Текст книги "Dirty Little Secrets"

Автор книги: Erin Ashley Tanner

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Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 13 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ava ducked down behind the couch. She could hear the intruder’s footsteps against the tile. Her heart galloped inside her chest. Dominic was asleep upstairs. His gun case was with him. Ava’s bat was near the front door but she’d never be able to reach it without the intruder hearing her. What was she going to do? Downstairs she was defenseless. Except for in the kitchen. As quietly as she could, she crept back into the kitchen.

There shining pristine in their wooden block were her Ginsu knives. She picked up a butcher knife. Perfect. As sharp as it was, she could likely cut a cow in half with it. She gasped when she heard footsteps approaching. Ava dropped to her knees behind the island. Peeking out, she could see dark boots moving toward her. Thank God for the moonlight streaming through the house or she’d be blind and waiting to be slaughtered.

“Ava. I know you’re here.”

She bit back a scream as the man’s gruff voice sliced across her senses. This wasn’t a random break-in. He’d been sent here to kill her and even worse, he knew where she was. Clutching the knife, she hugged the side of the island.

“Let’s not make this any harder than it has to be. I can make this as painless as possible.”

The man stood directly in front of her now. He wore all black. A ski mask covered his face. He hadn’t spotted her underneath the island. She had to buy herself some time. Raising the knife, Ava stabbed it as hard as she could into the man’s calf.

“Ahh!”

The man fell to one knee and Ava grabbed the knife from his calf. Blood spurted out, coating her hand, but she didn’t care. As the intruder turned and faced her, Ava raised the butcher knife and stabbed it into his chest.

The man roared. “You bitch. You’re going to pay for this.”

Ava scrambled to her feet as the man tried to dislodge the knife from his chest. Quickly she grabbed another knife from the block and raced out of the kitchen. The stairs loomed in front of her. She’d just taken the first step when she stopped. Maia. Her daughter was sleeping peacefully in her room. She had to get to her baby. Holding the knife in a firm grip, Ava stepped off the stair and went as fast as she could down the hallway that lead to where Maia’s room was.

Opening the door, she went inside. Maia was asleep. Her Princess and the Frog nightlight lit up the room. Ava stood over her daughter’s bed. Maia’s face looked so relaxed and peaceful, her small arms clutching her favorite purple rabbit, Timmy. Quickly, Ava eased her daughter out of her bed and into her arms. It was a delicate balance holding Maia and the knife, but she couldn’t leave either. Thankfully Maia was still sleeping.

Carefully Ava eased her daughter’s door open and crept down the hallway as quietly as she could. She heard no footsteps. The house was eerily quiet. Her heart started to slow as she reached the stairs. If she could just get upstairs to Dominic, she and Maia would be safe. The cocking of a gun made her freeze.

“You didn’t really think it would be that easy, did you? Turn around.”

Ava fought back tears as she turned to face her attacker. The moonlight showed her handiwork. He was standing in a pool of blood that leaked from the calf she’d stabbed. His shirt was ripped where she’d knifed him in the chest. Blood oozed there, dark and murky.

“Please don’t do this,” Ava whispered.

“Don’t waste your breath begging. I have my orders.”

“Orders? Orders from who? Who wants me dead?”

“That’s not important. What is important is that your daughter will be spared. Now put her down and die with some dignity.”

Ava looked down at her daughter. Maia. Her entire world. The only good thing she’d done in this life. She didn’t want to let her go. No. Not like this.

“I said, put her down before I change my mind.”

“Okay. Okay. Just don’t hurt her.”

Ava dropped the knife on the staircase. Pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead, she slowly put her daughter down on the floor next to the staircase, out of the way of the gunman’s aim.

“There. You satisfied now?” she said, with bravado in her voice she no longer felt.

The man laughed. “No. Not really. If I had more time you and I would have a little fun before I smoked you.”

“Just shoot me and get it over with.”

“Gladly.”

Ava stared at the gun pointed at her face. His finger squeezed the trigger and Ava closed her eyes, ready for death. A loud bang signaled to her that the bullet was on its way, but it never came.

Ava opened her eyes. The gunman in front of her was sprawled on the floor. Blood poured between his eyes. He was dead.

“Ava, sweetheart, are you two alright?”

Ava turned. Dominic came flying down the stairs, a silver Glock in his hand. She leaped into his arms. He held her close and she sobbed. The tears poured from her eyes.

“Shh. Shh. Baby, it’s okay. It’s okay. You’re safe.”

“He was going to kill me,” she said, voice trembling.

“I know. I know, baby. I’m so sorry I didn’t wake up sooner.”

Ava leaned away and wiped her tears. She looked up at Dominic. There were circles under his eyes. His dark hair was tousled and stood wildly on end. His chest was bare. Pajama bottoms had been carelessly tossed on. They hung low on his hips.

“Thank God you got here when I really needed you.”

“What are you doing down here anyway?” Dominic asked.

“I came to get something to drink.”

“Next time, wake me up. I don’t care what it’s for.”

“Okay.”

Dominic kissed her hard. She melted in his embrace, so thankful to be alive. So glad that her stubborn pride hadn’t let her push him away. She would’ve been dead otherwise. Ending the kiss, she stepped away.

“Maia.”

She walked down the few stairs to where her daughter still lay, sleeping. If it weren’t for the silencer on Dominic’s gun, there’s no telling what could’ve happened.

“She sleeps like the dead,” Dominic said, coming down beside her.

Ava picked her daughter up. “I know. She’s been a hard sleeper ever since she was a baby and I’m finding myself immensely grateful for that right about now.” She winced as she noticed the bloody handprint she’d placed on Maia’s pajamas.

“It’s going to be okay.”

Ava shook her head. “No it’s not. He said he had orders to kill me. Somebody wants me dead.”

Dominic’s face grew stony. “I’m not going to let that happen.”

He walked over to where the dead man lay. Ava watched as Dominic knelt down over the gunman and rifled through his pockets.

“What are you doing?” Ava hissed.

“Looking for any clue about who sent him.”

Dominic stopped as a folded up piece of paper fell out of the dead man’s pocket. He picked it up and read. Ava waited anxiously.

“What does it say?” she asked.

“If you’re reading this, then I suppose I must give you more credit than I expected, but don’t get too happy. This isn’t over. You betrayed me and you are going to pay for that with your life. So will your would-be protector.” Dominic put the note down.

“None of this makes any sense.”

“It makes perfect sense to me. I think your brother-in-law is behind this.”

“I know Angelo is a jealous asshole, but I doubt he’d go so far as to want me dead.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him.” Dominic put the note down and reached for the facemask of the would-be killer. He cursed when the man’s face was revealed. “Damn.”

“What’s wrong?” Ava asked.

“I know this piece of shit.”

“You do?”

“Yes. It’s Joey Fergonza. Contract killer. He’ll kill anyone for the right amount of money.”

Dominic stood up. Ava stepped closer to see the man. A pockmarked face. Vacant brown eyes. Pointed nose. The man looked like a weasel. A very ugly, very dangerous weasel.

“So that means we’re no closer to finding out who sent him?”

“Right.”

“What do we do now?”

“You’re going to get dressed, pack some clothes for you and Maia and you’re going to a hotel.”

“What about you?” Ava asked.

“I’m going to clean up here and dispose of the body.”

“Dominic, are you crazy? We can’t just cover this up.”

“The police just got finished looking at us for offing your friend. Do you really think it will go over well that someone was killed inside your house?”

“No. I guess you’re right. But I can’t handle anything else. I’m still grieving for Gina. I’m still trying to process the fact that I can’t pick up the phone and call her. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.”

“I can’t begin to understand your pain and I wish I could take it from you, but I can’t. All I can do is try to protect you. I’m right, so you need to trust me on this.”

“I do. I’m just scared. I don’t want you to get caught up in this any more than you have to.”

“I was already caught up in it, the first time someone took a shot at you.”

“I guess you’re right.”

“That’s right. Now I’m going to tell your housekeeper and Natalie they need to leave until we get to the bottom of this. Then I’m going to start on the cleanup. Thank God for silencers.”

“Where are you going to take him?” Ava asked.

Dominic shook his head. “It’s better you don’t know. Now hurry up and get dressed. I want you leaving here in less than an hour.”

Ava nodded, too frazzled and weary to argue. Turning to go to Maia’s room, Dominic caught her arm. She turned to face him.

“I love you,” he said.

Then he kissed her, as if this might very well be the last time. She responded to him, wishing for time she wasn’t sure they had. When he released her, he offered her a brief smile.

“Go ahead.”

She did as he said and walked towards Maia’s room. Ava heard the back door open as Dominic left to go warn Natalie and the housekeeper. Walking inside her daughter’s room, she carefully laid Maia on the large beanbag she often fell asleep on. As quick as she could, she packed a bag of clothes. Her mind raced. She’d been seconds away from losing her life. Maia would’ve been an orphan if not for Dominic.

So why couldn’t she tell him what she knew he secretly longed to hear? Why couldn’t she admit that she loved him? That she probably had from the moment he’d revealed his real identity to her on the cruise ship? No. It was too soon. People didn’t fall in love in three weeks. They fell in lust. A passionate, earth-shaking lust but still lust the same. No. She couldn’t tell him. Not now. Not with everything they were already dealing with.

Love made you weak. Made you vulnerable to threats that would’ve never bothered you before. She needed to be strong, now more than ever. There wasn’t just her to consider. Her child had to come first, even before what she felt for Dominic. He would just have to bear his pain a little longer.

Bag packed sufficiently, Ava went into Maia’s small bathroom and grabbed her daughter’s toiletries. She wondered how long they would be gone. When it would be safe to come back. Items added, she slung the bag over her shoulder and grabbed her daughter. She’d wake Maia and change her clothes as soon as she’d completed her own packing. Leaving the room, she walked back down the hallway. Dominic was already at work. A bucket of some foul-smelling concoction was beside him. He’d already rolled the body up into a large garbage bag. He was on his knees scrubbing her floor.

It was amazing, how important Dominic had become to her in such a short time. A few weeks ago she’d wanted his head on a platter for daring to interrupt her well-ordered life. Now, she didn’t know where she’d be without him. Probably dead. But as she watched him carefully cleaning, something in her heart twisted. He was risking everything for her. He’d killed someone to protect her and now he was going to make it as if this night had never happened. No one had ever gone out of their way for her. All her life, she’d never been someone’s priority until now. Ava quickly brushed away a falling tear. Dominic had changed her life in a way she’d never expected and though she’d fought it as long as she could, there was no denying it anymore. She loved him and the thought of imagining her world without him suddenly made her sick to her stomach. He looked up as she walked past him, heading for the stairs. She’d taken the first step when she stopped and turned.

“Dominic?”

“Yeah?”

She stared at him, her tongue suddenly feeling heavy in her mouth.

“Thank you for everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Before he could respond she was going up the stairs as fast as she could.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ava looked over at Maia, asleep on the queen-sized bed they were sharing at the hotel they’d checked into. It wasn’t the five-star accommodations she would usually go for, but whoever was after them would surely check the best places in town first. Here, Ava had a chance of remaining under the radar for just a little while longer. She was scared, more scared than she’d ever been and not just for herself but for Dominic too. He was taking a major risk, one that could land him behind bars or facing the death penalty.

After warning Natalie and Mrs. Valdez to leave immediately, he’d set to cleaning up their attacker’s blood and then preparing to dispose of the body. By the time she was packed and ready to go with Maia, the living room looked as if nothing had ever happened. Dominic had come to her then, looking more handsome than ever. As he’d kissed her goodbye, he’d promised to put the body in a place no one would ever find it. He’d refused to tell her where though. According to him, she’d be safer if she didn’t know. And for once she wasn’t going to argue with him.

They’d kissed, barely able to let each other go before Dominic had climbed into his Hummer and sped away. She’d done the same, choosing to take a vehicle she rarely drove anymore, a black Nissan Maxima. With no clue who was after her or why, she had to take precautions and switching vehicles was a step in that direction. As was not telling Dominic where she and Maia were spending the night. They’d both agreed to call and meet each other at a discreet location later in the day. But before Ava did that, there was something else she had to do. Something that couldn’t wait.

A knock on the door nearly made Ava jump. “Calm down.”

She walked over to where her purse was on the table. Slowly she pulled out the pearl-handled pistol she’d taken from her house before leaving. No way was she going to be unprotected again. Checking to make sure Maia was still sleeping, she crept towards the door, gun in hand. Ava looked through the peephole and lowered the gun. Removing the chain and turning the lock, she opened the door, but only an inch. Ava stuck her head out.

“Are you alone?”

“Yes.”

“Were you followed?”

“No.”

“Come on in.”

Ava opened the door and allowed Mrs. Valdez to come inside. The older woman was wearing a white capri-pants outfit. Her black hair was pulled away from her face with a white-and-silver-striped headband. There was a furrow between her eyebrows.

“Ava, what is going on?”

“I wish I could tell you. I don’t know.”

“Running out of the house in the middle of the night. Evasive driving to make sure I’m not followed. I feel like I’m in some kind of movie,” Elisa said.

“I know. I don’t like this any more than you do and I’m praying things get back to normal soon, but in the meantime we’re all going to have to be more careful.”

Elisa looked towards the bed. “Does this have anything to do with your late husband?”

Ava shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. All of his associates were very respectful towards me at Joseph’s funeral and I haven’t heard a word from any of them since. It’s just bizarre how everything is happening now.”

“I’ll say. Now you said you needed me to stay with Maia. Where are you going?”

“To get some answers.”

Ava moved past her housekeeper and grabbed her purse. She stuffed the gun inside, making sure the safety was on.

“And where exactly is that?” Elisa asked.

“It’s better if you don’t know.”

“Ava, please. Someone needs to know where you are.”

“I can’t, Elisa. If you haven’t heard from me in the next three hours, leave and take Maia to the safest place you can. I’m trusting you with my daughter. She means more to me than anything in this entire world. Please keep her safe.”

“You don’t even have to ask. Maia reminds me so much of my granddaughter, Lilliana. She’ll be safe with me. You have my word.”

“Thank you, Elisa. I promise I’ll try and be back as soon as possible.”

“I still don’t like this.”

“I know, but it has to be done,” Ava said. She reached down into her purse and pulled out a wad of money. She handed it to Elisa. “If you need it, here’s a thousand dollars and the key to a locked drawer in the study at the house. There’s more there if you need it.”

“Ava, this—”

Ava held her hand up. “I don’t want to hear it. I need to know that both of you will be alright so let me do what I need to do.”

“Fine. I won’t argue with you. Just be careful.”

“I will. I’ll be back.”

Taking one last glance at her sleeping daughter, Ava left the room. She blinked back tears as she walked towards the elevator. It didn’t feel good to leave her daughter. What she should be doing was staying with her child until Dominic called, but she had to do something. Waiting around was not her speed. She needed answers and she knew that Smitty was likely the one who had them. The elevator dinged and Ava quickly took it down to the first floor. She put on her shades as the elevator doors opened.

Looking around, she was relieved that the lobby was empty. So far so good. With an easy stride she was outside and walking towards her car in the parking lot. Just as she reached the car, her cell phone rang. She pulled it out of her purse and looked at the screen. Melissa. Unlocking the car, Ava climbed inside and locked the door before answering her phone.

“Hey Melissa.”

“Ava, I’m so glad I caught you. Listen, I have great news.”

“What’s that?” Ava asked, pretty sure she already knew what it was.

“Mike called me. Apparently his client has come to his senses and decided to drop his ridiculous lawsuit. He called and told me he’s going to file the paperwork today.”

“That’s great news.”

“Indeed it is.”

“I’ll say. So as soon as everything’s been filed correctly I’ll let you know.”

“Sounds great. Send me your bill as well.”

Ava put the phone down. She blinked away a tear. Dominic was a man of his word. He’d dropped the suit. All in the name of love. She still couldn’t believe it. People would do anything for money. Steal, kill, blackmail, you name it. But apparently not Dominic Sambarino. He was a man of a different breed and she loved him for it. Trying to wipe the smile off her face, Ava started the car and backed out of the parking lot.

But there was still something else, an unanswered question floating around…Dominic’s paternity. Was he or was he not Joseph’s son? And after all that had occurred, did it even still matter? Joseph was dead and Dominic was here and ready to give her all the things her late husband never had.

Careful to make sure she wasn’t followed, she quickly pulled out into traffic and headed toward Smitty’s. It wouldn’t be a long drive. The hotel she’d chosen to spend the night was not in the most upscale of neighborhoods and less than fifteen minutes away from Smitty. As Ava drove she wondered when Dominic would call. She was worried about him. Her mind played a million scenarios. So much was at stake. Not only Dominic’s life and freedom but hers as well. She sent up a silent prayer that he hadn’t gotten caught. She couldn’t lose the one man who’d finally shown her that she could give him her heart and her trust and expect the same in return.

Ava rounded the next street corner and pulled into the parking lot that serviced the plaza where Smitty had his business. There were people loitering in the area, just like the last time she’d visited. Ava locked her car and took a quick look around before she entered Smitty’s place of business. She could hear Smitty on the phone as she entered. Turning, she locked the door behind her and walked down the short hallway that lead to Smitty’s office.

“Yeah. Yeah. Not a problem.”

Ava cleared her throat. Smitty looked up. His eyes widened.

“I’ll have to call you back,” Smitty said into the phone.

Ava came to stand in front of his desk, but she didn’t take a seat. “Smitty.”

He stood up from his desk. He shook his head. “What are you doing here, Ava? I haven’t heard from you since you wanted me to get dirt on the Sambarino kid.”

“I need answers, Smitty. Somebody’s trying to kill me.”

The older man rubbed his face. “Somebody’s trying to kill you?”

Something about the way he said it. The inflection in his voice made her suspicious. “You’re not the least bit surprised about what I’m telling you. I can see it in your face.”

“Ava, come on,” Smitty said, sitting down.“You know you’re my girl.”

“Save it, Smitty. Some prick broke into my house and aimed a gun at me. He was going to kill me and leave my child an orphan. Now I need answers, Smitty, and I need them now.”

Smitty leaned back in his chair. His eyes grew hard. The gregarious, fun-loving man she knew was nowhere to be found.

“Fine. You want answers. It ain’t good. This thing is deep. I’m hearing a variety of things.”

“Like what?”

“Like your old man was into some shit that put his name at the top of the list to get whacked by damn near everyone.”

“Something like what? Vendettas and fights over territory are part of the business,” Ava said.

“I don’t know. Whatever it is, everyone is keeping it real hush-hush.”

“Okay, but Joseph is dead. What does any of that have to do with me?”

“Revenge. Somebody’s gotta pay for whatever it is your old man did. His associates could very well be coming after you for just that reason.”

“Smitty, that makes no sense. Women and children are supposed to be untouchable.”

“They are, but your husband apparently pissed off a lot of people. I heard there’s a contract out on you. Somebody’s paying big money to have you whacked.”

“Are you kidding me? So I’m the scapegoat for whatever Joseph was doing right before he died? Unbelievable. It’s only been a few months.”

“Here’s the thing, no one is saying who put out the hit. Just remember, your brother-in-law is a loose cannon so there’s no telling if he pissed somebody off and they’re coming after you because of that.”

“Smitty, I need something concrete to go on. How else do I protect myself?”

“Look Ava, that’s all I know. I wish I had more, but the streets are being pretty quiet about this. My advice to you is to get out of dodge as quickly as possible.”

Ava shook her head. “It’s not that simple. You know me, Smitty. I don’t run from anything. I have a life here, a life I’ve worked hard to build. I’m not going to let anyone run me out of town.”

“Ava, I know you’re tough. Tougher than any woman I know, but now is not the time to be Superwoman. Please. I’d hate to hear about anything happening to you.”

“I appreciate the concern, Smitty, but I know what I have to do. Thanks.”

Ava turned and left his office. Riding off into the sunset was not what she did. Ava jumped into her car and started the engine. Tires squealing, she roared out of the parking lot. Smitty’s information had been haphazard at best, but at least she had some idea of where this hit could be coming from. Mob related. How ironic.

She’d had nothing to do with Joseph’s business when he was alive. And definitely not now that he was dead. Ava had made a life with Joseph in order to save her family. And now Joseph was about to cost her her family. He was screwing her over from beyond the grave. This was the thanks she got for being a loyal wife. Her angry musings were interrupted when her cellphone rang. Picking it up, she looked down at the caller ID. Restricted. Her mouth went dry. With a shaking hand, she answered the phone.