by KR Bankston
Sighing softly she thought about her real parents. She’d done some searching over the years wanting to know more about each of them. Her mother was a woman who believed in standing her ground and handling her business. She understood why the woman gave her up, holding no ill will. What kind of existence would she have had growing up in a brothel? Her father on the other hand, Gabrielle despised; while he went on with his life and political career, her mother struggled as the brothel began to lose money. Secretly Gabrielle believed her father hired the person or persons who’d robbed, raped, and killed her mother when she was still a youngster.
“That life is over now,” Gabrielle said aloud walking into the master bedroom and catching her breath.
The entire house was magnificent. She wrapped her arms around herself imagining Ray holding her once again. They’d made love this morning before he left as he again assured her she wasn’t dreaming and her life was with him now. Gabrielle was happier than she’d been in a long time. Her life was finally the way she envisioned and she vowed nothing, and no one, would ever upset that balance again.
*****
Ryan regarded Nikki as they pulled up the courthouse. She was quiet and had been most of the morning. He had a pretty good idea why.
“Baby,” he started amiably taking her hand and holding it.
Nikki turned to him, looking in his eyes.
“I didn’t mean to scare you yesterday at the restaurant,” Ryan told her honestly.
Nikki nodded slightly, withholding comment.
“Nikki, I been through a lot in a real short time,” Ryan began again, baring his soul. “Losing my son almost killed me,” he continued as Nikki felt her own heart begin to ache. “It just scared me that you could be pregnant and not have my child,” he told her sincerely. “All I could see were visions of my son, still and quiet, life gone, all over again.” Ryan finished, the pain choking the rest of his words.
Nikki reached over and hugged him as he hugged her back.
“Thank you,” she told him simply.
Ryan gave her a quizzical look and she smiled.
“For finally opening up and letting me inside your heart for a change, instead of just bullying me for no reason,” Nikki explained.
Ryan smiled and apologized again, telling her he was trying to get better.
“I know,” Nikki replied honestly as they kissed again. “Ryan,” she began, looking back into his eyes. “I wouldn’t do that,” she told him. “I wouldn’t kill our child if I got pregnant,” she added as he smiled and kissed her again.
“Thank you baby,” Ryan replied as he got out and came around, opening her door.
“Are you coming to court today,” Nikki asked.
He hadn’t been to any of the proceedings which she thought odd, considering how close he and Ian were.
“Yeah, actually, I think today is a good day for me to come to court,” Ryan replied cryptically.
Nikki was confused by his statement, but didn’t push. He hugged her once more, kissing her softly and telling her to have a great day.
“I’ll see you later,” she asked, giving him a look, alluding to his earlier statement.
Ryan chuckled before answering, assuring her she would. Nikki smiled and turned around walking away. Ryan watched her seductively switch walking up the stairs, stopping at the top, turning and giving him a sexy wink knowing he was watching. Smiling he got back into the car and headed to back toward the highway. He had a quick errand to run before returning to the courthouse.
*****
That feeling in the pit of her stomach was back and Kaitlyn couldn’t shake it. Something was going to happen today. She could feel it. She sighed lightly reflecting momentarily on yesterday and what happened between her and Tariq. She wasn’t angry about it, just frustrated knowing it shouldn’t have happened. She could tell he had renewed hope about their relationship, especially after she gave in and they made love again this morning before coming to court. You’ve got to stay away from him, at least until you’re strong enough to let go, her mind told her as Kaitlyn sighed deeply, knowing her mind was right. The bailiff interrupted further contemplation as he admonished them to rise. Everyone stood as Volena Baiswell again entered the courtroom, taking the bench and telling them all to be seated.
“Good morning everyone,” the judge greeted.
The two counsels returned her greeting, awaiting her instruction.
“Mr. Dorsey, do you have any further presentation,” she asked Akil.
He advised the judge they did not. Grunting slightly she advised both counsels she would hear closing arguments. Nikki walked into the courtroom at that point, some fifteen minutes late. Judge Baiswell threatened to not allow her entry as Nikki begged the courts forgiveness saying it couldn’t be helped. Asking for and receiving the five minutes to confer with Ray, Nikki sat at the table, handing him the manila folder she’d been given on the way inside, causing her tardiness, and whispering in his ear. Ray removed the documents and scanned them quickly, his expression never changing. The doors opened once more as the Judge looked up and the well-dressed man entered the courtroom, glancing away since he was of no interest, she returned her attention to Ray Lockhart. Tariq on the other hand took the man in as the shock registered on his face. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me, he thought the revelation that Ryan Bailey still lived and breathed hitting him like a ton of bricks. Pulling out his phone, he quickly texted Mook to let him know what he was seeing.
Kaitlyn’s mouth actually dropped and she had to quickly gather herself seeing Ian’s older brother enter the courtroom, walk up to the front row and sit down. Ryan’s head turned to her at that moment, their eyes meeting as he smiled sweetly and nodded a greeting. Kaitlyn absently nodded back, before turning away, the knot in her stomach tightening.
“Mr. Lockhart,” Volena admonished the five minutes up. “Are you ready to make your closing statement,” she asked.
Ray rose, document in hand and addressed the judge.
“Actually your honor,” he began and Kaitlyn stopped breathing.
Ian was confused as to what was going on. Whatever was in the envelope he hadn’t had the opportunity to see. Deciding to sit back and allow Ray to do what he was paid to do, he waited with the rest of the courtroom to see what trick the attorney had up his sleeve.
“In light of new evidence, we would like to amend our original petition,” he continued as everyone involved frowned slightly.
Ryan, however, smiled slightly knowing very well what the envelope contained.
“Counselor, please explain,” Judge Baiswell prodded.
Ray took a deep breath, blowing it out slowly. “Your honor, we would like amend our petition to include both minor children, as this paternity test now shows that my client, Mr. Ian Bailey, is the biological father of both children,” he said calmly as the courtroom erupted.
“No,” Kaitlyn screamed finally reacting. “That’s a lie,” she continued as Volena banged the gavel calling for order.
Ian was stunned. He quickly recovered though, the smile reaching his face. It was definitely over now. He would take his girls and have his woman as well. He knew there was no way in hell Kaitlyn would be without the children, ever. The bailiff, reading Tariq’s face, was on him before he could get to Ian.
“Relax sir, or I’ll have to remove you,” the armed man told Tariq, the fury firmly planted on his face.
“Fuck this,” Kaitlyn said angrily, storming from the courtroom and down the stairs.
“Mr. Dorsey,” Volena yelled. “Please get your client settled and back in this courtroom by noon,” she told them, recessing the court for the next hour.
Ryan walked up to Ian, embracing his brother as they both smiled at each other.
“You did this,” Ian asked.
“No, technically, you did it,” Ryan joked.
He told Ian it bothered him that no one ever tested the other baby, simply going on the one test that Kaitlyn had done. So he’d asked Ni
kki to contact the hospital where they were born and have the test performed on the other twin, with the stored DNA they had from Ian.
“You and Jalen were like the girls, one larger than the other,” he continued to enlighten Ian.
“I’ve got to see my girls,” Ian told him. Ryan admonished him to be patient, and let the judge at least give him that right first.
Nodding that he understood the two left heading over to the corner café to have a quick cup of coffee and talk more.
*****
Tariq thought he was quick enough to catch Kaitlyn but she was gone when he reached the outside of the court building. Knowing she was headed to the hotel, he hailed a cab of his own and gave the man the address. He called Mook on the way telling him the state of affairs now.
“Top, I’m fuckin’ speechless,” he told his partner. “KiKi had no idea,” he asked once again.
Tariq assured him he believed his wife’s reaction was genuine.
“She thought he was only father to Tajdra,” Tariq told him tiredly.
“Where is she, Top,” Mook asked.
Tariq told him he was sure she was at the hotel. “That damned announcement took everyone by surprise,” he told Mook. “Fuck, I have to honestly say I don’t think Ice even knew what the hell was going on,” he added grudgingly.
“Man, this shit definitely complicates things,” Mook again replied.
“Tell me about it” Tariq replied.
He knew if judge Baiswell awarded the girls to Ian, Kaitlyn would implode. She’d also leave my ass in a hot Mississippi minute, Tariq thought, knowing she wouldn’t abandon the girls.
“You’re here,” the driver said aloud as Tariq wrapped up his conversation with Mook and got out of the cab.
Glancing at his watch he saw it was almost 11:45AM. They were going to be cutting it close getting back to court. Riding the elevator he got out and headed to the suite. Finding it empty, Tariq ventured next door to Miss Leatha’s room. She answered the door amiably, telling him hello.
“Hi Miss Leatha, is KiKi here,” Tariq asked pleasantly.
She frowned slightly before telling him Kaitlyn had already come and gotten the girls almost twenty minutes ago.
“I thought you were waiting downstairs,” the woman told him as the coldness began to form in Tariq’s belly.
Maintaining his cool, he thanked the sitter and told her they must have gotten their signals crossed, before leaving her to enjoy the rest of her day. Returning to their suite, Tariq looked for their luggage, finding everything in place, except the large diaper bag. Kaitlyn’s purse and some of the clothing were also missing. Fuck, Tariq thought, already knowing that she was gone. Kaitlyn wasn’t going to risk losing her babies and she’d done the unthinkable.
“Baby, shit,” Tariq mumbled sitting on the couch and calling Mook back.
They had to find her and find her fast or she was looking at jail and there would be nothing Tariq could do to help her.
23
Everyone was assembled once again as Judge Baiswell entered the court room. Akil was looking uncomfortable sitting alone at the defendants table. He talked to Tariq earlier who told him he was still trying to find Kaitlyn.
“Counselor,” Volena addressed Akil. “Where is your client,” she threw out.
Akil smoothly explained that Mr. and Mrs. Taylor had instructed him to complete their case without their presence.
“As your honor can surely empathize, my clients are going through a rough moment after this morning’s disclosure,” he finished eloquently.
Judge Baiswell nodded slightly, telling them she would now allow the amendment of the petition as well as make her ruling. Ray wasn’t worried; he’d had a long talk with Volena during the recess, reminding her of the favors she owed to him and several other powerful people who had an interest in this case. Clearing her throat, Volena began to speak.
“In the case of Bailey versus Taylor, I find that there is enough compelling evidence that an attempt was made to keep the parentage of his children a closely guarded secret and thus cut Mr. Bailey, their biological father, out of their lives,” Volena said as Akil’s heart dropped.
“I believe that given Mrs. Taylor’s history and mental questionability even now, that the minor children’s interests would best be served by granting their father, Mr. Ian Bailey, sole physical custody, with liberal visitation rights awarded to Mrs. Taylor,” Volena ruled as Ian smiled inwardly.
Outwardly he maintained the same stoic expression he’d worn throughout the trial.
“It is also the ruling of this court that the exchange in physical custody happen immediately following the adjournment of this proceeding,” she went on giving each counselor a look. “Will I need to send police presence or can this be worked out amicably between the parties,” she asked.
Ray assured her Mr. Bailey would not seek to antagonize Mr. or Mrs. Taylor in any way.
“My client simply wants to have his children with him,” Ray told her calmly.
Akil, though not fully believing it, replied that he was sure his clients would also comply peacefully with the judge’s ruling. Satisfied, Volena finished the ruling, had it entered into the records and dismissed the court. Ian wanted to go right away and get the girls, but Ray told him they would need to wait at least an hour while the documents were logged, signed, and they were given copies of the order.
“That’s fine,” Ian replied calmly, Ryan by his side. “I’ve waited this long, one more hour won’t change a thing,” he finished as they all celebrated their victory, planning their celebration later this evening.
*****
Kaitlyn flipped the lights on as she walked into the condo. The girls were still asleep, one on each shoulder. She carefully maneuvered her way to the bedroom, laying them down onto the king sized bed. They immediately moved close to each other and continued sleeping. She smiled looking down at her daughters, the tears coming as she thought about Ian being their father. You needed a reason to cut ties with Tariq, well here it is, her mind told her as Kaitlyn sighed deeply. The problem now was Ian. She knew he wouldn’t rest until he found her and took the girls from her.
“Why can’t I get away from this damned man,” Kaitlyn groused as she left the girls in the room headed to the kitchen.
She bought the condo almost two years ago and had been renting it out. When she first received word of the custody fight, she’d contacted her property manager, learning her tenants lease was up in the next month. Kaitlyn then advised him to keep the property vacant. She had the furnishings delivered and set up last week, when the feeling first started in her stomach.
Her cell vibrated and Kaitlyn picked it up seeing yet another message from Tariq. He was imploring her to tell him where she and the girls were. Assuring her he wasn’t angry and he knew she didn’t know about both twins. He told her how much he still loved her and simply wanted to be with her.
“You need to live your life, Riq,” she said softly aloud the emotion in her voice.
Tariq needed to let go of the fantasy, just as she did. It was fate that kept breaking them up. They were never meant to be together and she was slowly coming to realize and believe that. Then it must be karma that you and Ice be together, after all, you have his babies after only one night of sex, her mind challenged. Kaitlyn frowned deeply at the thought, pushing it away as she sent Tariq a reply telling him she and the girls were fine, but she would never tell him where they were. She admonished him to get the divorce, stay with Carlita, or find someone new, but to live his life and forget about her. The reply was instant. ‘Fuck that,’ it read. ‘I want you and only you,’ it read as Kaitlyn sighed deeply and put the phone down, going into the kitchen to make herself something to eat.
*****
Armed with their order, Ray, Ian and Ryan headed over to the hotel where Kaitlyn and Tariq were staying.
“You sure we don’t want an officer to meet us there,” Ray asked, giving both men a look.
“Nah,”
Ryan replied. “I doubt it comes to that,” he told Ray evenly. “He’s not going to do anything to risk the babies getting hurt,” he explained as the attorney nodded thoughtfully.
Ray was still happily thinking of Gabrielle being at home waiting for him. His mind also reminded him he was sleeping with a much younger woman and she could easily conceive if he wasn’t careful. Ray definitely didn’t want that to happen. Why not, you two would have a beautiful baby together, his mind told him. Ray honestly was thinking of his first wife Serena and how after having Brent she shut down sexually and became frigid. In his mind all women went through this after giving birth and he didn’t want to take that chance with his beautiful Gabrielle. They arrived at the hotel and all other thoughts were pushed to the side as they got out and went inside, taking the elevator to the suite.
Knocking forcefully, they heard Tariq ask who it was. Ray identified him as the man finally opened the door eyeing all three men distastefully.
“What,” he barked, too angry to be concerned that he was alone.
“We have a court order for Ice to get his children,” Ray told him nonchalantly. “He has been awarded sole custody of them,” he added as Tariq chuckled bitterly.