Chandler soon followed suit and drifted off into a light sleep. He was awakened by the feel of someone moving or shaking next to him. When he opened his eyes, he saw a strikingly beautiful older version of Aisha hovered over her, jabbing Aisha on the arm.
“Aisha, wake up. Wake up,” the woman ordered. Chandler rubbed his eyes and sat upright on the sofa.
“Oh, hi, Mrs. Carlisle.”
“And you are?” Mrs. Carlisle inquired gruffly.
“Chandler Larson. I met you several months ago at the Mayor’s Gala. I’m a friend of Aisha’s.”
“Oh, yes, I think I remember meeting you.”
“Mom, what’s wrong? Is Daddy okay?”
“He’s the same, Aisha. I came down here to see if you were still here. I think I’m going to go home and change and check on the house. Can you stay here until I get back? I shouldn’t be gone for more than a couple of hours.”
“Of course...I’ll stay.”
Before abruptly turning to leave Mrs. Carlisle looked over at Chandler. “Nice to see you again, Chandler.”
“Mrs. Carlisle, would you like to take something to eat with you? I brought a couple of subs for you and Aisha.”
“No, but thanks for thinking of us. I don’t have an appetite right now.”
“I want to tell you that I hate that we had to meet again under these circumstances, Mrs. Carlisle. I hope everything turns out fine for your husband. And if there’s anything I can do, please by all means tell Aisha and I’ll be glad to do it.”
“Thank you, young man,” she responded without feeling.
“That was nice of you, Chandler.”
“I just said what I meant. I told you, I’m here for you Aisha.”
Aisha’s cell phone began to ring the familiar tone that let her know it was Elisa calling.
“Excuse me, Chandler, I have to get this.”
“Sure, go right ahead. I’m going to stretch my legs for a minute. I’ll be back.” He stood up and headed into the outer hospital area.
“How’s your father, Aisha?” Elisa asked.
“Not so good I’m afraid.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“What’s up with you?”
“I was just calling to check on you. You haven’t been here in a couple of days and I haven’t heard from you. Jason said he hadn’t either. I wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“Yeah, I’ll be okay. My friend is here. You know the one I’ve been seeing.”
“Uh, Chandler isn’t it?”
“That’s right. What’s going on? Anything I should know about.”
“Well, we have a couple of new members. Both of them are quite handsome too girl. That’s another reason I was calling.”
Aisha hoped Elisa wasn’t about to ask her to come to work. She had no time to think about dancing. She hadn’t even been to her own dance studio in two days. Her mind was on her father and nothing else.
“If you’re thinking about asking me to come in, you must be crazy. I’m not leaving this hospital.” The irritation in Aisha’s voice was evident but Elisa didn’t back down.
“Hey, I know you’re going through some tough things right now. But listen, we all are. That’s life. You have to learn how to roll with the punches.”
“Roll with the punches,” Aisha shouted. Eyes from some of the others in the waiting room zeroed in on her when she shouted. She placed her hand over her mouth and the miniature cell phone and continued talking. “Look, this is more than rolling with the punches as you put it. My father is in Critical Care. I don’t know if he’s going to get better and you want me to come in and shake my tail because of some new clients. Girl, puhleeze. You must be snorting more than coke.”
“Jason insists that you come. All you have to do is entertain one of the new clients for an hour or two and then you’re out of here. There’s a huge bonus in it for you too. Plus, you don’t have to be here until around eleven tonight. That gives you a few more hours to spend at the hospital. You can come here, do your thing, and go right back to the hospital.”
Aisha spotted Chandler walking back into the CCU Waiting Area. “Look, I’ll call you back. Let me think about it.”
“Don’t call me. Just come. Like I said, it’s going to be well worth your time. Bye now.”
“Don’t hang up on my account,” Chandler told her.
“No, it’s nothing like that. The conversation was over anyway.” He sat down beside her again and held her hand.
“What time can you go see your father?”
Aisha glanced at her watch before answering. “Visiting hours are for fifteen minutes every two hours. ” I can go up in about thirty minutes.”
“Well, that gives you time to taste some of this food you promised me you’d eat. I won’t leave here until you do,” he smiled.
“If you insist, Chandler.” She took several small bites of the sub sandwich before folding the remainder inside the crinkled wrapping. “Now are you satisfied?”
“Not really. I was hoping you would have eaten a little more, but I won’t nag this time around,” he teased.
“Good. For that you get a kiss.” She laughed and kissed him lightly on his full lips.
“Ummm. I like that,” he crooned sexily in her ear.
“Now you go on and get out of here. Didn’t you say you had a client to meet later?”
“Yeah, I do. But I’ll sit here with you until you get ready to visit your dad, then I’ll be on my way. I’ll still have plenty of time to get to my appointment.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, what kind of land deal is it?”
Chandler didn’t stutter at all when the lie dripped from his lips. He was used to fudging the truth with family, friends and the criminals he found himself working around. “It’s a deal for an apartment unit. I’ve been working with this guy for a couple of weeks now and I think we’re going to seal the deal tonight.”
“That’ll be great. We’ll have to celebrate soon, I hope.”
“Yes soon. But right now it’s time for you to head upstairs. I’m going to get out of here. I’ll try to call you later, okay?” They both stood and exited the CCU waiting area. Chandler walked her to the elevator. “See you,” he looked in her eyes, missing her already.
“See you,” she responded with the same reply. He leaned down, drew her into his arms and kissed her passionately oblivious to any one standing around them. The ding sound of the elevator startled them. Chandler pulled away from Aisha and speaking in their own silent language they went their separate ways.
CHAPTER 26
Aisha called the dance studio and left a voice mail message for Angie. She gave her an update about her father’s condition and told her she would be by the studio the next day. Because of her ever growing bank account, she was able to hire two additional dance instructors. That way she was able to keep the studio open while she spent time at the hospital. Working at The Lynx had its perks and whenever her spirit nudged her to give it up, she somehow managed to find a reason not to. This time she convinced herself that all of the extra money she was making helped provide so much more for her students. What she said was true, but she still felt dirty and hypocritical for doing what she did at The Lynx. Yet, it wasn’t enough to make her quit like she had told Elisa she was going to do.
She turned into her personal parking space and stepped out of the car into the warm muggy night. It was almost Easter and normally she would be fasting for Lent but no such thoughts had entered her mind this time. This year she wasn’t willing to give up anything for 40 days. Lord, I promise you that I’m going to stop this, she mumbled under her breath as she took long strides toward the entrance.
“Elisa, what did Aisha say? Is she going to show up or not?” Jason didn’t want to aggravate their newest member, Kyle Taylor.
“I haven’t talked back to her. But if I know Aisha like I think I know Aisha, she’ll be walking through that door any second now. She’s hooked on making this money.”<
br />
“I hope you know what you’re talking about. We have a lot at stake. I told you in the beginning that I didn’t like to recruit girls like her. We should stick to the ones we traffick in instead of women like Aisha. This establishment has managed to maintain its status and stay out of the Fed limelight. Girls like her can bring trouble.”
“Jason, stop bugging won’t you?” Elisa threw her hand up in the air. “You’re being way too paranoid. Aisha is one of the best dancers we have and she’s naïve as hell. That’s why she’s one of our most requested private dancers. And now that she’s hooked on coke, we don’t have anything to worry about.”
Jason cast a strange look at Elisa.
“What’s up with that look you’re giving me?” she asked, placing a hand on her hip. The tangerine dress she wore barely covered her luscious thighs and her butt reminded him of Jennifer Lopez’s luscious booty.
“I remember when you first came to The Lynx. You were a scared, frightened fifteen-year old runaway. When I saw you standing alone at the entrance of the mall in Maryland, you looked like you were starving to death. When I walked up to you, your eyes grew big as Bo dollars,” Jason grinned.
“Jason, that was a long time ago. I’ve learned a lot since then. I’ve learned how to survive. I’ve learned that this world won’t give you anything. You have to go out and get it for yourself any way you can.”
“And you did just that Elisa. Look at you now. You’re basically running this whole operation. You’re doing a fantastic job of it too. That’s why you get paid the top dollars. And Gabby will never have to worry about a thing.”
Suddenly Elisa’s face turned ghostly at the mention of her daughter. “Jason, don’t even go there,” she lashed out.
“Woe, hold up. What did I say? Gabby’s a beautiful girl but you don’t have to worry about her being brought into this business,” he paused. “Unless of course, you decide differently,” he remarked in a threatening voice that Elisa knew all too well. It was true, she did make plenty of money. But if she ever thought about leaving the business, she had been subtlety warned about what would happen to Gabby. She helped bring in young girls all the time, sometimes traveling around the United States to snatch homeless, starry-eyed teens and runaways. She’d even gone to some of the islands as well and organized the transport of girls, not to mention a few boys to satisfy the perverted taste of some of The Lynx clientele.
“Do I know what I’m talking about or not? Look who’s coming through the door.” Elisa spoke to Jason under her breath. “Well, I’ll be…” Jason said and shook his head back and forth. “You are good, Elisa.” He walked over to meet Aisha. “Aisha, sweetheart, how’s your father?” he asked her pretending to be truly concerned.
“If you really gave a crap, you wouldn’t have insisted that I be here tonight,” she huffed at him.
“Darling, you’re stressed. Take it easy. I promise, tonight will be a breeze. A couple of hours will be gone before you know it. Now, go on and get dressed up real nice for me. We’re going to meet him at his place.” Jason instructed her.
Aisha shot back, “Why are we going to his place? I thought we only did that for a very small number of our members. What makes this one so special?”
“Don’t you worry yourself about such minor details. Just go and get dolled up.” Aisha swiftly jerked her body around without responding to Jason. The last thing she wanted to do was go to some client’s house, but she also thought, the sooner she did this, the sooner she could get back to the hospital.
Aisha showered and changed into a violet slip style mini dress in stretch lace. with a v neck that rested closer to her thighs than her knees. Her extra drug thin frame was supported by a pair of matching strappy Giuseppe sandals with a five inch heel. She resembled one of America’s Next Top Models.
The drive to the client’s house led along a stretch of dark roads with twists and curves. She was amazed that there were still parts of Memphis she was unfamiliar with and this was one such time. The long drive led them to a gated community on the bluffs. Aisha’s eyes widened as they approached the large estate. They followed the circular drive and pulled up in front of the massive stained glass doors leading to the front entrance.
Going up the stairs, Aisha reminded Jason one final time about the night’s event. “Jason, I’m telling you, I’m not going to be here all night. Two hours tops and I’m outta here, even if I have to leave here walking. “
“I hear you. Just come on.”
Jason rang the doorbell and an older full figured Asian woman dressed in a traditional maid’s uniform answered the door.
“We’re here to see Mr. Taylor. He’s expecting us,” Jason remarked. Without responding the woman directed them inside the foyer with the wave of her hand. She glared at Aisha with a look of distaste.
As they followed her lead, the maid spoke for the first time. With a thick accent she said, “Have a seat in here please. Mr. Taylor will be with you momentarily.” They walked into the living room that was richly painted in textured butter cream and accented with oversized printed furniture lined with traces of butter cream and splashes of red. The massive stone fireplace curved along the soaring ceilings radiating an aura of peace and tranquility. After waiting several minutes, the maid re-entered the living room with a tray of h’orduevres. “May I get you something to drink?”
“I’d like a shot of grey goose with cranberry juice,” Jason quickly answered. He turned and looked at Aisha.
“A martini for me, please.”
“I’ll be back shortly with your drinks.”
Aisha reached inside her handbag and pulled out her baby girl. After taking a snort in each nose she offered the vial to Jason.
“None for me tonight.” He motioned the vial away with his hand. Aisha took another hit and immediately felt a sense of relaxation. She didn’t notice the gentleman who had quietly entered the room. Kyle Taylor watched the mysterious woman put what he thought to be coke in each nostril. Her back was to him, but he could make out the side profile of her despite her flowing black twists.
“Uhmm,” he said pretending to clear his throat. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.” He walked further into the living room. “Hello Jason,” Kyle spoke and extended his hand. He still hadn’t seen the face of his private dancer just yet. When she turned and looked in his direction, he found it hard to shield the faint feeling that suddenly washed over him. Oh my God, no. This can’t be, he thought to himself. Without hesitation he extended his hand out to hers and she released a captivating smile, not recognizing the well disguised Chandler Larson.
“Hello, I’m Kyle.”
“It’s nice to meet you Kyle. I’m Luscious.” He hoped she couldn’t see him reeling with disbelief. The undercover cop disguised as the Asian maid walked in with their drinks. The minor distraction gave Chandler time to refocus on his assignment. Aisha and Jason took their drinks.
“Mr. Taylor, unless you need something else, I’m going to leave now. I’ll return for Luscious when I receive your call.”
“That’s fine.. I’ll talk to you later.” He turned to the maid and asked her to escort Jason to the door.
“Luscious, ahhh. What a lovely name,” Kyle managed to say.
As they continued to make idle chatter, he realized she had no idea who he was, which was a good thing for him. He didn’t want his cover blown when he was so close to unveiling the inside operations going on at The Lynx. He knew that Jason and Elisa were the two who worked directly for the illusive mastermind behind the whole trafficking operations at The Lynx. But what part did Aisha play in this sordid game? Did she know what she was involved in and who she was involved with? He thought he knew her so well. Though they hadn’t been completely intimate with each other, he had already been hypnotized by her beauty and charm. How could she have deceived him like she had? From all indications, she had fooled him into believing she was a good girl who loved God. But looking at her tempting attire and remembering her lies about
her second job, he couldn’t fathom her being a part of anybody’s church or religion. He began to second guess everything she had told him. And to add insult to injury she had pretended like she was so shy and reserved. He thought of Tracye and her betrayal. At that moment he loathed the very sight of Aisha. Instead of striking her like he so wanted to do, he reached for her hand and stood up. “Come with me,” he commanded.
Aisha stood up and allowed him to take her hand inside his own. He led her into the master suite. She walked inside the mammoth bedroom. Lights were dimmed and seductive music played softly on the surround sound system. He strolled over to the taupe wraparound chaise and sat down. He stared at her with lust and became aroused at the very sight of her presence.
Aisha began to sway seductively back and forth, becoming one with the music. She knew what her clients liked and she had no problem giving them what they wanted. Thoughts of her father, friends and of course God were replaced with what she was doing at this very moment. She flung her head back and the locks of her hair blanketed over past the back of her shoulders. With each pulsating beat of the music, she moved rhythmically, masterfully luring Kyle in to her web of femininity. As if reading his mind, she moved in closer to him. The scent of her cologne wafted underneath his nostrils, sending him into a world where he was Kyle Taylor, a wealthy executive with an insatiable sexual desire. For the next few minutes, he totally forgot that the woman dancing before him, enticing him, luring him was Aisha.
Aisha danced several more dances for her client. She couldn’t help but think about how handsome he was. He reminded her of someone but she couldn’t put her finger on whom. Lost in her thoughts, she barely realized when he reached out and grabbed her around her waist and pulled her down on the chaise next to him. His breathing was heavy. She could actually smell the faint scent of liquor on his breath. She had never allowed a client to get this close and personal with her but something about him ignited a flame within her. She allowed him to kiss her without any resistance. He sucked in her breath as if it was part of his own. His kisses engulfed her and he became rough and more demanding. His hands briskly explored her thin body. When she heard his heavy breathing and felt his hands go places she’d never let any man visit, she yanked away from his tight grasp.
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