'When are you going to do it Dirk?' It was a straightforward question, but Dirk Peterson was struggling to answer. He paused and looked across the frozen boating lake, that Sunday morning.
'Very soon Sadie,' he replied. 'I'll hand in my resignation very soon.'
'Once you've done so, I'll call my old high-school friend in the Midwest. He's assistant editor on the local newspaper, and I know he'll get you a job,' Sadie said, her voice full of excitement. 'It'll be fantastic when we start our new life together there.'
They returned to his car and Dirk drove Sadie home, before returning to his own apartment. He was delaying his resignation, as he wanted to wait until Domino was no longer able to blackmail him. As he sat in his apartment, he recalled the previous day's events. Domino had instructed him to go to a house in the suburbs. There he had been made to undergo a gentle role play session with Charlotte, who was also a dominatrix, with a passion for baking cupcakes. It had been very tame until an unknown woman had entered the dungeon and jerked him off.
Dirk had laid awake for most of the night thinking about what had happened. He wondered if Charlotte was really Domino. He had never seen Domino's face, but both had short blonde hair. They were also about the same height and build, and both had large breasts. If Charlotte was Domino, then he didn't know why she sent him to her home address. It could be that she was playing a game of bluff and double-bluff. Maybe she felt that he would never make the connection because it was too obvious. Charlotte and Domino were exact opposites, but it could also be the perfect cover.
He turned on his computer and logged in to his account at The Daily Chronicle. The system provided him with unrestricted access to public records, and when he keyed "1217 Pilkington Lane", the computer provided details of the occupier – "Charlotte Dominez".
'Bingo,' he said, as her surname was almost identical to his nemesis. Dirk grabbed his jacket and headed to the main police station, where he was taken to an interview room. Moments later Detective Rachel Benton walked in.
'Hello Mr Peterson. I didn't recognise you with your clothes on,' she said, irony clearly in her tone. 'What can I do for you?'
'My reliable sources tell me that Charlotte Dominez of 1217 Pilkington Lane, is working as a dominatrix there.'
'There's no law against that in this state,' Rachel replied. 'Providing she doesn't entertain minors, and pays her taxes.'
Dirk realised that she needed more convincing. 'I have strong reason to believe that she is also a felon called Domino, who has been responsible for a number of crimes.'
'I see. Well, let me look into this,' she said. She gave Dirk her contact card and ended the meeting.
Back in his apartment, Dirk spent the afternoon gazing out of the window as he imagined living in the Midwest with Sadie. He was brought back to reality by the sound of the telephone ringing, and when he answered it, found Rachel Benton on the other end.
'I've some news for you Mr Peterson,' she said. 'We brought Charlotte Dominez in for questioning, and she confessed to being Domino. She's admitted to committing a series of crimes. She's currently in a cell after becoming hysterical, so we'll keep her here tonight, and formally charge her in the morning.'
'That's great news.'
'Yes. I know reporters can't reveal their sources, but I'd like to thank you for the information. We appreciate your help.'
Dirk struggled to absorb the news. Domino had been captured by the police. She could no longer use blackmail to torment him. He typed a resignation letter, which he promptly emailed to his editor. He then phoned Sadie to tell her the news.
'That's great Dirk,' she said. 'Why didn't you do it sooner?
'There was something I needed to sort out,' he replied. 'But the important thing is we can leave soon and be in our new home within three weeks.'
'I'm so happy. We'll be spending our first Christmas together, back in my home town. You'll love it there.'