King of Evanston

by Campbell

  “Camilla is my sister’s own self. Secretive and mad as hell sometimes. Love to have her own way as old people would say. Ya right doh.” She breathed hard into the phone. “She’s been planning … for what I don’t know. Glad you sniffed that out. Always knew ya was smart. Dat’s why I asked ya to take her case. Dat and something else.”

  He didn’t ask what that thing was because he suspected he already knew. Miss Mabel had been trying to hook him up for months, saying he needed a woman to cook for him and fatten him up. Not once did it occur to her that he trained and conditioned his body so he could eat whatever he wanted and not gain weight.

  Shaz rose from the mattress and paced the area around the king-size bed. “Has she said anything to give you any idea of what she’s up to?”

  “No, but Camilla’s been acting like Secret Squirrel these past couple of days, so I know she’s up to something. I swear she has the blood of them runaway Maroons in her veins.” She sighed at the reference to the runaway African slaves who battled and won two major wars against British soldiers in the 1700s. “Ya have a plan, young boy?”

  “Maybe, but don’t let me down, Miss Mabel. You can’t say a word.”

  “I can be as secretive as the next woman.” She gave a low cackle. “So secretive, I didn’t tell you or Camilla that I figured ya have dat boy watching my house like we’re in a James Bond movie.”

  A chuckle escaped from Shaz and he stopped, focused on an abstract painting in varying shades of blue—which reminded him of the Jamaican Blue Mountains. “I apologize, but it was necessary for a number of reasons.”

  Miss Mabel commiserated with him. “It’s all right. I know ya only did it to protect her.”

  He stopped in front of the huge bay window, staring into the dark.

  “That boy, Ayanna’s father, needs a doctor to examine his head. Anyway, do what ya have to do to keep Camilla and my grandniece from that good-for-nothing devil’s spawn. Only God can tell why she even looked in his direction.”

  When Shaz thought she wouldn’t stop grousing, Miss Mabel, threw in a farewell. “Anyhow, I can’t stand here chatting with ya all night. The customers can’t serve themselves.”

  As he unlaced his shoes and went to the closet, he said, “Take care of yourself, Miss Mabel.”

  “Do the same for my niece,” she shot back. “Sometimes I think that girl needs saving from herself.”

  Her words sent a shiver down his spine, but he swept it aside. He pulled his hair up in a heavy man bun, stripped off his clothes, and stepped into the warm spray of the shower. The stress of the week knotted his muscles and he’d missed his workout on Wednesday. He wound his head in a slow circle, reassuring himself he didn’t need to worry. Daniel was in place and if Camilla didn’t elude him and put herself at risk, Shaz could rest easy. The thought would have been reassuring, if he’d been dealing with any woman except Camilla.

  CHAPTER 17

  Shaz was beyond ready for Bostwick Construction business to be finalized. Roman had spoken with him earlier in the day and still refused to accept Shaz’s decision. Helping people nagivate the pitfalls of moving to this country was his speciality and that’s where he intended to focus his efforts in the foreseeable future.

  His gaze shifted to Camilla. If she hadn’t already wowed him, Shaz would have been worried his marital status was in danger. They arrived at his parents’ house just over an hour ago, and Paula Bostwick had cornered Camilla the way she would a long-lost friend. Paula apologized for not seeking her out after Sunday service and hugged Camilla. The older woman also embraced Ayanna, who chattered as if she’d also found a new buddy. Ayanna hadn’t let up since then. She tottered among the adults, cute as a doll in a yellow dress and matching sandals. Paula picked her up at every opportunity, as if Roman hadn’t already made her a grandmother twice.

  Paula had ensured they ate while everything was piping hot. Now the family sat around, lazy and sated.

  Shaz brushed his fingertips over Camilla’s bare arm. “You all right, baby girl?”

  Her smile was serene, but there was something hidden behind her shuttered eyes. “I’m fine. Same as I was when you asked five minutes ago.”

  “That’s not nice.” Shaz assumed a wounded expression. “I’m simply concerned about your welfare.”

  A mischievous grin curved Camilla’s lips and her eyes lit up. “My welfare and I are just fine.”

  He clasped her hand in his and kissed the back of it. They sat under an elm tree in the backyard, where Shaz was almost lulled into sleep by the ever-present breeze. His belly was full and he was content with Camilla next to him.

  Teddy Bostwick had worked his usual magic with the grill. The succulent chicken and pork had been seasoned just right and enhanced by Paula’s magic rub. Even now, the fragrant smoke drifted his way.

  Roman, in typical fashion, arrived minutes ago with his family—a full hour after he should have gotten to their parents’ house. The introductions were made and Paula prepared a plate for him and his wife, Venetia. Paula sat with their children—Dominic, who was six, and Shay, two-and-a-half years—trying to get them to eat. Ayanna had wandered over to them and Paula fed her from the same plate. Roman and Niecey sat a few feet away, teasing Shaz as they ate.

  “Seems like we came at the right time,” Roman said.

  “You’re right about that,” Shaz shot back. “If you came any later, I’d have been on my second round.”

  “I doubt that,” Niecey, chipped in. “Looks like you’re too full to move.” Her bright eyes danced as she laid the plate on her lap and twisted her long braids into a coil at the back of her neck.

  Laughing, Shaz said, “That’s the truth. I couldn’t hold a message more, even if you whispered it.”

  After letting out a hearty burst of laughter, his father walked over with a fork in hand. “We still have lots left. May the best man eat his fill.”

  “Don’t worry, I brought a container,” Denise called from where she sat on an outdoor rocking chair with her eyes closed.

  “Welcome to Bostwick Drive Through,” Paula said, using one hand as a bullhorn. “Where guests come equipped with their own Tupperware.”

  Laughing, Denise said, “There’s no way you and Daddy are gonna eat all that leftover food anyway. Trust me, I’m not feeling the least bit guilty about sucking up all your food, plus carting some away with me.”

  “I’d never make the mistake of thinking any such thing,” Paula said, with a sweet smile.

  The entire family laughed at her comment. As their amusement wound down, Martin and Sondra walked through the back door. “I’m empty and ready to fill up,” Martin said, with his arm thrown around his wife’s waist.

  “Hey, everybody.” Sondra waved at the group.

  The family greeted them while Sondra moved toward two empty chairs. “Who’s this little cutie?” she asked, as Ayanna toddled toward Sondra’s open hands to investigate.

  Shaz introduced Camilla and Sondra, and the two women exchanged greetings, then focused on Ayanna who chatted up Sondra in her own language. As she ran to her mother, Sondra’s gaze followed her. When she looked up and caught Shaz watching her, Sondra’s expression went from pensive to happy. But there were shadows in her eyes.

  In his mind, he cursed his brother for being a selfish clod. Some things, Shaz was at liberty to say. Others, not so much. He figured his brother’s continued refusal to have children was mired in his resentment of his father and their history. Why he brought that into his marriage, Shaz had no idea. In his career, sadly, he’d seen what unforgiveness and holding on to baggage from the past did to people. Too bad, Roman hadn’t grown up enough to leave his bitterness behind.

  As he crossed the grass with two plates, Martin watched his wife and the direction of her gaze. When his steps faltered, Shaz bit back a smile. Good for him. It was about time Martin thought about someone other than himself. Things would get ugly in his marriage if he hadn’t told Sondra about his reluctance to have children, b
efore they wed. Only God could help him if that was the case.

  In the background, his father’s music streamed from the house. All of them were used to Teddy Bostwick’s love for ‘the taste of Jamaica’ as he called it. Now, Barrington Levy’s Too Experienced wound his unique sound around the group as they engaged in small talk. When all the plates and utensils were collected, Paula stood and clapped her hands. Shaz immediately understood they were almost at the destination they’d been headed to since everybody arrived.

  “Ladies, let’s move to the kitchen,” Paula announced.

  “When’s dessert?” Roman groused.

  “When I say you can have it.” Paula swept past them, with Shay in her arms and Dominic’s hands in hers.

  “After all these years, you still don’t know your Mama.” Teddy Bostwick chuckled as he took the seat Paula vacated. When the smile left his face, he added, “I need you all to come a little closer.”

  As soon as they settled in a loose circle around him, Teddy looked them each in the eyes in turn. “Nothing was settled after our meeting a couple of weeks ago. Your mama and I aren’t gonna wait forever until you get yourselves sorted out.”

  Shaz knew his father had to be talking to his two older brothers because Shaz was a silent partner in the family business. After their father’s revelation, Martin swore up and down that he wouldn’t be running the business. This, despite the fact that he was most suited to do so.

  Roman was already in the business in his role as an architect and vice president. But, Martin had a degree in business administration and a good head for business. He was simply mule-headed and unforgiving. If the business was to continue to thrive, that had to end now.

  “What’s preventing you from giving up your job at that firm and working for your family?” Shaz asked. “Although we already know what seventy-five percent of your answer’s going to be.”

  Martin threw Shaz a silent, but deadly, gaze. After staring at his hands as if they held the key to the meaning of life, he still didn’t answer.

  Their father sighed, but before he spoke Roman butted in. “If you’re afraid you won’t be successful in the role, I’ll—”

  “I’m not afraid of anyone or anything.” Martin’s answer was much more vehement than it needed to be. He pursed his lips, then continued, “I just have other plans, that’s all.”

  Shaz sucked his teeth and sat back. “You don’t have any plans. You’re simply doing this to get back at Mom and Dad because they need you.”

  Even the wind seemed to stop as Shaz spat his annoyance at his brother. Then everybody spoke at once, their tone strident, their words garbled.

  When he couldn’t get a word in, Teddy yelled, “Silence. All of you.”

  His head swivelled toward Shaz. “You need to apologize to your brother.”

  “What? For speaking the truth? We all know he’s—”

  “If your brother says he has plans, then he has plans.” Teddy let that sink in before he added, “Because no son of mine would be small-minded enough to do something to jeopardise the financial security and stability of this family. Further, none of you would be so cruel as to want us to continue working when our heart isn’t in it anymore.”

  Teddy Bostwick sighed and rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Everything we’ve built is for the four of you. It would be a shame if you three let other people come in and reap what they haven’t sowed.”

  Shaz wanted to pump his fist and throw his arms around his father, but he did neither. Teddy Bostwick is smarter than all three of his sons combined. Their father was giving Martin enough rope to either hang himself or create something with it.

  As Martin’s skin flushed, he lowered his gaze and focused on the grass between his feet.

  After Shaz and Roman exchanged a glance, they watched their father who studied his oldest son. Shaz and Roman continued their silent communication for another few seconds. Then, in an unspoken agreement, they got up and left Teddy and Martin to talk.

  On the way to the kitchen, Roman looked sideways at Shaz. “You know, it’s not too late to detour and come into the business.”

  “I’m not going there with you. You know that.”

  Roman stopped and faced him. “Dad had high hopes you’d say yes.”

  “Give it a rest. Construction isn’t in my blood the way it is in yours or Martin’s.”

  Arms folded, Martin said, “Try telling that to Dad.”

  Shaz’s gaze met his father’s, and with a slight shake of the head he let the older man know he wasn’t up to the task. He’d have been blind or in denial not to admit the disappointment in his father’s eyes was obvious. He sighed and tipped his head back. “It isn’t right for me. Plus, I know nothing about the business.”

  “That’s not true. You forget we all had to work for Dad during the summer. Even Denise.”

  “That’s in the past and like I said—”

  “You’re not interested. I get it.”

  Eyes narrowed, Shaz stared Roman down. “You’re not going to guilt me into giving up my life’s work.”

  “Your life’s work should include what you do for your family.” He pointed to where Dad and Martin sat. “If he doesn’t decide to get his act together, I’ll be doing the work intended for three people.”

  “Don’t start with the melodrama. We both know you’re more capable than most people I know.”

  “That aside, the business needs you. How would you feel knowing Mom and Dad won’t be able to retire because both you and Martin are playing hardball?”

  “I’m not—”

  “Suit yourself.” Disgust was etched on Roman’s face before he turned away and walked into the kitchen.

  Shaz sighed and stared after him. Roman meant well and was fiercely loyal to family. He’d taken punishment for Shaz and intercepted school bullies many times when they were boys—up to the point where Shaz gained a few inches in height and worked on bulking up in the gym. Grateful or not, Shaz didn’t intend to sacrifice his vision to build a family empire that would put money in his pockets but didn’t bring him joy.

  CHAPTER 18

  Nothing Shaz heard at today’s meeting comforted him. The Castle was rife with more misdeeds than they could sort out in a month or two. All the information he’d pieced together from what the other Kings provided, made him more concerned for Camilla.

  Jai’s voice pierced Shaz’s mental cloud cover. “That completes my report on some approved meds and procedures by the State and my thoughts about how we can enhance the health facilities here.”

  “Sounds feasible,” Vikkas said, to a rumble of agreement from the other men.

  “You all right, Shaz?” Dro asked with a concerned expression. “You’ve hardly said a word.”

  “I’m good.” He pulled his iPad closer. “I’m wrapping my head around some of the information you gathered over the weekend.” He didn’t speak to the other items weighing on his spirit.

  A news item that turned his stomach had been seemingly linked to the adoption agency within The Castle. Two-Year-Old Toddler Found Gutted In Dumpster. In his research yesterday, he discovered the child was connected to an immigrant from Kenya who worked within The Castle walls. The baby had been a candidate for adoption with New Visions and had been placed with a family, who already had a child of the same age. Their biological child needed a liver transplant. The family’s explanation was that during the adoption process, they were unaware that they were pregnant. When they found out, they terminated the adoption arrangements. A week earlier, the child had gone missing from a day care center. Frantic, the mother had reported the matter to the police. Days later, the toddler turned up in the dumpster. The weird thing was, the information trail tapered to a dead end. The file of the dead child had gone missing.

  Shaz didn’t want his mind to run any further on that track, but was willing to bet the liver the other child needed was harvested from the toddler found in the dumpster.

  “With no further matters to be discusse
d, this meeting is terminated,” Vikkas announced. “We reconvene next Monday.”

  Shaz didn’t stick around to hear anything else. The most important matter had been first on the agenda—the updates on the attempted assassination of their mentor. Progress was slow and steady, but Shaz suspected that undertaking was bigger than it first appeared—the way the bulk of a glacier stayed hidden from the naked eye.

  The culprits had plotted and executed their attack in such a way that there didn’t seem to be a coordinated effort. The Kings were convinced nothing was further from the truth. Shaz was convinced time would reveal all the players involved in the assassination attempt.

  He was deep in thought when Dwayne fell into step beside him as they headed for the elevator that would take them to the ground floor.