by Lynn Emery
“That’s her plan,” Willa replied calmly. She returned MiMi’s stare. “Isn’t it?”
“No, no. I didn’t mean— ”
“Sure you did. And hopefully you could get control of Jack’s estate,” Willa continued.
“Well, I hadn’t even thought of such a thing.” MiMi blinked rapidly as though considering it then. She shook her head. “No, that’s horrible. I would never do that. I sorta like you. Besides, you’re practically family.”
“Say what?” Cedric glanced from MiMi to Willa.
“Cedric, MiMi is pregnant.” Willa watched his expression go from baffled to stunned. She nodded to him, as it appeared the implications sank in.
“Oh.” Cedric sat down and rubbed his chin.
Willa gazed at him wondering what was going through his mind. He hadn’t mentioned buying Crown Protection again. His expression cleared. Willa’s gut told her somehow Cedric viewed this development as good news for him. But why?
“Then you need to think of Willa’s safety, not to mention her kids,” Cedric pointed out in a solemn voice.
MiMi faced him standing next to Willa’s desk. “I know that. I’m speaking confidentially, just between us,” she snapped.
“Yeah, sure.” Cedric made a noise that fell somewhere between a grunt and a snort.
“And anyway, how do we know we can trust you? I mean, you probably thought you could get control of this company, what with Willa being clueless about running a security business and— ”
“Excuse me, I lack experience not brains,” Willa replied.
“That cheap divide and conquer trick won’t work. But I guess you had to try. Cheap tricks being your blue light special,” Cedric muttered.
“What the hell? You’re nothing but hired help. Jack would never have sold this business to a dressed up hood rat.” MiMi wagged a forefinger at him. “So there.”
“Jack didn’t want another kid, not one with her anyway. He was going to break it off and pay for an abortion.” Cedric delivered his one two punch in a calm voice. The tight cords in his neck gave the only clue to his inner rage.
“Bull. We were picking out baby things. But you wouldn’t know. You were just an employee,” MiMi shouted. “Jack used to tell me about you. Hood rat makes good. But know this, homey, he had no intention of ever letting you be in complete control. And own a division of Crown Protection? Wasn’t going to happen, baby.”
“A division?” Willa looked to Cedric for an answer.
MiMi jumped in first. “Part of this Strafford deal was to expand, open up a cyber security division and start providing security even in foreign countries.”
“I see. So you knew more about Strafford than you let on. Right, MiMi?” Willa continued to stare at Cedric. “And so did you.”
“No,” Cedric said quickly before MiMi could beat him again. “Yes, Jack and I discussed plans to branch out. But I didn’t know about Strafford. Jack did that on his own.”
“Because like I said you were only hired help. He didn’t trust you with the important stuff.” MiMi gave him a smug smile.
Kay came into the office with one of the uniformed security officers. The beefy man held his arms out as though ready to restrain someone.
“We got a problem in here?” Kay frowned at MiMi. “I’ve got a solution.”
“Everybody calm the hell down,” Willa burst out. She sprang from her executive chair and came from behind her desk. “Kay, I’ll handle this. Cedric, would you excuse us?”
Cedric pursed his lips. Disapproval stamped his features, but he nodded. Staring straight ahead without looking at anyone he strode out, the good soldier following an order.
Kay started to say something to MiMi. She stopped when Willa held up one palm like a cop stopping traffic.
“Let’s go, Ray. We’ll be right outside though,” Kay said looking at MiMi.
Once the door closed MiMi tossed her head. Her long hair bounced. “Guess we got them straight.”
“We nothing.” Willa shook her head slowly. “Drama follows you like a bad smell.”
“What did I do? You need to be looking at Cedric. Something doesn’t add up with him.”
“Humph.” Willa sat down at her desk again.
“No, I’m telling you, girl. You better watch that brother.” MiMi nodded with vigor.
Willa had every intention of doing just that. She’d also keep an eye on MiMi. All of her talk about being one of the family was clever. MiMi was looking for a way to stick close to Willa to get information. Just how stupid did MiMi think she was anyway? MiMi seemed to read her mind.
“I know what you’re thinking. Girl, you can trust me. I want this business to do well. And want to find my money. Jack’s will is strong evidence to support my claim.”
“Humph.” Willa felt a headache coming on. She needed triple strength ibuprofen and a break from MiMi.
“I don’t really want to fight you over Crown Protection. That would only give Cedric reason for hope.” MiMi glared at the closed door as though she could see Cedric through it.
“Speaking of taking care of business, we need to. Goodbye.” Willa grabbed MiMi by one arm.
“Okay, I understand. Call me if you hear any more about Ike’s murder.” MiMi talked fast because Willa’s was marching her out double-time.
“Goodbye, MiMi.” Willa pushed her past Kay’s desk.
“Bye. I’ll talk to you la— ” MiMi’s last words were muffled as the door closed.
“Yeah, yeah.” Willa headed to her office. Before she could close the door Cedric was back.
“Okay, we need to talk about what just happened.” He closed the door then stood with his arms folded.
Willa sat down at her desk. “Sure. Let’s start with what else you haven’t told me.”
Cedric puffed out a breath as he sat down. “You were already overwhelmed. It didn’t make sense to hit you with too much at once. Besides, you were trying to deal with one office. How could you have handled expanding?”
“That’s a point. But you should have mentioned it by now,” Willa replied evenly.
“Jack and I were still in the talking it out stage. We hadn’t looked at office sites, talked about hiring or financing a branch office.”
“MiMi could have been right. Jack might have had his own plans.” Willa gazed at him steadily. His expression froze into what looked to her like a poker face, designed not to give anything away.
“Possible. He was the boss. Jack didn’t have to tell me everything.” Cedric shrugged after a few seconds. “At least not at first. Once he was ready Jack always relied on me to do a lot of leg-work.”
Willa continued to gaze at him. She had to admit that sounded logical. Based what she’d seen in the files Cedric had a lot of responsibility. But Willa also knew Jack had a secretive streak. He liked being in control. And if he suspected Cedric might go out on his own Jack might have seen him as a potential competitor.
“Jack knew that I’d want my own company one day. The way Baton Rouge has grown since Hurricane Katrina there is enough for everybody. Not to mention opportunities in Ascension Parish,” Cedric said.
Willa wondered if she was surrounded by psychics. More likely Cedric and MiMi just had reading people down pat. She smiled at him and sighed. His tight expression relaxed. A little.
“You’re right. Why would I listen to anything MiMi might say?” Willa said.
“I guess in your position it’s hard to know who to trust,” Cedric said. His deep voice held the silken notes of sympathy.
Willa cautioned her soft side not to react. She was a sucker for a handsome man with a deep voice. In a perfect world she could just lean on one of those broad shoulders. Trouble was Willa had known since she was seven that the world wasn’t perfect. Not even within shouting distance.
“I actually understand half of what it takes to run this place. But I didn’t count on all the complications. Jack’s mystery contract and even more mysterious business associates like…” Willa fel
t cold creep up her spine. “Ike Nelson.”
Cedric’s brow furrowed. He rubbed his forehead as though that would help him think straight. “Maybe it’s just a coincidence. Could be a robbery gone bad.”
“Another one you mean? That happens to take place after I start asking him questions about Strafford, Inc.” Willa tapped a foot nervously. “I might have stepped in deep you-know-what.”
“Don’t get all dramatic on me. This isn’t television or the movies. In real life crazy random events happen.” Cedric leaned forward. “Until we know more that’s all Ike Nelson’s murder is.”
“Another sign Baton Rouge has grown too fast, huh? More crime.”
“Crime stats tell the story. Like that old saying goes, a sign of the times.” Cedric stood. “Let’s just wait and see before we get paranoid.”
Willa could almost laugh at how much she wanted to believe it. Murder had a way of messing with her sense of humor.
***
That evening Willa went through her routine. The kids were in their rooms. Still thoughts of Cedric and just what she should do about him swirled around in her head. Fatigue and too many facts made her feel overwhelmed with it all. When the doorbell sounded Willa hoped it was someone bringing good news. Anyone. When she glanced through the peephole and saw Jack’s brother, Ryan, she swore softly. Maybe she could pretend they weren’t home.
“You want me to get the door, Moms?” Anthony shouted loud enough for the entire city to hear.
“No, thanks.” Willa rested her head against the door for a second then opened it.
“Hope I’m not intruding. I just wanted to check on you and the kids.” Ryan seemed hesitant. “I could come back.”
“No, that’s okay. Uh, come on in.”
Willa motioned to him. He followed her to the kitchen. They sat at the breakfast table. A few minutes passed in awkward silence. Willa searched for something to say.
“How are Mr. and Mrs. Crown?” Not that she really gave a crap, but Mama Ruby had taught her manners.
“Pretty good considering, well you know.” Ryan looked at her.
“Right.” Willa knew exactly what he meant. Their parents were grieving the loss of their favorite child.
“So, y’all need me to help in any way?”
“No thanks. We’re fine,” Willa said automatically, not used to asking Jack’s family members for help.
“You sure? I know how hard it must be for the kids, and you. I mean despite the problems between you and Jack. He really cared about you, Willa.” Ryan paused, clasped his hands together then started again. “Fact is I think he loved you more than even he realized. No question he was devoted to those kids. I mean the way he left his estate in your hands proves it. Jack wasn’t perfect,but...”
As Ryan spoke Willa unexpectedly felt full force of shock and grief. She’d been so busy with kids, the business and everything else. Now Ryan’s words hit home. She remembered the Jack she’d fallen in love with years ago. Jack, the man who had embraced Anthony as his own; the man whose face had glowed with such joy when he held Mikayla for the first time, Willa covered her mouth with one hand to stifle the sob that threatened to come out. Tremors started in her shoulders and she squeezed her eyes shut.
“Willa? Are you okay?”
“I don’t want them to see me break down,” she rasped through her fingertips and shook her head.
Ryan nodded. “I’ll check on them. Be right back.”
Willa went to the kitchen sink. She got a glass and filled it with cold water. She drank a little hoping it would settle her stomach. Moments later Ryan came back.
“They’re fine.” He paused in the door. After a few seconds he walked closer. “Anything I can do?”
Willa drank more water then shook her head. “I’m okay.”
“Sorry if I did or said anything to upset you. That’s definitely not why I came over here.” Ryan pulled out one of the stools at the extended kitchen counter. “Come on. Sit down.”
Willa glanced at him and did as asked. When he sat next to her Willa moved back a bit. “Don’t worry about it.”
“But I do worry about you and the kids.” Ryan sighed. “I apologize for the way the family has treated you.”
“Like I said you’ve always been civil to me. As for the rest of your family, they’re grown-ups. You can’t apologize for them.” Willa stared straight ahead. “Besides, they made it clear at Jack’s funeral they still feel the same about me. Tell you the truth, I don’t care how they act toward me. But when it affects my kids the game changes.”
“I understand completely. I’d be angry, too,” Ryan said with feeling. “Jack thought of Anthony as his son. We should have respected that.”
Willa turned to face him. “He was just a kid. Human decency should have made them treat Anthony better.”
“I know. Like I said my family has their own ideas about certain things.” Ryan started to say more then apparently decided against it.
“Humph, that’s one way to describe them.” Willa stood. “Thanks for coming by, and thanks for the presents. My kids have everything they need.”
“I know, I know. Jack left you his estate. Even left you the business.” Ryan did not stand.
“Yes, he did. And?” Willa put both hands on her hips.
“He did the right thing, no matter what my parents or sisters think.” Ryan wore an open expression. Apparently he wanted to impress Willa with sincerity.
“Right, he did. I have to get dinner started.” Willa had been polite long enough.
“Sure. I understand. About the business.” Ryan rubbed his face hard.
Willa noticed that his eyes looked red. Frown lines seemed etched into his handsome face. “Crown Protection is doing quite well. I’ve learned enough in the past few weeks to be a halfway decent boss. Of course having great employees helps, too.”
“That’s wonderful.” Ryan cleared his throat. “Uh, I need to— ”
Mikayla ran into the kitchen. She bounced up and down with excitement. “Uncle Ryan, come see the picture I made on the computer,
“Dang, girl. You must have been in the sugar. Let the grown-ups talk.” Anthony came around her into the kitchen. “Since dinner is gonna be awhile I’m getting a snack then I’ll be outta the way.”
“Won’t be much longer, Ant,” Willa said, using the nickname from his baby days.
Anthony rolled his eyes. He mumbled something around the apple he was chewing. Then he handed Mikayla an orange. When he started pushing her out of the kitchen door Ryan stood.
“Growing kids need nourishment. I’ll get out of the way. Just wanted to invite Anthony to a Hornets game. If he wants to go that is.” Ryan smiled at Anthony.
“I’m there,” Anthony said. He sprang away from Mikayla and pretended to shoot a basket. “Bam!”
“Six points. Yay for Anthony.” Mikayla became her big brother’s cheering section on cue.
“Three points. Girls.” Anthony grinned at Ryan.
“Hey.” Willa stared at Anthony.
“I meant little girls.” Anthony shrugged at Willa. “I’m going to the NBA website.”
Before Willa could say anything he was gone. Mikayla looked at Ryan. She crossed her arms. With her father’s determined frown she lifted her chin.
“Where are you taking me?” Mikayla didn’t question her right for a treat.
“Lily and I are going to a dance performance Sunday afternoon. Would you like to accompany us?” Ryan bowed to her then stood straight.
“Let me check my schedule.” Mikayla pretended to turn pages. “Sunday afternoon, hmm. Yes, I’m free.”
“Excellent.” Ryan smiled at her.
Mikayla ran over, gave him a hug then flounced off. “I’ll wear my blue and pink skirt set.”
“You should have asked me first. I’m not sure Anthony should be going to New Orleans.” Willa glared at him. “Suddenly you go from reluctant to even acknowledge us to Daddy Warbucks. What’s up with that?”
&n
bsp; “You’re right. Absolutely. I was just so excited about the kids.” Ryan stood. “I’ll go let Anthony know right now the game is a no go. Same with Mikayla.”
Willa let him get two steps before she stopped him. “Hold it. That’s the first time I’ve seen him that excited since before Jack died. But going to New Orleans.”
Willa didn’t add the rest of what she was thinking. She had known Ryan for years, but not really.
“To tell you the truth I’m feeling guilty. About being such a fool about your marriage to Jack. About the stupid reasons Jack and I used to fight.” Ryan shoved his hands in his pants pockets. He walked over to the breakfast nook and stared out of the bay window. “I can’t get those years back.”
“Yeah. What might have been. Your father raised you to compete with each other.” Willa stopped herself from the litany of negatives about the Crown elders.
“But we were grown. As the oldest I should have had sense enough to end it.” Ryan’s voice broke. “Doing right by Anthony would make me feel better.”
“I see.” Willa blinked at him.
“So it’s not totally noble of me. Bet you’re not surprised. A Crown man thinking of himself.” Ryan grunted and shook his head.
“You get it honest,” Willa quipped then pursed her lips for a few seconds. “Sorry, that just slipped out.”
“It’s okay.” Ryan looked at her. “You have a right after they way you’ve been treated.”
“No, no. You’re here being nice, extending yourself. I shouldn’t be making backhanded comments.”
“Considering the treatment you’ve had from us Crowns that was mild.” Ryan rested both elbows on the countertop. “I sure as hell won’t make excuses for us. My parents are-- I don’t know where to begin on them, or my sisters for that matter. And then there’s Jack’s behavior.”
“It’s okay.” Willa uttered the automatic polite response. His bark of laughter made her jump in surprise.
“Willa, you almost pulled off that lie.” Ryan laughed harder until both his shoulders shook.
Willa caught it from him and soon they were both speechless from laughing so hard. They must have been pretty loud because Anthony poked his head in the kitchen door, looked at them like they were nuts then left. Finally, Willa was able to get control.