by Tyora Moody
Cam answered her, “You’re wondering if Jade really went back for her phone?”
Toni sat back and crossed her arms. “You’re suspicious about her now? Why?”
Cam looked troubled. “I’m supposed to be on the victim’s side here. I spoke to Jade earlier this week. Just to check on her and update her on the case. Let’s just say something was off. I’d rather not go into it now. I’m responsible for bringing you in on this case.”
“Neither one of us could have known a sketch was going to send me down this path. I’m glad you know Jade does have access to passwords for the Niles Foundation social media. Who’s to say she doesn’t have access to other passwords?”
Cam frowned. “You think Jade let somebody into the gallery to steal?”
“Was it a real assault or just a diversion for someone to get in and out? You said nothing showed on the cameras. Someone messed with the cameras.”
Cam rubbed his head. “This is all turning out to be really strange. Which makes me think you should be a lot more careful. With Paul thinking you’re harassing him, we certainly don’t need you getting more involved in this case.”
“By the way, did Paul mention when I supposedly started harassing him?”
Cam looked at his pad and flipped a page. “He claimed it’s been a few weeks. He did mention he didn’t understand why the sudden harassment because you both had moved on.”
Toni said, “So it could be someone else and he just accused me because we ran into each other. And of course, I just happened to show up from a meeting with his fiancée.”
Cam nodded, “That’s what I’m thinking.”
“Good. For awhile there I thought you didn’t believe me.”
“I know what Paul put you through. I know you have moved on from him. My goal here was to let you know and to be sure I protected you.”
“That’s why I saw you talking to the captain. How much did you tell him? You know he’s friends with my dad.”
“I told Captain Gilliam just enough. I didn’t mention the composite and how this all started. Just your assault a few years ago.”
“Thanks. I hope you can at least find out who else was in the building that night since Paul does have an alibi.”
“Me too. I’m hoping the missing painting will lead to answers. I would really prefer if you stayed as far away from the folks at the Niles Foundation as possible.”
Toni sighed. “The sad thing is I sincerely believe in the foundation’s mission and I like Olivia.”
“I’m sure there are other opportunities out there. I would like to see these paintings one day. In the meantime, make sure your paperwork is renewed with the judge.”
Toni rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry. I will head that way after I leave here.”
Chapter 15
Saturday, June 17 at 8:24 am
On Friday nights, Toni usually stayed up ‘til the early morning hours working on a project. Tonight was no different. To occupy her mind, she sat at her kitchen table making bracelets. She placed three bracelets to the side for her mama and her sisters. By two o’clock, she was exhausted. Leaving her jewelry making tools on the table, she made her way into the bedroom. Toni knelt by her bed and prayed. “Lord, I don’t know what’s happening. I can’t wish the past few weeks away, but I want to move forward. I want to be completely healed from past and to have the life you want for me. In Jesus name. Amen.”
The next morning, Toni woke up around seven o’clock. With her mind on her family, she grabbed her phone and sent a group text to her siblings to see if they could meet at their parents’ house. Within the hour, she’d received affirmative responses from Jo, Cori and Asia. It was rare for all of her siblings to be available, even on a Saturday morning.
With most of her family involved in law enforcement, one of them was always in the know. At the time of her assault, the detective on that case sent word back to her dad who was chief of police at the time. Her family was at the hospital as the paramedics pushed her in on a stretcher.
They all took turns sitting with her in the hospital and when she came home. It was during that time she began to appreciate her family more, especially their support.
She called her parent’s home. Her mom would be in her garden at this time of morning. She hoped her mom would hear the phone. When she answered, Toni sighed with relief.
Her mama’s voice was warm and soothing, “I wondered when you would call. Captain Gilliam called your dad last night.”
Toni cringed. “I was afraid of that since they’ve been friends forever. I don’t know what’s going on, Mama. I barely slept last night.”
“When I didn’t hear from you, I prayed God would grant you peace. I know how worried you can get. God sees all and knows all. I’m getting ready to fix a late breakfast. Your father stirred later than usual this morning.”
“Good because I kind of invited everyone to the house.”
Her mama replied, “Well, I better get started cooking since I’ll have a crowd this morning.”
By eleven o’clock, she and her siblings had assembled at her parent’s home. Toni appreciated being surrounded by her family in her parent’s kitchen. She gobbled the healthy helping of grits, eggs, bacon and a buttermilk biscuit. Her stomach was grateful since she’d managed to skip dinner.
Her mom had made a feast. Toni grabbed another buttermilk biscuit from the center of the table. Eating seconds wasn’t her thing. She’d noticed her dad looking at her with concern.
He grinned, “Well, its good to see you with a hearty appetite. You cleaned that plate in record time.”
Cori said across from her. “This was comfort food. I’m sure you needed this, sis.”
She nodded as she chewed.
Her dad looked at Cori, “Son, let’s let the ladies have the kitchen. I have some things to run by you.”
“Sure, Dad.” He looked over at Toni.
She smiled at her brother, sensing he didn’t want to leave her side. Despite being adults they still had that twin connection.
After her dad and brother left, her mom started clearing the dishes from the table.
“A restraining order? Huh.” Asia frowned. “The lawyer in me thinks Mr. Lambert has something to hide. I’m wondering if his fiancée even knows he assaulted you.”
Toni placed her fork on her plate. “I thought about that. Still, I don’t see why he would go this far and say I’m harassing him. I never once contacted him.”
Jo nodded in agreement. “He certainly doesn’t have any proof that you’ve been harassing him. Sounds like Paul has another woman out there not happy with him.”
Toni held her head. “Cam didn’t supply details. I am curious who the real culprit may be.”
“There are always other victims. I told you that during your trial. I wish someone else had stepped forward back then so Mr. Lambert could have actually had some real jail time,” Asia offered.
Her mama grabbed more dirty dishes from the table. “I agree with Asia. His fiancée may not know he has this other side to him.”
Toni shook her head. “I’m not so sure she doesn’t know. When I spoke to Carol, her social media manager—”
Asia interrupted. “The woman you’re trying to hire?”
Toni rolled her eyes. “Yes. She said that Olivia had a habit of choosing the wrong guys. I have a feeling that Carol didn’t care for Paul.”
Jo asked, “How did Olivia react to you?”
Toni shook her head. “Olivia was the one who reached out to me. She could have ignored me the first time we met. She invited me back to see my paintings even after I told her my name.”
Asia tapped her fingernails on the table. “But you said the whole reason you went over there was because you had this suspicion that Olivia could have been protecting Paul. She was his alibi, right?”
Toni nodded. “Yeah, I actually went looking for Jade.”
Jo added, “The victim? What did you want to find out about her?”
Toni
threw up her hands. “It didn’t seem possible to me that she didn’t know Paul. Granted the composite may not be him, but she described someone who looked awfully close. She claimed she never saw the guy in the sketch before. I mean wouldn’t you be suspicious when you find out she works as a volunteer for Paul’s fiancee?”
Mama sat and let out a breath like she was worn out. “Baby girl, I’m too tired from listening to all of this. I can understand why you’ve been bothered. We all felt like Paul got a slap on the wrist after the way he hurt you.”
“I just wanted to be sure if he was involved with hurting another woman that he received justice.” Toni held her head down. Her emotions were bubbling to the surface making her eyes water.
Jo leaned forward and touched her hand. “This is Cam’s case. What did he say?”
Toni sniffled and wiped at her eyes before lifting her head. “Cam’s first thought was this whole thing started from a robbery. That Jade was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I hope I’m not messing up his case, “ she frowned, “but I think even he has doubts now.”
Toni rubbed her head. “I’m so confused. I was minding my own business. My life was going well…at least I thought it was.”
Asia crossed her arms. “I’m just happy you had sense enough to renew your no contact order. If you need legal counsel, I can arrange that. Hopefully, this whole thing with Paul will blow over because he should have never called you. You could press charges against him, you know?”
Toni gave her sister a look of panic. “No. I don’t intend to get into it with Paul again. And I have no intentions of going back to see his fiancée. He made that pretty clear. In fact, the paintings can go back in the closet where they’ve been.”
Mama shook her head. “Well, I hope you don’t do that. Remember we talked about this the other day. Just pray on what you should do. It’s obvious you’ve been led in a direction to help someone else who may be in the same place you once were.”
“Yeah, Toni. There are women’s shelters and other organizations you can reach out to who always need assistance,” Jo added.
Toni stood and grabbed her bag from the side counter. “Well, you may be on to something.” She took out the bracelets and handed one to her mama and each of her sisters. “I haven’t shown you these bracelets yet. Have I?”
Asia took a bracelet and slid it on her wrist. “When did you start making these?”
“A few months ago. They’re my new product line.”
Asia admired the bracelet on her arm. “Girl, you run your own business. You can easily incorporate your artwork and use it for charities. I’m no tax lawyer, but I know people who can help you set up a nonprofit.”
“That’s a good idea. Why don’t you spend some time establishing your own fundraiser?” Jo smiled.
Toni shrugged, “I guess it didn’t occur to me that my art could be used for a bigger cause. It just all seems like a lot of work.”
Mama interjected, “Maybe this is what you need to focus on, Toni. Let Cam do his job for that young woman. If Paul has done more harm, he will eventually receive what he has sown.”
Toni sat back down. She’d asked God to help her move forward. Her family had encouraged her. She would put this all behind her and remain open to what God had planned for her.
Why do I still feel on edge?
Chapter 16
Wednesday, June 19 at 10:05 am
Toni was determined to refocus her efforts after talking with her family. She researched more about Domestic Violence Month and purchased various accessories including purple ribbon. She stayed up late several nights in a row trying out new bracelet designs.
This morning, she lingered in bed much later than usual. Her mind was filled with new ideas, really good ideas. She reached over to grab her moleskin notebook from her nightstand. The sun was high, so she didn’t bother to turn on the lamp as she scribbled her thoughts.
She circled the last idea on her list. She needed to touch base with her friend who was a screen printer. Toni tapped the page with her pen as she mulled the idea over. She’d never experimented with fabric or cloth before. Nevertheless, she couldn’t set aside the feeling that she could make even more of a contribution with a clothing line. Her paintings would be perfect.
The phone rang. She placed her notebook on the nightstand and reached for her phone.
Really? She’s calling back now.
Toni had pretty much given up on Carol Landers. A week had passed with no contact from the woman. Probably for the best since Olivia recommended her.
Toni answered on the third ring. “Hello.”
“Toni, how are you? This is Carol. Carol Landers.”
She hoisted her legs over the edge of the bed. “I thought you forgot about me.”
“Oh no! No, no. My little girl has been sick. We had to take her to the ER Saturday night. She was running a fever. Apparently, she caught some kind of virus. The doctors still aren’t sure. She wasn’t released until yesterday.”
Toni sucked in a breath, “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad your daughter is doing better.”
Carol’s voice shook with emotion. “It’s been an ordeal. I finished working on your work order agreement last Friday. I emailed it to you… or at least I thought I did. When I didn’t hear from you, I looked at my email and there it was sitting in my draft folder. Silly me.”
Toni stood. “It’s okay. I assumed you changed your mind or something.”
“What? No, why would I do that? I want to work with you. I’ve been admiring your work. You’re very talented.”
“Thank you.” Toni swallowed. “In that case, you should know who I am and that working with me could be a problem.”
“Oh?”
Toni sat on the edge of the bed. She took a deep breath. “Olivia may or may not know this by now, but I used to date Paul. At the end of our relationship, things got ugly. Basically, he assaulted me. I stayed in the hospital a few days. I pressed charges. We had a trial, he pretty much got a slap on the wrist with probation and a restraining order.”
“Oh my! Toni, I don’t think Liv knows any of this. She would’ve mentioned it to me. We’ve had lots of talks about Paul.”
“Well, I ran into Paul while I was at Olivia’s office. He contacted me afterwards and told me to stay away from her. I do intend to keep my distance, and I’m not quite sure about us working together. She’s your friend so I wanted you to know the truth.”
Carol had grown quiet.
Is she still there? “Carol?”
The woman made a sound like she was in pain. “Toni, you have to talk to Olivia.”
Toni gripped her comforter. “Why? I can’t do that. Did you hear anything I said?”
“Yes, I heard every word. And, you’ve confirmed my fears. I’ve felt like Paul wasn’t the man for Liv. In fact, there has been a few times I’ve seen Liv with bruises.”
“Bruises? You said you’ve seen this more than once?”
“Yes, the first time she claimed she tripped over her cat and I believed her. But the second time, was only a few weeks ago. She came to a meeting wearing shades. She claimed her eyes were sensitive to the light, but I saw the bruise when she turned her head. Toni, there was no way she fell. Someone hit her in the face.”
Toni rubbed her head. “He’s escalated. Or maybe he’s been like this all the time.” She thought out loud. “I wonder how many other women Paul has abused?”
“You’ve got to convince Liv to break up with him. She may listen to you.”
Toni shook her head despite the fact Carol couldn’t see her over the phone. “I don’t think that’s my place.”
Carol pleaded with her, “Please reconsider.”
Toni thought about something else. Why was Olivia so friendly towards me? Did she know who I was the whole time and wanted to reach out to me?
She let out a long sigh. “Carol, I’m not making any promises, but I’ll see about talking to Liv.”
“You could be saving her
life.”
“I need to ask you a question. It’s off topic. Sort of.”
“Okay.”
“You were at the fundraiser that night Jade was attacked right?”
Carol responded, “Yes.”
“So Detective Noble questioned you? Did he ever show you the composite?”
Carol sucked in a breath. “Yes, I was in Liv’s office. He asked me if I recognized or had seen the man.” The woman sniffed. “I thought he looked familiar.”
“Like who?” Toni coaxed.
“He reminded me of Paul, but I didn’t say that. Liv was standing right there. Besides, I saw him drive off with Liv in his car that night.”
Toni thought out loud. “So his alibi is tight. They left before Jade was attacked. Since you were together, how did Liv react to the composite?”
“Liv looked at it for a long time, but she said she didn’t know him. When the detective showed the sketch to me, I said the same even though I thought it looked like Paul.”
Toni’s head was spinning. She was right back where she’d desperately been trying to escape. “Who found Jade?”
“I did. She came with me. My mother-in-law was watching the kids that night, but I needed to get home. Those fundraisers can be so exhausting. She was taking so long to come back, I went inside to get her.”
“You didn’t pass anyone?”
“No, it was quiet. It took me a while to find Jade because I wasn’t sure where she left her phone. I found her sitting on the floor outside the office where she was attacked. What are you thinking, Toni?”
Toni sighed. “Has Jade ever seen Paul before?”
“Yes, a few times. She knew who he was.”
“Well, did she see Paul pick up Liv?”
Carol was quiet. “I believe so, yes. She went back upstairs after they’d left. Only Annie and the two of us remained. I talked with Annie until she went home. That’s when I went looking for Jade.”