Chapter 21
The show had been phenomenal and as they made their way off stage, the guys were pumped – everyone except Richie. Halfway through the show, Dominique had gone to the restroom and never returned. He was worried that the cravings had been too much for her.
At the dressing room door, Richie spotted Sonny and Jason headed towards him. The looks on their faces caused his heart to stop. “Where’s Dominique?” he demanded.
“She’s not with you?” countered Sonny.
“She left halfway through the show to go to the restroom and never came back.”
About that time, one of the security team staggered out of a hall that led to the ladies’ restroom. He had a streak of blood coming from his head too.
William rushed over followed closely by the others.
“Mark, what happened? Are you okay?” asked William.
“My head feels like it’s splitting in two,” groaned the bodyguard. “I don’t know what happened. I heard Dominique scream, went to check on her, and the next thing I remember is waking up on the floor.”
Richie felt his heart drop into his stomach. Santadio had her…again. What would he do to her?
Sonny spoke calmly, “Get yourself ready and go to the jet.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to get my daughter,” said Sonny as he looked at Jason. “Get hold of your informant. I want my daughter NOW!!”
Jason headed back out of the building.
Sonny turned back to Richie. “Are all five of you going to the island?”
“Yes, as long as it’s okay with you.”
“Nikki would never forgive me if I said you couldn’t come. You’ve been good for her too and I want her to be happy.”
Richie hesitated before asking, “Is she going to be okay?”
It was Sonny’s turn to hesitate. Both men knew what Santadio had done to her before and he had the same question. “I don’t know, Richie. I’m hoping that we can find her quickly.”
Tears sprang to Richie’s eyes as he said softly, “She was scared earlier…that something was going to happen and I promised I would protect her.”
“It’s not your fault, Richie,” reassured Sonny. “And I’m sure she won’t blame you for them. Go get ready and I’ll meet you at the jet as soon as I find her. She’s going to need you more than ever this time.”
“When you find her, tell her….”
“She knows but I’ll tell her for you.”
Richie watched as Sonny followed Jason out of the venue before turning to Mark. “You need to get that cut checked out….make sure there’s nothing seriously wrong.”
“I’ll make sure he gets checked out,” assured William. The two men saw the fear in Richie’s eyes and William said, “She’s a fighter, Rich, and she’s got you to fight for.”
“I hope you’re right, William.”
“Go get ready so you can go see her. I’m sure Mr. Corinthos will have her back soon and she’s going to want to be in your arms.”
Richie gave a soft smile. “She said she feels safe in my arms. Thanks, William. I’ll see you two at the next stop.”
The two men watched Richie head back to the dressing room before heading on their own way.
