by Mz. Robinson
Chapter 22
Damon
I was en route towards Tabitha’s apartment when I spoke to Octavia and she advised me that she was trailing Doctor Aurora. I immediately contacted her father to let him know what was going on. Charles was in the process of having Octavia’s phone tracked when she finally called me to let me know she was fine and going by the Ambiance before returning home. I couldn’t trust my wife to do only what she had planned and I knew from experience that she would switch it up then contact me afterwards. I decided it was in both of our best interest for me to keep her company while at the restaurant until she was ready to go home. At night the mood at the Ambiance was little more laid back. There was still the same great service and food, but the crowd was more casually dressed and the normal jazz music selection was replaced with R&B and a little Hip Hop. The hostess on duty advised me that Octavia had not arrived yet. I decided rather than waiting in her office I would sit upstairs in the lounge and have a drink.
Although, Octavia was doing one hundred percent better, I had yet to allow alcohol back in our home. I sat at a small table by the railing overlooking the dining room below while sipping on the ice-cold Heineken in front of me. When I saw the doors leading to the front entrance open, I instantly shot a glance in that direction. I was looking for my wife, but instead spotted someone else that interested me. I watched as Kaitlyn came up then greeted the man with open arms.
What the fuck? I said aloud.
I dropped a five dollar bill on the table then casually headed downstairs to the dining room. I stood at the bottom of the stairs watching as the two of them disappeared behind the wall leading to Octavia’s office. A minute later, the door opened and I glanced around making sure no one was watching me then followed them. I stood outside the office leaning against the door. The music flowing through the restaurant speakers made it impossible for me to hear what the two of them were saying. I decided it was time to get up close and personal. I knocked on the office door then waited.
“Yes…” The smile in Kaitlin’s eyes quickly turned to fear at the sight of me. She stepped back slowly moving away from the door. Doctor Aurora sat on the sofa reclining comfortably. He sat up abruptly when he saw me. I pulled the door closed then locked it.
“Sit down.” I instructed Kaitlyn. “I want to know what’s going on,” I said. “And I want to know right now.” I waited for them to respond and when neither of them did, I decided to provide them with a little motivation. I reached behind me, removing the piece I had secured in the waistband of my pants.
The color faded from Kaitlin’s face as she looked from me to the doctor then back to me. I could tell she was ready to crack already and tell me everything, the doctor on the other hand remained calm and didn’t as much as blink. It was clear the man had been through this or something similar before. “Why don’t you go first,” I said to Kaitlyn. She looked too afraid to even open her mouth to speak. I cocked the gun to see if I could further motivate her. It worked. In less than sixty seconds Kaitlyn gave me complete details of how she helped Gator’s sister, Venetta, with her plot to ruin my wife.
“Why would she want to hurt Tabitha?” I questioned looking at Kaitlyn.
“She didn’t,” she said lowly. “I did. I hated her. She was a royal bitch!”
“Do you know what your actions have caused?” I asked. “You’ve hurt good people for no reason and my daughter could have died from ingesting that bull shit.”
She lowered her eyes. “Sorry,” she said.
I looked at her like she had lost her damn mind. All the sorries in the world couldn’t make what Kaitlyn had done alright.
“What role did you play doc?” I asked, looking at the man. He kept a straight face and his mouth tight while looking at me. The doctor obviously did not know the severity of the situation. If he did he would have taken Kaitlin’s lead. I wasn’t in the mood to repeat myself. I marched up to the sofa grabbing him my shirt and pushing the nose of the gun against his forehead. Kaitlyn began to cry louder.
“Shut up!” I yelled, cutting my eyes at her. Her face was completely red and her hands shook as she covered her own mouth with them.
“You have exactly one minute to tell me what I want to know,” I said, staring him in his eyes. “Or I will without hesitation paint the walls with your brains.”
“I’ve been the physician for the Douglass family for eight years,” he started. “My father was inducted to their family and after he took his own life that debt became mine. Some of my colleagues think I have a long list of white collar clients. The truth is there is no one on my client list who’s name doesn’t end with Douglass, who doesn’t work for them, or who they haven’t sent to me.”
“So you were hired to treat my wife?” I asked, releasing my grip on him. I stepped back giving the man room to breathe and lowering my gun.
“Yes,” he said. “Venetta called me on her way to the emergency room and demanded that I be present,” he exhaled. “She had already administered Octavia a chloroform injection to sedate her. However, Chloroform is extremely toxic and has been known to cause many health concerns including cardiac arrhythmia. Arrhythmia can cause strokes.”
The details of the puzzle were all coming together and starting to form the perfect psychotic picture. “That injection caused her heart to stop and the stroke.” I stated, fuming. I stepped back from the sofa.
“I’m sure if it had not been for the drug,” he said. “Your wife would have had a normal delivery.”
“Is that what happened to my son?” I questioned. Silence. I paced back and forth across the office floor as the doctor rambled on about how he saved Octavia.
“That’s why I induced the coma to try and prevent any physical damage...and it worked...it worked! I wanted her to live Damon. I did. Venetta wanted her dead, but I saved her!”
I cut my glare at Kaitlyn, heated from her participation in the pain that was inflicted upon my family. She too deserved to die right along with the good doctor. The image of Gator and the torment he had put my wife through filled my head; causing me to feel no regard for the lives of neither the man, nor the woman before me, and giving me less of a reason to spare either of them.
“On your knees,” I ordered, standing still.
“No…no…don’t do this,” the man pleaded. “Please!”
I grabbed his shirt pulling him up from the sofa then pushed him to the floor. He began to recite something that sounded like a prayer in his native tongue. Kaitlyn looked horrified as she looked from the doctor to me.
“You too!” I ordered.
“Noooo,” she begged, shaking her head.
“Now!” I ordered, ignoring the desperation and fear etched in her face. She eased from her position on the sofa then sat on her knees, shaking like wind-threatened leaves on a tree.
“I saved her…” Aurora cried. “I did…I did…”
I tuned out the man’s cries then extended my arm, pressing the gun to the side of his head.
“No, I can help you…I can help…” He pleaded.
“There is nothing you can do for me,” I grunted through clenched teeth. “You two have done enough.”
“No…no!” Aurora flinched as he raised his head. The color in his face had faded. He now bore the paint of fear, the anguish of anticipation that one displays when they know all hope is gone. “Please…I can…” he said. “I…can…help...I can…I…I…can help you get your son.”
Chapter 23
Octavia
“He’s going to be a heartbreaker isn’t he?” Venetta asked, standing behind me.
I ignored her remark while lifting my sleeping baby boy up into my arms. I knew the moment I saw his full-brown cheeks and pudgy nose that Venetta was telling the truth. He was my son. I felt a knot rising in my throat as tears stood on the edge of my eyelids. I lowered my head, pressing my lips against his warm forehead.
“Why?” I asked lowly.
“It was fate,” Venetta said. “I lost the l
oves of my life, but miraculously I was put in a position where I could know that kind of love again. I wanted to destroy you, but the truth is without you, I wouldn’t have my son. I think it’s necessary for me to say, thank you!”
I turned around looking at her. She had a smile of happiness and contentment on her face. “Can I have a moment alone with him?” I asked, turning my back to her. “Please?”
“I normally wouldn’t recommend it,” she said. “But I’m in a good mood. Just make it quick. And if you can, try not to wake him up. He’s a really good baby, but I don’t like disturbing his rest, he gets super cranky.”
I bit my lower lip to suppress my urge to reply. Once I heard the bedroom door close, I kissed my son then laid him back in the crib.
“Mommy will be back,” I whispered. I dried my eyes with the back of my hands. Venetta’s first mistake was taking my son; her second was letting me know that my son was alive. It now made sense why I felt so detached from the baby in the morgue, he wasn’t mine and instead some random corpse Doctor Aoura had provided. I had been feeling like something was reaching out to me. I now knew that force was my son.
“Venetta!” I screamed. “Something’s wrong with the baby!” Josiah jumped awakened from his sleep and began to cry loudly. The door to the bedroom flew open as Venetta came rushing into the room.
“What is it?” she demanded. I pulled my fist back then delivered a solid punch that landed to her jaw before quickly hitting her with another one. She lost her balance and dropped the gun. I raised my leg, landing a kick to the side of her rib cage. Venetta crawled on the floor towards the spot where the gun had fallen, but she was too late. I punched her in the back of her head, throwing her off course. I grabbed the piece then stepped back while aiming it at her. I stepped backwards moving toward the crib while keeping my eyes glued on my enemy.
“Shhh,” I said. I reached down in the crib then picked up Josiah. “It’s okay.” I cradled my son in my arm while keeping an eye and the gun aimed at Venetta.
“You’re not taking my son,” she mumbled.
“You’re right,” I said. “I’m taking mine.” I stepped past her with my finger on the trigger ready to pull it at any moment. Downstairs, I grabbed my phone and keys and had one hand on the door when I heard a clap, then felt a stinging sensation in my left arm. Venetta stood on the stairs holding a small black pistol. I looked at my arm and saw that she had only grazed it, but that did not stop it from hurting like hell.
“Put him down,” she ordered. “Or the next one will be through your head!” I held Josiah tightly, clutching his warm body to my chest.
“No,” I said backing away.
“Give me my son—” The front door swung open, interrupting her vent. I watched as my husband charged Venetta, slamming her against the staircase banister. I watched as Damon drove his fist into her face, causing her head to sway back and forth like a rag doll. Venetta lay on the floor with blood dripping from her mouth. I watched as Damon grabbed the pistol Venetta used to graze me then aimed it at the woman. I could practically feel his anger flowing throughout the room.
“Damon,” I said. He looked up as if he had heard a ghost then stared into my eyes. “No,” I said. I felt my tears free falling as my husband rushed over wrapping his arms around me and our son. I held onto him for dear life, afraid to let go.
“Are you two okay?” Damon asked, stepping back to look at me.
“Yes,” I answered through tears. He kissed my lips then kissed the top of Josiah’s head.
“Look at him,” Damon exclaimed, shedding his own tears. “Baby that’s our son.”
“Yes,” I said laughing. “Yes.” I took a moment to enjoy being with my husband and Josiah before asking Damon to take our son outside.
“I’ll be there in a moment,” I said.
“Okay,” he agreed, hesitantly.
I waited until Venetta and I were alone to redirect my attention towards her. She sat on the floor staring at me with eyes so cold; it looked like she had no soul. I knew for her that revenge was a slow, recurring cycle that passed from generation to generation. Sons suffering for the sins of their fathers. Daughters paying for the sins of their mothers. I shook my head in disgust as I strolled to the front door. I could hear sirens coming in the distance, my notification that HPD was on their way. I turned and took one last look at Venetta, raised the gun I still held in my hand, then pulled the trigger three times. I dropped the weapon then exited the home, stepping out into the warm night air, where my husband and son were waiting.
Epilogue
Damon
When Doctor Aoura told me that my son was alive, I originally thought he was lying, attempting to buy himself some time, but the tears in the man’s eyes and terror in his voice gave me a positive affirmation that his words were true. He volunteered to take me to the home where Venetta was living with my son and I accepted without a second thought. I contacted the authorities when the doctor and I were almost at Venetta’s home. I knew with the time it took them to dispatch officers, I would have enough time to handle and wrap up anything that I desired. I also knew no matter what was waiting for me at the home the outcome would be the same; someone would die.
When I saw my wife’s car parked along the street my only thought or concern was that my greatest fear—losing her—would come true. My feet had just struck the landing of the porch when I heard the gunshot and Octavia’s and Venetta’s voices. That’s when I rushed inside. I would have killed the woman with my bare hands, but I listened to my wife’s voice and decided to let fate handle it. I was standing outside cradling my son in my arms when I heard the shots being fired, almost reminiscent to the night I murdered Beau. When Octavia stepped out there was something different about her, a certain level of strength that she displayed that let me know she would do anything she had to for the sake of those we love.
As for the doctor and Kaitlyn, I allowed both of them to live, but my kindness did not come without a price. They were turned over to HPD and in the near future they too would stand trial for their crimes.
I sat behind my desk going over notes from my team meeting when there was a knock on my office door.
“Come in,” I said, continuing to review the documents in front of me.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” Tamara asked, standing in the doorway. She wore a blue fitted, above the knee-length dress that hugged her wide hips and dipped low in the front. I hadn’t spoken with her personally since I assigned her account to one of my junior associates and I hadn’t seen her since the day the two of us crossed the line.
“No, come in,” I said, leaning forward against my desk.
“Your assistant wasn’t at her station, so I decided to come to your door,” she said, looking at me. “I hope you don’t mind.” She walked over then sat down across the desk from me.
“She’s on lunch,” I advised her. “And don’t worry, you’re fine.” There was uncomfortable tension between the two of as she sat staring at me.
“Well, I just wanted to stop in and say thank you,” Tamara finally said. “Cam is a great advisor. Thank you for assigning him my account. However, I would have preferred to work with you.”
“You’re in good hands,” I said. “I taught Cam everything I know about the business.”
“Your hands are better,” she said suggestively. “But I understand you had to do what you had to do.”
“I did,” I said. I hadn’t wanted to take any chances with things becoming too complicated with Tamara. I felt the best way to avoid that was to put some distance between us until I was sure that she was ready to resume a platonic friendship. I know she said she was fine with just being friends, but women—no matter how hard they appear on the outside—are emotional creatures and some of them have a difficult time seeing situations clearly. Yes, Tamara and I are emotionally connected, but for me that connection is far from romantic love.
“Listen, I just wanted to stop in and chat for a moment,” she said. �
�And say congratulations, I saw the news about your son.”
“Thank you,” I said appreciatively.
“It’s an amazing story,” she said.
“That’s my world,” I laughed; but I was dead serious. I swear there were some things that could only happen to my family.
“So I hear,” Tamara laughed. She stood then extended her arms to me. “You know how we do.” I rose without hesitation then walked around the desk. The two of us shared a friendly hug.
“You know my offer still stands,” she said, pulling back.
“What offer is that?”
“If you need someone, I’m here.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate it. But I’m good.” Tamara smiled slightly, then kissed me on the cheek.
*****
Octavia
I can’t begin to express the joy I feel having my family. It’s an unbelievable blessing that at times I feel I don’t deserve. After the incident at Venetta’s home the authorities went to Tabitha’s apartment where they found her dead of a drug overdose. Aurora was responsible for the death and he would have gotten away with it if Damon hadn’t seen him with Kaitlyn at the Ambiance. As for Kaitlyn, that little bitch better be glad that I didn’t get to her before the police. Period! I had no fear that Heather was involved, but I let her go anyway. In my opinion, birds of a feather flock together which meant she was guilty by association.
I’ve always said that you never know what you may have to do for those you love or the depth of that love until you’re put to the test. Venetta issued the test, and I chose to not only pass, but pass with flying colors; specifically red, the color of her shed blood.
I strolled through the parking lot of Nomad Investment, swaying on my heels with the love of my life on my mind. I planned to surprise my husband for lunch. I was half way to the door when I saw Tamara coming out the building. I smiled then waved as I walked towards her.
“How are you,” I asked, stopping in front of her.