by Sandra Cox
“Who the hell can that be?” Jack demanded.
“I don’t know but everyone stay put,” Hank commanded and strode out of the room to return a moment later with his rifle.
They were standing in the kitchen and the doorbell had sounded from the front of the house. He narrowed his eyes at Jack and pointed with his finger toward the small foyer attached to the living room. He gave the women a commanding look and said in a low voice, “You two stay put.”
Bella and Maureen waited until he left the room then followed. They stopped in the hall and watched as Hank melted behind the door. Jack waited ‘til Hank was in place. Leaving the security latch hooked, Jack looked out. He hesitated for a moment then opened the door.
All the women could see was his back but they could heard the puzzlement in his voice as he asked, “May I help you?”
And the musical, almost magical voice that responded, “I’m Sabina Comti and I’m here for the wedding.”
Bella let her breath out in a whoosh. She moved forward into the living room. “It’s okay, Jack.” She eased in front of Jack, undid the security latch and opened the screen. “Sabina, I’m so glad you could make it. Please come in.”
A beautiful young woman with chocolate eyes and thick brown hair, pulled back in an elegant chignon, stood at the door. She was dressed in black silk slacks and a rich plum silk shirt.
Sabina stepped inside.
For a long moment Sabina and Bella looked at each other, communicating without words.
Maureen came forward.
Sabina turned toward her, a dazzling smile on her face. “Ah, you must be Maureen. I’ve waited a very long time to meet you.”
Puzzled, Maureen nodded. “Yes, I am. Welcome. Any friend of Bella’s is a friend of mine.”
“Yes, you could say that.” Sabina gave an enigmatic smile and took Maureen’s hand.
Maureen’s breath caught in her throat and her eyes widened in shock. She started to speak but only an inarticulate sound came out. She cleared her throat and tried again. “You’re part of the sisterhood, the owner of the power amulet.”
* * * * *
Everything rested on Victoria’s shoulders. She too had failed but she was young, he thought tolerantly. At least she had found out about the wedding. And she would not fail him again. His hands tightened on the cold steel bars of his cage. He lived no better than an animal.
Chapter Nine
The two men stared at the sleek, sophisticated young beauty. Still holding Sabina’s hand, Maureen straightened, power shining on her skin from the contact. Bella remembered the electric surges of Sabina’s touch.
“How did you know about the wedding?” Maureen asked, puzzled.
Sabina turned to Bella.
“I invited her.” Bella smiled, leaned over and gave Sabina a warm hug. “Welcome.” Her breath caught as she felt power pour through her from Sabina’s amulet. Creativity and power surged through her, zapping each other like electrical currents meeting in midair. It wouldn’t have surprised to find her hair standing straight out from the jolt.
Bella felt like she could leap tall buildings in a single bound, belt out a three-hour opera, swim on the bottom of the ocean without coming up for air and paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel lying on her back without aid of ladders.
From Sabina’s expression, she felt it too. Her lovely features became even more defined and radiant as the beauty amulet whisked her with a glamour sweep.
Still holding Sabina’s hand, she reached for Maureen’s. As the three women stood together, their hands locked in a circle, the lights in the room dimmed then brightened to a blinding degree. Even their scents mingled and filled the room—Maureen’s simple light fragrance, Bella’s darker and more exotic, fused with the floral, spicy scent Sabina wore.
“It’s right that on the eve of your marriage—the most holy sacrament that you can make short of conceiving and birthing a child—the three of us come together to bring strength to your union,” Bella intoned. They stood joined in silence then as one let go of the other.
Even after the women dropped their hands they radiated health, beauty and power. Turning her head, Bella saw the two men staring, identical expressions of awe on their faces.
Deep color surged over Hank’s ruddy complexion. He shook his head. “I’ve been used to the healing amulet near all my adult life.” He glanced at Bella. “And I’m adjusting to the beauty and creativity amulet. But this, the three of you together…” His voice trailed off and he shook his head. “You’re a force to be reckoned with.” He tipped his chin in a small, sharp movement. “You were right, Bella. Inviting Ms. Sabina to the wedding was a damn good idea.” He stepped forward and held out his hand. “Welcome.”
“Sabina, this is Hank McHenry.” Bella continued her introductions as Sabina clasped Hank’s large calloused hand.
A vein in Hank’s neck leaped. “That’s a pretty powerful grip you’ve got there.” He loosened his hand. “Not that I don’t appreciate it but I like to be my own man, my power being god-given not garnered from an amulet. No offense. You’ve got a job to do and that there piece of jewelry helps you do it.”
Sabina smiled warmly. “None taken, Mr. McHenry.”
Bella continued. “Sabina Comti, Jack Wolfe, the groom.”
Jack settled for nodding.
“And as you know, this is the bride, Maureen Sinclair.”
Sabina nodded, “The healing sister.”
Maureen tipped her head in acknowledgement.
“When did your plane land?” Bella asked.
“About three hours ago. I rented a car and reserved a hotel room.”
“Why not stay here?” Bella suggested.
“I appreciate your kindness but you’ve got enough going on with the wedding. I’m in a nice place.”
“At least come and eat with us. You can tell us if the food Nicholas serves us at The Olive Grove is authentic Italian,” Maureen interposed, smiling.
She smiled a lot these days, Bella noted.
“I would like that.” Sabina responded.
Jack extended his arm. “After you.”
They all piled into the SUV. Conversation was in fits and starts. Long moments of awkward silence were followed by everyone talking at once.
Before Bella knew it, they had reached the restaurant. As they crossed the threshold, the smell of garlic and simmering tomatoes enveloped them like a cloak on a cold day.
Sabina breathed in and smiled a smile that said home.
After being seated in a cozy corner, they toasted Jack and Maureen’s upcoming nuptials in rich, red wine. Everyone relaxed and got down to the business of getting to know each other. Lingering over their meal, they enjoyed the companionship of true friends.
Bella glanced over and noticed the violet stains underlining Sabina’s chocolate eyes. Unthinking, she reached over and clasped Sabina’s hand and felt power surge up her arm. She pulled back. The shadows under Sabina’s eyes were gone but Bella had no doubts the woman was dead on her feet.
Standing up, Bella said, “We need to get our new friend to her bed. She’s only recently cross the Atlantic and I’m sure she’s exhausted.”
Maureen, who’d been staring dreamily at Jack, gave a guilty start. “I’m sorry, that’s very thoughtless of us.”
“But understandable.” Bella winked at her best friend.
“It’s been wonderful. You’ve all made me feel as if I belong.” Sabina’s smile encompassed everyone at the table.
“Well, little girl, I’d say that band on your arm, outlined under your blouse, is your membership card.” Hank smiled and leaned back, tipping his chair on two legs. He thumped down the chair and stood up. Chairs scraped as the rest of the party got to their feet. They paid the bill and headed home.
As they turned down the dirt lane that led to the house, Bella glanced at the clock. Ten o’clock. Where had the time gone? Sitting in the front seat with Hank, she twisted around and asked Sabina as they pulled up in
front of the house, “Can you stop in long enough for dessert and coffee? I’ve got a darling little pair of earrings I picked up at the mall I want to show you.”
Before Sabina could respond Maureen laughed. “Poor Bella. Sabina, she’s thrilled to death you’re here. She’s had no one to share the girlie-girl stuff with.”
Bella arched an eyebrow and drawled back, “Let’s not forget Victoria’s Secret. You are pretty girlie girl there, sugar.”
Maureen reached up and yanked Bella’s hair.
Sabina giggled. “You two act just like sisters.”
Rubbing her aching scalp, Bella paused. “You’re an only child too, aren’t you, Sabina?”
Sabina nodded.
“Hmm.” Bella tapped her chin.
“You think it’s a requirement to own the amulet? Or should I say wear it? It seems more like the amulets own us,” Sabina mused.
“Maybe,” Bella said as Hank cut the engine. While she was still pondering the fact that they were all only children, Hank came around and opened her door. “Thanks, sugar.”
They all piled out and went in the backdoor where Puss–Puss stood waiting to greet them with Wolf a respectful distance behind. Progress of a sort between the alpha male animals, Bella thought, grinning.
“I’ll start coffee then go get those darling little earrings. We shouldn’t stay up too late. Tomorrow is the big day and we all need our beauty sleep.”
She poured water into the coffeepot then sniffed the coffee beans as they ground. Heaven.
Her hand stilled on the grinder as she felt Puss–Puss who’d been winding back and forth between her legs stiffen at the same moment she heard Wolf growl deep in his throat. A moment later the front doorbell sounded.
Slowly, she turned around. Of all the beloved people in the room her eyes flew first to Hank’s. She reached over and patted her handbag that held her derringer. He nodded acknowledgement and strode out of the room.
No one spoke.
He came back with his rifle. “Come on, Jack.”
Jack gave Maureen a hug. “Is there any point in telling you to stay put?”
“Absolutely none,” she said calmly.
“Let’s go then.”
Silent as a wraith the wolf raced by him, the cat at his heels. When everyone reached the door, the animals stood in front of it, shoulder to shoulder, fur raised, fangs showing.
Hank motioned the others back and opened the door just enough to peer out. He stood motionless a moment then opened it the rest of the way. Bella moved forward to get a better view and stared in fascination at the sleek creature standing under the porch light, legs splayed. He wore fitted black trousers and a light black leather jacket. It might be early April but the nights in Wisconsin were still cool. His black hair was slicked back from his forehead and his dark eyes were as cold as the light breeze that came through the open door.
Still holding the rifle, his stance alert, Hank asked, “Can I help you, mister?”
“I’m looking for Hank McHenry.”
“Appears you’ve found him. And you would be?”
“Adam Morelly.” With those cold dark eyes, he looked Hank up and down. “Do you always answer the door with a rifle in your hand, Mr. McHenry?”
Hank’s expression tightened at the name of Morelly. “Only lately. What are you doing here, Morelly?”
“My uncle sent me.”
“Oh?”
If Adam Morelly was nervous about having a rifle pointed at him, he concealed it well. “I’ve got a message for you.”
“Then speak your piece and get the hell out of here.”
He lifted his palm in a purely Italian gesture but it was enough to make Hank bring the gun to his shoulder.
Adam Morelly merely cocked an eyebrow. “My uncle said to tell you he’s a man of his word. He had nothing to do with what happened to Ms. Tremaine a few nights ago.”
Hank stared at him. “Are you telling me your uncle sent you eight hundred miles to tell me I’m accusing the wrong gangster?”
Ignoring the rifle trained on him, Adam stepped forward, his eyes narrowed to slits, his mouth a straight line. “You may not appreciate my uncle’s line of work but you will show him respect.”
“Or what?” Hank’s lips thinned back in a snarl that resembled Wolf’s.
“Or I’ll take that rifle away from you and stuff it down your throat.”
“Is that a threat, boy?”
“Call it a promise.”
Bella heaved a sigh. Way too much testosterone. Being a painter, she studied human nature. This young man could be dangerous, even lethal, but his eyes were clear and his gaze steady. She’d wager her paintings he was telling the truth.
Catching Hank off guard, she nudged him aside and, before he could stop her, stepped in front of him and opened the screen door. “Why don’t you come in, sugar, and tell us all about it.”
Everyone stared at her, stunned, including Adam Morelly. But he recovered quickly.
He gave a clipped nod. “Thank you, Ms. Tremaine.”
Hank laid a restraining hand on her arm, his touch a warning. “Bella.”
She turned. “I believe him,” she said simply. “You said Morelly was as good as his word.” She smiled. “I believe you too.”
Reluctantly, Hank stepped back.
Adam came inside. Wolf growled and Puss–Puss stepped forward, his legs stiff.
“Down, Wolf,” Maureen commanded. The dog subsided, his alert gaze never leaving the stranger.
Bella swept Puss–Puss up in her arms, soothing him.
Adam’s cool gaze swept the group until his eyes met Sabina’s.
If a glance could stumble, Adam’s did. He had the look of a man who had just been doused with cold water. He blinked then stared. Their gazes locked. Bella could swear she felt the hot charge of electricity sizzle between the two of them. Well, this should be interesting. Even if the last attempt on the amulet wasn’t made by Morelly he’s still in the enemy camp and by default so is his nephew.
Sabina pulled out of the tailspin first. “Your family has tried before to steal the amulet? A vendetta, yes?”
For a moment Adam looked uncomfortable. “My uncle didn’t give me the particulars, only that whatever happened a few nights ago was not ordered by him.” He lifted his chin in an infuriating, arrogant manner. “We don’t deal with vendettas. If,” he stressed, “anything happened before between my uncle and Ms. Tremaine, it was strictly business.”
“Business. Why you young whelp.” Hank leaped forward.
Bella had the presence of mind to put down Puss–Puss and grab the rifle, which unfortunately freed Hank to wrap both hands around Adam’s throat.
Wolf crouched, growling low in his throat. “Down, Wolf,” Bella called out in a ringing voice then whirled on Jack. “Do something,” she commanded.
Jack grimaced, understandably reluctant. “I hope I don’t have a broken nose on my wedding day for my troubles,” he sighed and stepped forward. But he was not quick enough.
Puss–Puss leaped. Sabina pulled him off Adam’s leg then moved to the two men straining against each other and laid a firm hand on each man’s taut muscles. “Stop it,” she said in her whiskey-smooth voice.
Like puppets on a string, both men jerked their arms apart at her touch.
Hank, knowing what he was dealing with, recovered first.
Adam stood, shoulders hunched, breathing heavy. He stared at her. Finally, he asked in a rough voice, “What did you Tase me with?”
Bella looked at Maureen and gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head. Calm him.
Maureen stepped forward and clasped Adam’s hand. His fingers curled around hers and he visibly relaxed. “I’m Maureen Sinclair. We were just about to have a cup of coffee and some wonderful brownies that Bella made this afternoon. Won’t you join us?”
“Nice to meet you, Ms. Sinclair.” He shook his head as if to clear it. “I feel like I’ve fallen down Alice’s rabbit hole or stumbled into a
witch’s nest.” His eyes narrowed as if he were giving serious consideration to the latter.
Maureen raised her chin, her manner calm, almost queenlike, as she waited for his reply.
“Sure, why not?”
“I’ll be watching you, sonny,” Hank warned.
For the first time Adam smiled.
Oh my. Bella saw the same dazed expression on the other two female faces she knew must be on her own. Though the upward tilt of Adam’s lips had no noticeable effect on Jack or Hank.
“You’ve got pretty good moves for an old man,” Adam said and held out his hand.
No doubt, he’s still under the calming effect of Maureen’s amulet, Bella thought.
After a moment’s hesitation, Hank took it and jerked his head toward the back of the house. “Come on in the kitchen.”
“Thank you.”
“I guess I’d better finish making the coffee.” Hips swaying, Bella strolled into the kitchen and turned on the coffee.
By the time everyone settled, the hot water had run over the ground coffee beans. No one was interested in dessert any longer, so Bella passed around the steaming mugs of coffee and sat down next to Hank. Her chair scraping as she pulled it up to the table.
Hank’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he took a sip then set the mug down on the table and leaned toward Adam. “What can you tell us about the attack on Bella and Maureen?”
Adam splayed his long slender fingers on the wooden table and leaned back in his chair. “About this attack, absolutely nothing. The fact that this man Victor Price has so many contacts and ways of getting to you is uncanny.”
Hank’s fingers curled around the coffee cup and tightened ‘til his knuckles whitened but his voice remained even. “Tell us what you know about Victor Price.”
Adam shrugged, an elegant gesture. “Next to nothing. He hooked up with a man my uncle owed a favor—Franky Disalvo or Franky Death as most people call him.” Adam held his cup between his hands. “He’s a nasty customer. It’s also rumored Victor has made a deal in prison with a man called Striker. I don’t know what the deal entails but if Victor doesn’t keep it, he’s a dead man walking.”
