Singing a Song...

by Crystal V. Rhodes

  Thad tensed. Hooked up to her man for a long time? Rumor of an engagement? It sounded familiar. “Who is this woman? How do you know it wasn’t just a rumor that she’s free?”

  Duncan leaned back in his chair and chuckled. “Do you really think I’m going to give you her name? I’m going to have enough competition as it is. I’m telling you, man, the line to mend her broken heart is going to be long, and I don’t need the crowd. Her boyfriend just married somebody else. But I’ve got the inside track on this one—an invitation to a little event that’s going to put me dead in the running for her attention.” Then abruptly, Duncan stopped talking, as if aware that he had already said too much. He turned to address someone passing by.

  Duncan had been right. He had said a little too much. Thad’s brain went into overdrive as he fought for control of every muscle in his body. When he was a child of twelve, his father had taught him how to play poker. The major lesson that he had learned was how to bluff, and he had learned his lesson well. Measuring the timing of his words, he cocked his head at just the right angle, looked at Duncan with a trace of skepticism and said, “So, it’s going to be you and Darnell Cameron, huh?”

  Duncan’s head whipped around so quickly it looked as if it might fly off his neck. His eyes were as large as saucers. “I didn’t say a thing about Darnell Cameron!”

  Bingo! The man was after Darnell! His Darnell! Thad fought to keep his anger in check. He wanted to slam his fist into the man’s face.

  Duncan sat eyeing Thad suspiciously. “I thought you were hooked up with that gallery owner I saw you with on the magazine cover.” His voice was cautious, hopeful.

  Thad gave him a noncommittal smile but didn’t answer. Let him think what he wanted. He had business to attend to. Excusing himself, he went to find Ray.

  Spotting Thad barreling across the room toward him at high speed, Ray knew the reason for the urgency—Lance Austin’s marriage to another woman. A reliable source had just confirmed what had been a rumor as fact. It was obvious that Thad had heard the same news. Ray waved a hand above the crowd to get Thad’s attention. The next thing Ray knew Thad was unceremoniously dragging him by the arm across the room. Finding a vacant spot, Thad pinned him against the wall and barked, “Lance Austin got married, and not to Darnell.”

  Ray grinned at the look of excitement on Thad’s face. “I heard.”

  “I want you to get me into that San Francisco concert tomorrow, Ray. Can you do it before you go out of town?

  “I’ll make a call tonight, but something tells me you won’t have a problem getting admitted.”

  Thad grinned. “You don’t think so, huh?”

  Ray slapped him on the back, glad that there might be a happy ending for his friend. “No, my man, you’re as good as in already. This time, don’t let anything stand in the way of making her yours.”

  The advice was appreciated, but unnecessary. He would let nothing stop him from being with Darnell.

  CHAPTER 26

  The household staff was abuzz with excitement at the presence of Mr. Ingram as an overnight guest. In the weeks since Mr. Waters had been in residence, there had been plenty of telephone calls, but not one single visitor to the house. The young man was personable, undemanding and as neat as a pin. At dinner that evening, he had thanked the cook for a delicious meal, and in the morning when the butler had offered to pack his clothing, he had declined. In the short time he was a guest, he had endeared himself to each of them.

  As they stood watching Mr. Waters’s car pull away from the house, the butler informed the others, “Those two men are gentlemen indeed. Mr. Ingram even refused my offer to drive him to the airport since Mr. Waters had already offered to do so.”

  “Where is he from?” The housekeeper was curious. It seemed that neither of the two men had inadvertently provided much information about themselves, which was the only way the staff usually learned anything about the people who passed through the house.

  “I don’t know,” the butler answered. “But he told me this morning that he’s flying back home today.”

  The housekeeper lifted a brow. “Oh, really? I thought I overheard Mr. Waters say that they were off to San Francisco. He must be taking the plane from there. All I know is that he is more than welcome back here again. He was so pleasant.”

  They all agreed as the car pulled out of the driveway and onto the street. Russ Ingram was a very nice man.

  * * *

  The rehearsals had been going well. Darnell was now headed to the last one before the concert tonight. Earlier at breakfast, her mother had insisted that she drive her to this morning’s rehearsal instead of them taking the limo. Darnell suspected that there was something other than generosity behind the offer. Bev had been restless since her arrival at Darnell’s San Francisco condo, a good indication that she had something on her mind. Darnell’s guess was that it was Lance.

  He had called Darnell days ago to tell her about his marriage to Ruth and to expect the onslaught of publicity. Darnell had wished him all of the happiness in the world and meant every word, but as his friend, she still expressed her sadness and disappointment at his lack of honesty with his new bride. She gave him credit, however, for having been man enough to also call Bev and inform her. She had always treated him like a son, and their affection for each other was mutual. Her mother had been very upset by the call.

  Darnell hadn’t shared all of the details about Lance’s situation with her. They were private, and unless Lance chose to reveal them, they would remain so. She understood her mother’s anger and confusion about what had happened, but she had offered her little comfort. What was done was done. Mother and daughter hadn’t discussed the evolving events in detail since the media broke the news and the initial phone calls between them, so as they drove along, Darnell leaned back in the automobile’s plush interior, waiting.

  At this point, whatever Bev had to say really didn’t matter. She was numb anyway. Thad had not contacted her, despite her efforts to get in touch with him. Even the news of Lance’s marriage hadn’t warranted a telephone call or a message. Because he had remained silent, the message was clear: He no longer cared.

  Closing her eyes, Darnell leaned her head against the headrest as she recalled their last encounter at her condo. She could feel her body react to the mere memory of that night. But that was then; this was now. He had issued an ultimatum, and she guessed that it hadn’t been adhered to fast enough for him. His silence was testimony to that. Had the words of love and adoration that he uttered been lies? Had she allowed two men whom she loved to use her? She let the question fester. When she had time, she would allow herself to wallow in self-pity for a while. Then she would close the door on this bittersweet chapter of her life.

  Bev took a sideward glance at her daughter. While she might look to be the picture of serenity to others, she knew better. Her child’s face was pinched, and her body was tense. She had to give her credit. The woman had handled the situation with Lance in a mature manner. She had accepted it with grace, but she was a little too accepting as far as Bev was concerned. Personally, she was still reeling from the stunning announcement of Lance’s marriage. The man she loved like a son had betrayed her daughter. He had done the unforgivable. There was no longer anything good to be said about Dr. Lance Austin.

  “I could kick that man’s butt into Hades.”

  “Mama, let it go. It’s over and done with.”

  Bev started, unaware that she had spoken aloud. Darnell opened her eyes and turned toward her mother.

  “Lance did what he felt he had to do.” She gave a heavy sigh. “I know what it is to love someone and have stumbling blocks in your way.” She closed her eyes again.

  Her daughter’s words pierced Bev’s heart as she realized that her child was suffering, and it wasn’t because of Lance. She was in love with another man, and she loved him hard. Bev knew the feeling. It seemed that history was repeating itself. That’s how she had loved Darnell’s father, and it had n
early killed her.

  She had been young when she met Colton Cameron, a high school senior. He was two years older, had no living relatives, and unlike her, had no plans on attending college. But he was working, and he was intent on having her as his. The pressure from her prominent family had been intense, but the love between Bev and Colton was stronger than the objections. Two days after her graduation, they eloped.

  For twelve months, she had walked on clouds. She had never been so happy. Then came the thirteenth month, when she fell to earth and shattered into a million pieces.

  Her husband had worked hard and had provided well. Whatever Bev wanted was hers. She had only to ask. As young as they were, they lived well. He had worked in the construction business, and it was booming. Struggle was not a part of their lives. He had been gone a lot, often days at a time. She was never quite sure where he was or what he was doing, but he had always came home to her. They were ecstatic about their impending parenthood and more in love than two people should be. Everything had been perfect—or so it seemed. Then, one day, he didn’t come home.

  She nearly went out of her mind. Prompted by her family’s influence, the police search was exhaustive, and she held fast to the hope that he would return to her. It wasn’t to be. They found his remains days later. He had been in a one-car accident that had decapitated him. The car had landed in the deepest river in town, where it sank. Her father had gone to claim his body—she couldn’t do it. The shock of his death had hospitalized her and brought Darnell into the world early.

  Bev buried her husband and her heart as well. She knew what hard love could do to you. That kind of love was enduring. It could remain your companion for the rest of your life.

  The car was quiet for a long time. Darnell could almost hear her mother thinking, and she wondered what those thoughts were about. Finally, Bev broke the silence.

  “You really love him, don’t you?”

  With great effort, Darnell tried to show no emotion. They both knew who her mother was talking about. She didn’t want Bev to hear the pain in her voice, but her effort was unsuccessful as she sighed, “What does it matter, Mama?”

  Bev drew a shaky breath and turned back to the road. “Because he called you last week when you were in Chicago and I was staying at your house in Carmel.”

  If her mother had hit her with a sledgehammer, the impact could not have been less powerful. The questions came fast and furious. “He called? Last week? And you’re just now telling me this? What did he say? Did he leave a number? Where is he? How could you not tell me?”

  Her mother tried to apologize, but all Darnell wanted to know was what he had said and how she could contact him. Bev gave her the numbers that Thad had left.

  “Baby, I know that nothing I can say at this point is enough, but I am truly sorry. He tried to tell me about that picture on the magazine cover, but I wouldn’t let him, and he asked me to deliver a message.” She paused and looked at Darnell’s stern profile. “He told me to tell you that he loved you with everything in him.” Those tender words brought tears of relief to her daughter and tears of regret from Bev.

  The next few hours between rehearsals Darnell spent desperately trying to reach Thad. She got one answering service after the other. She even tried to call Ray for assistance. If anyone could track Thad down, he could, but his message service stated that he was unavailable as well. It was only hours before the concert, and she had yet to speak to Thad, but she would walk out on the stage this evening sure of his love for her.

  * * *

  As Moody and Russ sped along the highway headed toward San Francisco, Moody had to admit that he was enjoying the younger man’s company. Their topics of conversation ran the gamut from music to politics. The two men had a lot in common. He had no doubt that this was the young man that he wanted to succeed him. It had been his hope that when things worked out with Darnell as he planned, he could reduce his workload and Russ could handle more responsibility. He trusted him that much. The young man had everything going for him. All he needed was—

  “How’s that girlfriend of yours?” Moody recalled being introduced to a woman with a honey-colored complexion and matching hair at some affair. She was the only one he recalled seeing Russ with more than once. “What’s her name?”

  “Renee.” Russ smiled. “And we’re getting married.”

  “Congratulations!” Moody’s response was genuine. “A strong leader needs a good woman by his side. It helps make him a better man.”

  Russ threw him a sideward glance. “I’ve been with you for years, and I haven’t seen you with one you’ve taken seriously.”

  Moody grew pensive. “Women come, and women go, but if you find yourself a good one…” He paused as he thought about the love of his life. “All I can say is don’t let her go, and don’t let anyone come between you.”

  Russ heard the slight tremor in his voice. “I take it that’s what happened to you?”

  Moody didn’t respond. He never talked about that aspect of his life. It was dead and buried. Anyway, what was there to say—that he was a man who had loved only one woman and that he would love her until the day he died? No other woman had ever come close to her, and he doubted that one ever would.

  There was a moment of awkward silence in the car that made it clear that Moody had nothing else to say. Russ shifted uncomfortably, then cleared his throat.

  “Do you mind if I change the radio station? I’ve got a taste for a little more variety.”

  Moody didn’t object as Russ found an urban contemporary station and settled back in his seat. Soon, they were both enjoying the music that filled the car as they drove along. Each man was engrossed in his own world until an announcement on the radio made Moody take notice. Darnell Cameron would be performing in concert that evening in San Francisco before the President of the United States. The reporter recounted the recent marriage of her long-time boyfriend and speculated whether her performance would be affected by the recent event.

  Moody discounted the latter. He knew all about Lance and his strengths and weaknesses. The latter prevailed, and he had never given him a second thought, but Darnell was in the city. He could see her, even if it only meant getting one precious glance. Unconsciously, his foot pressed down harder on the accelerator, and the car picked up speed.

  * * *

  Bev studied her daughter’s profile as they were driven through the city to the theatre in which she would perform tonight. Sometimes, she had to pinch herself in order to make herself believe that this brilliant, confident, talented young woman was the little girl she had raised. She knew that Darnell was still angry with her because of her deception, but she also knew her well enough to know that she would get over it. Mother and daughter had been a team for much too long to let this come between them. She hadn’t said much to her mother since this morning, and Bev hadn’t pushed her, but it was time to break the ice.

  “Am I going to be in the doghouse forever?”

  Darnell wanted to stay angry longer, but she was feeling too good about the message that her mother had delivered from Thad and about tonight’s concert.

  “No, not forever.” She tried to suppress a smile. “I’ll let you out of it if you continue to let me live my life and don’t interfere again. That’s not like you, Mama. I don’t understand how you could do that. What has Thad done to you that you’re so against him?”

  Bev sighed. “Nothing, really. Actually, he doesn’t seem like a bad guy at all, except he had better be ready to explain that picture with that…”

  “Mama.” Darnell gave her a warning glare.

  “All right. It’s your life, and I raised you well. You’ve got good taste, and I trust you.” Yawning, Bev stretched and shifted her body in the cavernous back seat as she made herself comfortable. “I hope things work out for you.”

  Darnell gave her a confident smile. “Oh, I have a feeling that everything will work out just fine.”

  * * *

  Moody’s plan was
to drop Russ off at his hotel and then go by the theatre to see if he could catch a glimpse of Darnell, but Russ asked him to drop him off in front of a department store near the hotel in which he said that he would be staying. He had a purchase to make. Anxious to get to the theatre, Moody did so. Preoccupied, he drove away so quickly that he didn’t remember until later that Russ’s overnight bag was in his trunk. He would call him later and deliver it to him.

  Moody’s excitement escalated as he found a parking space within walking distance of the theatre in which Darnell would be performing. As he neared the facility on foot, he found the area blocked off, as he had suspected that it would be. Security was everywhere, from the police to the Secret Service. A small crowd had gathered behind the barriers to see if they could catch a glimpse of the President and the First Lady as they entered, as well as Darnell and the score of other celebrities who were to attend. From his position in the crowd, Moody knew that he wouldn’t be able to see her. He told himself that since he had waited this long, he could wait a while longer, and he wouldn’t have to wait in any crowd. After all, he was paying a small fortune to live across the street from her. When she returned home, he would step up his efforts to get to know her. It had been too long, and time was now at a premium.

  He had turned to leave when a cheer went up from the crowd.

  “It’s Thad Stewart,” someone said. He turned in time to see the face he had grown to hate peek from the open window of a limousine. Flashing a dimpled smile, he was waving.

  Moody’s jaws tightened. He should have known. Like a dog in heat, he was following her. The man couldn’t leave well enough alone. This changed his plans to kill him today. This event was much too public. But the man’s day was coming. Meanwhile, maybe he should try to see Darnell. With Thad around, there was no telling when she would be back in Carmel.

  Angrily, he turned to walk back to his car. The crowd grew thinner, as did the security as he put distance between himself and the theatre. He was deep in thought when he stepped off the curb to cross the street. He didn’t see the limo until it was almost too late. Swiftly, he jumped back on the curb, uttering an expletive just as the car came to a screeching halt. The back window came down, and the face of Darnell Cameron appeared as if summoned.