CHAPTER1
November 8th
Kay Donovan puta Rolaid in her mouth as she was ushered from the waiting room into U.S. Marshal Paul Morel’s private office. She’d talked to Marshal Morel before along with the special agent from the FBI who had walked her through all the procedures.
After she’d turned over all her information to the FBI, including copies of the accounts, they’d arrested her former boss, drug kingpin Vincent “Vinnie” Rizzo. Then it was decided that she should disappear until the grand jury testimony, which was when she first met with Marshal Morel.
Several months ago, after the death of her best friend due to an overdose of heroine laced with fentanyl, she’d decided to turn over evidence against her boss. He wasthedrug supplier for New York’s East and South sides and who she blamed for Julie’s death.
Under New York’s new bail law, he was out after being arrested for distribution and racketeering. Kay had been shocked when the judge set a $5,000,000 bail. Not because it was so high but because he shouldn’t have gotten bail at all, in her opinion and that of the FBI.
But he wasn’t arrested for murder…yet.
Kay wasn’t a fool. This decision put her at great risk. Vinnie would place a contract on her head to keep her from testifying. But she didn’t have a choice. She’d had her head in the sand for long enough.
U.S. Marshal Paul Morel came around his desk and held his hand out. “Miss Donovan, please sit down.” He pointed at the leather chair in front of his desk and then took his seat behind it.
She sat and then set her purse on the floor beside the chair.
Marshal Morel was at least six feet tall, with auburn hair that was turning silver on the sides and dark blue eyes.
“The information you’ve provided has allowed us to arrest Vincent Rizzo. He made bail, as you know, and the grand jury hearing is in three months. Normally we would put you into a hotel to keep you safe until then. But I have another idea that will keep you safe and let you have some freedom. It is, after all the season for charity. I don’t want to have to put you in what amounts to solitary confinement for Christmas.” His brows formed lines between them for a moment. “Can you cook, Miss Donovan?”
She leaned back in the chair and crossed her polyester clad legs. “Yes, I can cook. It’s one of my hobbies. Why?”
“I thought I read that in your file.” He closed a file folder. “Anyway, I’m placing you on a cattle ranch in Montana as the new cook and housekeeper. The owner there is a personal friend of mine. His name is Ryan Evers.”
She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. “Not of Evers Manufacturing?”Good grief. How am I supposed to act around a billionaire?
He smiled. “One and the same.” His smile faded. “But he doesn’t like for people to know about his family because then they don’t see him, just his money. Trust me when I say I know he’s capable of keeping you safe. He’ll also know some of your background, such as who he’s protecting you from so he can take precautions.”
“Thank you. I understand and I appreciate the information. I’ve never been to Montana before or met a billionaire before. When do I leave?”Or a number of other firsts. I’ve never cooked for more than three people before. I’ll have to adjust recipes but that’s easy enough.
He stood and came around the desk and held out his hand. “Now. You’ll take nothing with you. Give me your driver’s license, credit cards and Social Security card if you have it on you. You may keep your cash. And I need your phone. I don’t want anyone to be able to trace you or for you to get the idea to call a friend. Better safe than sorry.”
She took her wallet out of her purse and emptied it of everything except her cash and then handed over her phone, too. “I hope you have clothes for me somewhere.”
The man finally smiled. “Yes, Miss Donovan. We have two suitcases full of clothes for every occasion you might need as the cook on a working cattle ranch. I didn’t think you would have appropriate clothes and I couldn’t take the risk of anyone seeing you leaving with suitcases. We also have blue jeans, a sweater and tennis shoes for you to put on now. My assistant has chosen the clothes for you. I hope you like what she’s bought.”
I hope they’ve included a coat. I’ve seen pictures of Montana and they get lots of snow. New York gets cold, but doesn’t usually get much in the way of snow.
He walked around the desk, opened a drawer and removed an envelope. “I also have new identification, social security and credit cards in the name of Kaylie Smith.” He walked back around the desk to her and handed her the envelope. “That is who you are now. Remember that. Kaylie Smith. Kay Donovan is dead as far as anyone is concerned. You can’t contact your family or friends ever again.”
Kay took the packet and placed it in her purse. “You already know my mother and grandmother are both deceased. The only reason I kept working for Vinnie was because of my mother’s hospital and nursing home bills. I couldn’t afford to quit. I worked too much to have very many friends and Vinnie killed the only one who meant anything to me. As to the clothes, I’m sure as long as it fits, it will be fine.” She popped another Rolaid in her mouth, chewed and swallowed.
He clasped his hands in front of him on his desk. “They will fit as well as your clothes do now since we took the measurements from your current wardrobe.”
Her eyes widened. “When? I’ve never let anyone into my new apartment. I didn’t want Vinnie to know where I was. I left just about everything in my old place so it looks like I just disappeared.”Not even a man. How sad is that? I haven’t had a man in my apartment since I broke off my engagement with that cheating snake Matt.Then it dawned on her and she felt violated. “I didn’t need to let them in. They let themselves in, didn’t they?”
He nodded. “Yes, they did. And you helped us by moving and giving the impression you did. Now we’re making sure you do disappear…at least until it’s time for you to testify before the grand jury.”
She nodded, took a deep breath and then released it. “Okay. I guess I’m ready.”
A woman, wearing a black pantsuit entered the room.
“Ah, good. My assistant, Ms. Greer, will escort you to the jet that will take you to Twin Bluffs, Montana and a whole new life…at least for the next three months. Try and enjoy the time there. You’ll be back here in no time. Get used to your new name. You are Kaylie Smith. You’re from Kansas and have worked as a cook before. Understand?”
“I’m Kaylie Smith and I’m a cook,” she lifted a brow. “Extraordinaire. Trust me, I’ll make sure the folks at this ranch have never eaten better. I like to cook, and I’ll be good at this job.”