All I Want for Christmas

by Emery, Lynn

  “Sure, yeah.” Carlos watched Brian leave. His ‘holiday happy’ mood had not lasted long. The spreadsheet seemed to mock him again.

  Chapter 7

  Three days later, Nedra attended a press conference called by a coalition of local law enforcement agencies. The Baton Rouge police chief, the East Baton Rouge sheriff and Nedra’s boss were about to announce a new crime initiative. They had all gotten together to apply for a federal grant to fund a program to reduce crime in some of the worst neighborhoods.

  Nedra was happy to be out of range of the four media cameras pointed at the podium. Constable Davidson stood in his dress uniform, chatting with the police chief and sheriff. All three were smiling and relaxed. The mayor stood apart from them with a stiff expression as he spoke to several parish council members. Reporters focused their attention on the whole group, watching their every gesture, expression and interaction; they knew of the animosity between the mayor and the constable.

  Mayor Bates, known for being touchy and pugnacious, had used subtle means to sabotage the grant application process. Not because he didn’t think it was a good idea, but because it wasn’t his idea. Rod and the other law-enforcement leaders would be getting the credit, so face time with the media only annoyed him more. Because of the election, the mayor knew that blocking a crime-fighting effort would be bad for his image. Nedra watched as he finally joined the other three men. Nodding to them, he said a few words.

  “Your boss is on a roll. He’s got the holiday charity thing wrapped up and now this. Anybody would think he actually cares about people.”

  Nedra had been so intent on watching the four men that she hadn’t seen Dwayne sidle up beside her. As his strong cologne swept over her like a choking fog, she inched as far away as possible without moving into camera view.

  Nedra shot him a brief sideways glance and ignored his attempt to goad her. “Hello, Dwayne. Sheriff Berg and Chief White played a big part. This isn’t just about Constable Davidson.”

  “Yeah, but the other two aren’t running for office, at least not yet. I heard Berg is jockeying to be appointed to a big position with the state attorney general’s office,” Dwayne whispered, moving closer.

  “Today is about making the city a safer place and saving lives, not politics,” Nedra clipped before he could go on.

  “Is that a line from your boss’ speech? Good thing you’re writing for him. Constable Davidson isn’t exactly smooth when it comes to expressing himself before the cameras.” Dwayne chuckled. “He’ll have to brush up if he’s going against the mayor next year.”

  “He’ll be just fine,” Nedra replied, unable to keep the edge out of her voice. Dwayne had a gift for testing her commitment to non-violence.

  “Hey, don’t take offense. Just because our bosses are political rivals doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.” Dwayne’s voice took on a wheedling sound. “I respect the guy. He’s done some good things.”

  “This happens to be the third grant that Constable Davidson has helped win. Our office used a huge surplus to upgrade the city jail and he has reduced outstanding warrants by thirty percent.” Nedra faced Dwayne. “Yeah, I’d say he’s done ‘some good things’.”

  He smiled at her. “Truce, lady. You’ve made your point. We have two worthy opponents. The election is months away and the constable hasn’t confirmed that he’ll even run for the senate seat. Neither of our bosses will care if we have lunch after this press conference. What do you say?”

  “Dwayne, politics is not the reason I won’t have lunch with you,” Nedra whispered. A blonde woman standing on the other side of him seemed intent on reading their lips. When Nedra stared at her, she blinked rapidly and walked off.

  “I’ve explained my situation. Okay, so you’re kickin’ it with Carlos Jacobs… for now.” Dwayne’s voice held a trace of irritation.

  “He’s single,” Nedra tossed back and smiled.

  “And he plans to stay that way for a long, long time. From what I hear, Carlos loves variety. Don’t start having dreams of a picket fence, a dog and two-point-five kids; not with that dude.”

  “What I expect or don’t expect is definitely none of your business. You should be concentrating on your wife and treating her right,” she snapped, careful to keep her voice low. “And one more thing, stop bathing in cheap cologne.”

  Nedra spun around and marched to the other side of the room. The district attorney stepped up to the podium microphone a few seconds later and the crowd began to quiet down. The DA gave an overview of the new program, and then he and the other men answered questions from reporters. The mayor had little to say and didn’t look at all pleased to be present. His expression stiffened when Constable Davidson began to speak.

  When Rod stepped aside, the DA thanked him for suggesting the grant and the program. Mayor Bates glanced at the two men before staring at something in the distance. Nedra repressed a grin. Then she noticed Dwayne staring at her from across the room. An uneasy feeling took root in the pit of her stomach.

  ****

  That afternoon, Nedra met with her boss to go over his schedule and any other tasks they had. Constable Davidson seemed relaxed and in a good mood. After an hour they finished up, and he rocked his leather executive chair back while gazing out of the large window on the west wall of his office.

  “The press conference went well, don’t you think?” Rod asked. “But there’s a lot of work ahead. In the next six months we should have staff in place though.”

  “Yes, sir,” Nedra replied. She shifted in her chair and continued to make notes on her tablet computer.

  “I just wish we had more cooperation from the mayor and his people. Still we did good getting this far.” Rod rubbed his chin for a few seconds and looked at Nedra. “I’ve decided to run for the District Fifteen state senate seat. Senator Harrison has reached her term limit and she has been nudging me about running for the past year.”

  “Yes, sir, I think you’d do a great job, too,” Nedra said sincerely.

  Her boss had his faults, but despite his love of the limelight and political posturing at times, Rod Davidson got things done. Nedra had listed only a partial list of his accomplishments when goading Dwayne earlier.

  “Thank you, Nedra. I appreciate your encouragement and competence. My office is working smoothly because of your excellent work. I don’t have to worry about things getting done. That frees me to concentrate on big issues. I apologize for not saying so more often.” Rod nodded at her with a solemn expression.

  “Thank you, sir. I never doubted that you recognized my work.” Nedra smiled back at him. Like most bosses, Rod only noticed when things didn’t go well. She made it her business to make sure he didn’t need to address the smaller details about the office.

  “Technically, you could work on my campaign since you’re not a classified city employee, but we won’t give my opponent any ammunition. We’ll avoid even the appearance of impropriety.”

  “Yes, sir,” Nedra replied.

  She thought of how she had insulted Dwayne and imagined him seeking revenge for her words. Knowing him, he’d make digging up dirt on Rod or anything about the constable’s office a special project.

  “When I’m elected I hope you’ll consider being my chief legislative assistant. I’ll need good, level-headed support when I enter that pressure cooker.” Rod sat taller in his chair as if he were already in office at the state capitol. “It’ll be a tough election. Mayor Bates takes no prisoners when he runs a campaign, but I’m ready for him.”

  “Uh, Constable Davidson, I had a little, um, run in with the mayor’s top assistant.” Nedra stopped when her boss raised his hand like a traffic cop.

  “Dwayne has been flirting with you. He has an inflated opinion of how charming he is to women. You set him straight and didn’t sugar coat it. Am I right?” asked Constable Davidson with a chuckle.

  “Yes sir. The thing is he has a bit of a mean streak.” Nedra bit her bottom lip. “I shouldn’t have let him get o
n my nerves. I sort of insulted him.”

  “I’m sure he deserved it.”

  “He did, but I may have given him even more incentive to go on a smear campaign. I just wanted you to know.” Nedra let out a long sigh, relieved at getting it off her chest.

  Her boss shook his head and grew serious. “You didn’t need to give Dwayne any encouragement to look for ways to hit below the belt, trust me. He was planning to come after me long before you told him off; not to mention his boss and I haven’t gotten along in years.” Constable Davidson smiled again. “So, enjoy the memory of giving the jerk a verbal smackdown. I just hate that I wasn’t close enough to see it.”

  “Yes sir.” Nedra laughed with him.

  “I can swing with the best of ‘em, so Dwayne can bring it. If they want to go negative in the campaign, I’ll be happy to hit back; not directly though. I know how to keep my hands clean even when the mud is slinging.” Constable Davidson wore a determined expression as though anticipating the fight ahead.

  “Okay then,” Nedra replied and cleared her throat. She thought of Carlos and his mother’s close ties to the mayor for the rest of the day.

  ***

  Two days later, Nedra met Carlos for dinner at a seafood restaurant in Mid-City. The dining room was crowded for a Wednesday. The gray, rainy December weather hadn’t seemed to dampen the good mood of the young professionals. Christmas garlands and lights added to the merry atmosphere.

  Nedra arrived first and found a table away from the entrance to avoid the chilly air each time the door opened. She ordered a pot of hot tea and enjoyed the scenery outside the restaurant windows. Town Centre, an upscale shopping complex, had beautiful lights strung along its busy boulevard. Gigantic green, gold, red and deep purple gift boxes were positioned around the large trees that graced the intersections leading into the stores.

  Carlos arrived twenty minutes past their agreed upon time of six thirty. Night had fallen and the headlights from passing cars lit up the street. Nedra watched him stride in wearing a khaki rain jacket over a handsome chocolate-brown pullover sweater and matching slacks. Brushing a few rain drops from his sleeves, he scanned the room until he found her.

  “Sorry you had to wait, baby,” said Carlos. “Things are a little bit hectic at the shops. I swear, everybody in town must be trying to get their cars dressed up for the holidays. We’re selling rims and accessories like they’re going out of style.” He kissed Nedra’s cheek and sat down.

  “No problem. My day got kind of crazy as well. I’m winding down with some of this delicious tea. Want a cup?” Nedra signaled to the waiter.

  “I’m a manly man. I need coffee,” Carlos replied with a grin.

  “Oh, please.” Nedra rolled her eyes and giggled.

  They ordered and the waiter hurried off to take care of the other customers.

  “Dang, I thought this wouldn’t be such a busy night.” Carlos glanced around at the throng of people eating, ordering, leaving and arriving.

  “People are shopping, honey.” Nedra nodded to the diners sat at several tables nearby. Large shopping bags sat on the floor at their feet. “I’ve only just about finished. I’m waiting for toys to be delivered from Toy Central for my nephews and nieces.”

  “Cutting it close, huh? Christmas is a week away.” Carlos sat back as the waiter placed a cup of steaming coffee in front of him, before racing off again.

  “Yeah, I’ve been so busy with work and everything. The customer service rep at Toy Central assured me that I would get the delivery this week; Friday at the latest. I’m hoping my neighbor has them for me when I get home,” said Nedra, holding up crossed fingers. “Last year, I foolishly waited too late to order and ended up at the store on the Saturday before Christmas Day. Never again.”

  Carlos started to laugh again and then stopped. He held his head in both hands. “Crap.”

  Nedra raised her eyebrows at him. “You do have your baby girl’s Christmas gifts, right? She’ll be here in three days.”

  “I kept putting it off, and things got so wild at both my shops. I have some clothes and a doll, but I was supposed to get her these electronic bugs. She wants them so bad.” Carlos looked at Nedra with desperation stamped on his handsome face. “You’ve got to help me.”

  She shook her head. “Oh no, I’m not going into a toy store this late in the game. Those places are like war zones.”

  “Please, baby. Please. I can either be a hero daddy or scar my little girl for life,” Carlos blurted out. “Tell you what, let’s go to my place and search the internet for them. I still have time to pay extra for emergency shipping.”

  “If those bug things haven’t sold out,” Nedra said.

  Carlos blinked at her. “Don’t even say it! If we can’t get them online Friday, we can go to…”

  “Uh-huh. You got yourself into this mess. I’ve still got the scars from last Christmas when I tried to beat three grandmothers to the last three electronic car tracks we all wanted. Those little elderly ladies were cold-blooded killers.” Nedra shook her head.

  Carlos grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “Please, baby.”

  She continued to shake her head at him. “Start praying to the online-shopping angels, sweetie.”

  All through dinner they enjoyed pretending to argue. Nedra laughed at the way Carlos grew frantic every time she reminded him of the date, and he promised her whatever she wanted on the condition that she helped him brave Toy Central. By the time they finished eating, Nedra’s sides hurt from laughing at the panicked father.

  “In all seriousness, I love the way you take being a father seriously. A lot of men don’t even visit their kids, let alone have them over for Christmas. If you tell me you comb Carly’s hair on your own, that’s it and I’ll help you out.” Nedra grinned at him.

  Carlos sat up straight and patted his chest in pride. “I’ve been styling Carly’s hair since she was crawling. I even painted her little fingernails and toenails a few times.” Then he dropped his voice and glanced around. “Uh, let’s keep that between us. Not even my best friend, Brian, knows about the polish stuff. He teases me enough about being a family man.”

  Nedra melted at the image of Carlos lovingly putting ribbons in his child’s hair. “That’s beautiful, Carlos, really.”

  He shrugged and blushed at the compliment. “Well, I call it our bonding time. So, you see why I have to bring my A game when she visits.”

  “Then we better get on our job and find those bugs. By the way, what exactly are these things and why do kids love them?” Nedra patted her lips with a large paper napkin.

  “They’re actually neat. You’ve got a spider, a caterpillar and a beetle. They crawl around and change direction if they bump into anything.” Carlos’ eyes lit up as if he were a kid describing what he wanted for Christmas.

  Nedra raised an eyebrow. “Um, are you sure they’re for Carly? You sound suspiciously excited about getting your hands on them.”

  “Ah, now you know the benefits of parenthood. You have a good cover for playing with cool toys.” He grinned back at her. “No, we’re not splitting the tab this time. It’s the holidays and I’m treating both my girls.”

  “You mean bribing me to help pull your butt out of a tight spot,” Nedra wisecracked. Still, she shivered at his reference to them as a family.

  “That too,” Carlos replied and hooked an arm around her waist.

  They left the restaurant and went to his apartment. Within minutes of being inside, they were sat at his computer, searching. Three websites later, it became clear that finding the little bugs was going to be a huge challenge. Forty minutes into their quest, they took a break.

  Nedra nestled against Carlos’ solid chest as they sat on his sofa. “Don’t freak. I think we’ll find them,” she said.

  “I hope so.” He heaved a sigh. “The last thing I need is my mother hounding me about waiting until the last minute.” He was about to go on when his cell phone rang. “Hello. Yeah, what’s up? Outside? Right no
w? But I thought… Fine. It’s all about you.”

  “Everything okay?” asked Nedra, feeling a foreboding at the scowl on Carlos’ handsome face.

  “Chanté has decided to bring Carly early for her visit,” he replied. “She’s going on a ski trip with her latest man and they want to leave tomorrow. They’re here.” He tossed his cell phone on the sofa and stood.

  “Here?” Nedra echoed. Just as the full impact of his words hit, the doorbell rang.

  “Yeah and Chanté knows I won’t kick about it. I don’t want Carly to think she’s done something wrong or that I don’t want to see her.” Carlos took a deep breath and let it out. A second later, he walked to the front door.

  Nedra hurriedly smoothed down her turtleneck and hair as she stood.

  Carlos opened the door and his daughter literally jumped into his arms. As he kissed her and made a big fuss over how cute she looked, a statuesque woman with auburn hair watched. Chanté was about to speak when she noticed Nedra. Stepping around Carlos and Carly, she entered the living room.

  “Sorry to interrupt your intimate evening. I’m Chanté Epperson.” The woman gave Nedra a cool appraisal from head to toe as she spoke. When she smiled, her even, white teeth looked ready to bite.

  “Hello,” was all Nedra trusted herself to say. She was determined not to play war games. Nor was she willing to be part of a stereotype: the baby mama versus new girlfriend drama.

  “Ooh, I get to hug and kiss you extra days,” said Carlos as he kissed Carly’s cute milk-chocolate cheek for the fourth time.

  “Who’s that, daddy?” she asked, pointing to Nedra. Carly had obviously picked up on her mother’s vibe.

  Carlos didn’t miss a beat, and Chanté watched his response with intensity. “Come over here and meet Miss Nedra,” he said. “She’s a very special lady.”