“You mess with Rachel, and I’ll stomp the living daylights out of you.”
“And I’ll—”
“And you’ll what?” Rachel asked, now pointing the gun at Peaches. Peaches’ eyes became round as saucers. She hadn’t even realized the moment Rachel snatched the gun out of her lap. Now, she was the one staring at the open end of the barrel.
“Get out!” Rachel screamed, continuing to point the gun at Peaches’ head.
“What’s going on?” Marvin shouted over the car’s speaker.
“Open the door and get out, Peaches.” Peaches sat without moving. “Don’t provoke me, Peaches. I’m not too bourgeoisie to put a bullet in your ass.”
“I don’t believe you,” Peaches replied, keeping her eye on the gun.
POP, POP. “I said get your ass out of the car!” POP, POP.
“Rachel, what’s going on, what’s happening?” Marvin kept shouting. Rachel could hear the others in the background shouting, “Call the police...call the police.”
Blood oozed from Peaches’ arm as she attempted to open the car door.
“Get out!” Rachel screamed again.
Within seconds, a swarm of Georgia State troopers surrounded the car—guns drawn and in position. Peaches tumbled out of the car, pointing at Rachel with her good arm. “That crazy woman tried to kill me. Officer, she tried to kill me. See,” Peaches said, pointing to her arm as the blood continued to run down.
“Call an ambulance,” one of the officers said.
A state trooper stood at the driver’s side of the car, tapped on the window, and shined his flashlight on her. “Ma’am, I want you to put the gun down slowly.” Rachel looked up at the officer, then turned away and placed the gun on the passenger seat of the car. “Now, I want you to get out of the car with your hands up. Slowly.”
“That nut tried to kill me,” Peaches screamed over and over. “Look at my arm. If I hadn’t moved in time, the bullet might have pierced my heart.”
“Will you calm her down,” the trooper in charge shouted at the other officer. The officer sat Peaches on the ground, took off his shirt, tied it around her arm to stop the blood, and waited for the ambulance to arrive.
Three officers surrounded Rachel with their guns drawn. “Keep your hands up, and lean against the car,” the trooper in charge said. “Mattson, get the gun and the purse out of the car.”
“Got it,” Mattson replied.
The trooper turned Rachel around to face him, her arms still in the air. “Cuff her, Mattson.” After Rachel was cuffed the trooper stared at her. His eyes searched hers before finally doing a slow scan over the rest of her body. Then his eyes went back to Rachel’s face, moving back and forth as if he were an X-ray machine. Rachel stared back, unashamed of the way the trooper was looking at her. Although it was almost pitch black save for the street lights that illuminated the gas station, Rachel noticed that her captor was a tall, medium brown-skinned officer who was fitting his uniform. She did a slow scan of her own.
“Uhm...umh, Mattson, let me see the purse.” Mattson brought it to him. After taking the purse, he looked at Rachel. “Ma’am, your ID?”
“It’s in the purse. Go ahead.”
The trooper looked in the purse and found Rachel’s driver’s license. “Purse pretty empty, uh...Rachel Thomas. Is that your name?” He looked from the picture to Rachel and back to the picture.
“Just as you see it on the license.”
“Can you tell me what happened here tonight and why you and the other woman were just sitting in the car?”
“She kidnapped me,” Rachel began. The trooper’s brows lifted as if he didn’t believe what Rachel was saying. “I was attending a party with friends and had to run home to get something for my daughter. When I tried to get into the car, this crazy woman came up behind me, put a gun to my back, and ordered me to get in and drive.”
“Do you know of any reason why she would do this to you?”
“Yes, officer, I do. She’s extorting fifty thousand dollars from my husband.”
The trooper sighed. “Ma’am, do you realize that you were the one found with the gun in your hand and may be charged with attempted murder?”
“Sir, while I do realize that, if I had wanted to kill her I would have. I pulled the trigger four times to scare her so that she would get out of my car. She was arguing with my husband on the phone, and that’s when I seized the opportunity to snatch the gun out of her hand. Oh, goodness, can someone call my husband? I’m sure he’s wondering if I’m alright because he was on the phone when I fired the gun.”
“Okay, Miz Thomas. We’re going to call—”
One of the troopers ran up and interrupted the interrogation. “Jeffries, I just got a call from the station. They received a call from a man who says his wife had been kidnapped by a woman who’s dangerous and is trying to extort money from him. The description fits the wounded woman over there. Her name is Peaches Franklin. And she has a record.”
“Thanks.” Jeffries turned to Rachel, who was not smiling, and gave her another once-over. “I guess you’re telling the truth. Mattson, take off the cuffs. Please don’t go anywhere yet, ma’am. I’ve got to talk to the other woman.” Jeffries took off his jacket and handed it to Rachel. “This will keep you warm.”
“Thank you,” Rachel said, finally offering up a smile. “Thank you very much.”
As the officer walked the few steps in Peaches’ direction a call came across his radio. He took the call, then turned back toward Rachel. He stood in front of her. “Your husband is on his way.” He looked at her again as if he was contemplating something. Then he said, “This may be out of line, but I wish this was another time, place, and under a different set of circumstances. You take care of yourself.”
Rachel watched the back of Trooper Jeffries as he walked the short distance to where Peaches sat. She smiled. Even in the dead of night, under duress, and in her thirty-something body, she was still able to turn heads. She lost the thought as the wail of the ambulance’s siren pierced her ears.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
Election Day finally arrived. This was the moment that men and women black, white, red and yellow; Democrats; and talk show hosts ages eighteen to one hundred and six had waited for—the promise of a new president who offered hope, and for some, the first African-American president some forty years after Martin Luther King Jr. had said it was possible. Everyone was gathered at the home of Marvin and Rachel waiting for the returns to be splashed across the television screen.
“The food is here,” Mona announced, as she and Michael brought in dishes full of Cajun cuisine.
“Just trying to show up Trina,” Rachel whispered, helping Mona to set up in the kitchen. Mona winked.
“I hope there’s some jambalaya in one of these containers,” Trina said, as she came into the kitchen to offer her assistance. “You’ve got a reputation in Atlanta for having the best Cajun food.”
“That rumor is correct,” Mona said, moving swiftly about the kitchen to get everything set up so they could eat. “And, I’ve got Hurricanes for the full effect. I want you to feel like you’re in the French Quarter or anywhere in New Orleans for that matter.”
Trina and Rachel laughed. “Trina, this is Mona ninety percent of the time. She always acts as if she’s a pillar of strength. She’s definitely our queen of comedy, but I’ve also seen her vulnerable side.”
Mona stopped and looked at Rachel. “Let’s not go there today, Rach. This is a celebration—a celebration for you coming back from near tragedy and for the next president of the United States, Barack Obama.”
“He hasn’t been elected yet,” Rachel said.
“Oh ye of little faith,” Sylvia said as she walked into the room followed by Claudette. “You all having an Ex-Files meeting without the founder?”
Everyone looked at each other and broke out into grins. “We’d never leave you out, Sylvia,” Rachel cooed. She looked at each of the ladies in the room. “I couldn’
t have a better set of friends and supporters. I love you all so much. You stood by me when I wasn’t myself because of all I’ve been going through. That was for you, Sylvia.” Sylvia nodded. “I appreciate how you rallied around Marvin and me in our weakest moment. All I want to say is thank you, and I love you all.”
“Group hug,” Claudette shouted. They all fell together, including Trina, and stood entangled with each other for more than a minute. When they let go, all you could see were smiles on everyone’s faces. They were truly sisters.
“There you are,” Marvin said, coming into the kitchen. “You all having an Ex-Files meeting without me?” Everyone busted out laughing. “Why are you all laughing? I remember what happened at the last meeting you didn’t invite me to.”
“Even the wine and candy were no match for that meeting,” Mona howled.
“Baby, that was how many years ago...three, four?” Rachel said. Everyone laughed again. “That meeting was about our first date, when your ex, Denise, showed up at the restaurant. And to think now, Denise and I are friends and you’re still the love of my life.” Rachel took Marvin’s face in her hands and kissed her man square on the lips.
Claps went around the room. “Okay, all that smacking and crap has got to stop. We’re getting ready to eat,” Mona said.
“Sounds good,” Marvin said, “but Cecil wants everyone to come into the family room. He wants to make an announcement.”
“Did Barack win?” Mona asked.
“It’s too early,” Claudette advised. “The West Coast precincts haven’t closed yet. That should be in about three hours.”
“Listen to Claudette talk politics,” Sylvia howled. “We’d better go into the other room before Marvin becomes unglued.”
“You all go on,” Mona said, licking her fingers. “The food will be ready when you finish talking.”
The group headed for the family room where the rest of the men were assembled—Cecil, Tyrone, Kenny, and Michael. The women found their respective husbands and sat beside them.
Cecil took the floor. “This truly is a day of celebration.” There were smiles on Marvin’s and Kenny’s faces. “Yesterday, Attorney Robert Jordan called me and we met. Regal Resorts decided to give up their pursuit of Thomas and Richmond Tecktronics, Inc.”
Everyone jumped to their feet and shouted congratulations all around. Mona ran into the room to see what all the excitement and commotion was all about.
“The fight for Marvin and Kenny’s company is over,” Michael explained to Mona. “Cecil just gave us the news.” Mona stuck her lip out, then clapped her hands along with the others.
“You should have seen Robert Jordan’s face. He’s not used to losing, and he wanted so badly to win this case just for his record. He didn’t care about Marvin or Kenny, just his ego. But the real showstopper was when I told Jordan that I had been prepared to pay Regal Resorts five hundred thousand dollars. He had a weird look on his face when I told him that Marvin had received a check from a supporter named Ashley Lewis. Jordan turned twenty shades of red, slammed his briefcase down, and uttered some unintelligible words. I looked at Vincent Kinyard and David Eason for an answer, but they shrugged their shoulders.”
“Robert Jordan is Ashley’s father,” Claudette said with a great big smile on her face. “Ashley came through.”
“That’s what I was about to say,” Cecil said. “No one told me.”
“I was too far under to have even given it a thought,” Marvin said. “I haven’t spoken to Ashley in God knows how long. I still might not have connected the two.”
“Well, it was a sweet victory. I trust you and Kenny have reorganized and put some measures into place to get back on track. With all this talk about bailouts and company after company either folding or laying off employees, you’ll have to be more than on top of it. Your management team has to micro-manage, which may mean daily tweaking.”
“We’re on top of it, Cecil,” Kenny said. “Marvin and I are working very closely with our business and internal auditing departments. We’ve put into place some measures for streamlining some of our operations without, at the present, having to penalize any of our employees. We just thank you for all that you’ve done to make this happen. I know the board of directors will be pleased.”
“I don’t think there’s anything I can add to what Kenny has already said except...Cecil, you’re the man,” Marvin said with confidence. “You deserve that space on the twenty-ninth floor.” Cecil smiled.
“Twenty-ninth floor?” Kenny said. “You the man, cousin.” They gave each other a fist bump.
“Barack is doing it!” Mona cried out, staring at the television that the group had temporarily ignored. “He’s way ahead of McCain. I can’t stand this.”
“Keep hope alive!” Tyrone said, finally getting a word in.
“I’d like to make a suggestion,” Claudette said out of left field. “I feel that this is in order, and I hope you’ll consider it, Marvin.”
“What is it, Claudette?”
“I’m so happy about the good news that Thomas and Richmond has been saved. And as for the five hundred thousand dollars that you didn’t have to use, I suggest that a portion of it be used to start the Ashley Jordan-Lewis Defense Fund.”
“Claudette, you are such a brilliant woman. You don’t mind me saying so, do you, T?” Marvin asked.
“Not at all,” Tyrone said. “She’s brilliant and a whole lot more. And she can hook up some hair.” Everyone stared at Tyrone. “Shameless promotion.”
“I think that’s a great idea,” Marvin said. “The board is going to pay Cecil for his work, and I think establishing the defense fund in Ashley’s name goes without saying.”
“Yes,” everyone sang in chorus.
“Oh, Ashley will be so proud,” Sylvia said. “I know that we haven’t been so good about visiting her, and she’s an Ex-Files member—one of us. And I think we need to do something about trying to find a way to get an early release for her.”
“That may not be so simple to do,” Trina said. “After all, she’s been convicted of premeditated murder. Her father is a powerful lawyer right here in Atlanta, and if he wasn’t able to call in some favors to get his own daughter released, you may have a tough time doing so. But let me say this on record, I’ll work with you and do whatever I can. I’m in.”
“This is great,” Claudette said. “The hope that Barack Obama brings is infectious. I realize he’s only one man, but I can’t help but feel a sense of making it to the Promised Land. I say that we all go to see Ashley sometime next week and give her the news. She will be surprised and happy.”
“Rachel was talking this morning about those moments when one lets others see their vulnerabilities,” Mona said. “This might be it, Trina.” Mona fanned herself with her hand, overcome with emotion. “Claudette has always been so giving. She’s been there, even if behind the scenes. I remember how Ashley and Claudette’s relationship started. Claudette was a mean cuss and wouldn’t cut Ashley a break, but something drew the two together. Ashley couldn’t have a better friend in you.”
“Thanks, Mona,” Claudette said. “I appreciate you saying so. Ash loves all of you. She misses us, so establishing a defense fund on her behalf is a way of showing we do care. Thanks for hearing me out, everybody.”
“It’s a wonderful idea, Claudette,” Cecil said. “As I sat listening to you, I thought about how good I was feeling about winning this case, the fellowship of newfound friends, and how much Trina and I feel that we are part of you all. So many good things have happened in the short time I’ve known you, even as recently as this past weekend when our sister Rachel was brought back to us unharmed.” Everyone clapped. “But I want to give a gift as well. Although I’ve already received a retainer for my work on the Thomas and Richmond Tecktronics case, I’m donating the rest of my time. Paid in full.”
Marvin and Kenny walked over to Cecil and gave him a brotherly hug. “How about a group hug,” Tyrone suggested.
; “Lord T, you’re sounding just like Claudette,” Mona said. “You all get your hugs. Then it’ll be time to eat.”
The ladies got up from their seats and began chatting while Mona went to uncover the dishes in preparation for the group. “Baby, is that your phone ringing?” Rachel said to Marvin.
Marvin pulled away from the group. He looked at the caller ID and frowned. “Hello,” Marvin said.
“Yes, is this Marvin Thomas?” the caller asked.
“Yes, it is.”
“Well, this is Earl from Earl’s Tavern.”
“Earl, yeah. What’s up? Let me go into another room so I can hear.”
“Mr. Thomas, I’m sorry that I didn’t come forward earlier about Peaches. I saw the story on television earlier about the kidnapping. I hope your wife is fine.”
“She’s doing better than expected under the circumstances. Thank you for asking.”
“Well,” Earl began, “I did have some information on Peaches that I have since gone to the police with. She murdered her husband some years earlier, and she’s extorted money from others beside yourself. I think I called myself protecting her when in truth she needed some help. I just wanted you to know that I’ve tried to do my civic duty, although it might have been a little late.”
“I appreciate you telling me,” Marvin said. “I believe I understand where you’re coming from, Earl. We all have persons in our lives we want to protect from something or other, but I’m glad it’s behind us. I hope Peaches is put away for a long time so that she won’t be able to hurt anyone else.”
“Well, I just wanted to share that with you, and I hope you don’t hold it against me. Anytime you’re downtown and feel like stopping by, please do.”
“Thanks again, Earl. I appreciate it. Good-bye.” Marvin stood in the hallway and then a smile crossed his face as he saw Rachel—his rainbow.
“What’s wrong?” Rachel asked, finding Marvin in the hallway.
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