by Posey Parks
“Tony and I rescued Dominic. He in turn killed her.”
“Buona fottuta liberazione,” grandfather spat.
“Good riddance is right.” Dad agreed.
“We’re forgetting an important factor. We killed a made man’s daughter.” Dillon glared into grandfather and dad’s eyes.
Dad rose and stalked toward the desk. “Are you fucking kidding me right now,” he growled.
“She tried to take out the entire Magarelli family of New Jersey!” His hand slammed against the desk.
“She had to go.” Dad sat on the corner of the desk, glaring at grandfather. “I understand you are worried about Terenzio.”
“Dillon, your concern is valid. But Sergio is right. An attempt on an entire family is greater.”
Dillon ran his fingers through his hair. “Then it’s settled.”
“Agreed.” Fell out of every man’s mouth in the room.
“Grandfather one more thing, before Alvin arrives.”
“Yeah?”
“Why did you make Alvin Terenzio a made man? Sure, he was Italian, but I didn’t think he worked for us.”
“On his father’s death bed, I promised to take him under my wing. Alvin, desired to be a mafia made man. He worked for me for years. He paid his dues, and he became a made man. Alvin opened the storage container and shipping business. I saw his company as a viable business opportunity. Three families utilized his services. I arranged for the Magarelli’s to be the only one of the five families to utilize his services upon Dominic courting his daughter. Let’s discuss what’s most important tonight.
~
Alvin walked into grandfather’s office.
He strolled to the door. “Alvin, it’s good to see you,” grandfather pulled him into a hug.
“Good to see you too, Sal.”
“Thanks for coming over on such short notice. Have a seat at the desk.”
He dropped hellos across the room as he approached the chair. His face tensed as he peeked over his shoulder at my father, Tony, then me.
“Dominic, looks like you got into a bit of a scuffle.”
I tilted my head to the side. “A little.”
“Alvin, let’s get down to business. We dragged you out your home away from your beautiful wife. We want to make this as painless as possible.” Dillon grinned.
His eyes widened. “Painless?”
“Alvin, did you know your daughter had a fixation with Dominic when you asked for them to meet?”
His face dropped. His fingers bounced on his knee. “Crush yes. Fixation no. Why?”
Grandfather ran his hand over his salt and pepper gruff face. “There’s no easy way to say this. She attempted to have us all killed because she wanted my grandson.”
Alvin gaped, leaning forward. “There must be some mistake.”
Dillon sat back in his chair. “No mistake. We actually have proof.” He tapped his earpiece. “Cruise bring him in.”
Cruise swung the door open and kicked the guy into the room. His face was black and blue. One eye was almost swollen shut.
Alvin jumped up. “Al! What is going on?”
Al dropped to Alvin’s feet. “I’m sorry Mr. Terenzio. I was following your daughter’s orders.”
“What were the orders?” his blue eyes darkened.
“To watch Dominic...for four years.”
My stomach bottomed out. I couldn’t believe that crazy bitch had him keep watch for so long.
“Go on.”
“This morning I was ordered to plant explosives at the reception hall. In the evening she told me to keep watch on Carmen Magarelli through my sniper scope.”
“What the fuck?”
“Al, you should have come to me after the first ridiculous order.”
He dropped his head. “I understand, but I’d do anything to please her.”
“You were sleeping with her?”
Al met Alvin’s angry gaze. “Yes. Angelita said Dominic needed to pay for embarrassing her. They were supposed to be married. I told her I could make her happy. I thought she got over him. Her obsession with Dominic arose again. Truthfully, he was a thorn in my side.”
He glared at me out of the corner of his eyes. I shot to my feet. “Thorn in your side. She threatened to kill my wife.”
“Dominic, have a seat,” grandfather ordered.
I opened and closed my fists several times in an effort to calm my nerves.
“Al, tell me what else she did?” Alvin barked.
“Angelita said she only wanted to kill Dominic, but if he didn’t cooperate to shoot Carmen. Next thing I knew she was ordering me to blow up the reception hall.”
The simmering gazes around the room remained on Al. We all wanted to fucking murder him.
Alvin fell against the desk. His somber eyes met ours. “I am deeply sorry. I take full responsibility for my daughter.”
“Alvin, your daughter ordered your men to smack me around. Luckily, for all of us my brother knows me well and realized something was off, before I left the reception. He and Tony rescued me. Unfortunately, your men didn’t make it.” I grabbed the low-ball glass off the table and sipped the whiskey, stinging my bruised lip.
“And your daughter…she didn’t make it either.”
Alvin’s hands flew over his mouth. “No,” he wailed.
“You killed my only child.” He fell against the desk, tears streaming down his face.
“To be fair, Alvin, we should kill your entire family.” Dillon stood to his feet. “She ordered a hit on an entire mafia family. The head of the mafia families. Think about my words, Terenzio.”
Grandfather slipped a stack of documents across the desk. “Sign every page. You are selling your business to Magarelli Enterprises.”
“What about my wife?”
“Dominic, come here. Refer Alvin to the page that discloses his wife’s pay out. She’ll be ordered to leave the east coast. If she doesn’t…” He frowned poking out his lips.
“You know the outcome.”
He nodded and signed.
My grandfather rose. “Alvin, you were one of my own. I hate it had to come to this.”
Alvin sniffled.
Cruise laid a clear plastic sheet on the floor. He tossed Al onto the sheet.
I removed the Glock from my shoulder holster. “Alvin, on your knees next to Al.”
His slender frame shook as he kneeled beside Al.
I raised my Glock. “Alvin Terenzio, I wish it never had to come to this.”
His face was drenched in tears.
I pulled the trigger, and the bullet released from the chamber, slamming into Alvin’s head. His body fell backward against the sheet.
I turned my attention to Al. “You no good motherfucker. You tried to kill my family.”
“I wish she would have killed you, Dominic.” Al’s eyes were cold as ice. Not a bit of regret.
I squeezed the trigger at close range. He fell to his death. I shot him again twice in the chest. Overkill. Fuck him. He deserved to be tortured. But I wanted to get home to my wife.
EPILOGUE
Dominic
THREE YEARS LATER
The Maybach rolled to a stop in the circular drive. I stared at the white mansion with black shutters. Carmen gripped my hand.
“Are we going inside? Or sit here delaying the inevitable?”
I turned to her and smiled. “We are going in.”
Stepping out of the car, I stretched out my hand. “Take my hand.”
“No, I want to jump.” His brown eyes lit up.
“Of course, you do, little Dom. Jump into daddy’s arms.”
He leaned forward and jumped. I pulled him close, kissing his cheek.
“Dominic, we have to help mommy.” I extended my hand. Carmen gripped my hand tight and slowly stood. Her hand ran across her belly.
“Are you sure you’re up to touring the governor’s mansion today?”
“Yes, Governor Magarelli, I am. The moment we begin walkin
g I’ll be fine. This little baby is a mover. Always wiggling around in my belly. Little Dom, do you want to feel mommy’s belly?”
“Yes.” A huge smile took his tan complected face.
“Daddy, you too.”
“Ok, we can touch mommy’s belly together.”
My lips melted against her temple. “I think we should forget about the gender reveal. I want to know if we are having a girl or a boy now.”
“Babe, you can wait. Let’s get inside. I still hate the New Jersey cold weather.”
I laughed. “You will never allow me to forget.”
My family and I strolled into the governor’s mansion.
Six months after the Angelita fiasco Carmen’s birth control ring became a mega sensation. The ring was mass produced. The contraceptive was on back order for three months. Carmen became a Billionaire. I told her the project would make her a rich woman. She was featured on the cover of Forbes as the richest scientist in the United States. She always wanted to purchase a coffee shop for her best friend April. I offered to purchase the business. Carmen said no, she needed to make the purchase with the billions she made. I didn’t argue.
Carmen had surprisingly, lessened her research to spend time with our family. Now she’s taking on a new role as the governor’s wife.
As I said before, I didn’t foresee a future as the boss of the Magarelli family. I’d mastered a new skill, manipulation. I loved twisting a shady politician’s arm.
“Daddy, put me down. Put me down.” He kicked.
I placed him on his feet. “Dominic, don’t get into any trouble.” I brushed my hand over his brown coily hair.
He ran down the long hall.
Carmen leaned against my shoulder and sighed. I wrapped my arm around her waist. We peered at our son, smiling.
“I’d give up research to see his little face every day.”
“No need for that. You’ve cut back enough. We love you and want you to always do what you love.” She leaned up, kissing my lips. “I love you know me so well.” Tears pooled in her eyes.
I deepened our kiss never wanting to release her soft lips. Gazing into those big brown eyes, I exhaled. “I love you, just as you are, baby. You are perfect for me. You’re the woman I always knew was out there just for me.”
THE END
Continue reading to enjoy an extended preview of Hidden Witness 5:Marco’s Story…
HIDDEN WITNESS 5:MARCO’S STORY
Portland, Oregon my least favorite place. It rained too fucking much. Not sure how Dillon lived here for fourteen years. My father said there was a black-tie charity event, happening while I was in town. He said I should attend and donate a shitload of money. He said it was good publicity. So here I was leaning on one elbow against the bar. My eyes scanned the room over my glass of vodka. There were a lot of heavy hitters in the room. Who ever was running this event was well connected. The band played a light ballad. I needed a change of scenery. Dominic said I spent too much time at the strip club. I smiled taking another sip. Turning to the bartender, I raised my empty glass. “Another one, please.”
“Whoa, how many drinks have you had tonight?” I heard to my right.
I peeked at the beautiful dark chocolate woman. Her smile brightened.
I glanced upward, reflecting on her question. “Three.” I peered at her. “Do you think that’s too many for a man my size?”
Her pretty dark eyes roamed my tall frame. “I don’t know. How many drinks does it take to lay you out? You know shit face drunk?”
I laughed, sipping my refreshed drink. “I’d say twelve.”
Her pouty lips fell open. Then she laughed. “You’re pulling my leg?”
“Nope. And I don’t drink and drive either. So, if I had too many drinks, I’d call a cab. What about you? How many drinks until you’re bursting with laughter?” I winked.
“Not sharing.”
I smiled. “You don’t have to.” I stretched my hand out toward her. “Marco Esposito.”
I shook her soft hand. We stared at each other longer than we should have.
“Emoni Morgan. It’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine. I don’t want you to worry about me drinking too much. I am an excellent pacer.”
She smiled.
“What are you drinking tonight? No let me guess. Red wine.”
Her high cheek bones lit up. “Most times. But I am drinking champagne tonight.”
I chuckled. “Ok.”
“Calling all bachelors to the stage. We would like six wonderful men to volunteer to be raffled off for charity. You’d spend time with the person who paid for your time tonight. Please gentleman join me on stage.” She tossed her long black hair over her shoulder.
I turned and faced the bartender. “Another vodka…”
“Marco, do you plan to participate?”
“No.”
“It’s for a great cause,” she smiled.
“I already donated a hefty check tonight. I think myself and the charity are even.”
“Would you volunteer for me?” She batted those long eyelashes. “I think if you were the first man on stage, you’d spark hefty bids.”
I sighed. “The only way I am walking onto that stage is if you bid on me.”
“What? No.” She waved her hands.
“All you have to do is bid until you win. When the auctioneer counts down, you yell out the winning bid. I’ll cover the cost of the bid.”
She placed her hand on her chest. “I don’t know are you sure?”
“I am. And that is the only way I’ll participate.”
Her cute face twisted. “Ok.”
I walked down the aisle onto the stage. Emoni was right. The second I stepped on stage women stood to their feet cheering. Five other men joined me on stage. The bids poured in. Emoni waited. Two women were in a bidding war over me for one hundred K.
“One hundred five thousand dollars.” The red head lady stated smiling, walking toward the stage like she’d won.
“Going once. Going twice.”
“One hundred fifty thousand dollars,” Emoni shouted.
The red head lady turned, scowling at Emoni.
“Going once. Going twice. Sold to the lady at the bar.”
I didn’t want to grin ear to ear and make it obvious. But I was excited she won.
Strolling toward the bar, I raised my hand to the bartender. He placed a vodka on the rocks before me.
“Great job, Emoni.”
She smiled wide. “I learned from the best.”
I slipped my check book out of my tuxedo jacket and wrote the check to the charity. I placed the check on the bar. The auctioneer appeared, collecting the check from Emoni.
Two hours later, our lips were glued together. I shoved her petite body against the hotel door as I slipped the card in the slot. Three vodka cranberries later, our tongues were damn near permanently attached. That was what it took to get her to my hotel room.
Lying on my stomach, stark naked. I opened one eye. My tattooed arm was sprawled over her stomach. I caressed her soft skin. She didn’t stir. The clock read three a.m. Normally, I kicked women out right after we had sex. Why was Emoni still here? Something weird was happening because I wanted her to stay.
The second time my eyes slowly opened I glanced around the room. It was empty. Sitting up and tossing my legs over the side, I stretched. My fingers ran through my tousled black mane. I flexed my muscled back. Standing to my feet, I strolled toward the bathroom, rubbing my eyes. I placed my hand on the knob and the door flew open.
“Oh, my god!” she shrilled, staring at my cock.
“Shit, I thought you were gone.”
Finally, her eyes met mine. “I didn’t think you’d wake up soon. I was just leaving.”
“You don’t have to leave. I thought you were gone because it’s day light.”
She smirked. “Well, I’m leaving now.” She strutted toward the door.
I stalked behind her, placing
my hand on the door. “Don’t leave.”
“Don’t leave. Why not?”
“This is my last day in town. I was hoping you’d spend a few hours with me or the day.”
She turned, falling against the door, arms folded, staring into my green eyes. “I think it might prove dangerous this time around.”
My brow wrinkled. “Why do you say that?”
“We’re sober.”
“If I recall we started the night out sober. It wasn’t until later last night when things became tricky.” I winked.
“I don’t foresee any problems. We can continue to enjoy ourselves.”
The dress she wore hugged her lushes’ curves. Shit.
She blushed. “Ok.”
IN THE NEAR FUTURE
Knock, knock.
Sierra opened the double front doors. “Marco!” She threw her arms around my neck.
“Hello, Sierra. I bought a couple of bottles of wine.”
“Thank you. So happy you could join us for dinner again. Dillon loves having you over. You know that. Make yourself at home.”
“I’ll place the wine in the fridge.”
“Ok, join us in the dining room.”
I nodded.
Dillon and I hung out a couple of times a week. Maybe we made up for lost times. Since he was supposedly dead for fourteen years and some change now. Sometimes Sierra cooked and Dillon and I ate in the family room. Laughter poured from the dining room.
After leaving the kitchen, I stepped into the dining room and froze. Shit, what the fuck was she doing here?
Sierra stood smiling from ear to ear. “Marco, I’d like you to meet my best friend Emoni. She’s in town visiting from Portland.”
She stood extending her hand to me. “Nice to meet you, Marco.” She smiled.
What the fuck was that? Now we don’t know each other? Never spent time together? I squeezed her hand lightly. “I hope you are enjoying New Jersey.” I walked to the other end of the table, sitting next to Dillon. Emoni and I would have a little talk, before I left here tonight.