“A what?” Earl bunched up his face in confusion.
“A threesome.” Kenny waved his hand in surrender. “We’re not having any luck here, Marvin. Let’s go home.”
“I’m not ready to go yet, Kenny. Earl hasn’t told us anything yet.”
“Don’t plan to tell you anything, either,” Earl retorted. “And since you’re not ordering a drink, it’s time for you to leave. You’re taking space from my paying patrons.”
Marvin took a card from his pocket and handed it to Earl. “If you feel like talking, give me a call.”
Disappointed, Marvin and Kenny walked out of the tavern.
“If you had let me handle it and hadn’t been so combative, Earl might have said something,” Marvin said to Kenny.
“He wasn’t going to tell you nothing. We didn’t get anything out of him the other night, and I doubt that he’ll say anything later. You could have saved your business card.”
“Look, that bartender knows something. I watched his body language. Did you see how his body tensed when you said you needed Peaches’ real name so that you could possibly find out something on her? I swear that joker was shaking in his boots. You probably didn’t notice because you were so busy trying to yank the truth out of him.”
“That may be true, Marvin, but we’re still at ground zero. Nada. Nothing. Our hands are still empty and that bitch, excuse my French, Peaches, is still out there on the loose trying to wreak havoc on you and the company. I say we ought to give her some back street whoop-ass.”
“Kenny, I’m too grown for that crap, and so are you. We’re CEOs of a big company. That’s not how we do business. We hire someone to teach Peaches the facts of life. You can’t play the big dog’s game.”
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about. I’ll give Peaches one thing, she’s not a dumb broad. She comes with her guns loaded. Knows how to play the game, but she’s not going to win this one.”
“No, she’s not,” Marvin said matter-of-factly. “I’ll call Harold. He’s got a few numbers of people who can hook us up in his black book.”
“Okay, dawg. I still say your detective skills are whacked.”
“Okay, Mr. Kenny Richmond, I’m taking you home. I’ve had enough negative energy around me for one day.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
They were a motley crew dressed in a wide range of looks from skin-tight leggings and just-above-the-butt, revealing tops that could make a sleeping man aroused to Claudette’s over-sized African-print ensemble that was large enough to stuff a whole circus into it. Hoochies. That was Rachel’s word for her bizarre-looking friends who had it in their minds that they were going to save her marriage. None of them had been in a tavern ever, but in their minds’ eyes, the way they were dressed was how folks looked who hung out in places like that.
“Glad I’m not going with you misfits,” Rachel said, laughing as she watched Mona, Sylvia, and Claudette get into Sylvia’s car. “Be careful in this rain.”
“You know we’re doing this for your ass,” Mona said. “Don’t you forget it when we nab that Peaches woman and beat her into oblivion with our bare hands.”
Rachel couldn’t stop laughing. “Mona, you know Sylvia’s going to do all the work. You go on and keep the rest of those men gawking.”
“So you’re saying that Sylvia and I can’t catch a man’s eye?” Claudette wanted to know. “Don’t forget I stood up to Ashley’s dead husband, God rest his soul. Peaches, or whatever her name is, don’t want to mess with me.”
“Y’all are so sensitive.”
“I want you out of my house by the end of the day,” Mona shouted. “I’ve got to get you back to your husband so he can take care of your spiteful little behind. Getting my hair wet on account of you.”
“Okay, you guys get out of the rain and find Peaches. Thank you and I love you.” Rachel threw the trio a kiss and waved as Sylvia pulled away from Mona’s house and drove down the street.
Rachel felt blessed as she moved back into the house and walked into the room where the children were playing. Her friends believed what she wasn’t ready to believe, and that was that her husband had not betrayed their love and the photo that found its way on her doorstep was only the illusion of a very sick woman.
Rachel squeezed her hands together and tried to focus on the positive. She and Marvin had a wonderful life and they were meant to be. Yes, she was blessed to have friends who’d go the limit to try to right a wrong because they believed in their hearts Marvin was telling the truth. She smiled.
“Do you know where you’re going, Sylvia?” Mona asked. “Looks like you’re taking the scenic route.”
“Sit back and relax, Mona,” Sylvia said. “I’ll have you there in no time. Kenny didn’t believe me when I told him we were going down to the tavern to conduct our own investigation because we could get more information out of the bartender than he or Marvin could. He gave me directions anyway, and according to my navigation system, we’re just about...”
“There it is,” Claudette called out from the back seat. “Earl’s Tavern is up there on the sign.”
“See that open spot right there,” Sylvia pointed, “I ordered it so we wouldn’t have to be riding all over the world trying to find a parking spot.”
“How did you do that?” Claudette asked.
“Claudette, sometimes I wonder about you. You fell for that garbage. Sylvia was just lucky, that’s all. You didn’t see her up here praying that she’d find an open spot. I was praying right along with her ’cause this place gives me the creeps. Can’t stay down here long, plus I can’t do no good shopping down in these parts.”
Sylvia cracked up. “Mona, give it up. For once get shopping off the brain. We’ve got some business to take care of. I want you ladies to follow my lead.”
“You know, Sylvia darling, I don’t follow anybody anywhere.”
“Mona, aren’t you in my car? Like I said, give it up.”
“Ooh, Sylvia told you, Mona,” Claudette blared.
“Shut up, Claudette. Alright, Sylvia. Claudette and I are following your lead. You better not mess this up. And remember why we’re doing it.”
Sylvia threw her hands up. “Okay, enough. You’re going to blow our cover before we even get out of the car. We’re going to go in there and pretend like we’re good friends just out on a Saturday for a good time. We’ll each order a drink; it’s on me.”
“Now you’re talking,” Mona cut in. “I’m listening.”
“We’re going to sit close to where the bartender seems to be stationed so that we can hear his conversation. I’m not sure what I’m going to say yet, but it’ll come at the right moment.”
“You sure about this, Sylvia?” Claudette asked with sudden reservation. “Sounds kind of flaky to me.”
Sylvia turned around and looked at Claudette. “Do you want answers to help Rachel?”
“Yes, I guess so. I mean you dragged me into this...whatever it is. So now that I’m here, I’m down with whatever.”
“Whatever!” Sylvia huffed. “Let’s go. The rain has let up a bit. We can run for it.”
The ladies got out of the car and practically ran to Earl’s. They opened the door and went inside. Once inside they stood a second to allow their eyes to adjust to the light, or lack of it. They saw the bar off to the left and the few tables that sat to the right and what looked like a tiny stage. Sylvia moved forward and the others followed. Earl’s eyes lit up as the trio took seats in front of him.
“Would you ladies like to sit at one of the tables?” Earl offered, pointing in the direction of the four empty tables.
“No, the bar will do,” Mona said, rushing past Sylvia and extending her hand to Earl.
He seemed flattered, Sylvia noted, and the trio hopped up on the three stools close to the cash register.
“And what would you ladies be drinking?” Earl asked, his attention focused on Mona as he shook her outstretched hand. He patted it and seemed not to notice the five-carat d
iamond wedding ring that swallowed up her finger. His eyes drew scribbles all over the parts of her body that were visible from behind the bar, but he let his gaze rest just a little too long on Mona’s mouth.
Mona blushed and covered her mouth. “I’ll have a pomegranate martini,” she said.
Sylvia gave her a look. “I’ll have a glass of white wine,” Sylvia said, continuing to roll her eyes at Mona. Earl turned to her and gave her a nice smile.
“I’ll have a glass of water with lemon,” Claudette interjected. Earl looked in her direction as if noticing her for the very first time.
“We’ll get you some water from the kitchen,” Earl said, whistling for one of the waitresses. “No disrespect.”
“Yeah, whatever,” Claudette mouthed, not too happy about the treatment she was receiving.
“I’ve never seen you ladies in here before,” Earl began. “Are you from these parts?”
“Noooo,” Sylvia jumped in. “My girls and I came to town to have a girl’s day. We’re just hanging out.”
“You’ve come to the right place,” Earl said, leaning on the counter and back into Mona’s face.
Mona puckered up her lips and threw Earl a kiss. He smiled; Sylvia and Claudette frowned.
“I like plump and juicy sisters like you,” the man who sat next to Claudette said to her. “You’re pretty, too.”
Claudette looked at the man in disgust. His breath reeked of beer and his fingernails were dirty. “Well, this plump and juicy sister has a man and is not interested in anyone else. I’m just hanging with my girls today. We’re going to do the spa thing and—”
“You ought to let me go with you. I’d love to rub oil all over your body.” The man grinned as he checked out her cleavage.
“Maybe you didn’t get my meaning when I said I’ve already got a man who takes care of me right nice. I’m trying to be nice here.”
“Lady, I don’t want no trouble. You come up here sitting next to me and smelling all good. Can’t fault a man for trying.”
“I’m sorry, too,” Claudette said. “Enjoy your afternoon.” She turned her back on him and listened to Mona trying to play Earl with her phony voice.
“I bet you flirt with all the ladies who come in here,” Mona said to Earl, not waiting for Sylvia’s lead.
Earl picked up a toothpick from a little wooden box that sat on the counter. He grinned. “Naw. Most of the women who come here have been coming so long they look like the next. Nothing as pretty as you has come through those doors in a long time.”
“You’re just bullcrapping me, Earl. A man as fine as you got to have a special someone.”
Earl blushed and took the opportunity to take a towel that hung under the sink and wipe his brow. “Miss, I didn’t get your name...”
“Mona.”
“Mona, you just want to see me sweat. I know you’ve got a man because you’re wearing that big ole rock on your hand.”
Mona held her hand up so everyone could see. “You mean this ole thing? Me and my old man are no longer together.” Sylvia and Claudette gawked at the same time, disbelief written on their faces. Sylvia kicked Mona; Mona laughed out loud. “I wear this thing just to remind myself what it was like.”
“Umph,” Sylvia said. “And she’s going straight to hell.”
A puzzled look crossed Earl’s face. He looked from Mona to Sylvia. “Your friend thinks differently.”
“Oh, don’t mind Sylvia. She’s had a hard time with men.” Sylvia kicked Mona harder. “Ouch. I guess that wasn’t everyone’s business. Too much information.”
“I’m getting ready to leave,” Claudette announced, jumping from her stool. “This is not what I came here for. We were supposed to—”
Sylvia put her finger over Claudette’s lips and gave her the evil eye. “I know this is unorthodox,” Sylvia whispered to Claudette, “but Mona is just trying to loosen up the old goat for the kill.”
“Sounds like she’s propositioning him instead. I wish Michael Broussard could hear what his wife told that big ole oaf. It would serve her right if he gave her walking papers.”
“Claudette, cool out. We’re a team. Let’s give this a few more minutes. Remember, we’re doing this for Rachel.”
“Yeah, whatever. I’d rather be home with T and Reagan.”
“You will soon enough. Patience.”
“My friends don’t have any manners,” Mona explained to Earl. She let out a fake laugh. “That’s why you don’t bring your girlfriends around when you’re on the hunt for a new man. You’re so cute.”
“Okay, Mona,” Sylvia whispered. “Cut the crap and remember the mission.”
“Earl, how about another drink,” Mona sang.
“Anything for you.” Earl blew Mona a kiss.
Earl moved away from the counter to fix Mona another pomegranate martini. In a matter of a second, it felt as if a blizzard had blown in the place. A brown-skinned woman with a short Afro, wearing a low-cut red and gold jumper whizzed in, oblivious to all else in the room. Her large gold hoop earrings swung as if an invisible child was playing on them in a playground.
“Earl, Earl, I need to talk to you—now.”
“What is it, Peaches?”
Sylvia, Mona, and Claudette sat still, afraid to move in their seats. Payday. It had come without any coercion. It appeared that the mission was just about to be accomplished without having to abort.
“I can’t talk here.”
Earl smiled at Mona. “I’ve got to finish fixing this lovely lady her martini.”
For the first time, Peaches noticed Mona, Sylvia, and Claudette. She pushed her nose up in the air and rolled her eyes. Mona turned slightly toward Peaches and rolled her eyes in return.
“Well, hurry up,” Peaches admonished. “Earl, you can do better than that,” she whispered loudly. Mona cut her eyes at Peaches again. “Look, my blood pressure is up, Earl,” Peaches continued. “The folks I told you about aren’t cooperating. I’m at wits’ end. They don’t know who they’re messing with.”
Earl brought the martini to Mona and set it down in front of her. He grinned. “I hope you like it.”
“If it’s as good as the first one,” Mona moaned, “I’m sure it will be.”
“Excuse me,” Peaches said, tapping Mona on the shoulder. “Earl and I were talking and you just interrupted.”
“I’ll chalk it up to the fact that your hearing must be impaired,” Mona snapped. “Earl asked me a question, and I was only being polite by answering it. It seems you’re the one who owes me an apology, because you were the one who interrupted our conversation. I don’t know you, but if I were you, I wouldn’t put your hand on me again.”
“Heifer, I ain’t scared of you and you don’t want to mess with me. Earl knows what happens to people who have crossed me.”
“Look, miss,” Sylvia butt in. “We don’t want any trouble. We just came in here for some girlfriend time. I think it’s time to go, Mona.”
“I second that,” Claudette said, drinking the last bit of her water. “Mona, you heard what Sylvia said.”
“I’m cool, y’all,” Mona said, waving her hand to stop the protest. “I’m not leaving my martini. We’ll go in a few minutes.”
“At least you’ve got some sensible friends,” Peaches said.
“This ain’t about them. It’s about you disrespecting me. But you know what, I’m too classy and intelligent to fool up with you. Earl is yours.”
“Hey,” Earl said. “Now, Peaches is one of the regulars who come here. She and I don’t have no kind of...you know...uh relationship.”
Peaches relaxed and began to laugh. “And how come we don’t, Earl? You afraid of this? Earl knows too much about me and, anyway, he don’t have a pot to piss in. What if I told you ladies that my man is getting ready to make Peaches a very happy woman.”
Sylvia was the first to inquire. “How’s that, Peaches? I need a man to make me happy.”
Mona returned Sylvia’s evil stare.
> “For my birthday, my man is going to give me fifty thousand dollars to put down on this gorgeous house.”
“Does he have a brother?” Sylvia asked. Mona sat sulking and sipping.
“No, there’s only one of him; that’s unfortunate for you. He’s so handsome. Got cocoa-brown skin and dreamy, bedroom eyes that are hazel. He has a thick black moustache that’s sprinkled with a little gray, and his body is to die for. He looks like he’s lifted weights all his life...you know, the muscles are all in the right places. I’ll let you in on a secret. He’s married, but he promised that his divorce should be final in a few months. He already has a big gorgeous house, but there would be too many memories.”
“No man is that fine,” Mona said with a sour face.
“You haven’t met my man,” Peaches tossed back at Mona. “Anyway, you aren’t his type.”
“What’s his name?” Claudette asked, putting in her two cents and taking the conversation away from Mona. “If he doesn’t have any brothers, he’s got to have some cousins, uncles, second cousins, or something.”
Peaches laughed. “Can’t divulge his name, but when I see him, I’ll ask for you.” Peaches turned toward Earl. His eyes were penetrating. “Why are you looking at me like that, Earl? Something on your mind?”
“What was so important when you first ran in here?” Earl asked.
Peaches sighed. “Earl, I was over-reacting. Nothing. Everything is going to be alright. I feel it in my bones. Now give me a drink!”
“Your boyfriend and that goon from the other night came in here about an hour ago,” Earl said. “They wanted information about you, but don’t worry, I refused to give it to them.”
“What did they want to know, Earl?” Peaches threw her arms on her hips and paced in a circle. A scowl snaked across her face in a complete metamorphosis.
“That house you’re planning to buy may take a lot longer for you to get. You’re playing a dangerous game, Peaches, and these guys aren’t some two-bit players. They didn’t come here to shuck and jive. They’re out to get you.”
“We’ll see about that,” Peaches said, more to herself than to Earl. “Wifey must have shown him the picture. He’s scared,” Peaches mumbled. “He’s scared. Mess with me, I’ll have something for him.”
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