Truth or Consequences

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Can I get you gentlemen anything to drink? Water? Soda?”

  They both declined and she directed them into the small living room. Rosalyn sat on the sofa and Wiz sat across from her with his notepad in his hand. Malik opted to stand, feeling a little too anxious to sit still. The sooner they found Susan’s child and proved it wasn’t his, the better.

  “Why don’t we go ahead and get started. Rosalyn, I understand you found other journals your sister kept. May I see them?” Wiz asked.

  “Of course. Let me get them.”

  She returned with a small open-top box that had several cloth books sticking out of the top and handed it to Wiz.

  “Prior to your sister’s death, when was the last time you spoke with her?”

  She sighed and thought for a moment. Her gaze settled on the floor before she returned her attention to Wiz. “Unfortunately, my sister and I weren’t very close. With my missionary work, I was away more than I was here and that created the divide between us. I hadn’t talk to her in at least eight months.

  “Did she tell you then that she was pregnant?”

  Rosalyn shook her head. “No. Actually, we didn’t talk long. She told me about her job, and how much she enjoyed it initially, but how things had changed. She was having trouble with her supervisor and thought he was trying to get her fired.”

  “Where did she work?” Wiz asked. “And do you know the name of her supervisor or anyone she might’ve worked with?”

  “She was a paralegal for a large downtown law firm. Kent, Schuster & Black. I’m not sure who her supervisor was, but I did find a business card from the firm.” She sifted through a stack of papers on the glass dining room table. “Excuse the mess. I had no idea how much stuff Sue had, nor that it would take this long to go through.”

  Malik glanced around the tight space while Wiz questioned Rosalyn. Based on his calculations of the last time he was with Susan, the timing fit where he could be the father. He shook his head at the thought. He’d always been careful. No slip-ups. I am not the father.

  “Since you’ve been going through your sister’s belongings, have you found anything about an adoption agency?” Malik heard Wiz ask. Not only was Wiz good with people, he had never taken on a case he couldn’t solve.

  “No. Sue wasn’t the neatest person in the world. After reading some of her journals, I … um, it’s been hard. She was the only family I had left and going through her belongings has been harder than I thought it would be.” She composed herself and studied Wiz and Malik. “You think she was thinking about putting her baby up for adoption?” She shook her head and grabbed a floral journal from the box that sat on the floor near Wiz’s foot. “I don’t believe that. Look at what she wrote.”

  She pulled a red floral journal from the box and opened it before handing it to Wiz. Malik moved closer and read the entry over his shoulder.

  Today was a rough day. Work was awful and Lawyer Man won’t back off. He won’t take no for an answer, even when I told him the father wouldn’t want me to give up the baby. I’ve been trying to reach Malik, but his phone goes directly to voicemail and he hasn’t called me back. That’s okay, though. I’m looking forward to raising my baby, with or without him. He still hasn’t returned my calls, but maybe he’s out of town. He travels a lot. I’m excited and scared at the same time. Malik and I have always gotten along good, but I’m not sure how he’s going to feel about being a father. Maybe since it’s a boy, he’ll warm up to the idea. Either way, I’m going to love this baby and take care of him the best I can, and I don’t need Lawyer Man’s money.

  Malik didn’t bother reading anything more. He needed to find the truth as soon as possible and deal with the consequences, no matter what they were.

  “Would you mind if we took a look through her bedroom?”

  “Of course. Follow me.”

  They walked down the short hall that led to the two bedrooms and a bathroom. Malik remembered her bedroom being on the left, but Rosalyn directed them to the one on the right. When they stepped into the room, Malik’s gaze went directly to the baby bed near the only window in the room. The blue sheet set with a blanket, a teddy bear in the corner of the bed, and the multi-color mobile hanging above the bed, was a good indication that she indeed was expecting a boy.

  “Does this look like a space of a woman who was thinking about giving up her child?” Rosalyn asked, looking pointedly at Malik before leaving the room.

  “You all right, man?” Wiz asked when Rosalyn left them alone. He sifted through a few of the journals from the box Susan’s sister had given him. Malik hadn’t noticed he’d brought it to the room with him.

  “Fine.” Malik stood near the queen-sized bed, surveying the contents on the bedside table. “Let’s just hurry up and get the hell out of here.”

  “It looks as if Susan’s journal entries got shorter and shorter the closer she got to her due date. Some entries are random. Here’s something interesting.” Wiz moved closer to the bed. “One of her friends, Candy, gave her child up for adoption. Made ten grand on the deal.”

  Malik listened as he continued searching around the bed. He wasn’t sure what exactly he was looking for, but knew he’d know it when he found it.

  “It doesn’t say which adoption agency, but I’d be willing to bet it has something to do with the Lawyer Man that Susan mentioned in her other entry.”

  “Probably,” Malik said absently. He glanced behind the bedside table, but didn’t see anything, and pulled the headboard away from the wall to look behind it. “I might have something here.” There was a small piece of paper taped to the back of the headboard.

  “What is it?”

  “A parking garage receipt.” He turned it over and noticed the writing on the bottom. If something should happen to me, give the police this name: Alonso Black.

  “Malik, I’m serious this time. I’m for real going to the gym.” Natasha rolled her eyes at the laughter that came through the phone line. She could understand his doubt considering she’d gotten her membership over a month ago and this would be only the second time she actually used it.

  She grabbed her briefcase and switched off the desk lamp before picking up her keys from the top of the desk.

  “Baby, you’ve said that twice this week. I’ll believe it when I see it.”

  “Well, the only way you’re going to know for sure is if you go with me.”

  “If I wasn’t on my way to an appointment, I would meet you there. I guess I’m going to have to just take your word that you’re going.”

  “Okay,” she said a little disappointed. They’d been spending a lot of time together and the more time they spent together, the more time she wanted with him. She felt like she had a social life now. “So are you still planning to come by tonight?”

  “I’ll be there. I’m thinking about bringing dinner. Do you have a taste for anything in particular?”

  Only you was on the tip of her tongue, and she was shocked the thought even popped into her head. Since they started dating her thoughts had become more wanton, almost downright freaky.

  “Tasha?”

  “Yeah, I’m here.” She walked down the stairs toward the parking lot. “Why don’t you surprise me?”

  “I thought you didn’t like surprises.”

  “I like good surprises.”

  “Okay, that’s good to know. So have you left the hospital yet?” He had finally agreed to her not having a bodyguard, as long as she checked in regularly.

  “I know you don’t think I’m going to the gym, but I’m heading to the parking lot as we speak.”

  He chuckled. “All right, I guess you might actually make it today.”

  “Whatever.” She smiled loving their banter. “You just be ready to give me a massage if my muscles are screaming by the time I get home.”

  “Even if your muscles aren’t screaming, it will be my pleasure to massage that sexy body of yours.”

  “Ooh, I love it when you talk like that.”
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br />   “There’s more where that came from, but right now I have to get going. Drive safe and I’ll see you tonight.”

  “Okay. I’m looking forward to it.”

  “Oh, and shoot me a text when you get to the gym.”

  “Will do.” He was a little overprotective, but it felt good to have someone care about her well-being.

  She hurried to her car, still finding it hard to believe that she was leaving the hospital before six. After tossing her briefcase in the trunk, she climbed into the driver’s seat. The moment she put her handbag in the backseat, her cell rang.

  She shook her head and smiled before grabbing her phone. “Malik, I promise. I will text or call you when I get there.”

  With no response, she glanced at the phone screen.

  Martin.

  “Hello.”

  “Hello, Tasha. I guess things are getting pretty serious with your new boyfriend,” Martin said. His tone wasn’t as belittling as it was when they argued at her place, but there was still an edge in his voice.

  “What do you want, Martin?” She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel.

  “We need to talk.”

  “I think we said all we needed to say to each other. I’ve moved on, and you should, too.”

  “I can’t move on without you, Tasha! Don’t you understand that? I will always love you and that man will never love you the way I do.”

  Natasha sighed, frustrated with the way the conversation was going. “Marty, Malik is a good man. He treats me like … like I’m the most important person in the world. You have constantly judged him and you don’t even know him.” She felt herself getting angry.

  “I know all I need to know about him and he’s no good for you. You were almost killed because of him.”

  “That’s not true!” She slammed her hand against the steering wheel. “Are you intentionally trying to hurt me? Because if you are—”

  “Tasha, I would never hurt you, nor will I let anyone else hurt you! Baby, I love you and you’re making a big mistake. You need to stay away from him!”

  “I’ve had enough of this,” she mumbled more to herself. “Good-bye, Martin.” She pushed the power button and stared at her phone before tossing it in the passenger seat.

  He doesn’t know what he’s talking about and I’m not going to let him get to me. I’m going to the gym and I’m going to have a great workout.

  She turned the key, but nothing happened.

  “Oh come on. Really?” The car was barely a year old, there was no way it wasn’t starting. She tried again. Nothing. “Urgh! I finally get a chance to make it to the gym and now this.” She sat for a few minutes, debating on whether to call Malik back. If she called, he would skip his appointment in order to pick her up and she didn’t want that. She grabbed her handbag and …

  “Aarghhh!” she screamed, and practically jumped out of her seat when someone knocked on the window. She covered her heart with her hand as if that were going to make her heart rate go back to normal.

  After a few seconds, she recognized her visitor and opened the door.

  “Ray, you scared me half to death. I didn’t even see you walk up to the car. Where’d you come from?”

  “I was heading to my van and heard you trying to start your car.” He walked to the front of the car. “Pop the hood and let’s see what’s going on.”

  Natasha stood next to him as he checked hoses and a few other things that she couldn’t identify. Each time he moved, his fresh scent tantalized her senses. He smelled so good. A woodsy fragrance with a hint of vanilla. It was unique.

  “So what do you think?”

  “I think you’re going to have to get a mechanic to look at it.” He closed the hood and wiped his hands on the napkin Natasha handed him. “The battery looks pretty new. I’d offer to give you a jump, but my cables are in my other vehicle.”

  Natasha sighed. So much for going to the gym.

  “Can I give you a ride somewhere?”

  She twisted her mouth in thought. “Well, I was on my way to the gym, but I don’t want to take you out of your way.”

  “Actually, I was heading to the gym myself.”

  “Are you serious? This is too perfect.” She snatched her handbag from the backseat and retrieved her gym bag from the trunk. “Every time I plan to go work out, something always comes up. You’re a godsend.”

  He reached for her gym bag to carry it for her. “Well, I’m glad I can help. I’m right over here.” He pointed to the dark blue Ford. “It’s not a BMW, so hopefully you won’t be too uncomfortable.”

  Natasha waved him off. “Oh please, as long as it runs, I’m good. I really appreciate this.” He opened the van door and helped her climb in.

  While he walked around to the driver’s side, Natasha glanced at her car. She had no idea what could be wrong with it and figured she’d see if Malik knew someone who could take a look at it.

  Ray pulled out of the parking lot and headed south, the opposite direction of the gym.

  “Um … the gym is that way.” She pointed with her thumb behind them.

  “I know. I’m sorry. I should have told you that I needed to drop by my mother’s house first. It’s less than a mile away.” He stopped at a red light. “I go by there every day between jobs to make sure she’s taken her medication. Otherwise, she conveniently forgets.” He must have noticed the wariness on her face. “I promise. It’ll only take ten minutes, tops.”

  “Okay.” She held her handbag close to her body, mentally kicking herself for getting into a vehicle with a man she barely knew. For a person who is supposed to be so smart, this has to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.

  “So, did you always want to be a doctor?” he asked.

  “Yes.” She thought back on what seemed to be a lifetime ago. “When I was eight, a baby bird fell out of a tree in our backyard and broke his wing. Before my parents could call the wildlife people, I had already gone into save my bird mode.” She laughed at the memory. “Since it was in our yard, I claimed it as my own. I found a shoe box and did a little research on how to take care of a bird and fix its wing.”

  “So, did you fix it?” Ray asked, appearing genuinely interested.

  “I did. It was a little crooked and we did end up turning the bird over to a wildlife rehabilitator organization. They said I had done an excellent job.” She relaxed some. “From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be a doctor.”

  “That’s cool,” he said, his voice wistful. “I wanted to be a cop. My uncle was a police officer and the coolest guy I knew. I wanted to grow up and be just like him.”

  “What happened? Since you’re working at the hospital, I assume you changed your mind about becoming a police officer.”

  “Yeah. My uncle was killed during my senior year of high school. He responded to a domestic violence call and the husband had a gun. Shot him in the chest.”

  “Oh no.”

  “Since my father was never around, my uncle was … well, he taught me everything. When he died, I finished school, barely, and left Chicago.”

  “Where’d you go?”

  He glanced at her, but she couldn’t read his expression, and he returned his attention to driving. “I traveled the world,” he finally said. “Not the whole world, but a few places like Germany, Bolivia, South America, where ever I was needed…to help people.”

  “Like the Peace Corp or something?”

  “Something like that.”

  Natasha found herself relaxing listening as he told her about some of his previous jobs, including his new handy man business that he was trying to get off the ground. They shared a laugh when they talked about their siblings and some of the challenges of being the oldest child. She never would have guessed that he was thirty. Her respect for him grew when he told her his mother had recently had a stroke and he and his aunt shared the responsibility of taking care of her.

  Ray slowed and turned into a long, narrow alley. The dilapidated garages on each side
and the pungent stench of trash and cigarettes made Natasha’s nervous meter rise a hundred percent. She remained quiet while Ray eased down the alley, dodging potholes and driving around a group of men huddled together shooting dice. She raised her window up not caring that it was in the mid-seventies outside and Ray’s air conditioner wasn’t working.

  He pulled over to the left, alongside a two-car garage that was in desperate need of a paint job.

  “I’ll be back in a minute.” He turned off the van and jumped out before she could respond.

  Natasha hurried and locked the doors, watching as Ray disappeared into the yard. When he was out of sight, she glanced around. Except for what she’d seen on the news, she wasn’t familiar with the Englewood neighborhood. From what she remembered, it wasn’t a place to be just hanging out in a parked vehicle

  I need to text Malik. She reached in the side pocket of her handbag, expecting to put her hands on her cell phone. When she didn’t, she peeked inside and checked the zippered part of the bag. What the heck did I do with my phone? She thought back to the last time she had it, which was after she talked to Martin. It suddenly dawned on her that her cell could have fallen out of her bag when she tossed it in the backseat.

  Natasha looked up to see two old men stumbling up the alley, talking loudly. She scooted down in the seat, praying they wouldn’t stop. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Getting into the vehicle with Ray was her first mistake, and not insisting that he drop her off at the gym before going to his mother’s house was her second mistake.

  “Hey sweet thang,” one of the drunks stammered. “Wha–what’s a pr–pretty lil—”

  “Get the fuck away from the van,” a voice laced with steel growled out of nowhere.

  Natasha turned her head, shocked to see Ray standing near the front bumper. The deadly scowl on his face made him look like a different person. He eased toward them and they stumbled back, their hands up.

  “We … we don’t wa–want no trou–trouble.” They hurried away from the vehicle.

  Ray stood there for a moment before climbing into the van. “Sorry about that.” He started the ignition and looked at her when she didn’t respond. “Are you okay? Did they do something to you?” he growled, turning fully in his seat to face her. “Did they?” He moved a lock of hair from her face and Natasha jerked back.