by Aray Brown
“Spoonie, how’s the fourth best lawyer in town?”Maize laughed wholeheartedly, took in the last puff from the cigarette.
“What, you moved up? My nigga. Yeah I got it.” Maize combed through the file cabinet, withdrew a folder labeled S H Case. Spoonie was a high profile lawyer, in the middle of a big divorce settlement and needed his expertise to provide proof of infidelity where his client’s wife was concerned. She had signed a prenuptial agreement stating if unfaithful she wouldn’t get a dime of his money. His client suspected her of cheating early on. Maize tailed her for weeks.
“I’ll send it over right now.” Maize put it in a manila envelope.
“Better yet, I’ll do it myself. I’ll be there within the hour.” He said, glancing at his watch.
Click.
Maize hung up, opened the drawer, grabbed the frame, replaced the picture of him and Sandra with a recent one of Zoe and moved it to the front of the desk.
“What a pretty girl.” An older gentleman with salt and pepper hair said.
“Pop, what brings you by?”Maize said.
“Do I need a reason to see my son? So, when am I going to meet the girl that’s stolen my boy’s heart?” He asked.
“We’re not there yet.” Maize lied.
“This is the only meaningful relationship you’ve been in since the divorce. It can’t be just platonic.” The gentleman said.
“Dad, I gotta go. Come to dinner. You’ll see her up close and personal. Doris, hold all my calls.” Maize said, walking towards the exit.
In another office across town, Spoonie was hard at work, trying not to let this case consume him. The desk was a mess. Cluttered with documents and verification from another suit he was working on. He had a very unique filing system.
“Someone’s here to see you.” The receptionist announced.
“Send him in.” Spoonie said, addressing the receptionist.
A woman walked in, carrying a picnic basket. His nose was buried-deep in paperwork. Suddenly Spoonie looked up, got up from the chair and greeted her.
“What a pleasant surprise. I wasn’t expecting you.” He smiled.
“Perhaps someone else?” the woman asked.
“My mistress, you know I’m getting it on the low.” Spoonie said, jokingly.
She hit him, playfully. They shared a kiss. She stroked his black with a tang of gray hair, adored his tall stature.
“Hi.” Sherry said.
“Hi.” Spoonie replied. She sat the basket on the table.
“I’ll see you later tonight right?” Sherry asked.
“Eight O’clock on the dot.” Spoonie gave her a peck on the lips, then a longer one.
“Are you preying on helpless and defenseless women now?” Maize asked.
They spied Maize lingering in the doorway, darting his baby blues.
“How you been Sherry?” Maize hugged her
“You’re looking good brother, almost as good as me.” Spoonie chuckled, indulged in a bro hug.
“You two have a lot to talk about. I was just leaving. See you later sweetie.” Sherry said.
“Later.” Spoonie said.
Maize grabbed an apple from the basket and made himself comfortable.
“So, what you got for me?” Spoonie asked.
Maize dropped the envelope on the desk.
“A two timing cheating ex-wife.” Maize added, taking a bite out of the apple.
“In flagrante delicto. In blazing offence.” Spoonie said, eyeing the pictures.
* * * * * * * * *
August 1999
Alex’s swarthy figure emerged from the muggy, wet dark shadows of the Penn Station, toting a large unmarked suitcase, sidestepping a puddle beneath his feet. Alex rode the escalator down to the lower level, paying no attention to the passers-by, drowning out the hustle and bustle of the nightwalkers. Notwithstanding its gloomy appearance, the ticket booth was still open—one person prowling inside—a man with black horn-rimmed glasses. He set the luggage down and drew near. His destination was apparent.
“I want a ticket to Chicago, one-way.” Alex conceded, retrieved his wallet.
“Traveling by bus or train?” The ticket clerk asked.
“Train.” Alex said.
“Do ya want business class or coach?” The ticket clerk inquired.
“Business class.” Alex replied.
“Have a good one, many happy returns.” He said, sliding the ticket under the small opening. Alex gripped the fare, brushed up against a sturdy surface and waited for the train to pull in. He fidgeted with his watch. It wouldn’t be long now. He thought. Alex absorbed the clamor coming from the loud speaker, announcing new arrivals as the Amtrak hauled into station. He joined the others on the platform. Then boarded, gave the fare to the conductor, scored a seat in the back row so he could be less visible. Stretching out and drifting off to sleep, Alex didn’t expect to be interrupted by anyone, let alone a beautiful woman.
“I think you’re sitting in my seat.” She said. Alex opened his right eye, setting his sight on her, sizing the woman up and moved accordingly.
“Traveling alone?”Alex asked.
“I don’t have to talk to you”
“Oh but you do, Sandra.”
9.
Alex arrived at his final destination, assorted flowers in hand, hopped out of the cab and told the driver to keep the meter running, whispering about the big tip in his near future. He stared at the dream house, peered around the quaint neighborhood, calmly rapped on the door and played with the wedding band he vowed never to take off. Unhinging the door, Alex saw her in all her glory. Even in scrubs, Zoe looked gorgeous. The look on her face was priceless and he treasured it.
“What are you doing here?” Zoe asked.
“I’m having a heatstroke. Aren’t you going to invite me in?” Alex asked.
“How’d you find me?” Zoe asked.
“I have my ways.” Alex replied.
“The kids are at school.” Zoe said.
“I’ll wait.” Alex said, muscling his way in the air conditioned home, merely grazing her. He got a whiff of her essence and got lost in the scent, eyed an unopened pack of cigarettes, secured one and patted his pockets in search of his trusty lighter. Before Alex reached for it, a sudden compulsion to see her in a hospitable state came over him.
“Do you mind?” Alex asked, perching himself on the sofa,
He monitored as she carefully lit his cigarette, and then inhaled deeply.
“Did you think it would be that easy to get away from me?” Alex asked.
“Yes, considering you never cared about me in the first place.” Zoe said. She witnessed a different side to him.
“Touché. Don’t I get an A for effort?” Alex asked, cracked a smile.
“Maize this is--“
“I know who it is. Alex, right?” Maize interrupted the introduction.
“Malcolm right”? Alex replied.
“Maize.” He corrected him.
“It’s a pleasure.” Alex lied, extended his hand. Behind that fake smile, his blood was boiling.
“Likewise I’m sure.” He lied, gritted his teeth and punched him.
Maize balled up his fists, ready to fight for what was his. In all the commotion they didn’t notice a young Price running up to him, leaving a cracked door behind.
“Daddy!” Medina exclaimed.
“Hey, how’s my girl?” Alex said, wrapped her in a full embrace.
“Where’s Issy?” Alex asked.
Standing in the doorway, Isabel looked right through him as if a ghost had taken over his body, and then gravitated towards Maize, therefore making her choice known. She wasn’t the forgiving type. Isabel saw him for what he was and remembered more than her twin ever did. About what really happened and not just some fabricated story.
“Issy it’s me. Issy! You’re turning my daughter against me?!”Alex said, irritated.
“No. You are.” Zoe chimed in.
“Just go.” Isabel interje
cted.
Alex gave up but vowed he will be back, presented Medina with a gift—a 14 karat gold pendant necklace, he fastened around her neck. He kissed her and ended the jilted send-off with the number to his cell phone.
Alex retreated to the cab, defeated but not beaten
* * * * * * * * *
“Is cash okay?” Alex inquired, observed all the areas of the room and envisioned what he could do with the empty space.
“It’s fine. Just sign here. Will your wife be joining you?” She asked, gestured to his wedding band, hoping there was some mistake.
“My wife, she’s tying up some loose ends.” Alex glanced at it, fiddled with it. He still saw it for what it represented and was prepared to be buried with it. Alex signed the lease, confirming Zoe’s worst fear. The house was beautiful, a tad on the expensive side, in a nice neighborhood. But most importantly, it was closer to her.
After Alex was released from the clinic, he sold their house and came to suburbia with just a suitcase packed with clothes and a five million dollar inheritance he got from his father’s passing. The only thing Frank ever gave him that was worthwhile. Prior to the trip, Alex visited Frank’s grave to make amends. Alex had planned on never forgiving him. But this was a step he couldn’t neglect. A final step towards healing, the therapist called it. He offered his condolences to the wife and younger brother and promised to stay in touch when he got settled. Of course he was a good liar. He didn’t care about them and it wasn’t his intention to connect with anyone who was held accountable for his mother’s fatal demise.
Alex couldn’t hide his true self any longer. Alex was a made up name and his scapegoat when in need of a detour. Only a select few knew the real one. Henry. The name given to him by his birth parents. In order to keep up appearances he created a fake persona and it worked. As for the why, it will forever be shrouded in secret. He made the executive decision to come out of hiding when he no longer needed to be Alex Price. He created a fake life but it wasn’t all an act.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Zoe asked, spying on him.
“What does it look like I’m doing? I’m moving.” Henry said in a huff.
“Alex you can’t” Zoe said.
“I am, too late to get the security deposit back.” Henry said, entering the house.
“What do you want?” Zoe said, going after him.
“What belongs to me. What about you? What do you want?”” Henry closed the door behind her and cornered her.
“I want you out of my life.” Zoe said.
“Did you just come over here to tell me that? I know you still feel something.” Henry came closer.
“What we had was over long before you got here.”
As soon as Zoe advanced toward the door, he grabbed her and kissed her. Zoe pushed him away and slapped him abruptly. Henry reached for her, kissed hard, forcing his tongue down her throat like a starving man, as if he was in need of her. He had a burning desire no one else could fill, an itch no one else could scratch. Zoe struggled, except the temptation was so great she couldn’t resist. There was a part of her body that still craved his touch. She tasted his lips, entwining her tongue with his. Henry pushed her against the wall, lifted her up while she wrapped her legs around his waist. Henry unzipped his pants and penetrated her. Henry wanted her more than ever. He knew he could make her happy if given the chance and would spend the rest of his life making it up to her.
A single tear trickled down her cheek. It was a sign of joy and sorrow. She wanted to forget about him. But she missed him, missed his kiss, his touch. The way his alabaster skin felt against hers.
10.
“This can’t happen again.” Zoe said, putting on her clothes.
“I’m not giving you up.” Henry said, pouring the whiskey, averting his eyes.
“Maize asked me to marry him.” Zoe said.
“What was your answer?” Henry asked, taking a swig.
“Yes.” Zoe said with confidence.
“I won’t live without you. If I can’t have you, no one else will.” Henry said with determination, looking over his shoulder. He watched her leave. Henry was never going to let her go as long as she was in his arms again. Henry believed they were meant to be and he was prepared to fight for her. Henry knew the love was still there even if she refused to admit it. They had something that just won’t die. Or maybe he won’t let it die. Henry became obsessed with her. He could have any woman he wanted. Instead Henry wanted her, and she was slipping far from his grasp. He loathed the feeling of being unwanted.
Henry lived off his father’s inheritance, spent his days doing whatever he wanted. When Zoe wouldn’t succumb to his charms, he found other outlets to release his exasperations. Scantily clad women and phone sex operators were his guilty pleasures. During the day, Henry showered the children with gifts, aiming at winning their hearts, although his affection for them was unclear. Was it phony or was it real? Was it love or just another distraction?
Alex Price had existed in him for many years, had worn him like a second skin, and with that, poised the million-dollar question……… Who is Henry Vada?
Henry came to a place that wasn’t his own. He started driving a wedge between Zoe and Maize, which he enjoyed to no end. Maize and Henry almost engaged into a fist fight until she broke it up and was forced to be the mediator. Maize went to a nearby bar to clear his head.
Another order of club soda later, Henry waltzed in and sat next to him.
“What are you doing here?” Maize demanded, sipping the soda.
“I’m here to talk.” Henry said, sitting in the bar stool next to him.
“What did you want?” Maize asked.
“I want my family back.”Henry said.
“Your kids aren’t for sale. Neither is my fiancé’. They’re just a commodity to you.” Maize said, calmly, and then grabbed the bottle of scotch from the bar, hit the back of his head with it.
“That’s for them. If you hurt Zoe and those kids again, I’ll lock you up myself.” Maize ordered his last drink and left Henry on the floor, throbbing in pain. You can’t keep me away from what’s mine. Henry thought.
After polishing off his drink, Maize helped him to his feet, then gripped his hand and pulled him in.
“That should show you just how serious I am.” Maize said with an intense stare.
“Have a nice night.” Maize playfully hit his back and left.
Henry felt the bump on the back of his neck and saw the blood on his fingers. He darted his eyes to the door. No one was going to get in the way of his true love.
“Do you need to call someone?” The bartender asked.
“I suppose I do, reinforcements.” Henry said.
The bartender propped a 1970 rotary phone on the mahogany wood countertop.
Zoe had been a registered nurse at Northshore Medical for over three months. She wanted to redefine herself, get her feet wet in a new town. Do something unexpected. It took her a while to get used to everything. To find her groove. Once she found it, she proved to be a valuable asset and considered it a nice change of pace from what was taught. Zoe didn’t know whether it was The Burbs, the new man in her life, or what. But she found herself not missing the city all that much and surprised how much she loved her job; rarely missing donning on that blue uniform she wore so proudly. Zoe was getting used to something her kids tolerated.
She located a quiet place in the ladies’ room to clear her head, mascara running as her eyes welled up, the confirmation in hand—a pregnancy test that proved positive. Zoe was dead set against keeping it. A steady reminder of her discretion.
Why did he have to come here? She asked herself.
“It’s yours. And I’m getting rid of it.” Zoe said, putting the pregnancy stick in the palm of his hand.
She meant every word. Zoe was done with him. However, he didn’t share the same sentiment. A sudden rage came over Henry, gnawing away at his insides as he struck her down. Zoe fell against the wall, hit
her head and was rendered unconscious.
“Sorry Zo. But you know who I am. Our family doesn’t believe in abortion. Maybe I can cut it out of you and watch you bleed to death. God you’re beautiful.” Henry stared, cradled her face and leaned in. Henry dragged Zoe to the bedroom, had his way with her then dumped her in the yard. What do you give a girl that has everything? Nothing. He thought.
Zoe lay on the lawn, the timed sprinklers reviving her from slumber, uninformed of the previous event that took place.
* * * * * *
“I just saw your girl. It’s almost a shame to kill her. You know what the name Zoe means? Death, or it will be before I’m finished with her.” A muffled voice said.
“Sandra, I’m warning you.” Maize said over the phone.
Click.
The handset slipped out of Maize’s hand as he snatched the coat off the hanger, switched off the lights and hightailed out of the door. He was sure it was a prank caller but couldn’t escape the look of concern on his face.
11.
Maize raced home in a blind fury like a madman, petrified of what she would do. Sandra had a history of assault and battery; combined with desperation he feared the worst. Even though he wasn’t a violent man, he’d never been more anxious to get his hands around her neck.
Maize went down a dirt path. It was his attempt at a short cut. What was left was a mushy mess. The car stalled, aspiring to get around it. Maize stomped his foot on the gas pedal more than once but had to admit he was stuck. The wheels were covered in mud, he was trapped. Maize got out and made a run for it, adamant that nothing was going to get in the way.
The neighborhood was quiet. Painfully quiet. Almost like a ghost town. It was rather odd. To say he was caught off guard was an understatement. Maize moved nearer to the back entrance. Much to his dismay, the door was already cracked. It creaked as it widened and he cautiously walked in. The house was pitch-black. Not to mention calm. Unnervingly calm. No ruckus from the kids, causing him to be curious of their whereabouts.