Later that night, Dominic opened his drowsy eyes, only to discover that Rachel was not there. Alone in a cold, hospital room, he felt the pain on his chest, at the same time wondering where she was. They hadn’t finished their conversation earlier and he was eager to hear what she had to say, but she was nowhere to be seen. Before he could reach for his phone though, the click-clacking of heels on the floor grabbed his attention. To his disappointment however, the one who walked into the room was Melanie.

“Poor Dominic,” She said, noticing the large bandage around his chest. “What have they done to you?”

“Hi,” He croaked. “Have you seen Rachel?”

“She had to leave,” Melanie informed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Baby emergency. I’m sorry, mon cher.”

“The baby needs her more than I do,” Dominic’s baritone was filled with sorrow. “Where’s Jean?”

“I’m not sorry just because she left,” She drew in a sharp breath. “I’ve just realized how hard it would be for you to be together. I shouldn’t have lectured you, back in Mont Blanc. And, you should also know that you wouldn’t be here, if it hadn’t been for Jean.”

“What are you talking about?” He asked, as she sauntered towards his bed.

“Some people beat him up very badly,” Melanie continued stiffly. “They wanted to know if you were planning to visit Rachel. They threatened to kill me, if he didn’t say.”

The news of his friend’s betrayal hit him like a wrecking ball. Dominic closed his eyes, shaking his head, breathing in sighs, as she sauntered towards him. Unable to force another word out of his throat, he sat up, staring into the void, as she seated herself on a stool on his left.

“He’s in the other room,” She informed him, leaning over towards him. “He’s got three broken ribs and a fractured jaw. But, he’d rather be dead. That’s how badly he’s feeling.”

“I should have known,” He sighed, bringing his gaze up to her face. “He’s the only who knew where I was going.”

“He’s going back to France tomorrow morning,” Melanie spoke in a broken voice. “He’s quitting; he says he can’t be trusted anymore.”

“I can’t think about this right now,” Dominic claimed. “What about you? Are you leaving, too?”

“I’m staying here for a few more days, just in case Marianne wakes up.” She said. “I’m very sorry, Dominic. We have failed you.”

“You believe in the power of love, Melanie,” He put a little force in his voice. “I do as well. You thought that if I came here, it’d be easy for us to get back together, but…”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” She interrupted. “Please, don’t.”

“As for Jean, well…” Dominic faltered. “Tell him we’ll discuss things further in France.”

At that moment, a light knock on the open door forced his gaze away from her. A tall, stocky man with a police badge in his hand was standing across from him.

“Good evening, sir,” He said, his voice gravelly. “I’m Lieutenant David Cross. Can you answer a few questions for me?”

“Here we go again,” Dominic hummed.

“I should give you some privacy,” Melanie murmured, rising from the bed. “You have a good night.”

“You’re a really brave man, Mr. Redfield,” Cross remarked, pointing down at the bandage. “I was just in Miss Brewster’s place. She told me what happened. Now, can you think of anyone who would try to assassinate her?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Dominic said, his tone lazy. “Someone rammed my limo in France. She was in it,”

“She mentioned that, too,” Cross nodded. “Pardon me for asking, but…” He paused. “Do you love her?”

“Very much,” Dominic confessed. “Why?”

“Because to me, it looks like you’re the reason someone wants her dead,” Cross explained, his voice stiff. “Something just happens, every time you’re around,”

“I know,” Dominic admitted. “Please, don’t ask me the same questions they asked me in France, okay? I’m a little dizzy.”

“Who could have a grudge against you, who you’ve wronged, mistreated…?” Cross smiled. “Yeah, we cops can be pretty predictable. I’m afraid you’re going to have to answer those questions for me, too. Of course, you understand we’re looking for someone quite powerful. Now, have you…”

“No!” Dominic grumbled. “I haven’t screwed anyone over, alright?”

“Trust me, you have,” Cross disagreed. “Your relationship with her has ticked someone off enough to have her killed. He’s close to you. He may be even closer than you think. What about your lawyer? Does he know about you and Miss Brewster?”

“He knows everything,” Dominic lowered his tone. “Why don’t you go pay him a visit? He’s right across the hallway: all beat up and bloody.”

“How come?” Cross squinted at him.

“He was assaulted,” Dominic informed. “They did a real number on him. Go ahead. See for yourself.”

“I will, later. Your parents are…”

“Dead,” Dominic finished his sentence.

“Look, do you want this guy found or not?” Cross groaned.

“Of course I do,” Dominic attempted an emphatic tone. “I just don’t see the point in these questions. Why don’t you ask your colleagues in France? I doubt they’ll be much help, though. They couldn’t find the driver of that truck.”

“Do a favor for me, will you?” Cross requested, pulling a card out of his right pocket. “You’re too upset to give me any real answers. Give me a call, when you feel better. Don’t worry, son. We’ll get that son of a bitch. Goodnight.”