Dangerous Pursuit: The Black Book Series, #2

By Theresa Sederholt

There are some secrets that seep out the sides of even the most confined places. Secrets that get people killed when they are supposed to be protected by them. Secrets that change the dynamics of life as we know it.

Michelina has been a victim of all these possibilities. The only thing she can do is continue to search for answers and try not to get herself killed in the process.

Family can be a wonderful blessing. It can also come at a cost. The more Michelina learns about her family, the larger it grows and may just cost her everything.

Luca is doing everything in his power to keep the woman he loves safe and the truth from spreading like wildfire. But when a bullet, meant for his brother, is closing in on its target, instincts kick in and the truth explodes all around them.

There is one man at the helm of these wicked lies and deceit: Agosto. For years he thought he was doing the right thing. Maybe he was, or maybe he was unknowingly supplying the ammo to have his entire family taken out.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Theresa Sederholt
• Release date: Jun 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223795094

Theresa Sederholt

If you love Nutella…we’re already friends. I’m Theresa Sederholt, and I like writing. More than that, I love to tell stories. I write in multiple genres, but my heart, my passion, lies in writing stories that connect to those that have withstood dramatic personal experiences. I want to bring awareness and understanding by dealing with subject matter that is intimidating to navigate. On the flip side, I also like to whip up a steamy romance filled with suspense and sprinkled with mystery. Keeping you guessing with a twist here and there makes me happy. When I’m not writing, I’m cooking with my amazing husband, spoiling my dogs, or enjoying the rolling hills of North Carolina that are my backyard. If you would like to contact me, you can find me on any of the following social media platforms or feel free to email me at: [e-mail] Website: http://bit.ly/2JOBg9TAuthorWebsite Amazon Author Page: http://bit.ly/2LO66knAmazonAuthorPage Twitter: http://bit.ly/2sWKHO1Twitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/2JYrSn4Instagram Facebook: http://bit.ly/2JD0GGeTheresaSederholtFacebookAuthorPage

Book preview

There are some secrets that seep out the sides of even the most confined places. Secrets that get people killed when they are supposed to be protected by them. Secrets that change the dynamics of life as we know it.

Michelina has been a victim of all these possibilities. The only thing she can do is continue to search for answers and try not to get herself killed in the process.

Family can be a wonderful blessing. It can also come at a cost. The more Michelina learns about her family, the larger it grows and may just cost her everything.

Luca is doing everything in his power to keep the woman he loves safe and the truth from spreading like wildfire. But when a bullet, meant for his brother, is closing in on its target, instincts kick in and the truth explodes all around them.

There is one man at the helm of these wicked lies and deceit: Agosto. For years he thought he was doing the right thing. Maybe he was, or maybe he was unknowingly supplying the ammo to have his entire family taken out.

Dangerous Pursuit: A Black Book Series Book Two

Copyright© 2023 by Theresa Sederholt

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in the book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

This book contains strong language and violence. It is not intended for anyone under the age of 18.

Publisher: Theresa Sederholt ©

Cover designer: Sweet 15 Cover Designs LLC.

Editor: Jacquelyn Ayres.

Formatter: Stacey Ryan Blake: Champagne Book Design

This book is dedicated to everyone who never gave up. Who never gave in to the pain and the sadness.

You are strong.

You are beautiful.

You are different.

You are proud.

You are brave.

You be you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Preview of Blood Vows

Other Books

About the Author

Agosto

After talking with Michelina today, I realize she is a lot like Viviana: strong willed and fiercely independent, yet she has a vulnerable side that she tries not to show. She thinks she is ready for everything. In reality, she might not be able to handle the truth about the family—her family. She did not choose this family, God did. I can only warn her so much. Some things in life must be learned by experiencing them.

Every Sunday I go to mass, after which I go to the cemetery to put flowers on the graves of my loved ones. When I’m done, I pick up two coffees and go see Viviana. Some days her cognition is better than others. One of her caregivers would always let me know when Frances left, so I would not run into her. Not that it mattered to me, but I knew Frances wanted no part of the family. It’s not Sunday yet, but with everything that happened today, I want to see for myself that she is okay.

The ride to Viviana’s is quick, even with the stop to pick up pastries for the staff. My driver Fernando follows me in, his arms laden with pastry boxes from Viviana’s favorite Italian bakery shop. I find Viviana alone in her room. Her face lights up when she sees the pastry box.

One or two today, Agosto? She smiles when I hold up two fingers before she can even finish asking.

Viv, I really think they are making the Sfogliatella smaller every time I go pick them up. I set her coffee down and put her pastry on a plate for her. Every day I wish things could have been different. Now I settle for what I have with her in the present: a lifelong friendship and respect that can never be broken.

Agosto, why are you here tonight? It’s not Sunday already, is it?

With everything that has happened today, I thought you might need me. I shrug. She closes her eyes and a tear escapes that she quickly wipes away.

What happened with Michelina today? She was scared but don’t let her fool you; she is very tough.

I took her back to my home and introduced her to her cousins. She was surprised, I fill her in. She becomes very quiet. Finally, she puts her coffee down and looks at me like she is searching for something.

Did you tell her about Nick Jr. and Gemma?

"She flat out asked me Viv; I had no choice. Besides, she told me about Junior. Apparently, it was in Carmine’s journals. Personally, I wish you would have listened to me and burned them when you had the chance."

That would have been best for you and even for Frances, but that would not have been the best thing for Michelina. I can sit with her all day long and tell her stories about Carmine. She would believe them, yet she would only hear my side of things. Giving her those books lets her learn about him in his own words. She picks at her pastry, letting me contemplate her words.

We’ve all embellished our stories to make us sound like stand-up men. I’m sure Carmine did the same, so how much of the truth do you think she is getting?

She is a very smart girl. She takes nothing at face value. By the time she is done, I don’t think she will be too happy with him. She will come to that conclusion on her own.

I hope you’re right.

I usually am. Did you tell her about Matteo? she asks. My jaw tightens at the mention of his name.

I did if for no other reason than to show her I trust her.

Give her time. You have to remember . . . so much was thrown at her. On top of that, my sweet Frances died right before her eyes. That is something she will never forget. She closes her eyes, and the tears fall. I get up, lean in and kiss her cheek. She says nothing as I leave the room. I pray that losing another child doesn’t push her permanently into the dark corners of her mind.

Michelina

Luca took me home and Cody was waiting for him. I went inside, basically ignoring both of them, however, I could hear Cody screaming at Luca for ditching him. I’m not sure what he told him to calm him down, but it worked. When I pull my phone out of my purse to call Jessica, I realize it’s been on silent all day. There are numerous text messages and voicemails from Jess. I’m not sure what I’m going to tell her, but I really need to talk to her. I’m about to call her but she beats me to it.

Hey, before you go all postal on me, I left to take Grandma home. As you can imagine, the day was too much for her. Thank you for covering for me with everyone.

Chelle, what the hell is going on? I know you’re upset about your mom but there is more to it than that.

I’m shaking and crying. The words are not coming. I’m sorry, I’m a blubbering idiot. I need you, Jess.

I’m on my way right now. Don’t do anything stupid. I’ll stay on the phone with you till I get there.

No, I rather you concentrate on driving. I’m okay, just get here. I hang up and stare at my closet, wondering if there are more answers behind that door or more questions? Is my need to know greater than the pain of what I’m finding out? I wipe away my tears and head downstairs to let the guys know that Jess is on her way. They are both in the living room, messing around on their phones. No one looks up or acknowledges me.

Jess should be here any minute. Still nothing. Hello, are either of you even listening to me?

Luca slips his phone into his pocket. Heard you; Jessica is on her way. We will be down here if you need anything. I hope you don’t mind but we are starving. I’m going to cook for all of us. I’ll make sure I make enough for four.

I have food that you can cook? I’m shocked, knowing I hardly ever go food shopping.

Cody finally puts his phone away, gets up and heads into the kitchen. Honestly, Chelle, I figured you didn’t have time to get food in the house so after the service, I went to Sprouts. It’s only a mile up the road from here. I know you went with Luca to take your grandma home. I didn’t think you were going to be gone that long.

I look over to Luca and quickly look away. Thank you, Cody. Let me know what I owe you.

Not a big deal, you’ve had enough to deal with today.

There’s a knock on the door and Cody steps in front of me. He checks the peephole and lets Jess in. I’m trying to hold back the tears as she wraps her arms around me. Come on, Chelle, let’s go upstairs.

Michelina

My heart is telling me to protect Jess, no matter what. However, my head is telling me to let her know what I’ve gotten myself into by no choice of my own. We sit on the edge of the bed, and she takes hold of my hand.

Chelle, you know you can tell me anything. I will protect you and keep your secrets—always.

I don’t want to put you in danger, Jess. Look what happened to my mom. There is a lot you don’t know. She shakes her head and squeezes my hand even tighter.

You are my best friend. Chelle, my ride or die, so maybe you should put all the shit aside and let me help you.

I get up and pull her with me. It’s more like a show and tell. We head into my closet, and I open the secret door. Her eyes are like saucers when she sees the room behind the wall and all the boxes of books.

"Chelle, what is all that? Why do you have it hidden in this secret