Christa Polkinhorn [Polkinhorn - Fire in the Vineyard

FIRE IN THE VINEYARD

The Wine Lovers Daughter, Book Three

A Novel

Christa Polkinhorn

Published by Bookworm Press

Copyright 2018 by Christa Polkinhorn

Visit the authors website:

www.christa-polkinhorn.com

Cover design: Diane Busch

Cover image: iStock, Andreas Saldavs

OTHER BOOKS BY CHRISTA POLKINHORN:

The Italian Sister

The Wine Lovers Daughter, Book One

Finding Angelo

The Wine Lovers Daughter, Book Two

An Uncommon Family

Family Portrait, Book One

Love of a Stonemason

Family Portrait, Book Two

Emilia

Family Portrait, Book Three

Path of Fire

Poems

FIRE IN THE VINEYARD

When bottles of wine disappear from the Segantino Winery and an arson fire kills his close friend, the owner of the estate, Robert Segantino, is faced with the toughest ordeal of his career as winemaker: someone intends to destroy what he has built over the years. As it becomes increasingly clear that members of his staff and of his family are among the suspects, the ambitious wine tycoon is forced to reevaluate his goals in life, and, above all, his relationship to his son and future heir. Part family drama, part suspense, Fire in the Vineyard, the third book in The Wine Lovers Daughter series, takes the reader on another thrilling adventure through one of Californias wine countries.

For Silvia

Table of Contents

Prologue

So, where is that gambler you talked about? George Winter asked, glancing at his watch.

He'll show up. No worries, Anton said.

The two friends were sitting at a table on the patio of a bar in San Luis Obispo in Californias Central Coast region, drinking beer. George removed his baseball cap and wiped the sweat from his forehead, then put it back on.

It was a warm and muggy day in March. Dark ominous-looking clouds had gathered in the west. George took a sip of beer, then glanced at the creek in the ravine below the patio. A sudden gust of wind brushed through the trees, making the leaves of the silver birches tremble. The breeze felt invigorating, but almost immediately the oppressive air rushed back. From inside the bar, the clashing of dishes and occasional shouts could be heard.

Is it going to rain? George gazed at the sky, then looked down at the creek. Heaps of rotted leaves from the trees that had accumulated in the shallow water gave off a musty smell.

Sure could use it. This drought sucks big time, Anton said. Hey, thats him! He waved at someone behind George and called out, The master gambler.

George turned around and watched a man step out of the bar onto the patio. He was middle-aged, of medium height, slim and wiry, with sculpted facial features. His dark, curly hair, tinted with gray, was combed back from his face. An overall modest, clean appearance, George felt. The most striking feature was his dark eyes with which he quickly scanned his environment with a guarded look.

Never was a master, the man said with a low, dark voice.

Oh, really? George observed him curiously, then got up. Anton slapped the man on the back, and George shook hands with him. The man's hand was long, narrow, and firm. George noticed he wore a small cross on a silver chain around his neck. He motioned the guest to sit down. Would you like a beer or something else?

The man pulled up a chair. Corona, please, he said to the waitress who had joined them. George and Anton reordered Bud Lights.

Im George, Winter introduced himself while waiting for their drinks.

Norman, the man said after a brief pause as if he hesitated to give his identity away.

After the waitress brought their drinks, the men took a few sips of beer. George measured the man quizzically, then put his glass down.

Im looking for someone to join our small group of card playerspoker and some other games, George said.

Norman shook his head. I dont gamble anymore.

Oh, its not really gambling. Its just card games between friends. We sometimes play for small amounts of money, nothing major. Just a private gathering at my place. Completely legal.

Norman shot him a cautious glance. Maybe. Ill think about it.

Norman is your real name? George winked.

The man named Norman shrugged. It was my gambling name.

Ah, no problem. As long as the money you play with is real. George chuckled.

What makes you so sure youll get any money from me? Norman raised an eyebrow, then cracked a quick smile. Dont worry. The money is real.

Where have you gambled? George asked.

Norman shrugged. Different places, here and abroad.

George was intrigued by this newcomer. He tried to draw him out, find out more about his personal life. Norman was quiet, polite, and mysterious and didnt give anything away.

George called the waiter and ordered another round. He hoped to make some money, which he sorely needed after spending time in prison. He couldnt find a regular job, but he had begun what looked like a profitable venture in the wine business together with a few friends. For this, however, he needed extra cash. He had gambled in the past, just for a little money, and had often won. Somehow, he felt this new guy could help him win more. It was worth a try.

Chapter 1

Dad, where are you going? Matthew Segantino said as he stepped into his fathers office and spotted the suitcase next to the desk. Then he remembered. Oh, yes, Spain. He tried to suppress his irritation. There he goes again .

Robert Segantino, owner of the famed Segantino Winery in Paso Robles, California, was off to another blind wine-tasting event, this time in Madrid. California wines had won several gold and silver medals a few years before, and Robert decided to submit his Syrah at this years contest. He also planned to visit some of his most important clients in Europe.

Dad, I really need to talk to you about the plans for the cellar. I need

Not now, Matt. Just go on with the planning. Well talk when Im back. Robert got up and raked his fingers through his short curly hair. His dark, almost black eyes expressed impatience. He was of medium height, somewhat stocky without being fat, dressed in black jeans and a button-down shirt.

Matthew sighed. Ive planned it all, but I cant really complete anything without your consent.

Robert grabbed his suitcase. Do whatever you can, and well discuss it later. You can organize a lot without me being involved.

Not really, Matthew said. I cant hire musicians for instance without offering them a fee, and that I cant do without you.

Then wait with this and do the other stuff.

Such as? Matthew felt a spike of anger and clenched his jaw. Hed had these kinds of arguments with his father a lot lately.

Such as? His fathers voice rose. Jesus, Matt, show some initiative.

Matthews face grew hot. He felt like blowing up but checked himself and exhaled deeply. He knew it was useless. His dad was on the point of leaving and wasnt interested in any complaints from his son. Okay. Whatever. Do you need a ride to the airport?

No. Mom is doing that. Robert walked outside.

Matthew followed him. I thought she was going with you?

She backed out. She said she was getting tired of these wine tasting events.

Dont blame her, Matthew muttered under his breath. He, too, was tired of his father traveling all over the globe. He wished hed stay put once in a while, so they could have a meaningful working relationship. Matthew had a lot of ideas but couldnt put them into practice because his father still had complete authority over the running of the winery and the estate. He didnt object to Matthews ideas, but he had to give his signature for any financial transaction or organizational changes.

Matthews mother waved at him as she drove up in their Jeep, then got out of the car and greeted him with a kiss while his father put his suitcase on the back seat.