An Excerpt from Miss Taken
For many readers, this may be the first time you’re reading about the character Tommy Conte. But this is not the first time I've written him. Tommy was one of the original characters from my debut series, Miss Taken Identity.
Here's chapter one, from Miss Taken…
Chapter One
Capri…or so I thought
I looked at the clock…only 4:30 am. New York was barely stirring. Soon the city would be jammed with the rush of commuters ready to begin their workday. Except for Theresa, my dad’s housekeeper, I might be the only one up this early in the morning. The evidence of Theresa being awake came from the aroma of fresh coffee and homemade pastries that drifted through the house and settled in my bedroom. I knew it wouldn’t be long before everyone was out of bed killing the stillness I’d been enjoying at that very moment.
At the request of my (I won’t take no for an answer, Rain) dad; I was sleeping over so he could drive me to Newark Airport later that morning. My father, Victor Medici, was a man people rarely said no to. I was headed to Capri, Italy. My home away from home. The one place in my life that made me feel free; where I was able to breathe.
I’d made the trip numerous times over the years. I didn’t understand why my dad still felt the need to be so overprotective of me. Well, I understood why, but I after all of these years, I wished his view about my safety had changed.
Clearly, it hadn’t.
I considered confronting him on it, but then I thought better of it. No need to leave with upset between us.
My only regret about leaving today was that Tommy, my best friend, wouldn't be going with me. Tommy Conte was a very successful, highly sought-after photographer and my business partner. His sexy charm and bad-boy looks didn’t hurt his image either. Tommy’s frame was 6’2 built, but not bulky, with black hair, brown eyes, and numerous tattoos.
He had a very important holiday shoot for an Italian wine distributor this week. It was August and the holidays were not far off, so it was crunch time for Tommy. He was going to meet me in Capri next week, which I was grateful for.
Tommy had always been a stable presence in my life. We grew up together, went to college together and now we lived together. There had never been a sexual relationship between us, but the emotional bond we shared went much deeper than mere childhood friends.
Tommy was my protector. He’d been there through everything. During the confinement, my parents imposed upon me due to the obsession my mother had. She constantly felt the need to keep me safe and retain control over ‘my fragile life.’
My mother’s words, not mine.
Tommy was there to pick up the pieces or be the buffer when life got to be too much.
I was brought out of my reverie by a sudden and sharp knocking on the door. “Rain, you up, sweetie?”
Raven, my twin sister, always knew how to silence the silence, so to speak. Raven lived next door to our dad with her fiancé Michael. He happened to be Tommy’s older brother. She must have been up early for her daily run. Raven and Michael were lawyers with my dad’s firm Kane and Medici.
Raven and I looked exactly alike. We both had long black hair, blue eyes and we were tall and lean. She was slightly thinner than me; I had bangs, but she didn’t.
Our physical features were where our likeness ended. Raven was very strict when it came to her career and her personal life. Everything always had a schedule. I often wondered if she penciled in sex with Michael. The thought made me laugh.
I, on the other hand, didn’t like to be scheduled. I was a freelance photographer, like Tommy, but I specialized in the sand, sun, and surf. I loved traveling and truly enjoyed every bit of my life…now.
“No regrets”…my words to live by.
“Rain, you up?” She sounded slightly annoyed at this point.
“Come in. I’m up,” I said just loud enough to be heard through the thick door, yet trying not to wake my dad, whose room was just down the hall.
Stepping into my room, Raven notice I was still in bed. With a puzzled look on her face, she questioned me, “Don’t you have to get ready for your flight?”
“It’s not for several hours, but I’m getting up now,” I stretched and crawled out of bed to start my day.
I had noticed she was wearing a black running suit and had her hair tied back in a severe ponytail. I was right, she was going for her run. Her routine was so predictable. I loved her with all my heart, but I could never be her. She craved the power of the courtroom, while I preferred to experience life in a different way. There were no mergers and acquisitions for me, just spectacular shorelines and faraway destinations. Give me a beach anywhere in the world and I’d be there photographing it, along with the people that made it come to life. I loved to live life in that way, even when it scared me. Some of that fright was left over from my so-called childhood.
No matter, the past was in the past and I had finally moved on.
Raven walked to the table by the window and thumbed through my portfolio. She partially whipped around to address me.
“These are fantastic. Are they for the show?”
“Maybe.”
“Why maybe?” She asked, with a hint of annoyance.
“I have some revisions to make first. Plus I’m hoping to use some of the shots I’ll be getting from this trip.”
“How long will you be gone this time?”
“I’ll be home for Christmas dinner,” I said, grinning at her.
“CHRISTMAS! What about Thanksgiving? You’re not coming home for Thanksgiving?”
“C’mon, Raven, you know as well as I do that you and Dad are never around for Thanksgiving. It’s your time to clean up your cases and I’m always left hanging around the city with nothing to do.”
“Rain, what if Tommy came home for Thanksgiving this year? Then would you reconsider?” she cunningly asked.
I smiled at her and replied, “Good try Raven, but contrary to popular belief, Tommy and I aren’t joined at the hip. You know full well he won’t be home. He always goes with Michael to their parent’s house. Something you should be doing now that you and Michael are going to be man and wife. Besides, even if Tommy does come home, it doesn’t mean I’m coming with him.”
“Okay, but promise me you’ll think about it?”
“I promise.” I just smiled and shook my head. “You’re a real pain in my ass.”
“Good…Now let’s go get some of Theresa’s fabulous coffee,” she said while she curled her arm around mine. Then she gave me a small, but tight squeeze as we headed out the door.
I smirked. “Wait…I thought you were going for a run?”
“Changed my mind. Coffee with my sister is so much better than exercise.”
As we headed out of my room to go downstairs, our dad appeared in the hallway. He was already dressed for what looked to be a full day at the office. He was wearing a black three-piece suit, white shirt, Turquoise blue tie, and handkerchief. The suit really complemented his olive skin and white slicked back hair. My dad was very strong and very powerful. He wouldn’t wear anything, but the best to showcase his power and strength.
“Good morning, ladies. Why are my girls up so early?”
“We could say the same about you,” Raven spoke first.
“I had to get up for an early meeting at the office today.”
I was silent but tilted my head to the side in annoyance. Why did I stay over if he wasn’t taking me to the airport? I could have spent my evening with Tommy before leaving for Italy.
“Now Rain, please don’t give me that look. You know if I could get out of this I would, but I have obligations, sweetie.”
“Dad, its fine. I told you originally I could get to Newark by myself.”
“That’s my girl, but Michael is taking you to the airport. It’s all been arranged.”
“Dad, I don’t need Michael to take me to the airport. I’m 34 years old. I think I can get myself to Italy. I’ve been doing it for years.”
“Rain, do this for me. Let Michael take you. I’ll feel better knowing you’re safe. He doesn’t have a case today, so it’s no trouble.”
I knew at this point I wouldn’t win, so I just nodded. Conversation over, Victor Medici gets his way as usual.
Case closed.
We headed downstairs to the kitchen to get some much-needed coffee. It was on the first floor of the house toward the back. It was slightly on the narrow side, but very beautiful. The appliances were all professional size and stainless steel. The cabinets were an off-white French style with heavy iron pulls. The countertops were black granite and the floors, travertine. The center island had been used mainly for small family gatherings and breakfast, such as this morning. There were French doors that led out to a secluded patio and garden with a Koi-Fish Pond. It was tranquil…soothing, and one of my favorite spaces in the townhouse. When I sat out there, I hardly heard the city anymore.
Theresa prepared a wonderful spread this morning. It consisted of a large bowl of fresh berries, Greek yogurt, a small pitcher of honey, nuts, and granola. In addition, she made homemade pastries, my dad’s favorite.
We were a very casual family. We weren’t extravagant. It was always about being together, sharing a meal and enjoying the company we were with. It really helped during my younger years when being confined at home was, at times, unbearable—having company made those days more manageable.
I hopped up onto the counter next to where Theresa was cooking after I grabbed my cup. Raven and my dad settled in around the island.
Just then, Michael walked in and joined us. He and Tommy had the same features; black hair, chocolate colored eyes, and a solid jaw. Michael also had tattoos, just not as many as Tommy did. I loved Mike. He easy going, and he balanced out my sister, who was anything but.
“How’s my girl this morning?” Michael asked Raven, giving her a soft kiss on her cheek. “Your girl is not happy. The caterer hasn’t returned my calls. They were highly recommended and are supposed to be the best in New York but now, that remains to be seen.”
Time to tease the uptight twin.
“Raven, why don’t you just cut out all the bullshit and run off to Vegas and elope?” I asked, smiling at Michael. He knew exactly what I was doing and he enjoyed it just as much as me.
“ELOPE!” She shrieked, “Have you lost your fucking mind, Rain?”
Just as I was about to deal with my sister’s typical outburst, my phone started to ring. It was Tommy. My day was finally improving.I raised my hand, she needed to stop her continued screaming.
Silence…finally.
“I have to take this.” I went into the family room for some privacy and quiet. “Tommy?”
“Hey, baby, did you get through the evening with your dad okay?” Tommy’s voice made me smile.
As I was about to tell him, I could hear he was still in bed and not alone. Why did this bother me?
“Oh my God, please don’t tell me you slept with the winery owner’s daughter.”
“You know me better than that. I nailed his wife.”
“Tommy, you are fucking crazy.”
“Don’t start, Rain. If you would just sleep with me, then I wouldn’t sleep around like I do.” He was grinning. I just knew it.
“Never going to happen.”
“Never say never.” Although he was joking, his voice was determined and I became silent, so he changed the subject fast.
“Okay, enough about my sex life and the lack of yours. When does your flight leave?” I ignored his last comment.
“It departs at 1 pm, so I’m leaving here around ten; Michael’s driving me.” I decided to inform him of the change of plans.
“What happened with your dad?”
“Don’t ask. Same old shit. Again, he got his way. I wish you were coming with me now.”
“Stop it, Rain.”
“Stop what?” I asked, slightly confused.
“Stop pouting. You know I always know when you’re doing it.”
“I am not pouting!”
“Yes, you are, baby. You always do it whenever any of us ask you what your plans are or try to help you in any way. So, what if your dad asked Mike to take you? Be glad for the company. It’s not like he’s escorting you to Italy, just to the airport.”
I sighed out of frustration.
“Listen, Rain, I know its tough for you to accept help. I was there, remember? When all that shit with your mom went down. Sure it was bad, but its over. You make the decisions for your life now…no one else. It’s just a ride to the airport. Don’t make it out to be more than it is. It’s not worth the aggravation you’re laying on yourself.”
There was a stillness over the phone because Tommy was waiting for my response. I knew he was right. Tommy had always been there when my parents, mainly my mom, controlled my every move. They were easier on me when Tommy was around and he’d been around a lot.
He was there when I was at my worst and at my best. He never left me. Even now when the nightmares and anxiety attacks creep up on me, he’s there. He’ll stay with me all night, if necessary and hold onto me to keep the past away. I don’t know what I’d do without him…perhaps go insane.
“I’m sorry, Tommy. Don’t be angry with me. You know I love you, but he frustrates me.”
“Baby, you know I can never stay mad at you… not for very long anyway,” His voice softened.
I looked at the clock.
“Tommy, I’ll call you later. I have to get ready for my flight. I haven’t even showered yet.”
“Okay, I’ll wait to hear from you. Rain, we’re okay, yeah?”
“We’re fine. Listen, I know you’re right, but it’s not that easy for me to let go of the past.”
“It’s been over for a long time. Try…do it for me.”
“I’ll try. I’ll talk to you later.”
Just then a warm hand came around my waist.
“I was just coming to find you. I have to leave for my meeting and wanted to say goodbye to you before I left.” That was his guilt talking.
“I’m fine. Oh and that was Tommy. He’ll be out at the end of next week.”
“Are you going to be okay with that?”
“Dad, I’m telling you I’ll be fine. Besides, I don’t mind the time alone. Capri is warm and beautiful this time of the year. I’m going to work on my fading tan, start reading a new book, get some photos for the show, and spend time with Mema and Antonio. Stop worrying about me, please!”
“Sweetheart, I’ll always worry about you. You’re my child. That’s my job to care for you. Did you remember to pack your shots?”
Without messing up his suit, I gave him a big hug and then smoothed out his collar. “Yes, I have my shots. And Dad…I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He smiled, kissed my cheek and disappeared out the front door.
I went back toward the kitchen and heard Raven screaming about something affecting her wedding plans. Something I’m sure I was going regret asking her about. Just as I passed the staircase in the hallway, she came out and stated she needed Michael to go with her to the caterers today. Her wedding was over a year away and at this rate, possibly two years because she kept changing things.
Personally, I hoped she wouldn’t have to change the groom with the way she carried on.
“Rain, will you be okay getting to the airport without Michael?”
I smiled at Mike and said, “Sure, I told all of you before, I don’t need a babysitter. What could possibly happen on the way to the airport?”
“Are you positive?” Michael asked, making sure it was really okay with me.
“Positive, but I need to take a shower. So can you call the car service you use and tell them to be here in about an hour and a half?”
“Absolutely,” Michael gave me a grin with a quick wink; and with that, I kissed both Raven and Mike, and headed upstairs to get ready.
Once I was done with my bathroom ritual, I decided on black leggings, a long sleeve black T-shirt and my black suede ankle boots with the silver buckles. I tended to get cold very easily, so I didn’t want to be uncomfortable on the plane. I grabbed my bags, turned back and checked to make sure I wasn’t missing anything before heading out the door.
It was sunny and warm in Manhattan.
This was going to be great weather to fly in.
I stepped out onto the curb in front of my dad’s home. There was a large black SUV waiting with its motor idling. I hadn’t asked Mike to order such a large vehicle, but perhaps it was all the car service had available on such short notice.
I checked my phone. I had plenty of time to catch my flight. Even if we came across some traffic, I’d still be okay. I tucked my cell away in the side of my boot when…
That’s all I remembered before everything faded to black...