Dominic was still struggling to wrap his head around what had transpired, as he and Jean followed Captain Ross. No one had ever made an attempt on his life and, as one would expect, he was scared. On top of that, his friend’s words had annoyed him. He had not accused Marianne directly, but, on some level, Jean believed that the fact that she had interviewed him had bothered someone enough to have him killed. Dominic did not appreciate that. He thought that his friend was overreacting, as he often did.

You and your theories, Jean… Every time something happens, you just jump to conclusions. Good or bad doesn’t matter. I agree; maybe someone wants to take me out, but it’s not due to the interview. Yes, sometimes there can be some really funny coincidences. This is just one of them. But anyway, the interview was your idea. If you’re looking for someone to blame, go ahead and blame yourself. Thanks for calling Marianne, though. She changed my dull life. It broke my heart to see her like that. The hint that someone tried to kill her because she happened to be in my car is driving me crazy.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting.” Captain Ross said, closing the door to his office behind him. “My men just found the truck involved in the crash in a field, six miles east of ‘Les Bossons’.”

“Have you recovered anything from it?” Jean’s voice was filled with anxiety.

“It’s been completely destroyed.” The police officer groaned, seating himself in his chair. “They burnt it, but I was informed that there were traces of black paint on the front.”

“What about the owner?” Dominic asked.

“The number plate was a fake and the serial number had been scraped off.” Captain Ross replied, sadness written all over his face, as he leaned his elbows on his desk. “I’m sorry. We have no leads.”

“Damn it…” A whisper of despair left Dominic’s lips, as he dropped his head into his hands.

“Captain Ross, my client is famous for his lack of interviews.” Jean interjected. “I invited a reporter from the US here, a few days ago. I doubt they were targeting my fiancé and that reporter. In fact, I believe they were after my client. Maybe someone doesn’t want him to talk about his life.”

“I agree.” Captain Ross nodded. “Did anyone else know that those two were going to Les Bossons this morning?”

“No.” Dominic uttered. “Just me and my driver.”

“Then that truck driver thought you were in the car, your majesty.” The cop’s stiff tone confirmed his friend’s theory, at the same time making Dominic feel even worse. In an instant, he was consumed with guilt, remembering Marianne’s image on the hospital bed. Nevertheless, he had one more question.

“How could they locate my limo?” He inquired, his voice faint as he raised his eyes to meet Captain Ross’s gaze.

“That’s easy.” The cop said. “Through the GPS tracker in your car. Who did you talk about in that interview, your majesty?”

“Mostly about myself.” Dominic sighed.

“Yes, but no one else knows about that.” Jean spoke his mind. “All they can do is guess.”

“We’re not dealing with an enemy here.” Captain Ross raised his tone. “It’s someone you know. A friend, a girlfriend, a family member…?”

“I don’t have any family.” Dominic muttered. “My mom died when I was three, my father died six years ago. My list of girlfriends is quite long I’m afraid. They were not good people. They were fortune hunters, sure, but murderers? I don’t think so. It sounds a little farfetched.”

“Linda Collins could be responsible, if you ask me.” Jean’s statement hit him like a wrecking ball. In his confusion, Dominic had completely forgotten everything about her. “Captain, Miss Collins threatened to destroy him, if he ended things with her.”

“I know the Brit.” The captain declared. “She was here a few days ago. When did you break up with her, your majesty?”

“About a year ago.” Dominic spoke, his tone lower, the few moments of that night becoming more vivid by the second. “When I told her I wanted to break up with her, she turned into some kind of…” He faltered, “... wild animal. She kept swearing at me, throwing things at me… I couldn’t recognize her anymore.”

“Why would she wait so long to make her move?” The captain spoke, his voice filled with curiosity.

“Oh, no…” Jean hit his forehead with the palm of his hand. “Dominic, remember when you visited me the other day?”

“Yeah?”

“We had an appointment, but Linda had to leave in a hurry. She said something had come up. We rescheduled for the afternoon. I was talking on the phone with Melanie, when she walked into my office. She said something like ‘Dominic must like her a lot’. Linda must have overheard.” Jean finished his short narrative with a long, deep sigh.

“And she would have me killed for that?” Dominic’s voice became high-pitched.

“Never underestimate a hurting woman.” Captain Ross advised. “Anyway, we’re only speculating here. I need to talk to Miss Collins in person. Unless you can think of someone else who would try to hurt you, you are free to go.”

Once again, Dominic was shocked to his core by his friend’s suggestion. This time however, he would not discuss it with him. The day’s events had taken a toll on him and an argument with Jean was guaranteed to make things worse.

I can understand why someone in pain would do something desperate, but neither of you know Linda like I do. She may be a spoiled brat, but she doesn’t have what it takes to be a killer. I’m leaving you alone with your theories, Jean. I have to pay a visit to Marianne and Thierry.