HIDDEN WITNESS 4: DOMINIC'S STORY Page 8

  I felt eyes on me.

  “You are your father’s son, Dom,” Gio, breathed as he rolled one of the bodies in plastic.

  I slid the saw through his flesh above his ankle. Daniel hollered out in agonizing pain each time I severed a limb. I stepped back skimming my clothes soaked in his blood. My lip curled at one end.

  “No mercy,” I whispered. Penetrating his chest with the saw, I circled his heart. Blood oozed from his mouth and his eyes glassed over. He was gone. Reaching into his chest, I grabbed his lifeless heart. I tossed it on the new sheet of plastic on the opposite side of the table. I obtained a new change of clothes from the duffel bag. Shedding my bloody clothes, I dropped them on the floor and slipped into clean clothes.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  DOMINIC

  Gio and I drove deep into the desert, burned the clothes we wore, then buried the bodies.

  Three hours later, Gio and I sat at the poker table, smoking cigars, and sipping whiskey neat. Holding my cards close, I pointed my cigar at Gio. “Angelita won’t willingly walk away no matter how blunt I am with her.”

  Gio sat back in the chair. “What were you blunt about?”

  I tossed out a card. The other players at the table focused on their hand.

  “I told Angelita I’d never marry her. She dismissed my words like they meant nothing.”

  He blew three O shapes in the air. “You know what Tony would say right?”

  I sighed. “Yeah.”

  “She’s crazy. Cut her loose. Crazy broads come back and behave crazy when they can’t get what they want.” Gio stared at his cards.

  I ran my fingers through my smooth black hair. “It wasn’t my idea to see her. It was more of an agreement.”

  “Does she know that?”

  “No.”

  “How long have you two dated?”

  “Five years.”

  Gio’s eyes widened and a chuckle rolled out of his mouth. “Yeah, your words and actions don’t match up. I don’t care if you only see her when you return home to visit. She feels important.”

  “My advice if you choose to take…Sit her down in a public place and tell her you can’t see her anymore. Be firm.” He tossed a card on the table.

  The men grumbled revealing their cards.

  “That’s right read’em an weep.” Gio laughed.

  Cigar hanging out of his mouth, he leaned over shoveling the poker chips toward him. “This was the best idea, Dom. I love Poker.”

  The men rose. We shook hands and they disbursed.

  “Dom, who enforced the agreement?”

  “My grandfather. I wasn’t sure if her father Mr. Terenzio knew of the agreement. I was only supposed to date her for a few months, but the deal was so lucrative grandfather asked I extend seeing her. What was the harm, so I thought? I was never in Jersey. She visited me a few times at school. But I was careful. Never treated her like my girlfriend. Never told her I loved her. And I never promised to marry her.”

  “Shit, Sal burned you.”

  My eyes widened. “What?”

  Gio stared at me. “If you only dated her for a few months and moved on fine, but you kept seeing her for five years!” He placed emphasis on the word five. Gio shook his head.

  “Sal wanted to continue profiting off of your situation. He’d do so as long as you’d let him.”

  I clutched my fist and my jaw twitched. “Fuck!” I didn’t want to be controlled. My grandfather played this game a lot longer than I had. I’m sure. He proved to be the better poker player. He and I would have a little chat.

  ~

  Gazing out the floor to ceiling window at my grandfathers, I sipped Scotch mid-day. My blood still heated my veins.

  “Dominic, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at school,” I heard grandfather from behind.

  I gulped down the harsh contents. “Yup, I should. I needed to talk with you, then I’ll head back.” I turned, walking toward him.

  “Right before I went off to college, you asked I date Angelita.”

  He clutched his hands behind his back and smiled.

  “Yes.”

  “That was five years ago. You asked I date her a little while longer. I did. Never once have you come to me,” I stated, poking myself in the chest. “And said Dom thanks for holding up your end of the bargain. Fucking, five years. This shit is nuts!” I halted and hurled the glass across the room, it shattered against the custom gray wallpaper. His guards ran into the room.

  “Sir, are you, all right?” The oversized burly guys clutched their fists.

  He waved them off. “Yes, I am fine. My grandson and I are having a friendly discussion.”

  I gripped my dark hair. “I’d say we’re past friendly. I am pissed.”

  He stepped closer. “You’ve been fucking the young lady for five years and now all of a sudden you’re pissed. “His eyes darkened.

  I smirked. “She’s not the only woman I fuck. Also doesn’t matter if I was fucking her or not. She’s breathing down my neck to settle down. She is not my ideal wife. Just because we are cut from the same cloth, I am supposed to marry her? Fuck, that!”

  I placed my hand over my eyes. “I told her I’d never marry her. I told her she should move on. She ignored me. I know she believes I will come around and ask for her hand in marriage. But I won’t. As a matter a fact the moment I leave here, I am meeting her for dinner and ending our non-relationship once and for all. She needs to move on with her life.”

  I stood toe to toe, glaring in his eyes. “If Mr. Terenzio agreed to the deal with the hopes of our family uniting well, he’s in for a rude awakening,” I growled.

  “There’s that temper.” He waved his finger, holding a smirk on his gruff face. The defined lines throughout his face and silky gray and black hair told his age. “You said you could keep it in check.”

  “I don’t like being manipulated, grandfather. If I have not handled our business professionally and not disposed of scum in a discreet manner than relieve me of my duties.” I flexed my fingers as I turned on my heels. My anger consumed me. I flipped over a large antique chair as I exited the house.

  ∞

  I sat in the elegant upscale restaurant, sipping a thick lager beer. Relaxed in the rustic chair, I ran my hand across my face and closed my eyes. I exhaled, in an effort to calm my nerves. I’ll return to school, finish out this semester, and graduate with my undergraduate degree.

  Finally, I’d start law school in the fall.

  I’ve already shown my worth to this family. Don’t let your grandfather fuck up your entire day. Today, Angelita and I would totally go our separate ways.

  “Dominic.”

  I glanced up from my beer. Angelita’s blue eyes brightened as she and the hostess approached the table.

  I stepped around the table and pulled out her chair.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  The waitress stepped away after taking our drink order.

  “What are you doing back in town so soon?”

  Her smile was plastered on her beautiful face.

  I am a fucking asshole. I should have told my grandfather I couldn’t date Angelita in the first place. She’d grown on me over the years. Maybe because I was free to do what I wanted without committing to her. Didn’t matter. Fucking with her heart was the wrong move. I knew she always cared deeply for me. The pit of my stomach sank.

  “A problem arose I had to return to handle. I am returning to school tomorrow. How was your day?”

  The waitress returned with our drinks and we ordered lunch.

  Angelita leaned against the table. “My day went well. I didn’t go into my class today. Teaching third graders can be taxing. I needed a day off. Shopping was my guilty pleasure today. Hopefully, you will be too.” She winked.

  I smiled and sipped the new lager beer the waitress brought.

  Fuck, I hate having to break her heart.

  “How’s school coming along?”

&
nbsp; “Better. This will be a good semester. I hate I am graduating a year late. But I look forward to law school in the fall.”

  She sipped her glass of white wine. “I admire your drive and continue on.”

  Shit, she is sweet. This won’t be easy. “Thank you. How are your parents?”

  We brought each other up to speed on our families over dinner.

  “The shrimp pasta was amazing.” She smiled holding the fork to her lips.

  “Happy you enjoyed your meal.” I gulped down half of my fourth beer.

  “Do you remember our conversation from the other night?”

  Her eyes widened and she flipped her long blonde curls over her shoulder. “Yeah, but Dom, I told you I’d drop it.”

  I stared into her eyes and raised my hand. “Hear me out.”

  “I enjoy the time we spend together. We have a good time…But I am honestly looking for something more. I don’t know what it is but when I find it, I believe I’ll know. I cannot steal anymore of your time. It was unfair of me to do so for so long. I was selfish.”

  She swiped at the tears that escaped her tranquil eyes.

  “So, this is it? We’re over?”

  “Angelita, we were never a couple. I understand in some ways it felt that way however we were just dating. There is a man out there waiting for you. I can’t cock block anymore. I am sorry I allowed our sexual relationship to linger for five years. If you can’t forgive me right now, I understand. But you deserve love.”

  “Dominic, we are perfect together. Why can’t you see that?” Her voice rose and her lips trembled. “I’ve been in love with you since the first time we met. I never wanted another man. Just you,” she glowered.

  The customers roaming eyes glanced our way. I sat at her side, placing my arm around her shoulder. “I’ll drive you home.”

  She leaned her head on my shoulder and nodded. My driver drove Angelita and I to her condo. One of my California bodyguard’s Hugo followed. Over summer break, I felt it was time to hire new bodyguards.

  Stepping through the door of her condo, I swooped Angelita up into my arms, then laid her on the bed. She sank her face into her pillow.

  “Angelita, I can call one of your friends. You shouldn’t be alone,” I said sitting beside her.

  She pulled on my gray button-down shirt. “Stay with me.” Her lips slipped across my neck.

  I gripped her arms and pushed her back. “I want more than sex.” I laid her against her pillow. “Rest, Angelita. I apologize for hurting you. I’ll leave one of my men outside your front door until your father arrives.”

  Her cold empty eyes stared back. “You’ll regret this day.” Venom was etched in each word.

  “Is that a fucking threat? Think before you answer. I am the wrong man to threaten. You of all people should know that.”

  She sat straight up. Her eyes turned darker and more sinister if that was possible. “Get the fuck out Dominic! Get out!” she screamed.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  DOMINIC

  Campus life living officially became a distant memory after I graduated. My new condo in San Jose was a dream. I sent for the Magarelli construction team to gut and remodel the condo. Spacious, large floor to ceiling industrial windows were installed. The white and silver custom kitchen was modern and sleek. After six long months the job was complete. Standing in the center of the living room, I smiled at my furniture choices. The oversized white plush leather sofas were great for relaxing or watching the game.

  Sometimes I invited friends over. I hadn’t dated any women lately. Angelita’s threatening words left a bad taste in my mouth. I needed to forget about her.

  ~

  Coffee shops and the law library had become my new favorite places to study during my second year of law school. A change of scenery was good for my brain.

  My bodyguards Hugo and Brian either sat at a corner table or hung around the front entrance.

  They intimidated students and coffee shop patrons. Hugo was six foot five inches tall with broad shoulders, brown spiky hair and gray eyes. His soft voice didn’t match his frame. But he was a great guy. He worked for my family for five years. His loyalty meant a lot to us. Brian was six foot two inches. More on the lean side, short blond hair, and green eyes. He played Lacrosse and soccer in high school. Both young guys who enjoyed bashing in faces of those who betrayed the Magarelli’s. No one better I’d like to have, watching my back than these two guys.

  “Dom, I’ll grab your drink,” Brian stated and walked away before I could say a word. The strong coffee grounds lingered in the air. I sat in close proximities of the noisy espresso and cappuccino machines.

  Sometimes those two didn’t allow me to do anything for myself. Hugo halted at the oblong table. “I can set up your laptop and grab your books.”

  “I can manage,” I stated pulling my baseball cap low. Study time required comfort, jeans, T-shirt, and sneakers. I still wore suits to class. Women gravitated when I wore suits. They whispered and licked their lips in passing. I laughed to myself at the thought.

  I sank into the wooden chair and peered over my laptop screen checking Brian’s place in line. My eyes widened.

  “What the fuck?” I gasped.

  “Dom, what’s wrong,” Hugo asked, staring toward the front of the shop.

  I held up my cell, zoomed in, and snapped a picture of the woman. Gazing at the photo I smiled. “It’s her.”

  Hugo hovered over my shoulder. “She’s beautiful. Who is she?”

  “I’ll explain later. You and Brian follow her. And be discreet,” I whispered. “Make sure you find out her name and address.”

  “On it, boss.”

  Brian walked toward Hugo and exchanged words. He nodded and placed my coffee on the table.

  “We’ll call you soon, Dom.”

  “Thanks, Brian.”

  They scurried out of the shop.

  Sitting beside the tall pillar, I watched her every move. Her dark hair had grown and cascaded over her shoulders. Those heart shaped lips were the same. They still appeared kissable as ever. She wore pink yoga pants and a T-shirt. Maybe she worked out this morning or was on her way to the gym. She stood at the condiment stand adding raw sugar to what looked like a large iced tea. This was the perfect seat to stare into her breathtaking face.

  She hurried out the door.

  I hadn’t seen her in six years. Patience wasn’t my strong suit. But seeing her today gave me hope. After I’ve gained sustainable information, I’d approach her. Shit, after all this time she could have a boyfriend or worse married. Focus on your studies, Dom. Law school already proved to be a bitch.

  ~

  Pacing the living room floor, I waited for my men to return. I wasn’t supposed to ever be without my guards. I kept my hat low careful not to draw attention to myself in the Uber ride home.

  Brian called twenty minutes ago. He said they were able to obtain her address. I told him to tell me everything once they returned.

  The buzzer sounded. I glanced at the camera then hit the buzzer button and unlocked the door.

  “Dom,” Hugo stated, stepping inside.

  I waved them over to the dining table, and set up my laptop.

  “What’s her address?”

  Brian sat his phone on the table at my side. I inputted the address into the internet search engine.

  I sat back folding my arms, staring at the satellite image.

  “So, she lives five minutes from the coffee shop. All this time I’ve attended school here and I’ve never stepped foot into that coffee shop before today.”

  “Dom, we’re dying to know who the woman is.”

  Hugo and Brian sat opposite of each other at the table.

  “The first weekend of school, Angelita and I were in the café. The woman backed up and stepped on my shoe. She turned around and apologized. I was fucking speechless. You guys know I can always find my words. Anyway, Angelita became territorial. She pulled my arm and we walked in the opposite di
rection. I turned back to her and silently apologized. There was something between us. I didn’t know what. I never saw her again after that. Then I see her today.” I ran my fingers through my hair.

  “What else did you guys find out?”

  Brian grabbed his cell. “Her name is Carmen Cadence Drake. Her birthday is December 5th. She’s twenty-three. Her hometown is Miami, Florida.”

  “How did you get so much of Carmen’s personal information?”

  “From our contact at the San Jose police department,” said Brian.

  “Good. What else?”

  “She attends Stanford. She’s pursuing her PHD in Chemistry.”

  “All right, you two will alternate following her. Be discreet. No suits. Wear T-shirts and jeans. I want to know everything about her. Her favorite food, where she eats lunch every day. Who are her friends? Does she have a boyfriend? I need her daily schedule.”

  “Dom, I’ve known you for a long time. I’ve never seen you invest time in a woman.”

  “Me either.” Brian scratched his blond hair.