"I don't know. I think it was Jorge and Horacio."
"If you ever hear them saying such things again, I want you to come straight to me and let me know, all right? That kind of poison need not be spread here in your father's home. I promise you that they're nothing but silly rumors."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. Come now, let's finish getting you dressed. You don't want to be late for your own party, do you?"
"No." That was a lie, but she would do this for her father. She thought about what Maria had told her, and the denials that her father was involved in any wrongdoing. But in the back of Bella's mind, the thought still remained, a bit quieter now, but still there. Was her father a corrupt man?
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
ANTONIO PACED BACK AND FORTH IN THE LARGE CONFERENCE room. He would meet his son face to face today. Would the boy recognize him? Would he look into Antonio's eyes and know who he was? Maybe he should have called the whole thing off, but it was too late now. They were scheduled to arrive at any moment.
Javier walked into the room, smoothing back what little hair he had left. "I've just been informed they've arrived."
"Could you pour me a Scotch?" Antonio asked him.
"You all right? You seem uptight. This is only to meet our new West Coast distributors. Emilio assures me they're good men to go with. He checked them out. Why so tense?"
Antonio sighed. He hadn't wanted to tell Javier the truth yet about who the new West Coast distributor was and how it had all come about, but he had known that he and Marta had a child together and Antonio couldn't help wondering if Javier would recognize the fact that they were father and son. If so, he would feel betrayed and Antonio did not want that.
"I will be, once you get me that Scotch.” His hands shook as he reached inside his suit pocket for his cigarette case. Lighting a cigarette, he took a long drag.
Javier went to the marble bar and poured his friend the Scotch, straight up. Antonio swallowed it in one gulp and slammed the glass down. After finishing the drink he told the news to his compadre.
“The man coming her in minutes is your son?”
“Yes.”
“And he has no idea that you're his father.”
“Yes.”
“Dios Mio.”
“Yes.”
“What are you going to do?”
“For now, nothing. Put the boy to work. Maybe in time when trust is there between us on that level I will tell him. For now, it will only backfire on me and us. I'm certain he has a strong hatred for his father.” He sighed. “For me, and I don't know if I can take that. Can you keep this a secret?”
Javier nodded. “Of course.” He walked over to the bar and made himself a drink in an obvious attempt to swallow and digest this unsettling news, but Antonio knew him to be true and a man of his word. This could only strengthen their bond. Lies would break their partnership apart. Antonio knew enough about deceit to be aware of that fact.
A few minutes later, a handful of men walked in, Emilio in front. Alex had grown in size, and his face had matured a great deal, but his eyes still resembled his father's. He stood out from the other two, far more elegant than either of them. For such a young man who'd never been provided the lavish lifestyle or riches he'd been entitled to, he'd grown up with the same grace and elegance characteristic of his mother. His demeanor was that of a gentleman. Antonio wanted to wrap his arms around him and shout to the world, “This is my son.” Instead, he suppressed his feelings as he reached out his hand. "Hello, gentlemen. I am Antonio Espinoza, and this is my friend and business associate, Javier Rodriguez."
Alex shook his hand first. It was as strong as he'd expected. Antonio studied him to see if there were any signs of recognition in Alex's eyes. There were many similarities between himself and his son: the high cheekbones and dark eyes. Did Alex notice them as well?
"Hey there, Antonio. I'm Hector Sanchez." The bumbling idiot shoved his hand into Antonio's, obviously embarrassing Alex, whose face turned red as he nudged his associate away.
Antonio didn't like this kid, since he could see that he was an ordinary greaser. He also seemed high as a kite and tipsy as well. Antonio recognized the same symptoms in his brother Emilio. Unlike his confederates, Alex appeared straight and coherent. Antonio had been in the industry long enough to tell who was using and who wasn't. Dammit if Emilio wasn't high on cocaine at that moment. Antonio wanted to shake him.
"Hey, why don't we all have a drink?” Emilio said. He was already pouring himself a shot at the bar.
"Emilio, sit down. We are not here to socialize. We're here for a meeting. Please, gentlemen, won't you take a seat?" Antonio motioned to the long table and chairs. As he did, two bodyguards slipped into the room, standing on each side of the door.
“We appreciate your coming down here so that could meet with the newest members of our team,” Javier began after they'd all been seated. “Emilio has said some very good things about you.”
“Hey, no problem, amigo. We were glad to come,” Hector replied.
“Excellent,” Antonio remarked. “I understand that Emilio has gotten you both set up. From this point on, you will be answering to me.” He directed his words to Alex.
“Cool, Patrón,” Hector said.
“No, not you.” Antonio's voice crackled with harshness. “You will do the job you've been assigned up to do with Emilio. You will be checking in with him. Alejandro, I expect you to keep perfect records of all transactions. I expect you to show them to no one but myself or Javier.”
Emilio raised his eyebrows. Antonio noticed, but did not change his wording.
“Of course,” Alex replied. He was relieved that his dealings with Emilio would be limited from now on. He liked this Antonio Espinoza. There was something about him that comforted Alex. He didn't understand it, as he didn't comprehend why he and Hector had become the chosen ones. Pieces in this puzzle still didn't fit, as far as Alex was concerned, but he had nothing to lose. Besides, this position offered him the money and power he needed to seek his long-lost father and make him pay the dues he owed him and his mother.
Alex felt an immediate respect for Antonio. He also liked Javier. The two exuded a sense of power, wealth, and dignity. They were different from Emilio, who was merely ostentatious and crude. The meeting lasted about an hour. To Alex, it seemed more a formality than the meeting of minds Emilio had led them to expect.
Stepping out of the office, Antonio patted Alex on the shoulder. “You, my son, have a great future with us. Now Javier and I would like you to stay on for the evening. We're having a party for my goddaughter. Javier will square you away with your accommodations.”
Alex smiled back. “Of course, we'd love to stay. I'm sorry about Hector, though. Sometimes, he can be somewhat rude.”
“Don't worry about him. He doesn't even realize what he's doing. He's an ignorant fool. I hate to run off. But I need to make sure everything is in order for the party. It's very important that Bella have a good time.”
Alex nodded his head, “Of course, do whatever you need to do. I'll be fine.”
“I meant what I said about your future. I need someone young and honest to know the inner workings of our business. And to be completely truthful, my trust in my brother is fading rapidly.”
Alex, not knowing what to say, smiled as he watched his new boss walk toward the front of the mansion. The meeting and the exchange of words puzzled him. Why him? He had no answers, but he believed this man, who sounded so sincere. Yet he couldn't help pondering what this was all about.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
ISABELLA WAITED FOR HER FATHER'S MEETING TO ADJOURN. People were arriving for the party, but fear kept her away from the front entrance and the garden, where the festivities were under way.
Pedro walked up behind her as she put on her scarlet lipstick. “It's time to greet your guests.”
“I don't want to.”
“I know, but you will have a good time. It's possible for
this one evening, you can actually forget your suffering.”
“Oh, really? How is that possible while I'm sitting in this thing?”
“Try. Your father went to a lot of trouble. I'll stay by your side. You'll be fine.”
“All right,” she replied, rolling her eyes and preparing to swallow her pride, since she was sure that murmurings about her accident would reach her ears shortly, and pitying looks would follow. Pedro rolled her out through the veranda doors and down the ramp built for her while they were all still in Italy, awaiting her dismissal from the hospital. He'd had ramps and elevators put in both houses.
Much to Bella's surprise, friends she hadn't seen in years were there. They smiled at her and were pleasant. It almost felt good to be around people again, but she was not about to let Pedro know that.
Her father and godfather approached them. “Ah, you look gorgeous,” Antonio said, bending down to kiss her cheek. “The girls were looking for you.”
“Where are they?” Bella had been looking forward to seeing Rosa. Felicia didn't matter, one way or the other. Her behavior was amusing, but her manner soon became wearying.
“Well, it would appear that my youngest is being accosted by suitors at this point,” Antonio remarked. They all glanced over to the pool, where Felicia was surrounded by a group of eager young men. Felicia noticed them looking in her direction and waved.
“And Rosa, where is she?”
Antonio frowned. “I see that Rosa is speaking to our newest business partner. Here, why don't I take you over, and introduce you?” Before anyone could protest, Antonio was pushing Bella through the group in a rather hurried fashion.
“Bella,” Rosa exclaimed. “It's so good to see you up and about.”
Bella smiled sheepishly, and then looked up at the handsome young man who'd been speaking to Rosa.
“I see you've met Alejandro,” Antonio said.
“Yes, Papa. He was telling me that he's recently started working for you, running one of your businesses in the States.” Rosa smiled at her father knowingly. She was quite observant, and had noticed everything she could during her days as a mute. She knew that her father's business was not exactly legal, but it didn't bother her as she knew it would her naive friend, Bella.
Alex shook Bella's hand. “Hello,” she said, “I'm Isabella Rodriguez.”
“It's very nice to meet you, Isabella, and thank you for allowing me to attend your party.”
“I'm pleased you could come,” she replied.
Instead of simply shaking her hand, Alex took it and kissed it. Antonio mused that the chemistry between them could hardly go unnoticed by anyone in close proximity.
“Come on, Papa, let's get a glass of wine,” Rosa said.
Reluctantly, Antonio agreed.
“It is your birthday? I'm afraid I don't have a present for you.”
“No. It's not my birthday.” Bella was not sure how she should answer his question. She decided to be honest. She told him about the accident, her horses, how she missed riding, and how her father had hoped that this party would lighten her spirits.
“Is it working?” He grinned.
“You know what? Amazingly, it is.”
“Good. Looks like everyone is beginning to sit down for dinner. Would you like to sit by me?”
“I'd love to, but my father has arranged the seating.” She smiled at him.
“Understood. Save me a dance when the music starts?”
Her smile suddenly turned into a frown, since she was reminded again of her handicap. “Did my father send you to talk to me, to try to make me feel better?”
“Of course not.”
“Then why are you talking to me?” She didn't believe him. It made sense now. Why else would a handsome young man want any part of her?
“I like you. I find you interesting, sweet, and to be honest, very beautiful.”
“I know my father well enough to know that he would do something like this. He wants me to be happy. To be normal. I'll never be normal again. I certainly don't need your pity or charity, Señor Peña.”
“I don't pity you, and your father isn't paying me. This is the first time I've ever met your father, and to be honest, I don't like your accusations. My mother did not bring me up to be a shallow man.”
“But I'm in a wheelchair. My legs may never be useful to me again.”
“Do you think that changes a person inside? Do you think that would keep me from wanting to get to know you?”
“I don't know. I think I've changed a lot since the accident.” She still didn't know if she believed him, but she wanted to.
“Maybe, but perhaps you've changed less than you think. I would also place bets that you'll not only walk again, but I'll bet money that you'll also ride again. Your face lit up when you were talking about your horses.”
Bella looked down at her hands, which she twisted around a strand of pearls dangling from her neck. People had been telling her the same thing ever since her accident. But not until now, when a man she'd only known for barely an hour had said these same words, did she actually believe they might be true. She lifted her head up and smiled. “You're right.” Even if he were only acting for her sake, for the moment it was the best she'd felt since before the accident, and for now she would take this man at his word and hope he wasn't telling her lies.
“I know I am. Now, are you going to save me that dance when dinner is over?”
“In case you hadn't noticed, I can't dance these days.”
“Sure you can. I'll show you how.”
“Oh, really. All right, if you insist.”
“I do insist.”
They both went to their separate tables. Bella was seated between Pedro and her father, Alex between Antonio and Emilio.
Throughout dinner, Isabella noticed Alex's eyes darting in her direction. She tried not to look, knowing that if she did, it would be inappropriate. But a couple of times she slipped, and their eyes locked. For the first time all evening, she wondered if the black chiffon dress she wore was cut too low. She lifted the sleeves back onto her shoulders. Throughout her years in France, she hadn't concentrated much on her looks. Boys hadn't been of much interest to her. The horses came first, and they didn't care whether she wore makeup or curled her hair. The only times she had ever dressed up and worn makeup were when her family visited or during important school functions.
She slid a wispy piece of her hair that had fallen over her eyes back into her chignon, all the while trying to concentrate on eating the lobster dinner.
Bella noticed Pedro watching her, shooting pained grimaces at Alejandro. He was behaving stupidly being an overly protective uncle.
Dinner finally ended with coffee to complement the strawberry cake the cook had made for her. Tears came to her eyes as she watched her father slice the cake. The party she'd dreaded so much had been worth it.
The band finished setting up, the music began to play, and within minutes, Alex stood before her. “May I have this dance? That is, if your father wouldn't mind?”
Javier smiled and nodded his head at both of them. The band was playing Guantanamera. The center of the garden filled up with guests. Alex pushed Bella's chair into the center, where he spun the chair around in time with the music. She laughed.
Lies or not, Alejandro made her laugh and he was fun. Bella wished she could stay in that moment forever, where she could forget that her legs did not work and that she was a woman like any other.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
PEDRO WATCHED BELLA ALL NIGHT WITH ALEX, AS FELICIA tried everything she could to distract him, but all her wiles were useless. Pedro hated the fact that those two never left each other from the moment Antonio introduced them. He now stood in the alcove off the balcony, getting drunk, continuing to watch them down below.
Emilio interrupted Pedro's thoughts. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you all night."
"Up here,” Pedro replied.
"I can see that. But why?"
/> "I'm not feeling all that festive."
"I don't understand. It's a wonderful party. Business went well. What is there for you to be upset about? Bella is having a terrific time. She's quite a young woman."
It was as if Emilio enjoyed rubbing salt into Pedro's wound. Pedro glared at him.
"Ah, I see, that's it. You don't like the fact that she's all grown up. It's all right. They all grow up at one time or another. You should be thankful your niece has grown up the way she has. She's someone you can be proud of. And, my youngest niece has grown up quite nicely as well, but I've seen that you've noticed that yourself. I would be careful with Felicia, though. Antonio is quite protective of those girls.”
Pedro turned from the balcony's wall, spilling his drink in the process. "What I don't like," he slurred, "is that hoodlum hanging all over my Bella. What is between Felicia and me is none of your concern."
Emilio laughed. “No, it's not my concern. I'm only giving you fair warning. Tell you what, I'll let you stand guard here over your Bella. When you sober up, come see me. I think you and I can be of great benefit to one another.”
*****
AFTER BEING FORBIDDEN TO SEE BELLA AND BANISHED FROM the entire Rodriguez family by Javier, Miguel buried himself in his work for the church. He was anguished about not being able to stay in touch with his sister. He'd written to her, but each one of his letters were returned, unopened. He was certain that had been the doing of Javier or Pedro. Bella had written to him twice a week, telling him about her progress and pleading with him to write her. Her letters then started coming once a week, and finally stopped. If God had allowed him to hate, he would have hated Javier for tearing him away from the one person who meant something to him.
A few months after the letters stopped coming, right before the holidays, Miguel was transferred to Guatemala, where a small church had been conducting services without a priest. Apparently, the former parish priest disappeared shortly after being found in bed with a fifteen-year-old parishioner. The boy claimed their affair had been going on for well over a year and that the priest was paying him money in exchange for the boy's sexual favors. Rumor had it that the priest, who'd purportedly fled the country, was more than likely six feet under, after some cruel and unusual punishment from some irate parishioners. When he'd first heard about this scandal and its aftermath, Miguel shuddered in abhorrence. He knew that he would have to work very hard gaining the trust of his new flock.
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