Knowing Vera (Romantic Suspense, Family Drama) (Chance for Love) (11 page)

“I don’t see her anywhere.” I think it’s Dex who says this.

“Maybe she went out the other way, toward the fermentation tanks,” Cliff says.

I duck below a ledge, my feet touching something wet. A light shines down and Dex says, “Do you think she’s down there?”

Another beam flickers, and I see the cell phone. I don’t dare reach for it, but mark the spot in my mind.

“She wouldn’t be so stupid,” Cliff replies. “There are snakes and scorpions down there. Didn’t your father board it up?”

“Yeah, we used to run out to the swimming hole when we first moved here, but Tatay put in a brick wall,” Dex says and kicks dirt into the hole. “Did she meet Tatay? How did it go?”

“Didn’t go well. Your father admitted to the murder, and she ran.”

Wait. Cliff just said “your father” to Dex. Cold sweat dampens my forehead. That means Ben and Dex are my brothers and my father is Mr. Ping. Who the heck is their mother? Sheesh. Maybe I better not let Mama know he’s still alive.

“We can’t let her get away,” Dex says. “Do you know what’ll happen if she tells?”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t worry, I’ll find her. She can’t get far.”

Footsteps pace back and forth on top of the grate. “It’s your fault, Cliff. You shouldn’t have left her side.”

“I said I’ll find her,” Cliff talks through what sounds like gritted teeth. His phone rings and he answers it. “Yeah? Felipe talked to her? Where? Let me call him.”

Felipe must be the gardener.

I hear their footsteps depart. I scramble to the corner where I saw the phone and scoop it up. The ground is damp and squishy. I have no choice but to go deeper into the tunnel. I fumble with the phone and silence it just as it starts to vibrate, Cliff’s name flashing on the screen.

The tunnel narrows, and I come to a brick wall. Trapped.

A missed call shows on the screen, followed by the voice mail icon. I shine the phone against the walls of the tunnel.

It vibrates again with a text message. “Where’s the girl?”

Pfuh! He refers to me, his
mi amor
, as the girl? I shake my fist his direction.

I text back as the gardener. “She went back into the house.”

“That’s not what Benito says. He says you were talking to her and she went toward the cellar.”

“Yes, she was looking for her cell phone, but I think she gave up and went to the pool house.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem.” I slide the keyboard back in place.

Whew, that ought to buy me a few minutes. I poke around the brick wall. It’s topped with a chain linked fence. The wall is solid, so I retrace my steps, before it occurs to me to call Zach.

The phone rings until it goes to voicemail.

“Zach, it’s me, Vera. I’m in the tunnel, but it’s blocked by a wall. Please come get me.”

I can’t afford to use Twitter or Facebook, so I try to browse to my email, but Felipe’s phone doesn’t have web browsing enabled.

I walk further back and shine the phone against the wall. There’s a dripping sound coming from a pile of rubble. I dig around, moving rocks until my fingers are bloody and my back is sore. I need a drink of water, and my throat is achy and dry. If this were a movie, Zach, the hero, would break through the wall and save me. But it’s quiet except for the underground water. A chill courses down my spine. Water, spiders, scorpions, snakes.

What’s worse? Dying down here trapped in a nest of vipers and scorpions or pretending I’ll marry Cliff and keep the family secret? I lean against the wall to rest. After a few moments, I try Zach again, but he doesn’t answer.

I close my eyes, dizzy. Things are falling in place. If my father is Mr. Ping, he would have remarried to have Ben and Dex. He’s not just a murderer but a bigamist. And Cliff? Cliff was nothing but a gold digger, because if my father’s Mr. Ping I would inherit the winery and Cliff, as my husband, would share it. I punch the rock wall. Ouch.

Felipe’s phone vibrates with an incoming call. I recognize Zach’s number and pick it up.

“Zach?”

“Ma’am, we’re Zach’s friends.” The voice on the other end has a heavy Aussie accent. “We got your message. Stay put and we’ll get you out.”

“There’s a brick wall.”

“No worries, there’s a secret door behind the rubble pile.”

“Where’s Zach?”

“He can’t come. It’s too dangerous for him.”

“Sure, okay. I’ll look for the door and meet you.”

“See you in a bit.”

The call gives me hope, although I’m still thirsty and my stomach’s growling. I dig around the rubble, too scared to poke my hand into the dark places. Following the sound of the water trickle, I step behind a tilted slab of concrete and discover a rusted door frame with empty hinges.

The cell phone dims, and I realize the battery is low. I’ll wait here. They’ll find me. No need to go in there without a light. Exploring the concrete slab, I find a small area where I can sit off the ground. The sound of skittering feet raises goose bumps on my upper arms. Rats? Mice?

Where are the snakes when you need them?

Footsteps clatter from a distance. I snap my head up and stare into the dark tunnel, expecting to see flashlights. The steps get louder, but there’s no light. The gardener’s cell phone is dead, so I leave it under the ledge.

A set of voices mumble from the direction of Mr. Ping’s winery. Shuddering and trying not to think about creepy crawlies, I slip underneath the cold concrete slab and huddle on the damp ground. My dress is too short, and crouching leaves my thighs exposed.

“You should be safe here,” Cliff says. “Felipe agreed to be you when the police show up.”

“Make sure you transfer the money to the offshore account,” my father’s voice says.

They’re getting closer. Two beams of light arch around the corner where I’m sitting. I scramble to tuck my feet in further. An insect crawls up my leg. I try to brush it away when my dress rips.

“Did you hear that?” Cliff says, followed by the click clack of a handgun cocking.

“Hold the gun down,” my father says. “It’s probably a rat.”

Rats? I’m shaking and holding my breath to keep the scream in.

“You sure?” Cliff waves the flashlight around. His profile is outlined in my father’s lantern, and he has a gun drawn. “What the?”

He points the beam down the shaft where two lights bob. My rescuers.

“Vera, is that you?” one of the rescuers yells.

I cringe and squeeze further into the tiny space.

Cliff shoots. The popping sounds vibrate into the tunnel. I can’t believe my eyes, so I check again. He’s holding the gun in his left hand.

“It’s a trap,” the man in the tunnel shouts. “The bitch tricked us.”

Their lights turn the opposite direction. Cliff charges down the corridor. “Trespassers. Stay out.”

My father coughs and sits on the ledge where I had been minutes before. His feet land right in front of my face, kicking dust into my nose. My eyes are watering, and my nose twitches. I shove my forearm into my face to muffle the sneeze. My father taps a stick under the ledge, probably to scare the rats.

Cliff returns from driving the men away and shines the flashlight right at my father’s feet. Then he laughs. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing in a dive like this?”

“Vera?” My father peeks down at me and extends his hand. “Come on out.”

His hair is white, and a smile crinkles his face. He’s obviously older than I remember, but he has the same cheekbones and jutting jaw. I stare at him, my lips trembling. For so long, I had dreamed of this moment, but now, a wave of fear ices to my bone. My father—the murderer.

“Papa, I won’t say anything. I promise. Let me go home.” I shiver beneath the rock.

“You betrayed your father, didn’t you?” Cliff accuses. “Called the police.”

“No, I didn’t. I swear.”

“Then who were those men? Zach and his gang?”

My father’s on his knees, peering into the crevice. “Hun-Hun, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

My jaw quivers, and my eyes water. I want to be in his arms so badly, but he’s a killer and he betrayed our family. Tears drop, and I start to sob. “You left us. Me, Mama, Rey, and Rod. You ruined Mama’s life.”

“Cliff,” my father says, “go back to the estate and help the police. Don’t use the decoy unless you have to.”

“Will you be okay here?” Cliff says. “I’ll leave you the gun.”

“I’ll be fine. My daughter will not harm me.”

“Okay, I’ll come back after the police leave.” Cliff shoves the gun in his waistband and walks back the way he came.

I’m still crying when Cliff’s footsteps depart. My father pats my head and tugs my arm. I’m sore and itchy, so I crawl out and brush off my clothes.

He helps me up. “Hun-Hun. I missed you so much.”

“Papa,” I tentatively touch him, unable to believe he’s truly here. “I always thought you were innocent.”

His body stiffens, but he doesn’t reply. The silence is disturbed only by our ragged breaths and my linger sobs. How can this be? I dreamed of meeting him in heaven, of him telling me he was framed, that he wasn’t guilty.

My father scratches his nose and a sniffle escapes. “I missed all of you, especially after Rod and Rey died. Tell me how you’ve been.”

There’s no need to rub in how my brothers needed a father figure, or how my mother grieved and suffered, or how I had constant nightmares. I smooth my dress as far down on my thigh as it will go. “We did the best we could. Mama’s doing well. I’m sure Tito Louie’s updated you.”

“Actually, I haven’t spoken to him. I heard he’s sick. How is he?”

“Day by day. He has metastatic lung cancer.”

“My dear
kuya
.” Papa wipes his eyes. “And your mama, I still love her so much.”

“How can you say that after what you put her through? You jumped off that bridge. I saw you. It’s a miracle you survived.”

“Actually, I didn’t jump. I climbed onto the ledge and made my way down the beams underneath the bridge.”

A shockwave punches my gut and has me staggering into the wall. “You brought me there to fake your suicide? How could you?”

“I’m not a good man, Vera. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Sorry?” I raise my hands, wanting to scratch his face. “I went mute because you told me I didn’t see anything. I went through years of therapy. Nightmares. I’m afraid of high places.”

“I wish I could make it up to you.” His shoulders stoop and he sighs. “Honestly. Ask me anything. I own this vineyard and winery. I’ve bought almost every property in this valley. I brought you here so you can share the inheritance.”

Anger roils my belly, and I clench my fists. “With Ben and Dex? Tell me, are they my brothers? Why are you letting the poor gardener take your place? You have no honor whatsoever.”

“Ben and Dex are your brothers, but their mother has gone back to China. She came with my assumed name and passport. But I swear I never stopped loving Maria, your mother, and I want to see her again, invite her to come here.”

I close my eyes and lean my forehead against the cold, stone wall. “Papa, I don’t want anything from you. All I want to know is why you killed Zach’s mother.”

“That I cannot tell you.”

“Then I have nothing to say.” I step in the dark toward the tunnel where Zach’s friends had come.

He follows me. “Vera, don’t be silly. You don’t know where that tunnel leads.”

“It goes to a fruit stand you let Zach’s father keep.” I continue walking.

“Why are you leaving? There are things you don’t understand.” His voice sounds weak as his steps falter.

“Then explain.”

“I can’t, Hun-Hun. It’s not just me who’s involved.”

“Are you protecting someone? Papa, please, tell me.”

He doesn’t answer. The pathway narrows so it’s easy to walk in the dark by feeling the walls on both sides.

I’m not scared anymore. My father’s breathing is labored, so I walk faster—and then I hear it.

“Mr. Ping, Mr. Ping.” Men shout behind me.

Oh crap! It must be trigger-happy Cliff and his posse. Their footsteps pound behind us. I stumble and bump my knee on a rock but keep moving.

“Vera,” my father calls. “Come back.”

“Not unless you tell me why.”

 “
Iha
, why are you turning against your family for Zach Spencer?”

“Because I—I’m in love with him.” That feels strange to say aloud. Is it even true? Maybe if I shout it, he’ll believe me. “I love Zach Spencer, and if you love me, you’ll turn yourself in and tell the truth.”

My voice echoes through the tunnel. I hurry forward, oblivious to where I’m stepping. There’s light ahead. I turn a corner and thump into a man’s chest.

“Vera, are you okay?” It’s Zach. “Is someone after you?”

My face heats. He might have heard what I just said. Wearing a headlamp shining too brightly in my face, Zach opens his arms and hugs me. “I’m so glad I found you.”

My father’s voice shouts behind me. “Vera, you’ll get lost in there.”

Zach turns his head the way he came. “Follow me.”

He limps on his prosthetic leg, but makes quick progress despite the uneven surface beneath us. I scramble after him, twisting and turning until Zach halts at a door. He pushes it open, and after we pass, he shuts it, slapping on a padlock.

“Who was that?” he asks.

“My … my … Cliff’s henchmen.” I cannot betray my father. Not if there’s a chance he’s lying about killing Zach’s mother.

“I don’t think they can get through this door. My father replaced the original with reinforced steel. Let’s go.”

We race through a storage room, and I finally see a dim light—moonlight.

“How long have I been in that cave?”

“It’s just before nine,” Zach says. “It took a while to get the men rounded up, and then my father locked up my leg. After they left, he let me have it back. I rushed over and met the guys running out of the tunnel, talking about gunshots.”

My heart melts at his bravery. “You put yourself in danger.”
For me.

“You’re all that’s important.” Zach leads me to a motorcycle, flips open the seat compartment and hands me a helmet. “Have you ever ridden?”

“No, and my dress is way too short.”

His gaze slides over me, followed by his grin. “That’s all right by me.” He turns to the bike and pulls a jacket from the storage compartment. “It might be chilly because I only brought you a windbreaker.”

“Thanks, I’m good.” I set the helmet between my legs and slip the windbreaker on, covering my suddenly puckered nipples, an instant reaction to his eyes sliding over me. After zipping up the jacket, I climb onto the extended back seat and wonder how he’ll manage with a prosthetic left foot. As I understand, both feet are needed for the controls. My skirt is hiked almost to my underwear, and I pull at it nervously.

“I know you’re worried about me riding,” Zach says with a smirk. “But my dad modified the bike for me when he first heard about my accident. I’ve got the gear shifter on the right and anti-lock hand-operated brakes.”

“Ah … Zach, my hero.” I throw my arms around his shoulders, catching my breath as my lips lock onto his.

“Mmm …” I’m drinking him in, all the adrenaline and excitement channeling into the fact that I’m with Zach again. He really is the man I wanted all along.

Gunshots pop from the warehouse behind us. Zach disengages from the kiss. “Put your helmet on, and let’s get the hell out of here.”

I’ve barely had time to adjust the straps, when Zach straddles the bike and turns on the ignition. He revs the engine a few cycles and kicks off. I yank his jacket, and then grab him around the waist, plastering myself into his back. The wind bites against my bare legs, and before I can get both feet into the footrests, I lose my right shoe.

The cycle swerves around a tight curve and accelerates, then crests a hill and swoops down, almost throwing my heart from my throat. My gut wrenches and I cling tighter to Zach Spencer. The wind screams above the roaring motor as if the very air were sucked from my lungs and I feel every bump juddering between my legs as I’m hurtled and tossed at suicidal speed.

If I survive this ride, will I ever see my father again?