“It always comes back to Angelica. When will men come to their senses about the likes of that woman?”
“Margo, Angelica was trying to start her life over. If you ask me, it was almost as if she was drawn to New York by Santiago. I know it sounds far-fetched, but I wouldn’t put it past that master manipulator to have pulled something off like that.”
“You’re sounding like those soap operas now—too good to be true. But, baby, I’m beginning to think like you. Humph. You may not be far from the truth, not far at all.”
51
Members of the Fayetteville precinct that Hamilton Barnes was affiliated with filed into the church to bid farewell. Their shields of authority hung over their left breasts on their dress blues, and they looked liked an elite brotherhood. Sergeant Carl Broadnax, who was now Lieutenant Broadnax, brought up the rear.
Fear gripped Angelica as she filed into the church, followed by Edward and a host of Hamilton’s relatives. She wore a charcoal-gray suit with black embroidery along the collar, pockets, and cuffs, charcoal-gray stilettos with a black suede heel, and a matching hat that looked as if it was sliding off the side of her head. Her eyes spotted Lieutenant Broadnax and Captain Petrowski, as they watched the crowd, scanning them for clues or some subtle message that would lead them to the killer or killers of the dearly departed. She almost stopped when she saw Margo sitting next to Jefferson, obviously surrounded by police officers. Angelica could have used one of Margo’s hugs today.
As Angelica approached the front of the church, she saw him for the first time—stretched out in his dress blues with his nameplate “Barnes” placed over his breast without the shield that was the policeman’s badge of honor. Some say he didn’t deserve to wear the policeman’s uniform, but Aunt Louise fought tooth and nail for her nephew to wear the uniform that had been a large portion of his life. In the end, even the police department gave up fighting the feisty, short woman who was going to have it her way or else.
In death, Hamilton still looked good. His hair seemed blacker than before but thinner, and he seemed very much at peace…at last.
From the tops of the few businesses that surrounded the church, sharpshooters were poised to respond to any strange activity they saw. Plainclothesmen with bulletproof vests were embedded among the mourners inside, equipped with firepower should they need it in the House of the Lord.
Various people came to the pulpit and expressed their condolences, but it was Lieutenant Carl Broadnax’s soliloquy that captured Angelica’s heart and caused her to temporarily forget the fear that had consumed her the past few days. Lieutenant Broadnax looked straight into the hearts of the people who were assembled and spoke about a man who loved the badge, the uniform, the honor among brethren, and the code that bound the men and women of the police force together. He said that Lieutenant Barnes loved life but loved protecting the city’s residents more, and he had a laugh that was contagious whenever he talked about having tucked away the city for the night after a day went by without incident.
“There were many times that we did not see eye to eye on cases we were working on,” Broadnax continued, “but I couldn’t help but love this man because, even with all of our differences, he gave me a chance to realize my dream to become a police officer, and we had the utmost respect for each other. It is with profound sadness I find myself here today. No matter what you thought or knew of Lieutenant Barnes, he had a heart—a giving heart, and…and I loved him.”
Tears welled up in Lieutenant Broadnax’s eyes, and he looked down upon his sleeping brother. He took his hand and saluted Hamilton. “My brother, farewell.”
It was too much for Angelica. A nurse rushed to her side as she broke down and wept openly. Edward rubbed her back to try and calm the pain she was feeling, but she continued to cry out loud. There was a moment of silence until the ushers were able to subdue Angelica, their fans moving in rapid succession. A soloist was next and sang “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” which caused Angelica to weep again. Aunt Lucille threw Angelica a look that said You can cut the phony crap now, but that didn’t stop Angelica from bawling. And after the preacher laid out a message that should have had everyone on their knees, it was time to say good-bye. It was the end of an era.
Pallbearers were lined up like pins in a bowling alley. Tension flooded the church as plainclothes officers moved into position, pivoting left and right while scanning the mourners for any possible disruptions. Giving the minister the go-ahead, the funeral procession moved down the aisle as the mourners looked on.
Angelica acknowledged different ones with a nod of her head until her eyes latched onto Margo’s. Margo seemed to look straight through her soul. She saw Jefferson take Margo’s hand and thread his fingers through hers, at which Angelica dropped her head and moved on.
They laid Hamilton to rest in a goodbye fit for a king—maybe a king of a small nation or king of a city block, but nevertheless, it was beautiful in every way. Hamilton would have been pleased, Angelica thought, since he always thought highly of himself.
“Hamilton sure looked good,” Aunt Louise said as she took her seat in the limo.
“Looked like he was sleeping,” Aunt Dot added, putting her tissue in her tiny purse.
“It was a nice service. I’m glad that Angelica has stopped all that crying. It was getting on my nerves,” Aunt Louise said, crinkling her nose and glancing at Angelica from the corner of her eye.
Angelica ignored them. She found that, by not giving Aunt Louise any ammunition to get on her soapbox, she would be left alone.
“Edward, I’m not in the mood for the repast. I can eat something at the hotel,” Angelica said in a low voice.
“All right, but you might want to stop by the fellowship hall for a few minutes and say a few words to some old friends.”
“Old friends like whom, Edward? I’m really not up to the Barnes clan this afternoon,” Angelica whispered, not wanting Aunt Louise to hear.
“I think it would do you some good if you spoke to Margo. Might ease your conscience where she is concerned.”
“I don’t think I can face her. She gave me a second opportunity, and I failed miserably. I’m not up to being hospitable or faking the funk. As much as I want to, today is not the day.”
“Well, it looks like they are taking us back to the church anyway and we don’t have a ride to the hotel.”
“Oh, Edward, use your imagination. I’m sure you can call a taxi if you want to.”
“Too late. Look who’s standing at the curb. Don’t part your lips to say it.”
Angelica sat in silence as the limo pulled in front of the church. On the curb stood Margo and Jefferson, talking to several other people—the plainclothesmen close by. The day had gone off without a hitch, and everyone seemed to be in a more relaxed mood.
Edward offered his hands as Aunt Louise and Aunt Dot filed out of the limo. He extended his hand to his sister, and Angelica finally got out.
“Margo, Jefferson,” Angelica began, “I’m glad you were able to come to the service. I’m so sorry about what happened the other night at your place.”
Edward shook Margo and Jefferson’s hand. “We’re lucky to be alive,” Jefferson responded. “I’ll feel a lot better when they catch Santiago.”
Edward rubbed his right side. “I’ve got something for him, should he decide to ride up in here.”
“You packing?” Jefferson asked. “It’s a wonder the cops didn’t throw you out of the church today.”
“I guess since I came in with the family, they didn’t think to check me for hardware.”
Margo continued to stare at Angelica, who turned her head slightly in light of the awkward silence. Angelica wished she had stayed in the car, not relishing this moment at all. She tugged at Edward’s sleeve so they could move to the fellowship hall, say a few thank you’s and be on their way. Ignoring her, Edward continued to talk to Jefferson.
“How are you doing?” Margo finally asked, a coldness to her tone.
“I know what you mean. I can’t even go home—in fact, I’m afraid to go home because of some crazy lunatic that tried to kill us.”
“Look, Margo, I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? You didn’t do anything.”
“Ladies,” Jefferson cut in, “maybe we should go into the fellowship hall. It might be much safer than being out on the street.”
“Can I say this while I have the courage to do so?” Angelica asked. Jefferson looked at Margo and then at Edward and back at Angelica.
“Sure,” Jefferson said.
“Margo, I know you don’t think much of me. I don’t blame you. I’m sure you’re wondering why I left Fayetteville without saying a word. I was offered a job in New York, and since my assignment with Malik didn’t work out, I was ready to go. You know how I am. I make rash decisions without thinking them through, but I felt I needed to get as far away from Fayetteville as I could—get away from the memories that seemed to haunt me and wanted to destroy me in the process. I fled on the first thing smoking.
“When it didn’t work out in New York, I didn’t want to come crawling back. I couldn’t face you after you had extended a peace offering to me and I defaulted. One day, when I’ve finished chasing my shadow, when this whole mess with Santiago is over, I’d like to sit down and tell you about it. I so badly wanted a brand new start, but the old keeps overshadowing the new.”
“Maybe someday we can sit down and have that talk,” Margo said. “Now we better go inside. I think our shadows are getting pretty anxious because we’re making ourselves targets for whomever is trying to rattle our cages.”
“Good idea,” Edward said, pulling Angelica along.
“After you,” Jefferson said and kissed Margo on the nose. “I love you.”
52
Five four-by-six tables were filled with Barnes’ family members and close friends, Angelica and Edward included. More friends of the family occupied the other tables in the fellowship hall as they joined them in a meal that consisted of fried chicken, country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, macaroni and cheese, snap peas and green beans, and buttered rolls. A slideshow of the highlights of Hamilton’s life played out on a giant screen.
Jefferson and Margo sat close to Angelica and Edward at their request and melded right into the family. Even though Hamilton’s life had been heavily tarnished, he had been a friend of the family. Margo recalled the times in her memory that she had drooled over the handsome man, although privately, but in all of her dealings with Hamilton and Angelica, she never thought that his end would be so tragic.
Margo excused herself to go to the restroom. It had been a long day, and now her body sent an urgent message to care for it. Crossing the room, she saw familiar faces and acknowledged them but stopped cold in her tracks when she saw Malik standing at the end of the row.
If he had been at the service, she didn’t see him. Margo looked back at Jefferson, who was busy biting into his chicken and conversing with Edward. She was not ready to face Malik or be reminded of the unthinkable thing she had done with him.
His smile made her wet herself as she fought the nerves that racked her body. How was she going to tell him that she made a mistake and that her heart belonged to Jefferson? She was angry for so easily giving herself to him, but she knew without a doubt who held her heart.
Malik stepped in front of her. “Hey, Margo. How are you feeling?”
“Like I really have to get to the restroom.”
“You go on; I’ll wait for you to come out.”
“I’m with my husband, Malik. This is not a good time.”
“When is a good time? Look at him. He can’t seem to get enough of Angelica. Dragged you by his side so he could…”
“Stop it, Malik. Angelica and Edward asked us to sit with them. I’ve got to go. I’ll talk with you later.” Margo left Malik standing there with a puzzled look on his face.
Margo closed her eyes and breathed in and out. Encounters with Malik had to be avoided because she was afraid he wouldn’t understand that she really didn’t want to be with him. With her shoulder, she pushed into the stall and hugged the wall until her urgency made her dance in place until she found relief. She washed her hands and exhaled, praying to God that Malik had gone to his seat.
Slowly opening the door to the restroom, she peered out. Not seeing Malik, she tried to make a mad dash back to her seat. Before she got two feet, a hand grasped her arm, making her flinch. Margo turned and looked into Malik’s quizzical face.
“Take your hands off of me, Malik.”
“Margo, what’s wrong with you? I want to talk with you. I grabbed your arm because you were moving so fast, and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to speak to you again before you waltzed to your seat.”
Margo looked at her arm and up at Malik. “Malik, we have to talk, but this is not the time or the place.”
“You’re making me crazy, girl. I want you so bad. The other day was so wonderful, I could make love to you right here.”
“Malik, not now. I guess you aren’t aware that Jefferson and I were almost killed the other night.”
“What are you talking about? Almost killed?”
“A drive-by. Someone riddled our house with bullets. It’s only by the grace of God that we’re alive.”
“I’m sorry, Margo. I haven’t looked at the news…oh my God…are you all right? Do the police know who did it?”
“No, they don’t know for sure, but they have some idea—in fact, a pretty good idea.”
“What can I do for you?”
“There’s nothing you can do for me or Jefferson. We’re under police protection, and that’s as good as it gets until they make an arrest. It’s been a scary ordeal.”
“You know you can stay with me. All you’re going through is probably because of all the mess Jefferson created. I’ve told you over and over, he doesn’t deserve you.”
“I’m staying with my husband, Malik. I love him, and I’m not going to leave him.”
“Does he know that you slept with me the other day?”
“Not unless you propose to tell him.”
“You’ve disappointed me, Margo. I didn’t come to you, you came to me. You gave yourself to me. You allowed me to touch your husband’s jewels.”
SLAP!! All eyes turned away from the slideshow that played Hamilton’s life over and over. No one was sure what had transpired, and murmuring was heard throughout the crowd. Stunned, Malik cradled his jaw with his hand while looking at the stranger who had laid one on him. Margo walked away in a hurry, leaving Malik for a second time, only this time nursing his aching jaw.
Margo saw Jefferson moving toward her as she hurried to distance herself from Malik. A frown was drawn on his face, and when he reached Margo, his frown turned to anger as Malik came toward them.
“Jefferson, not now,” Margo pleaded.
“Well, tell me something,” Jefferson said, looking between Margo and Malik.
“Your wife slapped my face,” Malik said, staring Jefferson down. “Do you want to know why?”
“Because you deserved it, you imbecile? Malik, I’ve given you more warnings than you deserve about staying away from my wife, but this is the last time I’m telling you.”
“And what are you going to do?”
“It’s fortunate that you won’t find out tonight because this is neither the time nor the place. Don’t push my nerve because if I have to go to prison again, I will if you mess with my wife.”
“Maybe the two of you deserve each other. You know, she’s not a saint either.”
Margo begged Malik with her eyes to keep her secret. She hated him and wished she could make him disappear. She hated herself even more for succumbing to a lust of the flesh in a moment of weakness, no matter how many times Jefferson might have been unfaithful to her. But it was the painful moment between two former friends that left
everyone’s tongues wagging; it didn’t take clues to help them figure out what Malik was trying to say.
Jefferson was silent as he followed Margo back to their seats. Margo looked at Angelica as her eyes asked what had happened. Ashamed, Margo folded her hands and placed them over her mouth, her elbows glued to the table. She dared not look at Jefferson, for fear that his accusing eyes would convict her—and rightfully so. A reprieve came her way when one of Hamilton’s cousins got up to talk about what a good friend he had been.
53
One after another, they single filed to the front of the room, sharing good times about cousin Hamilton, Uncle Hamilton, my nephew Hamilton, and my good friend Hamilton. Laughter was the best medicine as it took some of the sting away from the final service, with each person trying to outdue the next in the stories they told. The crowd began to dwindle, and the few police officers that remained began to relax as the home-going for Hamilton was coming to a close without incident.
Angelica walked over to Lieutenant Broadnax and extended her hand. “Your words touched me, Carl. They were beautiful. I wished Hamilton could have heard them.”
“You know, Angelica, the lieutenant and I were at odds about a lot of things, but I truly loved him. Hated that things went down the way they did for us five years ago, but I took an oath to uphold the law, and I was doing my job.”
“I know.” Angelica brushed his shoulder. “You got someone in your life yet?”
“You remember Ebony?”
“Yes, she was Jefferson’s secretary.”
“Well, after her mom died, we became very close. In fact, we have a December wedding planned.”
“Congratulations, Carl. I’m so happy for you. Please give my regards to Ebony.”
“I will, and…we’d love for you to come to our wedding.”
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