Vendetta

VENDETTA

By Barbara Arent

Copyright 2010 Barbara Arent

Smashwords Edition

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

All scripture from the King James Version unless otherwise noted.

This book is available in print from most on-line retailers.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank Brenda Smith, Ada and Anola Brooks and Jason Smith for their valuable input and work in helping me bring this story to life.

Also Tom Conway and Glenn Summers for answering my endless ‘tech’ questions.

A special thanks to Carole Arent for helping me stay on track chapter by chapter although she had to wait (and sometimes w—a—i—t) for each one.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

EPILOGUE

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES

PRAYED SCRIPTURE

COMING SOON

AUTHOR BIO

CONTACT AUTHOR

PROLOUGE

The man desperately tried to focus on the voice but he couldn’t seem to hear through the fog clouding his brain. His mouth felt like cotton and his eyes refused to open. A fist hit him on the shoulder.

You need to wake up. This is just too good not to share. I can’t believe your old man was dumb enough to do this. I can’t believe this girl was dumb enough to go along with him.

The man tried to focus on the words but they buzzed around him just out of reach like a pesky fly. A hand slapped him in the face.

Come on. Wake up.

He tried to pry his eyes open but they wouldn’t cooperate. The hand grabbed his face and shook it back and forth. He finally managed to lift one eyelid enough to see through a slit. Light exploded against his eye and bounced around in his head. He quickly shut it again.

Well, at least you opened one eye. The cot sank as his tormentor sat down beside him.

Of course it makes no difference to me what the old fool does; the outcome will be the same. I’ll add her to the list. It’s not like one more person is going to make me say ‘oh no, I can’t kill four people’. I’ll just have to adjust my plan a little.

He heard the rustle of paper.

Here it is. Surprise! Your old man got married. You think he decided to have another son to inherit his vast empire since neither one of you is around?

The cot shifted under him as his tormentor stood up. His dad got married? He tried to focus on the words but they danced around the edges of consciousness.

Well, it’s too late. Everything your old man stole from us will be mine and he isn’t going to live long enough to have another son. You have my word on it and I always keep my word.

The hand stroked his hair. She is a pretty thing. I met her today. Too bad for her she picked the wrong old man to fleece. I can guarantee it’s going to cost her more than she is willing to pay.

The paper rustled again and he heard a grunt.

Talk about cheap. There is only one sentence and no picture. You’d think Mr. high and mighty Cyrus Randal, as rich as he is, could at least have sprung for a picture.

The hand patted his cheek again. Ready? Ms. Katharine Wallace and Cyrus Randal were married Sunday in a private ceremony at the Shay Community Church.

The man’s eyebrows furrowed. Katie? His dad married Katie?

Now it’s time to go nightie-night again.

She pinched his nose closed to force his mouth open. He did his best to keep it closed, but it popped open on its own and he sucked down the pills they dropped into it. He started gagging, so she sat him up on the cot and put something to his lips.

Here drink this. I want Daddy to be here when you die.

He tried to resist but he couldn’t make his body do anything. She began shaking him.

I said drink.

His last conscious thought was that he should have listened to Peter.

CHAPTER 1

Peter Burk drummed his fingers against his leg. He was angry—very angry. Angry because he had read about this in the society column just like everyone else. Angry because he hadn’t been here to stop Cyrus from making the biggest mistake of his life. Angry at being summoned and made to wait in the hall like some servant. Angry because it was a done deal and would take more than a few choice words in the right person’s ear to fix it.

Now was not the time to have to deal with this. Things were topsy-turvy enough as it was. Jamie had gone to Bogota, Colombia two months ago and seemingly fell off the face of the earth. Then Jim had rushed to Colombia—against his express advice—and now Jim was missing.

Peter jumped up and began pacing. He had been in Bogota looking for them but an emergency at Burk Security had forced him to return two days ago. He had planned on returning to Bogota tomorrow to continue the search. Now those plans would have to be revised.

Arriving home to find out Cyrus had married a little golddigger and was turning his company over to her lock, stock and barrel was a shock to say the least. Cyrus had loved Rachel and never given the slightest hint he was interested in another woman much less ready to marry again.

She must be good, Peter thought. He had only been in South America two weeks. In that time, she had managed to come in under Cyrus’ radar and sink her greedy claws into Cy-Rac. Tonight was a mere formality. He was here to meet the new CEO so it would look like he approved. Tomorrow she would walk into Cy-Rac and officially take over.

Peter raked his hands through his hair. Cyrus was a savvy old man. He could read people at a glance. That was what had made him one of the top business moguls in the world. He always placed people where their talents would do them and the company the most good. He could spot winners and didn’t mind paying for their services. He was patient with what he called raw material but he never put up with slackers or people looking for a free ride. That was why this little turn of events was such a shock.

The lawyers had been called in, the papers drawn up and signed before anyone else knew what was happening. He couldn’t believe Cyrus had turned a multi-billion dollar company over to a twenty-one year old girl.

Peter frowned. Something didn’t add up here. Cyrus didn’t do things on the spur of the moment. This had to have been brewing for some time. And, if this had been going on long enough to result in marriage, how had it gotten past him? Or Jim? Jim hadn’t mentioned Cyrus was seeing anyone the last time they talked.

Peter tried to remember the last time he had seen Cyrus. Counting back, he realized it had been nine months.

Nine months! It hadn’t seemed that long. True, setting up his own training grounds had taken up a lot of his time. These last couple of months had been spent going between Columbia and home. But still—nine months?

Cyrus had sent all pertinent details pertaining to Jim and Jamie’s disappearance by email. They had talked over the phone but never face to face. In all that time, the old man hadn’t even hinted anything was going on. Never even came close to mentioning he was getting married.

What irked Peter the most was Cyrus knew if he needed something—anything—he just had to say so. After everything the old man had done for him. it just went without saying.

Sure, he had been chasing leads in Columbia. That was his business and he was good at it. But, his men were good at it too. Good enough to continue searching for Jim and Jamie while he helped Cyrus.

Peter went into the living room and walked to the big picture window overlooking the pool and formal gardens. The scene had always soothed him but not tonight. The longer he had to wait, the angrier he got. What was going on? And, where was everyone? Although Cyrus didn’t hold with keeping his staff up after hours to wait on guests, he had expected to see Johnson.

He walked over to the bar and opened the whiskey cabinet. Empty. He opened every door. All the cabinets were empty. Peter sighed. Cyrus used to keep some of the finest Kentucky whiskey made. He looked in the little refrigerator and saw one lone pitcher. He picked it up and smelled. Lemonade?

The faint sound of tapping pushed past his swirling thoughts. Someone was coming but it was very slowly. He turned to find the source. Since it seemed to be coming from the back of the house, Peter went back into the hall.

He schooled his features. He had done nothing but frown since he had heard the news. It wouldn’t do to start off on the wrong foot with the old man. He was a tartar when it came to his family and his business. He didn’t tolerate trouble with either. Like it or not, until he could do something about it, this little tart was family.

Peter turned as he heard his name called. A shrunken old man barely resembling Cyrus Randal stood in the doorway. Shock ripped through him. Something was terribly wrong. This was why the old man had been duped.

Peter walked forward. Here, let me help you.

Cyrus waved him away. I’m slow, not invalid. I don’t need that kind of help yet. Come into the living room and sit. You didn’t have to wait out in the hall, you know. This is still as much your house as it ever was.

Peter seriously doubted that. He would bet Burk Security once the golddigger was entrenched; he’d be barred from the house because right now, he was her biggest threat.

Cyrus continued. I don’t think there is anything harder than lemonade to drink in the bar but you’re welcome to look.

Peter held up his empty hands. Already have.

Cyrus grunted and waved him to a seat. Thanks for coming on such short notice. This is important to me. I wanted you to meet Katie before you left. She is family now and I want her to know she can count on you if she needs to.

Peter let the silence speak for itself. With Jim and Jamie out of the picture and him tied up chasing them, she could change Cy-Rac from top to bottom and start selling juju beans without any opposition. His anger turned up another notch. She could count on him alright. The old man might not be happy about the outcome, though.

Katie will be down in just a minute.

There were a thousand questions Peter wanted to ask but there was something about Cyrus that stopped him. The old man had always been implacable once he made up his mind. Questions would just get his back up and Peter wanted to see the lay of the land before he decided what action to take. He heard light steps rushing down the stairs. This must be her. He tensed and looked at the door expectantly.

In walked the prettiest twelve-year old he had ever seen. She was wearing baggy pants, an oversized t-shirt and sandals. Her honey-gold hair was pulled back into a careless ponytail. She smiled at Cyrus and Peter’s breath caught in his throat. There was wattage in that smile.

She saw him and hesitated as if she wasn’t expecting him. Then she walked over to Cyrus and kissed his cheek.

Peter’s eyes narrowed. Surely this couldn’t be her.

Cyrus took her hand and patted it. Peter, this is my Katie.

Peter just stared. It was far worse than he had imagined. No one in his right mind would ever pay any attention to—much less follow—this girl. There had been no pictures to go with the marriage announcement and now he knew why. Cy-Rac would be in shambles within twenty-four hours of her taking over.

She walked over to him and held out her hand. Peter ignored it. She let it fall and there was just the slightest shift in her attitude. A polite society mask fell into place. The change was immediate and easy to recognize. He had seen it hundreds of times. Just that quick, the baggy pants and t-shirt did not exist. Before him stood a woman of the world, someone wise in its ways and well able to take care of herself.

In that second, Peter had the strangest feeling something precious had just been wrenched from him. He didn’t understand or like it and it upped his irritation even more.

Hello, Mr. Burk. My husband has told me so much about you.

Peter just stared. The cultured grown up voice sounded strange coming out of this little girl.

I know you are headed to Columbia tomorrow to continue the search for Jim and Jamie and I’m glad you took the time to meet with me.

I bet you are, Peter thought. He watched as she walked back to Cyrus’ chair and sat on the arm. She looked at him expectantly. He stared back. She could carry this ball. After all, it was her show.

After the slightest hesitation she said, Cyrus tells me you are one of the best in the security field.

He should know. He taught me everything I know.

She smiled again, only this time it didn’t consume her face the way the first one had. Then you are the best. Of course, it goes without saying, Cy-Rac is behind you one hundred percent in the search for Jim and Jamie. Call on any or all of Cy-Rac’s resources at day or night and you’ll get it. Just let Darrel Foss know when you need anything.

Peter watched her closely. She was good. He couldn’t decide if she was sincere or if it was all show for Cyrus’ sake. He decided to take it at face value. Foss?

Yes, he is Chief of Security now and authorized to help you in any way possible.

Peter grunted. She had lost no time implementing changes. The small smile flitting across her face said ‘fine, if that’s the way you want it’. Good, he thought, they understood one another. She pressed on just as if the battle lines hadn’t been drawn.

Your man, Jason Perdue recommended Foss for the job. The Chief of Security position has been in limbo long enough. That position, left vacant for too long creates unease among the employees. Wouldn’t you agree?

Peter nodded his head.

Having a new CEO and a new Chief of Security come in on the same day would not have been advisable. So, I had a very productive meeting with the board two weeks ago. Darrel Foss was offered the position and with a little persuasion, accepted. The board and I also came to an understanding on other issues as well. A united front will make the transition much easier.

Peter crossed his legs for something to do. It seems you have everything well in hand.

She laid a possessive hand on Cyrus’ arm and smiled. I do. It is important to us for this transition to go smoothly.

Peter nodded. Her message came through loud and clear. This was her politely veiled way of telling him to butt out now and save them both some trouble.

She rose and walked toward the bar. Of course there will be changes. That would be true of anyone taking over. No two people are going to do exactly the same thing in every situation, but that is no reason for everyone involved to feel as if they have been jerked from one extreme to another.

Peter watched as she poured herself some lemonade and gestured at the glass. Would either of you gentlemen like a glass?

Peter ignored the offer and continued. There will be those who will not want change.

One perfect eyebrow rose and she gave a slight shrug. That is their decision. They will be given the opportunity to come on board or take a severance package. We already have one in place for every level of the company.

Peter had to hand it to her; she was certainly a cool one and seemed to know her stuff. She was leaving nothing to chance. From the beginning, they would know it was her way or the highway. He frowned. Obviously he needed to stay. The old man needed him whether he knew it or not. He began trying to rearrange his schedule in his head.

Is there anything else you feel you need to know before you leave, Mr. Burk?

Peter pulled his mind back to the conversation. He heard the softly veiled steel in her voice and the slight emphasis on the word leave. It was almost as if she had read his thoughts.

I don’t mean to rush you but if there isn’t anything else, Cyrus really must rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. She stood up and put her hand on Cyrus’ shoulder.

Don’t get up, dear. I will see Mr. Burk to the door.

Peter thought the old man looked none too pleased with the tone or length of the meeting. He did look tired around his eyes, so Peter decided not to press it. But, it was obvious he had to be at that meeting in the morning.

"No, Katie, go up and check on that sister of yours.

I’ll see Peter to the door. He won’t mind strolling with an old man like me."

For one second Peter saw an odd look cross the girl’s face. But then the polite society mask was back in place.

Alright. She looked at Peter. Mr. Burk please feel free to visit anytime.

Peter noticed the slight emphasis on the word visit. Cyrus must have noticed it too because a brief frown crossed his face.

She kissed Cyrus on the cheek and left.

Cyrus stood up and slowly began to walk down the hall. Peter kept pace beside him. There was so much he wanted to say and he didn’t know where to start. It was obvious the old man really liked this girl and that would be a problem.

I know what you are thinking. Contrary to what it seems, I am not an old fool who has completely lost his mind. I trust Katie. You can trust her too. I need to know if she ever calls on you, you will be there for her.

Peter kept silent. He wouldn’t promise anything. Not when he was planning to get rid of her as soon as he found a way to do it.

Cyrus put a hand on his shoulder. Son, I need you to do this for me. Promise.

Peter raked his hand through his hair and thought of Jim. I wish Jim was here.

So do I. But, he’s not and we need to face facts. Cyrus’ voice cracked. No one has heard from him since he left. We have every resource at our disposal looking for him and Jamie and we haven’t a clue what happened to them. And now I am beginning to wonder…

Cyrus didn’t finish. We may never hear from or find them.

The words stopped Peter cold. He couldn’t believe Cyrus was saying them.

You won’t be here either, but Katie will. Promise.

All of which might be true but it was not a good enough reason to hand Cy-Rac over to a-a-a…Peter didn’t know if he knew a word strong enough to describe her. His thoughts must have been showing on his face because Cyrus squeezed his shoulder.

Now, don’t go making trouble. Go to Bogota and find my boys.

Don’t worry. I’ll find them. I’ll make sure someone is searching until they are found.

I know you won’t quit looking. Cyrus stopped by the door. How is the training facility coming?

Peter smiled for the first time. The abrupt change of subject didn’t fool him for a minute. Cyrus was trying to distract him.