by Rose, Angel
“Rivera, come here.” I whispered to one of my colleagues.
“What’s up Captain?” he nodded.
“Make sure Stevenson gets a warm welcome on Friday morning when you are the only one here. He needs a couple of ribs broken. Do it quietly. The way I taught you.” I smirked and Rivera knew exactly what I was talking about. Mission accomplished. Stevenson would be out of work for a couple of days. I’m sure Central wouldn’t miss him at all.
I sat at my computer and took out my cell phone from my pocket. I tracked Jenesis' phone with the tracker I placed in it the day she ran into my arms like a scared little girl. She was wiping her tears and I was placing the tracking device very quickly in her phone. I’ve tracked her every move for three months now. She’s lucky she never went to see Michael. She’s lucky I’ve been waiting this long for her. She really is naive. Maybe even a little stupid. I could actually taste her tongue in my mouth. Now, where is this bitch.
“Hmmm…Six West One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Street…moving up in the world aren’t we Michael.” I whispered to myself.
I started to prepare for what looked like war. I needed everything in place. Jenesis would soon be mine, but first, I needed Michael out of the picture.
Chapter 17 Jenesis
I hailed a cab and got in. “Six West One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Street, please.” I told the cab driver. I was shaking all over; the feeling of Deja vu screwing with my mind. I called Michael.
“Hello?”
“I’m coming over.” I said as my lips quivered.
“Come, I’ll be waiting.” he whispered as if he were asleep.
I glanced behind me as more cop cars bombarded the front of my building. My heart pounded against my chest. What the hell did Marquis want with me? My baby. That’s all I thought about was the baby.
As we approached the brownstone, Michael was standing in the front waiting for me. I was so scared I didn’t even want to get out of the cab.
“Thank you.” I paid the driver and stepped out of the cab perusing my surroundings.
“Jenesis, baby, what's going on?” He grabbed me by the shoulders gently.
“Michael, let’s go inside.” I grabbed his hand and walked towards the house.
“Jenesis, what is it?”
“Close the door.” I whispered. “Marquis, he was at my apartment. He killed Cassandra” I shook my head in disbelief.
“What? What are you saying?” His eyebrows furrowed as he inhaled deeply.
“Nick was waiting for me when I left your apartment.” I sat on the chair in the living room. “He told me Marquis raped and killed Cassandra…He left a note.”
“Raped and killed Cassandra? From the precinct? She’s a cop.” He walked over to the couch. “How the hell did he manage to do that? He left a note?” His eyebrows furrowed as he gazed at me with suspicion. “What killer would leave a note Jenesis? This has to be a set up. This has to be Nick. What did it say?” My head lowered towards the floor. “Jenesis, please…tell me.”
“It read…I’m waiting for you Jenesis with Cassandra’s lipstick that was shoved down her throat.” I choked on the last word and let out a yelp. I was so scared. It reminded me of Dave and I began to shiver.
“Jenesis, you can’t be alone. You’re pregnant…please stay with me.” he pleaded.
“I need my things.” He smiled and grabbed me by the waist. I held him and we stood quietly holding each other. I loved him. I needed him now more than ever.
“I’ll call a friend and have him pick up your clothing. That’s all we can get. If they see a moving truck…they’ll follow it here.” he was anxious as he held both of my hands.
“Okay…I need my own room, though. I don’t want to ruin things between us.” My eyes met his.
“Of course, the room fit for a queen is yours. I’ll stay in the baby’s room until he’s born.”
“But you have a guest room.”
“I want to feel like I’m near my son since I can’t sleep in the same bed and hold you. As long as you’re both safe, nothing else matters.” He was hurt and I wanted to tell him everything would be like it was before, but I couldn’t. We had to stay away from each other and work this out… the right way. If there was sex involved, our judgment would be clouded and I wanted this to work without it failing again.
“Thank you for taking care of me.” I smiled and he led me to my bedroom, and then I closed the door behind me. I sat on the bed and I wept. How can my life start over when the past is refusing to let me go?
I laid in my bed in a fetal position thinking about how much Michael and I have been through and how much longer we could handle the obstacles that were thrown in front of us. The baby moved inside of me and I closed my eyes tightly as the tears slid down my cheeks. I was worried, but I was more worried about the baby. My eyes opened suddenly when I heard Michael screaming. I ran and opened the bedroom door and saw Michael arguing with Nick.
“She’s not leaving here!” Michael shouted.
“She has to! She’s in danger and Marquis I’m sure knows she’s here!” Nick yelled. “We will take her to a safe location until we find him.” Nick barked. “Michael stop acting like an ass! Dammit! What’s wrong with you? Don’t you love her?” He shouted.
“Damn you, Nick. You’re trying to take her from me. I can protect her!” Michael turned and walked over to me. “Tell him, Jenesis, tell him you want to stay with me.” I looked into his eyes.
“Michael, please, if Nick thinks Marquis knows I’m here…then I should leave.” He bowed his head towards the floor. “Not because I want to…but because I’m worried about the baby.” I took his hand and placed it on my belly. I stood on my tippy toes and reached for his lips. “I love you and that will never change.” Nick extended his hand to me and I walked over and grabbed his hand.
“This isn’t about who loves Jen the most. It’s about how we can keep her and the baby safe until he’s born.” Nick’s eyes met mine and I nodded my head. Michael shook his head.
“Okay…but I want to know where she’s at twenty-four hours a day and I need to be able to stay in contact with her.” Michael demanded.
“Sure…here is the address and the number to the untraceable cell phone. Michael, try to keep your head on straight, we need you stay cool.” Nick said softly.
“Jenesis, I love you.” Michael whispered in my ear.
“I love you, more.” I said as the tears welled up in my eyes.
Nick grabbed me by the elbow gently then placed his arms around me. He placed a black trench coat over my head and face and escorted me out of the brownstone into a black, all tinted window Pathfinder. We sat in the truck and Nick removed the coat from my head.
“No one will ever hurt you, Jen. Not as long as I am breathing.” He leaned in to kiss me.
“Please don’t, I appreciate all you’re doing for me, but I need you not to do that…please.” I pleaded. I loved that he wanted to protect me, but my heart belonged to Michael. Every thought, every heart pounding memory was with Michael and I didn’t know how to shut it down. I closed my eyes and Nick held me in his arms. I fell asleep and when I awoke, we had arrived at our destination.
We entered the house that looked like a mansion. I turned around behind me and the driveway seemed like miles and miles away. It disappeared into a long row of trees and it seemed as if there was no end in sight. The doors swung open and a butler and a maid stood at the door to greet us. The double staircase banisters were glistening under the enormous chandelier above our heads.
“Mrs. Hunter…Welcome, I’m Max, short for Maxwell. I’ll be helping you get adjusted.” he said smiling. He was a tall man and had huge shoulders and muscles that wanted to break free from his uniform.
“Thank you. Where am I?” I asked looking around the room. I thought I was seeing things. The familiarity of the Victorian paintings and everything set meticulously on the table and shelves sent a shiver down my spine. Especially, the photos on the mantle firepla
ce in the hallway. There was something eerie about this house but, I couldn’t put my finger on it. The feeling was uncanny, I felt very uncomfortable. I almost felt Dave’s presence. This definitely wasn’t the witness protection house you saw in the movies.
“I’m not at liberty to give you that information. Just know that you are safe.” He smiled. That smile seemed plastered on his face, fake as hell, and I was getting nervous.
“Okay, where’s Nick?”
“He’ll be back tonight.” he nodded.
“Oh…”
“Let me show you your room. Constance?” He summoned the maid that was at the door.
“Yes sir?” The young woman walked quickly towards us. She wore a light blue dress uniform that was buttoned up to her neck. Her eyes were big and bright and her hair was wrapped up in a bun. She couldn’t have been more than twenty years old.
“Please escort Mrs. Hunter to her room upstairs. I’ll ask Nina to prepare dinner.” she nodded and motioned for me to follow her. I walked up the double staircase and followed her to the right. She opened the door and guided me into the room. The queen Victorian styled room was beyond breathtaking and I started to wonder what the hell was going on. Constance led me to the closet and opened it.
“Here are some new clothes. You can change if you want to before dinner.” She spoke in a whisper. I was frightened and I didn’t know why, but I felt so uncomfortable. I didn’t want to stay but I didn’t have a choice. I needed to keep the baby safe and that’s what I did.
***
Before I knew it, three weeks had passed and the cell phone that Nick gave Michael was never used. I hadn’t heard from Michael. It was the same routine every night with Nick, I would shower then meet him downstairs for dinner. Every night he requested I wear a new dress. Constance helped me pick out a dress from the huge walk-in closet in my room. She also insisted on doing my hair. It had to be wrapped up in a bun with a few loose strands hanging on the side of my face. She gave me a manicure and pedicure twice a week. I didn’t mind dressing up. It was actually fun. But, it was weird. I was expecting to see men in suits with machine guns following me to the bathroom, but there was no one. No one but the butler and the maid. I was treated like a queen, and I knew Nick was trying to win my heart, but I was leery and I wanted to go home to Michael. I didn’t get any news about Marquis, whether they caught him or whether they killed him, and Nick never updated me on Michael either.
I guess I couldn’t complain. My nights with Nick were rather enjoyable. He was the perfect gentleman. Sometimes after dinner, he would wait until I showered and sat with me until I fell asleep. I’d wrap my arms around his waist and lean my cheek against his strong chest. He smelled divine. Like fresh flowers and expensive cologne. He was so gorgeous, too. That didn’t help much. Every time he raked his fingers down my back the sensation went straight to my core. Sometimes, I’d wake up with drenched panties just thinking of him. I felt so ashamed because I missed Michael so much and every time I asked Nick if Michael called he would answer no. I needed some answers. I was going to get them and I knew just who to get it from.
“Constance?”
“Yes Ma’am.”
“Can you stay with me?”
“Of course Ma’am. Would you like me to run your bath?”
“No…Constance please, can you act like a twenty-year-old? You’re freaking me out.”
“I’m sorry. It’s my job. Nick said to treat you like a queen.”
“Nick said?” I squinted my eyes at her.
“Where am I?”
“You’re in Rensselaer County near Albany. Please don’t tell him I told you.” She whispered nervously looking around to see if anyone heard her.
“Who’s house is this?”
“Why Nick’s, of course.”
“What?”
“Yes. Nick owns the house. He received an inheritance four years ago from his mother and then a year ago from his father, so he said. They live in France and he bought this house with a friend…David Heens or Hearns or something like that. I know he recently passed away. The house was turned over to Nick. I don’t even know why he works. He doesn’t have to. He never did.” My heart stopped. I literally stopped breathing. I stood staring at Constance, my breath shallow and my hands clammy.
“Can you run the bath for me?”
“Yes of course, please don’t say anything…he’d kill me if he found out.” she giggled. “I don’t really get to speak to anyone. No one really comes here.”
“Of course, I know nothing” I winked at her. My hands began to tremble. I rummaged through my bag to find my cell phone. I couldn’t find it. I took the cell phone Nick gave me and placed on the night table. Then I heard a faint knock on the door.
“Just a minute.” I said nervously.
I walked over and opened the door. It was Nick.
“Jenesis, you haven’t even taken a shower.” he said walking in the bedroom.
“Well, Constance is getting it ready”
“Constance?”
“Yes.”
“Great…she’s a doll. A little slow, but a sweet kid.”
“Where am I Nick?” I asked.
“You’re safe. No need to worry. I‘m going to take care of you.” He walked over to me, grabbed my hand and sat me on the bed. His eyes were soft and caring. “Jenesis, this is your home now. Don’t be shy. Anything you and the baby need, we’ll get it for you. We’re even setting up a birthing parlor in the main bathroom downstairs”
“What? I can’t have my baby here Nick. Michael has to be present. He’s the father.” I said reluctantly.
“I understand that. We could make arrangements for him to come.” He lifted my chin to meet his eyes.
“Come? Where is he Nick? He hasn’t called me? And you won’t tell me how he’s doing? Nick, where am I? Please just tell me.” I pleaded with my eyes.
“I can’t tell you. Just try to relax, Jen.”
“Constance…is that bath ready or have you’ve been spying again?” Nick said trying to embarrass her.
“No…sir. I mean yes sir, I’m done.” Nick stared at her, throwing daggers her way through his crystal blue eyes. Constance lowered her head and exited the room as quickly as she did when she entered the foyer downstairs at Max’s beck and call the first day I arrived here.
“Go take your bath. Do you need help getting in?”
“No…I’ll be fine. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
Nick closed the door behind him and gave me a wink. I grabbed my purse and locked the bathroom door. I charged my cell phone and dialed Michael’s number. It was disconnected. I called the firm and one of Michael co-workers answered.
“The Kennedy- Hunter firm, may I help you?” he said.
“I need to speak to Michael, it’s me Jenesis.” I whispered.
“Jenesis?” the voice answered.
“Dammit, put Michael on the phone.” I pleaded.
“He isn’t here.” He said.
“Where is he?” I whispered practically choking I was so nervous.
“Steve, where’s Mikey?” he shouted.
“No…be quiet.” I whispered anxiously.
“Jen…you okay in there?” Nick shouted.
“Yes.” I barked nervously. I placed the phone on my chest covering the speaker. “I’ll be right out!” I shouted.
“Jenesis?” I heard Michael’s voice. I sighed and shut my eyes tightly. I heard the door knob turn. My stomach winced.
“Michael.” I whispered. I got nervous and placed the phone in my bag without hanging it up and wrapped it with a hand towel. Nick walked into the bathroom.
“Hey, what’s taking so long. You haven’t even showered.” He said suspiciously.
“I…I just didn’t want too. Is that okay? I’m feeling like I’m getting a cold.” I had to make up something, anything.
“The water is still warm. Take a bath instead of a shower. I’ll ask that nosy nancy maid of mine to make you some tea.” He chuckled.
I started to get undress and stepped into the bath water and sunk my head underneath. I lifted my head above water and gasped for air. Nick stood standing in front of me with his boxers on and no shirt.
“What are you doing in here?” I asked as the water seeped from mouth.
“I’m going to the next room to take a shower. I just wanted to tell you to take your time.” I swallowed hard. My cell phone was still on and wrapped in the hand towel in my bag near the sink, and if he found it, he would find out I made that call to Michael. My heart started racing. If he found that cell phone it would be over. “Do you want me to hand you the towel now?”
“No.” I hesitated for a moment. “No, I’m fine” He slid his boxers down his thighs, smiled at me, then turned around and walked away. He left me with my lips parted and my eyes glued to his ass. He knew exactly what to do at exactly the right time, distracting me with his beautiful body and round tight ass.
I got up quickly out of the tub and dressed to meet Nick downstairs. I grabbed the towel and took the phone and placed it in my bag. I needed that bag to be near me to keep in contact with Michael. I decided to play it smart and wear something a little revealing to keep Nick’s attention on me. I put on a black laced bra and panty to match. I walked over to the closet that was filled with beautiful dresses, blouses, jeans and even leggings. The shoe collection was ridiculous from stilettos to comfy Clarks.
As I entered the walk-in closet, I slid my fingers across the hangers to find something to wear. I noticed that there was different sized clothing, which seemed a little strange. I guess I wasn’t the only one hiding out in this mansion in protective custody. I stopped at a size six and tried on a red dress. I felt the presence of someone in the room. I turned around and it was Nick.
“Were you standing there the whole time?” I asked.
“Yes. You are so beautiful. You have the perfect body. You don’t need a bra with that dress. Please let me help you.”
“I…” I couldn’t say a word. I was mesmerized by his warm breath against my neck.
“Don’t worry. I won’t bite. Here drink this.” He handed me some tea and I drank it practically in one gulp. I was so thirsty.