Twisted Obsession

Chapter 3 A Warning

CHAPTER 3

A WARNING

After work the next evening, Liz got into her sports car parked behind the building, and drove to her Altona residence a half-hour drive from work. Along the way, her thoughts turned to poor Camilla. Hopefully, her brother was supportive and could care for Camilla’s daughter, at least temporarily. Otherwise, she would need longer-term foster care.

She parked her car in the basement, entered by the side of a grey building, punched in a security code, then pushed open the elevator and headed to her apartment.

Unlocking her door, she stepped into her beige-carpeted residence and sank into her three-seater beige couch, fluffing up the green and blue pillows after throwing down the letters. She put her bag down on the coffee table.

Her apartment was small, and featured timber chairs around a long table next to a small kitchen with wall to wall abstract paintings and photographs of her parents and friends. She ignored the pieces of clothing scattered around the living room, deciding to put them in the laundry later.

Heading into the kitchen, Liz opened the fridge and frowned at its near-empty contents. All she had was spoilt milk, a few eggs, a block of cheese, mouldy lettuce, and dried out mushrooms. She’d forgotten to do the grocery shopping. In spite of her love of cooking, Liz hadn’t cooked a healthy meal in a long time. She enjoyed going out and was hardly home to do any cooking, but the last two weeks had become much worse with her self-care. That damn letter had arrived.

At least she had the chicken that she’d taken out of the freezer in the morning. She seasoned it, placed it into a non-stick pan, and cooked it. Tiny flecks of hot oil splashed out of the pan. She ignored the mess it created and the pain it caused as they hit her bare arms. Once it was ready, she ate it and washed it down with a glass of wine. Her heart hammered as she glared at the letter informing of Domenic’s release stuck on the fridge. Maybe she should throw it out. What was the damn point of that letter now?

She was too alone with her thoughts, tired of thinking about Domenic, and decided to head to the nearby coffee shop. Rushing out the door, she grabbed her bag and made her way outside into the street below with its strips of stores, cafes, and restaurants. The sun was still bright as she stepped into the small cafe, sat at a corner table, and waited for the waitress.

Liz watched customers coming inside, and spotted a chubby woman with tattoos and piercing in her nose. The woman slapped a grey-haired man on the shoulder. She enjoyed people-watching and interaction with others, and was grateful for the distraction.

Liz stared into her hands, wondering where the damn waitress was. She wanted her fresh cup of coffee.

“Excuse me,” a voice sounded near her.

Liz looked up and stared at a short buxom young woman, sporting a dark brown, bob haircut with blonde highlights. Her dark brown eyes penetrated Liz’s.

Liz swallowed even though she was not at all threatened by this young girl with innocent eyes and a reserved smile. “Can I help you?”

The woman clasped her hands together and stared into Liz’s eyes for a moment before talking. “Hi, I’m Gabriella. I believe we both know Domenic.” She took a breath. “My mum was married to Domenic.”

Liz flinched. “What?” Did she hear right?

“I’m sorry to say this, but I came here to warn you. About Domenic. He was released from prison a few days ago, and I think he plans to hurt you.”

Liz’s chest constricted. She wondered if she was being threatened by one of his minions, or if she had been abused by him too. “Who are you?”

A stout male waiter came by at that moment. “What can I get you?”

She swallowed, her focus blurry. “I’ll have a short black, thanks,” said Liz.

“A strong cappuccino thank you,” said the woman. She took a seat opposite Liz.

Liz leaned forward, looking into her eyes with curiosity. “Who are you? And what’s this about?”

The woman hesitated. “I’m Gabriella. Domenic’s daughter.”

Liz gasped loudly and winced at the attention it drew. She bowed her head, thinking the worst. That bastard had sent his daughter to do his dirty work, probably concocting a plan to kill her while she visited him in prison. “What do you want from me? And why are you threatening me?”

Gabriella’s hand shook as she drew it through her hair and twirled the strands around her fingers. She bit her lower lip as if processing her words. “I’m not here to threaten you. I want to warn you that he’s still dangerous.”

Liz shook her head, pushing back tears. “No, you’re here to conspire against me with Domenic. Besides, I don’t believe you are who you say you are. He never told me he had a daughter when we were going out. You could be anyone, telling lies.”

“You have to believe me. He hurt my mother, and then he broke up with her so you two could go out.”

Oh no! “He told me he was single and never mentioned a daughter. I would’ve known if he had a daughter.”

Gabriella shifted in her seat. “My Mum read the trial transcripts from beginning to end. She told me the whole story. I’m sorry.” She turned away, looking up at the waiter who had brought their hot drinks. He set them on the table, and she took a sip, her hands gripping the mug for dear life. “No-one should have to go through what you went through.”

“Give me one good reason why I should believe you are who you say you are?”

Gabriella fixed her gaze strongly on Liz, as if undeterred in her mission. “My mum and I visited him in prison. He said, and I quote, ‘No b***h wins over me.’ Then he laughed, and said he was joking and that he was a changed man.”

Liz cleared her throat. “I have to go.”

Gabriella held her hand up. “No, we haven’t finished. Wait.”

“I’m sorry. I can’t deal with this now.” She ignored her drink, headed to the cashier and paid.

On her walk back home, her body was shaking and the world around her seemed to spin. She couldn’t deal with a daughter. For all she knew, Gabriella could be playing his sick games, being used like a puppet. Maybe she was as psychopathic as her father was. No, she couldn’t even fathom that Domenic had a daughter. Not only was Domenic back in her life, but his daughter was too. A whole damn family affair! This trauma was happening all over again.