Read an Excerpt
Split Second Decision II
Apprehended
By Vickie Swan AuthorHouse LLC
Copyright © 2014 Vickie Swan
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4969-1434-7
CHAPTER 1
Suzanne, Anita, and Chris entered the home totally speechless. Anita's hand shook as she poured three drinks and handed them out. It was gone in one swallow as they sat down feeling numbed and mystified at Anita's reaction earlier that evening.
With burning sore eyes, Anita looked around at those who were there for support, but now she must face the anguished look that masked their faces.
"I don't know what came over me," she began. "I really wanted my family here, but somehow I felt betrayed. One minute I was happy to see them and the next....", Anita's words had trailed off. Choking back her tears she continued, "I looked up and saw Jake's face and instinctively my thumb hit the button. My dad could've saved Jake's life, and I remembered thinking, how callous my father was."
Suzanne was overly quiet, while Chris was standoffish. Anita let her tears fall freely and spoke from the heart. "Mom, I hope you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. At this particular moment in my life, I don't like myself much. I've let everyone down."
Chris couldn't watch Anita torture herself any longer. He got up and hugged her. "You have to forgive yourself first. When you come to terms with what's happened, you'll be able to accept the forgiveness of those around you. I must say, though, you took me by surprise."
Getting out of her chair, Suzanne wasn't sure if she wanted to kill Anita or hug her; she chose the latter. "Sweetie," she said. "I don't know how I feel. I think it's best if I leave as soon as I can, so I can sort out my feelings. Don't take it that I'm angry—just confused."
Squeezing her mother as tightly as possible, Anita responded, "Mom, if you never get over it or not speak to me again, I'll understand," she said, weakly.
Without another word, Suzanne turned and walked out the door. Chris ran after her and told her he'd make arrangements for her return to Aspen. Kissing him on the cheek, she thanked him and continued on towards her room. Now alone, Suzanne let her tears flow and anger poured out as she ripped her bed apart and threw the blankets onto the floor, stomping them. Suzanne physically collapsed onto the mountain of blankets and sobbed her heart out.
Anita absently set her glass down and refilled it, but Chris snatched it away reminding her she has a little one to care for. Sitting back on the sofa, Anita's hard look was mixed with emotions; disgust, anguish, hate, and shame. "Oh my gawd. What the hell have I done?" She quietly asked.
Chris sat down beside her and held her hand. "You were angry because your family betrayed you. Your father and Dante used you. Gappy used you. I didn't see it coming. I really didn't and by that I mean the whole disgusting situation."
Anita turned sharply to look at Chris, and he added, "You and me—I'm glad we met and I fell in love with you. That, I wouldn't change."
Anita buried her head into Chris's chest and could hear his heart beating. "I'm glad we met. I wouldn't change it either." Pulling away from Chris, she said, "I want to go to Dante's. I need clarification of who actually died. After all, Gappy planted the explosive charges himself. Maybe he was trying to get rid of me. We have to follow up on his real name. We need to know more about him."
Comforting Anita, Chris said, "Leave it alone for a few days. The FBI and the police will be all over it. Let's see what their report says and we'll take it from there. We go now and that could spark suspicion, but I agree with you. Let's see what Gappy was really all about."
CHAPTER 2
Sleep was like a wrestling match for Anita as her burdened heart beat wildly and her head swam with guilt preventing her eyes from closing. Anita got up and stepped out onto the balcony, hoping the fresh air would help bring peacefulness to her tortured mind and body, and perhaps enable her to rest even a little.
Not sure if what she saw was real, she focused her eyes towards the bushes and was positive she saw movement. Minutes later it was quiet. She knew she had to investigate that area at first light. Hearing Chris stir, Anita headed back to bed. He drew back the covers for her to join him and they snuggled—he slept, she didn't.
Just as dawn was approaching, the phone rang. Anita picked it up, but all she could hear was deep heavy breathing. Slamming the phone down, with a bang, woke up Chris. "What was that all about?" He asked, trying to open both eyes to stay awake.
"Prank call I guess. Lots of heavy breathing," Anita said, short and to the point.
Chris sat up, but the look on his face told Anita he had something more on his mind. He got out of bed and headed to the shower. When he returned, he spoke gently, yet firmly, "How about we leave here and move to Montana or anywhere for that matter. I believe we are about to be played again in another game of chance—will we survive?"
Anita's horrified look matched the tone of her voice. "No! That's running away and hiding. They'd know we were scared. That's all our lives would consist of. We have to be strong and fight for the sake of our baby. Our baby needs to grow up in a safe and peaceful environment. Not of turmoil and hiding for the rest of our lives. What kind of life would that be? Seriously."
In frustration, Chris covered his face with his hands, not only because she was stubborn, but also because she was right. Once they moved, they'd always be looking over their shoulders.
They heard the doorbell ring. Chris, already dressed, sped down the stairs. Delia beat him to the door. When Delia opened the door, she had a shocked look on her face and she stepped back. Chris was now behind her. There stood the FBI and the Chief of the local Police. Cordially inviting them in, he showed them to the living room. Delia knew her role; she left the room and went to get Anita. Quickly dressing, Anita joined them in the living room and she couldn't imagine what they could possibly be there to tell them.
FBI Agent Kendall told Anita to take a seat as they had a lot to discuss. Dutifully doing as requested, Anita sat in a chair that was not in the immediate part of the room—it was close to the window so she would have something to focus on if needed.
Agent Kendall and the local Chief of police remained standing. Looking directly at Chris, Chief Mendoza asked, "Where were you two nights ago?"
Anita's voice could be heard plainly, as she asked, "What is all this about?"
Agent Kendall, now looking at Anita, said, "It seems Mr. Dante and several other people were blown up in his home. Chief Mendoza contacted the American Embassy and asked for our assistance, due to the ties with the United States. Did you have a score to settle with him?"
"I'm his lawyer. So why are you here?" She asked, again.
"Someone saw you there that night. Care to explain?" Agent Kendall shot back.
"Like I said. I am his ... or rather, was, his lawyer. We had business to discuss," she said, vaguely answering the question.
"Yes, but I'm asking about two nights ago. So again I ask you, were you there two nights ago?" He asked, but it was becoming more of a demand than a question.
"Yes," she said. "I was there to do some business. We had a court date coming up. I swear both he and his house were intact when I left. And who are the others? His guards?" She threw back at him.
Chief Mendoza waved some papers in his hands. "We have a search warrant. We believe you had detonator," he said, gloatingly, in his broken English.
Anita got up off her chair and stepped to the side. "Be my guest."
With a snap of his fingers, four FBI agents began the task of searching the house. Anita and Chris realized Suzanne was still in her room. They told the agents this and asked that they respect her mother's rights. Suzanne hearing the commotion decided to check it out. She looked down at Anita as though she wanted to know why the FBI and police were there and Anita shrugged her shoulders, pretending like she had no idea why.
Agent Kendall leaned over speaking quietly into Anita's ear. "We need to search your purse."
Smiling, Anita not only retrieved her purse, but all that she owned and lined them up. After the search was completed, both Agent Kendall and Chief Mendoza approached Anita. "We know it was you who was last there and we know you blew up the house," the agent continued to grill Anita, trying to rattle her into spilling her guts.
Trying to look unfazed by it all, Anita asked, "I take it you have a witness to all this?"
Laughing back sarcastically, the agent chuckled, "Oh yes."
"I hope you give this witness immunity for their statement. I hope you guard this person very well, because I've learned you can't trust anyone. The highest bidder always wins, especially in this part of the world. Now, if you're finished ripping my house apart, I have work to do. Good day gentlemen."
Agent Kendall glared back, "We'll be in touch. I'll find the evidence that you were there, so don't leave the country," he said.
Smirking, Anita laughed. "I've already told you I was there. So, of course you're going to find evidence I was there, that is if there is any part of the house still standing according to you. Would you have any objections to my going to the ruins? If I'm being accused of doing such a dastardly deed, I'd like to see what lies beneath the rubble."
Chief Mendoza glanced at Agent Kendall and they both nodded. Anita read between the lines and she knew they were to be tailed. The Chief's English was not great, but he answered her question. "Yes, whatever you find, if anything, hand it over to us."
Anita saluted the men and left the room to start putting the house together again. Suzanne stopped her, and spoke. "Honey, so much has happened that I need to find out how I feel. Had it been me in that situation, I probably would've done the same damned thing. My heart is torn in two."
Anita's guilt was overpowering any emotion she had. "I had no intention of doing such a thing, but for whatever reason, other than seeing Jake's face appear, I pushed the button. I only ask that you will one day be able to forgive me."
Giving her daughter a quick hug, she went in to see Delia. The two cried as Suzanne said goodbye. Chris went upstairs and grabbed Suzanne's suitcase from her room and escorted her out the door. Not wanting to face her mother, Anita chose to stay home and help Delia clean up the mess left behind by the team of authorities.
Turning up the music loudly, Anita did not wallow in self-pity. She let the music fill her soul and did not hear the phone ring. Delia answered the phone and hearing only dead air, she hung up and turned the music off so they could talk. "We get lots of no one on the other end of the phone calls," Delia said.
"You're answering them, too?" Anita asked. Delia nodded her head and Anita spoke, "When Chris gets back, we'll go the ruins of the house. You will come with us. You may not be safe alone. Do you still wish to work for us?"
Delia pulled out her gun, and spoke in a deep low voice, "No one is going to hurt my family."
Anita was stunned as she looked at her companion. "You know how to use that?"
"Yes," she said.
"Impressive. You will accompany us when we leave the house. I trust no one. I don't know who survived. I think I was the target." She stopped and her train of thought changed tracks. "I foiled them again. Gotta like it," she said, happily.
Delia went to walk away when she suddenly stopped and put her hand up in the air to hush Anita. She stood frozen for a moment, and then in slow motion she brought her gun out and began to move quietly towards the door. Anita felt defenseless and wished she was packing a gun.
Delia beckoned Anita to stay close to her and the two moved noiselessly towards the door. They heard a loud noise come from outside. Undecided as to what to do, the pair decided they needed to check out what was happening on the other side of the closed door. Anita grabbed a lamp to arm herself; Delia was armed and ready to shoot if necessary. Anita stood behind the door with the lamp raised, ready for action. Delia stood off to one side, slowly opened the door, careful not to expose too much of her body. Peering out of the door, Delia saw no one.
Anita sighed with relief and brought her arms down. Taking in some deep breaths to calm her nerves, she felt a cool wind come from behind blowing against the back of her neck.
Delia stepped out the door to survey the grounds when suddenly the door shut behind her, locking her out and in that second an arm had suddenly wrapped around Anita's neck. She tried in vain to break loose, but the hold became tighter and she was dragged towards the living room. Still gripping the lamp, Anita managed to gain enough momentum to raise her hand and hit her assailant. That split second delay was enough for her to elude her attacker, but his power and strength far exceeded hers and he grabbed her by the arm, pulling her in towards his body. Her fist came up and sucker punched him, and his head bounced back and then she stomped on his foot, gaining a little leeway and ran.
His steps were long and fast and again caught up to her, but she ducked down to avoid his hands from catching her. Not being able to get up fast enough, the attacker grabbed Anita by the feet and she fell to the ground, landing on her face and stomach. Lying there motionless, the man turned her over and with her foot she struck him in the face. He used a closed fist and belted her a good one across the head and she became subdued. He grabbed a pillow and straddled her limp body; he was going to finish her off.
The man was puffing and placed the pillow over Anita's face when Delia stepped into the picture. Without any hesitation, Delia aimed her gun and shot the man. She then went to Anita's side. There, on the floor, was a pool of blood forming around Anita's pelvic area and right then they both knew she had lost her baby. Sobbing, she looked up at Delia and beckoned her to bend down so she could tell her something.
Kneeling down beside her and holding Anita's hand, Anita spoke between sobs. "Delia," she said. "I have to hit you across the face, that way you can claim self defense. He attacked you. That's all you have to say."
Delia's eyes were huge. Then she clenched her eyes shut and Anita threw her a good jab letting the impact make its mark. When she lowered her hand, Anita apologized to Delia, but Delia knew that no matter what happened, she would always be by Anita's side.
Anita passed out from the loss of blood. Delia had called the emergency medical team and then Chris. Chris was stunned at what happened and decided he would keep the news from Suzanne. Wiping away his tears triggered suspicion within Suzanne. "What's wrong?"
"You've had enough turmoil in your life. You don't need this," he said, while wiping the droplets of water that appeared down his cheeks.
Suzanne's demeanor took a sudden change. "Something happened to Anita, didn't it?" She asked, wanting to strangle Chris for not divulging what he knew.
"They had an intruder and there was a struggle. Anita lost the baby. I shouldn't have left her alone," he said, with a guilty conscience.
"Neither should I have left. Let's do a turn about and be by her side. If Douglas is still among the living, he'll show up. And I have a hunch he eluded the blast. Damn him," Suzanne said. "I should've been the one to press the trigger."
The ride back to the house was fast. Suzanne wasn't sure if the trees were blurry because of the speed they were traveling or because of the tears that had built up in her eyes. Either way she surmised, they'd be by Anita's side very soon.
Chris pulled up to the hospital and before the engine had time to shut off, he was out the door and raced into the emergency room, with Suzanne close behind. He was glad Delia had been there and more pleased she was sitting with Anita in her hour of need.
Choking back his tears, Chris gently placed his hand over Anita's and stroked her cheek tenderly with his other hand. Suzanne had stopped at the front desk to get the particulars and then entered Anita's room.
Tenderly Suzanne spoke, "She lost a lot of blood. She had a transfusion and these next forty-eight hours will be critical." She then turned to Delia and hugged her. "I'm glad you were there. I know this is upsetting for you, but could you please tell us what happened."
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Split Second Decision II by Vickie Swan. Copyright © 2014 Vickie Swan. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse LLC.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
