| Mystery and Crime Fiction posted March 18, 2025 | Chapters: |
...56 57 -58- 
|
  |
Donatelli, Garth and Eleanor
A chapter in the book Veil of Secrets
Epilogue - Veil of Secrets
by Begin Again
Willow's bray echoed across the vineyard as Amelia and Travis approached, bringing carrots. The old mule nuzzled against the children's hands.
"I bet he's sad that Miriam and Anthony left." Althea scratched between the mule's ears. "Do you think he understands?"
"Miriam said that they had a long talk and he's good, especially knowing they will visit. Lenore will stay in the cottage and care for the animals."
"I can't believe how our lives are changing, Travis. Will you miss the big city, or are you excited to be living at the Webb Estate?"
Travis laughed and handed Willow another carrot. "It's going to be different, but at least here, Mom and I have a family. That's awesome."
Amelia smiled as she shyly responded, "I'm glad that I'll be living at the Vineyard with Lenore. I would have missed everyone if I'd had to return to the orphanage." She glanced away, remembering her past, before looking at Travis. "We've come through a lot since we first met. I'd miss having you around."
Travis gave her a quick hug and grinned. "I'd have missed you, too. According to Mom — we're one big happy family now."
"I like that, but we better get back to the house. Rebecca and your mom have a big announcement to make."
*****
Laughter and conversation filled the Vineyard's grand hall, starkly contrasting the silence and fear that had once ruled so many women's lives. Tonight, however, was different. Tonight was a night to celebrate.
Rebecca stood near the center of the room, watching everyone. Some of these women had fought tooth and nail to survive, refusing to let Zhang or his men break them. Others had barely escaped with their lives from the other smugglers. But tonight, none of them were victims. Tonight, they were free.
She raised her glass, and the hum of voices softened. "Tonight isn't about what someone tried to take from you," she said, voice steady. "It's about everything you refused to let them steal. You fought back. And now it's time to think about your future."
A hush settled over the room. Seldom had any of them ever considered anything different for their lives.
Althea stepped forward, smiling warmly. "Inheriting two grand estates and learning of our relationship has tremendously changed Rebecca and me. And we've decided to share our luck and open the Vineyard and the Webb Estate as sanctuaries—not just a place to rest, but a home. A fresh start."
A woman near the back of the room hesitantly lifted her chin. "You mean we don't have to run anymore? We aren't being sent back to the city to our old lives to fend for ourselves?"
Rebecca's gaze met hers. "No, of course not. You are free to make your own choices. You may go if you wish, but those who prefer to stay are more than welcome."
Silence stretched for only a heartbeat before applause erupted.
Mr. Holloway, a respected local business owner, cleared his throat. "Some of us wanted to do more," he said, adjusting his tie. "So, we've put together a college and vocational training fund — for any of you who want to rebuild your careers, your lives. There are no strings attached. Just promise to use it well."
A stunned silence followed.
"I always wanted to be a teacher," a woman near the front whispered, tears brimming in her eyes. "Is that possible?"
Another let out a disbelieving laugh. "A hairdresser. I was a damn good one before all this. Maybe I could learn new things and become a better one."
The ripple of pure, unfiltered joy spread through the room. Women who had fought to stay alive were finally allowed to dream again.
And this time, no one could take it away from them.
*****
Another celebration took place in Frank's study, far away from the antiseptics and the current construction to repair the devastation caused by Zhang's attack. This gathering was more intimate and also more emotional.
The study was filled with people who had fought together, bled together, and, in some cases, nearly died together. But more importantly, this was family.
Donatelli sat in a wheelchair with Maggie curled in his arms. His gaze was fixed on her tiny fingers, wrapped around his, as she slept. Jenna was by his side, glowing for the first time in weeks.
Across the room, Garth and Rebecca were comfortable with his arm wrapped around her shoulders.
Danni and Tango stood near the fireplace with Frank, each taking a well-needed breath. Sam handed his boss his customary bourbon and then offered all their guests beverages of their choice, including champagne.
Eleanor finally broke the comfortable quiet, swirling the wine in her glass. "Before we all get buried in work again," she said, drawing everyone's attention, "I say we take a break."
Danni smirked. "A break?"
Eleanor grinned, dramatically waving her hand in the air. "I hear it's all the rage. It's one of those things where you go somewhere welcoming, drink something delicious, and avoid people trying to kill you for a few weeks."
The pleasant sound of laughter rippled through the room.
Garth nudged Rebecca. "What do you think? Will that interfere with your new adventure? For me, a vacation sounds better than dodging bullets."
Rebecca tilted her head, murmuring, "We've got people ready to help with the women, so I'll go anywhere as long as you're there, too."
Jenna sighed, rubbing her temples. “I don’t suppose there’s a place where I can go and pretend none of this ever happened?”
Eleanor smiled. “I heard from Charles and Dylan this afternoon. Dylan mentioned he’d be summering in the countryside. He’s going to be staying at a castle and asked us to join him for some recreational time.”
Donatelli’s eyes settled on Jenna, realizing how lucky he was to have his family back together. Looking around the room, he smiled and blurted, “It might be an awesome time for a wedding.”
They all exchanged looks. Jenna gasped, totally unprepared for the mention of a wedding. A blush crept across her cheeks. Eleanor came to her daughter’s rescue. “Any particular wedding?”
Realizing his words were unexpected, not only by him but also by Jenna, he quickly tried to cover his tracks. “I can think of a few people. The Cowboy’s found himself a good woman.”
Rebecca’s face turned crimson red, and she buried her face against Garth’s shoulders. Then, Donatelli took Jenna’s hand and said, “And so have I?” A small cry from Maggie ended the moment as Mom and Dad quickly turned their attention to their bundle of joy.
For the first time in what felt like forever, the future stretched before them, unwritten. Glasses clinked, toasts were made, and laughter filled the room.
*****
The Inspector was shutting things down for the night when another officer opened the office door. "There's a gentleman here that says he has an appointment."
Charlie frowned. "I don't think I —"
Before she could finish her sentence, Jack Lexington entered the office, sporting a wide grin. "Garth suggested we meet."
A sigh escaped her lips. "It's been a long day, Mr.—"
"Jack Lexington." He raised a bottle of whiskey in the air. "And he said we should have a drink — on him, of course."
Charlie glared at Jack, who made himself at home in one of the leather chairs. "Your FBI friend tends to assume a lot of things, including who I care to talk with, Mr. Lexington."
Jack took a drag of his cigarette, exhaled slowly, and smirked. "Yeah, well, Garth does that. I'm currently on his payroll — free of charge, of course."
Charlie folded her arms. "Fine. Say what you need to say."
Jack's expression turned serious. "There was a man at the airport, waiting for Zhang. When things went south, he disappeared — wearing a cop's uniform."
She narrowed her eyes. "And? That proves nothing. If I'm not mistaken, many men and women were in uniform."
Jack leaned in slightly. "My gut says there's more to this guy."
Charlie scoffed. "You expect me to act on a gangster's gut feeling?"
Jack smirked. "Nah. I expect you to keep your eyes open. Because whoever that guy was, he's still out there." He grinned as he moved toward the door, “Garth said you were a firecracker. Maybe we can have that drink another time.”
*****
In the United States Congressional Chambers, Senator Kristen Murkowski sat at her desk, unconsciously rolling a letter opener in her hand.
"Ma'am." The assistant hesitated in the doorway. "The committee is waiting."
She barely heard him. She kept her eyes locked on the screen. " — while international leaders react to Zhang Wei's shocking public suicide, local authorities request assistance in identifying an unconscious man found at a roadside rest area."
A photo flashed across the screen. The glass in her hand froze midair.
Her assistant spoke again. "Ma'am — you have a call."
"Not now."
"He says he must speak to you."
Kristen snapped, "Who is it?"
"He didn't give his name," the assistant said, voice lower this time. "But the call came from England."
She stiffened. Slowly, she turned, her fingers tightening around the phone.
"Put him through."
The line clicked. Kristen pressed the receiver to her ear. "This is Senator —"
She stopped mid-sentence when the voice on the other end calmly said, "It's been a long time, Kristen."
Thank you again to everyone who has followed Veil of Secrets â the fourth in the series. I hope you will continue when it's time to Begin Again and Eleanor decides to bless us with another story in the future.
Until then, have a great dy and happy writing!
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Until then, have a great dy and happy writing!
You need to login or register to write reviews. It's quick! We only ask four questions to new members.
© Copyright 2025. Begin Again All rights reserved.
Begin Again has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
