After Dark

by Donna Hill

  “I’m kind of beat,” Stephanie said with a yawn. “This pregnancy knocks the stuffing out of me. Can’t hang like I used to.”

  “I better go, too,” Terri said. “Michael is coming over later.”

  “When are we going to get to meet him?” Ann Marie asked.

  “Soon. We’ll all have to get together once the dust settles.”

  “Barbara, are you going to be okay?” Stephanie asked. They all knew how close she and Elizabeth were and how hard it must be for her to have listened to Elizabeth go off on her like that.

  With sad eyes, Barbara looked up at her departing guests. “Sure, I’ll be fine. I think I’ll turn in early anyway.”

  They said their goodbyes and filed out, one by one.

  For a long while, Barbara sat alone in her living room, Elizabeth’s lashing out at her still fresh in her mind. Even in the midst of all that was going on, Elizabeth didn’t waver in her belief in Ron, so much so that she was willing to turn on her friends. She loved him, really loved him.

  She got up and went into her bedroom. She sat on the side of the bed and picked up the phone.

  Chapter 25

  Elizabeth put her key in her door and wearily walked inside. She didn’t know if she was happy or disappointed to see Ron sitting in her living room.

  “Hi,” he said.

  “I wasn’t expecting you.” She deposited her purse on the table in the hall and dropped her keys inside.

  “I hope you don’t mind,” he said, suddenly feeling uncomfortable.

  “No.” She didn’t look at him. “Did you eat?” She walked into the kitchen.

  Ron followed her to the kitchen and came up behind her. He put his arms around her waist and pressed his head against the back of hers. “I’m so sorry for all of this, baby.”

  Tears slowly trickled down her cheeks. “What are we going to do, Ron?”

  “Everything is going to be fine, baby, I swear to you.”

  He turned her around to face him. She looked up into his eyes. “Do you believe that, believe in me?”

  She nodded her head.

  “That’s all I need.” He pulled her close.

  Once upon a time her life had been so simple, she thought, listening to the beat of his heart. She’d been in a sensible marriage, had two beautiful children and wonderful friends. Then suddenly, she was thrust into a new life, a new relationship, only to discover that the life she’d left behind was all based on a lie and mistrust. Now, here she was, betting it all on a man who could very well not be what he seemed.

  But deep in her heart, down in her soul, she believed in this man who held her as if his whole world depended on it. She inhaled deeply and drew in his comforting scent and a sense of peace slowly began to fill her.

  She eased back and looked up at him. “I love you,” she whispered, and knew she’d never felt more sure. “I promised myself that night I walked out of Matt’s apartment, that I wasn’t ever going to let doubt and mistrust enter my life again.” She stroked his cheek. “Whatever happens, we’re in this together.”

  “You won’t regret it, Ell. I promise you that. And, when this is all over I’m going to prove it to you.”

  “How about starting now,” she whispered against his mouth.

  A half smiled curved his mouth. “Right now?”

  “Right here.”

  “On the table?” he asked, his eyes darkening. His hands slid down to her hips.

  “It’s the only place we haven’t tried.”

  “Ms. Lewis, you are getting very kinky.”

  “Right.” She began unbuttoning his shirt. “So try to keep up.” She stripped him of his shirt and tossed it on the floor.

  He pushed her skirt up around her hips and lined her neck with steamy kisses.

  Elizabeth backed up to the table that easily sat six. Effortlessly, she hopped up and pulled Ron behind her legs.

  “I think I’m going to like this,” he said on a hot breath.

  “I know you will.” She unfastened his pants and pushed them down, the urge to solidify their union erupting like a sudden fire in the forest. It started as a spark then grew and spread, getting hotter and more intense.

  Ron didn’t bother with her panties, he simply pushed them aside. Elizabeth raised her hips and spread her thighs wider. He grabbed her rear and pulled her toward him.

  A searing heat shot up inside her. She gasped and held on.

  Ron groaned deep in his throat in that first instant when he felt her wrap tightly around him. He took her slow and deep the way they both liked it. But this time was new, different somehow. This time, it was more than the thrill of being together and satisfying each other. This time, it was about sealing their bond, confirming their trust and the love they had for each other.

  He swore, as the love he had for her poured out of him, that he would never let her regret the decision she’d made, no matter what it took.

  “What are you going to do about the business until this mess is finished?” Elizabeth asked as they snuggled together in her bed.

  “I have a job that I’m working on now. Ali and I decided that we are going to try to stall the next one for as long as we can. There’s no telling what they may pull out of their sleeves and I don’t want to get caught in the middle of a job and have to stop.”

  She nodded against his chest. “Makes sense.”

  “Have you talked to Dawne?”

  “No. I probably should have called her but I didn’t know what to say and I didn’t want to get her any more involved.”

  “It’s probably best.”

  She pressed closer to the warmth of his body. “I hope so.”

  “When all of this is settled, I want us to go away for a little while,” Ron said. The ring he’d purchased for her two weeks earlier was burning a hole in his pocket. It had been on the tip of his tongue so many times to ask her to marry him, but the time was never quite right and then it was one crisis after another. And now seemed totally inappropriate.

  “I’d like that,” she said.

  Maybe it could be more than a getaway—a honeymoon. He closed his eyes and silently prayed that the mess would be over quickly and quietly so that he and Ellie could get on with the life he wanted to give her.

  “You did what?” Dawne screamed into the phone.

  She listened in horror as Brian told her about the execution of the search warrants. “I don’t believe this,” she muttered, pacing the room, her thoughts racing. “You told me everything was going to be all right. I trusted you!”

  “Dawne, listen to me. I didn’t lie to you. If I didn’t get the warrants it would give my boss plenty of reason to take me off the case and put Adam in charge. We knew the warrants were a possibility from the beginning.”

  As she listened she didn’t know what to believe.

  “There are a bunch of guys going over everything. I’m pretty sure we’ll have what we need by the end of the week.”

  “And then what—a public hanging!” She was so angry the pulse in her temples pounded.

  “I’m on top of it. You’re going to have to trust me.”

  She flopped down in an empty seat in the kitchen. “I don’t have to do jack. But one thing I will do, is make you wish you’d never met me if you’re lying.” She slammed down the phone. Had she just threatened an FBI agent? She was losing it.

  Chapter 26

  It had been a little more than a week since the records had been confiscated. Brian hadn’t spoken to Dawne and he didn’t expect to hear from her.

  As bad as it was, he had to smile. If nothing else, Dawne Lewis had heart. She had no qualms about making it clear what she would do to him and didn’t give a damn that he was the law.

  “Guess you’ll be happy.”

  Brian glanced up. Adam walked into his space. He had a folder in his hand. “I took the liberty of reviewing the report.” He dropped it on Brian’s desk. “Hargrove wants to see you in his office.” He walked out.

  Brian drew th
e folder toward him. His case number was on the front cover. He flipped it open. Finally, a feeling a calm eased through him.

  He took the folder and headed for Hargrove’s office. He knocked.

  “Come in.”

  “You wanted to see me?”

  “Have a seat, Jennings.”

  He did as he was told.

  “I was given a copy of the report on Powers and the contractor in Philadelphia.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good job.”

  “Thank you, sir.”

  “But I have another issue, Jennings.”

  His muscles tensed.

  “It was brought to my attention that you somehow got yourself involved with a woman who was indirectly associated with the case.”

  Adam.

  “I didn’t realize that at first, sir.”

  “Yes, but when you did, you pursued the relationship, anyway, didn’t you?”

  He chose not to respond to the rhetorical question.

  “You do realize that, if we had to prosecute this case, you could have single-handedly ruined it?”

  “Yes…sir.”

  Hargrove pursed his lips then steepled his fingers in front of him. “I was very concerned about your actions, but chose not to intervene, just to see what you would do. Adam’s actions didn’t surprise me, but yours did.”

  “Sir?”

  “You followed through with this case to the letter. I would think that couldn’t have been easy. Based on that, I’m going to let this one indiscretion of yours go away as if it never existed. And I’m reassigning you a new partner. If there’s anyone I hate more than a brown nose, it’s a snitch.”

  Brian sat in shock.

  “That’s all, Jennings.”

  He swallowed. “Thank you, sir.” He rose.

  “And, Jennings…”

  “Yes, sir?”

  “The next time you decide to get involved with someone, use those skills you have and check them out, first. I’d hate to have to revisit this issue with you.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

  He walked out feeling as if he’d been spared the firing squad. Hurrying back to his office, he didn’t know who to call first.

  Barbara looked up from the reception desk as two men in suits walked in carrying several file boxes. They approached the desk.

  “We’re looking for a Barbara Allen.”

  “I’m Barbara Allen.”

  They placed the boxes on the desk. “Sign here please.” He passed her a form.

  “What is it?” She looked at the miniscule type.

  “A letter releasing your documents back to you along with a confidentiality statement.”

  She took her time and read every word. She didn’t want her signature to come back and haunt her. Finally, she signed it and handed it back.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” Without another word they turned and walked out.

  She opened the lid to the first box and saw that it contained the receipts as did the others. She breathed a sigh of relief then picked up the phone and called Sterling’s office.

  “Two men in suits were just here. They brought our records back.”

  “Yeah, I just got off the phone with Jennings. He told me. I didn’t get a chance to call you. Is everything there?”

  “It looks like it. Does this mean that it’s finally over?”

  “Yes. Jennings said that the investigation turned up nothing on the spa, Ron or the supplier.”

  “Thank God,” she said on a breath.

  “I need to call Ron and make sure everything is good on his end.”

  “Sure. Go ahead and thanks for everything.”

  “I didn’t do anything. The wheels of justice grind slowly but right won out. That’s what important.”

  Barbara hung up the phone just as Stephanie came in.

  “Are those what I think they are?” she asked pointing at the boxes.

  Barbara nodded.

  Stephanie placed her hand on her hip acting totally put out. “And to think that we spent hours crafting such an eloquent media release decrying the injustice of the federal government.”

  Barbara laughed. “Just be thankful you didn’t have to use it.”

  “You got that right. Did you tell the others?”

  “Not yet, they just left before you came up.”

  “Have you spoken to Ellie since the other night?” she inquired softly.

  “No. Not really. She took the week off and she hasn’t called me.”

  “She’s just being stubborn. She’ll come around.”

  “I know.” She picked up one of the boxes. “Looks like we have cause to celebrate.”

  “Ain’t gotta call me twice to a party.” She reached for a box and tucked it under her arm.

  They went downstairs together.

  “Tony and I found the house we wanted,” Stephanie said when they’d gotten down to the office.

  “You’re kidding? That’s wonderful.”

  Stephanie grinned. “It’s perfect. A two-family house in a nice neighborhood, near transportation, all new appliances, backyard.”

  “Stephanie, it sounds fabulous. Now we really do have to celebrate.”

  “There’s enough room for my little family.” She patted her stomach. “And Samantha.”

  “You’re really going to bring Sam to live with you?”

  “Yeah. I miss her. And she’s doing well.”

  “That’s wonderful.” She gathered her in a hug. “You’re taking on a lot, with a new baby, boyfriend and your sister, but, if anyone can handle it, you can.”

  “Thanks. But I have one correction.” She stepped out of Barbara’s arms.

  Barbara frowned. “What?”

  Stephanie stuck out her left hand and the diamond caught the light.

  “Oh, my goodness,” Barbara squealed, admiring the beautiful diamond ring. “Stephanie getting married. Lawd, lawd! Have you set a date?”

  “We want to get married before the baby comes and before I blow up like a house and can’t fit into anything absolutely exquisite.” She giggled. “We’re thinking in about a month.”

  “A month!” She pressed her hand to her chest. “That doesn’t give us much time to plan. We have to have a shower, find your dress…” Her mind was off and running.

  “I want you to be my maid of honor, Barbara.”

  She froze. “You do?”

  “I wouldn’t want anyone else, other than my sister. You’ve been my anchor since I met you and you always believed in me and gave me confidence when I didn’t have any. You saw me through the mess with Conrad and didn’t sling it in my face. You’ve been a friend, Barbara, a true dear friend and I hope you say yes.”

  Barbara’s heart was so full she felt it well up in her eyes. “I would be honored,” she was finally able to say.

  Stephanie hugged her tightly. “Thank you.”

  Barbara blinked back tears. “Party, Friday night, my place.”

  “You’re on.”

  When Barbara went home that night she worked on the menu for Stephanie’s engagement, new-house-announcement party. She had some news to share with her friends, as well.

  Chapter 27

  Elizabeth was floating on air. Ron had called from his office to deliver the good news. The terrible ordeal was finally behind them and now they could all move on with their lives.

  He said he would be coming over later to celebrate. As she prepared for his arrival she knew she had some things to take care of herself.

  She’d been so awful to Barbara and she knew it the moment she’d stormed out on her. But she’d been so upset and hurt that she’d dug in her heels and wouldn’t budge. Guess her feisty daughter, Dawne, got her headstrong ways honestly.

  She finished seasoning the pot roast and put it in the Crock-Pot to cook. She owed Barbara an apology big-time and there was no time like the present. She checked the flame under the pot and went downstairs to the spa.

  When she entered the spa and sa
w all the usual activity a sense of pride filled her. They had done this. Four friends with a dream and Barbara at the helm, the unwavering force that held them together.

  She crossed the cool wood floor and went to the front desk.

  “Hey, Carmen. Is Barbara around?”

  “She’s in the café with Ann Marie’s daughter, Raquel.”

  “Thanks.” She headed for the café and found Barbara and Raquel chatting in the back on the lounge chairs. With her tail between her legs she approached.

  “Hello, ladies.”

  They both looked up.

  “Hi, Ms. Ellie. I haven’t seen you in a while.” She got up and kissed Elizabeth’s cheek.

  “Good to see you.”

  “I came to meet Drew and was talking to Ms. Barbara about some ideas I’ve been toying with for alterations to the design of the reception area.”

  “Whatever they are, I know they’ll be fabulous.”

  Raquel had been responsible for all of the interior work of the spa from picking out furniture, to its placement, to the artwork that hung on the walls.

  Raquel checked her watch. “I better go. Drew’s waiting for me up front.”

  “Take care, Raquel, and when you’re ready with the designs, bring them by.”

  “I will.” She waved and hurried off.

  Elizabeth turned to Barbara. “Mind if I sit down?”

  “Of course not.”

  Elizabeth took a seat. She folded her hands in her lap. “I don’t know where to begin except to say how sorry I am. I’ve been a crazy fool these past weeks and I think I might have lost my mind along the way.” She looked at her friend of two decades. “There’s no way that you would intentionally hurt me, and I know that. You’ve always had my best interests at heart. And I can’t tell you how sorry I am for dumping my anger and frustration out on you.”

  “Ellie, we’re friends. I know you were hurting inside.” She sighed. “But something you said, hit home.”

  Elizabeth flinched.

  “Barbara, the rational one.” She smiled sadly. “That’s me. Always thinking things through until I wear a hole in it. Sometimes you have to go with your feelings. I’ve learned that lesson over and over these past few weeks, from every direction.”