Best Enemies (A Triple Trouble Mystery)
Page 34
“Let me remind you that I own an interest in Crown Protection Services. Jack’s little baby is an heir, and as her guardian I will manage her lawful share of his estate.” MiMi smiled sweetly at Willa. “But we don’t need to discuss all those complex family details now. Let’s just enjoy this moment of sisterhood.”
“That wave of nausea is coming back.” Willa held her mid-section.
Jazz laughed. She stood and grabbed the tiny but fashionable purse that matched her three-inch pumps. “Much as I’m loving this warm moment I’ve gotta run.”
“But you rode over here with me,” MiMi said. “Where are we going so soon?”
“Don’t sweat, girl. My ride is coming to pick me up.” Jazz fluffed the long golden brown weave of hair hanging to her waist.
“Your ride?” Willa looked at MiMi who shrugged just as the doorbell rang.
“That’s probably him now.” Jazz went to the door, hips swinging.
“A man. Now why doesn’t that shock me?” Willa followed her. “And I don’t appreciate you giving some strange dude my home address, Jazz.”
“Never fear. This is a man of good character, well respected in this city and one of your clients I might add.”
Jazz winked at them then unlocked and opened the front door. Reverend Fisher gave Jazz an appreciative head-to-toe appraisal before his sanctimonious façade returned. He dipped his head to them then offered an arm to Jazz. Willa’s mouth hung open as she stared at him wide-eyed. He seemed not the least bit self-conscious at escorting a single lady of dubious reputation.
“Hello, ladies. A pleasure to see you again.”
“Lawrence, I mean Reverend Fisher is now my spiritual advisor. I’m trying to make changes in my life. Like you suggested, dearest sister. Kisses. I’ll talk to y’all later.” Jazz patted his arm as the signal she was ready to leave.
“Goodbye, ladies. Remember you are always welcome to receive spiritual renewal at Abundant Love Ministries.” Reverend Fisher nodded to them then led Jazz to his white Lexus.
Speechless Willa and MiMi watched them leave then burst into laughter. In seconds Willa was gasping for air while MiMi fanned her face. They shut the door and stumbled into the living room still howling and trying to form words. They both fell on the sofa. Willa finally managed to speak.
“Those two have some nerve.”
“One thing about this family is we’re unique.” MiMi wiped her eyes.
“What an understatement. You slept with my husband and got pregnant.” Willa cleared her throat and sat up straight.
“You were practically divorced. Besides I wasn’t dating Jack when y’all were together. I’m pretty sure,” MiMi added in an undertone. She struggled to her feet and went to the kitchen. “I’m still hungry.”
“Pretty sure?” Willa tossed back, but didn’t follow her. “Geez.”
“You said something?” MiMi called from the kitchen.
“No, not a thing.”
Willa stretched her legs out and relaxed. She hardly cared at this point. Jack was dead, and their marriage had been just as lifeless for at least two years before he died. Besides if she had to put up with one of Jack’s mistresses she could do worse than MiMi Landry.
“I’m staying so we can have a nice family dinner with the kids. Hey, let’s have a girls’ party this weekend. Just you, Jazz and me. She can give us the dirt on Reverend Abundant Love. And you can tell us the real deal between you and that fine Cedric.” MiMi snickered at her own joke.
Willa rubbed her forehead at the thought of Jazz and MiMi around to make her life interesting. Then again maybe worse is what I’m getting.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Get into more trouble. Enjoy the rest of the series:
Devilish Details
Pretty Dangerous
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mix knowledge of voodoo, Louisiana politics and forensic social work with the dedication to write fiction while working each day as a clinical social worker, and you get a snapshot of author Lynn Emery. Lynn has been a contributing consultant to the magazine Today’s Black Woman for three articles about contemporary relationships between black men and women. For more information visit:
www.lynnemery.com
www.facebook.com/lynn.emery.author
Twitter: @LEmeryWriter