Secrets In The Shadows: Women Of Strength, #3

Secrets In The Shadows

Women Of Strength Series (Book 3)

Lucy Appadoo

Copyright© 2023 Lucy Appadoo

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording without either the prior permission in writing from the publisher as expressly permitted by law, or under the terms agreed.

The author’s moral rights have been asserted

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I would like to dedicate this story to my family for supporting me in my writing. Without it, I wouldn't be able to create these new worlds.

Contents

PROLOGUE

1.REACHING OUT

2.A DECISION

3.SOUR TASTE

4.REUNITED

5.REFLECTIONS

6.YOUTH CLUB

7.GRIEF-STRICKEN

8.A LETTER

9.A DECISION

10.IMMERSED

11.A LONE JOURNEY

12.HONOURING MANUEL

13.ATTRACTION

14.STABBING INCIDENT

15.HOSPITAL VISIT

16.A NEW LIFE

17.SUSPECTED DANGER

18.FRIENDLY SUPPORT

19.A PHYSICAL THREAT

20.ENTRAPMENT

21.RESEARCH

22.CURIOUS VISIT

23.CONFLICTED

24.A CRIMINAL

25.A YOUNG MIND

26.AN ATTACK

27.MISSING

28.FREE AT LAST

29.RESPITE

30.A CONNECTION

31.SELF-DEFENCE

32.MESMERISED

33.HOSPITAL VISIT

34.A LIFE TAKEN TOO SOON

35.SAD NEWS

36.CONDOLENCES

37.SEEKING ANSWERS

38.A YOUNG MIND

39.INTIMACY

40.INSTINCT

41.A LEAD

42.DOUBTS

43.CAPTURED

44.FEAR FOR SAFETY

45.HAUNTING DISPLAY

46.DRUG SHIPMENT

47.FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN

48.A TARGET

49.BREAKING FREE

50.LUCK RUNS OUT

51.THE TRUTH

52.TRUE LOVE

53.FORCING HIS HAND

54.A TRACKER

55.A DRIVE TO SAFETY

56.FIGHT FOR FREEDOM

57.POLICE ARRIVAL

58.GOOD NEWS

EPILOGUE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ALSO BY LUCY APPADOO

PROLOGUE

Manuel Perez extended his hand. Here you go. The money for the hash. What’s the next job? He ignored the sweat on the back of his neck.

The other man towered over him, his wide-open shirt showing the tattoos across his chest. His empty black eyes were unnerving, and Manuel didn’t want to cross a man who could be impulsive and dangerous. Shifting ten tons of hash as soon as possible, and discreetly. The Civil Guard’s watching. Or have you not noticed?

Manuel nodded, his eyes roaming the stacked boxes of drugs in the dingy warehouse, including a surplus of hash and methamphetamine. On the floor stood open boxes of weapons and ammunition. A few of the creep’s cronies stood on either side of him, holding semi-automatic pistols, their expressions stern. His hair stood on end, and his legs felt unsteady on the uneven, dusty floor. If only he could get his hands on some of those guns, but he had to play it smart. Of course. I can liaise with the usual team, can’t I?

The big man laughed, throwing his head back. I’ve made arrangements for them to focus on more important matters. The man scanned him from top to bottom, Is there a reason you can’t work on your own? You’ve been out of prison for a few months, and I assume you established contacts on the inside. Manuel nodded, masking his unease. My sources tell me you have made friends with a man named Tomas. His eye twitched. He also explained that you have a brother who is a police officer.

Oh, no! Manuel was crazy stupid to have trusted Tomas in prison. He had promised not to say anything about his brother. It was a stupid slip of the tongue. He’s a former police officer and is not in my life anymore. He left the city because the bastard didn’t approve of my lifestyle. I have no idea where he is. You see, I have no ties, no family. I’m on my own. He wasn’t lying about that, but he had hoped to reconnect with his brother once all this crap was over.

The man broke into his thoughts. I want you to kill Tomas once you’ve shifted the product. He’s become a liability and might be talking to the police. Manuel’s hands shook, but he steadied them by focusing on his performance. That wasn’t part of the plan. He couldn’t kill anyone. But was it possible they could fake his death?

Okay, he lied. Manuel’s spine prickled, and he wondered if the man knew what he was truly doing. He had realised back in prison how he wanted to make a new start for himself. He had done a lot of crazy, illegal things in his life, but he had never killed anyone and didn’t intend to start now.

After you’ve shifted the goods, I want you to take my team with you. Make sure it’s done properly with Tomas. We want his body disposed of in the usual way. Manuel realised how sorry he was for letting down his family. He missed his parents and brother, and wondered if it was too late to make amends.

Now get out of here and do your job.

Manuel nodded, his heart racing a mile a minute. Of course, boss.

Chapter 1

REACHING OUT

Kim Mai threaded her hands through her shoulder-length, jet black hair as her yoga students strolled out of the building, waving goodbye. Her friends, Blanca and Daniela, sorted their belongings and rummaged inside their bags, chatting. Blanca’s black hair framed her beauty well, highlighting her sparkling green eyes, tall and well-toned build, and well-defined features. Daniela was equally beautiful, her dark brown hair tied up in a high bun, her figure trim and taut.

Kim wiped her face, neck and upper shoulders with a towel, then retrieved her phone. Looking around the centre, at the wall-to-wall abstract paintings and displays of positive affirmations lining the walls, she noted that the linoleum flooring needed a good mopping, but she’d felt less motivated lately.

She waved her friends over, and they followed her to the small kitchenette which featured a granite counter and sink, a small timber table with padded chairs, and a small sofa by a large bay window with a drawn lace curtain. Let’s have a coffee, girls. Daniela rushed inside like a tornado while Blanca ambled into the room.

Kim prepared three mugs with coffee, sugar and milk while Daniela and Blanca sat on the chairs.

Great session, Kim. As always, said Daniela. It keeps me sane and fit for my dance school.

Kim turned to her briefly and resumed her task of pouring water into the mugs. Thanks, but I feel burnt out with this. Little return for intense work. She handed two cups to her friends and picked up her own, sitting between them.

Blanca stared at her strangely. Are you still having second thoughts about the business?

She shrugged, clasping her hands around the steaming cup and feeling their eyes on her. I am struggling to keep up with the rent on this building. Business has gone down with this economy, and I cannot keep up with the changing business laws.

I hear you, girl, said Daniela. I’m the same with the dance school, but I still love it. She frowned. It is doing well after all that publicity with my dad. Maybe that’s what you need, Kim. I can get Rafael to do an article about the centre. What do you think?

Blanca shoved Daniela on the shoulder. Hey, what am I? Chopped liver? I can do an article about her business, too.

Kim laughed. Daniela is in love and wants her man to do it. If only I had the same kind of love you both have. But I am doomed to have a failing business, no love life, and my mother and father micromanaging my life. It’s all hopeless. Daniela and Blanca turned to each other briefly then gave her reassuring smiles. I know I am all doom and gloom, but I do not know what to do. She sipped her coffee and flinched as it burned her bottom lip. Nothing was going her way, and she wondered where to start repairing her life.

Daniela took her hand and held it gently. Now you listen to me, girl. All these things are fixable, and we can help.

But I don’t know what else I can do, other than yoga and meditation, said Kim. She was twenty-seven years old and felt she stood at a crossroad.

Daniela sighed and pulled tighter on her ponytail, soft wispy strands nicely framing her face. It’s just a matter of finding your passion and working towards it. She thrust out her chest. What about the youth work qualification you finished a few years back? Is that an option?

Kim frowned. I might have completed the training, but I’ve never worked in the industry. What experience do I have?

Daniela pressed her lips together, playing with the gold bangles around her right wrist. Your nurturing nature, life experience, time with a junkie, spirituality, and wisdom. That counts for a lot, girl.

Exactly, said Blanca. What about your sprinting skills?

Kim appreciated her friends’ input, and how much they had recovered from their past ordeals. Poor Daniela had dealt with a madman playing risky games with her, and Blanca had experienced trauma and exploitation. Bouncing back from those challenges only proved they could cope with anything. Right. I might be a fast runner and won a few awards back in high school athletics, but I don’t plan to do that professionally.

Blanca shrugged. Remember Daniela’s financial issues after losing dance clients not that long ago? Kim nodded. She found a way out and so can you. You might need time off. Time away to relax and get perspective. Right now you’re not thinking straight because of burnout and negative thoughts. Give yourself a chance to take a trip somewhere. Maybe all you need is a change of scenery.

Kim felt grateful for her friends’ support and admired the success they were having. Blanca’s journalism career had given her the opportunity to work overseas for six months, where she had met the love of her life. She and Carlos planned to get engaged. Kim couldn’t wait to celebrate the happy occasion. She was tired of focusing on her own problems and needed an event to bring her out of her pessimistic attitude. I am sorry. I will figure it all out, but for now I need to vent. I appreciate the advice, and perhaps I will take that vacation. She took a breath. What is new with both of you? Please distract me.

Blanca replied first after drinking down her coffee. Well, Rafael and I are writing about a drug trafficking case with the South American cartel around Madrid. So many local gang members under the age of eighteen, it’s scary.

Kim flinched, not wanting to think about her ex-boyfriend, Manuel Perez, who had been a drug dealer five years earlier. She had been notified when he had been released from prison three months ago, and luckily she hadn’t heard from him. Was he keeping out of trouble, or did he get back into the drug business? That is scary. Imagine the parents who are stuck and have no way out for them. Particularly when their lives are in danger. They probably can’t get out even if they wanted to.

Daniela nodded. Exactly right, but the Civil Guard and police seem to be taking down a lot of these cartels. It’s all a matter of time. She rubbed her hands. I shudder to think what could have happened to Blanca when she was little.

Blanca swallowed. Thank God we got a huge chunk of that organisation into prison.

Daniela faced Blanca then turned to Kim. We have to tell you something.

Kim angled her head. What is it?

Daniela touched the base of her throat. It’s about Manuel.

Kim’s body ached and trembled. Despite hating the guy, a part of her would always love him.

Chapter 2

A DECISION

Kim dug her nails into her knuckles as she clenched her hands. For five years she had managed to live her life without her gangster boyfriend, and had not heard from him since before he had been released from prison. She couldn’t imagine what her friends had to say, so she braced herself for the worst.

Blanca straightened her back. He came to the house, looking for you. He must have done his research and learned where we lived. He asked to see you and said he didn’t want to spook you by coming to your home, so wanted our advice.

Kim’s face drained of all blood. When was this?

A few days ago, said Blanca.

She exhaled. You are telling me this now? Why not then? She got up and carried the empty mugs to the sink. She turned her back to her friends, pretending to wipe the counter so they couldn’t see how her hands shook. She couldn’t go back to the chaos, the lies, and the criminal charges.

Blanca replied. I am sorry, Kim, but we debated whether to tell you at all after the stress he caused you. But in the end, we knew you had a right to know.

Turning back around, Kim nodded. I never understood why they reduced his prison sentence. Did he tell you anything about that?

Daniela shook her head. No, he didn’t, but I was surprised by that, too. All he said was that he needed to tell you something important and wanted to make amends. He did seem genuine about it. Maybe he’s changed.

Blanca got up and dragged her back down to the chair. I think he has changed. He seemed different. Prison must have changed him.

Kim sat again, leaning forward. How did you leave it with him? What did you say?

We said we would speak to you and let you decide if you wanted to get in touch, Daniela replied. He gave us his phone number. Think about it, but don’t take too long. I got the sense he has something important to tell you.

Kim scoffed. The only issue important to him would be his next drug fix. He fooled me before, lied and cheated. It is what drug dealers and addicts do. They lie and pretend they have changed, but he is the same, I am sure.

Why don’t you hear him out and make up your mind then? You haven’t seen Manuel for five years. Listen to what he has to say, said Blanca.

Kim rose again. Would you girls like another coffee or a glass of water? They both shook their heads. I need a drink of water. She headed back to the sink and poured a glass. Drinking it down soothed her parched throat and distracted her from thinking about the trauma of the past. I loved Manuel so much, but he hurt me time and time again. I don’t know if I can go through that pain again. He will draw me back into his life and I will be charmed by his looks, his words, his lies.

Daniela intervened. I hear you, girl. You went through a lot with him, and it’s your call. We thought we’d relay the news, but in the end, it’s your decision.

We’ll support you all the way, Kim. Whatever decision you make, said Blanca. Only focus on things you can control right now. We’ve got your back.

She sat down and squeezed Blanca’s hand then patted Daniela’s shoulder. Thank you both. I will think about it.

Daniela handed her a sticky note. Here’s his number if you decide to call.

Kim took it and stared at the number and name. His scrawl hadn’t changed over the years, but had he personally changed? Or was it an act?

Daniela got up. I’ve got a class now, Kim. I’ll talk to you during the week.

Blanca rose too. Yeah, me too. Sofia and Eva are coming to our drinks night on Friday. You are coming, right?

Kim nodded. I would not miss a night out with Eva or Sofia. After what they have been through, they deserve a fun night out. She loved Daniela’s sister, Eva, like her own. Sofia, Daniela’s friend and fellow dance teacher had endured a lot, too.

She wrapped her arms around her friends and walked them to the exit. Locking the door behind them, Kim proceeded to tidy up the studio. After she finally locked up, she drove home, and decided to sleep on it before making a decision.

Chapter 3

SOUR TASTE

Ricardo Perez played with his beard and moustache as he hiked the trails up to Patones de Arriba. Crossing a footbridge over a stream, he took in the fresh, natural scents on the warm breeze that feathered his red cheeks. The fresh scents of mountainous terrain and greenery gave him perspective and a calm mind, which was what he needed after spending five years in the Madrid police force. At thirty years of age, he had lived a life filled with trauma, death, and all manner of degrading, criminal behaviour as a police officer, and briefly as a detective, but now his life was better and stress-free.

He eventually passed the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Oliva Church, which dated back to the eighteenth century. The cobblestone streets were quiet, with only a few passers-by, and the intense smells of fernery, dampness, and dust made him wrinkle his nose.

Walking alongside the Dehesa de la Oliva archaeological site, he stared at what was left of a pre-Romanesque fort. He loved the history of the lower and upper parts of Patones, and knew he had made the right decision moving here from the centre of Madrid. He savoured the medieval town, northeast of the country with its historical-looking restaurants, olive groves, craft gift shops, and small hotels. The steep streets contained a history rich in interesting legends.

Ricardo worked in this part of town but he lived in Patones de Abjo, which was the lower part of the region, because it had more amenities than upper Patones. Still, the upper part was more tranquil and helped him forget his troubles.

As he made his way back down to his residence he spotted a group approaching. Several members of the Civil Guard approached in their green baseball caps, polo shirts and cargo pants. His friend, Angel, was the captain of the team and nodded in his direction.

Hi Angel. What are you guys doing here? He took a step down the incline to stay level with his friend.

Angel’s crew cut enhanced his square jaw. His green eyes roamed. Ricardo. Have you seen anyone wearing a grey t-shirt and blue ripped jeans around here?

No, why?

He pressed his lips together as the other three team members talked among themselves. There is a person of interest we are locating. Our sources say he is not far from the stream, but so far no luck. Are you keeping well, my friend?

Ricardo nodded. He missed spending time with Angel, who had been busy lately, chasing leads in the drug trafficking trade. Have you had any luck catching any of those gang members?

He scoffed. Those bastards have connections everywhere, but we are determined to find every one of them. They won’t get away with polluting our nation and killing our innocent community. I will not stand for it.

I hear you, man. Anyway, let’s catch up for a beer. When are you free?

Angel grinned. I will give you a call and make time for you, my friend. You take care of yourself. We have a madman to catch. Take care, Ricardo. He saluted, and his staff joined him, climbing the steep track.

Ricardo kept up the pace as he headed home, his mind flashing back to his brother, Manuel. Angel had mentioned his prison release a few months back, but Ricardo had no interest in reconnecting with a man who had no morals. His poor parents had had to move to Greece for their own safety, while he could take care of himself.

A few times he had considered getting in touch with Manuel to see whether he had changed in prison, but decided against it. Most likely Manuel was the same. The numerous times he’d lied and the stress he had caused his mother when he became violent whilst under the influence. The time Manuel had bruised his brother when his anger was out of control.

No, Ricardo would never be able to forgive Manuel.

Climbing the steps, he bent over to catch his breath before he unlocked his house. It was a spacious, two-storey home with a rustic beauty and history, multiple roofs and multi-coloured brickwork. He was able to get a good deal from the previous owner when he had moved to Patones last year.

He headed for the shower and realised his world was peaceful and content now, knowing that being away from his brother was something he had to do for his own sanity.

Chapter 4

REUNITED

Kim bit on her long nails and crossed her legs on the white leather settee as she waited for Manuel to show up. He was fifteen minutes late, and she was starting to regret calling him. But if she didn’t meet with him, she might regret it more. She needed closure.

Her eyes scanned her two-bedroom apartment in the suburb of La Latina, not far from the centre of Madrid. She loved the open living room with its matte floorboards and contemporary furniture, including bookshelves filled with books on yoga, meditation, and creative writing. Her one hobby was creative writing, and she hoped to publish her first romance book one day.

The sound of the doorbell broke her out of her reverie. She slowly made her way to the door, her heart beating a mile a minute, her hands sweaty. Why, after all these years, did he still have this effect on her?

She bit her bottom lip and gasped when she opened the door and saw the way he was dressed: a well-pressed ash-black suit, leather shoes, and an open-buttoned shirt that showed his tanned neckline. His towering, lanky build made him look slightly intimidating. He had obviously come up in the world of drugs.

His eyes looked troubled. Hello, Kim. Great to see you again.

She nodded. Come in.

Manuel ambled inside and sat beside her on the couch with one leg propped on to the other, which looked ironic, given he was wearing a suit. Thanks for seeing me.

Kim shifted her body further away from his, ignoring his strong musky cologne. She played with the sleeves of her jacket, wanting to be well dressed for a man she realised she had missed. Why did you want to see me, Manuel? My friends said you had something important to tell me.

He knit his brows and stared at his hands. Are you well, Kim? She nodded, waiting with her arms crossed. "I need you to relay a message to my brother. I’m