Chapter 1
Danielle Leone
I heard people cheering for me once I finished the race and I couldn’t help but to be proud of myself. This is my last race and I wrapped it up good. I got out from the car and the press ran towards me asking me questions about my retirement.
I decided not to answer it because I don’t really want the whole world to know what I would do after I retire. My coach, Lucio, gave me the trophy and he hugged me tightly. I looked at him sadly and he ruffled my hair.
“I’m proud of you, Danielle.” He said and then we took a photo together. After the race, we celebrated all night until I’m wasted. I was happy with my decision and besides going back to Italy will be so much more fun than being in the States.
I got into my private jet the next day and flew back to Italy. I’m finally coming home after spending 8 years racing. My father would be so proud that her daughter decided to come home earlier than he thought.
“What has the old man been doing lately?” I asked Vino, one of my father’s trusted butlers.
“As usual, Ms. Leone. He’s been having fun with his.. new horses.” I can’t help but roll my eyes. My father loves horses, his vineyards and money.
“So boring.” I hissed.
“Prepare me a car once we get there, I have somewhere to be.” I said to Vino and he shook his head.
“Your father wants you to go straight back home. He misses you so much and he can’t wait to see you.” Vino said in a nervous tone and I chuckled.
“He can wait.”
“But you-” I glared at him and Vino immediately raised his hands signaling me that he’s not going to interrupt me again.
As soon as I arrived in Italy, I got out of the plane and took the car key from one of the guards. I pulled my hair up into a ponytail and got into my Ferrari. I drove away from the airport and went towards the hospital.
I called my trusted private investigator, John, for information that I’ve been asking for.
“Where is he?” I asked straight to the point.
“He’s at the hospital, Ms. Leone. His shift will finish in 30 minutes approximately.” John said and I ended the call. I bought a cup of coffee first and then drove to the hospital.
I got out of my car and walked inside. I walked to the information desk and mentioned his name so the nurse could tell me where his office is. I checked the time and he must be finished in 10 minutes time. I walked upstairs to his office and leaned my body to the wall facing his office door.
I drank my coffee slowly while waiting for him. When the door opened, I couldn’t help but smirk. When he saw me, he rolled his eyes right away.
“Did you just roll your eyes?” I asked him as he closed the door. He walked away from me and I quickly caught up.
“That’s it? I’m back after 8 years and this is your reaction?” I asked as I tried to keep up with his pace. He walked out from the hospital towards his car.
“Really?” I hissed and he stopped walking.
“Go home, Danielle.” He said in a cold tone as he proceed to walk again towards his car. I stood in front of his car so he couldn’t get away from me before even talk to me.
“Don’t be a dickhead, Dean.” I said but he got into his car anyway. He started his car and glared at me so I could let him go. He opened the car window and sighed.
“Don’t try me, Danielle.” He said in a warning tone. I glared at him back and decided to walk to the side. He drove away and I cursed him under my breath.
That bastard, I’ll pull his hair next time I see him.
I decided to go home after trying to see Dean and guess what? My father was standing on the drive way looking at me with his grumpy face. I got out of my car and he looked at me angrily.
“My father, my lovely.. father.” I said dramatically and my father rolled his eyes. What’s with people rolling their eyes to greet me today?
“Where were you?” He asked as I hugged him.
“I’m so happy to be home, thankyou for asking.” I said sarcastically and he hugged me back tightly.
“I’m glad that you’re back for good now, my daughter. What do you have in mind for work?” He asked as I pulled back and linked my arms to his.
“Well.. let me figure it out later. I’m hungry.” I said as we walked back into my house. I took a really deep breath once I’m inside, it smelt like home and I can’t wait to explore around town after not being able to come home as often.
“Just going around, I miss Italy.” I said and he chuckled. We had dinner together and talked about my last race. This is one of the reasons why I wanted to go back to Italy, I miss my father so much.
“You should rest and tomorrow.. you can accompany me to work.” He smiled and I nodded.
“Okay, I’ll check out the vineyard tomorrow.” I said and he left me alone at the dining room. I took out my phone and dialed Dean’s phone number hoping that he would answer but no.
“That.. man.” I hissed as I looked at his name on the screen. Should I go to the hospital again tomorrow? I wanted to see him and talk to him since it’s been awhile.
“Can you send me Dean Alessandro’s schedule shift?” I asked John.
“Sure, Ms. Leone.”
“Do you have more information on him, John?”
“No, Ms. Leone. That’s all I have.” I don’t blame him, Dean is a really private person and I hate him for that.
I’ll see you tomorrow, Dean.
