by Carl Weber
Meanwhile, she was still trying to function as a lawyer for the firm. She had continued to take on cases, although her success rate had slumped to nearly zero since the breakup. Her father started to worry about her performance at work but never asked her what was the cause. All he did was offer her time off to get herself together, which Denise refused. The final straw happened during a malpractice case over which a black woman judge presided. The case was not going very well for Denise, who was unprepared, and the judge had made many rulings against her. After the judge overruled several of her objections, Denise lost it in the courtroom. Jumping over a table and diving toward the judge’s bench, she screamed nearly incoherently, “I’m sick of you black bitches ruining my life!”
She was immediately escorted from the courtroom and held in contempt of court. Her license was suspended pending disciplinary hearings by the bar association. For over a month she stayed at home, waiting for the bar’s decision, staring at the walls and refusing to eat. She had assigned her private detectives to search for Kevin and was waiting impatiently to receive word from them. They were having trouble finding him since the academic year had ended and he no longer taught at the high school. Finally they were able to confirm that he had flown to Europe and was about to embark on a European basketball career.
Upon hearing the news Denise was ecstatic. She decided that no matter what happened with her law license, she was going to take a year off from work and move to Italy. That way, with Alicia in the States, she could rekindle her relationship with Kevin. She thought a baby was probably the best way to keep Alicia at bay, so she threw away her birth control pills. She had even gone so far as to buy airline tickets, but the detectives advised her to wait in the States until they could get more definite information about Kevin’s schedule and location. Reluctantly Denise waited, but when she could no longer stand hanging around her house, she returned to her office.
The employees in her office knew immediately from her appearance and demeanor that she was no longer in her right mind, but since she was the boss’s daughter, they kept their opinions to themselves. It wasn’t too difficult for them to steer clear of her since she stayed locked up inside her office all day, refusing to speak to anyone but her secretary. Alone at her desk, she would sit for hours, plotting her next move. At one point she even contemplated murdering Alicia if it became necessary. This was what she was doing when her secretary came in to announce the arrival of the private detectives.
“Mr. Nunn and Mrs. Jones are here to see you.”
“Thank God! They’re almost an hour late. Well, what the hell are you waiting for? Let them in,” Denise commanded.
Momentarily Lisa Jones stepped into the officer, dressed in sharp size-six business attire. She looked fabulous for someone who had recently had a baby. Smiling at Denise politely, she had to work hard to conceal her shock at Denise’s appearance. The woman was downright frightening. Lisa looked at her partner, Dominic, and could tell he was thinking the same thing.
“Okay, do you finally have some information for me?” Denise blurted out before they could even be seated.
“Well, he stayed in Italy until mid-July, but he’s been back in the States almost six weeks, Ms. Shwartz,” Dominic reported. “The reason it took us so long to find him after his return from Italy is that he didn’t come straight back to New York.”
“I should have figured that. Lemme guess, he went to visit his dear old mama in Virginia?” Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.
Dominic nodded. “He spent most of the summer with her.”
“Well, at least he’s away from that bitch Alicia.”
Dominic and Lisa exchanged a glance. They knew each other well enough that they could communicate with hardly a word. They were both wondering if they should share the rest of the information they had uncovered pertaining to Kevin and Alicia. But before either could speak, Denise started firing questions at them at a frenzied pace. She was desperate for information.
“Okay, when is he scheduled to go back to Europe? I want to make sure my plane and hotel reservations coincide with his arrival.” She smiled for the first time in days. “Oh, make sure you find out where he’s going to be living. And, Lisa, I want tickets to all his games, home and away. Kevin’s gonna need a familiar face cheering him on, don’t you think?”
“Ms. Shwartz, there’s someth—”
“I’m sorry for cutting you off, Lisa, but I need to know. When is Kevin coming back to New York?” The thought of him back in the city made her feel better. There was no doubt she was an addict, and Kevin was her drug.
“He’s already back,” Dominic stated flatly, beginning to tire of Denise’s relentless questions. “He rented a van two days ago and began picking up relatives on his drive up from Virginia.”
“What the hell’s going on? Are they having some type of family reunion or something?”
“This is going to be a little hard for you,” Dominic started to say slowly. There had been a wild look in Denise’s eyes since the moment they stepped in her office. He knew she could snap at any moment, and he did not want to be the one giving her the information that would cause it.
Lisa sensed her partner’s discomfort and thought it would be easier on Denise if she heard it from another woman. She rose from her chair, walked around to where Denise was sitting, and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
“He’s getting married, Denise. He and Alicia are getting married in less than a week.”
“NOOOOO!!!!!!” Denise screamed. She dropped her head down on the desk and sobbed hysterically.
It took a while for Lisa and Dominic to calm her. When they finally did, her hysteria turned to rage, and all she wanted was revenge.
“I want you to help me set him up for rape,” she demanded, glaring at the two of them. “I want him behind bars, so that he hurts the way I hurt.”
Both Dominic and Lisa were silent, neither of them moving. The room was so quiet, it was as if no one were even breathing. Finally Lisa stood, shaking her head slowly from side to side.
“I’ve done some pretty crappy things since I became a private detective, Denise. Most of them while I was working for you. But I refuse to take part in any scheme that will send an innocent man to jail.” She picked up her bag and stormed out the door, followed closely by Dominic.
“That’s okay,” Denise screamed at the door as they shut it. “I don’t need your help. I’ll do it myself!”
43
THE REUNION
Kevin, Tyrone, and Antoine stumbled into Benny’s Bar on the eve of Kevin’s wedding. Tonight they were reflecting on their friendship, which had started when they were merely acquaintances in a school, their one common interest a desire to work out in the school weight room. Now they were together to celebrate the marriage of Kevin and the successes of all three of them.
They were considerably drunk, having enjoyed that time-tested male ritual, the bachelor party. Tyrone’s uncle Billy had hosted the party, so needless to say, there were more than enough naked women for everyone’s viewing pleasure. But when things started to get a little out of hand, they left. Tyrone, who missed his friends after almost three months in L.A., suggested they go to Benny’s, where they could have a drink and catch up on old times.
Benny greeted the three men warmly. Over the past year he had grown quite fond of the trio. He felt almost like a proud papa, his boys returning home after making their way in the world.
“Benny, let me have two beers for my friends and a brandy for me,” Antoine said as they settled at the bar. “Matter of fact, pour one for yourself. Kevin’s getting married tomorrow, and you ought to celebrate too.” He patted Kevin’s back proudly.
“Well, if that’s the case”—Benny laughed happily—“the first round’s on me, gentlemen.” He handed them each a drink, then addressed Kevin. “Congratulations, young brother. You are about to embark on quite a journey. Stick with it. It’s worth it.”
“Thanks, Benny.” Kevin smil
ed.
He had heard enough negative press about marriage from the men at his bachelor party. Now he was grateful for Benny’s encouraging words. He loved Alicia with all his heart but needed to hear reassurance that they were doing the right thing. After all, they had been together for only a few months since their reconciliation. He could honestly say that those months had been idyllic. Alicia and Michael had accompanied him to Italy, where he proposed to her. Then they spent the rest of the summer with him in Virginia, getting to know Mama and Kevin’s sisters. They had all been overjoyed when Kevin announced the engagement. Kevin and Alicia had grown to love each other even more, and their bond had deepened to the point that neither could imagine life without the other. There were times, though, when he worried they were marrying too soon. Maybe, he thought, they wouldn’t be walking down the aisle so quickly if he were staying in the country. But the fact was that he was leaving, and he couldn’t imagine going without her. Positive advice like Benny’s just reminded him again that in his heart he knew this was the right thing for them and for Michael.
“Damn, it’s good to see you guys.” Tyrone held up his glass for a toast. “To my brothers and my friends. May the bonds of friendship keep us close, no matter where we are.”
“Hear, hear!” Kevin and Antoine chimed in unison.
“So, Antoine, what’s this I hear? I’m seated next to the new principal of the Alternative High School for Boys?” He patted Antoine on the back proudly. “Hey, if I’d known you were going to be principal, I might have stuck around.”
“Yeah, the superintendent just informed me yesterday that the chancellor approved my appointment.” Antoine tried to appear modest, but a proud smile soon spread across his round face.
“Those boys have a good chance of making it with you as principal, Antoine. I’m proud of you.” Tyrone smiled.
“I appreciate that, Tyrone. But what do you think about this guy over here?” He gestured toward Kevin. “He’s already made two Italian commercials.”
“It’s no big deal,” Kevin said humbly. “The team’s just promoting me as the next step toward a European championship. They shot the commercials as soon as they got the results of my drug test. But what about you, Ty? How are things in sunny California?”
“Things couldn’t be better, my friend. I was really worried about all of us becoming an instant family, but it’s working better than I ever expected.”
“Well, you have to remember, Sylvia is already a mother.”
“Yeah, but it’s different when they’re somebody else’s children. Sylvia is just starting a new life, without that bastard Maurice. She could go off and lead the single life she never enjoyed, but she chose to stay and help me raise my girls.”
“You’re right about that,” Antoine said. “She certainly is beautiful and classy enough to have her choice of men.”
“I know that. Sometimes I can’t believe that she chose me. But when it comes down to it, we both have something to offer each other. Whatever it is, it works,” Tyrone said with a satisfied grin.
“Amen to that,” Kevin offered, holding up his glass for another toast.
“I’m actually thinking about going down the aisle myself sometime soon,” Tyrone said.
Kevin and Antoine looked at each other with a knowing smile. Their friend, who had fancied himself the biggest dog of the three, was talking about settling with one woman. Tyrone had always said that marriage was a trap. It was ironic how a good relationship could change even the biggest of players.
“What about you, Antoine? Got any plans to make Keisha an honest woman?” Tyrone asked.
“I’ll be honest with you guys. I haven’t given it much thought. Things have been going so well between us, I’m afraid to change anything. After all that happened with Shawna, I just want to take things slowly until my head is together.”
“I can respect that,” Tyrone said.
“Thanks. But the good news is I’m totally into this fatherhood thing. After seeing the sonogram we decided to name the baby Antoine, Jr. I just don’t think marriage is the right step for us yet.”
“Hey, if it works for you, that’s great. But who knows? We might be here again in a year or two toasting your wedding.” Kevin raised his glass. “Here’s to three guys that are no longer lookin’ for love.” They tapped their glasses and exchanged congratulations until Tyrone’s announcement interrupted their festivities.
“Yo, Kev, I don’t mean to be a party pooper, but look who just strolled through the door.”
“Aw, shit.” Kevin lowered his head when he saw Denise walk into the bar. “How the hell did she find me here?”
“She really doesn’t give up, does she?” Antoine asked in amazement.
“No, she doesn’t,” Kevin said angrily.
“Damn, what happened to her, Kev? She used to be beautiful. Now she’s lookin’ like a crack head.” Tyrone couldn’t believe how sick she looked.
“I don’t care what she looks like. She’s ain’t my problem no more.” Kevin sipped his drink and refused to look in her direction.
“Duck down, Kev. Maybe she won’t see you.” Tyrone, told him.
“It’s not gonna work, Tyrone. She knows what you and I look like.” Antoine took a sip of his brandy. “Sit up, Kevin. You’re getting married tomorrow. You don’t have to hide from her.”
Kevin raised his head and reached for his beer. He finished his drink in one gulp. “Where is she, Antoine?”
“Over at the bar.”
“Not anymore. Benny just pointed her in our direction.” Tyrone watched Kevin’s whole demeanor change as Denise approached. “Stay calm, Kev, she’s not worth it. Just try to ignore her.”
“Easy for you to say, Ty. She ain’t been stalking you.”
“Kevin!” Denise’s voice was dripping with attitude.
“Denise, well isn’t this is a coincidence?” Kevin said sarcastically. “What are you doing here?”
“I’ve been looking for you all night.” Denise replied sharply. “Now I can talk some sense into you.”
“I don’t have anything to say to you, Denise. Especially after what you did to my car.”
“That’s nothing compared to what I’m gonna do if you don’t come outside and talk to me,” she demanded.
“What the hell do you want from me Denise?” Kevin slammed his hand on the table.
“I want you to call off this stupid wedding.” She placed her hands on her hips.
“How’d you know about the wedding?” Kevin turned his head to glare at her suspiciously.
“Haven’t you figured it out yet? I know everything about you and your friends.” She looked at Antoine and Tyrone. “Hey, Tyrone, does Walter Black know about your little crack problem?”
“Yeah, he knows I’m in recovery,” Tyrone smirked, shaking his head at her threat. “Speaking of recovery, looks like you been hittin’ the old pipe yourself, huh?”
Antoine busted out laughing.
“You think that’s funny, don’t you, Antoine?” She pointed a finger at him. “You never did like me, did you?”
“No Denise, I can’t say I ever did,” Antoine took another sip of his brandy.
“Yeah, well you better talk some sense into your friend, or I might just call the chancellor and let him know you’re having a baby outta wedlock,” she threatened. “He might not think that’s such a good example for the kids.” Antoine’s face was expressionless.
“I don’t like people threatening me, Denise,” he said through clenched jaws.
“So talk to your friend, or I just might have to follow through on my threats.” Denise smiled at him wickedly, then turned to Kevin.
“Ya know, you are really crazy, Denise,” Kevin stared into his empty glass.
“Am I crazy, Kevin? If I am, you made me this way. You and that bitch Alicia.”
Kevin still had not looked up from his glass, and it angered her. She grabbed a beer bottle from a nearby table and threw it to the ground.
“Look at me, damn it!” She’d finally gotten his attention, and he turned to face her. “I want you to call off this crazy wedding,” she pleaded.
“Kevin why don’t you go outside and talk to her? She’s creating a little scene here,” Antoine advised. The entire bar was focused on them now, and Benny was headed their way. “We’ll be here if you need us.”
Kevin stood up and headed for the door. The second he was out the door he spun around with clenched fists. “Always gotta have it your way, don’t you Denise?”
“I was perfectly willing to honor and obey. Just like that bitch you’re gonna marry tomorrow.”
“Yeah, well if she’s a bitch, what the hell does that make you?”
“The woman who’s gonna make your life miserable if you don’t call off this wedding.”
“Look, what do you want from me?”
“I want you to call off this ridiculous wedding. You don’t wanna marry her. You’re still in love with me,” Denise stated with certainty.
“You are so wrong. I don’t love you. I pity you.”
“Pity! Why the hell do you pity me?”
“Look at you. Tyrone was right! You look like a crack-head.” Kevin spun her around so she could see her reflection in the window of the bar. “You used to be so beautiful, Denise. What happened to you?”
Denise couldn’t bear to look at her own reflection. “You did this to me!” She turned and began to pound her fists against his chest.
Kevin grabbed her by both wrists. “Denise, you need to let go. I don’t love you. Where’d you get that idea anyway? I never once told you I loved you. I’m gonna marry Alicia tomorrow because it’s her I love. And no one is gonna stop me.” He let go of her wrists and she got right up in his face.
“You think so? Well if you don’t call off this wedding, you’re going to jail for rape tomorrow.” Denise reached into her pocket. “See this? This is the key to your apartment. You probably didn’t even know I had a copy made, did you? I’ve planted enough evidence in your apartment to have you put away for ten years.”