“Being amongst friends is exactly what I need after this trial,” she says.
We lock eyes.
“I agree.”
Gideon’s trial has been a heck of a shocker. I know this might sound weird—wrong even—but Dom was lucky he used a condom. In recent years, he hasn’t been as careful to cover his tracks. He got three girls, aged thirteen to fifteen, pregnant when he raped them. Of course, he denied the kids are his. DNA says otherwise. The four kids were placed in loving homes. One of the girls had twins.Scumbag.The news left everyone speechless. For years, Gideon paid off those poor girls to keep quiet, but with the hefty cost of the trial here and in London, his money started running dry and his victims decided to out him.
With everyone’s support and love, Dom testified. I was there with her every step of the way. One of my brothers, Loki or one of my former bandmates was always with me because the desire to kill Gideon grew stronger every time I had to look at his ugly face. The ironic thing is, his sex club, the Labyrinth Lounge, was his demise. Owner Carl Zorion’s sixteen-year-old daughter had dreams of becoming a singing sensation. She had talent. Over summer break a few years ago, Carl sent her to London so Gideon could mentor her and help build her team. He never suspected he was sending his daughter straight into the arms of a serial rapist. She came back from London depressed and borderline suicidal. Carl never understood why. Neither did his wife. When all of this exploded, Cassie came out. Gideon threatened her by saying he had proof her parents were involved in human trafficking of young boys and girls for Carl’s clubs. The asshole even claimed he had proof that would put the Zorions away for the rest of their lives, leaving Cassie somewhat of an orphan. All lies. Cassie was too young to know anything about her father’s business. Carl went after Gideon with a vengeance. The massive media exposure gave other women the courage to step forward. There were victims in New York, LA, Miami, London… and as far as Russia—Martina Kekovna had big dreams when she moved to London at nineteen. None of them involved being raped. Throughout the years, Gideon left a devastating trail behind him. He targeted young, innocent and impressionable girls and then twisted things around in his favor. The trial went on for over a year. Alas, he never went to prison for his crimes.
“He was man enough to rape us, but not man enough to take responsibility for his horrific actions.”
Gideon took his own life a few days before his sentencing.
As much as I would’ve loved nothing more than for the coward to stand in front of his victims and get what was coming to him, knowing he’ll never be able to hurt another girl or woman is justice in itself.
“We’re here,” I say when the chauffeur takes a right turn before driving down the road leading to the helicopter.
“Yippee! Bring on Christmas!” Dom cheers.
The car slows down to a halt. I thank the driver, get out and circle the car to help Dom out. A blonde and two men are already waiting for us.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Wolfe. Miss Jacek,” Shayla Marnell, the manager at Chopper Luxe, says.
“Good afternoon.” Dom and I respond.
“Derek and Peter will take care of your luggage,” Shayla tells us.
“That sounds great,” I say nodding at the two men.
They grab our luggage and head inside the building.
“If you’ll follow me,” Shayla says with a hand gesture. “We have to go through the building and out the other side to reach the other helicopter,” she explains.
“Oh, that’s new,” Dom says. Her eyes shift to the gray helicopter sitting on the tarmac to our left.
“With the Christmas holidays, it’s been extremely busy. The second tarmac is a must at this time of the year,” Shayla explains.
“Of course, that makes sense,” Dom says.
I don’t say a thing.
We follow Shayla.
“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to flying in a helicopter,” Dom says, “It just feels like there’s nothing between me and this big void.”
“Don’t worry, sugar plum, I’m here. Just hold on to your big strong masculine boyfriend for safety,” I tease.
“Shut up, Wolfe,” she throws over her shoulder.
I chuckle.
I look up and I can already see the kickass black and gold helicopter. I know it’s a short ride, but sometimes you have to go for the upgrade.
A tall bald black guy opens the door. Shayla thanks him before stepping outside of the building. Dom also thanks him and follows Shayla. I’m next. I nod at the guy and he returns the favor. Suddenly Dom stops in her tracks. She looks left, then right. She even turns around in a circle. Finally, she turns to face me.
“What’s all this?” she asks.
“What does it look like?”
