The Redemption of Memphis Drake: A Second Chance Romance

by Shay Stone

  “I swear if anything happens to him …”

  “You’ll what? Beat the shit out of me? Kill me? Not before I make sure Vito knows about him and Nyla.”

  My chest tightens as I watch Conner struggling to stand, his tiny hand getting swallowed up to the wrist by the wet sand. He can’t get any leverage. The ground is too soft. He rolls onto his knees and they sink as well. Another wave comes in, knocking him flat onto his stomach and dragging him backward two feet towards the water. His face puckers and his mouth opens, releasing one of those gut-wrenching, soundless cries as his eyes search around for help. I lurch forward, trying to climb through the phone to get to him.

  “Mike, please!” I beg, slinking down the wall onto the floor. One more wave could pull Conner under. It’s like I’m watching an impending car crash I’m powerless to stop. “Please get my son.”

  There’s a groan and my view changes to Mike’s feet jogging, kicking up sand behind him. I can hear Conner’s cries getting closer and breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he’ll be out of immediate danger soon. But when Mike’s face appears on the screen again, Conner is still stuck in the sand a few feet away.

  “Daddy,” he cries, gazing upward, the terror in his voice radiating through every nerve in my body. I know he’s calling for Mike but, in my heart, he’s calling for me. And I can’t do a damn thing to help him. The camera zooms in capturing the anguish on my son’s tear-soaked face, ripping me to shreds.

  “Why are you stopping? Pick him up!” I demand.

  “You want me to pick him up?” Mike’s face reappears on the screen. “Then get my fucking money.”

  The screen goes black. I scamper to my feet, hitting redial. The walls of the elevator seem to be closing in on me. I can’t breathe. I have no clue how long I’ve been riding it or what floor I’m on. Even if I make it down to the lobby, I’ll never get to my son in time. I don’t even know what beach they’re at. It takes four more calls before Mike finally answers, holding Conner in his arms.

  “Shut up, you little brat,” Mike barks before turning his attention to me. “Have I made my point? Or should I take Conner for a little swim?”

  “No! You’ve made your point! I’ll get your money. Please just bring him back.”

  “Fine. But quit fucking around or next time they’ll be pulling his dead, bloated body from the water. Assuming they find it, that is.”

  The call disconnects and the screen goes black again. I tip my head against the back of the elevator, lightly tapping it against the cool steel. Maybe I should lie and tell Mike I slept with Nyla. It won’t give him the tangible proof he wants, but if I agree to testify and stand by my claim, it would probably be enough to get him his money. Nyla would hate me forever for betraying her like that, but at least she and Conner would be safe. Maybe.

  Today served as a wake-up call for me. I don’t think I’ve ever truly fathomed the depths of Mike’s hatred or how far he was willing to go to hurt me until this moment. To use a child like that shows he has no conscience. There’s a good chance he’ll tell Vito about me whether he gets his money or not, putting Nyla and Conner at risk. But getting him the money would at least get him out of the house and away from them, buying me some time to come up with a plan.

  There’s only one thing I can think to do. I gather the pictures and scroll through my phone on the way to my office until I find the number I’m seeking. “Hey, it’s Memphis. I need to see him. Can you fit me in? I know, but it’s an emergency. It’s about Nyla and Conner. Eleven-thirty would be great. Thanks.”

  After reaching my desk and placing our family photo front and center, I buzz Max’s assistant, asking him to pencil me in for the same time. Then I make one more phone call, ensuring everything is in place.

  I fire up my computer in a futile attempt to lose myself in work for the next two hours while my subconscious tries to come up with any alternative to avoid doing what I’m about to do. It has the potential to blow up in my face in such a spectacular way, there will be no coming back. My eyes keep drifting back to the photo, knowing if I’m not careful, I could lose Nyla and Conner for good.

  At eleven-fifteen I look up to find Colin and Max in my doorway. “Found this guy in the lobby,” Max jokes, crooking his thumb at Colin. “He says you called him here too. You mind telling us what this is about?”

  I roll back in my chair and slip on my suit jacket. “Thanks for coming. Follow me. There’s someone else we’re meeting.”

  Colin and Max exchange a confused glance, but follow me downstairs, sharing another glance when we reach Edward’s office. They stare at me like I’m nuts.

  “Do you have a death wish?” Max asks.

  “I’m guessing he’s brought us here as back up for when Edward tries to toss him out the window,” Colin adds.

  I ignore them, keeping my focus on my task. “Hey, Em. Thanks for doing this. Did you tell him the meeting was with me?”

  “If I did, there wouldn’t be a meeting,” she replies on an exhale, coming around from her desk to escort us to Edward’s door. I feel bad for putting her in this position, but there was no other choice. “I’m so getting fired for this. I’ve already got my resume ready. Max, you should know I expect full benefits and two weeks paid vacation when you hire me.” She knocks gently on the door. “Edward, your eleven-thirty is here.”

  I allow Max and Colin to go in first, hoping Edward might be more apt to listen if he sees they’re with me. “Max,” Edward’s jovial voice booms. “Great to see you. Do we have some business we need to discuss? And Colin? I didn’t know you were tagging along. I would have arranged for lunch.” I step out from behind them and Edward’s smile dissipates. “What the hell is he doing here?”

  “Edward, Memphis says it’s important he speaks with us,” Max replies in his most placating tone.

  “I don’t care what he says. Get the hell out of my office!”

  “Please, I just need five minutes. It’s about Conner and Nyla.” I should abort this whole idea now. We’re already starting off on the wrong foot, and it’s only going to get worse once he hears what I have to say.

  “Let’s just hear him out,” Colin chimes in, forever the peacemaker. He takes a seat in one of the leather barrel-back chairs, with Max following suit.

  Edward leans against the desk white knuckling the lip, itching to throw me out. “Well, go on then. Let’s get this over with.”

  That’s my cue. I wipe my sweaty palms down the front of my pants. I need to pull myself together and sell this. “I want to start off by saying some of what Michael has said is true. I used to be a con man. And a damn good one. But I’m not anymore. I haven’t been since I met Nyla. She changed me.”

  “Sure, she did,” Edward mumbles.

  I press on. “I know I hurt all of you and have given you ample reason to doubt me and my intentions. But I think … I hope … you know my feelings for Nyla and Conner are real. They mean the world to me and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them, which is why I’ve gathered you here today. They’re in danger. Serious danger. More than I realized.”

  Edward crosses his arms over his chest. “The only person they’re in danger from is you.”

  My shoulders deflate, along with my courage. I look to Max and Colin, rethinking my decision. “This was a mistake. I’m sorry I wasted your time.”

  “Finally, we agree on something. Now if there’s nothing else ….” Edward gestures towards the door and I comply with his silent request for me to leave.

  Max jumps in front of me. “Memphis, wait. Say what you brought us here to say. Edward, at least hear him out.”

  With a snort of disgust, Edward makes his way to the bar and pours himself two fingers of whiskey. He gulps it down like its water and tips the empty glass at me. “Say your piece so I can tell you to go to hell and have you thrown out of here.”

  I decide to go for it, already knowing the reaction I’ll receive. “I need five million dollars to pay off Michael and get him away from Nyla a
nd Conner before he hurts them.”

  “Of all the … get the hell out of my office!” Edward spits, striding at me with his finger pointing to the door.

  Colin steps between us. “Edward, let him talk. Let him tell us why he thinks that.”

  “I know why he thinks that,” Edward growls back. “Michael is the only thing standing in his way. Memphis thinks if he can make us doubt Nyla’s husband, he’ll be able to con my daughter into falling for him again. Well, I won’t let him do it. And I won’t let him tarnish Michael’s good name. That man has been nothing but wonderful to my daughter and grandson.”

  “That man just threatened your grandson’s life!” I shout back.

  “I don’t believe you. I’ve heard enough of this bullshit. Get out!”

  Colin rests a hand on my shoulder. “Come on, Memphis. We should go.”

  “Goddammit! I’m not lying! He’s going to hurt them,” I snap as I’m urged out the door.

  I trod down the hall, unleashing a stream of obscenities, pissed at myself for being so stupid. Asking for the money was a huge mistake. A colossal, desperate, stupid mistake. As we reach the elevator, the doors part and there stands Mike, holding my son. Something inside me snaps.

  “You son of a bitch! You ever threaten my kid again, I’ll kill you!” I lunge forward, but I’m hauled back by Colin and Max.

  Nyla flies into the hall, along with Edward and a half dozen employees, eager to find the source of the commotion. Her eyes swing from me to Mike. “What the hell is going on out here?”

  Mike steps off the elevator, having the nerve to look shocked. “I have no idea. Memphis just attacked us.”

  The lying bastard. He knows damn well why I went after him.

  Nyla takes Conner from Mike, inspecting our child like I’m the one that may have hurt him. He’s not crying, but he looks frightened. Regret and remorse consume me. I shouldn’t have gone after Mike while he was holding our son.

  I push my anger aside and stroke Conner’s head. “Hey, monster. I’m sorry I scared you. I was just upset. It’s okay. Everything’s okay.”

  “What were you thinking?” Nyla chastises me and I deserve it. “Why are you even here?”

  “Oh, he came to try to scam us out of five million dollars,” Edward pipes up.

  “He did what?” Nyla asks, her eyebrows shooting up.

  “Jesus, Memphis. How could you do that? What the hell’s the matter with you?” Mike tosses in.

  “You son-of-a bitch!” I grate, trying to get my hands on the motherfucker. He’s not holding Conner anymore. I can put my fist through his skull. Colin and Max tangle their arms with mine, dragging me into the elevator. I wrestle against them, until my eyes land on Nyla’s crestfallen face.

  “It really was all about the money, wasn’t it? Everything else was just bullshit.”

  “Angel no!” I fight my way forward and hit the button to make the closing doors retract open, but I’m pulled backward again.

  “Memphis shut the hell up. No one wants to hear any more of your lies,” Mike blasts, making my teeth clamp down so hard I’m surprised they don’t shatter. He strokes Nyla’s cheek with the back of his fingers. “Baby, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine,” she replies in a way that suggests she’s anything but. She turns away from his touch, knowing I’m watching. Yeah, he may be her husband, but she belongs to me, even if she is furious. If another woman touched my face, I’d do the same thing. “What are you doing here? I thought you and Conner were spending the day at the beach.”

  The elevator chimes and the doors begin to close. Mike glances in my direction, making sure I’m listening. “We came by to see if you could cut out early. I thought we could take the train to the Catskills and hit up that Italian place I mentioned. Dolce Vita.”

  “No!” I shout as the doors slide shut. I struggle against the vice grip Colin and Max have on me and am slammed hard against the back wall. God help Mike if I break free. I’ll tear out his goddamn throat!

  “Get off me!” I hiss once the elevator starts moving.

  “Are you going to calm the fuck down?” Colin asks.

  “He threatened my kid! He wants to take Nyla to Vito’s place! If he finds out about them …” I argue my points hoping they’ll see how logical I’m being and agree the only sane thing to do is go back and kill Mike. The expression on their faces tells me that’s not going to happen. I blow out an exasperated breath. “Alright, fine. I’m calm.”

  They have a silent consultation with each other and release me. I shake them off and rest my arm against the wall, laying my head on my forearm. “This is a nightmare. At least you guys believe me.” I pivot around when they don’t respond. “You guys do believe me, right?” Their faces say it all. “Son-of-a-bitch, you don’t.”

  Colin gives me a sympathetic smile. “We believe you care about Nyla and Conner, and we want to believe you about the rest …”

  “It’s just a little hard when we haven’t seen you in three years and you show up out of nowhere, asking us for five million dollars,” Max finishes, saving Colin the burden of saying it.

  “The money’s not for me! It’s for Mike. To pay him off so he’ll leave.” They share another fucking glance. “What now?”

  “We haven’t found any information to support your claim that Michael is anything other than a decent guy,” Max informs me.

  “You said you guys didn’t like him.”

  “We don’t,” Colin assures me. “But so far, my detective hasn’t turned up anything showing Michael was at the bar or anywhere near the place on the night of the murder. The only link to Angie is the picture you found on Facebook.”

  “And my guys haven’t witnessed anything other than an argument here and there between Nyla and Michael,” Max adds, referring to the bodyguards he’s had on Nyla and Conner.

  “Oh, your guys haven’t witnessed anything? Are these the same guys that were nowhere around when Mike threatened to drown my son in the FUCKING OCEAN today? They were supposed to be protecting him!”

  “Memphis calm down. I’ll call now and find out what happened.” Max steps off the elevator into the lobby, dialing his phone.

  “Colin, what if it was Alex? Or your kid? What would you do?”

  “What wouldn’t I do? What haven’t I done?”

  A coldness I haven’t seen before, darkens his eyes. The way he says it makes me think he’s crossed his own Mike. Battled his own demons. I always thought Max was the ruthless one, but something about Colin’s tone suggests he’s equally dangerous. Maybe even more so.

  The darkness fades as quickly as it came when Max rejoins us. “The bodyguard had an issue with the car and Michael was long gone by the time he got it started.”

  “Mike fucking made him.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “The hell I don’t! I’m the one that taught him how to spot a tail.”

  “I’ll admit the timing was a little suspect.”

  “Ya think?” I snap.

  Max rubs the nape of his neck with his hand. “Look, I asked him again and he said they’ve never seen Michael be aggressive or violent towards Nyla or Conner.”

  “Of course not! He’s not stupid. He’s not going to be an asshole to them in public.”

  “Memphis, is it possible you’re overreacting? Maybe your hatred for Michael and your jealousy over seeing him with Nyla is making you look for things that aren’t there,” Max asks and he’s fucking serious.

  “You think I’m imagining all this? Did I imagine him calling Nyla a fucking cunt outside this building? Did I imagine the cut on her hand from the plates he threw at her this week? Did I imagine him telling me he’d drown my son in Edward’s pool or in the ocean and make it look like an accident?”

  That shuts him the hell up. I place my hands on my hips and stare out the window at the city. I’m so sick of people questioning me and fighting me at every turn. “And I can’t even go to the police about it because I’ve got no real pro
of. It’s my word against his. And apparently my word is shit if my two best friends don’t even believe me.”

  They have the decency to look apologetic. Once again, Colin is the one to try and smooth things over. “Hey, my guy’s still looking. If there’s a connection out there, he’ll find it. But it may take a little time. It’s not easy when Giovanni’s already been knocking on doors trying to find information on James Hamilton. Last I checked, he said the trail had gone cold. But if he finds out someone is snooping around asking questions, it might make him relaunch the investigation. That’s why my detective has to be discreet. I promise we’re not giving up.”

  “You’re not giving up, but you’re not going to loan me the money either.”

  Colin’s eyes shift downward, leaving Max to deliver the blow. “No, we’re not.”

  I throw my head back, chuffing in frustration.

  Colin chews the side of his thumb, thinking. “Maybe we can offer Mike the money directly. I hate the idea of giving it to him, but if it gets him away from Nyla …”

  “He won’t take it from you,” I interject. “If you offer it to him, he’ll think it’s some kind of set up. The only way he’ll accept it is if it comes from me. It gives him plausible deniability. But obviously you guys think I’m making all this shit up to get the money and run off with it myself.”

  Max sighs. “Memphis, you have to understand how it looks from our perspective. Maybe if we’d found something to indicate Michael is this monster you say he is, things would be different. But there’s no evidence he has so much as a traffic ticket. Both Michael Smith and Michael Drake came back clean.”

  I don’t know why I assumed they would focus solely on finding a connection between Mike and Angie. Max is thorough. Of course, he was going to have Mike investigated. I guess between seeing Nyla again, the shock of discovering I had a son, my dad’s failing health, and dealing with Mike, I never told them Mike’s full name.

  “That’s because neither one exists. Mike’s last name is Harville. He hated my father and never took our last name. But you’re going to have a hard time finding anything under that name too. I did my best to bury most of it.”