THE GALA

Dominic’s story If I could stop time now, I would. How would you get out of this, Dominic? And as if divinity was on my side, even though I was an integral part of the darkness, given my appearance, my phone rang. Just the man I was thinking of. “Declan, what’s up man?” I greeted him, seemingly happier than ever.  Rebecca’s eyes widened in amazement. She was waiting for my answer, an explanation that probably wouldn’t come now. She complied and took another long sip of coffee.  “Dominic, I sense in your voice that you are perhaps too happy to hear me? Or is it just my imagination?” This man knew me so well. “Don’t tell me, you were about to explain something you didn’t want to...at least not now”  “That’s right...you read me... Rebecca’s having some trouble. We’ll be right with you.” I may have stuttered horribly, but I was mostly right. “What kind of trouble?” The conversation was veering in the direction I wanted it to go and it seemed Rebecca would not insist.  “Since the morning, s