Chapter 9 - The New Beginning
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of statements and court dates.
The scandal rocked the city.
Detective Reynolds pleaded guilty to avoid a federal trial.
Leo was sentenced to federal prison with no chance of parole.
The criminal empire that had plagued the city was finally dismantled.
Through it all, Dominic stayed by our side.
He provided security, lawyers, and most importantly, comfort.
He even bought Lily a brand new, fluffy rabbit to replace the ruined Mr. Buttons.
Tonight, we were finally going on our real first date.
Dominic rented out the entire Beluchi’s restaurant just for us.
There were no hitmen outside.
There was no tension in the air.
Just soft jazz playing from the speakers and warm candlelight.
Lily was sitting at the table, happily eating a massive bowl of spaghetti.
“You clean up nicely,” I told Dominic.
He was wearing a sharp navy suit, looking more handsome than ever.
“I wanted to make a better second impression,” he smiled.
He reached across the table and took my hand.
His touch sent a warm shiver down my spine.
“You don’t have to look over your shoulder anymore, Sarah,” he promised.
“You and Lily are completely safe.”
I squeezed his hand back.
For the first time since Mark died, I felt truly hopeful.
I looked at my beautiful daughter laughing with the man who saved us.
Maybe this broken family could be put back together in a new way.
We finished our dinner with laughter and shared stories.
Dominic walked us back to our apartment building.
He kissed me softly on the cheek at the door.
“Goodnight, Sarah,” he whispered.
“Goodnight, Dominic,” I smiled.
I unlocked the apartment door and carried a sleepy Lily inside.
I tucked her into her bed and kissed her forehead.
The apartment was quiet and peaceful.
I walked into the kitchen to pour a glass of water.
The moonlight was shining through the kitchen window.
I noticed a small, white envelope resting on the kitchen counter.
My heart skipped a beat.
I hadn’t left any mail out.
I picked up the envelope with trembling fingers.
It had my name written on it in very familiar handwriting.
I ripped it open and pulled out a single sheet of paper.
May you like
The message was short, but it made my blood run instantly cold.
“You look beautiful tonight, Sarah. I’ll see you both soon. - Mark.”
