Chapter 35: Call || Foe and Friend
Dominic Hart stepped through the front door of his sleek, high-security home, the weight of the day’s work still clinging to his shoulders. He first went to his own room, hoping to see his wife sleeping, but the bed was empty. When he called her, the phone rang until it went to voicemail. Typical.
Next, he moved to his son Maximilian’s room to ask him if he knew where his mother went. The door of his room was slightly ajar, and the glow of a VR headset flickered across his face. Maximilian was too engrossed in his game to notice his father, so Dominic didn’t disturb him.
With a sigh, Dominic headed to his bathroom, stripping off his uniform as he turned on the shower. The water hissed to life, steam rising in the cool air.
Just as he was about to step in, his phone buzzed.
Aldric Blackwood.
Dominic answered with a smirk. "Enjoyed the little show I performed today?"
Aldric’s voice was smooth, satisfied. "Very much. Couldn’t have asked for better." A pause. Then, sharper: "Is Xavier’s report ready? Sent to the UJC yet?"
Dominic’s smirk didn’t waver. "Not yet. Still need to take his statement, record it, insert it into the report."
Aldric’s voice turned icy. "He’s been arrested for over ten hours. Why the delay?"
Dominic chuckled. "Haven’t received payment yet. Once my bank balance updates, I’ll make sure his report is perfect."
Aldric’s tone dripped with venom. "Your own son is involved in this. You should be doing this for free to save him."