by Lynn Emery
“I feel sorry for any kid with you as a mother.” Shaun gave a scornful laugh.
“Can’t be as bad as the two kids that have you as a daddy.” Aliyah flinched when Shaun’s eyes widened in anger.
“Don’t screw with me, baby. You won’t like how it turns out,” Shaun said, his voice pitched low with fury.
“Ah, c’mon now. I was just playin’ with ya. Look, I’m trying to get my own. I deserve it!” she protested.
Shaun picked up his glass of brandy again. “Whatever. But know this, bagging Russell better not mess with me getting paid.”
“I’m not the one you oughta be worried about, Shaun. Marcus isn’t being cool at all.” Aliyah turned the focus from herself. “You told me he wouldn’t work with you.”
“I tossed the idea out to test the waters.” He wore a thoughtful frown for several minutes.
“I don’t get it. The insurance deal is a great idea.” Aliyah stared at him.
“I might still work it. I just don’t want him to know about you and me.” Shaun went to the bar and poured himself more brandy.
“You can’t trust him all of a sudden? He’s supposed to be your boy from back in the day, bosom buddies, got each other’s back to the end.” Aliyah followed him. She held out her crystal tumbler so he could refill it.
“Yeah.”
Shaun tipped the bottle and watched the amber liquid flow into her glass. He poured two fingers, then stopped. Aliyah scowled but said nothing as he put the bottle down. After several more minutes of silence, she fidgeted.
“Look, what are you gonna do about him?” Aliyah said.
“Find out from Russell what they’re saying about the thefts. I’m thinking we’d better back off,” Shaun replied.
“We’re making a tidy profit finally!” she blurted out.
“Thought you were after the big prize, getting some serious Summers cash,” Shaun teased.
“I’ve got expenses right now. Being a society girl from a prominent Black family in California takes money. I have to live in the right place and wear the right accessories.” Aliyah tossed her hair aside to reveal fancy gold earrings.
“Well, you’re gonna have to live on a budget until you march down the aisle with Russell,” Shaun tossed back. Then he frowned again. “The next job is too far gone to stop. The buyer isn’t somebody I can just cancel on.”
“Who is it?” Aliyah asked in a casual tone. She darted a glance at him, then looked away.
“You don’t need to know. You’re sure Russell doesn’t know how much info he’s given away to you?”
Aliyah laughed. “No way. He’s telling me the names and brands of their security systems. He thinks because he doesn’t tell me codes or passwords it’s okay.”
“I see why his daddy didn’t leave him the business,” Shaun said with a grunt. “Be careful. Marcus is already suspicious.”
“So what? He’s going after Nicole.” Aliyah shrugged.
“I think he’s changing.” Shaun became quiet again.
“You mean he’s not going to raid their customers and open his own security company?” Aliyah sat down on the sofa again. She stretched out her long legs and studied them critically.
“I’m not sure what he’s going to do. I don’t think he is either.” Shaun sat down in one of two large chairs that matched the sofa.
“Sounds like Marcus is trying to live right these days,” Aliyah said carefully. “You’re not going to tell him, are you? I mean, how those ‘acquisitions’ from his customers have helped his plan.” She cast a calculating sideways glance at Shaun.
“Ruining confidence in Summers Security makes it easier for him to start his own business. I make money and he makes money. But I don’t think he’ll see the big picture,” Shaun said more to himself than to answer Aliyah.
“Right. I’m sure your real purpose was to help your buddy.” Aliyah snickered and gulped more brandy.
Shaun seemed to snap out of his reverie. He wore an easy smile as his gaze traveled down her body. “I take care of my friends. Look at you. Baby girl is in designer everything right down to her toes.”
“I did some of this on my own, Shaun.” Aliyah bobbed her head, then snapped her fingers. “Not that I’m ungrateful for the way you look out for a sister.”
“Then show me.” Shaun slapped his thigh.
Aliyah put down her tumbler and walked over to him slowly. She sank onto his lap. “I love talking about money, especially how I’m going to get it.”
“We’re both going to get plenty, baby girl,” he whispered. “Yes, we will.”
fifteen
Nicole dressed in a sheer pink tunic blouse, hot pink bra, and white leggings. She tucked her hair behind her ears. Large silver hoop earrings dangled from her earlobes. “Whew! I’m glad this day is finally over.”
She went into the den. After sorting through a stack of compact discs, she made ten selections and loaded the sound system. The lighting was soft, the music low, and the atmosphere just right after a tense day at the office. Rosaria had left long before Nicole had gotten home at nine o’clock. Nicole wondered how long she could keep the dinner warm before the pasta primavera was ruined. No doubt Marcus was still hard at work. Musical chimes sounded over the smooth voice of Eric Benet singing a love song. She went to the door with a smile and swung it open.
“Hey, baby. Dedication is fine, but the food is almost cold.” Nicole broke off.
Jolene smirked. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and light blue denim jeans, she wore her hair pulled back in a full ponytail.
“I’ve eaten, but thanks for the warm welcome.” She brushed past Nicole and into the foyer.
“Make yourself at home.” Nicole pushed the door shut.
“I will, considering this house is rightfully mine,” Jolene said over her shoulder. She kept going toward the den.
Nicole glanced at her wristwatch and followed her. “Is this catfight going to take long?”
Jolene was already at the bar pouring herself a glass of red wine. “I don’t do catfights.”
“Well, if you abuse my hospitality you will tonight,” Nicole snapped.
Jolene glanced around the room. “Aunt Analine would be thrilled to hear you talk like that. Not my choice of color schemes, or furniture for that matter. And this artwork.”
“Thanks for the home decorating commentary. If that’s all, then good night.” Nicole decided she wouldn’t let Jolene get her angry—not an easy task.
“Expecting company?” Jolene swept Nicole with an appraising gaze. “The blouse is a little too revealing. The white satin leggings are cute, but way too tight. He might get the idea that you’re easy or desperate, possibly both. Nice sandals, though.”
“What do you want, Jolene?”
“To make your life simple, actually.”
“You’re just trying to be helpful. I’ll write to the pope. You deserve sainthood.” Nicole snorted.
“I’m going to ignore your usual rude behavior.” Jolene wore a tolerant smile. She took a delicate sip of wine. “I realize you’ve been under a lot of stress lately.”
“Not as much as you’d like to think.” Nicole gave her a cool smile.
“You don’t have to be brave with me, Nikki. Russell told me about the thefts. Terrible.” Jolene put on a pretentious concerned face.
“I’m touched by the depth of your compassion.” Nicole decided she needed a drink. She went to the bar and poured herself a glass of merlot.
“Oh, but I am really worried. The family name is at stake, not to mention a lot of money. Summers Security is on the line because of your, hmmm, lack of management experience.”
“I’d like to finish this conversation before I reach menopause, Jolene.” Nicole went back to her chair.
“Take your act to some seedy nightclub. They could use one more vulgar comedian,” Jolene said in a tight voice.
“I’m not due for a career change just yet.”
“Don’t be so sure. Daddy’s will cl
early states that the family can remove you as CEO. They’re not happy with the reports of staff misconduct and rampant thefts from the customers.” Jolene’s oval face glowed with delighted spite.
“Reports being delivered on a regular basis by you and Russell, I’m sure,” Nicole said evenly.
“What are we supposed to do when they ask us how things are going?” Jolene lifted a shoulder.
Nicole gave a sharp, cynical laugh. “Right.”
“There have been thefts and employee problems in the two short months you’ve been in charge. True or false?” Jolene shook her head slowly. “Sad but true.”
“We haven’t anything that points to a serious systemic problem in our operation. The police are investigating each theft as a separate case,” Nicole replied. “Bet you don’t mention that in your conversations with the family.”
“They have legitimate concerns about the operation of Summers Security, Nicole. It reflects on you.” Jolene finished the last of her wine. Her smile had a distinct feline nastiness.
Nicole counted to ten until the red haze of fury cleared up enough for her to see straight. She put her wineglass down. She walked over to Jolene, placed a hand under her elbow, and lifted her from the barstool.
“Thanks so much for stopping by to show your support and sympathy. It so happens I’m handling things quite nicely.” She firmly guided Jolene toward the door leading to the hallway.
Jolene tried to jerk free but failed. “Stop digging those claws into my arm.”
“In your next account be sure to mention that we haven’t lost any clients. In fact, we just signed contracts with three new ones. The Lake Charles office is coming along nicely, and we’re still number three of the top ten African-American businesses in the Southwest.”
“You can’t wiggle out of this fix, Nicole.” Jolene skipped along as Nicole’s pace picked up. She tried to dig her heels into the carpet but couldn’t get a foothold.
“I’ve wiggled out of tougher places before.” Nicole yanked her out onto the smooth hardwood floor of the hall.
Jolene managed to pull free. She faced Nicole, her face twisted with hostility. “Even Uncle Stanton will have to admit sooner or later you can’t hack it. You’re a selfish, egotistical fool to take the company and the employees down with you.”
“Goodbye.” Nicole waved to her.
“Wait a minute. I shouldn’t have made those brutally honest observations about you. You’re doing the best you can.” Jolene adopted a tone of reason.
“Was that supposed to be an apology?” Nicole squinted at her.
“Let’s put our childish antagonism aside. We can come up with a win-win solution,” Jolene said with fervor.
Nicole titled her head to one side. “Go on.”
“You resign with dignity and we’ll make sure your contributions to the business are recognized by the board.” Jolene nodded eagerly.
“You’d do that for me? I’m touched.”
“Even better, you deserve a generous severance package.” Jolene spread her arms, making her Maxx tote bag swing out. “Now you couldn’t ask for a more equitable compromise.”
“Hmmm.” Nicole put one finger on her chin as though giving her offer consideration.
“I’m talking about a nice fat check and you can stay in the house. Well, another few months or so,” Jolene added quickly.
“One question. If you’re convinced I’m about to be tossed out anyway, why not just let it happen?” Nicole gazed at her.
“I’d hate to see the family torn apart in the process. This way we can save the company and keep peace,” Jolene said.
“Your family sentiment is about as genuine as those acrylic nails you’re wearing,” Nicole retorted. “Out!”
“You’re being stupid, Nicole.”
“Our family likes cash more than sentiment. Summers Security is still profitable. I think they’ll let me weather this storm.” Nicole strode to the front door and opened it. “I’m not leaving the business or my house. See ya.”
Marcus stood poised to ring the doorbell. He started at the sight of the two livid women, then recovered quickly. “Hello, Jolene.”
Jolene’s eyes widened, and her mouth curved up. “Hello, Marcus. You’re putting in overtime, I guess.” Her glance slid sideways to Nicole.
“Everyone is working hard these days,” Marcus muttered. “Lots to do.”
“I’m sure Uncle Stanton will be happy to know how diligent you’re working.” Jolene looked from Nicole to him and back again.
“Summers Security needs my attention. So, excuse us while we get busy.” Nicole flashed a bold smile.
“Have a good evening. I’m sure you will.” Jolene smirked at them one last time before she strolled down the brick walkway to her white Jaguar.
When Marcus stepped across the threshold, Nicole slammed the door. “Bitch!”
“Hey, calm down.” Marcus put an arm around her waist.
“My family might start listening to her and Russell.” Nicole huffed. “All my life I’ve been treated like a lightweight. Okay, so part of that is my fault. But these problems started before I took over and—”
“Honey, let it go.” He turned her around and cupped her face with both large hands.
“I can’t, Marcus, because she’s right. This is a test of my ability to manage the company under tough conditions.” Nicole pulled his hands from her face. “I’ve got to find out what’s going on and deal with it.”
“An empty stomach won’t help your concentration. Let’s eat,” he said gently.
“Fine. Just don’t treat me like an hysterical debutante.” Nicole headed for the kitchen with Marcus close behind.
“I didn’t mean to be patronizing. You seem to forget that you’re not in this thing alone.”
Nicole went to the large porcelain cooktop. She took the lid from a saucepan. “I’ll bet the shrimp is mush by now. Damn it, I can’t get anything right.”
“Didn’t you turn off the heat? Here, let me look.” Marcus picked up a large ladle. He scooped sauce up and tasted a little. “Hmm, tasty.”
“Of course I turned off the heat. Shrimp are delicate. They can’t be overcooked. I guess you don’t think I can learn to cook either. I followed the recipe exactly.” Nicole snatched the ladle from his hands.
“This promises to be a relaxing evening,” he quipped and crossed to the oak table set near a bay window.
Nicole found the remote control for the entertainment system. “Television or music while you wait?”
“Smooth jazz would help your mood.” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Fine,” she clipped. Seconds later the sultry strains of a saxophone came from the speakers.
“Since you can’t just forget whatever Jolene said before I got here, let’s talk about it.” Marcus stretched out his long legs encased in stone-washed jeans. He crossed powerful arms across his chest.
“Let me start water for another batch of pasta. This stuff is a lost cause.”
Nicole dumped the colander of stiff fettuccini into the garbage can. She filled a large pasta pan with salted water and put it on the cooktop. Then she spread garlic butter on a split loaf of French bread.
“You don’t act like a lady who can’t cook.” Marcus looked impressed.
“I never said I couldn’t cook, just that I hate cooking. And cleaning and laundry.”
“I get the message. Now let’s talk.”
“That fat butt no good—”
“Calmly,” he broke in with both palms raised. “Rationally.”
Nicole took a deep breath, let it out, and repeated the gesture twice more. She spoke in a controlled quiet tone. “Jolene, aka the stupid cow, had the gall to suggest I should resign for the good of the company. I told her in so many words that she could shove that suggestion up her lumpy rear end. See? Rational.”
“Oh, yeah.” Marcus shook his head slowly. “What a temper. I’m glad I got here on the tail end of that conversation. Never thought I’d
be grateful for bad traffic.”
“What really pisses me off is that I care! I had every intention of finding a way to dump Summers Security.” Nicole leaned against the counter. “You want it?”
Marcus stared at her with his mouth open for several moments. “What did you just say?”
“I know, I know. You said to be realistic. Besides, the family wouldn’t go for it. Uncle Hosea knew that.” Nicole waved a hand in the air.
He drummed his fingers on the smooth wood surface of the table. “He did, huh?”
Nicole sat on the picnic-style bench of the table and rested her head on his shoulder. “I don’t want to screw this up. Maybe things have come too easy for me and I don’t know how to handle a real challenge.” She closed her tired eyes.
“You dealt with Jolene pretty good,” he teased. Marcus stroked her chin.
“Getting the best of Jolene in a fight is no contest. I’ve been doing that since I was two.” Nicole sat up straight. “Maybe I should let it go like you said, I mean trying to run the business.”
“This definitely isn’t my idea of rational talk.” Marcus replied.
“The will specifies that the board can remove me. I could ask them to vote on my termination. Why fight it?”
“I’ll give you at least three good reasons. One, you have a chance to be among an elite group of female CEOs in a male-dominated industry.”
“So a few guys think they’re hot stuff. Nothing new.” Nicole shook her head.
“Two, you told me how good it feels to succeed on your own. Now’s your chance to prove something to yourself, way more important than proving you can do it to anyone else.”
“I should’ve started small. Like manage a hot dog stand first.” Nicole rubbed her temples with the tips of her fingers.
“At least you can still crack jokes,” Marcus tossed back. “Third, you get to do numbers one and two while pissing Jolene off big time.”
“All right, I’m beginning to feel your logic.” Nicole wore a brief smile that faded. “Seriously, you should have been made CEO.”
“I’d take the burden off those lovely shoulders if I could. But Mr. Summers followed tradition.” Marcus gave her a quick squeeze. “Let’s talk about it some other time.”