Dont I have to deal with the police, seeing as Tyson Blackwell is to be charged?
Well deal with it this afternoon, if youre feeling up to it. If not, well handle it later. Ive spoken to the authorities. They dont really need your statement to charge him.
They dont?
He shook his head. Angelis had a member of your fathers staff watching over you. Blackwell was filmed on video pushing you into making that dangerous jump. His jaw tightened, his features cast in shadow as the car moved through traffic. Why did you do it?
Her breath emerged shakily as memory slashed across her mind. Her father had finally confessed, after condemning her for wanting to sever their professional relationship, that hed gambled all her money away. Their only assetalbeit a heavily mortgaged onewas the estate in Tuscany.
I had a lot on my mind that morning. I wasnt thinking clearly. And before you think me completely foolish, Id done the jump successfully over a dozen times in the days before.
Was your lack of concentration to do with Angelis? Or the chaos your father has made of your finances?
She gasped. You know about that?
Your father has been pursuing this deal for the better part of a year, each time asking for more money. You didnt think Id do my homework on why he was so eager to sign you away?
Her insides chilled. So you know
I know everything, querida. And I have you in the proverbial palm of my hand. I can ruin you with the snap of my fingers.
That debilitating state of ennui that had assailed her on and off over the past few weeks wove over her again. The urge to give up, walk away from it all, now, rather than later as shed tried to discuss with her father, was so strong it caught her breath.
Did you hear me, Carla?
Loud and clear. You can ruin me. You can breathe fire. You can command the very heavens to crush me into a speck of dust. I acknowledge your almighty power over me. But please excuse me if I dont genuflect. Im battered and bruised enough as it is.
A dark look entered his eyes. Whats wrong with you? And I dont mean physically. Your apathy is unbecoming in an athlete of your calibre. You havent risen to number one by being cowed by a few challenges.
She laughed, the sound scratching her throat. So you not only expect me to jump when you say how high, but I should have an attitude when I do it?
Im saying representing my company with such a defeatist demeanour will not work.
Ill work on practising my positive mental attitude before I step in front of the camera. Is that enough for you?
This isnt a joke, Carla.
Trust me, Im well aware of that.
She felt his probing stare for several minutes. But thankfully, he didnt press her further before they drew up to the five-star hotel in the heart of Rome.
The hotel was renowned for its ultra-private accessibility to celebrities and she breathed a sigh of relief when they were ushered through a discreet entrance and into the private lift that serviced the penthouse.
Carla walked into the sumptuously decorated room and halted when she saw her father. Beside him, several familiar-looking suitcases were stacked neatly on a caddy, which a butler was in the process of wheeling away.
The ragged notion that she was once again being managed, herded where Olivio Nardozzi wanted her to be, tore through her.
I have a few phone calls to make, Javier announced once hed acknowledged her fathers greeting. Ill leave you two to catch up. Carla, dinner will be served at eight. Make sure you rest before then.
Before she could respond, he strode off down the hallway. She told herself his abrupt absence didnt affect her as much as the mild hollowing of her stomach indicated.
She stiffened as her father placed the crystal tumbler hed been drinking from on a nearby antique cabinet and crossed the room.
Mia figlia, its good to see you on your feet again. I wanted to be there when you were released, but I was assured that everything was in hand. How are you feeling?
She didnt react as he leaned forward and kissed her cheeks. When he stepped back, she glimpsed the tight, haggard look on his face.
Im fine, she replied, desperately squashing any heartache she felt over the state of their relationship. Her father had long driven home to her that he abhorred any show of emotion, especially that of weakness. In all things she was expected to be poised, controlled. Emotionless. It was the reason their ongoing rows writhed like a live wire between them.
I hope your time in hospital has brought you to your senses? he murmured in Italian.
Anguish ripped through her. If by my senses you mean Ive given up my bid to lead an independent life, then Im sorry to disappoint you but my wishes remain the same, she whispered fiercely. Im still taking a break from ice skating, and no, I havent made up my mind how long that break will be. When I decide, Ill let you know.
Does Santino know about this ludicrous decision of yours? I dont believe that he does, or your contract would be in serious jeopardy by now and wed be on our way to court.
She bit her lip. Her contract with Javiers company didnt specifically state that she couldnt make the decision she intended to take, but she doubted he would be pleased to learn she might lose her number-one-ranking status before shed fulfilled the full terms of her sponsorship deal.
Contracts can be renegotiated. Nothing is set in stone yet. Ill tell him when Im ready. And Id thank you to stay out of that decision.
Her fathers espresso-coloured eyes hardened. You forget yourself, girl. You wouldnt be where you are today without me.
Without your punishing strive for perfection and the strict rules that ensured I had no life outside figure skating, you mean? she sniped, the ennui rushing away to be replaced by the haunting reality of what shed let her life become. And she couldnt even fully blame her father for that.
I moulded you and ensured your iconic place in the history books!
Through fear and intimidation. At each turn you threatened to abandon me just like She pulled herself up short, sucking in a deep breath.
Go on, say it. Just like your mamma left you?
Her hurt escalated until her whole body was engulfed in pain. And we both know why she left, dont we?
He slashed an angry hand through the air. I refuse to indulge you in this childish need to revisit the past. Your mamma is gone, and you dishonour her memory with this petty squabble you insist upon.
How dare you accuse me of dishonouring her memory? When you didnt even tell me she was dead until the morning of her funeral?
Olivios frame tensed, his five-foot-nine stature rigid with banked fury. You had a competition to win. I didnt think the news would do anything but throw you off your game.
Her blood turned cold. Every time I think theres a shred of humanity in you, Papà, you prove me wrong.
His face tightened into a hard, implacable mask. I dont know what has got into you these past few weeks. Whatever it is, I suggest you take the time in New York to reassess your priorities. This deal with Santino will be the making of us, if you dont mess it up. In the beginning, I was against him staggering the payments on the basis of your performance, but now I see its a good thing. It might not be enough to save us from the banks red letters, but if it helps keep you in line
You forget Im no longer a child. Your threats of abandonment dont frighten me any more!
And I havent come this far for you to suddenly develop whimsical delusions. Only has-beens and losers scurry away with the excuse to find themselves. Youre number one and youll remain number one