Sam's Widow
by
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Raechel’s eyes fluttered open. A drop of water from her hair coursed down her cheek, but she ignored it. Scanning Victor’s back, she felt a moment of despair. He was furious with her for invading his space. He’d made it clear that he not only wanted her off the island, but out of his life. Swallowing her pride and admitting that she was, in fact, homeless, hadn’t persuaded him to change his mind. He was finished with her. Perhaps that was fitting, considering what she had done with Sam.
However, the truth remained…she had no choice but to stay here until she figured out what to do with the rest of her life.
They were at an impasse.
Did Jonas Halden also have a problem with her being around? She wondered. That thought had plagued her since his hesitation to answer his son as they were approaching the island. Knowing now that he and Victor were friends, perhaps they shared the same notion that she ought not to have come here. Dear Valerie had taken pity on her, but maybe she had made a huge mistake. Raechel wondered if her presence was causing dissention in that marriage. She would never forgive herself if it were. Maybe she ought to repack and go away from here, as far and as fast as the next flight out would take her.
She desperately needed to think. Emotionally drained, she stood, gathered her failing strength and her tattered dignity, and made her way slowly toward the door. As she felt Victor’s eyes on her, she lengthened her stride. His too-frank male stare was unnerving and embarrassing. How she wished she was wearing something more conservative. Too much of her showed in the tunic. And for Pete’s sake, why hadn’t she taken time to throw on some underwear?
She stopped at the door and shifted to look directly at him. “I’d like you to leave now, Vito. We have nothing more to say to each other, except that I will not be bulldozed into leaving this island. If I do leave, it will be of my own choosing.” A moment passed, then another, before her voice came out stronger. “I‘m glad you are well, and I have only good wishes for you. There’s no reason for us to meet again.”
Victor stood very still, studying her. His chest expanded, and he released a weighty sigh. Mumbling something beneath his breath, he started across the floor. Stepping around Raechel, he grabbed hold of the knob and flung open the door. Before stepping outside, he swiveled to face her again. “Just remember one thing,” he said. “I will not let you interfere in my life…or others. Go…or I fear we will both be destroyed by this thing between us.”
The door banged shut behind him.
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About the Book
Raechel Raffael longs to escape the oppressive marriage she was duped into by her husband, Sam. That “way out” is presented when Sam, about to testify before a Senate Crime Commission hearing, is assassinated. Witnessing the hideous murder, Raechel is shocked and distraught, and fearful that Sam’s killer thinks she can identify him. When he is not found, terrified that he wants to silence her, too, she retreats from public scrutiny. Months go by. Valerie Halden, Raechel’s best friend, intervenes insisting that Raechel go with her to Sanibel Island off the southwestern coast of Florida where Valerie, her husband, Jonas, and their four-year-old twins live. Hesitant, Raechel wonders if she is making a mistake turning her back on security, safety, and anonymity, or has she just been putting off the inevitable? Optimistic, she agrees to go. On Sanibel Island, Vittorio (Victor) di Maio is living the good life. An impressive and popular figure, he has created his own Camelot. Learning that Raechel is coming to live there as well, he is livid and wants nothing to do with her. They have a past, one that is secret from his treasured friends, Valerie and Jonas Halden. At their first encounter, Victor – as he is known on the island – and Raechel clash. He is feeling threatened. Raechel could cause his world to topple around him. She tells him she is not there to make trouble and wants only to forget the past and begin anew. Though skeptical, Victor suddenly finds that he needs Raechel. Now, it is she who is unwilling. Victor knows the right button to push where Raechel is concerned…her love of singing. Spurred into action and inspired with new purpose, Raechel confronts her fears and reconsiders her priorities drawing on an inner strength that makes her think again her role in society, her role in life. Sam’s killer lies in wait. He and Raechel are on a collision course and a chilling confrontation…
About the Author
To RoseMarie France books on all kinds of subjects are a constant source of pleasure and knowledge.
Born and reared in
Looking for an easier-paced lifestyle, RoseMarie and her husband, jim, moved to
Sam’s Widow, a contemporary romance/mystery is RoseMarie’s second novel published by AuthorHouse.