HIDDEN WITNESS 4: DOMINIC'S STORY Read online

  I smiled. “Oh, I see your point. Those situations are handled differently. Come on.” I extended my hand toward the sales woman as I read her name tag.

  “Myself and my girlfriend Carmen Drake have an appointment with you, Ms. Tackett.”

  “Yes, right this way. I have all the paperwork ready to be signed then you can drive off the lot,” she smiled.

  We followed her into an office.

  “Have a seat.” She closed the door behind us. Carmen and I sat across from Ms. Tackett.

  She placed a few documents before us. “The car you purchased is a Tesla S sedan. Oh, I almost forgot. You said you’d choose the color once you arrived.” She grabbed a catalog off the corner of her desk. “You can select the color.”

  “Carmen, can you pick the color of your car?”

  Her mouth dropped open. “Dominic, what are you doing?” She flipped through the papers. “Eighty thousand dollars! You said a small car reasonably priced.”

  “Carmen, the car is electric and very reliable. Please pick a color so we can grab dinner.”

  She glanced at the color selections again. “Pearl white with tan seats.”

  “Great, I need to update the paperwork. I’ll return shortly.” Ms. Tackett darted out of the room.

  Carmen and I sat in silence.

  “You’re upset because I bought you a reliable luxury vehicle.”

  “Yes, exactly. When we discussed compact, I thought maybe a Honda Civic or an Accord.”

  I laughed. “You act like I purchased a Benz truck or BMW.”

  “For the price you paid you probably could have purchased two compact BMW’s.”

  My eyebrows rose. “I guess, you’re right.”

  Ms. Tackett returned and placed the documents in front of us. She directed Carmen where to sign. I gave Ms. Tackett the check, then she placed the car keys in Carmen’s hand. “I hope you enjoy your new car.”

  “Thank you,” Carmen smiled.

  We strolled out the side door. I extended my hand.

  “There’s your car.”

  Carmen smiled, walking around the car, running her fingertips over the paint.

  “I probably should tell my family I have a boyfriend.”

  Just as my body heated with anger. I calmed down remembering I hadn’t told my family about Carmen either. Soon I would.

  “When you’re ready, Carmen. How about you drive us to grab dinner.”

  She wiggled in under the steering wheel and adjusted the seat. I slid into the passenger seat.

  “Dominic, it’s a really nice car.”

  I smirked. “So, you like it.”

  “Yes, I love it.”

  “I figured you would.”

  “Dominic, thank you.”

  I gripped her hand over the gear shift. “You’re welcome.”

  ~

  Standing on the casino floor, the ceiling lights shined bright. The elaborate orangish red sculpture dangled far above our heads. The dinging of slot machines and the cheering from the game tables surrounded us. I slipped my arm around Carmen’s waist. The slinky, clinging, silver dress that halted above her knees made me want to tear it off with my teeth later. Her hair was swept off of her neck into a side bun.

  “The casino is beautiful, Dominic. I love the water cascading down the walls behind the machines.”

  “Thank you.”

  She swayed her hand over my black tuxedo jacket. I wanted Carmen to enjoy herself the best she could while I handled business. Running a casino was hard work. There was always someone trying to rob the casino in some manner. This time we had two men who count cards. They’ve been warned on different occasions not to return to our casino. It was apparent they didn’t know who the owners of the casino were or they didn’t give a shit.

  Craig whispered in my ear. “They’re here tonight on the black jack table to your right. One guy has on a black T-shirt the other a light gray.”

  I nodded. “Escort Carmen to the Rolette table.”

  “Sure thing, boss.”

  “Baby, Craig will take you to gamble while I handle business.”

  She turned to me. “No, I want to stay with you.” Her eyes softened.

  “That isn’t a good idea.”

  “Please, Dominic.”

  I pulled her into my arms. “There aren’t any pleasantries in the upcoming conversation. Remember one of those horrible scenes from one of those mafia movies. That’s what the end result will be.”

  “Dominic, through the flames.”

  I questioned myself for a moment. Stepping back, I gazed into her eyes. “Ok.” I intertwined our fingers.

  “Craig bring them up to my office.”

  His eyes widened as he stared between us. “Yes, sir.”

  He probably thought I was crazy.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

  DOMINIC

  Carmen sat on the sofa while I paced the Berber floor.

  Craig escorted the pair inside.

  “Carmen, would you like a drink?”

  “Yes,” she stated from the L shape tan leather sofa.

  “Hey what are we here for?” The men asked as Craig shoved them inside.

  Craig stood cupping his hands in front of him while guarding the door from inside.

  I poured Champagne into a flute glass then stepped down one step and placed it in Carmen’s hand.

  “You both can wait to sit,” I stated sitting on the corner of my desk.

  “I brought my woman to my casino to show her a good time. But when there are card counters on the floor, they fuck up my night.”

  I sipped the whiskey I made for myself.

  “Sir, we aren’t here counting cards,” the taller chubby guy in the black shirt huffed.

  “No?” My eyebrow rose.

  “Have a seat in the desks against the wall, Billy Lewis and Stewart Marsh.”

  They stood, staring at me before planting their asses in the chairs.

  We used the old school desks for special occasions.

  “Do you have any idea who owns this casino?”

  “No,” Stewart in the gray shirt mustered.

  “The Magarelli’s own this casino. One thing we hate more than liars…are thieves.” I removed my gold cufflinks, slid the jacket from my arms and draped it across the sofa, followed by my shirt and bow tie. I swayed my hand over my wife beater as I walked to the corner of the room. I removed the black long leather apron from the hook and slipped it over my head.

  “Let me tie it for you,” Carmen stated walking behind me.

  I selected a driver from the golf bag of clubs in the corner.

  “Done, Dominic.” Carmen returned to the sofa.

  My guests stared at my woman. I pointed the club in their direction. “Hey, no looking at my fucking woman. I’ll beat your eyeballs out of your head.” I snickered.

  Craig laughed.

  I glanced at Carmen. “Sorry, baby. We have a sick sense of humor.”

  Uneasiness filled their faces. They fidgeted in their seats not sure where to hold their gazes.

  I leaned against the sofa facing the men. “On several occasions you both were told not to enter this casino again. Why did you come back?”

  “We weren’t…,” Stewart started.

  I raised the golf club in the air. “Don’t do it. Don’t lie unless you want an ass beating earlier than expected. Again, why did you return?”

  Billy ran his hand across his brow. “The second we stepped foot into one of the other casinos.”

  “Billy, what are you doing?” Stewart’s eyes grew in size.

  “Being honest. Something I never do. I get the feeling he isn’t playing, especially dressed in the leather apron.”

  “As I was saying. We didn’t last ten minutes inside the other casinos. Their security team would put us out on our asses. But here…We wouldn’t be spotted for thirty minutes sometimes an hour. We figured we’d make as much money as we could before we were caught.”

  “Craig, how long did it t
ake your team to spot them?”

  “Five minutes.”

  Their mouths dropped open.

  “We run our casino a little different. We told you not to come back.

  If you continue to frequent our establishment after we told you never to return, then you both get what’s coming to you.”

  I rose and walked about the room, swinging the golf club. “Craig, how many times did they return?”

  “Five times.”

  “And how much money did they steal from the Magarelli’s?”

  “One hundred K.”

  I stalked over and slammed the club against Stewart’s arm.

  “Ah,” he wailed.

  My hair shook loose. I combed my fingers through my hair in effort to control my anger. Didn’t fucking work.

  “The first time the Magarelli’s from New Jersey tell you never to return that’s what you should do. We run several gambling establishments in New Jersey.” I leaned in pointing the club to the floor. “I have men breaking legs and arms every fucking day. We’ve allowed you to hang yourselves. It’s time to pay.”

  “Strap them up.”

  The men scurried from the chairs toward the door. I grabbed the Glock from my pants under my undershirt.

  “The door is locked.” I removed the muzzle from my pocket and screwed it onto the Glock. “There’s nowhere to run. Once again we are skilled at punishing and making people disappear.”

  “Dom, the best.”

  Craig and I chuckled.

  I pointed the gun between Billy and Stewart. “Sit.”

  “Help! Help!” They screamed like two bitches.

  I glanced at Craig. “Oh, I think we forgot to tell them. This room is padded.” I glared at Billy and Stewart. “No one can hear you.”

  We laughed. The shit was laughable. Carmen was so quiet, I almost forgot she was in the room. Peeking over my shoulder, I met her gaze. “Are you all right?”

  Her smile rose and fell. “Yes, baby.”

  My brows rustled together. I was shocked she wasn’t running for the exit begging me to let her go. My eyes darted to her empty glass. “Baby, would you like another glass of champagne?”

  “Dominic, I can manage.” She kicked off her silver stilettos and walked to the mini bar.

  Still gripping my weapons, I stepped behind her, placing both hands on the edge of the bar on either side of her.

  “Are you sure you’re, all right?” I whispered in her ear.

  She stared into my green eyes. “Yes, Dominic. I think I’ll make something a little stronger and take the bottle with me to the sofa.” She tilted her head to the side, pressing her lips against mine.

  I needed to get rid of these assholes so I could spend time with Carmen.

  “Ok, I’ll wrap it up.” My lips melted against her neck before I stepped away.

  “Now, where were we? Oh, I see Craig strapped you two in nice and tight.”

  They shook, eyes blinking as tears poured down their faces and wiggled their fingers in the table restraints.

  “Nothing worse than watching grown men cry like babies.” I slid my Glock in my pants against the small of my back.

  Standing catty corner to the desks, I drew the golf club over my head. “This should be a lesson… I slammed the club against Stewarts knuckles. He wailed.

  “Please stop.”

  The corner of my lips curled. “I don’t think so.”

  I brought the club down hard again this time smashing the bones in Billy’s hands. Blood spewed across the room. “You don’t steal from the Magarelli’s. Nessuna pietà.”

  I wacked each of their hands again. They cried out for mercy.

  “No mercy.” My dark laughter filled the room. I stepped back chest heaving. “Dispose of them.”

  “What?” Stewart’s lips trembled.

  “No! We’ve learned our lesson,” Billy pleaded.

  I pressed the button on the wall beside the mini bar. The wall slid open. “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” I tossed my hand in the air.

  “We gave you countless chances. Now you’ll be buried in the dirt.” I mashed the down elevator button. The door flew open. Craig threw the men inside.

  “Hugo will be waiting downstairs, Craig.”

  He nodded, throwing the men to the floor inside the elevator. The doors closed behind them.

  I called Hugo.

  Hugo, Craig is on his way.

  Ok, Dom.

  I disconnected.

  “I’ll be right back, Carmen.”

  “Ok.”

  I didn’t make eye contact.

  Whisking around the room and elevator I wiped away any evidence of torture. The solution we used to remove blood was top notch.

  Standing in the bathroom, staring in the mirror at my reflection, I took in my disheveled hair. Thoroughly, I washed my hands and face. I dabbed a dry towel over my face then placed it on the counter.

  I walked toward Carmen. “Do you want to talk?” Sitting at her side, I grabbed her whiskey glass off the table and sipped the strong contents.

  “I didn’t know how I’d feel about you after witnessing your animalistic ways. When you told me that day in the car you were a psychopath…I don’t know.” She dropped her head on my shoulder.

  “I needed to see who you really are. What you were capable of. The lengths you’d go through for your family. You said something in Italian.”

  “I said nessuna pietà which translates to no mercy in English. You understand I wouldn’t hurt you right? I’d die to protect you.”

  She ran her fingers along my chest. “Can we go to our room. Tonight, I want to relax with you. Tomorrow you can teach me Poker.” She leaned over to slide her shoes on.

  “You can leave them off. We’ll take the elevator up to the penthouse suite.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  DOMINIC

  A few minutes later the elevator doors opened inside the elaborate suite.

  “It’s beautiful, Dominic. The pearl walls, the gray sofa and the gold curtains around the bed is a nice touch.”

  “I need to take a shower. How about you order dinner.”

  “Ok. Steak medium rare?”

  I kissed her lips, then threw my clothes on a nearby chair. “Yes.”

  Stepping into the bathroom, I shed the remainder of my clothes, then adjusted the water in the shower. I was disappointed I wasn’t able to take Carmen out to dinner. Regret seeped through my pores as the hot water thudded my skin. She shouldn’t have been in the room. Carmen appeared calm. How could she remain calm through everything she saw tonight? Running my hands through my hair, I sighed. Carmen witnessing my rage and how ruthless I could be concerned me.

  I turned off the water, stepped onto the marble floor, wrapping a towel around my waist.

  Carmen laid on the bed in her bra and panties, resting her chin on her folded arms. Her big brown eyes stared into mine.

  Fuck, I felt my dick rising. I clutched the towel at my waist and made a quick dash to the bed, sitting beside her. Peeking over my shoulder I marveled her smooth, bronze legs and tight ass. Shit.

  “We need to talk.”

  “About what?” she rolled over on her back, smiling. My eyes gravitated to her succulent breasts. She was killing me and she knew it. One more year, Dom. You can make it. Then you can fuck her every day.

  “Sit up please.” I patted the bed.

  She sat next to me.

  “I can’t accept the shit you told me downstairs. There has to be more.”

  “Dominic, what else do you want me to tell you?”

  “I asked you if you thought I could ever hurt you. You didn’t answer.”

  “Hm, let’s see. I’ve pissed you off twice. The bungee jumping trip and at the dealership. Both times I could see the anger burning in your face. I wondered if you wanted to choke me.”

  “You forgot how pissed I was after I told you about the family business.”

  “Yeah, I was deathly afraid then.”

  “And today wa
tching me brutally smash those guys hands. Not to mention I almost shot those assholes in front of your pretty little eyes.”

  She caressed my face. “I know how you are with me. The way you gaze into my eyes. The way you touch me. I can’t put my finger on it. Sometimes I think you just want to look at me and keep me attached to your chest.”

  I laughed. “I do. If we weren’t in college, you’d live with me. No scratch that. I’d marry you and keep you barefoot and pregnant. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

  “I don’t want to wait anymore. Make love to me, Dominic.”

  “You have no idea how much I want to. But you have to finish school. When we make love for the first time our moment will be special. I think we should stay at the Four Seasons.”

  She straddled me. “While we’re here we should get married.” Carmen placed my large hands on her ass.

  Her lips melted against my neck.

  “Marry me, Dominic. You said that’s your plan anyway.”