Revengeful Deceptions

by Ursula Dukes

  Jonathan told Adam what was going on and that his investigator had told him that Dominique was following Brandon, and he had just received another call from Paul and it looked like they were headed towards New Hampshire.

  “Why in god's name would she even think of following Brandon, and into New Hampshire none the less, it doesn’t make any sense son.” While he was listening to his father, it suddenly became clear to Adam why his wife was following Brandon.

  “I think I know why dad.”

  Adam explained to his father that according to the message that the detective had left, Brandon was responsible for the courthouse shooting and they wouldn’t be able to get a warrant until Monday.

  “Son, are you telling me that Dominique went after him so he wouldn’t run? Does she know how dangerous that is? I've got to get in touch with Paul son; I’ve got to tell him what's going on.”

  “You do that dad, and I’m going after Dominique, I can't lose her dad, I can't.”

  “I know son, be careful and I’ll keep you posted as to where they are.”

  Adam hung up the phone and rushed back into the restaurant.

  “Everything alright Adam you look upset,” said Molly

  “Molly, Neal, you'll have to excuse me, something’s happened to Dominique.”

  “Oh my god what is it Adam, what's happened?” asked Molly who was now very concerned for her friend.

  “It seems that she's gone after Brandon, she must have found out that he is responsible for the courthouse shooting and gone after him because she thinks he's going to run. I can't explain any more I’ve got to go after her.”

  “Adam we're going with you.”

  “Molly no it’s too dangerous.”

  Adam was already heading towards the door when Molly and Neal were on his heels.

  “I told you guys it’s too dangerous,” he ordered.

  “Adam, Dominique is in danger now you want to sit here and argue about it or do you want to go and get your wife?” said Neal who was already jogging towards the car.

  “I hope this deal goes smoothly,” said Brandon as he entered New Hampshire, “I don’t want to have to deal with some stupid-ass amateurs,” he said to Joey who reclined lazily in the passenger seat.

  “Hey do you mind? I'm trying to get some sleep.”

  “Yeah, I do man, this is a long drive and it would help if I had somebody to talk to, keep me awake okay, now sit your ass up and say something man.”

  Joey mumbled something before putting his seat upright.

  “What was that?” Brandon asked.

  “I said that's what the fucking radio is for.”

  “I don’t want to listen to the goddam radio asshole I want to have a conversation. Oh fuck it; just give me a hit, that'll keep me up.”

  Brandon thought of his friend Nick as he took a couple hits of cocaine. It was three years ago that he and Nick made the same trip, except it had been a lot better having Nick as a passenger.

  “We're almost there anyway,” said Joey as he pointed to the road sign. They had about fifteen more miles to go and were doing the drug deal at a closed down rest area. There were minimal lights at the abandoned rest stop and if the cops showed up they'd simply say they thought it was open and available. But it was highly unlikely that anyone would show up because of its location. One had to really look for it in order to know that it was there.

  Chapter Thirty Seven

  Dominique had no choice but to ignore the calls coming to her cell phone from Adam, she knew he would be furious but she wasn’t about to let him stop her. Brandon needed to be put out of his misery and she was going to be the one to do it. “Just where the hell are you going?” She muttered out loud as she followed the two men down the interstate.

  When she saw them pass the spot where just three years ago, Brandon had forced Stephen off the road, she realized that he was doing another drug deal. “Some things never change you son of a bitch,” she whispered as she sped up. She purposely turned her head as she drove past the spot where her boys had died.

  Adam kept in contact with his father and instructed Neal where to go as they sped through the night. There were moments when Molly had to ask him to slow down as he was breaking speeds over 95 miles per hour.

  “Sorry baby, I’m just trying to make up for some time,” he said eyes concentrating on the road.

  “I know you are, but we want to get to her alive don’t we?” She said, making sure not to distract him from the road.

  “It's not that long of a trip into New Hampshire and once we're there, as long as this Paul guy keeps us updated we should find her in no time.”

  “I hope your right Neal, I hope your right,” said Adam sounding distraught.

  It didn’t take Neal long to reach New Hampshire and no one in the vehicle had any way of knowing that they too had just passed the marker where Stephen and Teddy died.

  “Okay, according to dad, we're about fifteen miles out, look for an exit sign for a rest area, a closed down rest area, according to Paul, that's where they all stopped.

  Dominique parked far enough away to go undetected, she hadn’t wanted to get involved in the drug deal, she was only one person after all and she knew she wouldn’t be able to defend herself against them all so she watched and waited. It wasn’t long before the dealers got in their truck and left, leaving Brandon and Joey alone.

  Dominique didn’t know who the other guy was, but she hoped that for his sake he'd want to stay out of it otherwise she'd kill him too if she had to. As she reached into the glove box and retrieved the glock, she couldn’t help but think about what she would say to Brandon. Maybe he'll decide to turn himself in after all, she thought to herself. Wishful thinking Dominique, wishful thinking. Now come on, you can do this, think of the family that you lost at his hands, and the baby. You've got to put a stop to this madness, enough is enough; he can't get away with it any longer.

  After Dominique had given herself the small pep talk she quietly got out of the car and headed towards the area where Brandon had parked his car. Joey had just settled himself back into the passenger side of the vehicle and as Brandon was about to get in, Dominique spoke.

  “Brandon, you and I have some unfinished business,” she said keeping her hand on the glock hidden in the pocket of her hoodie.

  Paul had kept Jonathan on the phone but had exited his own vehicle several moments before, he had found a secluded area and had his gun with its scope aimed at Brandon. He was ready to fire but only if he should attempt to hurt Dominique. He was an excellent marksman and he had no doubt that he could hit Brandon between the eyes. He thought about taking both Brandon and Joey out but when he asked Jonathan what he wanted him to do, he told him to let things play out and only use deadly force if he sensed that Dominique or Adam's lives were in danger. Paul hadn’t seen any sign of Adam yet and he hoped that he would not show up, keeping an eye on Dominique was enough.

  “Well look who it is!” Shouted Brandon as he slammed the car door shut. Joey got out as well.

  “What the fuck is she doing here man?” Joey asked as he neared the back of the car where Dominique was standing.

  “I've got no qualms with you mister; I don’t even know who you are. My issue is with Brandon and Brandon only. As she pulled the glock out and aimed it at Brandon. “Now, if you want to excuse yourself and get back in the car that'll be just fine with me,” she said not taking her eyes off Brandon.

  Joey realized that Dominique didn’t know that he was the one who had hit her in the parking garage and as far as he was concerned, he'd keep it that way. Unless of course she tried to drag him into this. This was Brandon's mess, let him try and fix it.

  “Sounds good to me lady but know this, if you make any attempts to come after me, all bets are off. I'll find you and this time I’ll kill you.” Dominique nodded her head and said “Yes, I understand.”

  “Looks like you’re on your own Brandon,” he smirked as he quickly got back into the car, this time gettin
g into the driver’s side.

  “You’re just going to leave me here with this crazy bitch Joey?” For the first time in a long time Brandon felt vulnerable and scared.

  “Yeah, looks like you’re in good hands buddy, I never liked you anyway you spoiled brat. But hey listen, I’ll be sure to tell your old man that the deal went bad man, that you went crazy on us all and took off with the money and the kilos. Or maybe I’ll just take off with the money, yeah that sounds better, fuck you and your old man.

  Thanks lady, you just did me a huge favor and you also made me a rich man. But remember what I said, you cross me and you’re as good as dead, take it easy Brandon,” he said laughing as he drove away.

  “You mother fucker!” Brandon yelled after him.

  “He's gone Brandon; it’s just me and you and guess which one of us is leaving here alive? I'll give you a hint, it's not going to be you, you selfish son of a bitch.”

  Dominique now held the glock firmly with both hands, the more she stared at him, the more she felt the urge to squeeze the trigger.

  “You took away so many pieces of my life, not once Brandon, but twice and then you tried to take Adam away from me and now it's time for me to take away your life. How does it feel Brandon, knowing that you're about to die?” She said right before striking him in his face with the butt of the gun and knocking him to his knees.

  “There! There's the exit ramp for the rest stop,” shouted Adam.

  Neal had to maneuver the turn because he almost missed it.

  “I can see Dominique's car there but I don’t see Brandon's what in the hell is going on? Neal stop here!” Adam shouted.

  As they came closer to the scene, they could all see that Dominique was pointing a gun at Brandon who appeared to be on his knees. Blood was dripping from his nose and mouth.

  “Molly, you stay in this car do you hear me?” Neal urged as he slowly got out of the car.

  Molly did as her fiancé asked, she could tell by the look in his eyes that this was a dangerous situation and she needed to stay out of the way.

  Adam and Neal slowly approached Dominique. Brandon saw them first when Dominique told him to stand up.

  “Well look who's come to save the day!” He shouted, and spit out blood as he did.

  Startled, Dominique quickly turned around to see Adam and Neal and as she did so, Brandon made his move. In an instant he had managed to take the gun away from Dominique and now had her in a choke hold with the glock aimed at her head. Adam cautiously made a step closer.

  “Hold on there little brother,” he squeezed Dominique harder, “You make one move closer and I’ll blow her pretty little brains out of her pretty little head, and you know I don’t bluff little bro.”

  Adam stopped in mid step and threw up his hands. “Brandon no, take me. Let her go Brandon, I’m begging you.” Adam held his gaze on Dominique; he had to be strong for the both of them.

  Dominique kept her hands firmly on Brandon's arm as he gripped her tightly around the neck. She was struggling to breathe but kept her eyes on Adam as he tried to reason with his half-brother.

  “Listen Brandon you let her go and take me. She's been through enough Brandon it’s time for this to end.”

  Dominique fought hard against Brandon as she shook her head. “No Adam!” Brandon let out a chuckle. “Well look at that, looks like me and your wife agree little bro. No can do, and besides, me and her are going to have to take a little ride.”

  “I can't let you do that Brandon, you’re not leaving here with Dominique. Let her go.”

  “Oh yes I am little bro and with your blessing too. See me and Dominique here are going to go get my money back from Joey then I’m going to take care of this bitch once and for all. But don’t worry little bro, I’m going to have a little fun with her before I do,” he said as he licked the side of her face.

  Dominique struggled harder as she watched Adam become more and more enraged.

  Adam was blocking the path of Paul's shot, “If only he would move over, I’d be able to take him out.” Paul cursed.

  “Now I’d love to stay and chat with you and your new best friend there little bro but I’ve got to catch up to Joey and reclaim what’s mine. Then it looks like I got a hot date so you say goodbye to your husband bitch but before you do, just remember, all this was your fault.” Brandon now had a noose like grip around her neck and she was sure if he didn’t let up she was going to pass out.

  Adam wanted to lunge at his half-brother and snap his neck. “Brandon your choking her, let her go!”

  A sadistic chuckle escaped his mouth. “I told you, no can do little bro now say goodbye like a good girl Bitch.”

  Tears began to fall as she took one last look at her husband and tried to speak. A choked gasp was all that would escape.

  “Cat got your tongue pretty lady? What's wrong, nothing to say?”

  Dominique fought hard against him as he pushed her inside the Volvo.

  Adam began to beg and plead for his wife's life as Brandon got behind the wheel.

  Brandon ignored his pleas and as they drove away Adam ran and screamed after the car.

  “Come on, we can't let him get away,” Neal told his friend.

  Dominique was glad that Brandon had released his grip on her and now she was able to breathe.

  “Where are you taking me?” She asked. Her voice had become raspy. She looked out the rear window and saw that Adam had managed to catch up and was right behind them.

  “You know exactly where I am taking you bitch now shut up and enjoy the ride,” he said as he stepped on the gas.

  Dominique knew that they were nearing the location where Brandon had run Stephen off the road. And as she put on her seat belt she decided that if she was going to die, she would take Brandon with her and it was going to be on her terms.

  As Brandon rounded the corner Dominique whispered, “I love you Adam.” She shut her eyes, reached over and grabbed hold of the steering wheel so hard that the vehicle spun out of control and went into a tilt on two of its wheels.

  Brandon shouted something right before his head hit the windshield. Glass imploded into the car and he could feel the bones in his face being broken, his body being crushed against the steering wheel and right before the car collided with the ground, he screamed in pain as he felt every organ inside of him split and severe into tiny little pieces.

  Dominique could feel herself being juggled and jostled around, but not for long as the slack on the seat belt tightened and seemed to cocoon her. The side curtain airbags had deployed on the passenger side only. The car careened through a makeshift guard rail taking on air while the engine raced and roared down an incline before landing topside in the big empty field.

  Dominique lay perfectly still, even though she was in shock, she couldn’t help but think that something else besides the seat belt and air bags had saved her life. They were so very close to where her boys had died. Is this what they went through? She wondered. How is it that she survived? She glanced over in Brandon's direction and saw that he was dangling half way out of the driver’s side door, but not by his own accord.

  From the waist down it looked as if he was dipped in blood, his legs were caught and twisted under the dashboard. Blood spewed out of his mouth as he whispered, “Help Me, help me please.” Dominique knew that he was dying and for a brief moment she felt sorry for him, only for a moment then she herself passed out.

  Neal had to slam on the brakes in order not to crash. Molly let out a blood curdling cry as they watched the Volvo crash through the guard rail and seemingly fly into the field.

  “No!” Adam shouted as he jumped out of the car.

  Chapter Thirty Eight

  “Stephen, is that you?” Dominique smiled as she opened her eyes and saw him. She was still in the field, but it was bright as day, brighter in fact and the sky was the bluest she had ever seen.

  “Yes it's me baby.”

  “Am I dead Stephen? Where's Teddy?”

  �
�No baby, you’re not dead, you’re just unconscious, I needed to see you again Dominique. I need you to know that it's all over.”

  “So then I am dead aren't I?” Dominique felt an incredible sadness for Adam; he would be all alone now.

  “No that's not what I mean baby, what I’m trying to tell you is that Brandon's time on this earth is over, justice has been served and now it’s time for you to go back to Adam and those who love you. You don’t know this yet but you’re carrying his child and this time you’re going to have a healthy baby.”

  Dominique smiled as she held his hand, she could feel him and the warmth that was emulating from him felt incredible.

  “But I need to tell you that you have one more hurdle to take and it's going to be a hard one, but once you get it out of the way, things will be alright for you and Adam.”

  Dominique worried for the safety of the baby she was now carrying.

  “Stephen but you just said that I was going to have a healthy baby, I don’t understand.”

  “You are Dominique, I promise. But this has nothing to do with the baby. I cannot tell you what is going to happen but know that it was all meant to be and you've got to trust the people in your life now. Your husband is always there to protect you, remember that. And there's one more thing, I need you to do something for me.”

  “Anything Stephen,” she cried.

  “I need you to let me go Dominique; it’s time for you to live your life with Adam, he loves you so very much. Teddy, the baby and I are fine and you'll see us again, just not now baby okay? You've got your whole life to live; you've got to go back now, back to where you belong, back to Adam.”

  “Stephen wait. You said the baby, does that mean you..." Her voice turned into sobs.

  “Yes Dominique, the baby is fine now go and don’t look back keep going forward, I love you.”

  A sharp gasp escaped her mouth as she opened her eyes and looked into those of her husband. When Adam and Neal had come upon the scene, Adam couldn’t wait for an ambulance, he carefully removed Dominique's seat belt and he and Neal had gently taken her from the wreckage and laid her on the ground. With tears in his eyes, he smiled. “Dominique, you came back to me.” Adam cradled his wife in his arms while Neal and Molly waved down the ambulance.