Unveiled Secrets

By Angela Schmeling

My world has been turned upside down. Finding out the truth of who I am has rocked my core. Even as my memories begin to return, I am finding that there are still many more secrets that are yet to be revealed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Angela Schmeling
• Release date: May 31, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088069363

Book preview

Unveiled

Secrets

ANGELA SCHMELING

Copyright © 2023 Angela Schmeling

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the author’s written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. This novel's characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue are either the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Cover Photo Attribute: Adobe Stock Photos

DEDICATION

Isaac – you’re my steady rock and the love of my life. I’m so grateful for every moment we are together. There is no one else I would rather do life with. Thank you for your unwavering support and love!

Jesus – thank you for giving me yet another story to write that will touch and entertain others.

My amazing editors: Jazzmyne, Jocelyn, and Jennie

Thank you for never holding back on what you think when you are reading the story! You keep me on my toes with revisions and corrections. More importantly, your encouragement, support, and willingness to edit (even annoyingly and painstakingly so) means the world to me, and I couldn’t ask for better!

Ariana – thank you for the snuggle times and all the support you give Mom when she’s writing a book.

Chapter 1

Mom? 

I felt like I had been sucker punched in the gut. My mind reeled.

How was this happening?

How was this possible?

The gun in my hand dropped to the ground, and I stumbled backward. I felt my former boyfriend, who I thought had killed my mother, Alex Hutchinson’s hand on the small of my back, keeping me from falling. 

I felt lightheaded. My mother or the person whom I thought was my mother. Who I had a mother-daughter relationship with for over a year, who I thought to be dead by the man next to me, was standing in front of me very much alive. I had come here to seek vengeance for her death, but here she was, with a gun to my head.

My breathing came fast.

I knew less than I thought.

A lot less.

Her beautiful chestnut hair came down in waves, resting on her shoulders. The gun was gripped firmly in her hand, and her face held little emotion. 

Come on, Loretta, Alex said calmly, standing between my mother and me. We don’t need the gun. He eyed my pale features. But we do need some water, and then we need to sit down and talk this all out. Finally.

Mom put the gun down. I could use a drink myself. Though something stronger than water.

You aren’t going to find that here. Alex responded.

Mom shrugged and went into the kitchen.

I was still breathing heavily, trying to make sense of things. My head was spinning. 

Realizing that Alex still had his hand on my back, my anger flared.

Don’t touch me! I cried out and stepped away from him, my hands going to my face. 

Mom came back in and pressed a glass of water into my hands. You don’t need to be upset with him, Lenny. He’s done nothing but try to protect you from the start. Annoyingly and interferingly so. She rolled her eyes at him.

And you? I accused. What have you been doing?

The same. She replied, sitting down in the chair.

With shaking hands, I brought the glass of water to my lips and sat on the couch. I eyed my gun resting on the floor just a foot away. 

Catching my glance, Mom reached down and took the gun. Hopefully, neither of us have any use for these. Taking the gun, she got up and left towards the kitchen.

Alex sat next to me on the couch hesitantly. How are you doing?

I glared at him. 

Listen. He said. I know you have a lot of questions, and we will answer them.

What we can. Mom said, coming back in.

Alex shook his head. Stop it, Loretta. She has a right to know. You should’ve told her months ago when I told you to.

Months? 

Okay. I pressed my fingers to the bridge of my nose, feigning a headache. So many questions…. where to begin? I guess the obvious one. How are you alive? I saw them take the body out of the house. Where have you been all this time?

Mom licked her lips. I could tell she pondered what to say.

Tell her, Loretta. Alex said. 

She glowered at him. I’m trying to figure out where to start.

The beginning. I replied.

She sat in the arm armchair and put her head in her hands. "It was never supposed to be like this. It was an assignment at the beginning. But things changed.

After Alex came in, I learned more about you. Who you actually were. Not the killer I was led to believe. He spoke with such great love in his voice that it made me want to meet you, and when I did, I understood. Even with your memory gone, you were incredible. Driven. Kind. Everything I wanted in a daughter.

Mom sighed and leaned back to look up at the ceiling. We were trying to protect you. Get you away from him.

Gerhardt. I whispered. The man who invaded my dreams and memories. The one who attacked me outside of work. Who has run into me several times since, once nearly literally with his car.

Yes. Alex grabbed my hand. You remember?

Not exactly. I said and pulled my hand from his. I was still angry. I don’t understand any of this…but…. I reached for my bag and pulled out the photos. I have to know. Is this me?

I set the picture down on the coffee table. 

Where did you get that? Alex asked as he peered at it. 

Your friend Todd. Mom said with a smile. His sister works for the CIA. You asked for their help, didn’t you?

Yes. They were trying to help me find out who I am. I bit my lip. So, this is true? This is me? I’m this Red Talon assassin?

This was our mission in Paris. Three years ago. Alex said with a nod.

My heart sank. So, you are the Black Hawk.

I hated that name.

And Lady Frost, I said slowly, finally some clarity, though it wasn’t what I wanted. She’s my sister?

Alex’s face was open and hopeful as his eyes searched my face. How much do you remember?

Just bits and pieces. I’ve had dreams. I responded. I placed my head in my hands. I didn’t want them to be real. I didn’t want to be the person that I was seeing. I pulled my head up and eyed my mother. You’re not my mom, are you?

Mom, I couldn’t think of her as anyone else, shook her head, her eyes growing moist. Honestly, I wish I was. I do love you like a daughter.

Yet, you pointed a gun at my head a few minutes ago.

She laughed. I wouldn’t have shot you.

I gave her a look.

Really! Mom insisted. That’s why I had a tranquilizer gun. Unlike yours, mine wouldn’t kill you.

Explain to me how you’re alive and who you are.

What memories have you had? 

I thought back. Some memories as a child with my sister and Alex, some of Gerhardt, some of…. I paused, my mind filled with images of the assassinations that had come back to me. People that were killed by Alex and by me. I swallowed. 

Mom put her elbows on her knees and leaned forward. "I work for the CIA, like your friend Alison, though I work deep cover cases. Four years ago, I was tasked to find Gerhardt and his crime ring. They have been heavily involved in international human trafficking, drug laundering, and professional assassinations. Two years ago, we were able to get Alex to turn to us with the understanding that we would get you both out and protect you. 

You wanted your sister as well, but as she was close to Gerhardt, she wasn’t so apt to leave in the subtle inquiries you made to her.

We had one final mission. Alex interjected. It was you in LA. You were tasked to kill a diplomat from Bulgaria. I was sent to DC for a separate kill mission. The plan was that the mission would go wrong and we would get killed, and in faking our deaths, we would get out of the crime syndicate Gerhardt had built and help bring it down. He valued us too much to just let us go. He was also in love with you. He spat out bitterly.

But Julia and him….

That’s what drove you two apart. She was jealous that he loved you more than her. She hated you for it.

I didn’t want him. I said. Did I?

Alex shook his head with a smile. No.

While you were in LA, Mom said. You were at the designated spot, and something happened. We don’t know what, and you can’t remember. But a fire broke out. We barely got you out. After that, we figured we’d all go undercover. With Jim and I posing as your parents. We actually are married. She winked. "It wasn’t too much of a stretch. My parents live here in Sioux Falls. Joe and Sandy are legitimately related to me and are both retired NSA and CIA agents. We thought that if we posed as a family, we could protect you that way.

But unfortunately, he found you. We don’t know how. At first, we monitored, then thought we could flush him out if he thought you were unprotected.

So, you faked your death and framed Alex for it.

Mom nodded. 

Didn’t work, though.

Not like we’d hoped. She admitted. 

What about Dad? I asked. Does he know that you’re alive? He was still protecting me.

He was and is. Mom responded. And he does know. Just recently, anyway.

A sucker punch. Had everyone been lying to me?

Anger welled up inside me. I feel so stupid.

Oh, no, sweetheart. Don’t feel that way. Alex tried to put a comforting hand on my back.

Don’t touch me! I screamed as I stood up abruptly. You both have been lying to me for as long as I can remember anything and now you just expect me to trust you?

Yes. Alex said softly. You can always trust me.

I crossed my arms. I don’t know about that. I don’t even know you!

Yes, you do. Alex persisted. You just can’t remember.

Whether you trust us or not, you both have vital information for us. Mom interjected sternly. To help bring this ring down, but we need your sister, too.

My head began to pound, but I stayed standing. Why?

The three of you together have pieces that bring all of the man you know as the Godfather and, in essence, Gerhardt, since he runs most of the organization now, clients, addresses, dates in one big list. Everything we need to bring him down and stop this ring for good.

I rubbed my temples and leaned back against the wall. I barely remember anything.

I think she’s been through enough today. Alex said. It’s late, and it’s a lot to process. Lenny, you’re tired. We can continue this tomorrow.

Is that really my name? I asked. Lenore?

Alex nodded. And my name really is Alex, and she is really Loretta. The last names changed only.

I gave a slow nod and started to head for the door but was stopped by Mom’s voice. Lenny, stay here tonight.

Why? I asked suspiciously. 

Mom sighed. I need to go speak with your father…er…Jim and make sure he understands the next course of action, and I would like to do that before you try interrogating or possibly killing him.

I gasped. I’m angry, but I’m not a murderer. Not anymore. That’s not who I want to be.

Says the girl that came here with every intent to kill Alex.

It’s never who you wanted to be, Lenny. Alex interceded before I could respond.

And I would be more worried about me killing him, I jerked my head at Alex. Then Dad.

Alex scoffed. Won’t be the first time you’ve tried.

I wouldn’t push her right now, Alex. Mom said. Either way, I’m not worried about it. The person she is now isn’t the person she was. She’s changed. Mom paused. We all have.

With those words, she left the apartment, leaving me alone with the man I once loved. 

Stealing a glance at his handsome, yet somber face, I sighed. Maybe deep down, I still did love him. We obviously had history. My eyes averted to the wooden box on his coffee table beside his Bible.

Were you really married before, or was that a lie, too?

That wasn’t a lie.

And your wife is dead?

No. That was a lie. Alex admitted.

So where is she then? I asked. And if she’s alive, why were you kissing me and telling me you loved me?

Alex got up and slowly came towards me. I didn’t move when he gently took my hands in his. 

My wife is standing right in front of me.

Chapter 2

I woke up the next morning and groaned. For once, I had no dreams but wish I had. I rolled over, half expecting Diamond to growl in protest, and opened my eyes. 

I wasn’t in my bed. 

I was in Alex’s bed. 

My husband. 

If that wasn’t the doozy of all things. 

He knew he shocked me with that statement, so he simply kissed my forehead and told me to sleep in his room while he took the couch. Like I could sleep after that announcement! Though, incredibly, I slept well.

And how very gentlemanly for him to offer his estranged wife a comfortable bed after dropping that bombshell that I am his wife!

Wife.

So weird.

I can’t remember getting married, my wedding night, nothing. 

The one night that I would’ve loved to have a memory dream about, and my brain decided to be frustratingly silent. 

Was it even true? 

That’s the next question that rattled my shaken brain. 

I’ve been lied to about so many things. 

But what would he gain by lying about that? 

The clatter of a pan in the kitchen reminded me that Alex was still here. 

Throwing back the covers, I got up and cautiously walked out of the room. 

Hey. Alex said when he saw me enter the kitchen. Sorry if I woke you.

I shrugged and sat down at the table, unsure what to say. What could I say, really? This whole situation was not normal.

I made breakfast. Alex said, his gaze focused on the food in the pan. His mannerisms were casual, yet guarded. Like he was gauging my mood. Some kielbasa and scrambled eggs.

Thank you. 

He set a plate in front of me and then grabbed one for himself before sitting down across from me. I watched as he prayed over his meal and then he looked over at me. 

Listen, he started softly. I know that you are very confused and have many questions right now.

I looked over at him. 

I’ve known you since I was five years old. I have loved you nearly since then, though I fought it for a long time. The past year and a half has been hard for both of us in different ways, but we will get through this together. We always do.

Staring down at my eggs and kielbasa, I stabbed into the meat while I pondered what to say. We really are married?

Yes.

When?

Alex smiled softly at the memory that was so easily accessible for him, yet my brain fought the memory with every circuit. Jealousy prickled at my skin that I couldn’t remember my own wedding. We were on a mission in Prague. It was cold and blizzarding. It hit so fast that we couldn’t make it back and ended up in this little church in a village outside Prague to wait it out. 

Memories, like a thin veil, came through. You said you wanted to marry me. That you loved me and wanted to do one thing completely on our own. Even if it was in secret, at least we would be bound together with the love we had before God.

You remember.

I paused and looked away from him. Only a little. Just now, when you mentioned Prague.

The minister married us right there in that little church and gave us the gold rings. Then he gave us the box and engraved the date for us.

And the flower? I asked. I can’t remember.

The minister's wife gave you that flower. She said that every bride should have a flower on their wedding day. They even gave us a room in the church for our wedding night. 

I blushed. I didn’t remember that. And Gerhardt didn’t find out when we returned?

No, he was pretty upset with how that mission went as the storm put a wrench in the plans. I’m sure he suspected it later on. He and I had many confrontations regard to you.

I remembered the dream I had months ago on one of those confrontations. 

I left the box at that church to keep it safer and to keep it quiet, only recently getting it back. Even if Gerhardt knew, he couldn’t do what he wanted. The Godfather valued both of us too much to lose us. Alex paused after taking a bite of his own food. At least he did. 

You don’t think he still does?

Unless Gerhardt is here on his own. Alex’s look went solemn. Then he’s gone rogue, like us, but he’s here to probably kill me.

What about my sister, Julia?

Alex sighed. That’s our next mission. To get her out.

Mandala with solid fill

Are you okay? You’re not responding to my texts and I’m starting to get worried. I know you, Lenny, and I don’t think you are who Todd and Alison found. Please let me know that you’re okay.

I stared at the text from Mandi. Quickly, I responded back with a simple. I’m okay.

Knowing that wouldn’t suffice my friend, but not sure what else I should or even could say at the moment, I set my phone down and sat back on the couch.

Moments later, Alex came out from his shower with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. 

I inhaled quickly at the sight of his well-defined muscles glistening with the water still damp on his skin.

Alex gave a sly smile at the burn in my cheeks. We are married and you may not remember, but you have seen me in less.

The burn deepened.

Don’t think anything of it, love. Alex said, still smiling, his finger tenderly stroking my cheek.

Instantly, anger fueled within me, and I shot up abruptly. "How could I? I can barely remember anything! You’re telling me all these things, and I’m sure it’s easier for you now that I know, but it’s not for me! I don’t remember most of my childhood, my wedding day, us! I don’t remember us!" Hot tears threatened to spill as I sank back down onto the couch and put my face in my hands. 

I felt the couch shift as Alex sat beside me. 

I’m sorry. He said quietly. It was hard for me, too. Having to hide my feelings and who you are to me. To basically court you all over again. He gave a lopsided grin as I turned my face to look at him. Not that I minded, but I missed being able to talk to you about everything.

His face went sad, and I felt my heart break a little, my anger dissipating. I reached over and gently cupped his face with my hand.

My mouth opened to say something, I wasn’t sure what to say yet, but my phone saved me. Its buzz caused me to jump and my hand to drop.

Where are you?

I sighed. What am I supposed to tell Mandi?

You can tell her what you know, but not all you know. Does that make sense?

No.

You can’t tell her Loretta is still alive. Alex said firmly. We can’t risk that getting back to Gerhardt.

Mandi wouldn’t tell him. She doesn’t even know anything!

But Todd’s sister may.

I hadn’t thought of that. Sighing, I asked. Why does it matter?

Because if he finds out that Loretta’s still alive, he might figure out that we are working with the CIA, and that will not be good for any of us.

I gave a slow nod, and then we were quiet for a moment, each in our own thoughts.

Tell me more. I said, breaking the silence.

About what?

We were friends as kids, right?

Alex nodded.

Then tell me about my life! How this all happened! How did we get here?

We lived next door to each other up until Gerhardt kidnapped us. I was sixteen, and you were fourteen.

But Julia was dating him, right?

Yes. She had a date with him, and then we didn’t see her for months. Until the night they took us. I was walking you home. I had taken you to dinner.

I had been mad at you earlier in the day. I said, remembering the flash of memory I had months before. And then you kissed me. I was fourteen. I looked over at him. I had been in love with you for years but thought you only saw me as an annoying little sister. That you wanted Julia.

Alex laughed. I never had anything but friendship with Julia. His face went solemn. And then anger. We spent nearly eight years under their thumbs. Doing everything they asked to survive.

What happened to you after I lost my memory?

I was in DC meeting my CIA contact with the cover of a Senator assassination. We were able to fake the assassination; the Senator is alive and in hiding at the moment. Our plan failed, though. I was not portrayed as killed as they hoped for and instead arrested. I was taken into CIA custody, where no one would tell me anything. I didn’t know if you were dead or alive. If your mission had been successful or not. No one would let me talk to Loretta, who had been my contact from the start. I didn’t know what was going on. Finally, someone told me that you had been killed in LA and I was devastated. His hand found mine and our fingers intertwined.

It was nearly six months of being held in Langley before I discovered the truth. I left as soon as I could and got a hold of Joe.

How does Grandpa Joe factor into all this?

He’s retired CIA and Loretta’s actual father, so it was a good place for cover to move here.

And how did you know I was here and alive?

"I had been under custody with my handler, Eric. He’s a good guy. Decent. After two weeks, he had a different identity for me. Alexander Hutchinson. With that, as long as I was with him, I was able to get out and go around the city. He was different than most people I had interacted with at the CIA. Even Loretta and Jim. 

He asked me to go to church with him one day. I started going every week. Captivated by the thought that Someone would forgive me after everything I’d done. That there was no way this Jesus could love an assassin like me.

I watched as he grew animated, obviously excited and filled with joy. 

I eventually asked for His forgiveness, and it was the most freeing feeling I had ever experienced.

That’s great for you, Alex. I said, unsure what else to say. But how does this fit in with Joe and you finding me?

So, Eric was trained by Joe and they had remained close over the years. Eric let it slip that Joe’s daughter was back in town and how elated Joe was to see her and I knew that if Loretta was there, so were you.

So, why didn’t you tell me anything?

Alex sighed and rubbed his face with his free hand, the other still holding mine. "Eric pulled some strings to get me here with the condition that Joe would keep an eye on me and that I wouldn’t say anything to you about our history. By this time, Loretta and Jim were really enjoying having you as their daughter. Plus, they didn’t want anyone from the Underground to know you were still alive. So, Joe got me