Rekindle the Flame: Book 2 of the Vendicatori

By Marc Estes

Picking up where Four Pieces For Power leaves off, Andrew continues to delve deeper into the world of the Vendicatori, where more secrets from his past shake his present. A mysterious woman has somehow escaped the Vendicatori compound, but were they holding her as a prisoner, or for her own safety?
The Stavero family is now even more focused on revenge and the downfall of the Correos. Magda Stavero takes the reigns and is ready to be more evil than Robert ever dreamed of being. With her granddaughter, Kayla, at her side, she is given the chance to infiltrate Edson from afar and begins to unravel her plan for vengeance.
Now John, a newly added member to the Correo family, is starting to ask questions as Andrew becomes more elusive. A recent clue leads him down a path he cannot return from. A path that may provide more questions than answers.
As Dominic and Ramos scramble to find their missing guest, she is about to arrive in Edson, and become a revelation that no one saw coming. Is she a friend or a foe? Will Dominic and Ramos find her before she reveals herself? Are the Staveros behind her escape, or are they merely using it to their advantage?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Jun 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490759678

Marc Estes

Accomplished writer, Marc Estes, is proud to present Rekindle the Flame, the second in a series of Vendicatori novels developed by Mr. Estes. He is the recipient of numerous national and international playwriting awards including the Vermont Playwright’s Award, the 2012 Robert J. Pickering Award for Playwriting Excellence, the Robert Chesley Award from the Chesley/Bumbalow Foundation in Los Angeles, and he was selected to receive the Artist in Residence Grant from the Helene Wurlitzer Foundation in Taos, New Mexico. His plays, Gumbo (adapted from the short story by Charles Huckelbury) and Going Home were presented at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His play The Practice of Killing (co-written with Robert Johnson, and adapted from the short story by Mr. Johnson) has been published in the Spring 2013 edition of Tacenda Literary Magazine. In 2014, Mr. Estes published his debut novel, Four Pieces For Power: Book 1 of the Vendicatori Series. Estes is a native of New England.

Book preview

The Families

The Correo Family

Andrew Correo - Newest leader of the Vendicatori

Monica Weaver – Andrew’s sister and wife to John Weaver

Brittany Correo – Andrew’s mother

Antonio Correo – Grandfather to Andrew and Monica –deceased

The Stavero Family

Robert Stavero- arch-rival to Andrew Correo – presumed dead

Francis Stavero- Grandfather to Robert – deceased

Magda Stavero- second wife and now widow of Francis Stavero

Kayla Villanueva – Cousin to Robert Stavero and Granddaughter to Magda Stavero

The McKrone Family

Brad McKrone –only surviving member of the McKrone Family and friend to the Correos

Colleen McKrone – deceased sister of Brad

Brenda McKrone –deceased mother of Brad and Colleen

Other Key Characters

John Weaver- restaurant owner and husband to Monica Correo

Jenna Anderson – gift shop owner and new love interest to Andrew Correo

Ramos- once loyalist to the Stavero Family and now loyal to Andrew Correo

Dominic – Andrew’s mentor as he takes control of the Vendicatori

Titles by Marc Estes

Four Pieces For Power: Book 1 of the Vendicatori

Rekindle The Flame: Book 2 of the Vendicatori

Coming Soon:

The Dragon and the Phoenix: Book 3 of the Vendicatori

33 : The Ultras

The Plays

What Would Dickens Do?

Glass Closets

Going Home

Gumbo

Three Dollar Bill’s

What Has Come Before

The recent deaths of Antonio Correo and Francis Stavero set off the beginning of Four Pieces For Power. Andrew Correo was forced to compete against Robert Stavero for control over the Vendicatori. Helping Andrew was Dominic, loyal friend of Antonio Correo. Robert is assisted by Ramos. Ramos chose to be loyal to the Stavero Family out of jealousy toward Andrew. Ramos was raised by Antonio and felt he should have been the rightful heir.

John Weaver, restaurant owner, finally gets up the courage to ask Monica Correo to be his wife. They plan the wedding close to Halloween and decide to make the reception a Masquerade Ball. These wedding plans bring about the return of Brittany Correo to Edson to help her daughter have a wedding she will never forget. One night during the planning for the wedding, John finds a mysterious letter amongst Andrew’s belongings, a find he keeps to himself for the time being.

Brad McKrone tries to overcome his grief at the loss of his mother and sister nearly five years before. Brenda and Colleen were shot and left for dead in the burning loft of the McKrone home. Colleen was also engaged to Andrew which brought Brad closer to the Correos in an attempt to heal and find a family to belong to.

In Mexico, Andrew finds assistance from an unusually friendly Esteban. Esteban leads him to Teotihuacan to find the first piece. Unbeknownst to Andrew, Esteban is working with Dominic. Esteban is shot in a scuffle but survives as Robert wins the first piece.

In Italy, Ramos begins to see the error of his ways and decides to join sides with Dominic and Andrew to defeat Robert. He leads Robert to the Island of Capri where he shoots him and leaves him in the wilderness for dead. Robert survives but loses the battle for the second piece, now aware he is alone in the battle.

In Boston, Ramos and Robert have one final showdown. Dominic tries to help, but arrives too late. He learns that Ramos has shot Robert once again, and has escaped with the remaining pieces. Dominic races back to Edson to tell Andrew at the Masquerade Ball.

The Masquerade goes well until Andrew spots a mysterious masked man heading upstairs to his office. He assumes the man behind the mask is Robert and pursues him. Dominic arrives just in time to see Andrew smash a vase over the masked man’s head. Behind the mask is Ramos carrying the remaining pieces to ensure Andrew’s victory.

As Brittany prepares to return to California, she announces she has decided to move back home to Edson. Monica and John leave for their honeymoon, and Andrew starts his new life with the Vendicatori….

1

F rom the Journal of Andrew Correo:

November 15:

Three weeks have passed since Monica’s wedding, the climactic ending of my greatest adventure, and the beginning of my new life. I have gone through many changes in my life, but none like those over the last couple months. I’ve had the opportunity to tour the compound in Caracas. It is very impressive. Dominic has worked at my side through the transition and I have been able to establish many new friends within the compound. Only one area of the compound troubles me, and that is the cryonics lab. My grandfather spent millions on research for this lab to help save lives. If it works so well, why couldn’t they save his? I have decided to keep this journal so that all of my future adventures can be at my fingertips and the fingertips of all those that come after. I am unsure what the future will hold for me, but I intend to take it one day at a time and with both eyes wide open.

Monica and John return from Australia today. They decided to stay for an extra week because they were enjoying it so much. I hope I will soon be an uncle. Mom will be coming back within the week, she just has to finish packing. The house in Laguna sold within days. It doesn’t seem possible that it has been almost five years since she moved there, and now, she’s coming back.

Jenna and I have been seeing a lot of each other lately. Perhaps I will be a husband and a father before I’m an uncle. She has shown me a new life, and I look forward to spending each day with her. My past is now my past. I have a whole new life ahead of me. Although I will always love Colleen, she too is part of my past and it is time to move on…

Andrew saved his journal entry on his computer and secured it with his password. Since his inheritance of the Vendicatori and his defeat over Robert Stavero, he developed a second life; a life that had to be kept secret from everyone that was near and dear to him. He longed to tell everyone and share his new life with them, but it was just not meant to be. If his family knew, then his extended family would know, and soon the whole world would know of the Vendicatori and its work. For years, investigations regularly took place, but nothing concrete was ever uncovered. After the death of President Chavez, the future of the Vendicatori was in question, but so far it worked well and remained intact. He turned off the computer and headed for the stairs. He built himself a new, more private office in the basement of the house. With Brittany returning, he needed a place for just him, a place she wouldn’t bother to check out.

Andrew checked himself in the mirror and went out to his car. He checked the flight information on his phone before he left. Monica and John would be arriving home in about an hour. He would make it to the airport just in time. He started his car and headed off down Bayberry road, anxious to see his sister again.

*     *     *

Dominic slammed the phone down in his office and paged his secretary. Within seconds, Ilse entered the office, Yes sir. What can I do for you?

I need you to get in touch with Juan Carlos. As unfortunate as it may be, he’s the only one skilled enough to help us now.

Sir? Ilse asked, Are you sure our little problem is in Mexico?

Dominic snapped, I don’t know. Our little problem could be anywhere. I’m counting on Juan Carlos being able to find this little problem before it becomes a big one.

The secretary left the office and Dominic continued fuming at his desk. All he could do now was pray that Andrew didn’t find out, and pray that the little problem didn’t end up in Edson.

*     *     *

Monica and John looked out the plane window together. They held hands all the way home, just as they had throughout Australia. They could see the bitter air of New England beginning to frost the windows of the plane. In just a few minutes they would be landing, the honeymoon would be over, and their new lives in Edson would begin.

I love you, Monica, John smiled at his wife.

I love you too, Monica gently kissed her husband on the lips as the plane began to descend towards the airport. Neither one of them could wait to get back home so they could spend the rest of their day in bed.

They both laid their heads back as the plane touched down at the Charleston Airport. The squeal of the tires hitting the runway reassured both of them that they were home and safe.

*     *     *

Andrew waited at the gate and watched the monitor as the sign next to flight 1576 from Los Angeles changed from ON TIME to ARRIVED. He watched the ramp as people made their way from the gate to the baggage area. He enjoyed watching the people as they reunited with the families they had been separated from for various lengths of time. He watched the business travelers as they rushed through the terminal, either to catch a connecting flight, or to be first in line for the next available cab.

A few minutes elapsed and Andrew began to wonder about his sister and John. Then, as he made another sweep of the crowd, he saw them. They held hands and walked slowly forward. Andrew could tell they were just as happy as the day they left.

As Monica caught sight of Andrew, she let go of John’s hand and ran to greet her brother, Andrew, she called out, It’s so good to see you. Monica threw her arms around her brother as if it had been years since they had last connected. John hastened his pace and joined Monica at Andrew’s side.

I have so much to tell you about the trip Andrew, Monica burst with news from her honeymoon.

Andrew smiled back, I can’t wait to hear all of it, he paused, but I think we should get to the baggage claim before someone makes off with all the souvenirs you brought back for me.

The group chuckled at Andrew’s joke, and Monica put her arms around both Andrew and John, My two favorite men in the world, she sighed, You guys are what make my life worth living. Monica kissed both of them on the cheek as they walked to baggage claim.

The crowd of people still flowed from the terminal. A woman with long blond hair struggled with her shoulder bag as she worked through the crowd, fighting the current. Her sunglasses slid to the edge of her nose and she pushed them up. The woman looked around and found her goal. With the advent of the cell phone, payphones were rare. She was happy to finally find one tucked away in a corner. The woman dialed for directory assistance and shortly thereafter, heard the sound of the operator’s voice, What city please?

Edson, she spoke, I’m looking for a listing for an Andrew Correo. Once she had his number, she would find a bus to take her to Edson.

2

"Y ou wouldn’t believe the wildlife Andrew, Monica boasted about her trip, It is unbelievable."

Did you see a lot of kangaroos?

Herds of them, Monica laughed, I think my favorite part though was the Great Barrier Reef. John and I snorkeled for hours, she paused, Wouldn’t you say that was the best part, John?

It wasn’t my favorite part, John smiled from ear to ear. Everyone in the car knew what his favorite part was.

The car approached John’s house and turned into the driveway. Andrew helped them unpack the car and bring everything into the house. The house was pretty stuffy after being closed up for three weeks. John walked in and dropped the bags just inside the door, It’s so good to be home again. Don’t get me wrong, I’d go back to Australia in a heartbeat. It’s just I know how good my own bed is going to feel when I crash in it tonight.

Our bed. Monica corrected, Remember you have to share that with me now darling.

My pleasure, John laughed.

Well I guess you two need to be alone for a while, Andrew interrupted, If you want to come over later on, just give me a call. Jenna knew you two were coming home today, so she decided we shouldn’t make any plans.

Well, Monica smirked, has my brother actually been getting along with a woman? I can’t believe it. Congrats, I knew you two would hit it off. I could tell at the wedding.

We’ve been seeing quite a bit of each other, but I don’t know how serious it’ll get, Andrew blushed.

That doesn’t matter right now, John broke in, What’s important is that you’re getting on with your life and trying it out for a change.

I guess you’re right. Well, call me later if you’re coming. Maybe I’ll invite Jenna over so she can hear about your trip too.

That would be great Andrew, Monica smiled, Why don’t we just plan on coming over around eight.

Sounds good to me, Andrew left and headed home. He couldn’t get Jenna out of his mind, but he didn’t want to admit that to his sister. He knew it would be bad enough when Brittany came back. Between his mother and his sister, he wouldn’t hear the end of it.

*     *     *

Juan Carlos, it’s good to see you again, my friend. Dominic forced the words from between his teeth. He had hated Juan Carlos from the day they met. His greasy black hair and his squinty, dark, South American eyes, made Dominic uncomfortable whenever he was in Juan Carlos’ presence. It took a lot to get under Dominic’s skin, but Juan Carlos always succeeded. Now, Juan Carlos had grown a thin black moustache, another feature this scum could hide behind. Over the years, Juan Carlos helped the Vendicatori in numerous ways, but he always had a price. Dominic feared telling him what he needed this time, because he knew the price would be high.

Let’s cut to the chase Dominic, Juan spoke in his raspy undertone, what do you need from me this time? He sparked up his lighter and lit up a cigarette.

Dominic threw a picture on his desk and Juan Carlos picked it up, Another missing person? Do you want this prize dead or alive?

Alive, Dominic stammered, If our friend comes back dead, you can kiss any compensation good-bye.

Any idea where this person might be?

My instincts and contacts lead me to believe she is in Mexico, but there is a possibility of the United States.

The United States? Juan Carlos laughed, I guess my price tag just went up, Dominic. You know that the United States and I aren’t exactly on each other’s Christmas card list.

I’ll send some of my men with you. If you need to go to the United States, they will protect you.

This woman must be pretty important, Juan Carlos looked down at her picture.

It is imperative that she’s found and brought back here. If she figures things out on her own, it could be disastrous.

Another brainwash, Dominic. I thought those days were over. He smiled his greasy little smirk holding the cigarette with the smallest muscle in his upper lip.

That is none of your concern, but no, this is a cryonics matter. Now get going. You’re already wasting time.

*     *     *

So, you can come over around eight o’clock if you want. They should be here.

I can’t wait to see Monica, Jenna responded, It seems like months since they left.

I think it will take months for us to hear all the stories they’ve brought back, Andrew joked, I’ll see you around eight o’clock then.

Andrew hung up the phone and walked into the den. He stared out the French doors to the front yard and a chill ran the length of his spine. The phone startled him, Hello? he answered. The phone was silent. Hello? he repeated. No response. The caller ID didn’t help either. It read UNAVAILABLE. He hung up the phone and stared at it, waiting for it to ring again. It was probably a bad connection, or an annoying telemarketer.

*     *     *

The woman replaced the receiver on the cradle and stepped away from the phone. She looked up at the Weaver’s sign and then stared down Main Street. Lost and alone, she had no idea what to do next. She walked down the street and saw the Edson Inn. There, she could clear her mind and work things out. As she walked into the lobby she found the ladies’ room and went in to straighten herself up. She brushed through her hair and then sprayed on some perfume. She inhaled deeply as she began to smell her perfume in the air. With that fragrance, came a lot of fond memories. She was finally home again.

The woman left the ladies’ room and walked up to the desk, I’d like a room please.

Yes, madam, The clerk answered, did you have a reservation?

No, this was a last minute trip.

No problem. Have you been in Edson before?

The woman paused, Yes, but it was many years ago, before this inn was built in fact. Not much has changed. Is the food any good at Weaver’s?

Weaver’s? the clerk looked at her. It’s one of the best in the area. It is always full for dinner. The owner, John Weaver runs a great place. Great guy too, he just got married.

Married?

Yes, the clerk confirmed, he’s a lucky man. He married Monica Correo.

The woman lost her breath. Little Monica was married. What else had changed since she left? The clerk took all the information he needed and gave her a pass key to her room.

How would you like to pay for this?

The woman reached in one of her bags and pulled out a large amount of cash, Cash, she answered and counted out enough to cover the night’s charge. Once again, she threw her shoulder bag over her shoulder and walked down the corridor to her room.

*     *     *

Brittany looked over her home. Boxes and scattered scraps of trash now lined the walls. Although she had a lot of good memories in Laguna, she was glad to be going home to Edson. The phone rang, forcing Brittany to wade through the boxes and trash until she could find the receiver. It took four rings. She was glad the answering machine was already packed away, Hello.

Mom, Monica spoke on the other end, We made it home.

Monica, dear, Brittany leaned back on one of the larger boxes, Welcome home. How was the trip?

Wonderful, I can’t wait until you come home so you can see all the pictures and hear all my stories. Andrew says you’re just about ready.

All packed. In fact it was lucky you called when you did. The man from the phone company is coming today to disconnect the land line. The movers arrive tomorrow and I’ll be home Tuesday. Two more days of Laguna and I’ll be able to spend the rest of my life with my children.

I can’t wait, Monica responded, There has really been something missing in Edson since you left.

Well, whatever I supplied will be back in just a couple of days, I promise. I guess I should let you go. I’ve got a few more things to take care of, and I’m sure you want to spend your evening with John.

Actually, we’re going over to Andrew’s later. He’s invited us over to share our stories with him and Jenna.

Jenna? I’m so glad she came into his life. He needed her. Now, if we could just find someone for Brad McKrone.

*     *     *

Virgo, Brad called out to his kitten. The small feline scurried out from under the couch hoping that it was dinnertime. Brad looked at the cat and grinned. Virgo had come a long way from the scrawny kitten he had found on the side of the road. He reached down and pulled the cat off of the floor. He could feel the vibration of Virgo’s purr as it shuddered with excitement through his small body. The cat rubbed both sides of Brad’s face with each side of his tiny jaws. Brad kissed the kitten between the ears, Well, John has Monica, and now Andrew has Jenna. I guess they have plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, he gave the cat a final hug and let him down to the floor, I only have you to be thankful for I guess….

The phone rang and interrupted his thought, Hello? No answer. He read the UNAVAILABLE on his caller ID and replaced the phone up against his ear. Hello? he heard the click of someone hanging up the phone on the other end and then the dial tone.

*     *     *

Is there any word yet? Ramos stormed through Dominic’s door.

If you’re talking about her, yes. Dominic sighed, I have every possible person on it right now. Christ, I even called in Juan Carlos.

You can’t be serious. Did you get any more from the video footage?

Nothing solid. Most of the footage was blacked out or on a loop. It looks like an inside thing. Someone had to know her identity and importance.

But why would anyone jeopardize her or Andrew?

Probably for the same reason you wanted to help Robert win the game. There are still a lot of people out there that would love to see Andrew suffer and fail. Take a look at the evidence, Ramos. Days before Andrew wins the game at Monica’s wedding, our friend is taken from the facility, four of our guys are dead, and we can’t make any positive identifications on who did this.

Well, they obviously know how to push the right buttons, whoever it is.

I don’t think her escape was all they had in mind. There is a deeper mystery here. I just hope we uncover the truth and find her before she finds Andrew.

Well, how much time do you think we have?

We ran out of time three weeks ago! By now, the sleeping sickness has worn off. She could remember everything.

You know we should have told him from the start.

We had our orders and that’s that, Ramos.

Antonio was dead by then. At the very least, Andrew could have heard the truth once he won.

Antonio Correo was a great man and I followed his orders his entire life; I wasn’t about to stop at his death.

I just…

You just nothing, Dominic interceded,