FEVERISH UnbRoken

by Vasser, LaShawn

  Present Day

  The Rusche Tower took five years to build. It was one of Garrett Hadley’s greatest accomplishments and the crowning jewel of his engineering and architectural firm.

  It wasn’t the tallest building in Chicago, but Rusche more than held its own alongside other architectural masterpieces that decorated Chicago’s lakefront skyline. The beauty of its construction was what set it apart and why his company and their talent was so in demand all over the world. The beauty of the outside was equally matched by the décor on the inside. Imani had done a masterful job.

  Only now, Rusche Tower was leaning slightly to the right. Who knew how long it would remain standing at all. That was their biggest fear; that the seventy-three floors above them would crumble to the ground and crush them before they had a chance to get out.

  Time was ticking.

  Slowly, in a single file line, they entered the stairwell. Seth was in front, followed by Anthony, Lucinda, Raymond, Imani, and Garrett at the back.

  They hadn’t made it down one flight of stairs before realizing it was going to be a terrifying obstacle course.

  A burning smell from possible fires in unknown locations floated through the air. Was it above them or below? Were they heading towards it or away from it? Being draped in darkness didn’t help. Their fear was only heightened by the orchestra of sounds surrounding them.

  The high-pitched screaming of the building had Imani thinking her feet were going to fall away from beneath her at any moment.

  “Does anyone have a cellphone? One with a light on it?” Garrett yelled from behind.

  Lucinda reached into her purse that was wrapped around her body and pulled hers out. Her voice, tense with the terror, she responded. “I have one!”

  “Pass it to Seth. He’s up front and leading the way. He’ll need it.”

  Lucinda did as she was told.

  Imani turned around to Garrett. She raised her voice above the screaming and loud sucking noise that sounded like a giant vacuum. It was almost overpowering. “I have one too.”

  “Turn it off. We should try to conserve the power by using one phone at a time.”

  The six of them continued to walk cautiously down the stairs.

  Echoes of doors opening and closing from below could still be heard above all the noise. That meant they weren’t the only people in the stairwell and hopefully it was passable.

  Periodically, faint sounds of panicked voices floated through the air, and that continued to give them all hope. It kept the very real fear that they were going to be crushed underneath a pile of steel and glass somewhat at bay.

  Everyone was quietly focused as they kept moving. That was until Raymond turned around and spoke to Imani. “How are you holding up?”

  Garrett’s barely contained anger was unleashed. He moved Imani out of the way, rammed Raymond up against the wall, and held him by his throat. Squeezing with all his might. “You piece of shit. If you fuckin’ say another word to her, I swear I’ll kill you!”

  Raymond shoved him back, and they tussled for a moment, but his strength was no match for Garrett. “You don’t own her!”

  Imani yelled at both of them. “Stop! Stop it, both of you!” She used her body to wedge herself in-between them and placed her hands on each of their chests. Imani glared first at Raymond then Garrett. “Neither one of you own me. I am not a prize in some game you’re playing, so please check your ridiculous sized egos and let’s focus on getting out of here.”

  Both were breathing hard and still ready to do battle. It was something that had been building for a long time well before Imani entered the picture. She could only hope, that they could contain their tempers—for now.

  They were all going to need each other to get to safety.

  *****

  It seemed as if they’d been walking forever when Imani felt the first twinges of a backache. She could only thank god they were walking downstairs instead of the other way around. Still, she was hot, exerting a lot of energy, and sweating like crazy.

  Imani didn’t want to be the one to slow everyone down, so she kept moving. Garrett made sure she remained close, but so did Raymond. He continued to turn around to make sure she was okay, but her eyes warned him not to say a word.

  Seth was sweating profusely too. When he stopped short, everyone behind him almost ran into the backs of the other. He turned and used his forearm to wipe the sweat away from his bushy eyebrows. “Hey . . . it’s kinda quiet up ahead. I haven’t heard anything in a while. That’s making me a little nervous.” Seth shined the faint light from the cell phone onto the group. “I thought it was just me, but from the looks of all of you, I’m not the only one hot as hell, and it feels like it’s getting hotter.”

  The creases in Anthony’s forehead deepened. Unlike the other men in this group, he wasn’t as fit. He was on the heavier side and had thought because he was somewhat out of shape that that was causing his shortness of breath and the feeling of being overheated. “That can’t be good.”

  Raymond spoke. “The smoke we smelled earlier isn’t as intense. Heat doesn’t necessarily mean fire. We should keep moving.”

  “It doesn’t mean that it’s not fire.” Garrett responded sharply.

  Another potential showdown, Imani wanted to scream. If Garrett said red, Raymond would say blue. If Raymond said high, Garrett would say low.

  This time she was going to stay out of it. Maybe if they finally beat the hell out of one another, they’d finally be able to focus on the task at hand—getting out safely.

  “We’re wasting time standing around talking. We need to get Imani out of here!”

  That murderous look was back in Garrett’s eyes. He stepped in front of her, mere inches from Raymond. “We? We! We don’t need to do a damn thing! You need to remember she’s my wife . . .”

  This was it. This was the moment years of betrayal was finally about to come to a head, and Imani was pissed that she was the scapegoat. Just as Raymond reared back to throw a punch, Seth grabbed his arm, and Anthony captured Garrett by his arms, holding them behind his back.

  Anthony yelled at them both. “You two can beat the shit out each other once we get out here, but we don’t have any time to waste on whatever the hell is going on between the two of you.”

  The floor began to tremble.

  Imani blinked once, twice.

  The explosion was deafening. Everything moved in slow motion as Garrett fell slightly on top but to the side of Imani knocking her onto her back.

  A door, one floor below, had been blown off its hinges. Orange and yellow flames rushed out filling the hallway with fire and smoke.

  Slowly, Garrett turned to help Imani get up, but she didn’t move. Her eyes were closed, and he wasn’t sure if she was breathing. He’d never been more terrified in his life except for the last time he’d seen her appear lifeless. Garrett grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. “Imani! Imani!”

  She groaned as her eyes fluttered open. Imani moved her hand to touch her head—like before when she’d been knocked out cold on the football field—Garrett held her in his arms. “We’ve got to move, baby. We can’t stay here.”

  Imani managed to nod and get on her knees remaining as flat as possible to the floor. It was hard to see and breathe. Their eyes watered, and they coughed uncontrollably.

  Unfortunately, they couldn’t go in the direction they’d started. There was now a huge section of the stairs missing—along with Seth and Lucinda. They’d fallen down the hole that looked like it could be several stories deep.

  His voice was strangled, trying to get the words out and protecting Imani’s face and nose with his arm. “This way.” Garrett led, while Imani, Raymond, and Anthony followed behind.

  Chapter 18

  Two Years ago – Happily Ever After?

  Garrett gave Imani the perfect wedding. It was everything she had always dreamed and more. The church was filled with friends and family . . . mostly hers.

  It bothered Ima
ni that there were very few people representing Garrett’s side, and it highlighted the obvious truth; they still had a lot to learn about each other. Every time Imani asked about his family, Garrett always came up with some vague answer that never really told her much. It only added fuel to the fire, feeling like a fraud as she stood in front of the church with all her friends and family watching, professing her love to Garrett—forever.

  They’d only known each other for a few weeks. Between them, there was an intense attraction, lots of passion, and incredible sex, but love wasn’t what prompted the marriage. At least on her part, or was it?

  Was there such a thing as insta-love? Imani had strong feelings for Garrett, but considering she hadn’t ever been in love before how the hell would she know? All she knew was that from the moment they met, he felt like . . . home.

  Felicia Jones couldn’t keep the tears from her eyes. She cried throughout the entire ceremony and hadn’t stopped since. “You were a beautiful bride, Imani. Garrett seemed to spare no expense. I just wish we had more time to do all the things mothers do with their daughters before the wedding.”

  Imani hugged her. She was feeling a little emotional too. “Thank you for making it one of the best days of my life. Luckily, you and Daddy were smart enough to have two daughters. You’ll get another shot at that perfect wedding with Aaliyah.” Imani winked at her sister who stood behind her mom. “I just hope I’m as good a wife and mother as you.”

  Felicia’s mouth hovered close to her ear. She whispered, “I didn’t say it wasn’t perfect. I said I wanted more time. You can’t buy that. Don’t mind me. I’m just being selfish. As a mother, I should be worried about how fast this all happened . . . but, there’s just something about that husband of yours. I don’t know if it’s the sparkle in his eyes, or the one in yours when the two of you look at each other, but I have a good feeling about this union.” She kissed Imani on the cheek, pulled back, and cradled her head in her hands. “You’ll be a great wife and an ever better mom.”

  “Thank you, Mama.”

  Felicia looked around for Garrett Jr. They had been spoiling him rotten all weekend. “Where’s that new grandson of mine! I’ve got something special just for you.”

  Garrett Jr. giggled. “Here!” He hopped up and down. “I . . . here!” Felicia grabbed his little hand and took off with him to the kitchen for a snack plate she’d wrapped up full of sugar cookies. She giggled and thought to herself—the joys of motherhood and grannyhood. All that sugar would for sure guarantee a call from Imani when she got home.

  Michael, Maddon, and Aaliyah were standing by the door talking with Garrett when Imani joined them. Michael’s booming voice rang loud and clear. “I had a feeling something was brewing between you two, but I didn’t expect a wedding this fast. Honestly, I wondered if my little curly-haired caramel drop would ever make time to get married.” He laughed. “I know for sure you weren’t on her list.”

  Maddon nodded in agreement. “Right. That BRAT never does anything without that list. Your first husbandly duty should be to burn it.” He said it loud enough, wanting Imani to hear.

  Imani reached over and swatted him on the arm. “I can hear you—both of you.” Then she turned towards her father. “I’m standing right here!”

  “In that case, I’m glad Garrett can afford a cook because otherwise, the next good home-cooked meal you’ll get is when you come here to visit.” Maddon wouldn’t let up.

  Aaliyah chimed in. “Okay . . . okay. Imani has promised me that her cooking skills have improved over the last couple of years. What do you say to that Garrett? How is Imani’s cooking?”

  All eyes were on him waiting for a response.

  Garrett had been mostly standing around listening. He had to think about it. He hadn’t ever seen her list, and there was so much going on over the past couple of weeks that he realized Imani had never cooked for him. If this was a test, he wanted to pass it, so he pulled her into the crook of his arm. “If she cooks it, I’ll eat it.”

  The room got silent as Michael, Maddon, and Aaliyah continued to stare while Imani looked on lovingly at him. Then, suddenly, her siblings and father burst into laughter. Mr. Jones tried to speak through it. “You clearly haven’t eaten anything my daughter has made, but that’s a good answer. Keep doing that, and you’ll have a long and happy marriage.”

  “I hate all of you.” She didn’t. Imani loved her family but was relieved when Garrett Jr. came running toward them from the kitchen.

  Initially, Garrett had been nervous when he called to ask Mr. Jones for her hand. But after an hour-long phone call, a million questions, and several threats—he reluctantly gave it. It was always a fun time with Imani’s family, and Garrett didn’t want to leave, but he took a quick look at his watch. “We should probably get going to beat the traffic.”

  Kisses and hugs were exchanged around the room.

  Aaliyah yelled after them as they were walking out the door. “Now that you’ve achieved number five on your list and have gotten married, Imani, get on to making some babies. I think that’s number six. You could have a little girl, and our children can be like sisters!”

  Imani rolled her eyes. Other than Garrett Jr., there weren’t going to be any babies in the near future.

  All jokes were put aside when Mr. Jones caught Garrett by the arm before he walked out the door. “Remember what we talked about.”

  Garrett nodded. “Yes, sir. I can’t honestly say I’ll ever forget.”

  “Good.” He patted him on his back, and Garrett’s face relaxed. “As long as we understand each other . . . I know this marriage is a bit unconventional, but I think it’s good she chose you. I hope the two of you are as happy as Felicia has made me all these years, congratulations.” Garrett was more than surprised when Mr. Jones pulled him into a bear hug. He hadn’t received very many of those in his life and was choked up a little by this one.

  Garrett cleared his throat. “Thank you.”

  The emotionally charged moment didn’t go unnoticed. Everyone could feel it. Good thing Felicia was a master of lightening a mood, her voice rang out. “Where are my hugs? No one is going anywhere until I get mine!” Imani, Garrett, and Garrett Jr. hugged her.

  Garrett Jr. enthusiastically waved goodbye.

  Mr. Jones stopped him at the door and kneeled low. “I thought you were my new best buddy? Nana Felicia gets a hug, and I get a wave? I have a problem with that!”

  Garrett Jr. beamed and threw himself into his arms. Michael hugged him tightly. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

  Imani was so grateful that her family didn’t judge her for the quick decision to marry Garrett. They seemed to have accepted it and were fully on board.

  After another ten minutes, the Hadley’s were finally walking to their rental car. Garrett was a little quiet. He seemed deep in thought.

  Imani couldn’t help but ask. “What’s on your mind? I hope not regrets already.”

  “No, not at all. Our marriage will probably turn out to be the best decision I’ve ever made.”

  “Then, what were you thinking?”

  “Your family, they are not good with goodbyes, are they?”

  She laughed. “Not at all. I’ve learned whatever time I need to leave, start saying goodbye a half an hour before that.” Curiosity killed the cat, and it would probably be the death of her too. She wasn’t going to ask but couldn’t help herself. “What did my daddy mean?”

  Garrett appeared confused. “About what?”

  “When he said remember what we talked about.”

  “Oh, that,” Garrett smirked. “Basically, if I hurt you, or turn out to be a serial killer, he would bury me.”

  Imani nodded. “Ooohhhh. Okay. That sounds about right.” The corners of her lips turned up a little. “You better listen to the man.”

  *****

  There was no time for a honeymoon, so the three of them immediately flew back from Atlanta to Chicago.

  Garrett had been pre-occupied
with the next court date on the trip home, and his head was buried deeply in paperwork. Garrett Jr. still managed to nestle himself into the crook of his father’s side.

  “Mr. Hadley, you’ve been reviewing that paperwork for the entire flight and now the drive home. You’re going to give yourself a migraine. Think you can take a break? You can finish your review later.”

  “Can’t.” He never even glanced up. “I’m meeting my lawyers at the office in about an hour.”

  “An hour?”

  “Yeah.”

  Imani was surprised and disappointed. Garrett had no idea because he hadn’t bothered to look at her expression. He was completely focused on whatever was in front of him.

  Their car pulled up into a driveway of a house Imani didn’t recognize. When the car stopped was when Garrett’s focus finally shifted from the documents in his hands to looking out of the window. “Good, we’re here.”

  Perplexed, Imani couldn’t help but ask. “Where exactly is here? I thought you were dropping us off at home before heading to the office?”

  Garrett put his papers away and gathered his son up in his arms. “I am.” He whispered into his son’s ear. “Come on buddy.” Garrett Jr. didn’t bother to open his eyes. He just wrapped his little arms around his father’s neck as he hoisted him up into his own.

  For the first time since getting into the car at the airport, Garrett glanced over to Imani. “We are home.”

  The driver came around to open her door. Slowly, Imani stepped out of the car. Her mouth formed a perfect letter O. She almost couldn’t speak. “T-t-this is not our home.”

  “Actually, it is. I know this . . .” He paused as if wanting to make sure he said the right thing. “Arrangement isn’t exactly what you’ve always dreamed of, but I hope my gift makes your decision to marry me go down a little easier.”

  Imani spoke as if she hadn’t even heard him. She finally was able to tear her eyes away from the house, and they landed on him. “Garrett, this isn’t a house, it’s a mini-mansion!”

  “Mini?” His small smile froze. “If you want a bigger one, we can look for something else.”