Unable to fathom the fact that his own mother was behind everything, Dominic was an emotional wreck. The police soon arrived and arrested Colette, and he could barely speak. He kept staring into the void, as she confessed to Thierry’s murder and Rachel’s assassination attempt.

Dominic was much too shocked to provide any answers. The only words he could utter by that time were “yes” or “no.” Once again, Lieutenant Cross understood. Likewise stunned by Colette’s story, he suggested counseling, but his words passed by Dominic unheard. He could not get the scene of his reunion with his mother out of his mind. More than anything though, he could not stop thinking about her snobby voice, as she referred to Rachel. She sounded as if she had been talking about someone inferior to her.

Commoner… Why don’t you say ‘subhuman’, you murdering bitch? That’s what you mean, after all. That’s why everyone hates all who are royals guts; because of smug men and women like you. For a moment, I thought I could have a family again. But no… Even if you weren’t responsible for this mess, I doubt I’d want anything to do with you. I met my mother and lost her, all in just a few minutes. God… How does anyone ever recover from this?

Later that day, Dominic realized that his troubles were only just beginning. The news of the king’s mother confessing to murder was all over the internet within minutes. It wasn’t long after that when his cell phone started ringing incessantly. More than that, someone gave away that he was staying in a hotel in downtown Manhattan. The reporters gathered outside caused a massive traffic jam. Things were no different in the lobby. It was so swamped with members of the press that people had to push through them to get to the elevators. Dominic found himself stranded in his suite.

But still, this did not bother him. The press had hunted him down in France as well; he knew how to handle a few, curious reporters. He was annoyed that the art gallery was just an excuse to get him to New York. Reviewing other painters’ work and selling his own would be a welcome change in his life, but, more than anything, Dominic was devastated by Rachel’s absence. For the second time within a few days, he would have to withstand his darkest hour alone. Desperate to hear her voice again, he picked up his cell phone, but, before he could call her, it buzzed with an incoming text message from her:

I’m really sorry for what happened to you. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. We can meet if you want, but only for an hour or so. No one else can put little Dominic to bed but me.

A bitter smile spread across his face. If anything, her message reminded him of the reason of her unavailability.

Thanks for the offer and the sympathy. But, I don’t need a booty call. I’d love it, but I don’t want just your body. I need you, Rachel. I need your presence. I just can’t have it. Besides, even if I did decide to meet you, I wouldn’t be able to get past all those goddamn reporters. Then, they’d follow me around and we’d be front page news tomorrow. Stay with the kid. Family comes first.

“If I stay in New York, this is only going to get worse,” he said to himself, tossing his cell phone across his bed.

We’ll be calling each other every day, texting each other all the time, hurting ourselves deeper and deeper. Let’s face it, Dominic. There’s nothing for you in New York, except heartbreak. But, what’s there in Mont Blanc? An empty castle? My paintings? Her room? God, I wish I could just knock it down…”

Dominic logged in to his YouTube account, searching for any reports on Colette’s case. She had confessed, but he didn’t know whether the assassins she had used had been apprehended or not. As the front page popped on his screen though, the video on the upper left corner sent shivers down his spine. The atmospheric music in Within Temptation’s “Shot in the dark” had always appealed to him. He had known the lyrics for years, but, that night, he felt like each and every one of them was written just for him. Dominic clicked the “play” button on his laptop. He closed his eyes, as the melodic, synthesizer introduction filled his ears. Second by second, Sharon den Adel’s magnificent voice flooded his heart with emotion, as the memories he had with Rachel flashed through his mind…

I’ve been left out alone like a damn criminal

I’ve been praying for help cause I can’t take it all

I’m not done,

It’s not over

Now I’m fighting this war since the day of the fall

And I’m desperately holding on to it all

But I’m lost

I’m so damn lost

Oh I wish it was over,

And I wish you were here

Still I’m hoping that somehow

‘Cause your soul is on fire

A shot in the dark,

What did they aim for when they missed your heart?

I breathe underwater

It’s all in my hands

What can I do?

Don’t let it fall apart

A shot in the dark

In the blink of an eye

I can see through your eyes

As I’m lying awake I’m still hearing the cries

And it hurts

Hurts me so bad

And I’m wondering why I still fight in this life

‘Cause I’ve lost all my faith in this damn bitter strife

And it’s sad

It’s so damn sad

Oh I wish it was over,

And I wish you were here

Still I’m hoping that somehow

‘Cause your soul is on fire

A shot in the dark,

What did they aim for when they missed your heart?

I breathe underwater

It’s all in my hands

What can I do?

Don’t let it fall apart

A shot in the dark

A shot in the dark

A shot in the dark

A shot in the dark

A shot in the dark

I feel you fading away

I feel you fading away

I feel you fading away

I feel you fading away

‘Cause your soul is on fire

A shot in the dark,

What did they aim for when they missed your heart?

I breathe underwater

It’s all in my hands

What can I do?

Don’t let it fall apart

Oh, your soul is on fire

A shot in the dark,

What did they aim for when they missed your heart?

I breathe underwater

It’s all in my hands

What can I do?

Don’t let it fall apart

A shot in the dark

“You are fading away…” He whispered as the echoes of the song were still ringing in his ears, and a tear rolled off his cheek.

Nah, who are you kidding, Dominic? It’s over. Everything fell apart, the moment she left France. Now, she’s just a dream that keeps slipping through your fingers. You can’t have her. Not anymore…

Unwilling to stay another minute in New York, Dominic waited until the early morning for the reporters to leave his hotel. Then, he packed his bags in a hurry and snuck out. With a heavy heart, he returned to the place that was now home for him, in the hope that someday, he would find love again…