NS

by U

  She swallowed hard. “You know, I should have seen it sooner. I knew something was

  fishy, but I guess I wasn’t far enough in the gutter to see just how low you’re willing to stoop.

  Did you really think you could pull it off?” She shrugged. “I forgot. Puppets don’t think.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You can wipe the smugness from your face, Mr. Beckham. I’m onto your game. How

  can you stand here and brag about your greatness? You’re nothing but a mouthpiece in the courtroom, so I’m convinced you’re much worse in the bedroom. I don’t know what the connection is, but I will find it, and when I do, I’m going to bury your ass. You spoke ill of the man I love, so let me inform you now that you’re not fit to shine Isaac’s shoes. There’s not a damn thing you can offer me, but professionalism, which you obviously don’t possess.”

  His smugness tripled. “You still didn’t say there was no attraction.”

  “If your case hinges on your ability to rile me with your totally offensive inferences, you can count on losing—big time. I know your game, and I must say, it’s beneath everything I could have imagined. Stay away from me, you slimy bastard, or I’ll make you wish you had stayed in Baton Rouge.”

  This time she turned away before he could reply. She felt foolish for allowing him to get under her skin, and was enjoying her lunch until a call came from Mama Rose.

  “They’re at it again! I got some kind of delinquent tax notice all the way back to 1992.

  Can you believe this shit? I don’t owe this city a damn dime. I’m tired of it. The next person who walks through that door and tells me something I don’t want to hear about my place of business is likely to be shot.”

  “It is possible for you to produce those receipts, Mama Rose?”

  “I have every receipt filed by year.”

  “See if you can locate them tonight and I’ll—”

  “I have them right here. This invoice I just received is a duplicate of the one I paid. I have the cancelled check.”

  Chelsea sighed, knowing she had to do something to take the heat off her grandmother.

  “Make copies of everything.”

  “I’m holding the copies in my hand. The originals are in a safety deposit box with all of my papers.”

  “Then you have nothing to worry about. I’ll stop by when I leave court today. Don’t worry about it, and please don’t shoot anyone.”

  Her day was now ruined, but looking across the deli, she felt Quincy’s day wasn’t going too well either. He knew she was onto him. She hoped he knew his defense was shot.

  * * * *

  Chelsea called the last of her witnesses and rested her case before three. Quincy tried to discredit their accounts of what happened the night of the attack by saying it was too dark for them to positively identify the accused. Each witness remained steadfast. Chelsea was surprised when Judge Sienna recessed until the following Monday, but it was a needed break.

  “What’s wrong, baby girl?” David asked on the way to her car. “From what I saw, you’ll win this one.”

  “It’s not that. I’ve got so many worries. I don’t know which one to tackle first.” She told him about Mama Rose’s problem, Isaac’s refusal to answer or return her calls, as well as her suspicions about Quincy. “Do you know Robert Strickland?”

  “Sure. Everybody knows Strickland. Some call him the best criminal defense attorney in Louisiana. Why do you ask?”

  “We’ve all wondered why this boy didn’t have a big shot defense attorney. Think about it, David. I’m an upstart in the district attorney’s office. I never get big cases, but this one was assigned to me without hesitation, and I’m sure that was mainly because the defense attorney was an unknown named Quincy Beckham. How often have you seen Strickland in the

  courtroom?”

  “I didn’t think about it until now, but I’ve seen him, I want to say every day, sitting alone on the back row.” He slowed. “What are you saying?”

  “Quincy has been coming on to me like white on rice. Then there was the prowler in my place. I think Quincy is a plant. I think he was shoved out front to throw me off, while the big man calls the shots from the back of the room.”

  “So you think he’s your distraction?”

  “That, and more. The intruder didn’t take anything, didn’t try to harm anyone, just let me know he was there. I’m positive they’re playing mind games. Quincy purposely came on to me in front of Isaac. I’m not selling myself short, but I don’t think he’s that hot for my bones.”

  “I hate to say it, but you may have something. The only thing I’m not sure about is why a man like Strickland would put himself in a position of being sanctioned for unethical, even criminal conspiracy. Strickland has been under scrutiny before. If he’s connected to the man who was in your place, he’ll go down.”

  “And how would I ever be able to prove what I’m saying? When there is glaring evidence for a conviction, the defense has to come up with some angle, some loophole. Create doubt, discredit witnesses, and how about getting the inexperienced prosecutor so riled that she can’t present a good case? I started slipping. I’ll admit that. Now, I’ve got firm footing and I’ll have a damn fine time planning a way to take this bastard down.”

  “I’ve been around the courts long enough to know that what you say is true. Cases aren’t necessarily won by skill, or on the basis of innocence, but breaking into someone’s home and leaving threatening messages? I still say it’s hard to believe Strickland would go for that. He’s got too much at stake.”

  “I’ll bet my sanity that someone is paying big bucks to get this kid off. Money makes people do strange things. Strickland is high profile and high dollar, but unless there are criminals—I should say accused persons—with money, he’s still nowhere. After getting what they consider a novice prosecutor, maybe they realized I’m not as green as they thought, and began their little scheme to really rattle my cage. A handsome man telling me how many ways he could take me to heaven, and then a prowler. That could throw any woman into bumbling idiocy.”

  “Well, as far as Isaac is concerned, I don’t know what to tell you, but I think you’re probably right about this case. That shit smelled rotten from the beginning. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open. We’ll see what turns up. Now, about Mama Rose, why don’t you go see the mayor? Should be easy to get an appointment since your best friend is on his staff.”

  “David, I could kiss you. Why didn’t I think of that?”

  “Probably because you’re too close to the situation. That’s where friends come into play.” He leaned over and kissed her forehead. Glancing around, he chuckled. “Guess I’d better be careful. Wouldn’t want that big angry football player to take me out.”

  “That’s probably over, and if so then I guess that’s how it was meant to be.”

  “I’ll be jealous of any man you’re with, but I don’t want you and Isaac to break up this way. He may be a hot head, but he’s no fool. Any man would have to be crazy to let you get away that easily. If I had a shot, I sure wouldn’t let you go.”

  “Thanks, David. You’re a good friend.”

  After locking her car door, Chelsea called Dee. “I have a big favor to ask.” When Dee agreed to set up an appointment with her boss, Chelsea turned down an invitation to accompany Dee and Skip to a new club in Algiers, called Isaac and got his voice mail again.

  “I know you’re angry and I now know why. If our relationship still means anything to you, please call me as soon as you get this message. There’s a lot I have to say, and I need to say it now. I’m on my way to Mama Rose’s, and then home. I’ll be there for the rest of the evening.

  Please call me, baby.”

  * * * *

  CHAPTER SIX

  “I was born, married, raised a family, and operated a business in this city. Do these people take me for a damn fool?” Mama Rose handed Chelsea a stack of papers. “I’ve got records of everything fr
om the day your grandfather took title to this property to the present. I’ve got receipts for sales tax, state tax, city tax, every damn tax they can levy. I’ve got operating statements, expense ledgers, and licenses for everything I sell.”

  “Don’t worry. I called Uncle Larry on the way over. He was surprised they’re still at it.

  I’ve got a nine o’clock appointment with the mayor tomorrow and he’s coming with me. If that doesn’t work I’ll come here and load the gun so we can fill somebody’s butt with lead.”

  Mama Rose brought Chelsea a dinner to go, and she headed home. The sky was clear,

  and though it was still hot, the smell of fall was in the air. Exhausted, she thought it would be nice to have her meal on the patio, go over the case while everything was still fresh on her mind, take a shower and read herself to sleep.

  Dee said she and Skip were planning to come back to the loft and spend the night. More worried than she cared to admit, Chelsea did not want to be alone. She smiled at the happiness on Dee’s face when she mentioned Skip. At least someone has it together.

  She parked and tried to load everything into her arms. Afraid of spilling the hot gumbo and Mama Rose’s special ice tea, she decided to make another trip. When she unlocked the door, Armageddon jumped down from his perch on the sofa.

  “Hi kitty, baby. Let me get rid of this stuff and I’ll give you some loving.” She dumped two books she needed for research, along with her briefcase and purse on the stools where she and Skip had sat for breakfast. When Armageddon jumped on the third stool, she leaned over to rub his head.

  “Are you lonely, man? Well, don’t worry. Mommy is not going anywhere tonight. You and I can spend the evening in bed, reading and listening to something soothing.”

  Armageddon purred happily and scampered off by way of the sofa arm. She had not

  bought a lot of furniture, but what she did buy was very expensive. She tried to keep it safe from cat claws that she didn’t have the heart to remove. Noticing the slipcover had been pulled from one end of the sofa, she stopped to pull it back in place.

  She heard keys jingling. Quickly remembering leaving hers in the door, she spun around and froze just as the door opened. The man walking towards her was giant-sized. Her key ring dangled from his bulky hand. At first she thought it was Clarence, the building maintenance man.

  The friendly greeting she always received from Clarence was a far cry from the anger she saw peering from under the brim of a baseball cap. He slammed the door behind him and her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach.

  “Hi. You must have the wrong address.” Her mind quickly ran through the list of things she had been taught in defense classes. First, she had to remain calm. That would be the hardest part. He scanned the room, but didn’t answer.

  “Are you looking for my brother? He should’ve been here by now.”

  He still didn’t answer, but kept moving towards her, looking around with each step. He was wearing a blue work uniform, the same kind worn by Clarence. His right hand was jammed into the pocket of his pants. Chelsea shuttered at the imprint of what she knew was a gun barrel bulging from the baggy coveralls.

  “I don’t know who you are, but you obviously have the wrong place.” She moved her feet and planted them firmly, hip width apart. “If you’re looking for my brother, he’s on his way, but I have to leave now, so you’ll need to come back later.”

  “I got who I’m looking for.” He pointed the pistol at her forehead. “Shut up and you might not get hurt.”

  His voice was thick and sluggish. It was the same one on her voice mail and answering machine. “I don’t know why you’re here, but I’m sure you have the wrong place. These doors all look the same.”

  He stopped and stared around the room, even to the top of the bookcase.

  “I don’t know you and I don’t have anything of value. If you’re here to rob me, go ahead and take what you want. I don’t have much cash, and my jewelry is in a safe at the bank. Take whatever you see want. Just don’t point that gun in my face.”

  His left hand emerged from his pocket and anchored under his right hand. He held the revolver close enough for her to see the tips of the bullets.

  “Shut up and don’t try nothin’ or you’ll make me kill ya.”

  She knew Skip would not arrive until after he and Dee had dinner and partied, but prayed he had forgotten something, or that he and Dee just stopped by on their way to eat. She swallowed hard and tried to control her tremors. Her eyes scanned the room for anything heavy she could grab, while trying to watch the intruder’s large, sweaty face. Her gun was in the bedroom and he was between her and the stairs, as well as the front door. The back door led to an enclosed stoop. Past that point, she would have to swing the fire escape ladder over, which would take too much time. Armageddon!

  The cat hated strangers, especially males, and was as protective as a watchdog. Any distraction would give her time to flee. Of course, when a hiding place presented itself, Armageddon usually chose to take cover. She balled her hands into fists. “Look, do us both a favor and get the hell out of here before my brother returns.”

  The intruder grabbed her arm. “Ain’t nobody coming. You’ll be leavin wit me.”

  “If you’ve been watching me, which I’ll bet you have, you know my brother lives here as well. Sometimes his girlfriend or my boyfriend sleeps over and—”

  “Shut up!” He grabbed his head with both hands and pressed the side of the gun barrel against her cheek. “Sit down and shut up!”

  She noticed that the underarms of his coveralls were soaking wet. Sweat poured down his face and glistened in the uneven spray of hair on his chin. His obvious fright gave her hope, but he still had the gun. Chelsea laced her fingers in her lap and waited, trying to remain clear headed. She had already checked with everyone who was likely to call. Isaac will call. He’ll get my message and call. All I have to do is think of a way to let him know I’m in trouble.

  “Come on!” The intruder grabbed her arm.

  “What?” Now on her feet, she felt the gun barrel in her back. Fighting the fear inside of her, she raised her right knee and drove her heel back into his leg. “Get the hell out of my house!”

  He yelled a string of obscenities, but instead of letting go, he dug his nails into her forearm and jerked her around. She felt her rotator cup pop and the sharp pain that ran down through her shoulder and arm.

  “Damn bitch! Here!” He pushed the keys into her hand. “You try something like that again and I’ll put a bullet in your pretty lil’ head.”

  She tried to reach for a statue on the end table. He shoved her toward the door and the statue crashed, knocking over a photograph and a candlestick.

  “Let’s go. I’ll take you somewhere nobody will ever find you. Don’t try nothin’. I mean that!”

  Glad to have disturbed the room, Chelsea prayed someone arrive soon and notice.

  * * * *

  Isaac awakened with a hangover equivalent to a very long night of drinking. He

  showered and tried to remember how he had spent the prior evening, but was only able to recall the pain still nested in the crater of his heart.

  Taking Chelsea’s photograph from his wallet, he stared at smiling, slanted eyes that, in spite of his pain, still touched his heart. “It wasn’t just sex and a good time. I love you. But I guess that never mattered.”

  He stopped and silently recounted the welcoming nights they had spent making

  love until they were both exhausted. He would hold her body against his until they were ready for the next round.

  It had taken weeks to get her in bed the first time, but when he did, she outshone his more satisfying encounter, in spades. She was bold and uninhibited. Nothing like the demure, feminine creature he first met in the hallway of an office building, but he was still concerned about coming on too strong in bed. Several women had admitted that his size alone was overwhelming.

  The evening following their first time
has been spent sharing feelings and intentions during an intimate dinner the night before he was scheduled to leave for training camp. Back at her place, she had let loose on him with more sexuality than he could have imagined. He had still refrained from issuing his usual verbal commands and accolades for fear of offending her. After all, she was an attorney. She worked with the district attorney’s office. She reeked of sophistication. Sex with her, even in semi-silence, was still mind blowing.

  He had thought of nothing but her during training. Her smile. The curves of her body.

  The smell of her skin. She was beautiful and brainy. Having her in his arms, making love to her had made him feel like a king. They spoke often. His longing had grown with each phone call.

  The team returned to New Orleans later than anticipated and he had found her waiting. Her body was freshly washed, lightly scented and writhing with need. Tired and a little hungry, he had forgotten everything but the luscious meal before him.