Angel Eyes

By Amanda Hogan

After her mother dies Angie Dempsey heads back to her hometown of Boston, having been away for thirteen years, to reconnect with family and friends. Vinny DeMarco meanwhlle is glad Angie has returned as he never got a chance to tell her how he truly felt. As the two reunite and realize what they've missed out on dark family secrets emerge that not only threaten their relationship but the lives of everyone around them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781365273612

Book preview

Angel Eyes

Angel Eyes

By Amanda Hogan

©2016 by Amanda Hogan.  All rights reserved.  Printed in the United States of America.  Published by Lulu.com.

Cover Image ©Amanda Hogan. All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction.  Any names, characters, organizations, and events portrayed are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously.  Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

No parts of this publication can be reproduced, sold, distributed, or transmitted without the author and publisher’s written permission.

ISBN: 978-1-365-27361-2

To Laura,

You were one of my best friends and will miss our chats so much.

See you in another life sister.

Prologue

Various flowers were now in bloom making the walkway look almost enchanting as Angela Dempsey made her way out into the garden.  She was looking for her mother, who she knew would be out here sitting amongst these flowers and hedges she took years to make look right.  It was more difficult than Mary Dempsey had imagined having uprooted her family from Boston and moved them to Savannah, Georgia.  The climates couldn’t be more different.  Certain flowers thrived here in the somewhat tropical summers, but others preferred the less humid New England air.

Angie came to a stop seeing her mother relaxing in the swing her father Joe had built for his wife after the move thirteen years prior.  Mary could sit outside for hours listening to music, watching her children play, or just listen to the birds.  She was doing that now when her daughter found her.

Mom? You feeling ok? Angie asked concerned.

Mary perked up and smiled at her daughter while adjusting the large, floppy hat she wore.  Hi sweetie, yes I’m fine.  Come sit with me.

Angie did as told and took a seat next to her mom.  They both had on almost matching sundresses but the younger’s was a coral tone while the elder’s was a darker blue.  I know it was a stupid question to ask.

There are no such things as stupid questions.  Mary laughed and took her daughter’s hand.  I know you’re worried but everything is going to be fine.

How can you say that?  Angie asked. I don’t understand.

She really couldn’t understand any of this.  Her mother was terminally ill.  How could anyone be so positive when you knew you weren’t going to get better?

Two years ago Mary realized she felt a lump in one of her breasts and promptly made an appointment to her doctor.  The doctors at the time thought they caught it early and they quickly removed the tumor.  However, eight months later another had formed and it quickly started spreading.  They tried all kinds of treatments with chemotherapy and radiation.  It was hard on Angie, her brother Tommy, their father, and especially their little sister Hayley as their mother got sicker and the effects of the treatment seemed to make it worse.

Three months ago they realized the therapy didn’t really work and there wasn’t a chance of recovery.  It was time to Mary to make a decision.  After she thought on it, talked about it with her family, and prayed she realized she was done with treatment.  Whatever was going to happen next would but she wanted to spend however much time she had left with her family and just be happy.

Angie felt her mother squeeze her hand.  Sweetie, we just don’t understand sometimes what God’s plan is.  I’ve lived such a happy life with your father and raised three amazing children.  I got to teach at a great school and help mentor even more amazing kids.

She felt tears coming and her mother wrapped a fragile hand around her before she spoke.  But you’ll never get to see Hayley or me get married and have children like you did with Tommy.

Of course I’ll be there.  I’ll always be with all of you. Mary tried to reassure her.

But we need you.  The tears wouldn’t stop now.  I need you.

Mary took her daughter’s face in her hands and started wiping the tears away.  La mia bella figlia.  She smiled again.  Don’t cry Angel Eyes.

Angie smiled at the nickname.  Her mother created the nickname as soon as Angela was born.  Like her older brother she inherited their Irish-American father’s blue eyes.  Mary, being Italian-American, loved the combination of dark hair and blue eyes in her oldest girl.  Angel could be a nickname for Angela so the term of endearment stuck, not only with her mother but most of her Italian side of the family and some friends.  Hearing it always made her feel better.

I’m sorry Mama.  Angie apologized.

Well its better we get it out now. 

They both fell into a comfortable silence until Angie spoke up.  Are you sure about the funeral and burial being back in Boston?  It felt weird to even talk like this but Mary wanted it all planned out.

It’s our home and the rest of our family is there.  That’s where it should be.

Confusion was still in her mind.  It didn’t fit with their sudden move when she was a teenager to Savannah. She didn’t get to finish out her junior or senior years of high school. I just don’t understand it since it always seemed like you wanted to get away from Boston and how bad the crime had gotten.

Mary looked away for a bit.  I got an attractive job offer from the college here.  I couldn’t turn it down.

I know, it’s just weird.

Mary patted her daughter’s arm.  You’ll understand when you’re older. She took a breath before going on.  Plus you’ll get to see all the family and your cousin Franci is getting married in July, and don’t forget about your little group of friends. Mary smiled knowingly.

That was one thing Angie was looking forward to with going back to Boston.  She and Tom were only a year apart in school and Franci was in the same grade as herself.  They all formed a large group with their mutual friends, especially two very special if not trouble making boys.

I can’t wait to see them.  It’s been way too long and the internet isn’t the same as the old days.  Angie replied.

See there will be good things to come out of it, just you wait and see.  She hoped more than anything her mother was right.

1

Her eyes got blurry as she kept staring at the various bags of luggage go around the carousel.  Angie still hadn’t spotted her luggage and was starting to get annoyed.  She let out an angry groan as her brother picked up his bags.  A strong arm pulled her in for a sideways hug.  She looked up and saw her father give her a small smile.

It’ll be here.  He reassured her.  Looking at his two other children he said, I have to go talk to some people about the casket.  I’ll text you when I’m finished.  After patting Angie’s arm one more time he was on his way.

Tommy gave his sister a sympathetic look.  I’ll stay here if you want to walk around.

Yeah, Tommy’s wife Jen chimed in.  I need to stretch my legs.

I’ll watch Gabby.  Hayley chimed in from her seat where she was busy keeping their five year old niece occupied.

Ok.  Angie replied and fell into step alongside her sister-in-law. 

Logan doesn’t seem that bad of an airport.  Jen chimed in a few seconds later with her Southern drawl.  Jennifer was originally from Atlanta had been a classmate of Tommy’s while they were in college at Georgia Tech.  The two fell in love instantly and had been together ever since.  Now being married for almost 6 years they were still happy and very much in love. 

It isn’t.  But you have more experience now with air travel. Angie replied.

Jen nodded.  That’s true. Tommy after graduating had wanted to join the FBI and got in.  He had been moved to various buildings in different states and they were currently living in the DC area.  However they still made frequent trips to Atlanta and Savannah to see their families.  They wanted their daughter Gabriella to be close to her family.  Does it feel weird to be back?

Somewhat.  I haven’t been back in Boston since we left.  My family came to visit us in Georgia, not the other way around.

The two of them walked over to look out some of the large windows overlooking downtown Boston and the Boston harbor.  Angie had to admit the view was amazing and it felt nice to see her old home in the mid June sun.

I’ve always wanted to see Boston.  It’s such a historical city and the Cape looks amazing from all those old photos Tommy and you all used to show me.  Jen said, tucking her bright blonde hair behind her ears.  It was a nervous habit Angie first noticed in her.  Another perk of her own college studies to become a high school guidance consular.

Maybe we can go after Franci’s wedding next month.  I’m planning on staying most of the summer since I’m off anyway. Angie offered.

That’d be nice. Jen replied.

That was what was odd about the timing of Mary’s passing.  It happened at the beginning of June, a few days after the school year ended and thankfully after her birthday in early May.  Angie didn’t need to request any time off and now had almost the next three months free.  It would give her lots of time to reconnect with her family and friends.

Jen then turned back to her.  I thought the service Heritage did was beautiful.

It was.  Angie said truthfully.  Her mother joined Savannah State University as a professor which was what prompted the whole family to move.  They were a prestigious institution with a higher up position and Mary loved teaching there.  She was a Psychology professor and probably what interested Angie in the field too.  However Angie wanted to work one on one with students so she became the consular at one of Savannah’s local high schools. 

SSU held a memorial service two days ago for the family, faculty, students, and alumni.  So many people came up to her family to tell them how her mother impacted their lives.  She was so beloved by everyone at the school and her former students.  It was a huge loss for all.

Well I guess we should get back.  Jen said and both women went back to the waiting area.

After spotting them Tommy called, I got them, as he loaded the last of Angie’s luggage onto the cart.  They actually had two carts full of luggage which Tommy pushed one and Angie took the other.  Gabby held onto both Hayley’s hand and her mother’s as they made their way over to where to where they knew their car they ordered would be at.

Their father texted a few minutes later that he would be at the front shortly.  Their car pulled up, but they weren’t expecting the driver.

There you are!  A short woman with long brunette hair exited the car pulling her large sunglasses off.  She smiled seeing everyone.  I’ve missed all of you.

Angie felt instantly better seeing her aunt Stella DeMarco.  She was her mother’s younger sister and the more effervescent of the two, but had the same loving personality and brown eyes.  Stella came over and hugged her nephew and his family first, taking the time to dote over Gabby, before hugging Hayley.  Finally she came over to Angie and wrapped her up in her arms.

There’s my girl.  She said and Angie clung to her.  She loved her aunt so much and she was always so comforting.  They talked all the time, sometimes even with Stella’s daughter Franci too.  They could talk about anything.  I know it’s probably affecting you much harder but we’re all here for you and love you.

Love you too, was all Angie could get out and tried really hard not to cry again.

Where’s Uncle Danny?  Hayley asked as Tommy, Jen, and Angie put the luggage in the trunk.

He tried to get work off but couldn’t.  Their uncle was a cardiologist at the hospital.  He sends his love.  We got the house all ready. Most of the family was planning to stay at Stella’s till after the funeral.  They had talked to Angie’s grandfather but they lived in Swampscott, a more upscale coastal town north of Boston and it was too far away from the rest of the family, including the Dempsey side, and where Mary would be buried.  The Castellanos had more room but it was easier this way at the DeMarcos.

However, Angie and Hayley were going to be staying with Franci at the latter’s