After All

by Emery, Lynn

  “She doesn't know it's me, Dominic,” T'aneka said quickly. “A friend of mine gave her the stuff I copied. He didn't tell her who was giving it to him.”

  “But why, T'aneka? I thought you were so loyal to Charlotte.”

  “I grew up in the projects, Dom. It's never been the best place to live, but it was home. For years people in charge of the projects have stuffed their pockets while we live in run-down apartments. I got sick of it,” T'aneka said in a voice heavy with resentment. “Things are getting worse. We figure it's time the tenants get active in cleaning the place up.”

  “But a few repairs not getting done isn't a reason--” Dominic loosened his hold on her hand and began to draw away.

  “Dominic, come on. You saw some of those apartments. A lot of them are unsafe. Not to mention unfit to live in. Lonnie and his gang control drugs in the projects, and take money from folks for protection; not making repairs ain't the half of it.” T'aneka held onto his hand. “And Buster is in it, too.”

  “It's hard for me to believe Buster would go for that, T'aneka.” Dominic frowned.

  “I've seen the work invoices. He knows about Lonnie cause his buddy Ike Batiste helped him get out of jail.”T'aneka's eyes narrowed with anger. “I'm not lying about all this, Dom.”

  “No, no. I didn't say you were, it's just...” Dominic drew his palm over his face as though trying to clear his head.

  “Buster Wilson is up to his neck in it, Dom.”

  Dominic spoke in a low voice. “I didn't want to admit it, but some of the conditions did shock me. Now I understand why invoices were date stamped paid before I did the repairs. And why he got so mad when he found out I'd done them. Man!”

  “He's as much a crook as Lonnie.” T'aneka hammered home the unpleasant truth.

  Dominic's face was grim as he accepted it. He glanced uneasily at two men who entered the restaurant. They sat at a table across the room. “What makes you think Lonnie's on to what you've been doing?”

  “Little things. Like going out of his way to give me work orders. He made a comment about how I much I know about what goes on around there. The other day I was in the storeroom moving some boxes to make room for more records. I turned around and he was standing right behind me. `Be careful with them files. You could hurt get hurt,' he said.”T'aneka shivered. “And he had a nasty grin on his face.”

  “You better quit that job tomorrow, T'aneka. Go stay with your auntie in North Carolina. Get far away from here, baby.” Dominic held both her hands. Seeing the two men glance at them, he lowered his voice even more. “Let's get out of here. We'll go to my place.”

  T'aneka grabbed his arm restraining him. “I don't want to leave Baton Rouge, Dom. Besides, what if they take it out on my family?”

  Dominic pulled her to her feet.” T'aneka, let's not argue about it now. We'd better leave now.”

  Dominic made an effort not to look at the two men as they passed them on the way out. He walked behind T'aneka to the glass double doors leading to parking lot.

  “Hurry up, babe.” Dominic hustled her towards his car.

  “But what about my car?”

  “We'll get it later.”

  “Say man,” a gruff voice just over their shoulders barked. “You got a light?”

  “No.” Dominic did not look back but put his key in the car door.

  “Say man, hold up a minute. You know how to get to Terrace Street from over here?” The second man spoke. He grinned revealing several gold teeth.

  “No, sorry.” Dominic fumbled with the lock.

  “What's your hurry? Help a brother out, man.” The first man hunched his shoulders.

  “Yeah.” The second man spread his hands wide. “Hey pretty woman. What's up with you?”He stood to their left while his partner stood on their right leering at T'aneka.

  T'aneka said nothing. Dominic finally got the door open but one of the men pushed it shut again.

  “Say look, we wanna ask you somethin'. We tryin' to talk and y'all actin' uppity. That ain't right.”

  “Naw, that ain't right,” the second man echoed.

  “Get out of my way.” Dominic faced them. He stood with is feet apart. His arms hung down loosely with clenched fists.

  “Who you talkin' to, man? Huh?” The first man shoved Dominic against the car. “You want some of this?”He held up a fist.

  The second man jerked T'aneka hard. “Come here. I got somethin' for you.”

  “Let go of me!” T'aneka aimed a kick at his knee but missed. She screamed in terror to see Dominic fending off the blows of the other man. “Dom! Oh no!”

  When she started towards him she was thrown down to the pavement. She went limp when her head hit the concrete of the parking lot. The man left her lying unconscious to join his partner.

  “We gonna help you and your bitch learn to stay outta business that don't concern you. You hear me, punk?” The first man pounded Dominic's head against the hood of the car while the second man held him.

  “Yeah, and we got a treat for the pretty woman. Too bad she won't be awake to enjoy it,” the second man said in a vicious voice.

  Chapter 13

  Red, green, and gold leaves rustled in the wind. Typical for late January in south Louisiana, a chill breeze made heavy coats and hats a necessity in spite of the bright sunshine. Men in heavy work boots and wool jackets moved around the construction site full of purpose. Most of the outside work was completed making it less of hardship on such a cold day. Anthony and Cedric were bundled up for warmth in heavy coats as they toured the site.

  “Looks good. We're right on schedule, Cedric.” Anthony examined the room they stood in. He turned full circle to take everything.

  “Yeah, though I had to knock some heads a couple of times.” Cedric stood looking around with his gloved hands on his hips.

  “You have to expect that, you know? But we got a good group of men.” Anthony walked over to run his hand along a wall of sheet rock.

  “Yeah, they do pretty well I have to say,” Cedric said. “Except for that new guy, Troy Quarles. One more screw up, and he's outta here.”

  “Why?” Anthony's dark eyebrows drew together.

  “He's lazy. Plus, a couple of times he's gone to pick up supplies and disappeared for over four hours. He's always got some lame excuse for messing up. Matter of fact, he didn't even show up for work today.” Cedric gave a grunt of disgust.

  “Well all right then. If he's not doing his job, get rid of him,” Anthony said in a gruff voice. He turned away.

  “Sure, I mean he's more trouble than he's worth,” Cedric continued.

  “Go on say it.” Anthony whirled around to face him.

  Cedric looked at him sharply, a puzzled frown on his face. “Say what?”

  “I told you so. You weren't too thrilled about hiring him. I convinced you because Uncle Ike is on the board of that program. You might as well jump right in with the rest of the Ike Batiste critics,” Anthony said in a caustic tone.

  “I'm only telling you about a problem employee like I've done before, Anthony,” Cedric said calmly. “I wasn't even thinking of Ike.”

  Anthony's chest rose as he took a deep breath. He exhaled slowly and closed his eyes for a few seconds. “I'm sorry, man. You're right. I didn't mean anything...” He walked to another part of the building to inspect window facings.

  Cedric watched him for several minutes before speaking again.”How you doin'? I haven't been seeing much of you lately except at the sites.”

  “Fine.” Anthony pointed to a maze of red wires sticking from a hole. “Have Kendricks double check this wiring for me.”

  “Sure thing.”Cedric cleared his throat. “You been goin' out much?”

  “No. I forgot to tell you that the border paper came in yesterday. It's going to look great with this paint.”Anthony compared the labels on several cans with a color chart in his portfolio.

  “Yeah. Me and Shantae went to Diggy-Do's last Saturday. They had their first big Mardi G
ras party. I was surprised you didn't show up, much as you love his Mardi Gras parties.” Cedric spoke casually as he appeared to scrutinize exposed beams. “Didn't see Michelle either.”

  “Humm.” Anthony continued checking the paint.

  “Man, we had a ball. Shame y'all missed it.” Cedric strolled around looking at nothing in particular.

  “Let me save you the trouble of stumbling towards the obvious question; no, I haven't seen or talked to Michelle and it's unlikely that I will.” Anthony closed his portfolio with a sharp snap.

  “What are you talking about? I wasn't going to ask anything. I was just saying--” Cedric was the picture of innocence.

  “Don't even try it, Cedric.” Anthony fixed him with a hard stare.

  “I uh, I mean... What I'm saying is-- Okay, so maybe I might of kinda been leading up to it.” Cedric gave up his attempt at denial.

  “This is why we couldn't get away with anything when we were kids. All an adult had to do was say look as you and you'd spill your guts.” Anthony wore a slight smile.

  “I never could lie. But don't try to change the subject. You and Michelle haven't even tried to get back together?” Cedric walked over to him.

  “It's over.” Anthony's lips turned down erasing all signs of humor.

  Cedric put a hand on Anthony's shoulder. “Finding that special woman is maybe a once in lifetime thing. Be very sure before you let it go so easy.”

  “Easy? You think it was easy?”Anthony's voice was coarse as though the words themselves hurt.

  He thought of all those lonely nights spent in agony, going over their dilemma, trying to convince himself that maybe through some miracle they could be together. But Michelle's biting accusations against his uncle were too hard to take. Not once did she try to see him in a different light.

  “I know it's tough,” Cedric said.

  “Michelle is out of my life.” Anthony leaned against the window staring outside. The chill that went through him did not come from the weather.

  Cedric took a deep breath. “I'm really sorry, Anthony.”He approached Anthony and put a supportive arm around his shoulder.

  “Hey, I'm going to be okay.” Anthony lifted his head. He wore a resolute expression. “Now let's go to the library site. There are a couple of things I want to check on before we give the word it's complete.”

  Anthony and Cedric went over details with the thoroughness that made them a successful and sought after team. They settled for nothing less than having it done right. As they came out of the nearly completed library building, they turned to admire the large circular cut glass window set above the wide entrance.

  “Beautiful. We did a fantastic job if I do say so myself.”Cedric nodded with satisfaction.

  “Better believe it. Partner, we're on our way. With this one under our belt we can go after the big projects. This is proof we can handle it.”Anthony clapped his friend on the back.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Hilliard?”

  They glanced around to find two uniformed police officers standing behind them.

  “Yes, that's me.”Anthony faced them.

  “I'm Detective Majors and this is Detective Oubre.” Officer Majors nodded towards his partner. “We'd like to ask you some questions. Could you come with us down to the station? You could follow us in your vehicle, sir.” The muscular Black policeman spoke while his partner gazed around at the building and landscaping.

  “Questions about what?” Anthony glanced at Cedric then back at Majors.

  “It seems there are some.. problems with one of your employees. Probably won't take long.” Officer Majors regarded them with calm stoicism.

  “What kind of problems? I hired most of these men,” Cedric replied in a guarded voice.

  “Really? Then we need a statement from both of you.” Majors looked from Anthony to Cedric.

  “Why can't we talk here if it won't take long?” Cedric raised an eyebrow.

  “We'll explain it all downtown.” Detective Majors half turned as if ready to leave then paused when he saw neither man moved.

  “Now hold on--” Cedric protested hotly.

  Anthony placed a hand on his friend's chest. “Stay cool, Cedric,” he said in a quiet voice. Then in a conversational tone, “Fine, officer. We'll be right behind you.”

  Anthony and Cedric talked about every man in the three work crews during the fifteen minute ride to the police station. They searched for a clue that might explain what kind of trouble could be so serious to involve the police. They arrived at police headquarters just as baffled.

  “This way gentlemen.”

  Detective Majors ushered them through the squad room, a maze of desks with uniform and plain clothes officer milling around, into a small Spartan interview room. Detective Oubre disappeared for several moments. He returned with a tall, lean man dressed in a crisp white shirt, charcoal gray suit, and dark green tie.

  “I'm Chief Detective Robin of the Homicide Division.” He spoke curtly. “Mr. Eames, Detective Oubre will take your statement.” He pointed to Oubre standing in the still open door.

  “This way, sir.” Detective Oubre gave a sharp nod of his head. The close trimmed crown of black hair gave him the look a drill sergeant directing an errant recruit to the barracks.

  “Why?” Cedric began looking around at them.

  “Procedure, sir. It will save time if we get your statements simultaneously,” Detective Robin said.

  Cedric followed Detective Oubre with one last worried glance at Anthony.

  Detective Robin opened a slim folder with several sheets of paper in it. “Now, Mr. Hilliard. Do you know a Troy Quarles?”

  “Yes, he works for me. But you already know that.” Anthony looked at the papers trying to read them upside down.

  “How long has he worked for you?”

  “About five months I think.”

  “Any trouble with him?”

  “Minor things like goofing off. What's going on?” Anthony looked around at Detective Majors, who stood against the wall with his hands folded in front of him.

  “Were you aware of his criminal record?” Detective Robin continued without acknowledging his question.

  “Yes. But he'd served his time and came with a good recommendation from his probation officer. So I gave him a shot.”

  “As part of an on-going investigation, one of our undercover officers has reported that Mr. Quarles resumed his illegal activities. Specifically, involvement in the drug trade. Were you aware of that?” Detective Robin leaned both elbows on the file and stared at Anthony hard.

  “Of course not. If I had known--”

  “In fact, he's been using one of your trucks to transport illegal drugs.”

  “If you have solid evidence of that then he won't have the chance to do it after today!” Anthony said angrily.

  “Mr. Quarles won't be doing anything. He's dead. We found him in his car at three o'clock this morning with a single bullet wound to the head,” Detective Robin said evenly.

  “My God.” Anthony shook his head slowly.

  “And you say you were unaware of his activity?”

  “No, I--You think I'm involved in drug dealing?” Anthony's head snapped up. “This is incredible!”He fell back in his chair stunned.

  “We had some indications before his death that you did know about the movement of the drugs.”

  “Wait a minute, what indications?”Anthony leaned forward.

  “Mr. Eames usually handles hiring. Isn't it true you hired Quarles over in spite of his objections?”

  “Sure, Cedric was skeptical. But my uncle said that he'd done well working on some temporary jobs for him. Knowing how hard it is for men with a prison record to get work, I didn't want to hold his past against him.”

  “That would be Ike Batiste. Mr. Batiste has hired quite a few ex-cons over the years.” Detective Robin glanced down briefly at the papers before him.

  “He's worked closely with an ex-offender rehab program for a long time, yes. Be
cause we try to help these guys doesn't mean we're crooks.” Anthony spoke with intensity.

  “According to several monitored conversations, Quarles said his boss had a `piece of the action'.”

  “That's a damn lie!” Anthony sprang from the hardwood chair.

  “Do you know Dominic Toussaint?”

  “What?” Anthony, thrown off balance by the abrupt change in the questioning, blinked in confusion. “Sure I know him, or at least his sister. I don't understand what that's got--”

  “Two days ago he was beaten severely. So severely that he's in intensive care. What do you know about that?” Detective Robin shot the words at him like bullets from an automatic weapon.

  “Dominic in intensive care?” Anthony sat down again heavily.

  “You know what we think, Mr. Hilliard? We think it's related to the Quarles killing. The common thread seems to be the business dealings of Ike Batiste. Quarles first worked for him and then Buster Wilson on contracts with the Housing Authority. We've long suspected that some of the men Batiste hired helped establish a lucrative drug trade in the projects around town.”

  “I don't know anything about any of this.” Anthony's fist crashed down on the table between them.

  “Seems Quarles started skimming a few ounces of cocaine each time he picked up a kilo. He went into business for himself. Our undercover officer met with him several times.” Robin hammered at him in a cold voice like granite.

  “I don't have anything to do with drugs, and I damn sure don't know anything about a murder. This is insane! The only contact I've had with the police is a couple of parking tickets.”Anthony glared at the detective defiantly.

  “Yet you know Quarles.”

  “I gave him a job, that's all.” Anthony made a sharp chopping motion in the air with his hand.

  “Dominic Toussaint worked for Buster Wilson. His sister is Michelle Toussaint the news reporter. Sources tell us he was beaten because of his sister’s stories; stories damaging to your uncle's business.”

  “I didn't even know Dominic was attacked.” Anthony imagined the torment Michelle and her family must be going through. If only he could comfort her.