More Pain, Pleasure and Lies

by Qiana London

  Jessica Watkins Presents

  More Pain, Pleasure, and Lies

  The Thrilling Conclusion

  by

  QIANA LONDON

  Copyright © 2017 by Qiana London

  Publisher: Jessica Watkins Presents

  All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Without limiting the right under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

  Dedication

  For my “big boy”, Elijah.

  Acknowledgements

  The last year and a half has been quite a journey and it isn’t over. I thank God for opening my eyes, giving me the strength to push past many obstacles, and remain focused all while continuing to do what I love.

  Jessica Watkins, thank you for providing me with an additional platform and for helping me share my writing with the world. I’ve learned a lot being a part of the JWP family and I am grateful for the opportunity.

  Daddy, thank you for being incredibly supportive and being there for me, especially over the course of this last year. There is no time like the present and I’m so glad that you’re rocking with me!

  Mama, thank you for being a cheerleader and for supporting every project I have ever brought forth. Here’s another one for the books (pun intended)!

  A special thank you to Allison “Honey” Berewa. I cannot thank enough for all of your assistance. I appreciate your candid way with words, patience, and ability to challenge me.

  Chioma, you’re an amazing partner and I’m so thankful to have you in my life. You’ve been right there with me through so much. I love you with all of my heart. Your love and light continues to be a blessing.

  Chapter One

  I sat on my balcony looking out at the Pacific Ocean. Tonight the weather was clear, so I had nothing obstructing my view of the Golden Gate Bridge. I stared at it while I sipped my beer. Donte spoke to me over my Bluetooth on my home phone, which sat in front of me on the coffee table. I sat the bottle down next to the phone and picked up the envelope marked “Classified” as I continued to listen.

  “Khalil, the trial is going to end soon. Something in my gut is telling me that it’s not going to pan out the right way. I think he may have gotten to some of the jurors.”

  I was silent as Donte spoke. I knew Diandre was well connected, but he wasn’t the only one. After doing some research and making a few calls, I was able to get a hold of some very useful information. I wasn’t worried about the verdict. I knew justice would be served one way or the other.

  “Are you listening to me?”

  “I hear everything you’re saying,” I replied calmly.

  “You ain’t sayin’ much.”

  “That’s because I’m not worried.”

  Donte was silent for a moment. “Wait a minute, Khalil. I know you. This sounds like the calm before the storm.”

  I chuckled at his observation. “Then you know that you shouldn’t be worried either.”

  I pulled the contents of the envelope out and placed everything on the table. I quickly sorted through the items and discovered some photographs. I laid them down side by side. I glanced briefly at the pictures of Diandre, Justine, and Kendrick. Those didn’t have much meaning to me. I was more concerned about the photo of Diandre with three women. Two of the women were close to his age. The third woman was visibly older, and they all resembled one another. Clearly, this was his family and my leverage.

  “Should I even bother to ask what you’re up to?”

  “What do you think?”

  “You just let me know how I can get in on it. I’ve got some unfinished business with him.”

  “Of course I will.”

  I picked up the paperwork and fingered through the pages. His mother was living in a skilled nursing facility, and one of his sisters worked as an accountant out of state. The other one worked as an adjunct professor for legal studies right here in San Francisco. I would make contact with her first. I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone, and then entered a series of numbers into a text message. I pressed send and sat the phone down on the table. Then, I grabbed my beer, brought it to my lips, and leaned back in my seat.

  “I appreciate everything you’ve done for my sister.”

  “It’s all good, Tay. You know I have love for her.”

  “Yeah, about that,” he started. “I know you’re feeling my sister on some other shit. You’re my boy and I have major love for you, but I know how you get down. I won’t hesitate to fuck you up. She’s been through enough already.”

  “Because you’re my boy and I’ve got love for you, I’m going to act like you didn’t just say that and let that shit slide. Yeah, I’ve been a creep in the past and had my share of women, but trust me when I tell you that Dezzy is different. I wouldn’t do her like that.” I smiled thinking about her. “I plan on taking my time. I will do right by her. Believe that.”

  “You better. I don’t want to have to fuck you up.”

  We laughed. I knew he believed that he could do me harm, and I would let him have his moment. Still I knew he meant what he said and I valued our friendship. Neither of us had anything to worry about. “Alright, Khalil, duty calls. Some fool decided not to show up for court. I’ve gotta run. I’ll holla.”

  “Bet.”

  I finished my beer, gathered the materials I had spread over the coffee table, and put them back into the envelope. I stood up, took in the view once more, and inhaled deeply before grabbing the phones, empty bottle, and envelope. I walked back into my apartment and set everything on the breakfast bar except the classified file. Dezzy would be coming over soon, and I didn’t want her to know about the special project I’d taken an interest in. I glanced at the clock above the couch in my living room. I had about thirty minutes before she would arrive.

  I walked up the spiral staircase and through the landing area to my bedroom. I tossed the envelope onto the nightstand and then sat down on my bed next to it. I grabbed the small table by both sides and balanced the lamp on top as I slowly slid it over. I pushed the wooden panel underneath to the side, exposing my hidden floor safe. I entered the four-digit code and the door on the safe opened. I picked up the envelope from the nightstand and placed it on top of my passports, rubber banded large bills, international currency, and my Beretta Nano 9mm. I had more than one safe, but this one was specific to my line of work, which select few knew about. I took all precautions to protect these things. I couldn’t risk any of it falling into the wrong hands.

  I looked around my room and made sure everything was clean and organized. Dezzy and I hadn’t spent much time in here and I didn’t anticipate that changing anytime soon. But I liked to make sure my place was presentable at all times. Cleanliness had been instilled in me while I was enlisted, and I wanted her to feel comfortable. I cracked the window to let some fresh air in and went back downstairs.

  As I walked into the living room, I pressed a button on the wall and the fireplace ignited. I turned on the television and flipped to an R&B music station. Next I connected the television to my surround sound system and a slow, bass-filled melody began to play. I tossed the beer bottle into the garbage and pulled a bottle of Riesling out of the wine cabinet cooler. I wasn’t a bi
g wine drinker, but I kept it on hand so I could offer options to my guests. I knew Dezzy didn’t like beer and I hadn’t seen her drink hard liquor. I was hoping that she’d like the wine. I had just placed two glasses on the counter when my doorbell rang. Normally, I’d have security call me before letting anyone up, but I’d added Dezzy to the list of approved visitors. She was special. I had given her a key, but she had yet to use it. I held off on pouring the wine and headed to the door.

  When I opened the door, I couldn’t help the smile that instantly spread across my face. She stood before me in jeans, a loose-fitting Golden State Warriors sweatshirt that revealed one shoulder, and blue Chuck Taylor tennis shoes. Her hair was pulled to the crown of her head in a bun and she didn’t have on any makeup. She was beautiful with very little effort and she had a unique glow. I was mesmerized by her beauty. Her milk chocolate skin was silky smooth and she smelled so damn good. I regretted the fact that I was wearing basketball shorts. They weren’t very forgiving and if she looked down, I was sure my thoughts on everything I wanted to do to her would be revealed. I was determined to remain a gentleman, though. So my actions would stay in my head for now.

  She cleared her throat and smiled, breaking me from my trance.

  “So, um, can I come in, KJ?”

  She was the only one besides my mother who I still allowed to call me by my childhood nickname. It came from the initials of my first and middle name, Khalil Jeremiah.

  “Oh, my fault… Come on in. And let me take those,” I added, taking the grocery bags from her hands. We gave each other a quick peck, and then I stepped to the side so she could pass by me. “What’s all of this? I thought we were going to order in.”

  “I know, but I thought it would be nice for us to cook together.”

  “Alright, I can get with that. You just tell me what you need me to do. Cooking isn’t exactly one of my specialized skills. I can order the hell out of some food, though.”

  Dezzy walked further into the apartment and dropped her purse on the ottoman. She turned back toward me and smiled.

  “Oh, okay, so now the secret is out. That explains why you like going to restaurants and ordering in most of the time.”

  “Basically,” I replied and chuckled.

  I closed the door with my foot and carried the bags into the kitchen. Dezzy walked over to the breakfast bar and leaned against it while I removed the food from the bags.

  “So, what did you do today?” she inquired.

  “Today was pretty chill. I ran some errands, worked out, and caught up on some reading.”

  It was the truth, but just not the whole truth.

  “I worked like a Hebrew slave today. Saturdays are usually the busiest at the salon, making me want to do nothing except go to sleep once I get home. Thank goodness I’m off tomorrow.”

  “Well, I’m glad you weren’t too tired to come over.”

  “Of course not, I enjoy your company.”

  She walked around the bar and joined me in the kitchen just as I pulled the last item out of the bag. She looked at the wine and glasses on the counter.

  “I’ve got red wine too if you don’t like that one.”

  She shook her head. “Riesling is one of my favorites, but my stomach has been bothering me all day.”

  She covered her mouth and turned her attention to the butcher block and cutting board behind me. “You’re going to need that over there.”

  One skill I did possess was the ability to spot a lie. Dezzy was deflecting. I’d had my suspicions before, but now, I was certain. But I would allow her to tell me in her own time. The oversized clothes she consistently wore, exhaustion, and sensitivity to smell were only a few of the giveaways. I assumed she didn’t know how to tell me or thought I’d bounce if she told me the truth, but I wasn’t that dude.

  “I’m beginning to think that you don’t drink.”

  “I do sometimes. I just have to be in the mood.”

  She leaned toward me and grabbed the Tupperware container from behind me that I’d taken out of the bag. She placed it on the counter in front of her and removed the lid.

  “I prepped this chicken last night. It’s been marinating ever since.”

  “That smells hella good.”

  “Wait until you taste it,” she replied as she pulled a skillet out of the cabinet and placed it on the stove.

  Shit, you have no idea how bad I want to taste it. My mind was already wandering. “What do you need me to do?” I shook my head, trying to get rid of that thought.

  “Can you rinse off the yellow and red peppers then cut them into chunks?” She lit the flame under the skillet. “And you can chop that onion into wedges too.”

  “I can manage that.”

  I grabbed the vegetables along with a sharp knife and the cutting board. Then I moved them near the sink, giving Dezzy the space she needed. Once I rinsed the peppers off, I got to work. I heard her spray the skillet with something and then she appeared next to me and washed her hands. She turned off the water, but she didn’t move. I could feel her looking at me.

  “Am I doing it wrong?” I kept chopping despite my question.

  “You’re fine,” she replied and giggled. “I’m just enjoying the view.” She ran her wet hand up my arm and squeezed my bicep.

  “Alright, girl, don’t go startin’ shit.”

  She raised herself onto her tiptoes. I turned to face her and gave her a slow, soft kiss on the lips. She pulled away from me slowly and smiled.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Keep playing if you want to.”

  Dezzy and I flirted often, but we hadn’t followed through on anything. The old Khalil would have smashed a long time ago, but it wasn’t about sex. I had real feelings for her. Besides, she was fresh out of a relationship. While I knew she was over Diandre, I wasn’t sure she was ready for anything serious. We had been spending a lot of time together over the last two months. I knew she wasn’t seeing anybody else, but we hadn’t put labels on each other. But what we shared was special.

  Dezzy dried her hands on the dish towel and walked back over to the stove. She placed the chicken in the skillet. As it sizzled, the aroma began to fill the room.

  “Alright, Miss Tucker. I’m done cutting this stuff up. Do you need anything else?”

  “In a minute, I’ll be ready for those pineapples over there, so you can open that can too if you don’t mind.” She placed the lid over the skillet. “I’m going to go sit down for a minute. I’ve been on my feet all day and my back is killing me.”

  “Go ahead, babe. I got it.”

  She walked over to the couch, plopped down, and removed her shoes. I grabbed the can opener from the drawer, opened the pineapples and left the can on the counter.

  “KJ, can you please add the peppers and onion to the skillet, stir it up, and lower the flame?” she asked through a yawn.

  “See, I knew there was a reason I liked leaving the cooking to other people,” I teased.

  I did as she’d asked before I joined her on the couch. She was propped up against the pillows with her legs extended, so I lifted her feet and put them on my lap. We didn’t talk right away. Instead, we listened to the music and enjoyed the heat radiating from the fireplace. When I turned my attention to her, she had her eyes closed.

  “Aye, wake up.”

  “I’m not sleep. I’m just resting my eyes.”

  “Do you usually snore when you’re resting your eyes?”

  She opened her eyes and looked at me. “Quit playing. I do not snore,” she laughed, and playfully kicked me. Her smile quickly turned into a frown.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I can’t get comfortable. My back is kicking my ass right now. I think I need to stretch out.”

  “Are you trying to tell me to move?”

  “No.” She forced a smile. “I just need to lie down for a minute.”

  “Go on upstairs and lie down on my bed.”

  She looked at me
and raised her eyebrow.

  “What?” I asked and laughed. “I’m just trying to be polite and look out for you, Dezzy.”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind? I know I’m not making the best company right now.”

  “It’s all good. Just let me know what I need to do in here so I don’t burn shit up.”

  Dezzy slowly stood up from the couch and went back into the kitchen. I watched her from where I sat. She stirred the ingredients in the skillet, added the pineapples, and then stirred the contents again. She put the lid back on, and set the timer on the stove.

  “When the timer goes off, please turn off the flame and put this bag of rice in the microwave for five minutes. You think you can handle that?”

  I nodded and smiled at her. “Go lay down. I will put the rest of the stuff away. I’ll come and get you when dinner is ready.”

  “Thanks, boo.”

  She took her time going up the stairs, and I returned to the kitchen to start putting things away. As I placed the wineglasses back in the cabinet, my cell phone rang. I turned to glance at the screen. I picked it up from the counter and made sure Dezzy was upstairs before I answered.

  “What’s good, Snow?” I left the music on and walked out onto the balcony to take the call.

  “Melanie and I were able to secure the assignment for you. You’ll be part of an accreditation evaluation team. She’ll send you all of the details later for your cover story.”

  “Anything else I need to know?”

  “From what I gathered, she’s estranged from her brother. They fell out a year ago behind money and a situation involving their mother. They haven’t spoken to one another since. Apparently, you aren’t the only one with a grudge.”

  As I listened, a smirk formed on my face. “Great work. Let me know when I have the green light, and I’ll be there,” I confirmed. “Keep me posted.”

  “Copy that.”

  We ended the call, and I walked back into my apartment just as the timer went off. I turned off the flame and threw the rice in the microwave as Dezzy had instructed. As I pressed start button, I heard a blood-curdling scream from upstairs. I rushed to my bedroom, but Dezzy was nowhere to be found. I heard sobs coming from the bathroom, so I hurried over to the door.