Singing a Song...

by Crystal V. Rhodes

  Darnell was unable to hide her surprise. “You don’t sound half bad.”

  “Thank you.” Thad was pleased by the compliment, considering the source.

  “You’ll have plenty of time to perfect your singing style in jail.” Darnell crossed her legs and began swinging her foot. “It’s good you have another talent. Your shattered acting career will need a new direction once you get out.”

  Thad laughed as his eyes followed the swing of her shapely leg. He shook his head in amazement at the woman’s tenacity. “Lady, you are something else!”

  Darnell followed his gaze, and Thad looked away guiltily, but it was too late.

  “In your dreams,” she hissed, glaring at him.

  Thad chuckled. He had been caught red-handed. He gave an exaggerated shiver. “Brrr, it’s cold in here.”

  “Not half as cold as it’s going to be in jail,” she shot back. “Get used to it.”

  Thad sighed. Despite their altercation at her house, in Hazelwood’s garage, and practically everywhere else they had been together, he had hoped that their drive to Oakland would be a bit more amicable. This could be the opportunity he had been looking for to talk to her. “Come on, Darnell, loosen up. That’s the third time you’ve threatened me with jail. It was you who wasted my time today. Now you’re complaining when the tables are turned.”

  “But I didn’t kidnap you.”

  “I didn’t kidnap you, either. I’m merely taking you on a little ride since I didn’t have time to take you home.”

  “Tell it to the judge.” She shifted in her seatbelt, turning her entire body away from him. “This conversation is over.”

  Thad got the message, but he pressed on anyway. No matter how angry she made him, he didn’t want to fight with her anymore. There were matters to be discussed. A truce was needed that wouldn’t be broken five minutes later. He was ready to smoke a peace pipe—again.

  “All right, do what you’ve got to do, but I bet you’ll enjoy where we’re going. I saw the artwork hanging all over your house, and this is a great gallery we’re going to.”

  Darnell’s head snapped around. “You’re going to an art gallery?”

  “Yep.”

  Darnell’s interest increased. “So why didn’t you just tell me where you were going and ask me if I wanted to go instead of abducting me like some Neanderthal?”

  “I didn’t plan on you coming with me, but my appointment was at three, and I had planned to be there on time, but that’s shot to hell. I’ve got the opportunity to get a Romare Bearden original, and I need to get to that gallery.”

  That really piqued her interest. Darnell turned completely toward Thad. He smiled to himself, glad that they had finally found a common interest. He continued, “I can get it at a good price, too. The gallery owner is a friend of mine. I called her when I was at your house because I could see that I might be late. She’s waiting for me. As a favor, she’s even closing the gallery when I get there so I can shop in peace.”

  Darnell cocked her head, eyeing him suspiciously. Did he really know anything about art, or was this a line? She was serious about putting his butt in jail. “I wouldn’t think you’d even know who Romare Bearden was. What do you know about art?”

  “I’ve been an art collector for about six years. It’s one of my hobbies. My attorney, Ray…remember him?”

  Darnell nodded.

  “He’s the one who got me interested. He said it would be a good investment, and I got hooked. Bearden is one of my favorites. I have two originals already.”

  Darnell could no longer hide her excitement. “Really? What else does the gallery have? Any Varnetta Honeywood originals?”

  Thad liked seeing this antimated side of her. Her eyes were actually sparkling. He didn’t know the answer to her questions, but it didn’t matter. His mission was accomplished. They had found common ground. Another truce had been declared.

  * * *

  The art gallery was located near historic Jack London Square in a large, renovated warehouse. The building was made resplendent by its high ceilings and skylights, and there were a multitude of potted and hanging plants. Camelback sofas were placed strategically on each of its two tiers.

  Thad introduced the gallery owner, Regine Lexy. He had stated that she was a friend, but Darnell quickly noted that Regine seemed to think of herself as a little more than that. Her greeting was less than enthusiastic as she limply shook Darnell’s hand. A statuesque beauty, Regine stood at least six feet tall to Darnell’s five feet, seven inches. In her early thirties, her olive skin was flawless. Her luxuriant brown hair framed an exquisite face dominated by hazel eyes that were reserved for Thad only. At first, she had seemed surprised when he arrived with someone. She quickly turned territorial as she inspected Darnell from head to toe.

  “I didn’t know that you and Thad were friends,” she stated coolly.

  “We aren’t.” Darnell turned her back to the two of them and began to inspect the artwork on the walls.

  Thad could see from Darnell’s stance that she didn’t appreciate Regine’s attitude. Inwardly, he groaned. He knew Regine, and as tough as she was, he doubted that she was a match for Darnell. The woman had no idea what she was in for if she pushed Darnell too far. He hadn’t come here for a cat fight. All he wanted was a painting.

  At one time, he and Regine had been “an item,” according to the press. In reality, they had dated for a few months and then parted. She was a jealous, possessive woman, and their parting had been less than amicable. A year had passed since he’d seen her. He hadn’t heard from her again until a few weeks ago when she called to tell him about the gallery and the availability of the Bearden painting. At the time, he had suspected that there might be more behind the telephone call, and given her present demeanor, he recognized that his suspicions had more than likely been correct.

  Thad met Regine’s questioning look at Darnell’s comment with a shrug and changed the subject. “When can I see the Bearden?”

  As Regine continued to hang onto him, engaging in chit-chat about people and places he had forgotten long ago, he watched Darnell out of the corner of his eye as she studied the paintings, lithographs and prints, seemingly oblivious to them both. He wanted to join her and regain the camaraderie that their common interest had created on the way to the gallery. He found that he enjoyed those rare times when the two of them got along. She was intelligent, introspective, and also pretty good with the one-liners.

  Darnell was aware of Thad’s scrutiny, but she chose to ignore him. After all, she was here against her will. Sure, she had enjoyed the rest of the journey with him after getting over the shock of being kidnapped, but that was then, this was now. She did not appreciate being in this gallery and being given the evil eye by the Wicked Witch of the West.

  “We’re going to see the Bearden, Darnell. Are you coming?”

  She turned at Thad’s inquiry. For a moment, she hesitated, wanting to tell him that she wouldn’t think of interfering with his liaison with the exotic Regine. But the moment passed, common sense overruled, and she nodded. She joined Thad and Regine as they moved up the winding staircase to the second floor.

  The trip to the gallery proved fruitful for them both. After viewing the Bearden, which Thad purchased on the spot, Darnell discovered a rare Varnetta Honeywood print. After making arrangements for delivery of their purchases, they prepared to head back to Carmel.

  With a forced smile Regine held out her hand to Darnell. “Well, this has been a profitable showing. I hope that you are pleased with your purchase.”

  Darnell shook her hand graciously, returning her smile. Despite the cool reception she had received earlier, she had to admire Regine as a businesswoman. She was a whiz when it came to making a sale.

  “I’m very pleased. Thank you, and good evening.”

  Regine had a less formal farewell planned for Thad. Standing flush with him, she kissed him tenderly.

  Darnell sighed impatiently. Why didn’t they just
get a room?

  “I’ll wait in the car,” she announced to no one in particular as she exited the gallery, slamming the door behind her.

  Thad barely noticed her departure as he recovered from Regine’s affectionate farewell. She had caught him off guard again, and he didn’t like it.

  “What are you up to, Regine?”

  Ignoring his question, Regine had one of her own. “What are you up to? What’s going on between you and Darnell Cameron?”

  Thad frowned at the audacity of her inquiry but decided to choose diplomacy over confrontation. He’d had enough conflict for one day.

  “You’re a friend, Regine. We go way back and I value you as a person, so let me just say that I really appreciate the business we do together, and I want to thank you for the tip on the Bearden painting.”

  He left the gallery with her question unanswered. As he and Darnell drove away, neither of them noticed Regine’s malevolent glare as she stood in the gallery entrance watching them.

  Headed back to the Peninsula, Darnell still felt tense from her encounter with the gallery owner. She didn’t care who Thad slept with, but she would have thought that he would have better taste than Regine Lexy. The woman was a phony! Deciding that Regine wasn’t worth further thought, Darnell occupied herself with the passing scenery until Thad broke the silence.

  “Do you think they recognized you, too?” He knew the question was frivolous, but he wanted her to talk. He wanted a return of the connection that they had found previously. He had really enjoyed it.

  Darnell turned confused eyes toward him. “What are you talking about?”

  “Those people in the car back there. They spotted me when I was coming down the steps of the gallery. I could tell they recognized me. They started to do a U-turn. That’s why I took off so quickly. Didn’t you notice?”

  Darnell shrugged. “No, I didn’t. She turned back to the window. The sun was setting. She was anxious to get home.

  Thad frowned. Not the cold shoulder again. What had he done this time? He tried again.

  “I don’t think they saw you, but we can’t be too careful. We wouldn’t want anybody to think that we’re together. Perish the thought!”

  Mistaking his teasing for sarcasm, Darnell turned to him. Her generous mouth was set as her eyes skittered across his face. “Yes, perish it quickly.”

  Thad sighed. “Are you hungry? We’ll be heading into the Santa Cruz Mountains. We can grab a burger first.”

  “Nope, I’m not hungry.” Her voice was a monotone.

  Thad had had enough. “What’s with you? You run hot and cold more often than a faucet! And what was that little performance back there at Regine’s?”

  Darnell snapped her head around so fast that she thought it might come off her neck. Performance? Did he say performance? One of his girlfriends takes a dislike to her and he accuses her of a performance?

  Her voice was granite. “If one was given, it was mutual. I suggest that you keep your mouth shut and your eyes on the road. There seems to be a slowdown ahead.”

  She was right. For nearly two hours Thad and Darnell sat in standstill traffic while an accident was cleared ahead of them. Thad was determined not to say another word to this wacky woman, and the sentiment seemed to be mutual as Darnell ignored him. Eventually, she scooted down in her seat, closed her eyes, and fell asleep.

  It was dark when she awakened. Looking at the clock, Darnell stretched the kinks out of her body.

  “It looks like we finally got out of that mess. How far are we up the mountain?”

  Thad didn’t answer. He was still irritated about their earlier exchange. Gripping the wheel, he kept his eyes on the road. Women! They were nothing but trouble. He didn’t know why he continued to bother with them, especially this one. Forget the script! Forget everything! He had made every possible attempt to be civil to Darnell over the past few days, and what had he gotten for his kindness? Slapped in the face every time. If he hadn’t been raised to be a gentleman, he would drop Darnell Cameron off on the side of the road and let her cute little butt hitchhike home.

  He glanced at her with the thought in mind. She was looking at the speedometer.

  “You’re going a little fast in these mountains, aren’t you?” Darnell looked up through the front windshield at the blackness ahead of them as they climbed the winding mountain highway leading to Santa Cruz. It was a dangerous trek in broad daylight, and at night it could be treacherous.

  Thad grunted unappreciatively. On top of everything else, she was a backseat driver! Annoyed, but not wanting to frighten her or harm them both, he heeded her warning and slowed the car down a little. At that instant, there was a pop, and the car swerved to the left.

  Darnell gasped, her eyes wide with fear. Thad fought for control of the car. With lightening reflexes, he turned the steering wheel left, right, left, and finally gave the wheel a sharp right. The car careened off the paved highway onto a gravel road, spitting rocks and dust in its path.

  CHAPTER 7

  Frantically, Thad fought to control the steering wheel, avoiding the brake until he had command of the vehicle. Finally, he brought the car to an abrupt stop. Thankfully, their seatbelts held them.

  For a moment Thad sat immobilized as he uttered a silent prayer of thanks. He turned to Darnell, who was trembling but unharmed.

  “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, hugging herself in an effort to stop shaking. “What…what happened?”

  Thad peered out the window into the surrounding darkness, pierced only by the glare of the car headlights. “I heard a popping sound. I think the tire blew.”

  Opening the door, he stepped out into the night and groped his way to the back of the car to confirm his suspicion. Reappearing a few seconds later, he reached through the open window and retrieved the car key. “I was right. It’s a flat.”

  Feeling his way to the rear of the car again, he fumbled with the lock until the trunk opened, then, aided by the trunk light, he rummaged around inside looking for tools to change the tire. While she waited for him to return, Darnell’s breathing gradually returned to normal. They had survived, thanks to God and thanks to Thad’s skillful driving. She said a prayer of gratitude for both.

  Thad reappeared and slid into the driver’s seat, slamming the door behind him. He wasn’t happy.

  “What’s wrong?”

  He sighed. “No jack.”

  “No jack?” Darnell echoed. “This is a new car. What could have happened to the jack?”

  “I wonder.” He couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of his voice. He glanced at the glowing clock on the dashboard. “It’s not too late. We seem to be on an access road, not far off the highway. I hear cars going by. I’m with the Auto Club, I’ll call for…”

  He was about to reach for the console between the bucket seats when he remembered that he wasn’t in his car. Did this car have a telephone? He flipped up the console. It was empty. He slammed it down. “So much for Plan A. Let’s go to Plan B.”

  Reaching in his jacket pocket, he whipped out his cell phone. The flashing message on the screen and the look on his face told Darnell the problem.

  “Low battery?”

  Thad nodded. “Have you got your cell phone on you?”

  Darnell opened her purse to withdraw it and was met with a surprise—no telephone. She sighed. “I changed purses. It must be in the other one. But I do have a small flashlight on my keychain.” She held it up for him to see.

  They began to consider alternate plans. Walking back to the highway to hitchhike wasn’t a good idea. The flashlight they had was too small to be of much service, and standing on the narrow mountain highway was dangerous and unwise. Neither one of them remembered seeing an emergency roadside phone, and neither had any idea where the nearest one could be. The most prudent idea was to spend the night in the car. At daybreak, they could make their way to the highway and get assistance.

  Thad hated to admit it, but this big car was going to come in hand
y. It was roomy, and they could stretch out. He felt guilty about the predicament they were in. She wouldn’t be stuck in these mountains if he hadn’t forced her to come with him. Look where it had gotten them. It got cold in the mountains, and she was wearing shorts. They weren’t practical for mountain temperatures, and he was concerned.

  “Are you cold?”

  Hugging herself, Darnell rubbed her bare arms. “Yes, I am. I was thinking that we can turn the headlights off, and maybe we could keep the dash light on for a short while to get settled, then we’d better turn it off, too. We may need to crank the car for heat later.”

  Thad didn’t want to tell her that it wasn’t only the battery that they had to worry about. He had failed to buy gas on their way back to the Peninsula. His plan had been to stop in Santa Cruz to fill up. It was a decision he now regretted. He didn’t know how long they could keep warm.

  “May I use that flashlight?” he asked. Darnell complied.

  With the aid of the small light, he made his way to the trunk once again, then returned to the front seat carrying a leather Louis Vuitton overnight bag. He had transferred it from his sports car to the rental car when they were at the garage. With the dash light still illuminating the interior, he opened the bag and withdrew a knit pullover sweater. He handed it to Darnell. “Put this on.”

  Darnell slipped it over her head. The garment was much too big. The sleeves covered her hands and flopped around limply as she tried to push them up her arms.

  Thad laughed. “Here, give me your arm. Let me fold those sleeves for you.”

  Leaning toward her, he took her arm in his hands and meticulously began to fold the sleeve up her arm. Darnell shifted in her seat, unsettled by his closeness and the tantalizing smell of his cologne. She could feel herself growing warmer, and she knew that it wasn’t because of the sweater.

  Thad laid her right arm gently in her lap and started to roll her left sleeve. Darnell wanted to snatch her arm away, but how silly would that be? After all, he had done nothing to warrant such behavior except to escalate her heartbeat.