Soon afterwards, Jean literally stormed into the doctors’ office, demanding an explanation. After all, they had claimed that Thierry’s life was not in danger. Sadly though, none of them could provide a logical explanation. They were all just as stunned as he and Dominic. The circumstances surrounding his death had been very strange to say the least. The two friends suspected foul play and requested an autopsy and a toxicology report. Of course, neither of them could imagine why anyone would murder Thierry, but Dominic owed it to his loyal driver to look into his mysterious death. He had been a fantastic professional over the years and had never caused him any problems. In his opinion, an investigation into his murder was the least he could do to honor his memory.

Thierry’s funeral was held three days later and, much to his frustration, Dominic had to endure every second of this painful process without Marianne by his side. Jean was there for him, but that was not enough. For the first time, in the few days he had known her, he could feel her absence. The loss of his driver was too much for him to bear. Marianne was the one person in this world who could comfort him, and yet, she was not there with him.

“Stay in the hospital, Marianne.” He thought to himself, unable to hold back his tears, as he scanned the small crowd in the cemetery. “I’ll be alright. You focus on getting better.”

Dominic recognized many familiar faces on that cold, cloudy, late-March morning. Friends and family were all there to escort Thierry on his final journey. One of them stood out: Linda Collins. She stole a few glances at him throughout the memorial service and even stayed at Saint Roch cemetery, after the conclusion. After almost everybody had left, she approached him. Dominic’s initial thought was to avoid her. This was not a place to discuss their relationship. However, he was so distraught that he could not force a single word out of his throat. On the contrary, he kept his gaze locked on her, clenching his jaw.

“I’m very sorry for your loss,” Linda attempted to have a soothing tone. “I liked the old man. He was quite the gentleman.”

“Thanks for attending the funeral.” Dominic said, nodding at the same time. “Yes, he was.”

“I wouldn’t miss this,” She declared. “He had been good to me. He was always really patient, although I kept him waiting a lot, when you and I dated.”

“That sounds a lot like him,” he remarked with a sad smile. “Good man, good professional.”

“I liked him, but I wanted to be there for you, too.” Linda confessed, the sullen look in her eyes and her soft voice bringing a bitter smile to his face, as a raindrop landed on his face. “I couldn’t let you go through this alone.”

“Go home, Linda,” Dominic stated in a stiffer tone. “I’ll be fine.”

“No, you won’t.” She disagreed with him. “You’re broken, my dear. Let me…”

“What?” He interrupted, his voice going up an octave as she leaned closer to him. “Do what? Comfort me? You can’t.”

“Will you at least give me a chance?” Linda said, her voice, quivering as a loud crack of thunder ripped through the air.

“I already did,” he grumbled, dropping his gaze from hers. “It didn’t end well.”

“I’m such an idiot,” she gave an exasperated huff for her foolishness. “I still think we can be together, even though there’s someone new in your life.” Her statement sent shockwaves down his spine. Apparently, Linda knew all about his relationship with Marianne.

“How could you possibly know that?” He asked while hearing Jean’s words ringing in his head, as his gaze shot up to meet hers.

“People talk, Dominic.” Linda said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice. “The head nurse in charge of staffing is a good friend of mine. She said you got her flowers. How did she do it, Dominic? How did she win you over?”

“That’s how you found out?” He squinted at her.

“Yes.” She gave a firm nod, looking deep into his eyes. “Why are you asking?”

Dominic would not insist. The serious tone in her voice and the fact that she had maintained eye contact were enough to convince him.

“Never mind.” He waved his hand in front of his face.

“You haven’t answered my question,” Linda complained.

“She saw beyond my title,” Dominic’s statement made her face harden with sorrow. She squeezed her eyes shut, twisting her mouth as she tilted her head away from him.

“Then she did what I could never do.” She whispered, as a tear raced down her cheek. “But, she’s still an outsider. She won’t be here much longer. What are you going to do when she leaves?”

“Do you really want to know?” He asked in a voice riddled with sadness.

“No.” Linda let out yet another tender whisper. “Again, I’m sorry for your loss. If you ever need a friend, you know where to find me.”

Baffled by her behavior, Dominic watched as she slowly turned around. Linda did not resemble at all the woman who had exploded in anger, upon hearing his decision to break up with her. On the contrary, she looked more like someone he could actually trust.

“Linda, wait.” His voice forced her to stop. “What ever happened to the loud, spoiled girl?”

She did not dignify his question with an answer. Instead, she spun around and started towards him, more tears running down her face as the rain drenched her hair. Raising her hands to his face, she tilted her head up and laid a soft, sweet kiss on his cheek.

“She died the day she lost the man she loved.” Linda spoke in a wobbly voice, as she slowly leaned back. “Take good care of yourself.”

Okay, I’m going crazy here. Thierry’s gone, Marianne’s leaving soon and all of a sudden, the brat is changing into this loveable, sensitive girl? Really? I’m finding that a little hard to believe. But still, that voice and those tears can’t be all fakes. Why couldn’t you be like that when we were dating, Linda? Why did you have to be so demanding and so goddamn hard to please? We’d still be together now…