Chapter Eight
Valencia, Venezuela
Mendoza Estate
“Are the news reports true?”
Luis rubbed the aching tension in his neck. He had barely slept last night, knowing this call was coming. Although he now doubted that Bianchi was behind this thing, Luis felt the need to question him all the same. How easy it would be for Bianchi to take what he wanted and leave Luis out altogether. That wasn’t going to happen…not while he still had breath.
Problem was, how to ask without offense? Insulting the man could be disastrous. “Yes. It is true. My grandchildren were abducted.”
“Why wasn’t I informed? Why did I have to learn about this from media outlets?”
“I had hoped to have her back before you found out. Your health—”
“You dare, Luis?”
He was glad that the man on the other end of the line couldn’t see his expression. The fear was something he’d enjoy, but it was the bitter hatred that would probably get Luis killed.
“I meant nothing other than I had hoped to get the matter resolved without alarming anyone.”
“And is it resolved?”
Of course it wasn’t. More than twenty-four hours had passed, and he still didn’t know the identities of Gabriella’s abductors or their intent. If not for the fact that Carlos was in jail in Dallas, he might have thought the kidnapping was for ransom. That was something he understood and could handle. But this? He felt helpless, and the feeling didn’t set well on his broad shoulders. Things like this didn’t happen to him…he made things like this happen to other people.
“We have several leads.”
“Don’t patronize me, old friend. It cheapens our friendship.”
Luis held back a sarcastic reply. Friendship had never existed between them. Not only were they too much alike, but their rivalry had lived for decades, the hatred growing only stronger. Whoever had said, Keep your friends close but your enemies closer, had known exactly what they were talking about. Their fake friendship was based upon mutual distrust.
However, they both shared one specific goal. And Gabriella was the key.
“We will find her and soon.”
“I will send men to help.”
“No need. Too many will get in the way. She’s my granddaughter, not yours. I’ll find her and bring her home.”
“I don’t have to tell you what’s riding on you finding her, do I?”
“No reminder is necessary. I know what is at risk.”
“And you know the consequences of failure.”
If it had been possible to reach through his phone and grab hold of the decrepit bastard’s neck, Luis would have done so at that moment. How dare he be lectured like a youngster?
Luis held his temper, saying evenly, “I will keep my end of the bargain, as I promised.”
“I understand the arrangements for transfer were made. Was the transaction completed?”
Inappropriate laughter threatened to erupt inside Luis. Transfer? Transaction? Rudolph did have a way with words.
“Yes. Which makes our urgency even greater.”
“I agree. You’re sure you don’t need help? My men are fully capable of hunting down anyone.”
“Again…there’s no need. I have things well under control.” Unable to continue the pretense, Luis said, “As soon as I have news, I’ll contact you.”
Ending the call gave him no pleasure. With a roar of fury, he hurled the offensive cellphone across the room. The sound of glass breaking and a cracking case gave him a small amount of ease. But not enough. Not nearly enough.
How was it that he had been successful in every aspect of his life except the one that mattered most? He had wanted a large family, as had his dear Flora. After miscarriage after miscarriage, she had finally carried a baby to term—a beautiful boy. Flora had been happy, and Luis, at last, could have what he truly wanted.
Although he had been a stern disciplinarian, there had been no real need. The boy had been affable and agreeable. Luis had not seen any worries in achieving his ultimate goal. But then, what had happened? The obedient boy had grown into a rebellious man. From an early age, Javier had known his destiny. Instead of fulfilling his purpose, he had rebelled in the worst way possible. Falling in love with an American nobody had been bad enough, but he had married the girl, destroying Luis’s carefully laid plans.
Once again, his goal had been denied.
The only good thing his useless daughter-in-law had managed was to bear two children. He might have lost his son, but Luis had consoled himself that he had two more chances. Of course, one of them hadn’t turned out the way he had intended.
Carlos, his only grandson, was weak. An idiotic young man who had allowed his baser desires to control his life. Luis had plenty of people to run his businesses and see to his legacy. Maybe a short incarceration would make a small amount of difference in Carlos’s personality. However, the boy would never have the self-discipline to assume any kind of leadership position. He didn’t matter.
Gabriella was the key. She was what he needed. His final hope. His last-ditch effort to achieve his dream. Luis refused to accept defeat. He would find his granddaughter, and she would fulfill the destiny he intended. The one her father had failed at so miserably.
Those who tried to prevent it from happening would pay.