘Who else?’ Brad replied, looking at her adoringly.
Issy’s expression swung between excitement and terror. She’d been on the red carpet before, but always a few steps behind, the camera lenses pointing in another direction, never straight at her. The thought of being dressed up, scrutinized, judged, and on the front of millions of newspapers the following day was daunting. But, on the other hand, this was her life now. If she wanted to be with Brad, she had to get used to it. And she did want to be with him. She was madly in love with him, and she was pretty sure the feeling was mutual.
Once filming had wrapped, they’d spent a blissful two weeks holed up in Brad’s beach house in Malibu, barely leaving the bedroom. But now it was time to return to the real world and take their relationship to the next level. A very public level.
‘You don’t have to decide right now,’ Brad winked. ‘There’ll be plenty of time to choose a dress.’
Issy beamed up at him, she could barely believe he was hers.
‘Aren’t you two just adorable,’ Darlene sighed. ‘You’re so lucky, Iz.’
‘I hate to disagree with you, but I’m the lucky one,’ Brad chimed in. ‘Ms Winters, your daughter has made me so happy these last couple of months. In fact, I don’t think I realized how unhappy I’d gotten. I was so wrapped up in Hollywood, in things that don’t matter, like awards ceremonies and box-office takings and magazine covers. Issy’s made me see life differently, made me realize what’s important in life. Happiness. Love.’ He pulled Issy to him, kissing her softly.
Issy couldn’t keep the smile off her face, and Darlene looked as though she might melt into a puddle at Brad’s sentimental words.
‘Mom, we need to get going,’ Issy sighed. ‘This was just a flying visit, I’m afraid, but I’ll come back again soon, I promise.’
Darlene nodded in understanding. ‘You’ve both got better things to do with your time than waste it round here, that’s for sure. But Brad, Issy said you were the one behind all of this,’ she gestured vaguely at the room, and the treatment centre beyond. ‘I can’t thank you enough. You’ve quite literally given me my life back.’ Her eyes filled with happy tears. ‘And more than that, you’ve given me my daughter back, too.’
Issy hugged her mom goodbye, and Brad hugged her too. Then they walked back out to the car, hand in hand. Brad revved the engine, and they set off on the long drive back to Los Angeles.
Their time in Venice now seemed like a dream to Issy, as she thought back to how beautiful it had been, and all the people they’d met there. It was a magical city and it had changed her life. Sometimes, she thought happily, dreams really did come true.
In Venice, Gina was pacing the floor of her small apartment. Marco was sitting on the couch, looking at her with concern, but he knew nothing he said would make a difference. All he could do was be there for Gina and support her like she’d asked him to.
There was a knock on the door and Gina froze. Her eyes darted to Marco, full of uncertainty, but there was strength there too. He stood up, and wrapped his arms around her.
‘It’ll be OK,’ he murmured, ‘I know it will. You can do this. Think of all you have gone through to get here.’ He gave her a light kiss on her forehead. ‘I’ll go,’ he said.
Gina waited in the lounge, overhearing the two men greeting one another: the low timbre of their voices; the polite, inconsequential conversation. She sat down on the sofa, then stood up again, not wanting to look too casual. She couldn’t take her eyes off the door. And then Detective Gallo walked in. It had been two months since she’d last seen him, but he hadn’t changed at all.
‘Detective Gallo.’ Gina forced a smile. ‘Please, take a seat.’
‘I’ll keep this brief,’ Roberto said, as he sat down opposite Gina and Marco. ‘I don’t want to take up any more of your time than is necessary.’
Gina nodded, glancing at Marco. She couldn’t tell if this was a good sign or a bad sign, but her heart was beating like crazy, and she thought she might expire from anticipation.
‘The autopsy results show that Lorenzo Mancini’s injuries were consistent with a fall. We’ve found no evidence of foul play. Your version of events – corroborated by the account of Lucia de Santis – appears to be in order. The coroner has concluded misadventure. We won’t be pressing charges, and I’ll be closing my file.’
‘Oh, thank God,’ Gina burst out. She let out a long, shaky breath, her eyes filling with tears, as Marco exclaimed with joy and swept her up in his arms. Gina clung to him, feeling so grateful to him for standing by her, for never once doubting her.
She’d been living with this terrible history hanging over her for so long that it was hard to believe it would all go away and she could continue living her life.
‘I can’t change what happened or bring Lorenzo back,’ she said. ‘I will forever regret that he died in that way, but I do know what happened was a terrible accident, and now you know that too.’
No more fear. Only freedom.
‘I also have some news from my counterparts in Veneto,’ Detective Gallo continued, looking directly at Marco. ‘Regarding your brother-in-law.’
‘Edoardo? What is it? What’s happened?’
‘My sources tell me that there is no evidence that the helicopter was tampered with.’
Gina frowned, as confused as Marco. ‘Then what …?’
‘Investigations are still ongoing as to the actual cause, but one of the other mechanics, Salvatore, found an eroded part of the engine, he tried to warn Edoardo and Nicolò, but the helicopter had already taken off. They’ve found no evidence of sabotage. Signor Conti talked a lot, but it appears that’s all it was – talk.’
Gina was both surprised and relieved to hear the news. She’d found it hard to believe that Edoardo would have deliberately sabotaged the helicopter, but it was true that his hatred of Marco had become all-consuming. The two of them had seen one another on a few occasions since the accident, but that was largely for Daniela’s sake. They’d been civil, but there was a distance between them that Marco had confided to Gina he didn’t think would ever be bridged.
Like Marco, Edoardo hadn’t returned to Elicotteri Conti. He no longer seemed interested in the business, and talked of moving to the south of Italy, or even overseas – some place where he would no longer be tormented by memories of his sister. He wanted a simpler life, and a fresh start, and Gina could only wish him well and hope that it would make him a happier, less bitter person.
‘We’ll await the official confirmation,’ Detective Gallo continued. ‘But I thought you’d like to know.’
‘Thank you, Detective,’ Marco said.
‘Yes, and thank you for coming all this way,’ Gina added.
‘I was very happy to make a return trip to this beautiful city,’ Detective Gallo replied, cracking a rare smile. ‘I’ve lived with this case for a decade, and I’m glad to finally have the answers. I wanted to see it through to its conclusion, and to give you the news in person.’
They said their goodbyes, and Marco accompanied Detective Gallo to the door. Gina heard it close, and the next moment Marco ran back in, sweeping her up in his arms, swinging her round with unbridled joy. Gina felt as though she could finally breathe, as though she’d been holding her breath for years but could finally exhale.
‘This is it,’ Marco said, holding her tightly. ‘A fresh start. We can both move on with our lives.’
Gina knew what he meant. She adored him – had fallen in love with him – but something had been holding her back. She couldn’t commit while she had Lorenzo Mancini’s death hanging over her. She was terrified to move forwards in case it all got snatched away, and she’d unconsciously been keeping Marco at arm’s length.
He’d instinctively understood, and she adored him for that. Marco had told her many times that he knew what it was like to be blamed for something that was an accident – he’d spent the last three years being blamed by Edoardo; at times he’d even started to believe it might have been his fault.
‘You’ll have to be patient with me,’ Gina said, feeling unexpectedly nervous. ‘I’ve never had a real relationship before. After everything that happened with Lorenzo, I didn’t want to get close to any man. I threw all my energy and passion into my work.’
‘We’ll go slowly, I promise,’ Marco said, unable to resist kissing her once again. ‘But right now we should celebrate.’
‘And then I have to get back to work,’ Gina exclaimed, fired up with an enthusiasm she hadn’t felt for weeks. ‘I’ve got a wedding to organize!’
‘Slow down,’ Marco laughed.
‘I owe it to Olivia,’ Gina insisted. ‘She’s been so patient. The problem is, I still don’t have that final piece of the puzzle, I wanted something unique.’
‘You know,’ Marco began thoughtfully. ‘I might just have an idea. There’s a place I discovered … I found it not long after Stephana died. Sometimes I’d roam around the city for hours, with no real purpose, just wanting to lose myself, to disappear in the maze of streets. And that’s when I came across it. There’s an abandoned church in San Marco, with a hidden staircase at the back of the building that takes you up to the rooftop. I used to spend hours up there, revelling in the solitude, and the views are superb. There’s something special – almost magical – about it. I think it could be exactly what you’re looking for.’
Gina’s heart was pounding. She agreed with Marco that it sounded utterly perfect, but that wasn’t the only thing making her pulse race. ‘Wait a moment, I know that place, I’ve been there … the opening night of Carnival,’ she said, her words tumbling out in haste. ‘You said you went to the Guild Ball and then you went home.’
Marco frowned. ‘No, I never said I went home … I …’ He recalled that night and began to smile, piecing together what had happened. ‘I met an incredible woman, we spent a magical few hours together. I couldn’t stop thinking about her, but then I met you …’
‘I met a man with blue eyes?’ Gina’s brow creased as she remembered the eyes behind the mask.
‘I still had my contacts in, I’d forgotten to take them out.’
Gina felt time stand still, gazing at Marco in wonder as though seeing him for the first time. ‘And the day of the accident with the helicopter, I’d almost forgotten after everything else that has happened since, your eyes were blue then, too …’
Her mind flashed back again to the night of the carnival.
Marco …
‘You were wearing a mask … a golden bear?’
‘And you wore a stunning white and gold dress.’
‘You saved me from those men.’
They both stood in stunned silence for a moment, the enormity of this discovery stealing their words.
It was Marco who found his voice first, and it was gruff with emotion. ‘I’ll always be here for you, for ever. I promise you that.’ He pulled her close and kissed her passionately. Gina kissed him back, losing herself in his embrace. Desire rose within her, sparks fizzing through her body, and she pulled away, staring up at him with longing.
‘Time for that celebration,’ she smiled, taking his hand and leading him towards the bedroom.