Chapter 133 - A Mess Left By The Dead

Then, when Dominik got that terrible package, Werner was still there. Not right next door, this place was reserved for Andrzej, but close enough for the actor to reach for him. His support really mattered and was an extra help in his recovery. Dominik was not quite able to call him his friend yet, but they were well on their way to such relationships.

As it turned out, Werner wanted something more, something that Dominik couldn't give him.

Is it my fault, he wondered, if I could return his affection, would he still be alive? Or at least pretend I love him? Or pretend he has a chance with me? If I had done something different, would he be alive?

These thoughts haunted him.

Was there really nothing he could do to save this unfortunate existence?

He ordered a taxi. He decided to talk to Werner's grandfather. The old man must be devastated after losing his only living heir. When the ordered car pulled up, he had to be taken to the Werners' address. The ride took several dozen minutes. When they stopped, however, Dominik was unable to reach the door. The house behind the fence stood empty and sad, as if he himself was in mourning.

"You're not getting out?" The driver asked.

"No, I changed my mind. Please take me back."

"As you like."

***

There was a light on in the house. Probably Andrzej has already returned from work. Dominik smiled faintly. He wanted to cuddle up in his lover's arms and lie there for a day or two. No sex, just warm company of a loved one.

But it wasn't that good. There was a second car in the driveway, silver, expensive and unpleasantly familiar.

Śliwiński sighed.

At that moment, too much was going on around him and the chaos was starting to tire him.

He entered the house and found both men sitting at a table, chatting over coffee. They acted as natural and ordinary as if they had known and liked each other for years. Dominik felt a twinge of jealousy and a sense of betrayal. Andrzej had sworn that he would never forgive Marczak for what he had done to his lover, and now he talked to him so normally that he did not even notice Śliwiński's return.

"You are finally here. I was starting to worry" Nowicki got up and went to meet him. Marek was looking at him as well. "Why aren't you answering the phone?"

"Haven't heard ..." the actor took out the phone. "Looks like I forgot to charge it. I'm sorry."

"We have a visitor."

"I see that."

"I had a call from the States today," Marek said. "Scarlett Yang, who will play the main role, is to come to Poland ..."

"I know" Śliwiński interrupted him.

"You know? How?"

"Andrzej, I have to pass you compliments on your advertising photos. She liked them very much."

"Did you talk to Scarlett Yang?" this question was asked by Nowicki.

"She was here before noon."

Andrzej and Marek looked at each other, as if two men sharing a secret.

Suddenly Nowicki smiled.

"You see, Marczak, your plan has failed. You were too slow."

Dominik started. He felt as if he could hear satisfaction in his lover's voice.

"What are you talking about?"

"Nothing," Marek sighed, standing up and buttoning the bottom button of his jacket. "It's a pity. That role would really come in handy now. Nothing, then nothing for me. I'll let you know as soon as I know of the date of Werner's funeral. This may take a while. Suicides always do an autopsy."

"Thanks," said Andrzej.

"Se you," Marczak put on his coat and left. Dominik noticed that it had just started to snow.

"I didn't ask about it yesterday, but how do you know about Werner's death? From Marek?"

"Yes," Nowicki admitted.

"You've been talking to each other a lot lately."

"I think so," he sighed.

"You don't mind? I thought you don't like him."

"What to do? I hate him, but I must admit he is useful. Since you don't have an agent, all professional matters are handled by me. I'd rather than have him contact you directly."

"Why contact at all? Can't he just lose my number?"

"It's not that easy," Nowicki sighed. "Dominik, you are not an ordinary gray man, although I know that you would like it very much. You are a public figure, a face recognized not only in Poland. Many people, also abroad, would like to see you live or at least in another film. Some of them have access and resources. If there was no one standing between you and them, they would eat you alive."

"But ..."

"But if you say that you don't want any contact with Marczak, I'll tell him. We will try to deal with it ourselves" Andrzej smiled as if he wanted to assure him that everything would be fine. Śliwiński imagined his lover taking over the duties of his agent, and it was a terrifying thought. If Nowicki starts doing this, they will see each other much too rarely.

"No, it's okay," he announced.

"Dominik, come here to me" Andrzej extended his hand to him. The actor approached him slowly. Suddenly strong, loving arms embraced him. "You want us to go somewhere for a few days?"

He wanted, he really wanted to get away from it all. Forget. Try to live a little different, easier.

"This is not a good time," he said instead. "It would be like running away from problems. Tempts, but does not solve anything. Not in the long run."

"Will you tell me where you've been now?"

"I went to see Mr. Werner, but I did not dare to enter his house."

"What did you want to tell him?"

"I do not know. Maybe that's why I didn't go inside."

"Get you a bath?"

Dominik chuckled. He moved away from Andrzej.

"I should have asked you about this. I am the one who sits on my ass like a housewife all day. My man returns after a day of work, and even lunch is not waiting for him."

"What to do? I always knew you weren't perfect."

"I'm gonna cook something."

"Wait" Andrzej grabbed his elbow and pulled him towards him. "How about if we skip dinner and go to the bath immediately."

"Both?"

"Both."

"I'll say it's the best idea of ​​the day."

***

The phone rang as insistently as it was announcing the end of the world. Nowicki in the dark reached towards the abandoned trousers.

"Nowicki" he answered.

"Trouble. Werner left a suicide note. He sent it to several newspapers. My phone has been busting for an hour."

"What? Why?"

"Dominik's name is mentioned there."

Andrzej was immediately on his feet. He tried to put on pants with one hand.

"I'm going to see you soon. I'm on my way..."

"There's no need to. I'll be with you in ten minutes."

"Is it that bad?"

"I'll explain everything on the spot."

"What happened?" Dominik rose on the bed. "Something bad?"

Nowicki looked at his lover - beautiful and sensitive. Whatever Werner wrote in his suicide letter, the living will bear the burden of his words without the possibility of confrontation and defense. That is why the accusations made from beyond the grave are the most painful. Of course, these did not have to be accusations per se, but in whatever context Dominik's name was used, the actor would have to bear the burden.

Fortunately, not alone. Andrzej will not leave him, whatever happens.

"Dress up. Marczak will appear soon."

Śliwiński did not say a word, but even in the light of the bedside lamp it was obvious that he was pale. He got up and reached for his clothes.

It wasn't fair to cowardly take oneself to the grave and leave the mess for others. Nowicki expressed himself very ugly in his thoughts about the deceased. Now he has to do everything to reassure Dominik and show him support.

"They say Werner sent a letter to the newspapers with your name on it. Marek will give us the details and we will be able to discuss the strategy" he explained, trying to make the voice sound natural.

"Fine."

The actor sounded surprisingly calm, as if he did not care about the seriousness of the situation. Andrzej was not sure if it was better this way, but he smiled.

"Marczak should be here soon. I'll go to my room for a fresh shirt."

"When I'm finished, I'm going downstairs."

Nowicki did not want to waste a moment, so he grabbed a shirt from the closet, but he had a problem with the sleeves. For some reason, he was unable to hit the second. In the end he dealt with it and socks (he had already pulled his pants in Dominik's room) and ran downstairs. Śliwiński was just opening the door.

"I can see that it started to snow" noticed the actor as soon as Marczak crossed the threshold. The visitor shook snowflakes from his hair.

"And it got really cold. I'm sorry to come at this hour, but ..." Marek suspended his voice.