The man behind the counter looked up as Frankie entered the shop. Waving to him, Frankie put his finger to his lips and motioned toward the store’s only occupant. The man nodded in understanding and merely waved in return before heading back to his duties behind the counter.
Walking slowly, Frankie cleared the counter and turned. His face set into a smile, he locked eyes with the brunette in the corner booth before motioning her to stay seated.
“Enjoying your sundae, Danielle?” he asked, sliding into the booth across from her. Dani said nothing, her eyes still locked on his. Sighing, he slammed his hand down on the table, making her jump. “I asked you a question, Danielle. Are you enjoying your sundae?”
“I was,” Dani gulped.
“Does anybody know where you are?” he asked roughly.
“No, sir,” Dani squeaked.
Nodding, he rose and pointed toward the door. “Let’s go, Danielle.”
“Zio Frankie,” Dani tried.
“Not one word, Danielle,” he interrupted. “Not one single word until I get you home,” he directed, tugging her arm and leading her from the ice cream shop.
Marching Dani to the car, he opened the door for her and motivated her to crawl inside by a firm swat to her backside. “In!” he commanded with another swat as she hesitated.
Quickly entering the car, Dani slid to the far side of the backseat, not daring to say anything. Tears were already forming and she couldn’t help but quickly wipe them away. Emma was going to kill her and she wasn’t too sure that Toni and Frankie wouldn’t be in the queue to do the same.
Pulling out his cell phone, Frankie hit a button and calmed himself before speaking. “Antonia, is Emma with you? Good. Be sure to keep her there until I get home. I have a little gift for her. Ti adoro.”
Putting the phone back into his jacket pocket, Frankie turned to Dani. “What were you thinking, Danielle?” When Dani remained silent, merely shaking her head, Frankie demanded, “Answer me, young lady.”
“I just wanted to go for a ride, get away for a while,” Dani managed to muster.
Frankie muttered to himself, but said nothing else directly until the car stopped in his driveway. Getting out of the car, he waited until Dani emerged and proceeded to swat her into the house, uttering a stream of Italian curses in his wake.
Hearing a loud commotion in the entryway, Toni and Emma made their way toward the sound and fell in line behind a very angry Frankie pushing Danielle toward his study and swatting her with every step.
Entering the study, he glowered at her and cursed in Italian again. “What do you have to say for yourself, Danielle?”
“Please, Zio Frankie, I’m sorry,” Danielle cried.
“Sorry, you’re sorry? Could have gotten yourself killed…” The man trailed off and began to unbuckle his belt as Dani’s eyes grew in fright.
“Zio Frankie, you can’t…”
“Oh, yes, I can,” Frankie stated, taking a step toward Danielle, the belt now folded in his hand.
“Wait!” Emma interrupted as she stepped in front of Danielle, promptly cutting off Frankie’s advance.
“Emma, move! Do you have any idea what she did?” he bellowed, pointing the belt at the now cowering Dani.
Emma nodded, her eyes flashing. “I have a good idea, but you aren’t going to use that on her.”
Toni put a gentle hand on Frankie’s arm. “Frank, you need to calm down.”
“Out having ice cream, Antonia. Like a damn teenager.” He held a steady gaze with Emma before turning to Dani once again. “She wants to act like a teenager, then she’s going to be punished like one. Emma, get out of my way, she has this coming.”
“Emma, you can’t let him. Please…” Dani pleaded, taking a step back and doing her best to hide behind her redheaded protector.
“No,” Emma resounded. “I won’t let you hurt her.” Emma took a step toward the much larger man, her green eyes flashing in anger. “Dani is my responsibility. You will back off, or we will leave.”
Toni was at Frankie’s side in an instant. She put a hand on her husband’s arm, drawing his attention to herself. “Put your belt back on, Frankie, before your pants fall down,” she ordered softly.
Frankie roared, throwing his belt across his desk before stepping behind it and pouring himself a stiff drink.
The immediate threat now neutralized, Emma rounded on Dani. Her eyes blazing, Emma pointed to the end spot on the couch. “Sit,” she commanded.
Dani gulped but did as ordered, suddenly wondering if she would rather deal with her zio than Emma.
Running a hand through her hair, Emma began to pace in front of her now sniffling girlfriend. “Alright,” she said. “I want to know exactly what happened.”
“I’m sorry, Emma,” Dani whispered.
“Sorry for what?” Emma asked as her eyes narrowed dangerously.
Dani shook her head, so Emma turned to Frankie for information.
“Tell us, Danielle. Tell us where I found you,” Frankie prompted.
Looking at Emma, Dani sniffed again. “I was having an ice cream sundae at Pixie’s.”
“Pixie’s?” Emma asked.
Frankie grunted as Toni spoke. “A little ice cream shop about a fifteen-minute bike ride from here.”
“And just how did you get there, Danielle?” Emma asked, her voice low.
Dani sniffed before quietly answering. “I used Giuliana’s bike. There’s a split in the stone wall on the other side of the trees, that isn’t covered by the security cameras. I hid Giuliana’s bike there, and then it was easy to get out.”
Emma took a step closer to her quivering girlfriend, and guided her eyes up with a hand under her chin. “Why?” Emma asked, shaking her head in disbelief.
“I just wanted to go someplace,” Dani whispered.
Emma growled and released Dani’s chin as Toni’s brown eyes blazed. “You risked your life to go someplace, Danielle?” A chain of Italian flew from her mouth and it was Frankie’s turn to try to calm his wife.
Emma watched as Frankie poured a drink for his wife and another for himself, before she let out a long slow breath and sat down next to Dani. Raising an eyebrow, Emma asked, “Not the first time you did it, is it?”
Dani chewed her lip and shook her head, grimacing as her zio continued with another long string of curses in Italian.
Emma let out another long breath. “I’m disappointed in you, Danielle. I can’t believe that you think so little of your zio and zia, or me, or even yourself, to risk your life in such a foolish way. And for what? Ice cream?” Emma eyes blazed again.
Dani looked down at her hands, the tears coming quickly, as she started to sob silently to herself.
Emma shook her head. “Alright. Let’s go.”
“Go?” Dani squeaked, suddenly looking up again. “Go where?”
“First, you are going to show us where this breach in the wall is. If you can get out, then someone could get in.”
“I never thought of that,” Dani frowned.
“Dani,” Emma voice softened. “Are there any other breaches you’ve discovered? Any other places that aren’t covered by cameras or that the security people miss or overlook?”
Dani chewed her lip, thinking about her conversation with Giuliana and the forgotten sliding glass door. Last thing she wanted to do was get her cousin in trouble, or cut off the only escape route that she knew she still had. “No,” she whispered, unable to look Emma in the eye.
“Good,” Emma nodded. “Now, show us that breach.”
* * *
Watching as Emma escorted their goddaughter to the carriage house, Frankie shook his head. “I can’t believe that girl,” he muttered to his wife.
“She’s something, alright,” Toni smiled, “but then so is Dani.”
Frankie rolled his eyes and laughed. “They are both something. Antonia, was it just me or do you get the feeling that our Danielle is more afraid of that little dynamo’s wrath than she was when I was
chasing her with my belt?”
It was then Toni’s turn to laugh. “No more than you are, dear, when you get my dander up.”
“Ah,” Frankie took his wife’s hand in his own and lifted it to his lips, giving it a kiss. “I’d rather walk through the seven levels of hell than face your wrath. But you know what? I’m still mad at her. I’d still like to turn her over my knee.”
“You and me both, dear, but this is something that she needs to work out with Emma. Emma is a smart lady. She knows how to deal with our Dani. Besides I think it’ll be a long time before she crosses you again. You did manage to scare the daylights out of her.”
“I did, didn’t I?” Frankie smiled. “Good.”
Toni chuckled. “Come on, dear, let’s go inside. Let Emma worry about Dani, and let me worry about you.”
“Me?” he smiled, recognizing the twinkle in his wife’s eyes.
“I haven’t seen my husband in two days. I’d like to welcome him home properly.”
Frank grinned, offering his elbow to the love of his life. “Far be it from me to stop you from properly greeting your husband.”
* * *
“Bedroom. Pajamas. Corner,” Emma ordered bluntly as soon as they crossed the threshold to the carriage house.
“Emma,” Dani started to protest, but was cut off abruptly by flashing green eyes.
“Don’t even,” Emma warned, pointing a shaking finger.
Biting her lip, Dani turned and fled up the stairs.
Watching her go, Emma shook her head. She was so upset her hands were shaking, and not just from anger, but also from fear. Dani was totally vulnerable. Anything could have happened, anything. She wiped a stray tear from her cheek. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. It was too much. The bratting, the behavior, the occasional mistake or overindulgence; that, she could handle. This life and death stuff though, it was more than she wanted to think about, much less deal with. She was overwhelmed and over her head. She needed to talk to someone before she was able to confront Dani.
Digging her phone out of her purse, she flipped it open and dialed a familiar number. Frowning as she got a voicemail, she hung up and tried another number. Hoping that Stevie was home, she was both relieved and disappointed when Anna answered the phone.
“Hey, Anna, is Stevie there?”
“Emma? Hey, how’s everything going? No, she’s not. Ran to the store.”
“Ah, she’s not picking up her cell. Do me a favor, and have her call me back as soon as she gets home?”
“Sure thing. You sound pretty bummed though, is there anything I can help with?”
Emma paused for a moment as she settled into the sofa, pulling her knees up into her chest. “I need to talk to someone.” She couldn’t help sniffling as the tears suddenly sprang to the surface.
“Oh, honey. What is it? What happened? Is everyone okay?”
“Yeah, physically,” Emma admitted. “It’s Dani though; I don’t know what to do with her.”
“Well, I’m here. Talk to me. Tell me what happened. Maybe I can help.”
Emma took a deep breath, letting it all come to the surface, thankful for the moment just to get it all off her chest.
Anna stayed quiet throughout and only when Emma finished, did she respond. “Wow, I can’t believe it, but I realize that this is serious, Emma. Hell, I’m pissed at her too, but maybe you’re looking at it the wrong way.”
“What do you mean?” Emma asked, suddenly intrigued.
“Well, you know that not any part of me is a top. I’m a brat through and through. I can identify with Dani’s craving for guidance, and how something simple could spiral out of control. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten my tail lit for something similar.”
“Come on, you can’t compare throwing popcorn to something like this, Anna.”
“Who said anything about throwing popcorn? I’ll have you know, I’ve gotten myself into plenty of trouble, real trouble. And I’ve paid the price for it.”
“Oh, like what?”
“Well,” Anna drew out. “There was this one time, shortly after Stevie and I met. I went out drinking with some friends, and ended up getting into a little scuffle.”
“You got into a bar fight?” Emma couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Yeah, well. It happens. Anyway, I got pissed and left. Made it about a block and a half before I got pulled over.”
Emma took in a deep breath. “They called the cops on you?”
“Not exactly,” Anna’s voice dropped. “Got arrested for drunk driving. Let’s just say Stevie was not happy when I called her from the jail.”
“Oh, wow. Bet you couldn’t sit for a week.”
“Try a month,” Anna explained. “Stevie still watches me like a hawk whenever I have any alcohol, and this happened over ten years ago.”
“Wow, I never knew, but you’re right. She always watches your drinking. But I’m not sure that’s going to help me with Dani. Not like I can watch her every moment of every day for the rest of her life.”
“No, of course not, and I’m not saying that Dani doesn’t need some serious discipline, but just remember her intentions. When I got into that car, I wasn’t thinking that I could have hurt myself or someone else. I wasn’t thinking that I could get arrested or have my license suspended, or about the fines or even not being able to sit.
“You know she’s a runner. It’s what she does. She internalizes everything until it explodes. Think of it like your switch side. You just need to get your butt whooped once in a while. Dani needs her outlet too. You’ve been crunching down so hard on her, she snapped and had to go to extremes to escape.”
“So, this is my fault then?” Emma asked.
“Oh, no, she made her choices. I’m just saying that she wasn’t thinking about the greater picture. She was only looking for an outlet; she wasn’t thinking about her safety or about any other consequences. That’s part of your job, to make her aware of that greater picture, but it’s also part of your job to understand her point of view.”
“I never really thought about it that way,” Emma mused. “Thank you, Anna. You have no idea how much that helps.”
Anna smiled. “Just remember, Emma, she didn’t mean to put anyone in danger, and even if that could have happened, it didn’t. Everyone is safe, safer now actually that Dani revealed how she escaped. Think of this as a learning opportunity. Deal with it, and move on.”
Emma sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. Thank you so much, I really needed to talk.”
“Anytime, Emma. You’re more than a friend, you’re family… Dani too. We’re always here for you.”
“Thanks. I should go, though; poor Dani is probably having a nervous breakdown in the corner.”
Anna giggled. “Naw, the reflection time is good for her. Did you still want me to ask Stevie to call you back?”
“No, I’ll call her later. Do me a favor though, and fill her in? I’d like to get her opinion too.”
“Sure thing. And good luck, Emma.”
“Thanks, I think I’m gonna need it.” Emma hit the disconnect button. She felt so much better, and was glad that she’d caught Anna. She never really considered Dani’s position before, and Anna’s perspective was insightful. It changed her opinion of what had transpired, and although she was still going to paint a very vivid picture for Dani, she was no longer angry or frightened. Putting her phone aside, she stood and slowly ascended the stairs.
Emma entered the room and sat down on the bed, where she watched Dani fidget in the corner. Finally thinking Dani’d had enough, she called to her. Dani turned, and for a moment Emma had to resist the urge to run to her. Her eyes were red from crying; her nose, also red, was leaking, and Emma couldn’t remember when she’d seen a more pitiful sight. Leaning over, she grabbed a tissue from the box on the bedside table, and patted the bed next to her. Handing the tissue to Dani, she watched as she blew her nose.
Putting the tissue down, Dani laid her head on Emma’s shoulder. �
��You’re gonna kill me, aren’t you?”
Emma couldn’t help chuckling. “Yeah, pretty much.”
Blue eyes looked up, slightly confused to see Emma smile. “You’re not mad?”
“Oh, I’m furious with you, young lady. You are in serious trouble.”
“I know,” Dani frowned, quickly looking back down again.
“Danielle, look at me.” Waiting until she could again see blue, Emma continued. “I want to know why. Were you just looking for trouble? Was the chocolate craving so terrible? Or was the need to get away just so bad that you were willing to risk your life to fill it?”
Dani grimaced. “Honestly, Emma. I didn’t think of it as any of that. I just needed to get a break. Get out for a while. I didn’t think that I was in danger. I just wanted a break.”
Emma was quiet for a moment. “Okay, then I’ll ask you this. What price do think is a fair trade for your break?”
“What do you mean?”
“I want you to tell me how you think you should be punished.”
Dani shifted. “I don’t know.”
“Oh, yes you do. You have an idea in your head. You think you know how I’m going to react. I want to hear it.”
“Emma, this isn’t fair. It’s not supposed to be up to me. You’re the adverb, remember?”
“You’re right. I decide the when, where, and how. But this time, I want to know what you think.”
Dani shifted again. “It’s not fair. I can’t tell you that.”
Emma’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe you need to go spend some more time in the corner until you can.”
Dani blanched. “Please, Emma…” she trailed off, getting a raised eyebrow in response. Sighing, she gave in. “Fine. You’re gonna spank me. Probably paddle me too, and probably do it more than once. You’re going to either extend my grounding, or make it worse. Probably find something else to take away, so then I have absolutely nothing to do. Knowing you, you’ve probably found some other way to make my life miserable that I haven’t even thought of yet.”
The Art of Discipline: Running Toward Trouble (The Mockingbird Chronicles) Page 20
