by Misty Evans
Cooper wanted to believe her when she said she would have done something differently. The sorrow in her voice sounded too real to be faked, but he’d spent time with some pretty convincing criminals. “Do the Verdonis still live in the area?”
Elizabeth fidgeted with her glasses, wiping away the tears. “Roberto resides in the Verdoni family home at the top of Cherry Hill.”
“What about Meredith?” Celina asked.
“After Ana disappeared…” Voice clogged with emotion, Elizabeth paused to clear it. “Meredith fell apart. The doctors said her mind fractured under the stress of losing her only child. Roberto had her committed to Peaceful Meadows, a hospital for mentally ill patients. She’s happy there from what I hear. I probably would be, too, if it meant getting away from that man.”
The librarian reached for the door handle. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve left my post for too long already. I wish you luck with whatever it is you’re searching for.”
Back in the truck, Celina pulled up the navigation system, searching for Cherry Hill. “Well…that was depressing.”
Cooper’s hands tightened on the steering wheel, his mind turning over the conversation. Something about it bothered him. Okay, a lot of somethings were bothering him. Like the entire thing. “Do you think she was telling the truth?”
Celina glanced up from the nav screen. “I don’t think she was faking her emotions, if that’s what you’re asking. As to the whole story…I’m not sure. Ana trusted her tutor but not her own friends with the fact she was in love? Elizabeth let her ward go off into the woods without supervision?”
“The girl was eighteen at the time. A very sheltered eighteen from what we’ve gathered, but still…”
“Would you have enabled an eighteen year old girl to meet a man in secret, regardless that he was a monk? It doesn’t seem right.”
It sure as shit didn’t. “If he was seducing the girl and keeping it all a secret from his brothers at the Abbey and her family, he was capable of doing other shit too.”
“Like murdering her when he found out she was pregnant with his child?” Celina looked revolted. “It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around it, and I’ve been an agent for long enough to know worse things have happened in the world.”
It was gruesome. Not what you wanted to believe a man of God would be capable of. “Let’s pay a visit to Roberto, and while we do, I’ll have Ronni take a closer look at Elizabeth Waters to see if anything pops up. We’re also going to talk to Father Bailey again. He knows more than he’s telling us, and I’ll bet dollars to donuts, he knows who was involved.”
“Who are you laying bets on at this point? Roberto or the monk?”
Digging out his phone, Cooper sent a text off to Ronni. “Roberto, of course. If Elizabeth is to be believed, the man has a temper and a large streak of violence in him.”
Celina opened her mouth to speak, but the loud grumble from her stomach stopped her. Squinting at the clock on the dashboard, Cooper noted the time. Two o’clock already? Had they really been in the library for four hours?
“Guess we missed lunch,” he grinned, enjoying the flood of color that rose to her lovely cheeks. “Before we hit up Verdoni, what do you say about grabbing something to eat at one of the cafés downtown?”
Celina’s stomach grumbled again, and she laughed. “I’d say that’s the best idea you’ve had all day, Harris.”
They ended up grabbing sandwiches at the Blue Rose Bistro, a small café serving soups, sandwiches, and homemade pastries. Since most of the seats at the well-worn, wooden countertop serving as a bar were full, they’d chosen a small table near the back of the room. Despite the crowded room, their table was fairly isolated, giving them the chance to talk discreetly.
“Pretty busy in here for as late as it is.” Cooper commented, eyes sliding over the crowded room.
Celina rubbed her stomach. “There’s a festival down in the valley. Probably drawing in the tourists. It’s a cute little town.”
Early afternoon had brought out shoppers in the downtown district, the streets and shops full of people, young and old. Even the bell over the door of the Blue Rose jingled continuously as customers came and went.
Cooper hadn’t realized how hungry he was until their food arrived. The moment the sandwiches hit the table, his stomach kicked in and he all but devoured his food in one bite. Celina was a different story.
Despite her growling stomach, she was eating at a slower pace, taking small, careful bites as if she wasn’t sure she liked it. That worried him. Not that she was a big eater by any means, but he knew she was capable of polishing off a sandwich in record time.
“Is something wrong?” Cooper asked. “You really haven’t been yourself lately.”
Celina startled, as if she hadn’t realized he was watching her. Swallowing a bite, she shrugged nonchalantly. “Sorry, just thinking. We don’t get to spend weekends like this very often and I’m savoring my time with you and this tasty food. Speaking of which, did you even taste yours?”
Her teasing tone lifted the worry clouding the back of his mind. He was being stupid. What was he worrying about so much? This was Celina, the woman he loved. If she said she was fine, she was fine.
“Some of it,” he reluctantly admitted. “Probably should have taken my time with the tortilla soup, though. My tongue is on fire.”
Fake pouting, Celina reached out to pat his hand consolingly. “Poor baby. I’ll give you some TLC later.”
He winked at her. “I’m expecting it.”
“Never satisfied.”
“With you?” He gave her a slow perusal, liking how her cheeks flushed and she licked her lips. God that mouth and the things it did to him. She could slay him where he sat. “Never, but first things first. Verdoni. How do you want to handle him?”
“Good cop, bad cop routine?”
“Depends, are you good or bad?”
She leaned in, lowering her voice to a whisper. “You know I’m bad, Harris. Very, very bad.”
Capturing her hand, he drew it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the center of her palm. He loved it when she talked dirty. “And that’s what I love about you.”
“As to Verdoni?” she shrugged, threading her fingers through his. “Let’s play it cool and see where it gets us. Who knows? Maybe we’ll get lucky and he’ll let something slip.”
“You think he’s guilty of getting rid of Ana.”
It was more of a statement than a question. Celina pursed her lips, eyes growing speculative. “I think he sounds like an asshole with a God complex. He’s no doubt guilty of something.”
He chuckled and patted her hand. “That’s the spirit.”
After taking care of the check, Cooper slipped a hand to the small of Celina’s back, leading her out onto the sidewalk. With the afternoon wearing on, he knew they needed to make tracks to Verdoni if they were going to get back to the vineyard in time for what he had planned. Tonight was the night, he was sure of it. He had the perfect spot picked out, and the ring was still hidden in a safe place. Now he just needed to hear her say yes and the cramping in his stomach could subside.
He helped Celina into the truck, feeling slightly guilty that their Saturday had turned into a possible murder investigation. “Did you want to see anything else downtown? Or check out the festival once we talk to Roberto?”
“Nah, I’m good. I’m really not in the mood to fight with the other tourists. I like the quiet of the vineyard.”
Cooper could relate. He didn’t do crowds, avoided them like the plague. Sometimes he had no choice because of his job, but in his off time, give him a beer and his backyard, and he was happy.
Besides, the sooner they got the meet and greet with Verdoni done, the better. “Great, then let’s roll.”
Cooper turned on to Cherry Hill, counting house numbers while Celina took in the expensive looking, Mediterranean style homes lining the block. The prominent covered porches, stately columns with arched windows and gabled rooftops ga
ve mere glimpses into the extravagant homes and lifestyles of their occupants. A lifestyle Celina could only imagine. Not that she was one for extravagance by any means, but there were times when a girl would enjoy being in the lap of luxury.
Roberto Verdoni’s house was tucked behind a gated fence, the ominous-looking wrought iron a deterrent to anyone interested in dropping by unannounced. Like the other houses on the street, it was a lavish mixture of Mediterranean and Spanish architecture, from the curved red tiles covering the roof to the arched doorways and windows. It screamed money and power.
It also gave her the creeps.
Parking outside the gate, Cooper let out a low whistle. “Pretty fancy digs.”
“It’s beautiful,” Celina agreed, “but it seems kind of…cold. I can’t imagine growing up here.”
“Definitely too rich for me.” Opening his door, Cooper stepped onto the driveway. Celina followed suit, curiosity burning through her. The Verdonis had money, and lots of it. Whatever Roberto did for a living, he did it well. She’d bet her next paycheck it was something slimy and highly illegal.
No jumping to conclusions. Of course, in her line of work, as with Cooper’s, that tended to be the only kind of people they ever dealt with.
Cooper pressed a button on the call box, taking a step back to wait. A camera atop the fence swung in their direction before a crackling noise sounded over the speaker, and a woman’s voice spoke. “Yes? May I help you?”
“We’re looking for Roberto Verdoni. Can you tell me if he’s home?” Cooper smiled candidly for the camera.
“Is he expecting you?” The woman’s voice was hesitant and wary.
“No, though we won’t take much of his time.” Digging his credentials from his back pocket, Cooper flipped them open, holding them up to the camera. “Special Agents Harris and”—he sent a thumb Celina’s direction—“Davenport. We’d like to ask Mr. Verdoni a few questions if possible.”
More crackling noises were heard, then the speaker went dead. Celina exchanged a look with Cooper, who gave a “What the hell?” shrug.
She was just beginning to think they were being blown off when a buzzer sounded and the gate swung open to allow them inside. Climbing back into the truck, they drove through the gate. Celina watched as it shut behind them, effectively keeping any interlopers out. Or was it trapping them inside?
“If Roberto’s influence goes to the mayor and beyond,” she said, “Givens will hear about this before dinner time.”
“Yep.” Cooper grinned. “Can’t be helped.”
She had the feeling he was almost savoring the idea of pissing off Sergeant Givens. It made her grin too. “Better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission?”
“You know he would never give us the green light to interrogate Roberto,” Cooper said. “And who knows? Givens may be on Roberto’s payroll. Sounds to me like an outside party is needed if this investigation is going to go anywhere.”
Parking the truck, they made their way to the massive front door. Celina rubbed her hands over her arms, a feeling of uneasiness washing over her. She had the distinct impression they were being watched, and from the tension in Cooper’s body, he felt it too.
Their knock was answered by a middle aged woman of Hispanic descent. Her dark hair was combed neatly away from her face and secured in a knot at the back of her head. She wore a light blue maid’s uniform, complete with a white apron pulled taut across the front of her small frame. She wrung her hands, her eyes darting everywhere but at them. “Mr. Verdoni said he will speak with you in the library. Please, follow me.”
She turned on her heel and marched away before they could voice a reply. With a shrug, Celina stepped into the foyer, instantly stunned by the opulent marble columns, arched entryways, and gorgeous mosaic tiled floor.
Yeah. Verdoni definitely had money.
“This is beautiful.” The words tumbled out before she could stop them, her eyes drinking in the artful decor.
“Mr. Verdoni has like of many beautiful things,” the woman stated in somewhat broken English. Opening a door off the foyer, she gestured for them to go in, her gaze downcast, lips pressed into a flat, severe line. “You will stay here. Mr. Verdoni will come to you.”
“Thank you, Miss…?” Cooper’s voice trailed off, purposely leaving the rest of the sentence for her to fill in.
If it were possible for her lips to get even flatter, she somehow managed it. “You will wait here.” Ushering them into the room, she promptly closed the door behind them.
No sharing her name, no friendliness in the least. Nice.
“Well, wasn’t she a peach.” Celina looked around the library taking in the massive shelves overflowing with books. For all of the home’s opulence, this room was somewhat lacking in design, like it didn’t quite match with the rest of the house. It smelled stale as well. Odd, she thought, glancing at the slightly shabby chairs. “I guess we should take a seat?”
The door to the library opened and Roberto Verdoni walked in. Wearing an expensive-looking suit, he had a confident air that spoke of a man used to getting his way. His gray hair was perfectly coiffed. His hard eyes landing on her and doing a slow, evaluating appraisal. Celina had met many powerful men in her lifetime and they all equated the same ranking in her book—schmucks.
He barely glanced at Cooper before returning his gaze to her. “To what do I owe the pleasure of having two police officers knocking on my door?”
Cooper, clenching his jaw at the mislabel of cops, did a replay of showing his badge. “DEA Special Agent Cooper Harris, and this is FBI Special Agent Celina Davenport.”
Roberto’s gaze stayed on Celina. “DEA and FBI? No wonder my housekeeper was nervous. What is this about?”
Taking a step forward, Cooper forced a smile. One Celina knew meant he was ready to punch someone. Guess he hadn’t missed the lingering stare either.
Cooper offered a hand, and Celina thought, oh no. “We apologize for having come unannounced,” he said, still smiling that smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I promise, we won’t take up much of your time.”
Verdoni, not knowing he was about to be put in his place, took the proffered hand. A second later, as Cooper’s grip tighten, Verdoni’s face lost its cockiness.
Yep, The Beast was putting the rich schmuck in his place with nothing more than a handshake and a look in his eye. If she didn’t put a stop to this, Cooper would be throwing her over his shoulder and beating on his chest to mark his territory.
Men.
When Cooper released the man’s hand, Roberto stepped back and slipped his hands into his pockets. “Please, have a seat.”
Smiling to herself, Celina went on the offensive. “We have a few questions concerning the disappearance of your daughter, Ana.”
The instant Ana’s name fell from Celina’s lips, Roberto’s expression went wary.
“You…” His body rocked slightly, as if he were about to lose his balance. “You have news of my Ana?”
Either Roberto Verdoni was a very good actor, or their potential murderer was someone else.
Chapter Eight
“Mr. Verdoni, I can understand how the disappearance of your daughter must have caused you quite a bit of distress.” Celina softened her voice as much as she could, hoping it would appeal to the man’s gentler side. The one now seemingly on display. “However, we are wondering if there are any details you may have missed when you gave your original report.”
“You’ve found her?”
Celina remained quiet, contemplating her words carefully. Revealing too much could injure the investigation, and she was pretty sure Verdoni had a few skeletons in his closet he would rather keep there.
Call it instincts, call it her training, or call it whatever. She knew a sleezeball when she saw one, and right now her sleezeball meter was going haywire. “I’m sorry, sir, but we have nothing concrete to share with you at this time. Agent Harris and I are simply following up on old cases of missing persons in
the area to see if any new leads have come up.”
The lie rolled smoothly off her tongue, though the tension in Verdoni’s shoulders didn’t lessen.
He sat at his desk, fiddled with his cufflinks. “Ana disappeared twenty years ago. I have long since given up that she will be found alive.”
“You think your daughter is dead?” Unlike her, Cooper didn’t even bother to beat around the bush, asking the question burning through her mind. “Why is that?”
Roberto ran a hand through his hair, messing the stylized waves. “I’ll tell you what I told the police and the federal agents twenty years ago. I do not know what happened to my daughter. Ana was impetuous and prone to daydreaming. She is…was a lot like her mother.”
His voice softened at the mention of his wife, eyes growing distant as if remembering other times when life was easier. Celina almost felt sorry for him.
Almost.
He was a good actor, that was for sure.
Cooper, who’d refused to sit, straightened to his full height, folding his arms over his chest. “What was your relationship like with your daughter, Mr. Verdoni?”
Roberto looked startled by the question. “What kind of question is that? She was my daughter, I loved her. She was my life! I gave her everything she could possibly ever want, planned everything out so she would be well taken care of, and then she…”
Celina caught the conviction in his voice, the sound of a father truly grieving for a lost child. “Then she what?”
“Ran away,” he finished, his voice low and aggrieved. “Rejected me and all of this.”
He swept his hand around the room.
Had Ana run away? Celina couldn’t blame her. There was a possibility the body they’d found would turn out to be someone else.
“Mr. Verdoni, were you aware your daughter didn’t want to be a nun?” Celina asked, going out on a limb. A very thin, and shaky one at that if the glower from Cooper was any indication. Too bad. He liked doing things his way, she liked doing things her way. What did it matter as long as the end result was the same?
