| General Fiction posted February 19, 2025 | Chapters: |
...39 40 -41- 42... 
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Searching for Answers
A chapter in the book Veil of Secrets
Veil of Secrets - Chap 41
by Begin Again
Zhang, one of the evilest men she'd ever encountered, had Maggie. The thought kept swirling around in Eleanor's mind. She'd felt Frank's pain when he called to tell her they'd lost him and the helicopters that carried her granddaughter. Deluca had every available officer knocking on doors and breaking a few in, trying to find a clue to Zhang's whereabouts. Everyone was coming up empty. He'd slipped through their fingers again, but this time was different.
Her conversation with Charles about the invasion at the hospital had not gone as she'd hoped. He was concerned for her. He could hear the exhaustion in her voice; in his mind, she should leave it to the real world.
"Eleanor, you've done everything you can. Let Deluca and his men handle it."
His words stung more than they should have. She knew Charles loved her, and she always had, but he had not lived the life she had. While she had fought in the trenches of crime and justice, he had drifted into the afterlife, watching but never acting. He had spent his living years searching for her, not knowing where she had gone, and by the time she found him, he had been dying. His love never wavered; his atrium held paintings of her, but he lived a life of longing, not battle.
"I can't just wait, Charles. You know that. There is a reason I'm here. To stop people like Zhang. To protect the ones who can't protect themselves."
"And who protects you, Eleanor?" he asked softly.
She didn't answer. She couldn't.
It would take time for law enforcement to find leads leading them to Zhang. The man had many connections to help him escape, and by then, it might be too late for Maggie. She needed a friend who brushed elbows with people in the underworld, and only one person came to mind.
Danny Veraci — the legitimate owner of a gambling casino, retired crime boss, and a very dear friend.
*****
Eleanor stepped through the casino's entrance, blending effortlessly into the flashing lights and the hum of conversation. The roulette wheels spinning and cards shuffling filled the air, but she barely noticed. She had been here before — many times, in another life.
She made her way toward the bar, scanning the floor for a familiar face. It didn't take long.
Manny spotted her first. The broad-shouldered man stiffened slightly before offering a smirk. "Well, I'll be damned. If it isn't Eleanor."
"Manny," she greeted, her voice smooth as silk. "Been a while."
"That it has," he agreed, eyeing her with curiosity and something like caution. "What brings you here?"
She lifted a brow. "Looking for Danny."
Manny exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Afraid you missed him. He's gone."
"Gone where?"
His expression didn't shift. "Business. You know how it is."
Eleanor studied him for a moment, then gave a small smile. "Of course."
Danny kept his business close to the chest, but Eleanor knew how to read between the lines.
"Mind if I leave him a note?" she asked casually.
Manny hesitated just a second too long before nodding. "Yeah. Sure. Come on, I'll let you into his office. Just lock up when you leave."
She followed him down the hall, her heels clicking softly against the marble. Manny pushed open the heavy mahogany door and stepped aside. "Don't take too long."
"Wouldn't dream of it," she replied, slipping inside. The door shut behind her with a solid thunk.
As she approached the desk, her sharp gaze caught a glimpse of paper—partially tucked beneath a leather-bound ledger — flight reservations. Without hesitating, she pulled the paper out and read the dates, times, and destination. "Hmmm — a trip to England?" She smiled. "Business or pleasure?" Now, she knew he would be returning in two days.
The scent of aged bourbon and vanilla-wood polish filled the air, stirring a ghost of a smile across her lips. "Still the same, Danny. Always the same," she murmured, running her fingers over his leather chair.
Her eyes swept the room. The heavy mahogany desk, the crackling fire casting shadows across the walls, a one-hundred-year-old bottle of bourbon, and a waiting glass — every detail was a whisper from the past. "You always did like the expensive things," she mused aloud, shaking her head.
But then her gaze shifted toward the seating area near the window. A small table sat there, positioned just right so that anyone seated could look out at the city skyline or the nearby easel displaying her painting. She ran her finger across the painting. "So much has passed since I looked like that."
A familiar worn scrapbook lay open on the table. It was not abandoned, but left as if someone had been looking at it before they were called away.
Eleanor walked toward it slowly, her breath catching as she saw what page it was opened to.
A black-and-white snapshot of them as teenagers. Danny, all swagger, leaning against his motorcycle while she stood beside him, laughing, wild-haired and free. She traced the edges with her fingertips. "We were just kids — so damn sure we had all the time in the world."
She turned the page. Another photograph — this time, her younger self was in a crisp U.S. Army nurse's uniform — the same one she'd worn when she met Charles in France. Her fingers hovered over the image, her voice barely a whisper. "And then life happened."
He'd tucked a newspaper article about her CJ Grey paintings beside the photo. Scrawled in Danny's unmistakable handwriting was a note — "Still don't know how she learned to paint inside the lines."
Eleanor exhaled sharply, something between a laugh and a sigh. "Damn you, Danny," she muttered, blinking against the unexpected sting in her eyes. "Why do you still have this?"
She carefully closed the scrapbook, her fingers lingering over the cover before straightening. Pulling out her phone, she dialed his number. As expected, the call went straight to voicemail.
"Danny — it's Ellie. I came by, hoping to reach you. It looks like I just missed you." She let out a slow breath. "Listen, I need your help. It's urgent." She paused briefly and added, "I don't know where else to turn. Zhang has my granddaughter."
She hesitated again, glancing at the scrapbook before adding in a quieter tone, "And — next time, leave the scrapbook open to the good pictures."
She slipped the phone back into her coat pocket, her expression unreadable. With one last look around the room, she whispered, "Still the same, Danny. I hope I can count on you."
And with that, Eleanor faded away.
*****
The wooden swing creaked as it swayed beneath the starlit sky, its ropes groaning under the weight of two souls caught between the past and an uncertain future. Garth draped a thick wool blanket over Rebecca's shoulders, his fingers lingering for a breath too long as he tucked it around her.
Without looking at him, she murmured, "You don't have to keep watching me like I might disappear, Garth."
He exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. The flickering porch lantern cast shadows over his strong features, intensifying the emotion in his eyes. "Can you blame me?" His voice was rough, edged with something she wasn't sure she was ready to name. "After everything that's happened?"
She finally turned, her deep gaze searching his face, catching the rawness there. "I'm still here."
Garth reached for her hand beneath the blanket, his thumb tracing slow circles over her knuckles as if memorizing each inch of her. His voice, usually so steady, faltered just slightly. "I don't know when it happened, Rebecca. Maybe the moment I thought I might lose you." He let out a breath, his grip tightening. "But all I know is — I can't return to a world where you're not in it."
Rebecca's breath hitched, something unnamed and unspoken tightening in her chest. The warmth of his hand and the weight of his words were overwhelming. A small, teasing smile ghosted her lips but didn't quite reach her eyes. "You barely know me, Garth."
He huffed a quiet, almost bitter chuckle, shaking his head. "I know enough. I know that every time I look at you, it feels like I've been searching for you my whole damn life."
A shadow passed over her expression, her fingers curling slightly in his. She hesitated, then asked the question that had been weighing on them both. "And what about Allie?"
Silence stretched between them, thick as the night air. Garth swallowed hard, his jaw tightening before he spoke. "She gave us her blessing, Rebecca," he said. "And I'll always honor her memory. But she's gone. And you're here. And I —" He hesitated, finally letting the words escape. "I love you."
Rebecca stared at him, torn between the pull of her heart and fear. She shook her head slightly, struggling to find solid ground beneath emotions that threatened to sweep her away. "How can we be sure this isn't just — grief?" she asked softly. "Or a knee-jerk reaction to what has happened? Are we holding onto each other because it's easier than being alone?"
Garth leaned in then, close enough that their foreheads touched, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. His voice was hushed, raw with conviction. "Because grief doesn't make my heart race when you walk into a room. Grief doesn't make me feel alive the way you do. I thought I was dying when I couldn't find you."
Her lashes fluttered closed for a moment, and she absorbed his words, feeling their truth settle in her bones. Opening her eyes, she lifted a hand, brushing against his face with a tenderness that made his breath hitch. "I want to believe this is real," she whispered.
Garth cupped her chin, lifting her face to his. He hesitated, his lips hovering just above hers, giving her a choice. When she closed the distance, their kiss was slow, deep, and laced with a longing that felt like it had been waiting forever.
But then, she pulled away, her breath unsteady. She shook her head and whispered, "Garth, I — I just need time."
He didn't move away, didn't let go of her hand. Instead, he nodded slowly, his eyes burning with quiet promise. "I'm not going anywhere, Rebecca," he murmured. "I'll wait as long as it takes."
As they sat on the swing beneath the vast sky, the stars bore witness to a love neither of them had been ready for but one that neither could deny.
*****
Garth stood outside, his hands clenched into fists, his breath coming in slow exhales. The past days bore down on him like a crushing force — Rebecca, the missing women in the tunnels, Maggie, Zhang. It was too much.
Garth stood outside, his hands clenched into fists, his breath coming in slow exhales. The past days bore down on him like a crushing force — Rebecca, the missing women in the tunnels, Maggie, Zhang. It was too much.
He had been running on fumes, chasing ghosts and criminals alike, yet here he was, standing still, helpless. His mind replayed the moment Rebecca had looked at him, her expression unreadable. He had expected more. He thought she'd cling to him and tell him how much she loved him. He'd thought she'd ask him to stay by her side so she'd feel safe. But instead, she had only smiled before allowing him to tuck her back into bed, accepting a soft kiss.
A burst of cold air swept around him, curling through his coat. His shoulders tensed. He knew she was there before he even turned.
"Hello, Garth," she murmured. "Everything okay?"
"Sure, why wouldn't it be?" He buried his face in his hands. "Rebecca's safe."
"You're carrying too much, Garth." Eleanor's voice was calm yet edged with understanding. "Even you have limits."
He exhaled sharply, running a hand over his face before facing her. "I didn't even rescue her — the dog did."
"Garth, you're being ridiculous. Does it matter? You've found her, and she's safe, and we can bring her back home."
"I was so happy when I saw her. I wanted to grab her and hold her forever." His voice cracked, and he shook his head. "I told her I loved her and —"
"Garth, how often have you claimed that stressed people react differently?"
"But, Eleanor —"
"Garth, stop. Remember when you lost Allie and how you reacted? You wouldn't listen to anything anyone had to say. You weren't yourself."
"But I love her. That's something I never thought I'd say again."
"Garth, I believe she loves you, too. Just give her a little time to put all this behind her." Eleanor stepped closer, hoping to ease his mind. "She's been through hell."
He let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "And Maggie? The women in the tunnels? Zhang is always two steps ahead. I feel like I'm failing all of them."
"You saved as many as you could. The women are grateful for that."
"But Zhang?"
"You couldn't have stopped his escape. You did your best."
"But it wasn't good enough. What about —" He gulped, choking on his words. "I've failed my best friend?"
Eleanor's gaze softened, and she placed a hand on his arm. "You didn't, and you won't. Not while you still have breath in your body. And even if you did, you know I'd never let it end like that. Trust me."
His throat tightened, and for a moment, he just stood there, absorbing her words. She had always been his anchor, his guiding light when things grew too dark. Finally, he nodded.
For the first time in hours, he let himself breathe. "I do, Eleanor. I always do."
Main Characters -
Spirits from the past -
Eleanor Bennett - ghost detective
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Matthew Donatelli
Cornelius Webb - Miriam's nemesis and murderer
Miriam Cascio - Trevor's murdered bride, Rebecca's grandmother and protector of the Vineyard
Antonio Maggio - Rebecca's grandfather and Miriam's first love
Bayside's Community --
Jenna Bennett - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, Maggie's mother, Donatelli's love
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective and Maggie's father
Rebecca Cascio Stillwell - recently inherited the Vineyard after discovering her adoption
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie) and potentially interested in Rebecca
Joseph DeLuca - Bayside detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge, nemesis to all, and escaped prisoner from Joliet State Prison.
Vince Rossi - mobster and Doyle's cellmate and escaped prisoner
Grayson Webb - grand nephew and recently inherited the Webb Estate
Althea Webb Cascio - mother to Travis and half-sister to Rebecca
Travis - missing boy
Amelia - girl in the caves
Phil Henderson - Bayside family lawyer
Maria - a woman escaping the tunnels
Lenore - an old woman with a wolf dog and magic
Ashley, Lee Ann, Kristen - women caged in the tunnel
Criminals -
Zhang Wei - once involved in human trafficking with Doyle, seeks revenge for his career losses after Doyle's downfall from the Judge's bench.
Frank DiVito - retired gangster and childhood friend of Garth
Sam - Frankie's right-hand man and friend
Jack Lexington - Chicago kingpin
Danny Veraci -a dear friend from the past and casino owner
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Spirits from the past -
Eleanor Bennett - ghost detective
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Matthew Donatelli
Cornelius Webb - Miriam's nemesis and murderer
Miriam Cascio - Trevor's murdered bride, Rebecca's grandmother and protector of the Vineyard
Antonio Maggio - Rebecca's grandfather and Miriam's first love
Bayside's Community --
Jenna Bennett - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, Maggie's mother, Donatelli's love
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective and Maggie's father
Rebecca Cascio Stillwell - recently inherited the Vineyard after discovering her adoption
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie) and potentially interested in Rebecca
Joseph DeLuca - Bayside detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge, nemesis to all, and escaped prisoner from Joliet State Prison.
Vince Rossi - mobster and Doyle's cellmate and escaped prisoner
Grayson Webb - grand nephew and recently inherited the Webb Estate
Althea Webb Cascio - mother to Travis and half-sister to Rebecca
Travis - missing boy
Amelia - girl in the caves
Phil Henderson - Bayside family lawyer
Maria - a woman escaping the tunnels
Lenore - an old woman with a wolf dog and magic
Ashley, Lee Ann, Kristen - women caged in the tunnel
Criminals -
Zhang Wei - once involved in human trafficking with Doyle, seeks revenge for his career losses after Doyle's downfall from the Judge's bench.
Frank DiVito - retired gangster and childhood friend of Garth
Sam - Frankie's right-hand man and friend
Jack Lexington - Chicago kingpin
Danny Veraci -a dear friend from the past and casino owner
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