After All

by Emery, Lynn

  “No problem.” Anthony touched her elbow to lead her farther into his living room. He bustled into the kitchen after getting her settled on the sofa. “I made some apple and cinnamon herbal tea. Your favorite.”

  “And dark roast coffee for you, I bet.” Michelle laughed. “I know you haven't given up your strong coffee, have you?”

  “Well... no. But I've cut back. And what's more, I'm having a cup of tea with you.” Anthony grinned at her. He placed a cup and saucer in her hands and sat next to her.

  “Wow, you'd do that for me?” Michelle said in a playful tone.

  Becoming serious, he placed his cup on the coffee table in front of them. “Chelle, that's the least of what I'd do for you.”

  “Anthony, I feel awful about the way I've behaved.”

  “No, wait. I was as wrong. I know that now. Uncle Ike is everything you've always said he was and worse.” Anthony's eyes glittered with anger. “He's lied, cheated and stole all his life. His excuse is that he did it for his family. He crossed the line from shady business practices to being an accessory to crime.” Anthony breathed deeply. “I didn't want to believe those things about him. And instead of facing the truth, I blamed you for telling it. Can you forgive me?”

  “Anthony,” Michelle started but her voice failed her. Setting the cup aside, she wrapped her arms around him. “Of course I can,” she whispered, caressing his cheek with her lips. “Can you forgive me for all the dreadful things I said to you?”

  Anthony cupped her chin and stared into her eyes. His answer was a deep, long kiss. Michelle clung to him for several sweet moments before she pulled back.

  “Wait. Some things need to be said while I can still think clearly.” She heaved a deep sigh. “I've been wearing blinders, too.”

  “What are you talking about?” Anthony touched her face tenderly.

  Michelle took a deep breath. This would be harder than she thought. “I've always felt sorry for my mother and blamed my father because their marriage went sour. It never occurred to me that she might be just as much to blame. Ike and Mama dated while they were all in high school, but Mama married Daddy. Several years later, she had an affair with Ike. Ruining their marriage and Daddy's business was the perfect revenge for Ike. Suddenly here was this woman I'd never seen before. Weak and selfish. I still haven't forgiven her” Michelle turned to him. “Now I truly understand how you couldn't see Ike for anything but the loving uncle who cared what happened to you. And how you must feel now.”

  “Uncle Ike seems to spoil everything he touches.” Anthony's face creased in a morose frown.

  “Not everything. In his own way, Ike does care about you. I was so intent on pointing out his faults that I didn't see how good he's been to you and your mother.”

  “That doesn't justify what he's done,” Anthony insisted.

  “No. But people are rarely all good or all bad, Anthony.” With loving fingers, she lightly touched his forehead smoothing away the sullen ridge above his eyes. “I guess we have to see them as human beings with the same failings as everyone else.”

  “How did you get so smart?” Anthony held her tightly.

  “Getting hit over the head a few times will either kill you or teach you something.” Michelle smiled with a shrug. She nestled into his arms and looked up at him. “You think you can put up with an opinionated reporter always poking into things folks would rather keep quiet?”

  Anthony lowered his face to hers. “Definitely,” he murmured.

  Anthony took her mouth completely while his hands stroked her face and neck. His tongue parted her lips in a loving quest to taste her. From far away Michelle heard her own voice, a soft moan from the base of her throat. She clung to him, straining to press her body ever closer to his. With the urgency of passion too long denied, they tore loose from their clothes as if breaking free of chains.

  “Right here, right now,” Anthony said in a voice hoarse with desire.

  They sank onto the sofa pushing the pillows from around them. Their lovemaking had all the heat and potency of a flash fire. Between eager kisses, Anthony whispered assurances he would never let her go. Michelle molded her body to his in blissful surrender and answered with vows of love.

  Michelle retrieved a pillow. She rested against him as he reclined on the arm of the sofa. The warm, spicy scent of his cologne sent a thrill through her. She closed her eyes, savoring the wonderful sensation of having him in her arms again.

  “I like the way you apologize.”

  “You've got a real gift for saying `I accept'.”Anthony stroked her thick, dark hair.

  “Anthony, we've got some unfinished business.” Michelle gazed ahead. The real work of their reconciliation must begin. “I mean maybe we need to talk about what happened between us.”

  “Uncle Ike.” Anthony grunted with displeasure. Getting up, he went into the bedroom. He returned wearing pajama pants and handed her the matching top.

  Michelle put it on. “No; about trusting each other. I should have trusted you would never condone getting paid for nothing or criminal activity; not even for your uncle.”

  Anthony put his arms around her again. “And I should have trusted that you wouldn't lie or misuse your position as a reporter just to get revenge. I see what you're saying. So where do we begin?”

  “First why don't we get some more hot tea?” Michelle smiled.”And then...”

  “I know, we need to talk.” Anthony eyes twinkled with mischief. “For once those words don't send a chill down my spine.” He dodged a playful swat Michelle aimed at his arm and headed for the kitchen.

  Warmed by the tea and each other, they lay curled together on the sofa for hours. They shared their dreams, fears, disappointments and hopes as never before.

  ***

  Michelle felt light as air moving around the radio station the next day. Everything seemed shiny and new. It took effort to keep a cheerful lilt from her voice as she read even the most solemn news items from the wire service about disasters. She finished with a weather update and began gathering her notes to leave. The disc jockey went back on to introduce the next tune.

  “Next up, an oldie but goodie,” Danny, a short, muscular man with a sonorous voice, crooned the microphone. Then he played a popular love song from the eighties. Michelle had turned to leave but hesitated when she heard the opening strains of the ballad. Michelle sang along as she swayed to the music.

  “Somebody is feeling mellow today.” Danny raised an eyebrow.

  “I just really like that song.” Michelle gazed off, a serene expression on her face.

  “Hey, if I'd known that I would have played it before now.” Danny snapped his fingers in time to the music. “I'm off at seven tonight. You and me down at the Blue Room; how about it?”

  “Sorry, I'm involved.” Michelle smiled at him. Those words had a fabulous sound. The happiness on her face proved she was anything but sorry. She went back to her office still humming.

  Shantae and Laree were waiting for her. Both wore knowing smiles as they watched her approach.

  “What's up, girl?” Shantae gave her an appraising look from head to toe. “You're in a very good mood.”

  “Yeah, she sure is,” Laree agreed.

  Michelle meticulously straightened her desk and filed away old news copy. “What are you two doing here?”

  “We were just out this way,” Laree blurted out.

  “Yeah. We decided to go out for dinner after work and figured you might want to go.” Shantae gave Laree a conspiratorial wink.

  “Oh, I can't tonight.” Michelle pressed her lips together.

  “Really? Working late, huh?” Shantae raised an eyebrow at her and nudged Laree with an elbow at the same time.

  “Not exactly.” Michelle said keeping her voice cool.

  “How can you ‘not exactly’ work?” Laree followed Michelle closely around the room. “You're either working late or not. Which is it?”

  “I'm not working, but I can't go out to eat with y'all
.” Michelle had her back to them putting folders into a large cabinet.

  “Why not?” Shantae stepped closer to Michelle.

  “Yeah, what's the big secret?” Laree moved in, too. She fixed Michelle with a sardonic gaze.

  “No secret--” Michelle turned to find herself almost nose to nose with both of them.

  “Then what's the deal?” Laree smirked at her.

  “None of your business,” Michelle giggled pushing between them to pass.

  “Let's guess, Laree.” Shantae blocked her attempt. “Now, judging from the grin on her face I'd say a man is involved.”

  “Yeah, she's got that look all right,” Laree chimed in.

  “Not just any man, either. I'd say this was the man. Know what I'm saying?” Shantae glanced at Laree sideways.

  “I hear you. This is Dr. Feelgood, honey. She's got that afterglow.” Laree snickered.

  “Shut up you two.”Michelle tried to sound aggravated as she pursed her lips to prevent a smile.

  Laree laughed. “Sugar, don't even try it. We knew what the deal was when we didn't hear from you last night.”

  “For real. As soon as we walked in I said to myself, uh-huh. They're rockin' steady again.” Shantae nodded.

  “Come on, girlfriend. Enquiring minds want to know.”Laree took a seat and crossed her legs. “Give up the details.”

  “It was incredible,” Michelle breathed. She dropped all pretense of being cool and collected.”We talked for hours.”

  “Just talked?” Shantae lips curved in a knowing smile.

  “Like I said, incredible,” Michelle said. Her face was radiant with joy.

  “That's great, Chelle. You and Anthony belong together.” Laree hugged her.

  “Cedric says Anthony has been grinning all day even with business being down since--.” Shantae's hand flew to her mouth. “Sorry, 'Chelle. I had to spout out bad news just when you're feeling good for the first time in over two months.”

  “That's okay. Don't think it hasn't been on my mind. Things would be perfect except for this suspicion hanging over Anthony.” Michelle's brows drew together. The subject tempered the buoyant mood.

  “But he wasn't indicted,” Laree said in a bid to cheer them.

  Michelle sat down with a thump. “It doesn't matter. Some people apparently feel an accusation is the same as a guilty verdict.”

  “What he needs is for them to catch whoever killed that guy.” Shantae perched on the arm of the chair Laree sat in.

  “And soon.” Michelle nodded. Her stomach tightened with fear at the possibility Anthony could be sent to prison.

  “The cops must be searching for another suspect since they didn't have enough evidence against Anthony.” Laree looked from Michelle to Shantae. “I mean, it makes sense.”

  “I hope so. But who knows. They're not saying a whole lot these days,” Shantae replied. “You'd think Ike would lift a finger to do something. After all, he got Anthony into all this. He should get him out of it.”

  “What could he do without getting himself in trouble?” Laree asked.

  Michelle stood up and grabbed her purse. “Laree is right, Shantae. Even if he had the conscience, Ike would have to admit to some knowledge of drug dealing and who knows what else. No, he probably wouldn't do it even if he wanted to.”

  “I guess so. It just seems a shame that Marcus is the little criminal, but Anthony is getting all the heat.” Shantae followed Michelle and Laree down the hall.

  Michelle turned sharply causing them both to jump back. “That's it!” She snapped her fingers.

  “What?” Laree gave her a baffled look.

  “My Lord! You scared the life out of me.” Shantae put a hand to her chest.

  “That little scum ball, Marcus.” Michelle looked at them both. “He’s working at the Housing Authority. Marcus is jealous of Anthony, always has been since they were kids. He'd do anything to get back at him.”

  “Set his own cousin up for murder? Not even he could be that low,” Laree gasped.

  “You obviously don't know him,” Shantae retorted.

  Michelle glanced at her watch. “Four thirty, two hours before Anthony picks me up. I've got time if I hustle.”

  “For what?” Laree quickened her pace to keep up.

  “Michelle, this isn't the fifty yard dash. Slow down.” Shantae began to trot behind them both.

  Michelle dug inside her purse for her car keys.” Earl should still be at work. He'll be able to check it out. See y'all later.” She strode to her car.

  “Earl? I don't understand what she's talking about,” Laree panted.

  “Gotta go. I'll call you later,” Michelle yelled. She drove off. Her friends stood on the parking lot completely astonished.

  “What the?” Shantae stared after her.

  Laree shrugged. “Love scrambles the brain, honey.”

  ***

  Michelle parked next to Anthony in front of her apartment. Anthony leaned against the fender waiting patiently. Michelle felt a surge of excitement seeing his easy grace. He stood straight as she came closer. As handsome as ever, he was dressed in a dark brown sweater with a brown, olive and gold stripped shirt underneath. Matching olive cotton pants were just close fitting enough to hint at the muscular thighs beneath the narrow waist.

  “Hi, baby.”Michelle brushed her lips across his. “Sorry I'm late.”

  Anthony clutched her to him and covered her mouth with his. His warm tongue traced a fiery route on the soft inside of her mouth. “Umm, that's better.”He buried his face in her hair.”I haven't seen you for over eight hours. I need more than a peck on the lips, woman.”

  Michelle leaned against him. “I missed you, too.”

  “Then why did you keep me waiting ten agonizing minutes?”Anthony pretended to admonish her. “Now you're going to have to make it up to me.”

  “Oh, no!” Michelle's eyes widened in mock horror. “What terrible price must I pay?”

  Anthony ogled her. “Ten extra minutes in my arms tonight young lady.”

  “Don't be so easy on me. Better make it a couple of hours.”

  “You're right.” Anthony shook a finger at her. “You need to be taught a lesson. Never put work before romance.”

  “Work.” Michelle drew back remembering why she arrived late. “We might find out something to prove you didn't murder Troy Quarles.”

  “We who? I hope you haven't been taking any risks.” Anthony tensed, a worried look replacing the mirth in his brown eyes.

  “No I haven't, scout's honor.” Michelle grabbed his hand. “Let's go up so I can tell you about it.”

  Anthony followed her up the stairs. Though he tried questioning her, Michelle made him wait until she poured them both a glass of soda.

  “Whew, that hit the spot.” Michelle smacked with satisfaction.

  Anthony drummed his fingers on his knee. “Okay, tell me exactly what you've been up to.”

  “You know my friend Earl, right?” Michelle continued when he nodded. “He has a contact in the State Police records section. We call her whenever we need information on someone's arrest or prison history. It's all public record. But if you don't have a contact you wait forever.”

  “How interesting.” Anthony crossed his arms. “Like you're making me wait right now.”

  “I'm getting there.” Michelle settled back into her tale.” “s I was saying, Earl is going to get a prison record on Troy Quarles and Lonnie Mason.”

  “But we already know they've been in prison.”

  “Yes, but when and where is the question,” Michelle said, pleased with herself.

  Anthony scratched his chin deep in thought for several moments. “Help me out. Why is that important?”

  “Maybe they knew each other in prison. The police might find it very interesting. Drug dealing in the larger public housing projects took a sharp increase in the past few years. About the time a lot of folks with prison records started getting jobs there.”

  “I see what you're s
aying now.” Anthony leaned forward with a look of interest.

  “And Marcus has been working there for a while now, too.” Michelle watched his face. “And he's been hanging with Lonnie Mason and Tia Sanders. It's too much of a coincidence.”

  Anthony shook his head in disbelief. “Sure Marcus has always resented me, but frame me for murder?”

  “Anthony, Marcus feels something much stronger than resentment towards you,” Michelle said gently, knowing this was one more terrible truth he must face. “Remember, he threatened you after you fought that night.”

  “I know but--”

  Michelle put a hand on his arm. “I bet Marcus saw an opportunity to implicate you in a drug ring.”

  Anthony still resisted her suggestion. The whole world seemed to tip at a crazy angle at thought that those he’d known all his life were people he really did not know. A few days had changed a lifetime of relationships.

  “Marcus hates me that much.” He shook his head as if to clear it.

  Michelle reached to comfort him. “I know how you feel, honey. But everything I've dug up so far seems to lead to it. I'm sure it'll be important in clearing you of suspicion,” she said, her voice intense.

  Anthony's expression softened. “Thank you, babe. I keep forgetting how much time you've put into tracking all this down.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “Listen, nobody messes with my man.” Michelle snuggled closer to him. “Anybody that does is going to have to answer to me.”

  Anthony grinned. “I feel safer already. Now let's forget about everything and everyone else. Stay right there.”

  He went over to the stereo system and popped a compact disc into it. The smooth strains of Alicia Keys singing a long song filled the rom.

  Anthony moved sensuously to the beat and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”