Free Charade by Kate Donovan

his godforsaken country.”
    Frankie roared with laughter. “You may have gotten your looks from your mother, but you got your guts from your old man. You know that, don’t you?”
    “You’ll make the arrangements, then?”
    He shrugged. “Let me give it some thought. And in the meantime, let’s go try some of Rocco’s calamari.”
    “So that’s what that heavenly smell is! Yum, you’ve got yourself a date, Big Frankie.”
     
    Over the next few hours—and a six-course meal—Sasha received an education, Bracciali-style, about her father’s business. True to his word, his domestic holdings were almost completely legitimate. But internationally, he was so deep into money laundering and “protection,” it made her head spin .
    And the thought of what Jeff Crossman would do with this information made that swimming head even dizzier.
    Except Jeff already knows, she assured herself more than once during dinner. That’s why he felt so sorry for you, and saw you as such a dupe. But try not to think about that, because this works for Teal. Right?
     
    After dinner, Big Frankie supplied the last piece of the puzzle when he rejoined Sasha in the living room to announce, “Our people are in touch with Zelasko’s people. There was some grumbling about the late notice, but it sounds like it will work out. The only question is , do you know what you’re doing?”
    “I can’t miss this ball, Dad. It’s the fashion event of the millennium. Maybe even the last of its kind. I’m so grateful to you for helping me get there.”
    Frankie’s brown eyes glazed over with tears. “You’re my little girl. I’d do anything for you. Anything but endanger you. And somehow—”
    “I’m a twenty-seven-year-old woman going to a party,” she reminded him playfully. “Time to let go, Dad.”
    When he winced, she added quickly, “I’ll be careful.”
    “I still think Rocco should go. For protection.”
    “Puh-leeze don’t do that. I’m trying to make a fashion statement.”
    Frankie hesitated, then said firmly, “I’ve already set the terms. If Zelasko lets you in, he also guarantees your safety. He knows better than to cross me.”
    “So it’s all set.” She rested her hands on his shoulders. “You can’t imagine how grateful I am, Dad. I wasn’t sure about coming here today, but it’s been so…well, so right.”
    “Except we never talked about what happened to your mother.”
    Sasha drew back, truly stunned that he had taken this bold step. Was he willing to risk their lovely reunion? To bring up the subject himself? It didn’t make sense!
    Without thinking, she whispered, “Not now.”
    “I know.” His eyes pleaded with her for trust. “It’s too soon. It’s a miracle that you’re willing to come here at all. And I’d never jeopardize that. Not for one instant. But someday…”
    Sasha winced, then nodded. “Yes, Dad. Someday we need to have that talk.”
    “And when that day arrives…” He reached into the pocket of his black blazer and pulled out a mini tape recorder. “It’s all here.”
    Sasha shook her head instinctively. “I don’t want it.”
    “My stubborn little angel.” Frankie patted her arm. “Take it.”
    “But, Dad—” she scanned his eyes anxiously “—what is it?”
    “It’s the truth. When you’re ready, you’ll listen. And then we’ll talk. For hours. We’ll talk and cry and talk. I’ve hoped for a chance to give this to you. So please take it.”
    “Dad—”
    “If you’re never ready, so be it. I’ll be selfishly grateful. But if you decide you need to hear it, I’ll be grateful, too, because the lies will be gone, and the truth will be the only thing between us.”
    Tears blurred her vision as she tried to imagine what that could mean. The truth would be the only thing between them? Didn’t that confirm that her father had in fact killed her mother? Not that she had ever doubted it, but there had been some comfort in the fact that he had denied it.
    Did