HIDDEN WITNESS 4: DOMINIC'S STORY
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HIDDEN WITNESS 4: DOMINIC’S STORY
POSEY PARKS
Licenses Statement
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COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2019 by Posey Parks
Published by Posey Parks Publishing
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Thank you for all your wonderful support.
THE FIVE FAMILIES
The Magarelli’s of Newark.
The Romano’s in Hackensack.
The Esposito family in Jersey City.
The Bertozzi’s out of Hoboken.
The Pitucco’s out of Elizabeth.
Hidden witness 4 playlist
Rehab- Rihanna featuring Justin Timberlake
Love- Kendrick Lamar
Crush- Zhane
Walk It Out- Jennifer Hudson featuring Timbaland
Downtown’s Dead- Sam Hunt
Drift And Die Puddles of Mudd
Loveeee Song- Rihanna
Seven Whole Days- Toni Braxton
Missing You- Case
Boo’d Up- Ella Mai
Tonight (Best I Ever Had)- John Legend featuring Ludacris
Kiss It Better- Rihanna
You and I- John Legend
Strawberry Bubblegum- Justin Timberlake
Gangsta- Kehlani
Sucker For Pain- Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons, Logic, Ty Dolla Sign and X-Ambassadors
CRZY- Kehlani
Die For You- The Weekend
Lie- Halsey featuring Quavo
Black Widow- Iggy Azalea featuring Rita Ora
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
CHAPTER FORTY
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
CHAPTER FORTY-THREE
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER FORTY-NINE
CHAPTER FIFTY
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
Chapter FIFTY-NINE
CHAPTER SIXTY
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
EPILOGUE
PROLOGUE
Three days a week I rearranged my class schedule so I could sit in the coffee shop Carmen frequented. She ordered tea or ice coffee. Monday’s before her classes begin, she ordered coffee. Wednesdays she wore a cute lab coat, ordered coffee, then returned to the chem lab. Fridays was reserved for studying, running, or relaxing at her apartment. She rarely deviated from her schedule.
Most days and nights she spent in the chem lab. I didn’t like she left as late as ten or even midnight. Stanford is safe but a woman shouldn’t walk alone at night. I ordered Brian to ensure she made it home safe every night.
Luckily, she didn’t have a boyfriend but, how could she? She was married to her work. Carmen attended Stanford on a full scholarship. She’s worked in the science research department for three years.
Her payroll checks weren’t enough to cover rent alone. She lived with her roommate and friend Paisley Daughhill. Brian and Hugo said there were several empty yogurt containers, hummus, and single serve vegetable boxes in her trash they found in the dumpster. How was she surviving? She didn’t have a car either. Although, she didn’t need one because she remained in a five-mile radius. After she graduates with her PHD she’d be paid six figures. Technically, she only had a couple of years left in the program. I admired her tenacity.
Today was her leisure day, she should walk through the door any second.
Hugo grimaced every other customer who walked through the door. I shook my head in disbelief. The price of being the governor's son. Brian sat at a corner table near the entrance.
The door chimed. I glanced up from my laptop. At exactly nine thirty-four in the morning like clockwork, there she was, the sunshine on a gloomy day. I sat up straight sure not to miss her stroll into the long line, wearing fuchsia and gray leggings and a matching exercise bra.
I licked my lips, peering from behind my mirrored blue tint aviators and low fitted cap. There was my break in scenery. I’ve watched her stroll into the coffee shop for a month and a half now.
I’ve learned almost everything about Ms. Carmen Cadence Drake. A man in my position had to know everything about the woman he wanted in his life. I was aware she might be the wrong woman. On occasion I may have walked past the chemistry lab stealing a peek at her.
After law school I hoped to take my father’s place and become the new Don.
I pondered many times if I should follow through meeting Carmen. A man in my position soon to hail the mafia throne. Learning such news might send her running in the other direction screaming like her hair was on fire. Angelita wouldn’t run. She’d possibly assist.
Tricking the beautiful caramel woman to fall in love with me might not end well.
Carmen squeezed her shoulder trying to work out a kink. I could work out that kink for her. I’d wrap her long brown hair around my hand, tugging just enough to hold her beautiful brown eyes on mine. Then I’d wrap my other hand around her neck as I slammed deep inside her wetness. I closed my eyes at the thought. Yeah, I was sure that would knock out that kink.
Today was the day to take the plunge. I planned to talk to pretty eyes with the hour glass shape.
Hugo flashed a wide grin as I rose to my feet. I didn’t need him cheering me on. I never had a problem getting women. I realized Carmen was more of a challenge. I’d have to take things slow. Women often told me I looked like I was up to no good. What the fuck did that look like?
A six-foot three man in height with black hair. My hair was moussed perfectly, I might add. Anyway, was it my dark green brooding eyes or my perfect chiseled face and rippled body? Women really shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. I was ready to settle down preferably with Carmen.
Standing behind her in line, her mango scented hair swept up my nose. I felt my dick twitch. Shit!
“I’d like to order a medium dragon fruit tea,” she said.
“Excuse me.” I removed my sunglasses and slipped them in my blazer jacket pocket.
Carmen turned to me. Flashing a beautiful smile.
I smiled in return then turned my attention to the cashier.
“I will pay for her order. Add on a large black coffee.”
“Sure,” the cashier stated.
“You don’t have to do that.”
That beautiful smile remained.
“I want to.” I flashed my pearly whites.
I placed a twenty-dollar bill in the cashier’s hand. “Keep the change.”
We walked toward the pickup side of the counter.
“I study here from time to time. I noticed you stop in after Yoga or a run?” I quizzed.
I couldn’t let her know I’d been watching her.
She laughed. “A run.”
We retrieved our drinks from the Barista.
I stretched my hand out. “After you.”
Carmen walked to the center of the coffee shop.
“Thanks again for the drink.”
“You’re welcome.” I extended my hand. “I’m Dominic. And you are?”
Her eyebrows wrinkled a little. “Carmen.” She placed her soft hand in mine.
I didn’t want to turn it loose.
“I’d love to take you to dinner tomorrow night?”
Her eyes lit up staring up into mine. “I’d like that at any other time, but I’m traveling home to visit my parents tonight.”
This must’ve been a last-minute trip. I didn’t have that intel.
“Nice. Where are you from?”
Of course, I knew where she was from.
“Miami, Florida. Maybe we can talk when I return next week.”
I smiled. “I’d like that.”
I slipped my cell from my jeans pocket. “What’s your phone number?”
She rattled it off.
She glanced at her watch. “I have a presentation in an hour. I have to run. Nice meeting you, Dominic.”
She blushed when she said my name. That was a good sign. Although, I wasn’t aware of a presentation either. Brian needed to explain.
“Good luck on your presentation, Carmen.”
She smiled turning on her heels, exiting the coffee shop.
CHAPTER ONE
DOMINIC
“We commit Dillon Magarelli and Anthony Magarelli’s bodies to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” the priest stated, tossing dirt onto the caskets as they were lowered into the ground. The funeral for my brother and cousin was standing room only. I hated all the sniffling and crying. My father stood stone faced, consoling my mother who wept uncontrollably. I mimicked my father and didn’t shed a tear. My mother held my hand tight.
The second we entered the house I ran up the grand staircase.
“Dominic, hold on son. Come here. I want to talk to you.” I heard my father’s voice at my back as I continued to my bedroom. I slammed the door and landed face down on my bed. The tears I held all day flowed. I couldn’t stop thinking of all the good times my brother and I shared.
It didn’t feel real. Dillon was gone. Their caskets were closed because their bodies were burned beyond recognition. If I could have seen his face one last time maybe it wouldn’t hurt so much.
I remembered a special time in our lives.
“Dom, go long!” Dillon, shouted backing up across the monstrous backyard.
I ran backwards and held my hands high. “Throw the ball.”
The ball slammed into my hands. “Yes! I caught it.”
Dillon ran toward me. “Great job, little brother.” He wrapped his arm around my neck as we walked toward our massive house.
“Next up, Lacrosse. Catching a ball with a net on a stick is tricky. I know you’ll be the best.”
I glanced at Dillon. “I won’t start Lacrosse for another two years.” I wrinkled my eyebrows.
“I know. You’ll become team captain in no time.” He snickered.
Dillon pushed me to become the best in sports. Often, we challenged each other in video games. That was my arena. I beat him almost every time. He never gave up. He came back more determined than the last time. I let him win a few times.
“Francine,” my dad called from the front door. My father was usually home by six thirty in the evening after work.
Dillon and I trailed down the stairs watching my mother fall into my father’s arms. He loved her possibly more than Dillon and me.
He smirked at us and kissed the top of her head. “Come here you two.”
We stepped closer. My father slapped our cheeks, then held us tight.
“Homework. Is it done?”
We glanced at him. “Yes,” we stated respectively.
“Good.”
“Sergio, I’ll warm your dinner plate.” My mother turned on her heels and walked toward the kitchen.
“Dillon, make your way to my office. I need to speak to you.”
His gray eyes widened and his smile dropped. “Ok.”
“Dominic, go to your room and read a few chapters from your assigned reading material.”
“Yes, sir.”
I waited until my father and Dillon disappeared down the long hall.
Was Dillon in trouble? I eased down the hall, pressing my ear against the door.
“Dillon, you’ve managed to maintain good grades while playing sports. Keep up the good work. Soon you’ll enter college. I don’t want you to receive special treatment because you are the Mayor’s son. Wait, I take that back. What they will do is treat you with respect. You’re a Magarelli.”
My father always took an interest in what Dillon was up to rather than me. They say parents have their favorites and my father’s was Dillon.
An hour later my mother and father entered my room bringing me back from my thoughts.
“Dominic,” my father said.
“We are worried about you,” my mother stated.
She flipped on the light switch and the room brightened.
I didn’t want to talk to anyone. Why couldn’t my parents leave me alone.
They sat on either side of the bed and pulled me into their arms.
“We love you, Dominic.” My mother kissed the top of my head.
“Son, we will somehow make it through this tough time.” He squeezed my body tight.
I nodded.
A week after my brother’s death, I gamed harder than ever. Gaming allowed me an escape from reality. My father laid on the leather sofa in the family room staring at the TV. Not sure if he paid attention to what was on. I walked the quiet halls of our monstrous house. The family who often laughed and talked now sat in three different rooms of the house grieving.
I waltzed into the kitchen and grabbed a Jell-O cup out of the refrigerator. Peeling the container open, I stuck the spoon inside, digging out a spoonful of blueberry Jell-O. I slid the spoon into my mouth, holding it a minute longer savoring the taste. I cut through the family room and peeked at my dad. The oversized giant, dressed in a burgundy robe, and pjs wearing a gruff mop on his face glanced at me. “Son, come here a minute.”
I nodded. He sat up, then I sank on the sofa next to him.
He draped his arm across my shoulders. “How are you doing, Dominic?”
I
shrugged and glanced into his green eyes. “Ok, I guess. How are you dad?”
His eyes widened. I guess he didn’t see that question coming.
“I can’t believe your brother will never walk through the front door. He’ll never sit on that sofa over there...” He pointed.
“…Watching football with me.” His solemn gaze was fixated on the sofa.
“Dad, I love you.” I pressed my head against his shoulder.
He squeezed me tight. “I love you too, son.” His voice quivered.
The strongest man I knew was torn to pieces over the loss of his oldest son.
He pulled back, clutching my shoulder.
“Dad, I need to check on mom.”
“Yeah, ok, son.” He sniffled.
I stood. “Oh Dad, did Uncle Mick come back?”
My father clutched his fist. “No, not yet.” His voice trailed off.
“I’ll be in my room if you need me.”
He kept his eyes on the sofa. “Ok.”
The second I turned the corner; I heard more sniffling.
I peeked into the room. He held his face in his hands, sobbing.
The second I reached the top of the elaborate staircase, I knocked on my mother’s bedroom door.
Again, sniffles were heard. “Yes?”
“Mom, can I come in?”
“Of course, baby.”
I eased the door and sat on the bed. My mother laid in a ball, clutching damp tissues.
“Mom, I hate to see you sad. I wish I could take your sadness away.”
She wrapped her arm around me and pulled me close. “Me too. How are you doing, Dominic?”