Forbidden Disclosure (A Billionaire in Disguise) (9 page)

“John, the farm is gone. Someone is coming at eight to pick up Patches and Daisy. They’ve been with me for so long. They’re my babies.” The sobs became even louder.

“Rosie, who is coming to get the horses?”

“A farmer that Sam found wants them. I don’t have a place to keep my girls. I don’t have a home. I would love to offer you your room to stay in, but there isn’t one, John. I have nothing anymore.”

Daniel was seeing red. “Rosie, do you trust me?”

“Of course I do.” Rosie smiled through her tears and patted Daniel’s cheek.

“Rosie, this is my father, Francesco Giordano.”

She stood up, and Francesco smiled and put his hand out.

“You've raised a fine young man. I just love him! He’s like a son to me, so I guess that means you’re family too!” Rosie wrapped her arms around Francesco and hugged him.

The older man blushed but was enjoying the embrace of this woman in his arms.

“Rosie, why are you losing your farm? I thought you were doing so well.” Daniel was beside himself.

“Albert drank heavily, John. When he drank, he gambled. Before I knew it, all of our savings was gone. After his death from a heart attack, I was made aware of the many loans that Albert took out, putting the farm up for collateral. The sums owed were so large, I couldn’t repay them. I have three hundred acres. You only saw a small part of it. I couldn’t afford to keep the livestock. I couldn’t afford to hire the men it would take to keep a farm this size up and running.” Rosie’s face showed utter defeat.

“Be honest with me, who is Sam?”

“Sam is Albert’s brother. I’ve never liked him, and he was trying to force me into giving him the farm. He told me I could continue to live here, but the horses were an expense that wasn’t necessary, and he wouldn’t let me keep them.”

“Father…”

Francesco cleared his throat, broadened his shoulders, and got ready to reintroduce his son. “Rosie, this young man’s name isn’t John Williams. My son was a pretty reckless man and ran from reality. I sent him here as a test, made him leave the family name in New York and learn to make it on his own so I could hand over my shipping business to him. His name is Daniel Giordano. Do not be angry with him, this was my doing. He had no other option but to use the new identity that I gave to him. Daniel has more than proven to me that he has grown up. I’m very proud of him and I’ll be gladly handing over my business to my son so I may retire.”

“Daniel?”

“I’m sorry, Rosie. All of my feelings for you are real. The man you know is real. I’m here to help you. Please let me.”

“John, I mean, Daniel, it would take money that neither of us have.”

Francesco interrupted. “Rosie, if we had the money would you let us help you?”

“I love my horses, and seeing them leave is going to completely break my heart. The farm I don’t care about. It’s very beautiful land, but I feel so lonely in this town. I don’t have any friends, and working this farm takes up my life. There are no days to relax, and if I don’t feel well, I work anyway. I never wanted this for myself. This place holds a very painful past with Albert, and now with Sam.”

“So the only things you want out of here are your horses?” Daniel looked his father in the eyes.

“Rosie, have you ever been to New York?” The old man was feeling such compassion for this woman.

“Well, the only places I’ve been are up to Nashville, then back here to Prairie.”

“Would you be interested in coming to New York?” Francesco smiled.

“I really couldn’t afford to move anyplace, especially to New York. There are rooms to rent here in Prairie, so I should be okay.” Rosie smiled and gave her best attempt to convey that she would be just fine. The truth was, Rosie had very little money. Rosie wanted to give Daniel back his money she found in her sweater, but knew he wouldn't accept it. She would have to rent a place from Beatrice.

“Well, it’s settled then.” Francesco took out his phone, picked up a utility bill on the table, and used his authoritative voice.

“Bill, Francesco here…Good and you?...Great. I need a nice place on my estate for two horses…TWO HORSES! I don’t have time for this. Either you can handle it or you can’t. I want it completed as soon as possible, and I don’t care how many men you have to hire. Just get it done. The faster you work the more money you’ll make. I need fencing put up for them. I think fifteen acres of the property will be just fine. Keep me posted, and Bill? Make it nice!” Francesco hung up the phone and dialed another number.

“Mark, draw up some papers, I want to purchase a farm at forty-seven Shenandoah Road, Prairie Tennessee. I want all three hundred acres and the dwellings. I don’t care what the cost is. Pay whatever they’re asking. I need this put on the top of your pile, Mark.”

Rosie chimed in the second Francesco hung up. “Mr. Giordano, this is very expensive. Even if you buy this farm I can’t afford to stay here. It will take the rest of my life to pay for the many loans, and even then it won’t be the complete amount.”

“Rosie, please call me Francesco. What you need to know is that we have money. We aren’t going to stand by and watch you suffer or struggle even for one more day. I need to know who you owe and we’ll take care of it now. Then, you’re coming to my home, since you were so kind to let my son into yours.”

“Daniel, is this real?” Rosie was afraid to feel hopeful.

“It’s all real, Rosie. Your new life, which you’re more than deserving of, is about to begin.” Daniel wrapped his arms around her and struggled to maintain his composure.

After a few more phone calls, Francesco phoned Carl and requested a limo because there was no way that all three of them were going to fit in the old pickup. Rosie cooked one of her amazing meals as they waited for the limo to drive in from Nashville. Daniel never saw his father consume that much food, that fast, in his life.

“Rosie, this was the most amazing meal I’ve ever eaten. And if I don’t stop, I’m not going to fit in any automobile.” Francesco laughed and gave Rosie his biggest smile.

As the limo pulled up, so did the local farmer and Sam, who was wearing an evil smirk on his face.

“What the hell is this?” demanded Sam. “Rosie is signing over this farm to me as soon as we get the two deadbeat horses out of here. I was just informed that someone is trying to buy the place. It’s mine so ya’ll better just move along.”

“You can’t take this farm, Sam. And you won’t go near either of my horses. There’s been nothing signed and no money has exchanged hands. Get off of my property. Your days of bullying me are over!”

Sam stepped close to Rosie and shoved her. That was the last straw.

“Don’t you dare lay a hand on her!” Daniel drew back his fist, but his father stopped him.

“Son, you can’t strike an old man! It isn’t right. But I can!” Francesco hit Sam in his face, causing him to go to the ground. “Get off this property and don’t you ever step another foot on it again!”

Sam got up, and both he and the farmer turned to leave. “You’ll pay for this, Rosie!”

Francesco glared at the two men until he could no longer see them. “Rosie, you can’t stay here. You need to come with us.

“Francesco, I can’t leave. No one is here to take care of my horses.”

“Rosie, I have someone that I trust who will transport the horses to New York. Movers will come and pack up your house, and then we’ll put it all on the market if you don’t want to keep it. If you do, I’ll sign it over to you and you can live here debt free. I’ll hire men to work the farm so you never have to do this labor again. I’ll even hire security for you so that no one brings you any trouble. That’s a promise.” Francesco held her hand, bent and kissed it, then gave her his beautiful Giordano smile.

“Francesco, I can’t thank you and Daniel enough for all you’ve done. But I can’t just leave. There are things I need to do, and I don’t want to leave my horses unattended. I don’t trust Sam. He’ll be back and I’m afraid he’ll bring them harm.”

“Father, I’ll stay on the farm with Rosie until the horses are on their way. I’ll help her decide what she wants to take or leave, and when everything is settled and Rosie feels at ease, we’ll make our way to the airport.”

“Okay, Son. When you’re ready you let me know, and I’ll have the jet waiting in Nashville. I’m so very proud of you. Even though you’ve gotten more muscles I would still like to get some security out here.”

“No, I don’t think he’ll be back before we’re able to get the horses out of Prairie,” said Daniel, as he didn’t want his father to worry.

Francesco kissed Daniel’s forehead, hugged Rosie, and then cl
imbed in the back of the limo.

Chapter 8

Rosie sat at the kitchen table, completely consumed with worry. It wasn’t as if Sam Montoose was going to quietly go away. It was getting pretty late but Rosie didn’t feel like she should close her eyes.

“Rosie, you’ve been shredding tissues left and right. My father has made sure things are going to be okay. It might take some time for all the necessary paperwork to go through, but Sam won’t be getting this farm, and your horses are going to be okay. I can stay up here in the house so you’re not alone.”

“Daniel, that’s sweet of you. But I’ve lived alone for ten years, and I’m not worried about anything happening to me. I’m worried about the horses. They’re locked in the barn and Sam knows this.”

“I’ll sleep down in my old room then. I’ll keep an eye on your girls, so don’t worry about them. You should try to get some sleep though.” Daniel didn’t think he was going to ease the woman’s fears. He couldn’t blame her.

“I’ll be just fine, Daniel. Here’s the key to your room. Don’t go worrying about me, you hear?”

“I’ll always worry about you. Call me if you can’t sleep or if you need anything, Rosie, and I mean it.” Daniel took the key and a flashlight, kissed Rosie’s cheek, and headed down to the barn.

He went in through the back entrance. As soon as he opened the door, the fresh scent that he’d been missing filled his senses. He felt such comfort seeing the things that Rosie had made, especially the beautiful quilt. Stripping down to his boxers, he slipped under the covers and closed his eyes.

Katherine immediately came into his thoughts.
Where is she?
He could picture her so clearly and wished more than anything that he could take that entire day back. Daniel’s evil accusations, his behavior with Emily, even hitting her cousin in the mouth was eating at him. Looking back, the behavior that Katherine exhibited could have very well been platonic to any passerby. But Daniel had jumped to conclusions.
She will never forgive me. I’ve lost my chance with her.

Sometime after three in the morning, Daniel fell into a deep sleep. At four, the sounds of the horses screaming and kicking their stalls brought him to his feet. Black smoke was leaking into his room. Throwing on his clothes and boots as fast as he could, he grabbed the flashlight and opened the door leading inside of the barn. He couldn’t see much through the smoke, but the bright, riveting fire toward the front of the barn was terrifying and spreading fast. He pulled up his shirt to cover his nose and mouth and felt his way to the big sliding door on the side of the barn, unlatched it, and slid it open. The horses were wild with fear. He had to get them out of there. Standing with his back to the fire, he opened the stall doors and hoped they wouldn’t run the wrong way. He began waving his arms and, luckily, the horses bolted outside. He had remembered Rosie telling him that they could sense his fear, so he tried to remain calm. It wasn’t easy. The barn was too engulfed in flames to be slowed by a hose. Daniel didn’t even attempt it.

Rosie was already running towards the barn when Daniel met her halfway.

“They’re out, Rosie, stop! The horses aren’t in the barn, they’re okay. We have to get a vet and the fire department out here!” Daniel had to yell. Rosie nodded her head and went running back inside the house.

By the time the fire department and volunteers arrived, the barn was completely collapsing. The vet arrived within an hour with a large pickup and horse trailer. Catching two frightened horses proved to be a challenge. But as daylight began to approach, improved visibility was helping them. The vet brought out ropes to help capture them, but when Rosie walked to the end of the pasture and whistled, the girls came to her. Daniel opened up the fence so the vet could back the trailer up instead of walking the horses near the barn. Daniel drove Rosie to the vet’s office so the horses could be examined for burns and smoke inhalation. Luckily, they were going to be fine, just frightened, but he wanted to keep them over night to make sure. That was a big relief; the horses had no more shelter at home.

Daniel stepped outside the vet's office and called his father. “Sam burned the barn down. The horses are okay, but only because I was sleeping near them and heard the commotion. I didn’t see Sam, but I know it was him. We have to get these horses out of Prairie today. He’ll kill them both.”

“That
stupid
little man…I’ll call you right back, Daniel. He could have killed the horses, but more importantly, he could have killed you!” Daniel never heard his father talk with that much vengeance. He hung up the phone, and seeing Rosie’s worried face, he wrapped his arms around her.

“What am I going to do with the girls, Daniel? There isn’t a safe place for them in this town.” Rosie let the tears flow as Daniel held her.

“We’re getting you and the horses out of Prairie today. They’ll be safe here until we move them. I’m coming back to your house with you and we’re going to get this moving thing going. You’re done with Prairie. Sam has no idea who he picked a fight with.”

Driving back to the house, Daniel noticed the police car pulling into the driveway.

The officer approached Daniel’s window. “Are you Daniel Giordano?”

“Yes I am, and this is Rosie Montoose. She lives here.”

“I just got off the phone with your father. We picked up Sam. A farmer has come forward as a witness to some conversations with him regarding the barn fire and his plan to kill the horses in that fire. He was also charged with the assault against Mrs. Montoose. I’ll be staying outside here until you’re set to leave.”

“Thank you, we really appreciate it.” Daniel could tell by the look on the officer’s face that he’d listened to loud demands from an angry Italian in New York.

Rosie and Daniel were going from room to room, gathering things she wanted to keep. The things she made, some family heirlooms from her mother, photographs, and a few other odds and ends were all that were chosen. She didn’t want anything else, especially not all of her clothes. Just a few outfits would be good enough. All of her clothing was hand-me-downs from Albert or very outdated and worn women’s clothing.

“Rosie, I’m going to buy you all new things. You don’t have to take any of these.” Daniel looked in her closet with sadness and visions of his Lamborghini. He felt so much guilt.

“It’s okay, Daniel, I’m not a freeloader, and I’ll find myself a little job to help me make ends meet. I will pay rent and pay for my horses.” When Rosie had her hands on her hips, you knew she meant business, but Daniel wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“We’ll figure everything out when we get there, okay?”
You aren’t doing anything but lavishing yourself in luxuries, having servants, playing with your horses, and being shown more love than you’ve ever known.

Rosie agreed, reluctantly. 

When Daniel closed and locked the door to the house, Rosie took one last look at the land.

“Are you okay with this, Rosie? My father meant what he said. If you want to stay, he really will do all those things he said he would.”

“No, Daniel. It’s time for me to move on and maybe enjoy doing something different. Hopefully, I can find a different kind of job!” Rosie laughed and Daniel joined her.

Rosie, you aren’t ever working again,
he thought, but kept on smiling.

Daniel cancelled the movers and brought the few boxes to the airport to put on the jet. Rosie was like a little girl inside of the limo. She pushed all the buttons, and Daniel was having a field day just watching her.

Walking up to the plane, Rosie grabbed Daniel’s arm.

“Rosie, are you okay?”

“Don’t laugh at me, but I’ve never flown before…”

“It’ll be fine, and I think you’ll love flying. I’ll sit right beside you.” Daniel took her by the hand and led her up the steps.

“Are you sure the horses are okay? I’m worried about them.”

“My father is paying for the vet and for his assistant to transport them to New York. They’re already on the road, and if you’d like you can call them from the plane to check on your girls.”

“Is your pilot…
good
?”

Daniel led Rosie to her seat and ordered her a glass of wine. She was absolutely shocked at how beautiful the interior was. It looked more like an expensive motel suite than the insides of airplanes she’d seen on television. After her glass of wine, the pilot moved the jet onto the runway. Daniel was sure that he’d have finger marks on his skin from Rosie grabbing him. But once they were en route, Rosie relaxed and just enjoyed the view.

“Do you live with your father?”

“No, I live in a penthouse that I hate. It’s in Manhattan. I’m going to move back home I think until I get some things figured out. I don’t want to live like I was.”

“A penthouse? My word, you must have thought that room I put you in was the pits!”

“Actually, it was the most beautiful room I’d ever seen. I’ll miss it. I think the biggest thing I’ll miss is the quilt, and the way you made the sheets smell so good.”

Rosie held Daniel’s hand while they landed. As they drove to the mansion, one thing was very clear to her; New York was not Prairie, Tennessee.

Francesco summoned Carl to his study.

“Is everything all set, Carl?”

“Yes, Francesco, her room is ready. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather have her in the guest house?”

“Carl, she isn’t a guest. She’s family and she will be living here. If she doesn’t like it, then I’ll put her in the guest house. She’s quite a lovely woman who hasn’t been treated very fairly in life. I want to make sure she’s happy.”

“Very well. The barn, of course, isn’t finished for the horses, but Amos Cartwright, an exceptional horse trainer, has agreed to let them stay with him until we have shelter for the two.”

“That’s perfect, Carl. Thank you so much. You’re really going to like Rosie.” Francesco absolutely glowed.

“I think you already do, Sir.” Carl winked, smiled at his boss, and then quickly left the study.

Rosie was beside herself when the plane was landing. She was more than positive about an impending crash. Daniel tried to comfort her and not bust out laughing at the same time. But her fear turned into amazement when she saw the limo waiting for them.

Daniel hadn’t mentioned to his father about wanting to move back to the mansion. He wasn’t crazy about staying in New York, and if his father was going to give him the business, he’d almost have to stay. Regardless of where he ended up, Daniel knew he would continue to miss the farm, the southern hospitality, and the people of Prairie.

Life in the country had put a polish on the rough, careless man. All of his life he did nothing but make fun of people from the south, the land of the south, and even farmers. He knew that no matter how much he longed to work the land and breathe the clean air of the countryside, it would remain in his past.
In reality, I was making fun of Rosie.
Daniel felt his embarrassment and anger over his stupidity color his face and his mood.

The limo ride seemed to take longer. People were trying to get prepared for Thanksgiving and get a jump start on Christmas shopping. The traffic was insane.