Do Re Mi

by A. D. Herrick

  “You have to talk to her at some point,” Lisa shouted out as the door slammed shut behind me.

  She was right. At some point, I would have to talk to Makayla. That day was not today. Tomorrow wasn’t looking likely either.

  The crisp fall air had left the streets barren. Everyone was taken advantage of the last days of warmer weather. To me, it felt like an icy tundra. In California, it rarely dropped below seventy degrees. In Michigan, fall mean temperatures in the forties. People were out, spending their weekend soaking up the last warming ray of sunshine on the river or out at the lake. As evening fell they would file back into town. The streets would fill as people gathered, enjoying a nice meal out or hitting the shops for some last minute shopping. It was peaceful.

  The gym was empty when I entered. Grabbing my gear out of my locker I changed quickly, needed to release the pent-up emotions that clouded my brain, muddling my thoughts.

  I took my anger and aggression out of the bag in front of me. The sound of my fist striking the leather calmed me. I wasn’t a violent person by nature. I could never imagine myself drawing back my fist in anger at another human being. But the feel of the leather as I pounded into it was like any other feeling in the world. The surge of testosterone pulsed through my veins. My adrenalin spiking as my muscles coiled and struck out in rapid succession. There was no room for thought. No room for feelings.

  I fired on instinct.

  Left.

  Right.

  Left.

  I threw all my weight into it. Freeing myself of my troubles. It was a euphoric experience. A heady concoction of freedom and release. I gave it my all. I punched and jabbed until my arms were heavy. My gloves felt as though they were loaded down with lead. I sagged against the bag allowing it to carry my weight. My fist still worked, my hits falling softer than they were before.

  I wasn’t ready to give up.

  I couldn’t quit.

  I went at the bag until I couldn’t move anymore. Sweat poured down my body, rolling down my face in waves, blinding me. I accepted its comfort. My labored breaths rising and falling against the forgiving leather bag.

  I lay there, propped up against the bag, slick with my sweat and tears. I prayed for the comfort. I prayed the freeing sensation to continue, to follow me home, cocooning me in its embrace.

  As the high began to fade, like the rising tide, the pain began to settle in. Every muscle in my body screamed at me. Staggering away from the bag I lumbered toward the locker room. Desperate for the scalding spray of the showers to ease my aching limbs. If only the showers had the same effect on my heart.

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Makayla

  It’s been over a month. Thirty-nine days of absolute torture. Thirty-nine days of feeling like my heart has been shattered in my chest. Thirty-nine days since I had last seen his face.

  I wasn’t prepared for this. I wasn’t prepared to fly over half way across the country to face the people who had destroyed my life. The people who had taken from me the one thing I held dear. I wasn’t prepared to face the woman who had taunted me throughout the years. The same vile woman who left threatening letters in my little girl's backpack.

  When Lisa called and said I was needed there, I didn’t give it a second thought. I immediately agreed. Now that the day had come I was riddled with fear and insecurities. I didn’t want to be here. I didn’t want to see his face for fear of what I might see in his eyes, or what I wouldn’t. I was a nervous wreck, there was no denying it. It would do no good.

  My bag was packed sitting by the door alongside Avery’s. Lisa and Lenny were picking me up and my mother was going to keep Avery while we were away.

  As I anxiously paced along the living room floor Avery played quietly in her playroom. She had packed a bag for her toys ensuring she had everything she thought she would need for the overnight stay with her Grammy. The thought was silly as she had everything she could ever need or want over at my mothers. That didn’t stop her from packing more. With Avery, everything was in excess.

  The sound of the front door opening sent my heart lurching into my throat. I swallowed around the lump that formed in my throat. I spun around, my hand clutching my chest, afraid of what I would find.

  “Good heavens child. Sit down. You’ll worry yourself to death.” My mother scolded, laying her purse down on the entry table. Ignoring my tattered state she went in search of Avery, calling her by name. My breath left me is one loud whoosh. I staggered to my feet, struggling to regain my composure.

  “Grammy.” Avery squealed out in excitement.

  “Hi, ya baby girl. How has my most favorite granddaughter been?” My mother cooed as she hefted my daughter up, clutching her in a warm embrace.

  “I'm your only one.” Avery giggled hugging my mother’s neck.

  “That doesn’t mean you can’t be my favorite.” Avery giggled. “Do you have all your bags packed?” My mother asked glancing around the room.

  “Yes. And I have my jammies and my babies.” She squealed excitedly.

  “Good, good.” Smiling up from my daughter my mother’s eyes landed on me. Her stare was even, probing. “Do you have all your things packed?” She asked in a much cooler voice.

  I had told my mother everything, laying it all out there at her feet. To say she took it well was an understatement. On more than one occasion she called me a fool, throwing my mistakes at me like punches to the solar plexus. Our relationship had been cool since then, nearly Icelandic.

  Expectantly, she was on Lenny’s side. I wasn’t even aware there were sides. But apparently there were and no one was on mine. No one could understand how I had so easily cast him aside. I couldn’t either. Looking back I realized how selfish I had been. How carelessly I had treated his emotions. I was no better than Angela. The thought alone sickened me.

  “Yes. I have everything packed and ready. We’re just waiting on Lisa and Len.” I smiled despite the growing ball of unease that settled in my stomach.

  “Hey, Princess.” Lenny’s deep baritone filled the room demanding the attention of all its inhabitants. Lisa came in behind him, flashing a polite smile in my direction.

  I was an outcast in my own home, my own family. It pained me. It ate away at my heart until there was nothing left.

  “Daddy,” Avery screamed out wigging to get out of my mother’s arms. Obediently, my mother set her down allowing the tiny tike to run across the living room into Lenny’s outstretched arms.

  No one said anything about her running in the house. It was our number one house rule, yet forgotten in the presence of the great one, Lenny. My mood soured further by the coldness blasted in my direction from everyone in the room.

  I stared slack-jawed. He looked good. He looked really good. Lenny had filled out. His biceps bulging at the hem of his sleeves. He looked as though he was one wrong move away from ripping his shirt to shreds. A pulsing low in my stomach wished he would. Despite my blatant lust for the man before me, he didn’t so much as a glance in my direction. Instead, he turned, giving me his back.

  “Stephanie.” I didn’t miss the affection in his tone as he greeted my mother, nor did I miss the way she hugged his neck dearly.

  Sniffing back tears that threatened to fall I crossed my arms turning away from the bunch. I was pouting. I knew it. I didn’t care. It hurt. My heart ached.

  “You ready to go spend the night with Grammy?” I heard Lenny asking. Avery replied excitedly relaying all of her overnight plans with her Grammy. The four chatted merrily leaving me to stew in my spoiled mood.

  After a long round of goodbyes, Avery was escorted out by my mother; Lenny trailed behind with her bags. For being only three, she had accumulated a lot of luggage for an overnight stay.

  “You can quit with the pity party. We have a case to win. Suck it up buttercup, this one was all on you.” Her words stung, but they were the truth.

  “I’m fine,” I replied shortly.

  “Good, now grab your bag and let’s go.�
�� Lisa gave me a pointed look before spinning in her heels.

  Before I could grab my bag, Lenny appeared. Without a glance in my direction, he grabbed up my bags and walked them out to the car. “Thanks,” I mumbled after him.

  If he heard me he didn’t acknowledge it.

  Grabbing my purse and keys I double checked for my phone before locking the door. By the time I got to the car everything had been loaded. Lisa and Lenny sat in the front seat waiting; both of them had their eyes trained forward. With a huff, I climbed into the back seat.

  This was going to be the longest most disastrous trip ever.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  Lenny

  This was it.

  Blowing out a long stream of breath I mentally prepared myself.

  Angela had gone too far.

  She pushed too hard.

  It was time to put an end to this madness. It wouldn’t be easy. It wouldn’t be fair. I was done playing by their rules. I was done being a gentleman.

  “You ready?” Lisa asked from beside me. I took in her cool calm demeanor wishing I had a fraction of the confidence she exuded.

  Lisa’s thick auburn hair was slicked back into a tight high bun. Her face was perfectly made up in neutral colors making her appear as though she wasn’t wearing any. I knew the truth, only because we had been friends for so long. Lisa never went anywhere without makeup.

  Her well-tailored suit was white, fitting her like a glove. She looked every bit the successful lawyer she was without looking too sexy. The bold red shell she wore underneath provided just enough color to keep her from washing out. Her heels matched the shell, pulling the look together.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” I grumbled. My nerves were set on edge leaving my temper short.

  “Keep your head up and shoulders back. Put your trust in me, Len. I got your back, brother.” Lisa smiled bumping her shoulder against mine.

  I let out one last long breath then signaled I was ready.

  Makayla had been taken back already. She was being held in the judge’s chambers until she was needed. Howard fought to keep her from the proceedings, claiming her statements would be biased if she was allowed to witness the case.

  I didn’t like it. I wasn’t prepared to face Makayla but it didn’t mean I didn’t love her. I would always love her. Perhaps that’s why it bothered me so much that they were pushing her aside, yet again.

  The only thing keeping me from blowing a gasket right now was Lisa. She had agreed that Makayla should be left out of the proceedings until needed. Unlike Howard’s defense team, Lisa believed it would work to our benefit. I trusted Lisa. That was the only reason I let this charade continue.

  The courtroom was empty. Howard had ensured the case would be a closed matter, preventing the media from entering the courtroom.

  I followed Lisa up the long aisle, passing rows of empty benches. Angela Sat beside her father and their legal team. Her smug grin slashed across her face. Howard looked as though he swallowed a lemon, his lips pursed in a grim line.

  Ignoring their stares I took my seat. Lisa tidied her files on the table in front of us, oblivious to the scathing looks being shot in our direction.

  The Bailiff called our attention to rise as the Judge entered. “All rise. The Los Angeles County court is now in session, The Honorable Judge Knowles presiding.”

  “Please be seated.” The Judge motioned with his hands as he studied the docket in front of him, not even casting us a cursory glance. “What on the calendar today?” Judge Knowles asked glancing toward the bailiff.

  “Your Honor, today’s case is Laser Records Label v. Demark.”

  Unconcerned the Judge finally looked out at the courtroom. “Are the attorneys for each side of the case ready?”

  “Yes, your Honor.” Both Lisa and Howard’s attorney replied in unhurried unison.

  “Has either side come to an amicable agreement?”

  “No, your Honor.” The attorneys echoed.

  “Fair enough. Let’s starts with the Plaintiff.”

  Lisa stood. “May it please the court, my name is Lisa Radcliff, counsel for Leonard Demark in this action. We accuse Laser Record label of breach of contract, slander, and intimidation through blackmail and extortion. We are suing in the amount for twenty million dollars in damages.”

  A choking sound came from Howard’s side of the courtroom. It took everything in me to remain stone-faced. Every cell in me wanted to flash both Howard and Angela and snide grin. I had no idea how much Lisa was going to be asking for. Any number in the millions was beyond my comprehension.

  Lisa was pulling out the big guns. She had come to me with a case prepared to go after Angela after the lawsuit over the apartment but I didn’t budge. I hoped that by losing the case Angela would have disappeared. It wasn’t until she messed with my family that I gave Lisa the green light. As if she saw this coming Lisa already had everything in place. It took her no time to track down the evidence needed to go after them for extortion and blackmail. Just before we came out I was served with a Palimony lawsuit by Angela.

  With dear old Daddy behind her, the Howards pushed for an emergency hearing. It took less than a month to get a court date. Less than a month to bring everything to together, bringing us here and now.

  “And for the Defendant?” The Judge asked.

  Howard’s lawyer rose. “May it please the court, my name is Nathaniel Hawthorne, counsel for Laser Record Label in this action. Laser Record Label denies all accusations and is suing on behalf of Angela Howard for Palimony in the amount of Fifty thousand a month until satisfactory employment is obtained.”

  My stomach revolted, threatening to spew its contents on the smooth white marble of the courtroom. Fifty thousand dollars a month? Lisa’s hand on my forearm did nothing to qualm the herd of elephants stampeding on my stomach.

  “Very well,” The Judge replied not even blinking at the sum. “Counsel, how do you plead on the suit for Palimony?”

  “We deny all monies,” Lisa replied curtly.

  “Will both attorneys approach the bench?” Though posed as a question it was clear the request was anything but.

  Lisa gave me a comforting smile before leaving. I watched with bated breath as both attorneys and the Judge spoke in hushed whispers. The seconds ticked by like hours. Perspiration began to gather beading on my forehead. Snatching a napkin off the table in front of me I wiped it away. I could feel Angela’s eyes boring into me. Like heat-seeking missiles, they drilled into the side of my head. I refused to give in. I wouldn’t play her silly little games. I was in this to win.

  Finally, the impromptu meeting of lawyers was over. Lisa smiled smugly as she walked back to the table. “Piece of cake.” She side whispered.

  “Ms. Radcliff, if you will, please present your case.” Lisa shifted through the files on the table, flipping open the covers as she meticulously pulled out the sheets of paper she was looking for.

  “Your Honor, On August 14th, 2018, Laser Record Label released my client, Leonard “Lenz” Demark, from his contract following a two-party Non-disclosure agreement. Said agreement stated neither party was allowed to discuss the reason for their separation or to discuss any business dealings from the past or future. Both parties agreed to part ways with no mention of the other in any media. May I present a copy of the agreement to the court?” Lisa asked.

  “You may.” Lisa handed a copy of the agreement to the bailiff who presented it to the judge.

  “On August 15th, 2018, Angela Howard signed four statements to the press claiming the plaintiff indulged in recreational drug use and was a known habitual user. False medical documents were also handed over to collaborate the statement. I have signed copies of statements provided by all four news medias. I also have signed witness statements and video evidence to prove the allegations against my client were not only false but also slanderous. My client was dismissed from finding future work by eight record labels despite his following. My client lost every one o
f his endorsements and his image was destroyed worldwide. May I present my findings to the court?” Lisa asked.

  It took a moment for the Judge’s jaw to work. He stared at her with wonder. “Please.” He finally managed to mutter.

  Lisa presented three large files to the bailiff along with a CD.

  “Objection.” Mr. Hawthorn shouted out. His voice echoed through the empty courtroom.

  “On what grounds?” The Judge asked intrigued.

  “Angela Howard does not work for Laser Record Label; she is merely the daughter of the owner.” Mr. Hawthorn looked smug as though he had destroyed the case with that one statement.

  “If it pleases the court, I have evidence of Angela Howards tie to the company. She is, in fact, a ten percent owner in the company and does receive a monthly payment from Laser Record Label.” Lisa held out a sheet of paper for the bailiff to collect.

  “Your Honor, The defendant asks for a short recess.” Mr. Hawthorn’s voice had wilted. I sat back in my seat with a satisfied grin.

  “Request denied. I would like to get through the rest of this case. I have more pressing matters to attend to.” I could practically feel the Judge rolling his eyes. “Continue counsel.” Judge Knowles nodded toward Lisa urging her to continue.

  “I have written and video evidence of Angela Howard stalking the plaintiff and his family, demanding the family cast him out or face false statements regarding the care and treatment of his three-year-old daughter. If it pleases the court.” Lisa held out another file of papers along with five CD’s containing footage of Angela sneaking around leaving letters on Makayla’s car and in Avery’s backpack.

  “Does the Plaintiff have anything else to add?” The judge asked.

  “Not at this time Your Honor.” Lisa smiled stepping back behind the desk.