by D. Camille
Khayla looked at him as he continued to type. Her phone buzzed again.
He told the police that Karen was going to pay him to kill me. She was robbing the station to get the money to pay for the hit.
“What!” she yelled and Kyros turned to her. “I’m sorry soldier. Watch the game.”
Khayla looked at Lance across the seat as the anger made her eyes water. She turned to her phone and typed furiously.
I wish I could dig her low-down, dirty ass up and kill her again…
Chapter 21
The next morning Lance sat across from Brandon in the Head Prosecutors’ office. Brandon focused his light eyes on his friend.
“So you’ve got women trying to kill you?”
Lance shook his head. “Man, this is crazy. I didn’t even have sex with her!”
“Maybe that’s why. Your reputation is that you put it down all over…then you rejected her.”
“I explained to her that she was an employee and I don’t cross those lines,” Lance told him.
Brandon gave him a look. “You’ve never crossed them?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“Exactly, it was her in particular…” Brandon pointed out.
Lance shrugged. “I just didn’t feel her like that but I wanted to help her out.”
“You can’t help everybody Lance.”
Lance frowned. “You think I haven’t figured that out by now?”
“Well Reggie was picked up on drug charges down in Texas. I’m also filing charges here for drugs and aiding and abetting. There’s no evidence that he planned the robbery itself or that he was involved with the shooting. He did, however admit to helping Karen get away and hiding her,” Brandon explained.
“Since everyone else involved is now deceased, there’s no one to contradict his word.” He gave Lance a look. “You’ve got Chief Green mad as hell.”
Lance sat back in his chair. “I can’t even tell Mac what happened because I’m not even sure at this point.”
“Shot in the back?” Brandon inquired. “Was Khayla with you that night?”
“Nah, she says she was with Tauri.”
Brandon shook his head. “Oh hell.”
Lance sighed. “I know. She hasn’t admitted or denied anything.”
“She won’t. Khayla is Khalil’s twin. They know the laws of this country better than I do and I’m the Prosecutor,” Brandon commented. “She can’t tell you anything because you’re not married.”
“I don’t believe Khayla did it. She was involved, but I know her. She wouldn’t do that,” Lance affirmed.
Brandon gave Lance a look. “Khalil wouldn’t either, not a woman in the back…so who was it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well maybe she’ll tell you on your honeymoon. Congratulations, by the way.” Brandon stood and walked over to Lance.
“It’s about time,” Brandon told Lance as he stood. “I thought I was going to have to marry the girl.”
Lance smiled as he and his friend embraced for a moment.
“Thanks. I told y’all Katydids wasn’t going nowhere,” he boasted.
Brandon laughed. “Yeah, I see you got your ass together real fast after seeing her with different dudes.”
Lance took his seat. “Had to deal with one last night at the game.”
“Tell me you didn’t tear up…” Brandon said leaning back against his desk.
“Nah, Khayla and Kyros were with me. It took everything in me though. Dude was begging for me to beat his ass.” Lance looked angry. “Talking shit about Khayla being a doctor, looking at me like I’m not good enough for her.”
Brandon folded his arms. “Are you still tripping over that?”
“He just pissed me off. Pompous ass punk.”
“He was just trying to get to you Lance. Khayla’s a beautiful and smart woman, who apparently dumped his ass and decided to marry you, so of course he has a problem with you.”
Lance looked at Brandon. “He don’t want this.”
“I know.” Brandon moved back to his desk and took his seat. “When are you marrying that woman?”
“I’m picking her up this afternoon to go ring shopping,” Lance told him.
Brandon nodded. “Take care of business.”
“I always do…”
“By the way, good look on buying Kyros that tablet. I had to get a second phone after I heard about the picture incident.” Brandon frowned. “Khalil was not happy.”
“What the hell did you have on the first one?” Lance questioned.
Brandon grinned. “Grown man business…”
Lance howled. “Damn!”
The phone rang on Brandon’s desk and he answered. After listening he said, “Send him in.”
A minute later the door opened and Rion entered. He smiled as he took a seat across from Lance.
“So your hardheaded ass finally listened?” he asked Lance.
Lance laughed. “Yeah, I did.”
“I had to hear it from Tauri?” Rion admonished.
“Me too,” Brandon added.
Lance sat back. “I was going to tell you when I saw you. I’m not about to call y’all and say, “I’m getting married!” He smirked. “That’s real female right there.”
Rion laughed at him. “Well congratulations. My wife was happy to tell everybody for you.”
“Yeah, she and Khayla are like BFF’s now it seems,” Lance commented.
“What happened while I was out of town?” Rion asked. “With Karen?”
Lance shrugged. “What did your wife tell you?”
“Tauri wasn’t at the scene. She did help Khayla to find Karen’s whereabouts and she’s Khayla’s alibi. She says they were together that night,” Rion explained.
“Who else was helping them?” Brandon asked.
Lance rolled his eyes. “Khayla says her team found Karen, the Nigist.”
“The Nigist?” Brandon repeated. “Are they trying to be us?”
Rion shook his head. “Tauri and Khayla together, is dangerous as hell.”
“And I don’t know who else is with them,” Lance confirmed.
Brandon lifted a brow. “Well they did it. They found her before we did and they took care of business.” He looked at Rion and Brandon. “You two need to keep an eye on them.”
“What about Mac?” Lance questioned. “She’s going to be on all of our asses.”
Brandon leaned back. “I’ll handle Mackenzie.”
Lance and Rion shared a look before Rion got to his feet. “Well, I’m going to check on my beautiful wife and I’ll be in touch with both of you.” He looked at Lance. “If it’s not too female, can you let me know when you and Khayla set a date?”
“Khayla wants a big deal, so all of you will probably be asked to be in the wedding,” Lance responded.
“As long as that girl waited for your ass, she should have helicopters, fireworks, or any damn thing else she wants,” Brandon told him.
Rion laughed as he walked to the door. “I know where you can get trained monkeys to serve dinner.”
“What?” Lance asked confused.
“Nothing, it’s something private between me and Tauri.”
Lance shook his head. “Keep it that way.”
Rion gave him a nod as he left the room.
Lance turned back to Brandon. “Anything else you want to tell me about the case?”
Brandon shook his head. “As far as you’re concerned, this is over.”
“That’s exactly what Khayla said,” Lance recalled.
“It looks like she made sure.”
Lance got to his feet. “I need to make sure I keep her happy.” He headed to the door. “And I’m going to start by putting a diamond on her hand.”
He departed Brandon’s office heading to Khayla’s. She was seeing clients until noon then she and Lance had plans for the rest of the day. As he drove through the city streets, Lance remembered all the good times he’d had in this place. Altho
ugh it had also been the place where he’d almost lost his life, he focused on the positive.
Detroit had given him his strength, his determination, his success and most of all…his love. Khayla Imani Lewis, soon to be Johnson was his life and had been since the first frown. She was still that fierce, loyal and beautiful girl that had stolen his young heart.
Marrying Khayla was like a dream come true. A dream that he’d locked away for a long time, but now was appearing before his eyes. Lance smiled as he approached the waterfront. The boardwalk that now lined the area had not been there when he was a kid. He continued to look around at the progress in the city. Not enough yet, but definitely a good start.
Lance entered Khayla’s practice and was greeted by her mother. She came around the desk and hugged him.
“Mrs. Lewis, what are you doing here?” Lance asked embracing her.
She kissed his bent cheek. “I’m helping Khayla out. Her receptionist had some errands to run today.”
“Well it’s nice to see you again,” Lance told her smiling.
Assata touched his face. “It’s always good to see you Lance. You’re family.”
He grinned. “Thank you.”
“Let me tell Khayla you’re here.” She hurried back to the desk.
“It’s no rush. She can take her time.”
Assata gave him a look. “That girl hasn’t been able to sit still waiting to go ring shopping.”
He laughed. “I’m glad she’s excited.”
Khayla’s mother dialed the office and informed her daughter that her man had arrived. “She’ll be right out.”
Assata studied the young man before her. Lance had always been like a son to her. His crush on Khayla had been evident since they were young. Although she didn’t know every detail, she did know that Lance had hurt Khayla at some point. She was glad to see that they had been able to find their way back to one another, because as much as Khayla had professed to not having feelings for Lance, everyone knew better.
Lance had taken Khayla’s heart just as she had his and the two were destined to be together. Assata was proud of the man that Lance had become. He was a pillar in the community and did all he could for his people. She could not ask for more in a man for her daughter or father for her future grandchildren, and for her children and grandchildren there was nothing that she would not do to protect them.
Khayla appeared with a huge smile on her face and Lance took her into his arms kissing her gently.
“Hi Lance.” She smiled up at him.
He returned her smile. “Hey Katydids.”
Assata smiled at the couple. “You two get on out of here.”
Khayla turned to her mother. “Thank you Momma for helping me out today.”
“You know I take care of my family.” Assata looked at them both. “Go enjoy yourselves.”
Lance took Khayla’s hand and they walked out to his truck. As he drove to the jeweler, he turned to her.
“Our appointment is at one.”
“You made an appointment?” she asked looking at him.
He nodded. “That’s how you buy a ring.”
“I thought we’d just walk in and pick one,” she told him.
“Nah, my Queen gets the full treatment.”
Khayla smiled. “That’s why I waited for you.”
“That and Mr. Johnson…” he told her smiling.
She sat back in her seat. “I must admit Mr. Johnson has grown up.”
He laughed as he parked the car. Inside they were escorted to a private area and seated. Lance was anxious to get a ring for Khayla. After seeing Ben’s look last night at her empty hand, he’d been determined to rectify that immediately.
Khayla looked at Lance. “I can tell you’re about to shock me again.”
He smiled as the proprietor entered the room. “Lance! How are you?”
“I’m good. This is my fiancée Dr. Khayla Lewis.” He introduced her and Khayla heard the pride in his voice. She smiled at Lance then turned her attention to the man.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too Dr. Lewis. Please sit back and relax. Lance has given us explicit instructions.”
Khayla glanced at Lance. “I’m finding that Lance takes care of business in everything he does.”
The door opened and an assistant entered carrying a dark velvet case. “Let’s get started,” the proprietor announced happily.
A glass of wine and an hour later, Khayla Lewis had a beautiful custom diamond bridal set selected. The proprietor had given her a similar ring to wear until hers was ready because Lance had insisted that she have a ring to wear today.
Alone in the room, Khayla looked at her hand then at the man next to her. “I could’ve waited until mine was ready.”
“I want everybody to know you’re mine,” he told her.
“I can talk...you know?” She smiled at him.
Lance took her hand. “I know you can but I want to see my ring on your finger.”
“Thank you,” she looked around the room. “This was amazing. I didn’t expect this.”
“Always expect the best I can do for you Katydids,” he said softly.
She learned forward. “I love you so much.”
Lance met her half way. “I love you Khayla Imani.”
As she lifted her face, he cradled her jaw before tasting her lips. When the proprietor returned, he found them sitting, staring at one another.
“Everything is all set. Miss Lewis, we will let you know when your rings are ready.” He handed Lance a receipt that he stuck in his pocket.
“Thanks for everything,” Lance told him.
“Thank you Lance and I hope you two have a beautiful wedding.”
They both thanked him then headed out to the car. Lance held her hand as they walked and she snuggled closer to him in the brisk air.
“Are you cold?” he asked.
She smiled. “Yes, but that’s not why I’m all over you.”
Lance wrapped his arms around her. “Come here girl.”
They walked to the vehicle all hugged up until Lance opened the door for her. He joined her inside and started the car.
“Where are we going now?” Khayla asked as he turned the heat on in the truck.
“Corvus has another building for you to look at for the food co-op.”
Khayla nodded. “I liked the other ones, but they didn’t grab me.”
“Hopefully, you’ll like this one. The sooner you find a spot, the sooner you can get opened,” Lance told her as he drove.
She sat back. “There are some rumblings that the local store owners don’t want to see a co-op owned by the residents.”
Lance frowned. “Who?” He turned to her.
“These local store owners who sell expired food and unhealthy snacks in our community. They’ve banned together to try to stop any new grocers, and with no major chain grocers located within the city, they’ve monopolized. Other ethnic cultures don’t live in our neighborhood but control the majority of our food sources.”
“They got it twisted. This is our hood,” Lance affirmed.
Khayla sighed. “I need the support of the community to pull this off but I don’t know if I’ll get it. They’re so accustomed to buying from others.”
Lance nodded. “Buying from them and feeding their families while ours are practically starving.”
“We have been so brainwashed. They treat us poorly, sell us junk and don’t contribute anything to our community, but we patronize them every day,” Khayla added.
“Mostly because that’s all that’s here. For some, the alternative is to not eat at all,” Lance pointed out. “Without reliable public transportation, many are stuck in their own neighborhoods with no way to even get to a large grocery store.”
Khayla turned to him. “That’s why we must have our own. We have to wake up and see how we’re financially providing for everyone but ourselves.”
“I know Ma, that’s why we’re doing this.”
“I believe in you Katydids.”
They arrived at a building and Khayla looked out the window. The building was located in an area that was being revitalized but still close enough to a more impoverished area. Lance opened the door for her and she stepped out.
Corvus stood inside the door waiting for them. Lance escorted her inside and Khayla fell in love immediately. She wandered around while the two men talked by the door. Her mind imagined the space filled with fresh fruits and vegetables; herbs, groceries and supplements. She saw bulk grains and a reverse osmosis filtration system for people to have access to clean water.
Khayla walked further into an area that could be made into a little café that served ready-made sandwiches and fruit smoothies. She smiled and moved back to where the two were waiting.
“So what’s up?” Lance asked cautiously. “Do you like this one?”
“I love it!”
Corvus rolled his eyes. “Finally…damn. I thought we’d have to go around this whole city to find you a space.”
Khayla went to Corvus and hugged him. “Thank you Corvus.” She kissed him loudly on the cheek.
He pulled away frowning. “Save that for him.”
She laughed and went over to Lance, wrapping her arms around his waist. “He gets everything else.”
“Spare me…please.” Corvus shook his head.
Lance looked down at her. “You want this one?”
“Can I afford this one?” she asked. “I need to find out the numbers.”
Corvus chimed in. “You gone have to make me some dinners or something.”
She tuned to him. “You own this building?”
Lance answered. “We both own this building, which means you own it too.” He looked at Corvus. “Make your own damn food. Katydids makes my dinner.”
“That’s wrong. I’m telling Momma, too.” Corvus told him and they all laughed.
Khayla looked at them both, the boys she’d grown up with and loved…one as a brother, the other as a man. She knew how fortunate she was to have such strong, supportive, black men in her life.
“Thank you. I promise this will be successful. I will do everything I can to make sure I’m not wasting your time and money,” Khayla vowed.