Aaron made a face. “Where else would we leave them?”
“Clearly the intellect,” Miss Elaine said, winking at Randall as she gave her grandson a pat on the head.
“Hey! I got a signal!” Albany held up her cell phone. “I got a signal!”
Sherri twisted her lips in sarcasm. “I guess that means you’ll live.”
While the driver unloaded their myriad of suitcases, the family explored the home. It was a wonderfully designed four-bed, three-bath home with a fireplace, vaulted ceilings, and two master suites. After an extensive tour narrated by a proud Randall, the family enjoyed a light repast prepared by the hired chef, went to their respective bedrooms, and welcomed sleep.
Two days later Randall, Sherri, Albany, Aaron, and Miss Elaine sat around a table laden with traditional American Thanksgiving fare. The chef they’d hired had outdone himself. The turkey was tender and shining with glaze, surrounded by stuffing and yams, mashed potatoes, green beans, and fresh cranberry sauce. In the short time they’d been there, the family had totally acclimated to their vacation home. The children went swimming every day and were learning to surf. They’d also befriended the elderly neighbors and were learning to ride horses. Miss Elaine was totally in love with the home’s solarium, and when not out walking with her grandchildren, spent many hours there reading, doing needlework, and listening to classical tunes. Randall and Sherri mostly enjoyed each other, spending considerable time in their lavishly appointed master suite.
“There’s enough food here to feed an army,” Miss Elaine commented after the chef had set down the last dish and left the room.
“For the next few days, that will be us. We’ve given the chef the rest of the day and the next two off. He won’t be back until Sunday, to cook brunch.”
“I’m ready to dig in,” Aaron exclaimed, reaching for a serving utensil.
“Not so fast,” Sherri said, staying his hand. “This is Thanksgiving, and we have much to be thankful for. So let’s each of us state at least one reason we are grateful.”
Randall looked at Aaron. “Son, since you’re in such a hurry, you can go first.”
“Aw, man.”
Sherri shushed Albany’s chuckle. The rest of the room remained quiet.
“We’re waiting,” Sherri prodded.
“Um, okay.” Aaron sat straighter and fixed his tie. “I’m thankful for my family and for being on this, my own private island!”
“My island,” Sherri corrected.
“Whatever, Mom. I love our vacation home.”
Randall nodded. “Albany?”
“I’m thankful for my family and that Grandma is feeling better. And . . .” She swallowed, as if battling with her emotions. “I’m glad that Mommy and Daddy are still together and that Jac—”
Albany stopped cold as Sherri shot her a look. Her daughter was about to utter the name that had been banned from the family.
“I’m glad that woman who tried to kill us is in jail.”
“Where she belongs,” Aaron added with a scowl.
“God don’t like ugly,” Miss Elaine said, her voice a soothing balm on tense emotions. “And vengeance belongs to him. So let’s spend this day focusing on what’s good in our lives. A few months ago, I didn’t know how I’d be feeling come Thanksgiving, or if I’d know it had arrived. But every day I’m feeling more like my old self, and for that I’m very grateful. I’m lucky to have a daughter like you, Sherri, and a son who couldn’t have been more perfect had I birthed him myself.” Miss Elaine’s eyes became glassy. “Thank you for being so good to my baby. This is one of the best times I’ve had in my life.”
Sherri dabbed her eyes with the tip of her linen napkin before she spoke. “I’m so happy my heart is about to burst, because the very best things I have in life are around this table. I’m over the moon to be in the Bahamas, my favorite place on the planet, and in our very own home! I can’t wait to share it with Nathan and our good friends. Besides my family being safe, I’m most thankful that the doctors finally found the tumor that was causing all of your problems, Mom, and that the laser surgery, along with medication, has helped you back to a normal life.
“Randall, I can’t imagine what it would have been like to spend the past fifteen years without you, and I’m looking forward to many more. I love you, baby.”
They shared a quick kiss before Randall spoke. He wasn’t much of a religious man, but no one questioned it when he asked them to bow their heads. “God, I just want to say thank you for everything this year: nice profits for my company, being able to purchase this home away from home for my wife, the health of my mother-in-law, and the safety and well-being of my family. Sometimes I take the life I have for granted, but today I, um”—he stopped to clear a throat that had become raspy with emotion—“thank you.”
Late that night, Randall and Sherri cuddled on an oversized wicker chair under a blanket. They were on the château’s rooftop, one of their favorite places in the whole space, looking up at a bright, full moon.
“I knew it, but I still can’t believe it,” she said, an involuntary shiver going up her spine.
“That Jacqueline has been charged with the murder of Wanda Smith?” Randall sighed, pulled Sherri closer. “I can. When they found Wanda Smith’s body a week after the arrest, I knew Jacqueline had done it. Without a shadow of a doubt.”
“Do you think it’s finally over, Randall, really over?”
“Yes, baby. It’s over.And I meant what I said in that hotel in Raleigh. I will do everything in my power to make sure that woman remains behind bars for the rest of her life.”
“I love you, Randall.”
“I love you, too.”
They sealed these words with a long, hot kiss.
“I’ll never get enough of you,” Randall whispered to Sherri after coming up for air. “It’s like the more I’ve had in the past few months . . . the more I want.”
“I feel the same way.” Sherri ran a lazy hand under her husband’s sweater and around the top of his jeans. “One thing that came out of... the incident . . . I’ve never appreciated or loved you more. If this is what you’ve done for our fifteenth anniversary, I can’t wait to see twenty, thirty, heck by number fifty you’ll probably buy me the moon! Seriously, baby, this is the best gift you could have given me. It’s absolutely perfect.”
“Mm”—Randall repositioned his wife so he could kiss her more soundly—“just like you.”
Frank, the transport officer, glanced in the rearview mirror for the umpteenth time, curiously watching the prisoner he’d picked up at the mental health facility. She’d been talking nonstop since settling herself into the backseat of the van, as though instead of going to prison she was going home.
He reached Duke Raleigh Hospital, his last stop before heading to NCCIW, the North Carolina Correctional Institute for Women. His partner, Greg, was leaning against the wall of the hospital, near the entrance, and pushed off as he approached.
“What’s going on?” Frank asked as soon as Greg had gotten in, buckled up, and they headed out of the hospital emergency drop-off area. “Where’s your charge?”
“She tried to make a break this morning,” Greg replied, jotting notes in a log book. “Cut herself up pretty badly. They’re going to keep her for a few more days.”
“That’s one way to avoid the inevitable,” Frank mumbled. “Guess we’ve only got this one.” He looked over and noticed Greg’s frequent looks at their prisoner in back. He chuckled but remained silent.
“They released her from mental?”
“Yep.”
“And we’re taking her to prison, to be integrated in general pop?”
“Uh-huh.”
Greg looked behind him, more blatantly this time. The woman stopped talking, gave him a cold stare, and then resumed her conversation in a much lower tone.
“She’s talking as though there’s somebody there.”
“I guess in her mind there is,” Frank said, pausing as he made a
left-hand turn. “Somebody named Kris. She’s been talking to her nonstop ever since I picked her up.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Nope. Been having a full-fledged conversation with her imaginary friend.”
“Too bad she’s cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs,” Greg said, turning around and giving her a wink. “Because she doesn’t look half bad.”
“When her eye isn’t blackened and her lip’s not busted, she’s probably a real beauty.”
Behind them, Jacqueline sat back and crossed her legs. Her look was one of supreme confidence as she looked at the empty space beside her. “Did you see that?”
“What?” Kris asked.
“The guard, and the way he’s looking at me.”
“I don’t know why you’re surprised. He’s a man, isn’t he?”
“Yes,” Jacqueline replied, her smile sinister. “He sure is.”
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
“That getting out of this place is going to be easier than we think?” Kris nodded. “I just have to find out which of the guards is the most helpful, and then I’ll make my move.”
“And go back to Randall?”
Jacqueline’s smile disappeared. “No way. He made his choice. I thought he was smart, but he isn’t. He’ll rue the day he did this to me. Him and his bitch wife too. It’s time to set my sights higher, focus on the man who’s going to get me out of this mess, who’ll be my knight in shining armor. Someone strong and manly.” She nodded to the burly guard driving the van. “Maybe like him.”
Kris looked, and smiled. “And then what?”
“Then I’ll wield my charm, of course,” Jacqueline said, laughing confidently. “And if he’s married, I’ll make damn sure that his wife isn’t an issue by taking care of her first. The next time, without a doubt, will be the perfect affair.”
The Shady Sisters Trilogy continues with
The Perfect Deception
Available December 2014 wherever books and
ebooks are sold
CHAPTER 1
A beautiful couple walked up the immaculately landscaped entrance to a large home located in a tony Alexandria, Virginia suburb. The woman was nervous. It was Thanksgiving, which, for various reasons, was one of her least favorite holidays, second only to Christmas. More importantly, it was the first time she was meeting the family of her beloved, an amazing man with whom she’d enjoyed a whirlwind courtship for the past six months. Today was important. Her man truly loved her. She could tell. Life had turned out better than she could have dreamed when she’d spotted the handsome stranger among a crowded Atlanta happy hour crowd and made a bold move. If she played her cards right and impressed the family, who knew what type of sparkly bauble Santa might place under the Christmas tree?
He knocked on the door and after a short moment, it swung open.
“Nathan!” An attractive woman dressed in black stretch pants and a colorful sweater opened the door.
“Hey, Sis!”
“Come on in!” she said, stepping back so that the couple could enter the massive foyer with the high, vaulted ceiling and chic chandelier.
The siblings hugged before Nathan Carver turned and beamed at the woman with a hesitant smile standing by his side. “Sister, this is Jessica Bolton. Baby, this is my sister and best friend, Sherri Atwater.”
A genuine smile lit Sherri’s face. “I’ve heard so much about you,” she said after a light hug. “You’re as pretty as my brother bragged that you were.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jessica replied, her eyes darting behind them to the hallway from which jovial voices traveled.
“That’s my crazy family,” Sherri explained. “Along with a few of our friends. They’re pretty lively but no one bites.”
Nathan put his arm around Jessica and gave her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. They started down the hall. Halfway down, a handsome man rounded the corner and walked their way.
“I thought I heard voices.” He reached them, and gave Nathan dap and a shoulder bump.
“Hey, bro.” Again, there were introductions all around.
“Where are you from?” Randall asked Jessica, once they’d been introduced. “Your face looks familiar.”
Private by nature, Jessica arched her brow in surprise. “Me?” She quickly added, “I live in Atlanta but am from California.” This was basically true. She had lived in California for several years before her divorce.
“Southern California?” Randall inquired as they continued down the hall into the great room where the adults had gathered.
“Northern. Oakland.”
They entered the great room where Nathan’s mother, Elaine, was recounting a funny incident from when Randall and Sherri first began courting. Listening was Randall’s mother, Barbara, her male companion, his brother and sister-in-law, Sherri’s best friend, Renee and her cousin, and Randall’s business partner, James, along with his wife.
“It was thoughtful for him to buy me a bouquet,” she finished. “He went on about how he’d searched the city for just the right type of flowers he thought I’d like. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that the price tag was still on it from the store where he worked part-time, along with the receipt that was time-stamped to show he’d bought them right after his shift!”
Various responses echoed around the room, laughter sprinkled among them. “Come on, Mom Elaine,” Randall said as he entered. “Haven’t I lived that one down by now?”
“Yes, but it’s worth retelling.” She’d answered him but her eyes were on Nathan and his lovely date, as were all other eyes in the room. “Hello, son.”
“Hey, everybody,” Nathan said with a general wave to the room, before crossing over to give his mom a hug. “Hello, Mom.” He reached back for Jessica’s hand to bring her forward. “Mom, this is my friend, Jessica. Jessica, my mother, Elaine Carver.”
“Hello Mrs. Carver.” Jessica’s outstretched hand reached Elaine’s, which had also come up. “It’s wonderful to meet you.”
“Nice meeting you, too, darling. Congratulations on making it to a family function.” With a side glance at Nathan she continued, “It’s been awhile since Nate has invited a guest.”
Jessica split her smile between Nathan and Elaine. “Well, I’m doubly honored.”
Nathan then addressed the room. “Everybody, this is Jessica.”
With a slight giggle she waved, “Hi everyone.”
“You’ll get to know their names as the day unfolds,” he said, still holding her hand. “Introducing them all at once would only confuse you.”
“Yes, and by the time I’d met the last one I would have forgotten the first one’s name.”
“Exactly.”
“What are y’all drinking?” Randall asked, as he walked over to the bar.
And with that, conversation resumed, more drinks were poured, soft music played and Nathan and Jessica made their way through the rest of the personal greetings.
“This is a beautiful home,” she said, once they’d circled the room and once again stood near its entrance.
“Come on, let me give you a quick tour.”
He was a perfect guide as they navigated the large yet cozy abode. Upon seeing the tastefully decorated rooms and a grouping of plaques, certificates, and photos that filled almost an entire wall in the downstairs office, Jessica was even more impressed with her honey’s in-laws than when he’d told her about them. Randall, his brother-in-law, was a prominent scientist who’d won awards for his ground-breaking research. That in itself was a lofty achievement but the picture of him standing alongside President Barack Obama in what appeared to be a room at the White House placed the man under whose roof she stood in very high company. The day was already overwhelming and now she felt intimidated, too.
Nathan immediately noticed her change in attitude. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
“Tell me about nothing.”
She smiled. His sensitivity and
astute observatory skills were just two of the many things that she loved about him. “Your family is so . . . accomplished.”
“You already knew that.”
“Yes, but to be here, to meet them. I just hope that I’m not . . .”
“Trust me, you’re not whatever you’re thinking. Yes, there are those in my family who are highly successful but we don’t judge people based on awards and degrees. We’re more interested in a person’s character, their integrity, their family values.” He reached over and pulled her into his arms, gave her one kiss, and then another. “So you don’t have anything to worry about.”
Jessica nodded, and entwined her arm in his as they walked toward French doors that led to a solarium. She knew that Nathan meant what he said when he told her not to worry. He’d meant to be soothing. Little did he know that it was exactly what he said and how he and his upstanding family felt that worried her most of all.
CHAPTER 2
“What do you think?”
Dinner was over, and various family members had broken off into smaller groups. Nathan and his sister Sherri were in the kitchen, sitting at the island, eating more pieces of sweet potato pie that neither needed.
“She’s cute, I’ll give you that.” Sherri took a sip of cold milk. “But she’s so quiet, Nate, and”—she paused, searching for the right word—“somewhat reserved. Not the type of woman you usually date.”
“She is different from anyone I’ve dated in the past. In the end, that’s what drew me to her.”
“How did you guys meet?”
“I told you, remember? We met at the sports bar in Buckhead where I like to hang out.”
“Was she a friend of a friend, someone’s sister . . . ?”
“No. She was at the bar, alone. We’d noticed each other throughout the evening and at one particular point, when my friends and I were in a heated debate she walked up and said, ‘I don’t know what you guys are arguing about but you win.’ Looking at me.”
Sherri gave her brother a look. “Really? You win? That was the line that drew you in?”
The Perfect Affair Page 28