Revengeful Deceptions

by Ursula Dukes

  “Where's Dominique little bro?”

  Without saying a word, Adam lunged after his brother. Grabbing him by the collar he yanked him up close.

  “Son, you let go of your brother now!” Jonathan shouted.

  “Stay out of this dad!”

  “Now listen to me Brandon and listen good, I meant what I said about you staying away from Dominique, now if this has to do with me?

  Then you take it up with me. Now this is how things are gonna go from now on Brandon, no matter what you think about Dominique she is someone who means a lot to me so you better get used to it because I intend on having her in my life for a very long time.

  Are we clear Brandon? Because if we're not, I’d be more than happy to make it clear for you over and over again.”

  “Yeah we're clear little bro, I won’t say a word about your girlfriend.”

  “That's more like it,” Adam straightened out his brother’s shirt before giving his mother a kiss goodbye and walking out the door.

  “I think this one will be perfect,” Dominique whispered as she returned the gown to its hanger and walked with it towards checkout. She had chosen a holiday red strapless gown. She loved the way the all satin gown draped along the bottom; it reminded her of the gowns that Hollywood starlets wore in black and white movies.

  That soft sensual look was just what she wanted. While she waited for the cashier to wrap up her gown, Dominique took note of the time. She sheepishly looked around and noticed that she was the only one left in the tiny store and hardly anyone was left on the street. She graciously thanked the sales girl and gave her a tip. It was the least she could do considering the poor girl had kept the store open way past closing time, just to please its last customer.

  Dominique quickly left the store and headed towards her car. As she carefully placed the gown in the back seat of the Volvo, she noticed the flat tire.

  “You've got to be kidding me." She groaned as she stood staring at the flat. Changing a flat was something that she had watched Stephen do but had not attempted to try on her own. How hard can it be she thought to herself as she walked around to the other side of the car to retrieve the vehicle handbook from the glove box.

  “Son of a bitch!” the other tire was flat as well. “Okay, this is no accident,” she remarked as she called Adam.

  “Dominique where are you? I was starting to get worried.”

  “Adam, I’m at the car and both of my tires have gone flat, I didn’t realize it was so late and now there's no one around.” Adam immediately began putting on his shoes and was already heading towards his car.

  “Dominique where are you exactly?” He asked trying not to panic her.

  Once she told him what street she was on, he asked her if there was anyplace still open.

  “I don’t think so Adam, wait there’s someone who looks like they’re pulling over.”

  “Dominique you stay on the phone with me, I’m on my way right now.”

  Adam could hear the voice of a man asking Dominique if she needed help.

  “No thank you I’m all set,” Dominique said coolly to the stranger.

  “You sure? Because it’s not safe for you to be out here all by yourself,” he said, moving closer to her.

  Adam stepped on the gas pedal of the range rover and sped towards the street where Dominique was stranded.

  “Dominique, I am on the street, I’ll be there in ten seconds, can you see me?”

  Dominique looked up and down the street but still was unable to see Adam. Joey knew if he was going to take her he was going to have to do it now. He had totally forgotten that she would have a cell phone on her, goddamn! He cursed to himself.

  Just as he reached over to grab her, headlights came baring down on him, forcing him to take off running, he wasn’t about to get caught, especially when he hadn’t been paid the whole amount yet. He'd have his chance on the weekend he thought, I’ll just have to step things up a bit, he thought as he stood hunched over, several blocks away panting and catching his breath.

  “Dominique are you alright?” Adam asked jumping out of the car. He thought about going after the creep that tried to grab her but he knew he had to get Dominique home safe.

  “I'm alright Adam, thank you for getting here so fast, you saved my life.”

  “Dominique have you ever seen that guy before?”

  “No, I haven’t Adam, if this is some sick game your brother is playing...”

  “I don’t know what to think anymore Dominique; I do know that I just had it out with him back at my parents place.”

  Dominique was surprised, “you did?”

  “Yes I told him to stay away from you and that you are very important to me and he better get used to it.”

  “I'm sure that went over well,” sighed Dominique as she removed her new gown and placed it in Adam's car.

  “I don’t care how it went just as long as he gets the picture, now come on let’s get you home. I'll call triple A and have your car towed to a tire shop.”

  Dominique didn’t know what to make of the two slashed tires, with all that’s been going on she had almost forgotten about Brandon and his relentless hatred for her. He must have really liked Nick she thought to herself. That is the only explanation, he couldn’t possibly know that I know who he is and what he's done, it's just not possible. Nick is the only one that figured it out and he's dead so Brandon's only issue with me has got to be that I shot and killed his friend. Well Brandon Caruso, you may have hired someone to do your dirty work for you but I’ve got people on my side as well and one of them is closer than you think.

  The night of the party arrived and as Dominique put on her gown, she was very happy with the choice she had made. It looked exquisite on. The satin gown fell and draped in all the right places. A pair of simple diamond earrings and necklace gave her the elegant look that she was going for. She piled her hair on top of her head leaving loose spiral curls to dangle romantically around her face.

  Her overnight bag was packed as well as she and Adam would be staying the night at the elegant hotel. Her bag sat by the door and as she waited for Adam to pick her up, Dominique sipped on a glass of wine, instantly her stomach churned, Oh god I hope I’m not getting sick she thought to herself.

  But the more she thought about it, she realized that she had missed her period. I can't be pregnant, she thought to herself. But I’ve been feeling crampy and moody though. Oh my god, what if I AM pregnant? Dominique subconsciously placed her hand on her belly, no this can't be happening, this cannot be happening. Okay Dominique, calm down, you don’t know anything yet, just wait until you get to a doctor. There's nothing you can do tonight so just enjoy yourself and don’t let on to Adam that anything is wrong.

  “Dominique you look good enough to eat.”

  “I'll take that as a compliment.” grinned Dominique as he held her hands and she slowly twirled around for him. “Dominique you are the most beautiful woman that I have ever laid eyes on. He sighed. God I am one lucky guy Dominique Foster.”

  “Adam I feel the same, you look gorgeous yourself, wearing a tux definitely suits you Adam, but I have to admit, I can't wait to get you out of it. She winked.

  “I know the feeling gorgeous, I know the feeling.”

  As they entered the lobby of the Ritz- Carlton hotel, Dominique was taken aback at how beautifully decorated it was. Red and white plush poinsettia's and lavishly decorated Christmas trees adorned the marble floors. Soft white lights hung delicately along railings and greenery everywhere.

  “Dominique I still don’t know why you had me park in the parking garage, it would have saved you from having to walk so far in those incredibly sexy heels.”

  Dominique laughed; she was hoping he would notice the brand new Christian-lacroix red holiday heels she was wearing.

  “Well I figured since we're staying the night, it would be easier that's all, and besides, it’s a waste of money to have to tip a valet when the parking garage is right here.”


  “If you say so Dominique but I would have been more than happy to pay a valet you know?”

  “I know, next time. Look I see Molly and Neal let’s go say hello.”

  Adam loved how sensible Dominique could be, every day he learned something new about her. He was no longer falling in love with her, he was in love with her and he was going to tell her tonight.

  Joey sat in his ford explorer reading the newspaper and smoking a cigarette. He had followed the couple into the parking garage of the Ritz and there he would remain until they came out. He knew he would be in for a long night but he didn’t mind. More money to charge his client, he thought to himself.

  Chapter Twenty

  Adam stood in awe and watched as Dominique seemed to glide around the room laughing and mingling with her co-workers. She had made several friends these last few months and he was glad, she wanted friends, she told him one night. He knew she felt lonely for female companionship and Molly and his mom had come into her life at the perfect time she told him.

  He smiled as she glided towards him. Whenever she looked at him, he felt as if he was the only man in the room and she was the only woman in the world for him.

  “Come on handsome, let’s dance.” Dominique took hold of his hand and led him to the dance floor.

  Dominique relished in the feeling of having Adam's arms around her, and as they danced to the romantic ballad, he whispered in her ear, “I love you Dominique.”

  As if it were second nature, Dominique replied, “I love you too Adam.”

  The two kissed as they spun around the dance floor, it was a moment that Dominique thought she would never feel again. She no longer felt guilty either, she still loved Stephen but he was gone and was not coming back. She was sure that he would want her to find love again, even though the circumstances were extremely unorthodox. But with the help of Muriel, Molly and Neal, she would be taking care of that unfortunate circumstance very soon.

  Adam was in conversation with his parents when she gently placed her arm around him.

  “Adam I hate to interrupt but I can't find my evening bag; I think I left it in the car.”

  “Okay I’ll go get it, I’ll be right back.”

  “No honey it’s Okay really, I’ll get it, you stay here and talk to your parents, I’ll be right back.” She smiled.

  “Dominique I could use the walk, why don’t I go with you? Give us a chance to catch up.”

  “Sure thing Muriel, let’s go.”

  Dominique gave Adam a quick kiss before retreating to the lobby.

  “Dominique you look radiant this evening.”

  “Thank you Muriel, so do you, your gown is breath taking.”

  “It should be, it costs more than a small car,” she giggled. “Thanks to my husband of course.”

  “Muriel, you are an amazing woman.”

  “Dominique we are two amazing women and whether you want to admit or not my dear, you’re wearing the look of love!”

  “This time Muriel, I will not disagree with you, not one bit,” she smiled.

  Joey Costa sat up quickly in his seat the moment he heard the elevator doors open and heard the female voices coming closer towards him. He squinted at the figures, and couldn’t believe his eyes, it’s now or never, he told himself as he started the explorer.

  Dominique clicked the alarm of the range rover and opened the door. She breathed a sigh of relief as she spotted her purse.

  She opened it, took out some lip gloss and sat in the passenger side and pulled down the vanity mirror and began applying her lip gloss. Muriel too leaned over and using the side mirror applied lipstick of her own.

  As the two finished up, locked the car and began walking back towards the elevators, the sound of a racing engine and squealing tires made Dominique turn around just in time to see the SUV coming right towards them, she screamed in horror as she quickly pushed Muriel out of harm’s way.

  Muriel turned around and let out a blood curdling scream as the SUV careened into Dominique. Dominique felt the sting and hardened blow to her side as the SUV caught her and sent her into the metal grill of a parked vehicle before landing on the ground. The impact of Dominique bouncing off the car was so hard it set off the alarm. Muriel ran to Dominique as Joey stepped on the gas and sped out of the parking garage. “And that takes care of that, time to get paid,” he grinned as he drove away.

  Tears streamed down her face as she gently felt for a pulse. Muriel dialed 911 on her cell and gave the location. When she hung up the phone she heard a moan escaping Dominique’s lips.

  Muriel leaned closer to hear what she was saying. The pain was intense now but she managed to whisper his name.

  “Adam.”

  Muriel frantically dialed Adams cell but it went straight to voice mail. He must have shut it off, thought Muriel.

  “Dominique I’ll go get him, I promise I’ll be right back. Oh Dominique you hang on, I’ll be right back.”

  As the party continued full swing, Adam began to wonder what was taking Dominique and his mom so long to return. They probably stopped off at the ladies room. There was a commotion in the lobby of the hotel.

  As Adam went to check out what was going on, hotel security went rushing by him towards the elevators, he overheard one of them barking orders into a walkie, something about a woman being run down in the parking garage and paramedics being on the way. “Mom and Dominique, oh my god!"

  Just as Adam was about to charge down the stairs to the garage, he spotted Muriel with her dress ripped and looking incredibly pale emerge from the elevators.

  “Mom, what’s going on? Are you alright? Where's Dominique?”

  “Adam come quick, there’s been an accident.”

  A young couple was leaning down by Dominique holding her hand and trying to keep her awake. Muriel had almost run into them on her way to the elevator and had told them to keep her calm and awake. So far it was working. Dominique could make out the faces but she couldn’t respond, her head was pounding now and she felt incredibly nauseous. She was having hard time breathing as she silently prayed for help. Is this how my boys felt the night they died she wondered as the pain intensified.

  “You’re going to be alright you hear me?” said the young man dressed in a tuxedo. “Just keep your eyes on me, keep looking at me.”

  “Dominique?” Adam fell to his knees and gently cradled her head as he leaned down next to her.

  Tears fell from her eyes as she whispered to him,

  “Adam it hurts,” She cried.

  “I know it does baby, but you’re going to be fine, I’m here Dominique I love you so much, I love you.

  No Dominique I need you to keep those gorgeous eyes of yours open you hear me, that’s my girl, keep looking at me, you hear that? The ambulance is on its way. We're gonna get you out of here Dominique. Keep looking at me. Tears welled up in his eyes. “Don't you leave me Dominique, don’t you even think of leaving me.”

  Dominique tasted metal when she whispered her reply, “Adam, your mother, is she alright?”

  “Yes Dominique she's fine, you saved her life.”

  Dominique squeezed his hand before the blackness over took her.

  A large crowd had gathered in the parking garage and as Jonathan and Muriel watched, the ambulance screamed into the parking garage. Paramedic's, police and the fire dept. sealed off the area and as they loaded Dominique into the ambulance, she had become completely unconscious.

  The paramedic shouted something to the driver and Jonathan had to pull his son out of the way as the ambulance roared to life and sped off to the hospital.

  “Son let's go son, we'll meet them there.”

  Adam stared out the window as his father and mother drove to the hospital.

  “Mom tell me everything again please.”

  “Certainly Adam.”

  As Adam listened to his mother recount what had led to Dominique being hit by the car, he realized that it was no accident, it was done on purpose. “Oh Adam I�
�m so sorry. She saved my life. That maniac seemed to be aiming right towards us.

  My god, if Dominique hadn’t pushed me out of the way it would have been the both of us lying there.”

  “Muriel, don’t think like that.” Was all that Jonathan could say. But what he was thinking was that he hoped he truly hoped that his son Brandon had nothing to do with what just happened because if he did, all bets were off.

  As the ambulance reached the hospital, Dominique could hear the frantic voices all around her, she found it difficult to understand what they were saying but she felt the coldness of the scissors as they cut away her gown.

  She could hear the voice of a nurse asking her if there was any chance that she could be pregnant, Dominique was only able to whisper an “I don’t know” before passing out again. When Dominique awoke, she was back in New Hampshire, back in her home. As she sat up in bed she noticed that next to her had been slept in, and was still warm.

  Could it be? Stephen? Feeling no pain, Dominique hurriedly got out of bed. Calling out his name, she felt her voice echo throughout the entire house. “Teddy? Stephen?”

  Without having to take the stairs she found herself in the kitchen. Then she saw them, Teddy and Stephen sitting there as if all was right in the world.

  Dominique tried desperately to go to her boys, to hold them but her legs wouldn’t let her, she was frozen in the doorway of the kitchen, all she was able to do was talk.

  “My boys, I’ve waited so long to finally be with you.”

  “Mommy look, dads trying to make pancakes, come and sit down mommy.”

  Tears filled her eyes, “I can't baby, but mommy loves you, I miss you so very much.”

  Now it was time for Stephen to speak, he smiled as he moved towards his wife.

  “Hey baby, he touched her face and Dominique felt his touch.

  “Hey, she replied.

  “Teddy, daddy has to talk to mommy for a minute I’ll be right back Okay buddy?”

  “Okay dad. Bye mom.”

  “Mommy will be right back bud, I promise.”