Page 32 of Ms. Fortune

I can only hope my death takes my debts with me, but if it doesn't, I am very sorry. Know that I never intended to involve you in any of it. Please believe that if you believe nothing else.

You know how I always say, ‘Vegas is not for the faint of heart,’ that couldn't be more true.

Please tell your mother that I'm still sorry. She'll know what it's about. I continue to be sorry for everything and that I loved her till the end. Sometimes people just do stupid things when they're in love, and I was very in love, so I did very stupid things. It's no excuse, but it's an explanation if you need one, which, if you're like your mother at all, and I know you are, you need one.

To give you more of an explanation for this letter, there is a man who has been after me, after your mother, and after my business for years. His name is Louie Calnetta, and he should be avoided at all costs. Him and his business are only the tip of the iceberg of what I’ve gotten myself into, but I think he’s the one that will show up first. I don't know what he'll do once I'm gone, but if I know Louie, he will at least try to take the company from you or eliminate you as competition once and for all.

While I have no right to ask you for anything, please do not let that happen. I have fought too hard and lost too much in my life for him to win.

I'm sorry the only things I have left are my house and my business to give you to continue this fight. I fought alone, but you have Chelsie. Get to know her. Learn to love her like a real sister, even though I think you already do. You will need each other's strength.

I am sorry, Normandy. From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry.

Love,

Dad

I stare at his words in disbelief. Even with everything he said, I still don't understand what he meant by any of it.

I reread the letter three more times, trying to analyze what my dad was trying to say. What he was trying to warn me about. I've already met Louie and instantly had a bad vibe from him, so I know my dad isn't lying there. But what debts is he talking about? Nothing in the accounting I went through mentioned Louie Calnetta or his company.

I suddenly remember the business card that Bianca gave me from some Consultant at Calnetta Cars and I rush to the kitchen to find the card again. Hopefully, I didn't throw it out. I find the card on the desk and reread the name: Frank Santangelo. The words “CALL ME” are etched across the back of the card. A chill runs through me. I have a feeling that Louie and Frank are picking up where they left off with my dad. I could be in trouble.

Finding my phone, I do a quick internet search for Frank Santangelo but come up with absolutely nothing. It’s almost as if he’s a ghost. I guess that’s how people like him operate, completely under the radar.

My fingers itch to dial his number, to find out what the hell is going on and what my father got himself into with Calnetta Cars. I can’t work up the nerve to do it, though. An ominous feeling of dread slithers up my spine just thinking about it.

Instead, I call Chelsie to come over for lunch, telling her I found something of Dad’s I need to talk with her about. I have the letter open and waiting on the kitchen island when she shows up. She glances at it, then at me with a questioning look.

“Can I assume you expect me to read this?” She picks up the letter and starts scanning it.

“Yeah, that’s for you to read too, even though it's addressed to me.”

As Chelsie reads, she slowly sinks into a seat at the kitchen table, her eyes wide and never leaving the letter. After she finishes reading, she lowers it to the table and stares at me, her mouth hanging open in surprise.

“What the fuck, Norm? What the hell did Dad get into?”

“I don't know, but I intend to find out.” I sit across from her and slide Frank Santangelo's card across the table to her. She picks it up, reads it, and then throws it back on the table.

I witness several emotions roll through her, ranging from intrigue to anger and confusion to resolve.

“So, are we going to call this Frank Santangelo person?”

“To be honest, I'm not sure what to do. But Louie Calnetta is already a problem.” I tell her about the incident on the day of our dad's funeral, and then Frank coming to the depot and leaving his card.

I'm relieved to have someone else know what's going on, but I'm concerned for Chelsie's safety at the same time. She can be impulsive and headstrong, and her mouth has gotten her into trouble more than a few times. I need to keep her as far away from this as much as possible.

“I'm going to see if Taylor can spare some extra security for us. I don't think you should be going around town alone. I'll find the money somewhere to pay for it.”

“Norm, wait a minute. I don't need bodyguards 24/7. There's no reason he'd come after me. I have nothing to give him.”

“Just until we figure out how to deal with this permanently. It'll only be for a little while.”

She scowls and sits back with a huff, almost pouting like a little girl, and it just proves her impulsiveness. I can't take a chance that she won't say or do something to get herself hurt.

“I need to talk to my mom about this. I have a feeling she knows more from what Dad said in the letter.”

“So, what am I supposed to do in the meantime while you're figuring out what's going on?”

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