Kate Concealed Read online

  “Kate,” Special Agent Johansen said. “I think your mom is right. You should come with us. You will be safe with the Marshals, and we think you should stay with your family as long as you can.”

  “No.”

  “You have no idea who this woman is.” Abrie stared at her mom. She started to say something else, but then glanced over at the FBI agents.

  “I know more than you think.” Kate opened her eyes wide to try to convey she knew all about her grandparents being involved with the mafia and knew about the pictures.

  Alessa stood. “Well, I guess you have your answer, Special Agent Johansen.”

  Neither agent stood.

  “Kate,” Special Agent Johansen said. “I want you to really consider coming back with us where we can guarantee your safety.”

  “Listen. I appreciate what you’re saying, but I also know that there is no guarantee. Witness Protection is not infallible, and I’ve seen movie after movie describing infiltration of mafia into the system. I’m safer here.”

  Special Agent Johansen glanced at Kate’s grandma who was still standing. “I hate to be the one to inform you of this, but your grandmother here has very strong ties to the mafia, and I can’t say this would be a safe environment for you.”

  “I know. Her son is a mafia boss.” Kate said it matter-of-factly. “She, however, is here. She left that life. And truthfully, I think that makes it even safer for me to be here. She knows all the mafia’s tricks and has a source there. She can keep me safe, I know it.” Kate stared at her grandma who smiled.

  Johansen licked his lips and narrowed his eyes.

  Kate’s mom leaned back hard into the sofa with a huff. “You can’t trust her, Kate. She is not who she is pretending to be.”

  “And who exactly,” her grandmothers said, “am I pretending to be?”

  “Kate’s benevolent protector.”

  “That’s exactly who I intend to be. And as I mentioned earlier, you are all welcome here. Your entire family as well as the Lamberts. We have plenty of room and it would be a lot of fun to get to know everyone.”

  “Over my dead body,” Abrie said. “And you are not keeping Kate.” She stood and turned to the special agents. “Get Kate and let’s go.”

  The body guards who had seemed to melt into the background each took a step forward. Kate’s grandma held up her hand and they stopped.

  “You can’t force me, Mom, and if you try, I’ll run. Just like you did. Don’t forget that you escaped a life you needed to escape when you were only seventeen. It’s my turn now. You know as well as I do that the mafia will focus on getting me, not you guys. By staying here, I am helping you stay safe. That’s what I want. I want my family and the Lamberts safe.”

  Her mom did not say a thing.

  “Go, Mom. I’ll be okay and when it’s safe, I’ll come home. I promise. We can talk all the time.” She looked toward the agents and neither negated her words, which emboldened her. In truth, she knew they would not be able to be in contact. “I love you and can’t wait to go back home. But now is not the time.”

  With tears streaming down her face, her mom hugged Kate. “You are so stubborn. Your father is going to be beside himself with grief. He’ll blame this on me.”

  Kate couldn’t help thinking about her dad telling her mom he thought it was a mistake not telling Kate her mom’s secret and her mom saying it would be her mistake. “I think he’ll understand. I’ll make him understand it has nothing to do with you two.”

  Abrie stared at Kate for several long moments. Regret and defeat in her eyes. Kate’s heart twisted and a painful lump formed in her throat. Abrie sighed and then gave Alessa a death glare before turning back to Kate and saying, “Stay safe and if anything happens or you feel unsafe, call Agent Johansen and we will get you out.”

  Kate swallowed hard, unable to dislodge the lump. “I will. Give kisses to everyone.” Her voice cracked with emotion, but she held back the tears. “Ellie—she won’t understand, but hug her for me. Colby too.” She lifted her chin and looked at the ceiling to fend off the hot tears burning in her eyes.

  Her mom nodded, but said nothing, her eyes were rimmed with red and splotches assaulted her neck. Kate allowed a single tear to fall as she walked her mom to the front door, the agents and her grandmother following close behind. She stood in the door, watching as they drove away. She didn’t move until they were out of sight.

  Her grandmother put her arm around her. “Come inside. We have a lot to talk about.”

  “Tell me it has to do with revenge,” Kate said as she turned to look at her grandmother, a cold, hard look had taken over her face.

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  About the Author

  Cindy M. Hogan is inspired by the unpredictable teenagers she teaches. More than anything she loves the time she has with her own teenage daughters and wishes she could freeze them at this fun age. If she's not reading or writing, you'll find her snuggled up with the love of her life watching a great movie or planning their next party. Most of all, she loves to laugh.

  She is the bestselling and award winning author of the Watched Trilogy, a YA suspense series with a dash of romance and three in a spy series, Adrenaline Rush, Hotwire, and Fatal Exchange. She has since branched off to write a mystery, Gravediggers, that won Best YA novel of 2013, a contemporary romance, Sweet and Sour Kisses, and The Code of Silence Trilogy. She also has written three novellas: Dangerous Truth, The Descension, and The Royal Guard.

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