His Pleasures and Pain (Book II) (Allen Trilogy 2)

by Chevelle Allen

“Honestly, I haven’t seen her since your father’s party. As chapter president, I was stunned to receive her letter requesting a leave of absence for ‘personal reasons.’ I was concerned so I reached out to her.”

  He took a deep breath because he could only imagine what was coming next. For the life of him he couldn’t understand why some women felt the need to reveal details or “tattle” on the men they dated with men’s mothers. It was one thing for a woman to talk to her own mother—but this was bullshit. He was getting agitated at the mere thought of it all.

  “What did she say that has you so concerned about my public image?”

  It was clear she was trying to mask the genuine discomfort she was feeling.

  “She told me the reason you two really parted ways.”

  He sighed heavily saying, “Did she?”

  “She claims it’s because you…”

  Taking a bite from the sandwich, he hoped the tightening in his jaw lessened. “Don’t stop now. What did she say?”

  “She said you like to hurt women…that you derive sexual pleasure from it.”

  It took everything he had to contain his anger. “And you believed her?”

  “I told her respecting women was drilled into your head from an early age. I told her the man she described couldn’t be my son.”

  “But you believed her. Otherwise you wouldn’t be bringing this up.”

  “I saw the look on her face when she described what happened in our house the night of the party. She called you a misogynist and a sadist.”

  He felt no need to explain himself to either of them. But the look on his mother’s face made him want to calm her fears. He was pretty sure the core of her concern was rooted in how such a thing would reflect back on the family—on her.

  “First, you have to ask yourself what kind of woman would say something like that to you. Second…and I need you to hear me…everything that happens between me and a woman is fully consensual. It’s grounded in respect and trust…just like you taught me. That’s all I’m going to say on the subject. Okay?”

  “And that’s my point. If she said it to me, who else would she say it to? You’re doing so well and we’re so proud of you. Just don’t destroy everything you’re building over…indiscretions.”

  “She’d never make a public statement like that. It puts her at risk too—she was with me for almost three years. Don’t forget that.”

  “Women often stay in abusive relationships because they don’t know how to get out. I see it all the time.”

  “Trust me, that’s not what’s going on here. She’s manipulating you especially considering the work you do for the shelter. She told you that to hurt me. Period.”

  “I thought she was good for you. I had no idea she could be so vindictive. ”

  “In the end, I did. Look, I accept the things I did wrong in that relationship. But it proved she wasn’t the one. Including this bullsh…this nonsense.”

  “I’m sorry I even brought it up.”

  He let out a deep sigh and said, “It’s okay. You’re just concerned.”

  “Yes, I am. I told your father about this and his response was similar to yours. You’re so much like him sometimes.”

  “He says I’m like you.”

  “For better and worse, I suppose we see each other in you,” she said searching his eyes and clearly reflecting on some thought before resuming. “You know, no matter how old you get, you’ll always be my baby boy. I’ll always want to protect you.”

  The rarity of the moment didn’t escape him. Taking her hands in his, “I’m a grown man,” he replied looking deeply into her eyes.

  “But I’m still your mother. It comes with the job, no matter how old you get. You saved us—our family. You’re my love child.” She leaned towards him and kissed his forehead.

  “Is that what you call me now?”

  “Before you were conceived, your father and I were going through a very difficult time. In fact, I didn’t know how we’d get past it…how I’d get past it.”

  “Mom, you don’t need to…”

  “Yes, I do. It was so cliché because everyone knew about your father’s affair, except me of course. I could barely look at him let alone… Anyway, that’s what I shared with Christine when she told me you cheated on her. She was so heart-broken and I felt for her.”

  “There was more to it.”

  “There always is. In my case, I poured myself into my work and raising my children. But I loved him…with all my soul. Anyway, one night we attended a party, I had a little too much to drink—and well, the wall came down. I lashed out. I screamed. I hollered like a crazy person.” She paused for a moment as a bashful grin appeared. “And nine months later you were born. When I looked at your sweet face, I saw his smile. The same smile that made me happy once. And I remembered how deeply I loved him.”

  “You never got over it, did you?”

  “Eventually. But, by the time the forgiveness came, patterns of behavior set in. Those are the hardest to break—especially when they protect your heart.”

  Growing up he heard several times he was conceived to save their marriage. The connotation always seemed to him a burden. But as he listened to her, he couldn’t recall her ever expressing it the way she was now.

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “Don’t fall into patterns that are hard to break. If there’s something that’s keeping you from giving your heart to someone—fix it. I want you to be happy and deeply loved…to have someone who deserves you.”

  “I know that. But you can’t interfere. It pisses me off when you do. It’s up to me to decide who and what I want. Not you.”

  She chuckled and let out a slight groan, “And I know where your slow burn temper comes from too.” The light in her face returned. “You know what’s funny?”

  “What?”

  “You can be so stoic sometimes…so hard to read. You definitely get that from your father! After talking about this, we both tried to remember if we’d ever seen you truly in love.”

  “And what did you come up with?”

  “That girl from law school you brought home for Christmas. I remember the way you looked at her…the way she looked at you.”

  “Well you both definitely let me know you didn’t think she was right for me.”

  “There’s no excuse for how badly we reacted to her…and it was misplaced. Yes, she was a bit…provincial, but she was a lovely person.” She then asked, “What was her name again?”

  He was stunned and prayed it didn’t show on his face. He could only say, “Janine.”

  CHAPTER 22

  Michael followed the receptionist down the hall to the frosted glass conference room. She offered him coffee, but he declined taking a seat at the table. After five minutes or so, the attorney representing the Congressman’s wife entered. He was perturbed she wasn’t with him because his request for them both was very specific.

  “Mr. Josey,” he extended his hand to Michael as he took his seat. “I understand from your call you feel you have information that could prove useful to my client.”

  “Where is your client, counselor?” he asked.

  “I didn’t think it was necessary for her to join us until I got a sense of what you think is so important.”

  He was keenly aware this was a tactic attorneys often used. The power play was intended to intimidate him. It was a practice larger firms employed when they thought they were meeting a lesser adversary. It also gave them an opportunity to assess a situation and formulate a response before engaging the client. Michael would have none of it.

  He leaned forward carefully placing his clasped hands on the table. “I know she’s here, so get her in here. I don’t intend to repeat myself. But I assure you, if she wants this divorce to go well—with her public image in tact— you need to get her in here now. Am I making myself clear?” he said.

  Opposing counsel leaned back in his chair and stared at him with an incredulous look. He was clear
ly peeved Michael dared dictate how this meeting progressed. But Michael knew he held the upper hand and he didn’t flinch.

  “You’re awfully confident Mr. Josey.” Pausing as if he expected Michael to really answer him, “Just a moment.” He picked up the phone and called the receptionist. The Congressman’s wife was escorted in shortly thereafter taking a seat next to her attorney.

  “So what does he want? I’m assuming you represent my soon-to-be ex-husband,” she said curtly. She was a stern yet striking woman whose face showed years of stress likely defying her actual age.

  “I don’t represent your husband. However, threats that you’ve made towards him impact my client. It needs to stop. Immediately.”

  She turned to her attorney and asked, “What is he talking about?”

  “Mr. Josey, you asked me to bring my client to this meeting. Make your point.”

  Michael ignored him and studied her for a moment. He watched her rigid posture and twitching jaw. There was a slight inhalation before she brought her hand to the side of her neck revealing a small mark. With each little twitch, he was gaining insights about her that her attorney certainly wouldn’t pick up. He also noticed how maintaining eye contact with him was increasingly difficult for her. Michael leaned towards her, lowered his voice, adjusted his cadence and said, “You like cats, don’t you?”

  “Excuse me?” she replied. She was genuinely perplexed and it showed on her face.

  Michael grinned a little and peered into her eyes. “Cats. You love them actually. I can tell.”

  “I don’t understand…” she started before turning to her lawyer in an attempt to deflect from his gaze, “What the hell is he talking about? I don’t…”

  “Oh, I think you do.” He tilted his head slightly before letting his eyes subtly take more of her in. “The way they feel…especially in the hands of someone who can control them.”

  Her eyes widened and her breathing increased as his tone shifted. He continued with a lowered voice and hypnotic cadence, “You like when they brush up against your skin. The swishing sound they make…the tails…the unexpected nature of them. Especially when they strike.”

  Her face flushed fully understanding everything he was saying to her. She adjusted in her seat as arousal coupled with embarrassment overtook her.

  “Please. Don’t!” she whimpered as she dropped her eyes from him.

  “That’s what you and your husband have in common,” he said as he continued his taunting. The change in her demeanor let him know his instincts were correct. It didn’t matter whether she had actually experienced a Cat O’ Nine Tails in her play or not.

  “Please don’t do this,“ she replied softly.

  “Repeat that...and louder so your lawyer can hear you,” he instructed as he sat back in his chair now fully in command of her. “And correctly.”

  “Please, don’t do this…Sir,” she begged.

  Michael considered toying with her further, but turned to her attorney saying, “If you proceed trying to implicate my client in these divorce proceedings, whether in court or the press, it will not go as you expect. In fact, it could prove far more difficult for your client.” He turned back to her saying, “Especially knowing how much she loves Cats. Isn’t that right?”

  “What the hell is going on here? What is he talking about?” he fired back.

  “She has more to lose than she cares to admit. Isn’t that right?”

  “You need to answer me,” her attorney barked.

  She didn’t say a word, but her panic was palpable.

  “Your client hasn’t been very forthcoming with you about her and her husband’s shared interests. Nonetheless, I think we’re finished here.” He got up from his chair, turned to them both and said, “Have a good afternoon. I don’t expect either one of us will be hearing from the other.”

  He walked out of the conference room and made his way out of the plush office suite. He pulled out his cell phone and called Spectra once he was in the hallway. “Everything is taken care of. However, from now on, I suggest you restrict elected officials. Far too messy.”

  “That’s good news. Thank you,” she said before asking, “So, how should we celebrate?”

  Her question was unexpected, but he seized the moment and said, “Get rid of the cameras.”

  “You know I can’t do that.”

  “Then I can’t represent you anymore—or be a member.”

  “That’s being rather dramatic, don’t you think?”

  “This is serious. If someone else figures out they’re in the club, you put us all at risk. You could still lose everything. We all could. It’s just a matter of time. And frankly, you don’t get to make that choice for us. For me.”

  “The cameras make sure members are safe in the dungeons.”

  “Members can police that. Make it a contractual requirement. If they see something in violation, they notify security. Simple.”

  “I’ll give it some consideration.”

  “You do that.”

  “Thank you again, M.”

  “Good bye.”

  The added pressure of dealing with Spectra had kept him on edge trying to make sense of the implications if any of this came out. No matter how much he tried to compartmentalize his life, he realized just how fragile it all was. He had never given the possibility much thought because he had always been so careful. Riding the elevators to the garage, he contemplated just how close he’d come to having his world implode. His work, romantic life, friendships and play rarely comingled. He was comfortable with that. But events of the past few months had unleashed a series of revelations he was grappling to understand. His life was upending and he had to figure out how to put it all back together.

  The only thing making sense to him was his rekindled relationship with Janine. With her, the boundaries of his passions could be loosened. When he was with her, there was never any duality or compartmentalization. He felt whole even if it wasn’t perfect. He resolved if nothing else, he’d do everything he could to make it work. He needed it to work.

  Back in his office, Ricardo greeted him rather inquisitively. “So, how did it go? What happened?”

  “It’s done. We can put it to bed,” he replied confidently.

  “Sweet! No more drama?”

  “No more drama. Thanks for all your help.”

  “What was it that finally convinced them?”

  “It’s always about doing what’s best for the client. The truth is there were some other things that came to light.”

  “I’m not going to get details, am I?” Ricardo had to ask, already knowing the answer.

  “No.”

  “Okay, fine. Before you get too settled in your office, you have a meeting with Lacy’s friend at eleven. Is that still good for you?”

  “You tell me.”

  “You have a bad habit of putting things on your calendar and not telling me,” he scolded.

  “I’m working on that, I promise. But yeah, I’m good to meet. Which one is this again?”

  “Redcross. Tanya Redcross.”

  “Right. I like her. Okay, I need to talk to Lacy and then make a few calls before she gets here.”

  Michael headed down the hall to Lacy’s office. In the few weeks since her disclosure about the baby, he was pleased she accepted the Managing Partner position. As he suspected, she was brilliant in her new role even as she tried to clear her remaining cases. He tapped on her doorjamb. “Lacy, you got a minute?” he asked.

  “Sure, Michael. What’s up?”

  “Space is getting a little tight around here. With the paralegals and new attorneys coming on board, what are you thinking?”

  “I checked with building management. The suite next door is empty. With a little construction, the wall can be removed and we can expand.”

  “How much will that cost us?” He knew she had likely worked out all the numbers.

  “The good news is the square footage rates are the same as what we’re paying now. We can d
o this for a hundred grand for basic renovations and then there’s decorating costs. We can make it work without a problem.”

  “How long will it take to get the work done? I’m meeting with your friend Tanya at eleven. I like her. I’ll probably offer her a spot if you’re still good with it. So we’ll need the space soon.”

  “She’ll be terrific! I can have a crew in here in about two, three weeks tops. I think all the work can be done within a month after that. But, we really do need to renovate the entire entry,” she added. “Then there’s new office furniture…”

  He raised his eyebrow because he knew the number she quoted him moments before was about to go up significantly.

  “How much, Lacy?”

  “I just need you to approve a budget around three fifty and I think we’re good.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me? Three hundred fifty thousand dollars for knocking out a wall and some new furniture? Come on, Lacy!”

  “Oh don’t be a cheapskate, Michael! Business is good. Our cash reserves are twice what we need. We’re attracting strong clients. We have to at least look like we know what we’re doing around here. We’re squeezed in here like sardines!”

  “Two twenty-five. That’s it,” he said knowing full well she’d have a counter proposal on how best to spend the firm’s money.

  “Three hundred if you want it designed right,” she added as she leaned back in her chair. She rubbed her belly as if the baby would give her luck or have influence over him.

  He chuckled at her and said, “Two twenty-five. And I know a designer who can get it all done to our satisfaction. Her name is Jocelyn Daniels. Ricardo has the number. Give her a call. She’ll handle everything, contractors, furniture, knickknacks—whatever.”

  “THE Jocelyn Daniels! Are you kidding? We can’t afford her!”

  “She’s talented and more reasonable than you think. Call her and I might consider bumping the budget. But give her my figure and see what she comes up to do the work and spruce things up.”

  “That’s chump change. You’ve got to give me at least three hundred,” she pushed.

  He chuckled and said “Two twenty-five, Lacy!” then went to his office.