The New Donna: FBI Organized Crime Task Force Romantic Suspense

By Christine Chianti

The New leader of the Mob is More Than Just a Pretty Face...

Organized Crime Task Force member FBI Agent Deke Kirpatrick spends his days working to drive the mob out of town. But recently he has a secondary objective: he's lonely. He is the last of the Three Amigos to still be single. Envious of his friends, now he can

• Language: English
• Publisher: Golden Lark Publishing
• Release date: Apr 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9781946925053

Christine Chianti

Christine was born and raised in Western New York, and continues to make her home there.After high school, she studied physics and earth science at SUNY College at Brockport, as well as earning her NYS Teaching Certificates. Her graduate work was done at the University of Buffalo, where she received a Masters in Science Education.Christine spent 19 years teaching high school science, ranging from physics to forensics, in the Western New York area.Always a voracious reader, Christine began experimenting with her writing by penning several short stories while in high school. She dabbled at her writing until 2008, when she decided to commit to writing a full length novel.Enjoying the experience so much, she decided to pursue her writing full time in 2010, and left her teaching position.Christine is a member of the Write Touch Writers Group, Sisters in Crime, Romance Writers of America (pending), and Mystery Writers of America (pending). She is an avid aviation enthusiast, and spends her free time building her own plane.

Book preview

THE NEW

DONNA

AN FBI ORGANIZED CRIME TASK FORCE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

CHRISTINE

CHIANTI

Table of Contents

Title Page

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Excerpt

Other Titles By Christine Chianti

About the Author

Copyright

Tell Me More...

Chapter 1

Deke Kirkpatrick sat in his SUV in the minuscule parking lot of Beth’s Books and wondered what in heaven’s name he was doing here. He stared at the small, squat single story brick building that dated back to the late 1800’s, and shook his head to clear it.

It wasn’t the building that had pulled him here, especially tonight. After spending nearly eighteen hours between the stakeout, the takedown of the Black Mamba headquarters and filing the paperwork, he was exhausted. But he needed something more than sleep right now.

She was in there, he knew. He’d seen her once nearly nine months previous, when he had been sitting at a table in Clancy’s having a beer with his buddies. And, he thought to himself, it very well might have gone further that night if it hadn’t been for the way his buddy, Dom Franchini, had reacted to something that the last of the Three-Amigos, Brian Moran, had said about their new coworker named Bridgette.

Brian had tried to make a joke about the situation and Dom had darted out of the bar and into the storm. Through a bit of luck, Deke had managed to have a very short conversation with Beth that night before she had received an urgent phone call and rushed out.

He had wanted to see her again, but things hadn’t worked out. Yet.

Remembering the details of that night brought a smile to Deke’s face. Yes, his conversation with the elusive Beth had been cut short, but Dom was going to marry Bridgette in less than a month, so that had to be worth something.

He focused on the dark haired woman who was working the counter. Her body language made her look happy, but Deke remembered their previous meeting and how shy she was. His eight years experience with the FBI’s Organized Crime Taskforce had honed his ability to read people, and he thought that she was going to be an interesting nut to crack. Not that she was suspected of being involved with anything shady, but he figured it was going to take a bit to get her to open up and let him in.

He let out a long sigh, and wondered what Dom and Brian would think if they could see him right now. Parked out in the lot of a stranger’s business, trying to figure out the best way to ask her out. A snort of a laugh escaped, and he clucked his tongue in reproach of himself. He was the most cynical of the Three-Amigos and had constantly spoken against permanent relationships. Yet secretly, as he had watched his buddies fall head over heels for a woman that had suited them to a tee, he had envied them for what they had found. Would he be able to find that for himself?

He glanced in the rear view mirror, and saw the look in his eyes. His decision made, he got out of the car before he could change his mind and strolled to the door.

As he stepped inside, a two-toned chime sounded and she looked up from the counter. Hi, welcome to Beth’s. If you need any help finding something, just let me know, she said with a smile.

Deke only smiled and nodded before making his way into the stacks of books. Real smooth, Deke, he mumbled to himself. He’d already talked to this woman, why was he wimping out now? To take his mind off the subject, he started pawing through the thrillers that were lined up on the shelves.

The two-toned chime sounded again, and he glanced up.

She didn’t smile at this customer. What do you want?

The man who had walked in was dressed in a mid weight suit with an over coat on, and looked to be north of sixty. He walked to the counter, set both hands palms down and leaned in. It ain’t what I want, Chicky. You know what your father wants. Now me, I love your dad. If you were a good girl, you’d go home and see what he wants. You know that the death of your brother is weighing hard on him.

She sighed, Look, Gio, my dad and I have a serious difference of opinion. I don’t see how things are going to change, unless he’s ready to concede to a few points and make some life altering changes. Until then, why should I waste my time?

The man she called Gio leaned closer still and said one word, Duty, and left.

Deke watched Beth as she watched the man go. She wrapped her arms around her shoulders as if she was trying to warm herself. And when those shoulders began to shake with what Deke guessed were sobs, he couldn’t stand still any longer. Taking the book that he still had in his hand, he crossed to the counter, and was about to say something when the chime sounded yet again. This time, there was an added sound. A young girl called out, Mama!

Hearing that little voice, Beth looked up from her cash register. There, she thought, was the reason that she would endure the harassment from her family. Her little girl deserved happiness. Something that she had seldom known during her childhood. Mia! Oh, how’s my little girl? she asked, bending down to give her daughter a hug when she came around the counter.

Mia wrapped her arms around Beth and held on tight. It was fun, Mama. But next time we go to FunLand, you’ve gotta come too, she babbled with excitement.

Beth brushed her daughter’s thick brown hair and kissed her on the forehead. Maybe next time. But right now, I’ve got to take care of this nice man who’s been very patient with me while I said hello to you. You go sit at your table and do your work, okay?

Okay, Mama, the little girl said before she turned and darted into the children’s section and sat at a small table and began coloring.

Beth closed her eyes and sighed before turning back to the man at the register. I’m sorry about that. A friend took her along with her own daughter to FunLand for the day and they just got back. Where you able to find what you were looking for?

I…I think so, the man said.

When he stammered, Beth looked up from the register. I’m sorry. Can I help you find something else?

No. It’s just that we met once. Months ago, and I’ve been trying to find you, and now I’m not sure what to say now that I’m here.

Beth looked at him closer, something felt off. If this was another one of her father’s goon’s he wasn’t one that she remembered. You say we met once?

Yeah. Back in March. It was a stormy night, we talked for maybe two minutes at a place called Clancy’s. I’m Deke. Deke Kirkpatrick, he said extending his hand.

Beth smiled a little. She remembered going into a little place, supposedly to meet with her attorney, but Kelly hadn’t shown. While she had waited she decided to take advantage of being out alone to have a drink. Thinking back on that, she did remember meeting a guy there and having a short conversation before she’d had to rush out. Well, Deke, I’m Beth. Beth Charles. Glad to meet you. Again. She flashed a smile.

Deke smiled back. I hope that you don’t think poorly of me, but it seems that the gentlemen who was in here a little while ago was giving you a bit of grief.

Beth sighed, It’s nothing. Really. Just some family business.

Deke nodded, If there is anything that I can do to help, let me know. He added his business card to the pile of bills he set on the counter, took his receipt and walked out.

Could she tell anyone? Having a heritage like she did, she doubted that anyone in law enforcement would be willing to talk to her.

She turned to her little girl who was still coloring at the table. Come on, Mia. We’ll close a little early today so you can tell me about your day over a hot fudge sundae.

Okay, Deke, are you going to spill what’s eating at you? Dom asked the next morning after getting coffee in the cafeteria.

What do you mean? Deke snapped.

Well, it looks like you’re as angry as a constipated bear. Now, usually you’re about the most level-headed, easy-going guy I know. So for you to be this cross, something must have really got stuck in your craw.

Deke took a long slug of coffee and shrugged his shoulders just as Brian joined them.

What’s her name? Brian asked.

Deke nearly spit his coffee out. What was that? he finally managed as a slight smile cracked his face.

Well, the only time that I’ve seen you this flabbergasted before was when you went moony over that little redhead that was with us at Quantico. What was her name? Candy, I think?

That’s right, Dom agreed as Deke put his head down to try and cover the blush. Dom slapped Deke on the shoulder, Why don’t you spit it out and we’ll see if we can get you through the rough patch.

I can’t say as I feel right spilling all this, and I’m definitely going to loose guy points, but maybe it’ll make me feel better, Deke said. The night that you, he pointed to Dom, "ran off to meet Bridgette, I saw this woman across Clancy’s. We got to speak for only a few minutes before she needed to run out. I…I spent the next few months, going back and talking to people who were there and found out that her name was Beth. Beth Charles, and that she owns a small independent bookstore on the edge of Maryland called Beth’s Books.

Last night I went there, to her bookstore, hoping to perhaps set up a meeting with her.

Oooh, struck out, huh? Brian asked.

Well, not exactly. I did talk to her, but, uh, she’s got a kid and I flipped out. I never took the shot and asked. I mean, if she’s got a kid, she’s gotta be married. I can’t ask a married woman out.

Deke, there could be many possible reasons that she has a child, and not all of them include her being currently married. Talk to her, Dom said softly.

That’s your advice? Just go and talk to her? Deke demanded.

That night at Clancy’s? That’s just what I did with Bridgette if you recall. I took the step, Dom pointed out.

I…I guess I could do that. But what do I say to her?

How about saying that you acted like the south end of a north bound donkey? Brian suggested.

Funny, Moran, very funny. I’m trying to figure out what to do? Deke said.

Brian pulled up a chair and sat. What’s so important about this woman? I’ve never seen you this tied up before.

I don’t really know, Deke admitted. All I know is when I saw her that night in Clancy’s I wanted to get to know her. We talked for—I don’t know—maybe two or three minutes before she got a phone call. One that really upset her, and she ran off. But I was hooked. She’s bright and insightful and just fascinates the heck out of me.

Well, then, son, I guess you’d better suck things up and go get yourself a book, Dom suggested.

Mama? Whatcha looking at? Mia asked pulling herself up onto Beth’s lap.

Beth fingered the card on the bookstore counter. A man gave this to me last night when he was at the store. I… what did she tell her seven year old? I was thinking about giving him a call to see if he would like to meet up.

Who is he, Mama?

He’s someone I met several month’s ago. It was the night that you fell off the trampoline at gymnastics. I…I didn’t get a chance to talk to him much. But I did enjoy talking to him.

Then why do you look sad?

Beth hugged Mia. Oh, Honey. I’m not sad. I guess it’s more that I’m confused. There are some things going on with my…family. My father is having some problems, to be more specific. And it’s got me worrying.

We never see Grandpa. You don’t even talk about him. Why? Mia asked.

Beth sighed. I can’t tell you all of the reasons, Sweetheart. Something happened when I was…not a little girl, but I was just out of college. My father wouldn’t even help me. I really haven’t talked to him since.

That’s okay, Mama, Mia said squeezing her mother tightly. We’re all the family that we need.

Don’t you wish you had a daddy?

Mia looked puzzled for a moment. No. Unless you think I need one.

Beth laughed and hugged her tighter still. No, I think we’re good. Now, why don’t we straighten up the shelves and we can get ready to go home?

Okay, Mama, Mia said sliding deftly out of her mother’s lap walking directly to the children’s section.

The chimes over the door sounded and Beth turned around and sighed before she walked over to the man who came through the door. I don’t want you here. Get out.

Nice attitude for a shop owner, Chicky. I just want to talk. You’ve got a duty to your family, and it’s high time that you start keeping your obligations.

Family? You want to talk to me about family? Then tell me why the heck they didn’t stand up for me eight years ago? I get attacked and they throw me to the wolves? If that’s how family is supposed to stand for each other, then why bother? There are other people I don’t know who would like to throw me under the bus, and it would have the same result. Does that make them family too?

Look, Chicky, you—

My name is Beth! Blast it, Gio, she hissed. I left that life behind me years ago when they wouldn’t help me. Now, if there’s something my father wants to tell me, he’s bloody well going to have to apologize for that first. Then—and only then—will I even consider talking about them as family. Now, why don’t you get out and don’t bother coming back until he’s ready to admit his part in all of this.

The chimes rang again.

I don’t care if you call yourself the Queen of England, you’re his girl. And right now, you’re his only family. He needs you, Chicky.

Well, maybe he should have thought of that a while ago, because right now, I don’t need him. Now, Gio, I have customers to wait on, so if you’ll please excuse me, Beth said walking away towards the woman who had entered a moment earlier.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the chimes sounded and she noted Gio leaving, and turned her entire concentration to helping the woman find a book on the American Revolution.

Thirty minutes later, the store had nearly cleared out, and Beth let herself collapse on the small stool behind the counter. What was the use of telling Gio, or her father for that matter, how she felt. After the attack, her family had done nothing to help her cope, nothing to help with finding closure or peace. That was when she’d made the decision to walk away from them. For the next eight years, she’d worked hard to put the attack behind her. Now for some reason, it was being forced into her thoughts again.

She hadn’t needed them in the last eight years, so why should she change that now?

Still, she thought, it was weird that Gio had been in—two times in as many days—to try and get her to talk.

When the chimes sounded again, she nearly wept. All she wanted right now was to go home, get a cup of lemon balm tea and curl up on the sofa to relax. Resigned, she looked to the doors and saw him walking in.

Hi. Welcome back to Beth’s, she said with a forced smile.

Deke smiled and started to wave and then stopped suddenly. He came over to where she sat. You okay? You look like you’ve just gone fifteen rounds with the champ after running a marathon.

Flattery like that’s not going to get you too far, she pointed out.

Flattery be darned. I’ve seen corpses who appear to have better color and more energy. If you hadn’t spoken to me when I came in, I might have called emergency services to rush you to the hospital. Why don’t you close up a little early, go home and let your husband watch your little girl while you flake out for a bit?

Beth held up her left hand. No rings. Not married, never have been, it’s just Mia and me. So it takes a bit more work for me to get the night off. As for closing up early, this is my shop. Who else is going to work the counter? Besides, I did close a bit early yesterday to take Mia out for, she looked around to make sure that her daughter was far enough away so she wouldn’t hear when she whispered the word, ice cream.

Deke laughed. I’m sorry if it seemed like I was overstepping a bound, about suggesting you take some time for you. You just look like you could really use it—wait. That came out wrong. I just know how my mom gets and how that helps her. I just want to see you smile.

Oh, Deke, that’s sweet, but I just don’t have the time. Or the energy. When we close in an hour, I’ve got to straighten the shelves and then when we get home, I’ve got to figure something out for dinner and then it’s our normal nightly routine. Bath, story and bed for Mia, and then once she’s out, it’s time for me to sit down and work on the books or the marketing plan for the store. But, she looked up, it’s nice to have someone ask if I’m okay.

Let me make an offer then, Deke said, waving his hands before she could stop him. Let me help put things in order, then I’ll buy a pizza over at Pablo’s Pizza. That’ll take a little off your plate.

Chapter 2

I don’t date, Deke. I’m sorry.

Is it something I did? Besides, I’m not asking you out on a date. I’m asking you to share a pizza with me. As a friend.

But I see the look in your eyes. You’re interested in more than being just friends. I don’t know if I can do that. I’ve got Mia to worry about, and to be very clear she’s the most important thing in my life. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her.

Look, Beth, I’m not going to pretend that I’d like to see where this might go. Am I looking for some quick action? No. I’m… he paused, what was he looking for? He thought of his two best friends right now, both of whom were likely snuggled in with their fiancées enjoying the evening. Was that what he was after? Maybe he admitted to himself.

You’re what, Deke? Beth prompted.

I’m darned if I know exactly what it is I’m looking for. Maybe it’s the thought of a quiet night in, having family to share the ups and downs of a day with.

Beth eyed him. Don’t you have any guy friends to hang out with?

Deke hung his head and let out a soft chuckle. Well, it’s like this. The two guys that I’ve hung out with most over the past few years, well, they both got themselves engaged.

Beth smiled, You make it sound like they lost a race and getting engaged was the consolation prize.

No. No, Beth. I’m not much good at saying things, he leaned a hip on the counter. I’d guess that I was more surprised when it happened to Dom and Brian. But they’re both so…happy. It made me look at myself and realize that I wasn’t. When I sat down and did a real introspection about what I could change that would make things better, I just kept remembering your face when we met in Clancy’s. He exhaled sharply, That didn’t come out right. I don’t mean to be creepy. It’s just that I remember those few minutes and there was something about them that just made me relax. Something that I hadn’t felt in a long, long time.

And after months you decided to come in and find me?

No, he said, a smile etching across his face for the first time in minutes. It took me more than five months just to get your last name. He stopped and shook his head again. There I go, creepy Deke again. What I meant was we had barely started talking when you got that call and had to rush out. I didn’t even have your name. It took some time, and some effort, talking to people who were there that night to find someone who knew something.

So you actually went through a bit of trouble tracking me down? Now I’m not sure if I should be honored or scared. Why me, Deke? There were at least a dozen women there that night. Why did you spend the time to find me?

Deke bit his lip and looked at the window over her head as he tried to put his thoughts in order. "I guess the best I can say is that you intrigued me. But that’s not one hundred percent honest either. Look, Beth, I’ve talked to countless women at Clancy’s. And for the most part it always ends right there. We enjoy a few laughs, have a beer and share a few hours. But that was all pre-you. After that night, I’ve gone back to Clancy’s, with Brian and Dom, to have a beer, or catch a ball game. But each time I walked in, I was looking for you again. There’s something that pulls at me.

I don’t know how to explain it better. But for whatever reason, we met for a few minutes one night, and things haven’t been the same for me since. I’m not promising forever, not even hinting at it right now. But I’d like to see if there is enough that we can be friends first, and if we both feel like taking that next step, then we do that. So, what do you say?

Beth wrapped her arms around herself and paced a little. You don’t think you’re asking much, Deke, but you are. I’ve rarely let men into my life—in any form—for nearly eight years. Letting you be my friend, would be a huge step. Monumental. If I sound like I’m crazy, please try to remember, I’ve got to consider Mia in this as well.

She seems like a great kid, Deke said nodding toward where Mia colored at the small table. You’ve done a great job with her, especially if you’ve been on your own the entire time. I know it’s hard to let the dynamic change. So let’s take it slow.

What do you propose?

Deke followed instinct, reached out and gently took her hands. Let me help in here tonight. We can talk, get to know each other a little bit. If you’re happy at closing time, the offer of a pizza still stands.

Beth smiled and nodded. Okay. That could be fun and Mia likes pizza.

Deke grinned, Haven’t met a kid yet that didn’t. Now, why don’t you point me in a direction and tell me what you’d like me to do.

Okay, if you’re so insistent on helping out in the store. This way, she said leading him into the maze of shelves. You can straighten the shelves here in the transportation section. The books are arranged by subject first and then by author. All alphabetically, of course.

Deke sized up the rack and nodded. He watched her walk back to the front of the store and wondered who had hurt her that bad and what their motive was. He sighed lightly, Brian had been right. Things weren’t as cut and dried as he’d originally thought. But, he also noticed that he was looking forward to sharing a pizza with an interesting—no, he corrected himself when he spied Mia working in the children’s section—two interesting women in an hour or so.

So where are we going, Mama? Mia asked from the back seat of Beth’s car.

We are going to meet with a…friend. For pizza.

Are we going to the place with the big mouse and the games, the little girl asked excitedly.

Not tonight, my little one. We’re going to Pablo’s Pizza. And you’re not going to be a little mercenary. No asking for quarters to play the video games.

Beth watched in the rear view mirror as Mia pouted. She laughed. It was the first time in a few weeks, she thought, that she’d had a laugh. She let out a slow breath. She’d forgotten how good it felt to relax; to just totally let go of everything.

They pulled into the lot behind Pablo’s. Beth reached for the door handle and then stopped and instead grabbed her purse. If I’m going to spend the evening with a nice guy, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to look good for the occasion, she said as she applied a bit of lipstick.

Me too! Mia cried from the back seat.

Beth laughed again and dug into her purse once more and came out with a tube of chapstick and handed it to her daughter.

Headlights flashed across the car and Beth watched as the large black SUV glided in next to her small Prius. Wait here, she told Mia.

Cautiously, she climbed out of her car clutching her purse with her right hand and keeping her left hand inside, wrapped around the grip of the 9mm that she kept hidden there.

She sighed with relief when Deke stepped out of the vehicle.

Ah, Beth, he said watching her carefully.

Sorry, Deke, she said releasing the gun and pulling her hand free. I…I thought you were somebody else.

I’d like to ask what you’re afraid of, but something tells me that you’re not ready to share. But, please, if I can help, let me know.

Beth exhaled sharply. Right now, Deke, there’s nothing I can tell you.

Okay. But it just worries me that you were going for a gun when I pulled up.

How…how did you know?

I’m an agent with the FBI. I’ve been trained to observe. I can see something’s up, but this isn’t the time. So, why don’t we go in and enjoy a pizza and we can talk about something else?

Beth bit her bottom lip and nodded slowly. Okay. I’ll try.

Why had she been reaching for a gun when he pulled up? Deke could only wonder what would make a bookstore owner with a small child think she needed to carry a firearm for protection. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind.

He held the door for Beth and Mia before following them in.

Pablo’s was a small family run business that reminded him of the pizzeria that his parents ran back home. A few tables were