Best Enemies (A Triple Trouble Mystery)

by Lynn Emery

  “Something we continue to disagree on, baby. You have better than average potential. There is no reason that Anthony Jarrod Alexander should settle for second best. When you were three years old— ”

  “I could recite nursery rhymes from memory. I used to count out my blocks way before the other kids,” Anthony cut in and finished for her.

  “That’s right. You’re smarter than the average kid. This whole choosing to be an underachiever culture with kids is crazy. You know it, too. You just hate to admit it and agree with me.”

  “I’m a teenager. Being a jerk and lazy is my job,” Anthony wisecracked. He kept his lopsided grin even when Willa glared at him.

  “Then you’re going to change careers fast, young man,” Willa shot back.

  “Yes, ma’am.” Anthony finished sweeping up the crumbs Mikayla had left around her chair.

  Willa seized on the subject at hand to move onto the subject of Jack. “Your father had a lot of dreams for you, too.”

  Anthony dumped the crumbs into the trash then put away the dustpan and broom. “I know.”

  Without needing to say it both knew Willa meant Jack. With all his well-documented shortcomings, Jack had been a loving father. In fact, he was the only true father Anthony had ever known. Anthony once asked Jack about his biological dad when he was seven years old. Whatever Jack told him had only cemented their bond. Until the separation and divorce drama created the first crack.

  Willa gazed at Anthony. He was well on his way to being a man. Now she blamed herself for the wedge that had grown between her son and husband. Anger and pain had caused Willa to say too much too often about Jack. Willa folded the dishtowel in her hand and dropped it on the counter. She crossed to Anthony and gave him a hug.

  “What was that for?” Anthony tried to maintain his cool. Still traces of his boyish smile broke free.

  “For a job well done. You pulled your act together in spite of your buddies.”

  “Huh?” He looked at her with a puzzled expression.

  “I’m sure they’re still trying to pull you back. Maybe they even make fun of you for following rules, being polite, listening to your mother.” Willa put a finger under his chin and gazed into his dark hazel eyes.

  “Whatever. They always making noise ‘bout something.” He shrugged off the teasing. He leaned against the counter and folded his arms.

  “Good attitude. Don’t let anybody try to control your mind and drag you into doing wrong.” Willa took a deep breath and let it out. “Speaking of Jack, Jazz tells me you and he were on speaking terms again.”

  “Yeah, we were talking every now and then.” Anthony looked away from her. He seemed to find interest in something on the wall.

  “You never mentioned it,” Willa prompted.

  “I didn’t want you to get upset. You know you’d think I was taking his side or something.” Anthony went from staring at the wall to examining his fingernails.

  Willa sighed again. “Look, I know I was upset about some things Jack did.”

  “Like the women, gambling, clubbing,” Anthony said filling in the details. “I’m not a little kid like Mikayla, Mama.”

  “Okay. All that is true. But I should have been careful not to let my feelings about him as a husband spill over to you kids. None of that meant he didn’t love you and Mikayla. And don’t for a second think there was a difference either.” She stabbed a finger at him.

  “I know he loved me,” Anthony said quietly. “I miss him a lot.”

  “Just remember the good times, like when he took you on business calls,” Willa probed. “You went to some important meetings, I hear.”

  “Yeah, Jack said with my brains I could take his business to another level.” Anthony lifted his head with pride.

  “He was right,” Willa added, every bit the proud mother. “Did you remember details about a company called Strafford, Inc.?”

  “Uh, I’m not sure. We talked about lot of stuff.” Anthony shifted from one foot to another. “Why?”

  “One of your dad’s—” Willa tossed around for a way to describe MiMi. “One of his associates told us about this contract with them, but we can’t find the paperwork.”

  Anthony shrugged. “Must have been one file Kay didn’t manage to clean up off his desk. She had a time keeping that office straight, ya know. I better get to work on some calculus problems. I didn’t finish all the worksheets in study hall.”

  Willa exhaled in relief. Of course Anthony wouldn’t know anything. Silly of MiMi to think he did or Jazz to suggest he might know more. Willa brushed a hand through his wooly locks.

  “Sure, future business tycoon. Learn all you can so you can take care of your mama one day.” Willa smiled at him.

  Anthony faced her with an intense look in his eyes. Then he embraced her tightly for a moment before letting go. “I’m going to do that for sure, Mama. I’ll be in my room.”

  “Okay, baby.”

  Willa watched his leggy stride in baggy jeans as he left. Assured that Anthony didn’t know anything, Willa felt better. Jack would never have knowingly put Anthony in harm’s way. Now all she had to do was beat off Mimi’s attempt to cash in, keep the cops from suspecting her son, hold onto the company and resist her insane urge to flirt with Cedric.

  “No pressure on me,” she said to kitchen appliances.

  ***

  After a good night’s rest Willa felt refreshed. She went to the office the next day ready to take on the world. When Kay placed three messages from MiMi on her desk Willa smiled. She put them aside. Let MiMi simmer in her own juices for a little while longer. She had no intention of letting Miss Thang think she had the upper hand.

  For most of the morning she felt like take on the world was exactly what she’d done. She spent two hours on paperwork, had a conference call with Cedric and a potential client, and a late morning meeting with another client. Reverend Lawrence Fisher was the pastor of a growing mid-city church. He wanted security for church functions.

  “We’re growing so fast. We have Bible study two nights a week. Three of our choirs have practices three nights a week, a drug abuse support group on Tuesdays.” Reverend Fisher ticked off the events on thick fingers.

  Willa nodded and smiled. She blinked at the way light danced on the gold jewelry that decorated both his hands. “Your ministry is prospering.”

  Reverend Fisher dipped his head in what seemed a practiced show of humility. “Yes, indeed. We’re sowing seeds for the Lord.”

  “Well, we’re glad you chose Crown Protection, Reverend,” Cedric put in.

  “Yes, well our success has angered Satan. He’s sending these young brothers to burglarize our cars and steal church property.” He shook his head in dismay.

  “Terrible,” Willa agreed. She was tempted to suggest he not flash all that gold around. Instead she matched his serious expression.

  “Our security guards are well trained, Reverend Fisher. I had two of our supervising security staff come in so you could meet them. I’ll see if they’ve made it.” Cedric left them alone.

  “How thorough. I like that. Yes indeed.” The reverend nodded his approval at Willa.

  “We were sure you’d want to meet members of our team. After all you’re putting your trust in us. We take that very seriously.”

  “More confirmation that we’ve chosen wisely.” Reverend Fisher assumed a sincere expression. “And may I express sorrow for your loss. I spoke to Mr. Crown only once a few weeks ago. He seemed like a very nice man.”

  “Thank you, reverend,” Willa replied.

  “I know the pain of such a loss. My dear Elnora passed away almost two years ago. Such a loss of companionship is hard.” Reverend Fisher turned to Willa and his knee brushed her leg.

  Willa glanced to make sure she saw both his hands. She inched her leg farther from his. He leaned toward Willa spreading the scent of his heavy aftershave. Willa was on the verge of putting the good pastor in check when Cedric returned. Reverend Fisher sat back quickly, h
is pious façade firmly in place once more.

  “They’re right on time, Reverend. Good men.” Cedric wore a pleased smile. “Kay will show you to my office when you’re ready.” He left again.

  “Excellent.” Reverend Fisher stood and buttoned his suit coat again. He extended a hand to Willa. “I look forward to working with you, Mrs. Crown.”

  “Same here. We plan to take good care of your security needs.” Willa stood and gave his hand a firm shake.

  Reverend Fisher gave it a little extra squeeze as he gazed into her eyes. “We’d love to see you at one of our services. The doors of Abundant Love Ministries are always open.”

  “I’ll remember that,” Willa said. She would also remember not to be alone with him.

  “I think we will have a long, rewarding partnership,” he intoned and held onto her hand tighter.

  Willa pulled her hand away, yet kept smiling. “Cedric and our guards will make sure of that.”

  “Your late husband—” Reverend Fisher stopped. “He was actually your ex-husband. As I was saying he and I discussed a lot of ways enterprising men, and women of course, can prosper.”

  “Really?” Willa was about to brush him off, but something in his tone stopped her. “Such as?”

  “Real estate, courier services and other means. We had very enlightening discussions. I hope we can have the same rapport.” Reverend Fisher’s smile seemed hungry, and he had the mistaken notion that Willa was on his menu.

  “Are you familiar with Strafford, Inc.?” Willa replied, ignoring his subtle invitation.

  He blinked rapidly at her, thrown off for a few seconds. “Strafford? Uh, why yes. They’ve generously supported our ministries. One of my deacons works for them. Why?”

  “How did Jack meet your deacon?” Willa pressed on. She took a step closer. The move had the desired effect.

  Reverend Fisher’s dark eyes gave Willa a full body scan. “Why for several months before he died Jack attended our church. After years of living in the flesh he heeded the call to come home.”

  “Right.” Willa tried not to burst out laughing. No doubt he heeded the call to make business contacts with Fisher’s prosperous congregation.

  “How inspiring. What’s the name of your deacon again? The one who works for Strafford, Inc., I mean.” Willa put on what she hoped was a fetching smile. “I want to reconnect with all of Jack’s important business contacts, like you.”

  Fisher beamed at her. “Naturally. Deacon Isaac Nelson.”

  “A fine biblical name. What exactly was his position at Strafford?” She waited expectantly.

  Eager to maintain their friendly momentum Fisher fell right in. “One of their operations managers I believe.”

  Willa managed her own operation. Keeping him at arms length she learned more about Nelson, how he’d met Jack and when he’d introduced Jack to his boss. Reverend Fisher even gave her Nelson’s business card. Fisher bragged about how many contacts he had that were influential in the city and state.

  “I’m so glad we will have a chance to further our… partnership.” Fisher’s voice dipped low as he gazed at Willa. “I think we can help each other a lot.”

  “Of course. Well it was so nice to have met you,” Willa said.

  “Yes, I—”

  “Cedric must be patiently waiting and here I’m delaying both of you.” Willa took his arm and before he knew it marched him out to the lobby. “Kay, show Reverend Fisher to Cedric’s office.”

  “Sure. The guys are in there with him, but they didn’t want to interrupt you.” Kay stood and came from around her desk. “This way, Reverend.”

  “Uh, yes. Goodbye, Mrs. Crown. I hope to see you at Abundant Love Tabernacle one Sunday.” Reverend Fisher flashed one last smile then followed Kay down the hall.

  Willa took a deep breath. She made a mental note to ask her mother and Aunt Ametrine about the good pastor and his church. If anyone knew the real deal about him it would be those two. Aunt Ametrine was the CNN of church life in Baton Rouge. Kay came back with a smirk.

  “Reverend Fisher sure isn’t into chastity. Playa had the nerve to hit on me.” Kay rolled her eyes. “Again.”

  “I’m devastated. Here I thought I was his one true love,” Willa quipped.

  When she heard voices she and Kay exchanged a glance. Then both rushed into Willa’s office. Kay shut the door firmly. They listened through the door until they heard Reverend Fisher say goodbye. They waited a few seconds then returned to the lobby.

  Cedric wore a satisfied smile as he looked at the guard supervisor, Emerson. He clapped a hand on the man’s shoulder. “The schedule you worked out looks great, man. Thanks for taking the initiative.”

  “Hey, that’s my job. I’m gonna work on filling those gaps at the game schedules. I’ll be in my office if you need me.” Emerson noticed Willa. “Mornin’, ma’am.”

  “Hello, Emerson. You’re definitely doing great work. I appreciate it,” Willa said.

  Emerson’s nut brown faced cracked into a wide smile. “Thank you, ma’am. You’re too kind.” He nodded at them then walked off with his chest out.

  Cedric shook his head slowly. “Can’t beat a woman’s touch even in business. Reverend Fisher was considering another agency after Jack died. You impressed him.”

  “Yeah, that’s one way to describe it,” Willa said and pursed her lips.

  Cedric lifted one eyebrow. “I know his reputation.”

  “Well earned, too,” Kay put in then went to answer the phone.

  Willa beckoned for Cedric to follow her and headed to her office. Once Cedric closed the door Willa gave a snort. “Reverend Fisher’s been fooled into believing he’s irresistible,” she said.

  “I have no doubt that you handled him well,” Cedric replied.

  “If he had rubbed his big bony knee against my leg one more time.” Willa simulated a slapping motion then a backhand. “Bam. Down for the count, preacher or not.”

  Cedric took a step back. “I’m scared of you.”

  “I prefer peaceful solutions, but I’m a graduate of advanced self-defense courses. I know some kick-box moves, too.” Willa put both hands on her hips. “A girl can’t be too careful.”

  “Thanks for the warning. I’ll be sure to put some distance between us if I ever make you mad,” Cedric said. He wore a half-smile.

  “Wise man,” Willa quipped. “But the good pastor gave me a clue about Strafford, Inc.”

  “Reverend Fisher?” Cedric’s eyes widened in surprise.

  “Seems Jack saw the light and was going to his church.” Willa grinned at the dubious expression Cedric wore. “Yeah, I thought the same thing. He was making business contacts.”

  “And he found a Strafford contact at Abundant Love Tabernacle?” Cedric sat on the edge of Willa’s desk. “Now that’s one place I would never have thought to look.”

  Willa dropped down into one of the leather chairs facing her desk. “Jack wasn’t the church-going type. Besides, his family is family’s church is very dignified.”

  “Right.” Cedric rubbed his chin in thought.

  “They might even have rule against folks shouting ‘Amen!’ in that fancy church the Crowns attend.” Willa sat straight and rigid in imitation of Mrs. Crown.

  “Smart of you to find that lead. Wonder why none of his frat boys knew?”

  Willa glanced at him. Cedric didn’t look like he was ready to celebrate. She squinted at him. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t matter.”

  “Right, right. I’ll get to know this deacon… What did you say his name is?” Cedric looked at her.

  “I’ll talk to him. Besides, Reverend Fisher gave me a very personal invitation to share the love at Abundant Love,” Willa said.

  “Oh. Right.” Cedric stood as though about to leave.

  “Speaking of investigations and intrigue, let’s talk about something else. I really like being here, running Crown Protection. You want to buy this company, and I’m not sure I want to sell. In fact, I’m prett
y sure I don’t want to.”

  Cedric nodded slowly after a few moments of thought. “I thought you were leaning that way.”

  “If you want to go off on your own then, hey, no hard feelings. Let’s just put our cards on the table, know what I mean? I want us to have a good working relationship. No unspoken tension or agendas.” Willa studied his handsome face, but his expression remained neutral.

  “I won’t lie to you. I’ve been considering my options. But I’ll promise you this; as long as I’m working here you’ll get my best.”

  “I never thought you’d do less,” Willa said and beamed at him.

  The faint shadow of a pleased smile lifted his full mouth at the corners. “You’ll be the first to know what I decide.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Now about Reverend Fisher and this deacon,” Cedric said, back to all business. “I makes sense for you to follow up. Just stay far away from Fisher’s hands.”

  “Don’t worry. If he tries spreading the wrong kind of love, he’ll be sorry,” Willa quipped. Then she picked up the small stack of yellow phone message notes. “But before I pay him a visit, I’ll talk to MiMi. I think she’s simmered in her own juices long enough.”

  Chapter 6

  Willa stared at the manicured lawn of MiMi’s lovely home. And muttered a few curse words. Jack seemed not to be worried much about money if he’d bought her this spacious two-story home. Painted a light green with dark red wood shutters, it blended in with the carefully tended plants landscaped around it. She had been curious ever since MiMi had mentioned it. As if reading her thoughts Mimi swung open the door wearing a smirk.

  “I knew you were dying to see my place,” MiMi said.

  “Good afternoon.”

  Willa gave her a frozen smile, furious that she’d been read so accurately. She walked into the foyer past MiMi. She was about to deliver a witty insult, but instead Willa stared at the artwork on the wall. The painting faced the wide entrance into the house. Vibrant colors made Willa gasp as each detail sank in.