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"This way sir," Dexter heard the man in the suit say, jostling him to reality. Now why was he here?

They made their way into the house. The mansion's grand entrance with its sweeping staircase, high ceilings and intricate details gave a sense of majesty and splendor fit for royalty. The opulent mansion's decadent decor, from the imported marble floors, crystal chandeliers and walls to the ornate hand-carved woodwork and gilded accents, was a testament to the owner's extravagant tastes.

The man in the suit introduced himself as Alessandro Temple and once again apologized for his maltreatment. He led Dexter, who was still dazed, to a suite. He pressed a button on the dresser and three beautiful women holding trays and clothes came in smiling. Dexter stared at them in admiration. It'd been long since any woman had smiled at him the way they smiled. They treated him like he was someone, a person with dignity.

Alessandro asked Dexter to wash up, so he could meet the Don, then bowed himself out of the room. Dexter pinched himself to wake up from this dream too good to be a reality.

He didn't understand what was going on as he thought he was being held as ransom for the money Logan owed. Then why the sudden nice treatment? He had to stay alert because his life was on the line. He looked around the luxurious suite, complete with a private balcony overlooking the ocean, a Jacuzzi tub, and a massive walk-in closet. Dexter took in a deep breath of money. He would do anything to give this kind of life to his family. He uncovered the tray and helped himself to the good meal which tasted heavenly. He had never had a meal this good in a long time. Satisfied, he relaxed for some time. Then he walked into the massive bathroom and ran a bath; he wanted to use the expensive scents in the suite. As he lay in the hot perfumey water, his chestnut, horselike hair soaped into a white, heavy topknot, thoughts of his mother filled his mind. It's been fourteen years since he last saw her. Six years ago he had sent her a letter telling her he had found Terry, who had run away from home sixteen years ago. Then he had also sent her a letter telling her of his engagement to Lena four years ago. She couldn't come for his wedding and he had no money to bring her from Africa where she was living after her missionary work. Money. He had left Africa fourteen years ago to seek a better life. He had planned to make a lot of money, build a house, then go back and get his mother. He had decided to work hard to give her a better life, a life his father couldn't give her or die trying. But it wasn't as he expected. Life was hard, harder for those who weren't. After many years of toiling from one job to another, living in the ghetto, and sleeping with the roaches, he had met Lena a young beautiful Caucasian girl who had made his heart flutter. She was a light in his dark world.

Dexter left the bath and showered to get all the soap out of his wavy hair. He anointed his body with the colognes from their fancy bottles, and sculpted his hair from delicate tubes of aromatic gels, reading the directions carefully. He went through the pile of clothes given to him and selected a purple shirt and black trousers. They felt expensive as he stared at himself in the mirror. He heard a knock at the door, walked to it and opened it. Alessandro stood at the door and bowed to Dexter, who wondered what game he was playing.

"Shall we, Sir?" He said, leading the way.

Dexter followed him like he was on a tour. The excessive mansion had so many rooms that it felt like a maze. The amount of gold and marble that adorned the mansion would be seen by many as rather excessive.

They stopped before a door. Alessandro knocked once, then opened it and motioned to Dexter to enter. Dexter stepped into the spacious, well-furnished room. The modern office was a showcase of the latest design trends. A huge, elderly man in his eighties with glasses on sat in his huge, black leather chair staring at Dexter. He had a long face, a white beard and was carefully dressed in a beautifully three thousand dollar aramic black suit. He had an air of dignity.

"How are you, Mark!" The man said. His voice had a gravelly timbre, reminiscent of rocks grinding together.

Dexter stared at him in stupefaction. What had he just called him? How did he know his name?

"I know who you are Mark," the man said, as if reading Dexter's thoughts.

"Who.. are you?" Dexter asked, dazed.

"I'm your grandfather. Don Federico Domenico," the man said, with an air of pride.

"I came to see you sweetheart," Rob said staring down at Hayley.

Hayley scoffed. "You really have the guts," she said.

Rob reached out and took her left hand, but Hayley jerked her hand away.

"Get...out...of..my sight," Hayley said with gritted teeth and turned to leave.

Rob grabbed her slender wrist. "Please, Hayley, let me explain," he said, pleading. "There is something you need to know."

Hayley turned to look at him jerking her hand free. "And that is?" She asked.

Rob sighed weakly. "That day I was drunk..."

Hayley laughed. "Do you drink at noon?" She asked with her hands crossed on her chest.

"Listen, I just wanted to apologize," Rob said in a voice barely audible.

Hayley stared at him in disgust. She knew why he was here. Mirabel had probably done something frightening to him, and he was trying to get her to forgive him so she could speak to Mirabel on his behalf. Rob ignored her repulsive look and stared down at his shoes.

"I will do anything for you to forgive me," he said, glancing at her face. "I miss you,"

He misjudged her silence for sympathy and made to embrace her.

"Get your hands off me!" Hayley yelled, exasperated. She pushed Ron away as she caught a whiff of his cologne and her stomach churned in disgust. Suddenly she threw up.