“Yes and I told you I wanted a bagel,” he jokes. “Cipi, you know we can’t talk about personal matters at work. You never know who is involved in this case.” He glances at me. “Now what has got you wound up so tight.”
“I opened the box of things my dad left me, the one you brought up from the basement.”
“Yes. You found the chess set?”
“No. I found a letter. My dad knew someone was going to kill him.”
“What are you talking about Cipi?”
Pulling out my phone, I swipe to the photo app. Taking a deep breath, I read him the letter.
He is quiet when I finish, but I can see in his eyes he’s deep in thought.
“That’s why I was off the grid yesterday. I felt guilty it took me this long to find the letter. If I had opened the box earlier maybe I could have…”
“Done what? Found the killer?” Dominic interrupts. “You can’t blame yourself, Cipi. You didn’t know. And even if you did find the letter earlier, you probably wouldn’t have found the real killer because it seems like they were laying low for years waiting to make their move.”
“And me turning thirty-five is when they decide to get revenge, almost fifteen years later.”
“There are many layers to revenge, Cipi. It’s like peeling an onion. The more layers you remove the more tears that fall.” Hepauses. “This does make sense and I have some interesting news that I will share once we are out of the car.”
It’s then I take a look at our surroundings. The scenery is more residential and rural, not coffee shops and restaurants.
“What happened to getting a bagel?” I ask.
“I am getting a bagel, just at my house,” he smirks as he turns down another street.
I notice the homes slowly transforming into mansions.
“I’m flattered your dad referred to me in your letter,” Dominic adds. “Even though I wasn’t a fan of his lifestyle, I had great respect for him. I’m also thankful to him for creating such a beautiful, powerful, intelligent daughter.” He reaches over and places his palm against my cheek for a moment.
Words fail me.
Dominic takes another turn and drives slowly down a long driveway that seems to go on forever.
It’s then I realize this is the first time I have ever seen his home. The last time I went to his place it was a studio apartment.
The sedan rounds the corner and shock covers me as I take in the estate.
A stone mansion sits in the middle of acres of sweeping land.
It looks like being an FBI agent and owning an investigation business pays very well.
I catch sight of what looks like a garden and a vineyard before he pulls into the giant garage.
“You have a vineyard too?” I blurt out. “Do you make your own wine?”
“Yes I do. My Nonno was a winemaker. It’s my hobby. It’s relaxing and takes away the stresses of life.” Dominic exits the car then walks around to open my door.
I look around in awe at the multitude of expensive cars that fill the space.
“Why do you look so shocked?” Dominic studies me.
“I’m not. I just never thought you would want a house like this?”
“A decade ago it wouldn’t have been my first choice, but I can’t deny all the acres of land, privacy, and isolation are a huge perk.” He walks over to the door and unlocks it, stepping into the hallway.
I follow him while gazing at the intricate molding and interior design that puts my house to shame.
