“Yeah, you’re right. I believe He already hears me.”
“That’s a good thing. I’m really feeling sorry about Toni Gillette, though. I hope they catch the person who did it to her.”
“So do I.”
Seventy-Five
There was very little conversation on the ride home from the police station. Dr. Shelton Wright gazed a time or two in his wife’s direction as she barreled down the highway, but it was very obvious to him that she was taking no prisoners and the last thing she wanted to do was talk about it.
Shelton wasn’t sure what information Betty had in her possession, but if looks could kill, the information had to be lethal. While Shelton wasn’t by any means a henpecked man, any attempt to talk to Betty seemed to be futile. That is until Betty suddenly unleashed the dragon that had been eating her up inside.
“Why did you do it, Shelton?” Betty snarled.
“Betty, I didn’t kill that woman. My God; I’m a healer, not a killer.”
With hands on the steering wheel, Betty looked straight ahead, navigating through a couple of traffic lights. At the next red light, she put her foot on the brake and turned in Shelton’s direction. “Why did you have an affair with that woman? I’ve given you the best years of my life. I’ve stood beside you through thick and thin, when your practice had only a few patients, then prospered to what it is now. I’ve been a dutiful wife, standing proudly beside you at every major medical event when you were being honored or otherwise, and you betray me? Was she that good, Shelton? I wonder what your son, Phillip, will think of the dad he has emulated all of his life.”
“What are you talking about, Betty?”
“There’s no need to lie to me, Shelton.” Betty began to cry. She smashed her foot on the accelerator when the light turned green. “I know about your secret trysts, pretending that you had to go to a medical conference that would tie you up for hours. Oh, I’ve seen the receipts for the hotels and motels you claimed as business and the receipts for the diamond bracelets and other trinkets you lavished on the bitch. Was that to keep her quiet . . . to keep your secret from the viewing public that held you in high regard? Well, was it?” Betty shouted when Shelton didn’t respond.
“Betty, I never meant to hurt you. Ms. Gillette was one of my patients who came in with a bunch of problems. I began providing her with counsel and without even realizing it, one thing led to another. You . . . you weren’t interested in taking our lovemaking up a notch, and I didn’t mind, but . . . but Toni did things to me and we explored an intimacy that I hadn’t experienced in our marriage.”
“You dirty bastard. I gave you a loving son and when we created him, we did it in love. You men and your sick fantasies are going to burn in hell. And to think you didn’t even try any of your newfound sexual exploits with me. You know why? Because you knew that I’d recognize that you’d been cheating.”
“I’m sorry, Betty.”
“Sorry my ass, Shelton! Why did you go to her house? Did you go for one last fling before you became a state senator? Everyone said you were a virtual shoo-in.”
“Watch out, Betty, you’re going to run into that car. Let’s stop talking about this before someone gets hurt.”
“Hurt isn’t a strong enough word. My world has been shattered. The man I loved gave his soul to a whore. Oh, I know all about it, Shelton. I followed you to her house.”
Shelton bucked his eyes and pushed against the dash as he turned to look at Betty. “What are you talking about, Betty? Pull over; you’re too emotional.”
“I’m driving and you better listen, damn it. I heard your sorry-ass pleas, begging Miss Toni to keep your name out of her blogs because you didn’t have twenty thousand dollars to give her so she’d shut up. Fool, she was using you to get paid. Why would she pay any attention to you anyway? You ain’t that good in bed. To tell you the truth, you don’t know a damn thing about pleasuring a woman. I’ve always had to take care of myself. I tolerated you because I truly loved you, and to think I was the real fool.”
“You were there, Betty, in Toni’s house?”
“Did I stutter, Shelton? Yes, I was in her house. You were so anxious to plead your case that you didn’t even close the door all the way. I slid in the door like a phantom. You didn’t even see me—a piece of cake. It couldn’t have gone any better if I had had an actual plan. I jumped into the bathroom just off the foyer.
“Shelton, do you know what was so disgusting about it all? It was watching you touch her body as you pleaded for mercy. Sickening is what you were. Oh, she had a smugness and arrogance about her I didn’t like. Didn’t she know that you were not only going to the North Carolina senate, but you might even become governor of the great state one day?
“She toyed with your emotions. Even when she took that phone call, she was basically inviting someone else to stop and wet her whistle. You see, I’m a woman, and I know how a woman thinks and plays the game. She was ready to toss your ass out with the night’s trash. And there you were groveling like a spineless, dick-less fool. I couldn’t take it anymore.”
“Please don’t tell me you were the one who killed Toni Gillette.”
“Yes, I hit her with that expensive vase, but I wasn’t trying to kill anybody. In fact, I heard that she was going to live.”
“But you left her to die.”
“Listen here, you cheating bastard,” Betty screamed. “I was tired of her games, and you failed to take control. That slut talked down to you as if you were somebody off the street begging for a few dollars. You are a well-known doctor of medicine, but she couldn’t see that. Only the woman who’s been with you for the last thirty years recognizes your true worth.
“You hadn’t been gone but all of five minutes when she primped and pampered herself in the mirror for whomever was next in line after you. If you need to know, I felt much better when all of that screaming ceased. You were long gone by then, but you should’ve heard her when I surprised her bourgeoisie behind. I thought she was going to die for real.”
“Why did you do it, Betty?”
“Shelton, for sure I haven’t been wasting my breath for the last fifteen or twenty minutes. I’ve already explained it to you. That nasty woman was violating something that belonged to me and she had to suffer the consequences for her actions. You see, I don’t blame you totally for what happened between you and Ms. Gillette. As powerful and prominent a man that you are, I know that your ding-dong still does the dictating when a woman comes between you and rational thinking. And Shelton, she wasn’t even that pretty—nice body but not pretty.”
Betty pulled into the driveway of their North Raleigh home. She let up the garage door, turned off the ignition, and sat still when Shelton didn’t move.
“Betty, I’m going to call the police.”
Seventy-Six
“Hey, baby, are you ready for our big day?”
“Margo, I can’t be any happier. I’m feeling a little heavy after attending Toni’s wake last night.”
“That was so tragic. Have they caught the person who did it?”
“No, but Dr. Wright hasn’t done any campaigning since they picked him up for questioning last week. I can’t believe he and Toni were having an affair. What she did to people in life, she reaped in death. It’s a shame because she never got to see the headlines that were written about her. Plain-clothed policemen were sprinkled throughout the room, though. You couldn’t miss them even with all the people who showed up.”
“Well, let’s not talk about Toni anymore. This is our day, Jefferson. I feel that God allowed us to go through our stuff to bring us to where we are now.”
“I feel blessed to be renewing my vows to the only woman I’ve loved, besides my momma, of course. And God gave us this beautiful fall day to enjoy. Are Ari and Angelica there?”
“Yes, baby. We’re all at the clubhouse waiting on you. We’ve got a little crowd.”
“I’m down the street; I’ll be there in a minute.” Jefferson ended the cal
l.
Jefferson felt good as he rode down the street. His car was detailed to the letter so that the black of his Mercedes had a perfect spit shine and the chrome on the bumpers was like a mirror—you could see yourself in it from ten blocks away. He brushed down the lapel of his black tux and smiled. His prayers had been answered.
Jefferson pulled into the parking lot of the clubhouse and was surprised to see quite a number of cars. After turning off the engine, he sat a moment and reflected on what the day meant to him. He was getting his life back although he had to pay a price, but it was worth all he’d gone through to be with the woman he loved.
He took one last look at himself in the rearview mirror, brushed the sides of his hair, and got out of the car. Walking with purpose, Jefferson opened the door to the clubhouse and was overwhelmed with what he saw. It was as if David Tutera from the popular television show My Fair Wedding had popped into the room and gave it some of his magic. It was a page out of a Hollywood magazine.
The room was breathtaking with ten rows of golden-backed chairs that separated the aisle that would usher forth the brides. Six five-foot flower arrangements that consisted of beautiful apricot-colored English Legend roses with pussy willows that extended beyond the flower cluster were positioned on the floor and strategically placed at the entrance of several rows along the aisle. A large chandelier hung overhead. But what made Jefferson blush was his bride who looked like a cherub with all of her children gathered around.
Although in a wheelchair, Margo was stunning in an ivory knit, square-necklined Donna Karan dress that hit her at the knees and boasted enlarged and elegant cap sleeves. Swarovski crystal teardrop earrings fell from the lobes of her ears, while silver pumps adorned her feet. Margo’s happiness radiated like the sun and Jefferson couldn’t stop the grin that danced about his face.
As soon as Margo spotted Jefferson, she put her hand over her mouth. Jefferson could tell she was pleased. Although she and Jefferson were only renewing their vows, Margo had Winter to push her out of the room until the service was to begin. A Greek-looking gentleman with a silver mane, who appeared to be in his late-fifties, was engaged in conversation with Winston at the front of the room. Jefferson walked over to them, and Winston introduced him to Ari, Angelica’s husband-to-be. They shook hands.
Jefferson was surprised to see Pastor Dixon as he approached both him and Ari. Pastor Dixon shook Ari’s hand but pulled Jefferson to him and hugged him as if he were the prodigal son.
“Welcome home, son,” Pastor Dixon said. “Welcome home.”
“Thank you, Pastor,” Jefferson responded.
“We’re going to start the services in a minute. Turn around, Jefferson. Many of your old friends from the church are here.”
“It’s a sight for sore eyes.” Jefferson waved to a few of the guests he recognized.
“Ari, I will perform the ceremony for you and Angelica first after Margo has entered the room. Then I’ll go through the ritual of renewing of the vows for you and Margo, Jefferson. I will make this a double-ring ceremony and will pray for both couples together. Follow my lead.”
Both Ari and Jefferson nodded.
“You nervous, man?” Ari asked Jefferson, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
“My palms are a little sweaty if that’s any indication of how I feel, but I’m ready.”
“So am I. I feel lucky to have met and fallen in love with Angelica. It was a bit scary and rocky at first, but once she conquered her fears, she mellowed into this wonderful woman.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Ari.”
The music began to play and Winter, followed by Ivy, strolled down the aisle with beautiful bouquets of roses in their hands. They both wore Donna Karan bone-colored, cotton slash dresses with a full skirt accented by black-and-silver-beaded, four-inch peep-toe heels that made them look like scrumptious eye candy. Winston, who stood in as best man for both Ari and Jefferson, moved to the center and pulled the runner down the middle of the aisle.
Angelica, dressed in a simple, strapless Vera Wang gown that was form-fitted, glided down the aisle. She was a radiant and blushing bride as she rushed toward her man. Tears of joy streamed down her face. Then Margo was wheeled through the doors by her son, J.R. Jefferson shook his head in awe.
Pastor Dixon performed the ceremony for Ari and Angelica, then Jefferson and Margo. Just before Pastor Dixon prayed, J.R. asked Elaine to come to the front. Everyone watched with amusement, but soon there were sighs of relief and joy that replaced the rather awkward moment when J.R. handed Pastor Dixon his marriage license. Stunned, Margo and Jefferson stared at each other and smiled.
The uniting of the three couples was a reason to celebrate. After being pronounced husbands and wives, congratulations were heard all around. Each of the couples hugged one another, but the Myles family had a lot to rejoice about—Margo and Jefferson Myles; Jefferson Jr. and Elaine Myles—two marriages made in heaven.
“Let’s get this party started,” Angelica howled. “I’s married now!” The audience roared with laughter.
After the picture-taking session, the bridal party and well-wishers moved to another room in the clubhouse for the reception. It was decorated as beautiful as the room where the wedding ceremony was held. Twelve round tables and a head table were decorated with beautiful china and floral centerpieces that made one think they were in a dream world. Everyone was happy.
“My ring is beautiful, Jefferson,” Margo said, not able to take her eyes away from it. “You really shouldn’t have. I know this set you back a pretty penny.”
“No amount of money would’ve kept me from giving you this token of my affection. I love you, Margo, forever and always.”
“I love you, too, Jefferson. I’m so glad we’re together again.”
“Where are the twins?” Jefferson asked as if he’d noticed their absence for the first time.
“I hired a nanny to help out. Although Angelica insisted that she would be with me as long as I needed her, I let her off the hook. She needs to be with that fine man of hers. She’s truly happy, Jefferson. I appreciate you bringing us together. Our friendship is on the right track.”
“Finally.”
“What a surprise about J.R. and Elaine getting married. The girls kept it from me.”
“J.R. is truly happy and is going to make Elaine a wonderful husband and vice versa. Margo, our family is on the mend.”
“Yep, you’re right. Now give me a kiss, Mr. Myles.”
“Gladly.” Jefferson placed a tender kiss on Margo’s lips. “This feels so good . . . so right.”
Angelica and Ari took over the dance floor. Everyone seemed lost in their own individual worlds. Ari and Angelica cut their cake, followed by Jefferson and Margo. Winter and Ivy had seen to it that there was a wedding cake for J.R. and Elaine also. This was going to be a day to remember for all time.
As the evening was about to wind down, an unexpected guest arrived at the festivities. Jefferson was the first to see Malik and headed in his direction, followed by Winston.
“Malik, I don’t know what you’re doing here or how you knew we were here, but this is not the time or the place for your antics.”
Malik held up his hand. “I’ve come in peace, Jefferson. I’m not here to disturb . . .”
“Daddy, I told him he could come,” Ivy spoke up when she finally reached the men.
Jefferson had a puzzled look in his eyes. “Why would you do that, Ivy? Hasn’t he caused this family enough pain?”
“I guess I got caught up in all the nostalgia with helping to plan the weddings. When Malik called and said his peace, I asked him to come. Daddy, please understand. After seeing you and Momma getting your second chance, I thought long and hard. Believe it or not, I wanted it for myself.”
Jefferson looked at Ivy in amazement. “I’m shocked. Why do you want to put yourself through this after all you’ve gone through?”
“I’ve done a lot of soul-searching, and if I was to tell the truth, I
’m not totally innocent. I used Malik to get what I wanted, and it sort of backfired on me. After finding out that Malik was the father of one of the twins, I totally lost it. The truth of the matter is, however, I fell in love with him in the process.” Ivy couldn’t look in her father’s face, but she was happy because a weight had been lifted off her chest.
A half-smile crossed Jefferson’s face. “Is this what you want, baby?”
“Daddy, Malik and I have a lot of soul-searching to do. I want to see if we can salvage what we had before everything spiraled out of control.” Ivy looked at Malik and watched the color come back into his face. “I’m going to take it slow. He wants to talk; I’m going to listen. I’m not going to return to Fayetteville right away.” Malik seemed dejected.
Malik cut in. “Jefferson, I love Ivy very much. I’ve been so out of sorts with all that has gone on and have done some soul-searching of my own. The one thing I can say without a doubt is that I love my wife and I want her to come home. I want us to be a family, and I pray to God we can produce another grandchild. And if you can find it in your heart to give me another chance . . . to forgive me, I would be forever grateful.”
Jefferson sighed. Malik wasn’t going to be let off the hook that easily. Jefferson looked at the two of them. “If this is what my daughter wants, then who am I to stand in the way? But I want to remind you that if you in any way do anything to hurt my daughter ever again, I will find you and . . .”
“Daddy, come on,” Ivy begged.
Jefferson sighed. “All right, I’m sorry. This is supposed to be a celebration.”
Everyone turned around when they heard her voice. “What’s going on?” Margo inquired with a puzzled look on her face, especially when she saw Malik standing next to Ivy.
“Yeah, what is Malik doing here?” Winter asked, jumping into the middle of the discussion. “Are you all right, Ivy?”
“Yes, sis. My husband and I are going to try and work on our marriage. Look at Momma and Daddy. Today, they are two happy people.”
In My Rearview Mirror Page 30