by C. J. Thomas
Her hair flung over her shoulder when she swung her head around, scowling. “Who are you calling?”
“Wes.” The line continued to ring. “He needs to know Nash is here.”
Jamming her fingers through her hair, I watched her pace the room in tiny circles. Staring at the floor, she mumbled, “I can’t stay here.”
“It’s probably best you don’t,” I said, thinking I didn’t want her to hear anything Nash was going to say. He could be coming here to attack me, or to share that we were all going down for a crime that should have never been committed.
“Kelly Black,” Wes answered. “Should I be nervous you’re calling so early in the morning?”
“I found Nash.” Kendra glared before disappearing into the bathroom. I waited for the door to click shut before I continued. “He’s here. On his way up to my apartment now.”
“Did he mention where he was?”
“He’s coming straight to me.” I lowered my gaze and tightened my jaw. “Where do you think he was?”
“I’m heading over now.”
“Probably best.”
“Keep him quiet until I get there.”
As soon as I ended my call with Wes, I phoned security to grant Wes access to the private elevators to ensure he could reach my door uninterrupted. A second later, the doorbell chimed.
I glanced to the bathroom. Kendra was still inside. The faucet running. Padding to the door, I pressed my face close to the frame and said, “He’s here.”
The water stopped. The room went quiet. No response. Silent.
Loud knocks replaced the chime and I picked up the pace to answer before Nash pissed off the neighbors. Swinging the door open, Nash pushed himself inside. It was easy to feel his frustration seeping through the deep lines of his forehead. He pranced around in his navy-blue suit, his gold chain swinging between his opened collar, searching each room like he knew what it was he was after.
“Can I get you a glass of water?”
His dark, tired eyes fell on me. Shoving a hand through his tussled hair, he kept looking around as if wondering if I was alone or not. He never responded.
“What can I do for you, Nash?”
He rolled his shoulders back and balled his hands into fists. “They came for me.”
“Who came for you?” I asked, anticipating his next two moves.
“Are you going to make me spell it out for you?” He took another step closer. “You know what the fuck I’m talking about.” He bared his teeth. “The cops.” His nostrils flared. “I was taken in for questioning last night.”
Staying calm, I lifted my hand slowly and motioned to the couch. “Take a seat.”
He sidestepped and slammed the bottom of his hand hard into my wall, rattling the hanging décor. “They know, Kelly.”
“Easy.” I watched his pupils narrow. “I know.”
“You fucking know?”
Kendra entered the room, bringing her calm presence with her, just as I felt Nash about to explode. He relaxed as soon as his eyes landed on her. She was put together, her hair braided into an elaborate twist that matched the luxury of the diamond earrings dangling to her neck. I sucked in a deep breath and stared at her beauty—how it easily hypnotized both men in the room.
Kendra casually glided up to Nash, standing on tall heels, and kissed him on the cheek. “Hey, Nash.”
“Hey, beautiful.” Nash snaked his arm around her and glanced up to me. He held on for a second longer than I thought appropriate, but knew he was only doing it to bait me. I wouldn’t fall for the trap. Instead, I kept calm, secure with knowing she was my girl and he had one of his own.
“Kendra, baby, make us some coffee.” She placed her hand on Nash’s chest and pushed herself away. Brushing by me, I said, “Maybe add a splash of bourbon to Nash’s.”
Nash stared with a low hanging brow, not protesting the idea to spike his drink.
Kendra’s heels clacked behind me as I stepped to Nash. Lowering my voice, I said next to his face, “Have you called Alex to tell her where you’ve been?”
He gave me a sideways glance. “I’m lucky they let me leave at all.”
“You’re not alone.” I slapped his shoulder and stepped around him, edging the couch. “Wes is on his way over now,” I said over my shoulder. “He’s as interested to know what they asked you—”
“You mean Wes wants to know what I said.” Nash scowled. “I didn’t tell them shit. I’m no rat.”
“No one said you are.” I lowered myself onto the couch. With my arm draped over the back, I said, “It’s important we’re all on the same page.”
“Who is doing this, Kelly? It’s Sylvia, isn’t it? God, I swear I would kill that bitch if I got the chance.”
I chuckled.
“I don’t mean it.”
“No, I didn’t think you did.” The commonly used expression would never be interpreted the same again.
“You believe me, don’t you?”
The aroma of roasted coffee beans filled the living room as soon as Kendra was back, carrying a tray with two filled cups. She served Nash first before I graciously accepted my own. Nash took one sip and finally sat down.
He was a nervous mess, afraid of what waited for us around the next bend. I couldn’t blame him. As much as I wanted to exude a sense of confidence we could escape this last hurdle without failing, I had doubts of my own.
“Excellent coffee,” I said to Kendra.
“I have some errands I need to run. Anything else I can get you boys before I leave?” She smiled and bounced her gaze between Nash and myself.
Nash shook his head. “I’ll walk you out,” I said, setting my coffee down on a coaster. Standing, I was worried that she might go to her parents’ without me. Her father’s note hadn’t convinced me that their relationship was something worth saving. It had me thinking there was more to it than a simple letter of forgiveness.
Kendra gathered her things, including the keys to my Audi. With my back facing Nash, Kendra glanced to him around my shoulder. “Alex can’t lose him,” Kendra said in a small mousey voice.
“No one is going anywhere,” I assured her.
She inhaled a deep breath and exhaled the heavy sigh as she promised to call. Taking her by her slim shoulders, I kissed her before opening the door. Walking her to the elevators, I said, “I’d like to know where you’re at.”
She nodded, tipped her head back, and kissed me. The doors dinged open and Kendra turned just as Wes stepped out.
“A welcoming party. Excellent.” Wes leaned in to kiss Kendra on her cheek.
They exchanged a few pleasantries before Kendra stepped into the elevator. “I’ll call you,” she mouthed as the doors closed. Wes turned to me, “You’d be a stupid son of a bitch to let that one go.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not planning to.” We walked down the hall, back to my place.
“Is he talking?” Wes asked before we stepped into the apartment.
With one hand on my diaphragm I rolled my gaze to Wes. “I was waiting for you.”
Wes gripped my shoulder and gave a quick nod of appreciation.
Locking eyes, I whispered through a raspy breath, “He doesn’t know, so don’t tell him, but his girl is pregnant.”
Wes gave a knowing look. I wondered if he knew. It wouldn’t have surprised me. Wes had eyes and ears everywhere. Knowing added perspective to the situation and how it was to be handled. “More reason to make sure this gets brushed under the rug as soon as possible.” Wes tugged on his jacket just as I twisted the door handle and stepped inside.
Nash stood at the sight of Wes, his hand still gripping tightly to his coffee. I secretly hoped that Kendra had put more whiskey than coffee inside his cup, knowing we needed him to talk freely.
Shutting the door behind me, Wes made himself at home. He rid himself of his jacket, draping it over the back of the chair before moseying around the kitchen table. Picking up mail and magazines, he slowly made his way into the living roo
m. Nash kept his eye on him the entire time, as if feeling that his integrity was being questioned.
I poured Wes a cup of coffee and found myself having the same questions. What was Nash thinking? Did he have any regrets about what the two of them had done? I rooted my toes into the floor, quietly hating them both for getting me involved. The truth was catching up to their lie and I wondered how much longer we could hold back the rain before the levy broke.
Wes took Nash by the shoulders and smiled. “Seems I wasn’t the only one the cops wanted to speak with.”
Nash tucked his chin into this neck. His lips parted without vocalizing what it was he was thinking. Wes read the obvious look like an opened book.
“I didn’t say a word.”
Wes released his hold on Nash. He turned and took a seat. Swinging his leg over the opposite knee, he folded his hands on top of his thigh. “Tell me what happened.”
Nash sighed. “I knew they were coming. After the DEA talked to Alex, I knew I would be next.” Nash’s body crashed into the sofa chair opposite Wes. “They know, Wes. They knew I was a member of Mint. They were using the details of my relationship with Maria to suggest that I was Sylvia’s accomplice.”
I moved to the living room, handing Wes his coffee. He accepted. Standing near the wall, I said, “When I spoke with Sylvia the other day, she didn’t mention this to me.”
“Maybe because she’s the one who’s feeding them the idea.” Nash flicked his gaze up to me and frowned.
Crossing my arms, I shook my head. “It’s not Sylvia.”
Nash’s gaze bounced between us.
“Kelly believes it’s Madam,” Wes said.
“Well, let’s hope it is, because Sylvia is a cooperating witness whose story they already believe.”
“It’s Madam’s last attempt to cut us down before she’s locked away and forgotten about,” I said.
Wes dropped his gaze when I looked at him. Then he turned back to Nash. “What did you tell them?”
“Nothing. I kept my mouth shut.”
Wes looked to me. I knew what he was thinking, was wondering the same thing. Did the cops get Nash to flip?
“You have to believe me,” Nash panicked.
“They didn’t offer you a deal?” Wes asked.
“To implicate you? Are you fucking serious?” Wes continued to stare. “No. Nothing. I kept my story straight. Maria was killed at Echo. Sylvia Neil acted alone. Just as it’s been reported. I didn’t break.”
Wes rolled his neck to me. I nodded. “Sylvia promised me she is saying the same.”
“Good.” Wes uncrossed his legs and dropped his foot to the floor. “Then we’re all on the same page. The story has been written. The more we say it, the more it becomes the truth.”
Nash leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His head swung back and forth. “They won’t stop. They’ll keep looking.”
“They have nothing.” I stepped forward and shoved my hands deep inside my pockets. “It’s their word against ours.”
Nash lifted his head and looked me straight in the eye. “And what if the media catches on? What then? Because they will come. It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
I glanced to Wes. “We control the narrative first.”
“And how do you expect to do that?” Nash asked.
My lips sprouted into a knowing grin. “By taking the focus off Mint and pointing the finger at Angelina Davis.”
28
Kendra
I killed the engine with no desire to leave the safe confines of the vehicle.
An anxious wave expanded across my chest. I felt trapped, unsure where to go next. The world couldn’t be trusted. Sick of surprises, I wanted my plan to work in my favor for once. I blamed Madam, blamed Alex and that stupid bag of money she’d found. But mostly I blamed myself.
Staring out the front windshield, I didn’t move. Minutes ticked by without notice. My head swam with thoughts of Alex, her baby, Nash’s pale face, and the uncertain future we all shared.
Kelly had me worried. I didn’t know what Kelly wanted his gun for, but I wasn’t willing to find out. Afraid I would lose him, I couldn’t afford for either of us to make another mistake.
I wanted to speak to him about seeking help—about Dr. Hall—but it would only create more questions than I was willing to answer. But what I wanted most of all was for him to come with me, seek his own treatment, so that together we could heal and finally move on.
My neck muscles released and my head fell back into the headrest.
With an erratic heart, I rolled my narrowed eyes to my purse. There, my father’s note stuck out like a white flag waving in the middle of the battleground. Taking it between my fingers, I opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.
“Then you can decide if you still want to be family or not.”
It was all I could hear. Mom’s departing words. The choice she’d left me with. A decision that would forever change the course of my life. I felt alone, scared, and lacked the confidence needed to know which path I wanted to take—if I even meant what I said.
My pulse slowed to a crawl as I read my father’s words again.
Dearest Kendra,
I know this message might have come too late for you to think differently of me. Hindsight is a man’s worst enemy. It kills me to sit here alone, dying, thinking of all the things I could have done differently. Too many to tell in a letter. But, first, let me say how sorry I am for missing out on your childhood. I see so much of myself in you, and it makes me so incredibly proud. I wish we could have done more together, but you were the free spirit who couldn’t be caged and I was the addict who needed his quick fix. There are no excuses, nor am I wanting you to feel sorry for me. When I heard you were back home, I was absolutely thrilled. It gives this old man a reason to fight, a reason to look forward to the next visit. No matter what you might have thought, I never stopped loving you. ~ Love, Dad.
Tears pooled in the corners of my eyes. I blinked out the blurriness and a cold shiver rocked my core. My fingers flexed and my neck strained as I crumbled the note inside my fist. Sobbing into the opened air, I heaved through heavy cries as Kelly’s words floated between my ears. “What he did to you isn’t forgivable.”
Over and over I kept hearing those words until they were imprinted on my mind like a tattoo. Kelly was right. Even if I wanted to take the high road and make one last attempt to bring peace between us before Dad died—which seemed could be any day now—I didn’t have it in me to forgive a man who didn’t have the guts to mention his own mistake.
I cast my gaze back to the wrinkled paper, looking for his apology for having my innocence stripped. It wasn’t there. I read it again, and again, asking if these were even my father’s words. The voice didn’t sound like the man I remembered. Could someone change as much as it appeared he had?
I jostled in my seat when my cell started ringing. Recognizing the number, I quickly answered. It was Dr. Hall’s receptionist, reminding me about my scheduled appointment. “I’m here. In the car. Be right up,” I said.
Tucking the note away, I pulled the rearview mirror on myself. Fixing my hair, I wiped my cheeks dry and checked my breath. The sharp spice of bourbon hit my nose like ground pepper, reminding me of Nash. Then I just stared, convincing myself that I was perfect. And I was perfect, at least on the outside. Makeup and diamond earrings glittering down my neck. Everything perfect. The I’m in complete control of my life look. Inside, I was a wrinkled raisin.
“You’re a fake,” I muttered to myself, knowing that my shell was a complete fraud.
Swinging the car door open, I marched into the building with a high chin. The receptionist greeted me and quickly checked me in. I kept silent, fearing that my voice would crack and I’d give myself away. Dr. Hall stepped into the doorway. “Kendra, so great to see you. Please come inside.”
I’d barely looked her in the eye before she turned and headed to her seat. I followed her inside her office, quick
to distract myself by fixing myself a cup of coffee. When I was finished, I turned to find Dr. Hall already sitting, patiently waiting to begin our session.
Making my way to my seat, we shared a tiny glance. Setting my belongings down next to me, I curled my lips and pulled a hot sip of coffee over my tongue.
Dr. Hall watched intently as I fidgeted.
She was poised and gorgeous. Qualities I admired in a woman.
Another sip and anxiety bubbled up inside of me. I felt my body tense. I wondered what it was she was thinking, if I had any qualities she could admire.
Dr. Hall’s gaze fell to my swinging foot. “What is on your mind?”
My foot stopped. I glanced to the inside of my coffee, realizing the caffeine wasn’t doing me any favors today. When I blinked, my eyes were back on her. “I love those colors on you.” She was in a cranberry chocolate mocha dress which looked absolutely stunning.
“You look lovely, too,” she said.
Naturally, I glanced down the center of my chest, comparing what I was wearing to her amazing outfit. I had outdone myself—even Kelly commented on it—but subconsciously I wondered if maybe I had dressed this way not because I truly wanted to, but rather because of the questions Dr. Hall asked the other day about the cleanliness of my car and apartment. First impressions were everything.
“Did you choose that, or did Kelly?”
My thoughts stopped. Sweeping my gaze up to her, I had a sudden urge to argue that I could make decisions on my own, that I didn’t need Kelly to make them for me. Not wanting to feel like I gave up complete control of my life, I decided now was a good time to answer her first question. “Everything is on my mind.”
She grinned. “Did you visit with your parents, like I suggested?”
After a moment of pause, I nodded.
“Can you tell me about it?”
I uncrossed my leg only to find my knee rocking once my foot hit the floor. Her eyes were full of trust but I still struggled with exactly where to start. Stroking my coffee mug between the tips of my fingers, I bounced my gaze between the window and Dr. Hall. “I don’t know exactly how it came up, but I told my mother I would like to be part of the family again.”