“I can’t,” He uttered, blinking hard, as she loosened her grip on his hand. “I’m sorry.”
“No! No!” Rachel screamed, cupping his face in both of her hands. The world around him darkened. Dominic could not feel her touch, or hear her words. Rachel’s image began to fade into a gloomy dark, as Kate came into view. Feeling the searing pain on his chest, he let his eyelids fall shut…
29
Dominic was immediately rushed off to New York Metropolitan Hospital. He was still alive, but the loss of blood had weakened him. According to the paramedics, the bullet had to be removed as soon as possible, otherwise he would not survive. Terrified for his life, Rachel left her nephew with Kate and rode in the ambulance with him. As soon as they arrived at the hospital, Dominic was taken to the operating room.
All alone in the waiting room, she kept pacing up and down for more than an hour, too anxious to even consider taking a seat. The scene of the shooting replayed in her mind, over and over again, serving as a painful reminder of his near sacrifice.
You come back, you hug me, you kiss me and they try to take you out. You were wrong, Dominic. No one tried to kill you, back in France. They were after me. And, for some reason I can’t understand, they tried again, just when you showed up. I’m going crazy here. I mean, why…?
The sound of the glass door being violently pushed open snapped her out of her thoughts. Rachel walked back to the wide corridor and glanced left. Four paramedics were rushing someone to the emergency room. She could not make out who he was, but she did recognize the tall, slender brunette following them: Melanie. Only when they passed her by did she get a chance to identify him. It was Jean. He was in a terrible condition indeed: His face was badly bruised, he had a cervical collar around his neck and his clothes were almost completely ripped.
Rachel and Melanie’s eyes met across the corridor, but the young blonde did not have the heart to address her. She kept her mouth shut and turned her back to her.
“That’s not the way to treat a friend,” Melanie complained, forcing her to stop. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry,” Rachel said while her voice came out filled with sadness. “I still feel guilty over lying to you. Dominic’s in there, too.”
“Dominic?” Melanie squeaked, striding towards her. “Why? What happened to him?” She asked, spinning Rachel around to face her.
“He took a bullet for me,” Rachel whispered, blinking back tears. An expression of fear spread over Melanie’s face, as she covered her mouth with her hand.
“This means that…”
“He was never the target,” Rachel finished her sentence. “I was. Why’s your fiancé here?”
“That’s why wanted to know where he was going,” Melanie spoke in a faint voice, staring into the void.
“They?” Rachel squinted at her. “Who’s ‘they’?”
“Jean said that two men stormed into his room, a few hours ago,” Melanie said, her voice quivering. “They asked him if he was going to visit you, but Jean wouldn’t say. They beat him up and threatened to kill me if he didn’t tell them.”
“Oh, my God…” Rachel sighed, running her hand through her hair.
“Why would someone want to kill you?” Melanie asked. “What have you done?”
“Nothing,” Rachel’s response was sharp. “I wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Melanie was about to speak, but, at that moment, a young doctor stepped out of Dominic’s operating room. The two women ran towards him, waiting to hear the news with bated breath.
“The bullet missed any vital organs,” He announced. “We were able to remove it. He was lucky; another inch further south and he would have been beyond our help.”
Melanie breathed a sigh of relief, as Rachel brushed past her. Much to the Frenchwoman’s surprise, she wrapped her arms around the doctor’s back.
“Thank you so much,” She whispered.
“Is this customary in the US?” Melanie’s question made the doctor’s eyes glint with amusement.
“Actually, no,” He laughed. “Anyway, he’s still under sedation. You can see him, if you like. Don’t stay too long. He needs to get some rest. Excuse me.”
“Doctor, what about the other gentleman?” Melanie inquired.
“I’ll let you know in a bit,” He replied, entering the operating room to the left.
Rachel started towards Dominic’s room, but, just as she did, her cell phone rang. It was Kate.
“Hey, what’s up?”
Baby Dominic’s cry was so loud that she had to pull the device away from her ear.
“He’s been crying like this for half an hour now. I’m sorry, honey. You need to get over here right now.”
“Okay, I’m on my way.”
“This is pretty much the dilemma you’ll be in for the rest of your life,” Melanie spoke in a calm, steady voice. “I wouldn’t want to be you.”
“I need to go home,” Rachel stated. “Tell Dominic I’ll come see him tomorrow.”
“Wait!” Melanie grabbed her by the wrist. “You can’t stay there anymore, don’t you understand? You need to go someplace safe.”
“I don’t have anywhere else to go!” Rachel spoke in frustrated tones, looking up at her over her left shoulder.
“Find a hotel,” she advised. “I’ll pay for it, okay?”
“Thanks,” Rachel said with a nod. “Goodnight.”
I hate to admit it, but she’s right. This is exactly what my life is going to be from now on. Unless Marianne wakes up, I’ll have to choose between taking care of my nephew and my personal life. The more I think about it, the more I believe I can’t have anyone. I’m so sorry, my king. I shouldn’t have you asked you ‘why’, back in my apartment. I knew… I just didn’t want to believe it.
30
Later that night, Dominic opened his drowsy eyes, only to discover that Rachel was not there. Alone in a cold, hospital room, he felt the pain on his chest, at the same time wondering where she was. They hadn’t finished their conversation earlier and he was eager to hear what she had to say, but she was nowhere to be seen. Before he could reach for his phone though, the click-clacking of heels on the floor grabbed his attention. To his disappointment however, the one who walked into the room was Melanie.
“Poor Dominic,” She said, noticing the large bandage around his chest. “What have they done to you?”
“Hi,” He croaked. “Have you seen Rachel?”
“She had to leave,” Melanie informed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Baby emergency. I’m sorry, mon cher.”
“The baby needs her more than I do,” Dominic’s baritone was filled with sorrow. “Where’s Jean?”
“I’m not sorry just because she left,” She drew in a sharp breath. “I’ve just realized how hard it would be for you to be together. I shouldn’t have lectured you, back in Mont Blanc. And, you should also know that you wouldn’t be here, if it hadn’t been for Jean.”
“What are you talking about?” He asked, as she sauntered towards his bed.
“Some people beat him up very badly,” Melanie continued stiffly. “They wanted to know if you were planning to visit Rachel. They threatened to kill me, if he didn’t say.”
The news of his friend’s betrayal hit him like a wrecking ball. Dominic closed his eyes, shaking his head, breathing in sighs, as she sauntered towards him. Unable to force another word out of his throat, he sat up, staring into the void, as she seated herself on a stool on his left.
“He’s in the other room,” She informed him, leaning over towards him. “He’s got three broken ribs and a fractured jaw. But, he’d rather be dead. That’s how badly he’s feeling.”
“I should have known,” He sighed, bringing his gaze up to her face. “He’s the only who knew where I was going.”
“He’s going back to France tomorrow morning,” Melanie spoke in a broken voice. “He’s quitting; he says he can’t be trusted anymore.”
“I can’t think about this right
now,” Dominic claimed. “What about you? Are you leaving, too?”
“I’m staying here for a few more days, just in case Marianne wakes up.” She said. “I’m very sorry, Dominic. We have failed you.”
“You believe in the power of love, Melanie,” He put a little force in his voice. “I do as well. You thought that if I came here, it’d be easy for us to get back together, but…”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” She interrupted. “Please, don’t.”
“As for Jean, well…” Dominic faltered. “Tell him we’ll discuss things further in France.”
At that moment, a light knock on the open door forced his gaze away from her. A tall, stocky man with a police badge in his hand was standing across from him.
“Good evening, sir,” He said, his voice gravelly. “I’m Lieutenant David Cross. Can you answer a few questions for me?”
“Here we go again,” Dominic hummed.
“I should give you some privacy,” Melanie murmured, rising from the bed. “You have a good night.”
“You’re a really brave man, Mr. Redfield,” Cross remarked, pointing down at the bandage. “I was just in Miss Brewster’s place. She told me what happened. Now, can you think of anyone who would try to assassinate her?”
“Your guess is as good as mine,” Dominic said, his tone lazy. “Someone rammed my limo in France. She was in it,”
“She mentioned that, too,” Cross nodded. “Pardon me for asking, but…” He paused. “Do you love her?”
“Very much,” Dominic confessed. “Why?”
“Because to me, it looks like you’re the reason someone wants her dead,” Cross explained, his voice stiff. “Something just happens, every time you’re around,”
“I know,” Dominic admitted. “Please, don’t ask me the same questions they asked me in France, okay? I’m a little dizzy.”
“Who could have a grudge against you, who you’ve wronged, mistreated…?” Cross smiled. “Yeah, we cops can be pretty predictable. I’m afraid you’re going to have to answer those questions for me, too. Of course, you understand we’re looking for someone quite powerful. Now, have you…”
“No!” Dominic grumbled. “I haven’t screwed anyone over, alright?”
“Trust me, you have,” Cross disagreed. “Your relationship with her has ticked someone off enough to have her killed. He’s close to you. He may be even closer than you think. What about your lawyer? Does he know about you and Miss Brewster?”
“He knows everything,” Dominic lowered his tone. “Why don’t you go pay him a visit? He’s right across the hallway: all beat up and bloody.”
“How come?” Cross squinted at him.
“He was assaulted,” Dominic informed. “They did a real number on him. Go ahead. See for yourself.”
“I will, later. Your parents are…”
“Dead,” Dominic finished his sentence.
“Look, do you want this guy found or not?” Cross groaned.
“Of course I do,” Dominic attempted an emphatic tone. “I just don’t see the point in these questions. Why don’t you ask your colleagues in France? I doubt they’ll be much help, though. They couldn’t find the driver of that truck.”
“Do a favor for me, will you?” Cross requested, pulling a card out of his right pocket. “You’re too upset to give me any real answers. Give me a call, when you feel better. Don’t worry, son. We’ll get that son of a bitch. Goodnight.”
31
Dominic was released from the hospital, two days later. His initial thought was to contact Rachel. However, he would do no such thing. By then, he had a very good idea about what would occur should they meet again. They would hug each other, kiss, cry on each other’s shoulders and reach the same, painful conclusion: They could not be together. By then, Dominic had been suffering; a potential meeting with Rachel and yet another emotional moment would devastate him even further.
Therefore, he chose to focus on art. After all, it was what had brought him to New York in the first place and it was the only thing that could help him forget his situation with Rachel; at least for a short while. He couldn’t wait to start reviewing other artists’ work, but, before he could get to the art gallery, he received a phone call from Perkins, asking him if he could visit him in his mansion in Westchester, because his wife wanted to meet him. Dominic was intrigued. Perkins had described her as a massive art lover. A conversation with her sounded like a fantastic idea.
The limousine rolled to a halt, outside the luxurious estate and right away, he realized that the Perkins couple was much richer than he first thought. It was much larger than the surrounding houses, drowned in greenery and with a large swimming pool in the back. Nevertheless, the luxury was not what puzzled Dominic that morning. He had seen similar houses before. There were two men in black suits at the gate. As he crossed the narrow walkway that led to the front door, he noticed two more, stocky men, facing the road.
The last time I saw this much security was when I visited a French politician’s home. This is weird; very weird. What are they afraid of? Forget it, Dominic. Art is your business, not the level of security around here.
A short, elderly man in a butler’s uniform emerged, as the heavy door was pulled open.
“Good morning, sir,” He spoke in a clear, British accent. “How may I help you?”
“Edward, I have this,” Perkins interjected, his voice echoing in the hall. “Morning, your majesty. Come on in.”
“Good morning,” Dominic tipped his head in a casual salute, entering the mansion. “It’s a great place you have here. What’s with the security?”
“Come with me,” Perkins made his voice sound sweeter, while ignoring his question. “She can’t wait to see you.”
Dominic indulged him, scanning the interior, as they went to the left. The painting-lined walls resembled the art gallery, yet there was one, major difference: The paintings in Manhattan were impressive, but they were all contemporary. The ones in Perkins’s mansion were old and very expensive indeed.
“I can’t say I’m surprised. They love art. They can afford these, why shouldn’t they buy them?
Eventually, the two men crossed the entire building. Reaching the last room, Perkins turned around to face Dominic.
“I’m going to leave you two alone,” He spoke in his gravelly voice. “Besides, Colette’s going to want to speak French and my French is not so good. I’ll see you later.”
Pushing the creaky door open, Dominic found himself in a spacious, but somewhat dark library. A thin, middle-aged blonde was standing in front of a desk in the upper left corner, arms folded across her chest as she smiled up at him. Her happy grin seemed vaguely familiar.
“King Dominic…” She said, her voice feathery, as she started towards him. “You look as majestic as you sound. Tall, handsome, broad shoulders…”
“Have we met before?” He wondered, as she closed the distance between them. His question wiped the smile off her face.
“Look into my eyes, my dear Dominic,” Colette urged, her tone much stiffer, as she took one last step forward. “What do you see?”
He bent his head towards her, curiosity written all over his face, as he fixed his gaze on her eyes. Her curly eyelashes accentuated them. They were almond-shaped and dark-green, full of warmth, as she smiled up at him. At that moment, Dominic recalled one of Linda’s comments on his eyes, as she stared down at a picture from his parents’ wedding:
“Thank God you’ve got her eyes. They look like tiny emeralds. I just love that rare shade of green.”
He gasped in awe and disbelief, his eyes black with shock, as he slightly leaned back. Stunned to stillness, Dominic could find no words to express his surprise. Unable to work up the courage to speak, he stared at Colette, as she lifted her hands to his face. All the same, she could not speak, either. She blinked back tears, her mouth quivering, as he felt his heart pounding in his chest. A wave of sorrow washed over him, as he gazed deep into her eyes. A tear streamed d
own her face, as she tilted her head up. His beard brushed against her skin, as she laid a soft kiss on his cheek.
“Mom?” He whispered, his entire body trembling, as she leaned back.
“Yes,” She gave a sad nod. “Come, take a seat. I’m sure you have a lot of questions.”
“How can this be?” Dominic asked, struggling to control his breath. “Didn’t you…?”
“Come, my dear,” She spoke, her voice thick with emotion, as she released his face. “I’ll explain everything.”
Colette turned around, as Dominic’s mind was flooded with dozens of questions. Desperate to hear her explanation, he followed her down the hall, overflowing with a feeling of happiness. Having grown up without her, he had always missed his mother’s touch and had caught himself wondering about it, many times in the past. At the same time however, he couldn’t help but feel betrayed by the very man he had idolized: his father. He had lied to him in the worst possible way. But still, this was not a moment to reflect on his father’s actions. Dominic had found his mother, the one person who had been missing from his life for twenty seven years.
“What did your father tell you about me?” Colette asked, seating herself at her desk.
“He said you died when I was three,” He replied, running his hand through his hair. “What’s the truth?”
“I’m very sorry, my son,” She sighed, tearing her gaze away from his. “Your father always had a soft spot for young maids. Everybody knew that back then. I just didn’t want to admit it. One day, I caught him cheating on me. I lost it; I screamed at him. He promised not to do it again and convinced me to stay. But, Eric made promises his body couldn’t keep. It wasn’t long before he cheated on me again. I couldn’t tolerate it. I tried to take you with me, but he wouldn’t allow that. So, I left.”
“You left me behind, because he cheated on you?” Dominic’s baritone was filled with annoyance. “How can a mother do that to her child?”
Filthy Desires: A Romantic Suspense Collection Page 203