“Yes. I only wish you would have shown it sooner.”
“Son, I can’t change the past.”
I wished he could. I wished he’d been around more. Not just for when he wanted to screw my mother. I wished he’d been a better father to me before my mom passed. But I guess I should’ve been grateful that we did have some type of relationship now, strange or not.
“You saved me a phone call. What’s going on with the Joneses?” he asked.
“There’s nothing to report,” I responded.
“I’m tired of playing cleanup.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
My cell phone vibrated. It was Charity. “Dad, I’ve got somewhere else I need to be. Lay low and please don’t come to my apartment again.”
“Don’t put a woman before family, son,” he said without looking up from his plate.
I left without any other words being exchanged.
CHAPTER 37
Lexi
I rarely left the house without full makeup. I’d forgotten to put on any lipstick. I walked and fumbled through my purse looking for a tube at the same time. “Oops, sorry,” I said as I ran right into someone.
I looked and, to my surprise, it was Omar.
“Mrs. Jones,” Omar said.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. I was in the lobby of this hotel and this was the last place I expected to see Omar.
“I’m here on a case,” Omar said without looking me in the eyes.
“I’m meeting someone for dinner.”
“I saw Mr. Jones today,” Omar said.
“I didn’t know he had a court date today.” I reached in my purse for my cell phone.
“No. I went to Caddo Correctional Center to see him. I wanted to check on him for Charity.”
“That’s nice of you. I’m sure he appreciated your visit.”
“Yes, we had a nice visit.”
“Dear, I don’t want to hold you up. I’m actually running late for my dinner date. Tell my daughter to call me, since I’m sure you’ll be seeing her later.”
“I’m actually on my way to see her now. This was my last stop.”
I gave Omar a hug and went directly to the dining area of the hotel. I found who I was looking for and walked directly to the table. Mitch stood. “No, sit,” I said. “Sorry I was running a little late.”
Mitch replied, “No, problem. I just got here myself.”
“I ran into my daughter’s boyfriend.”
“The detective?” Mitch asked.
“Yes. He claimed he was here working on a case, but I’m not sure about that.”
“I ran into him earlier when I went to visit with Royce.” Mitch pulled out an envelope from his pocket. “Royce wanted me to give this to you.”
He handed me the envelope. I opened it and took a quick glance. I placed it back in the envelope and then stuffed it in my purse. “Royce knows exactly what to say to me to get me all mushy. He knows I don’t like to be emotional.” I grabbed the napkin on the table and blotted my eyes.
We were interrupted by a waiter who took our orders.
After the waiter left, Mitch said, “Royce is doing fine. The police haven’t been successful yet in finding a weapon. They haven’t been successful on much of anything, so hold tight. When we go to court, I should be able to prove reasonable doubt.”
Mitch sounded convincing, but I wasn’t going to rely on his legal skills to get Royce off. I wanted to provide hard-core evidence so there would be no doubt that Royce didn’t kill Jason.
“Mitch, I’m going to be honest with you. I’m glad you’re confident about things now. Before you were sounding like Royce was doomed, but I still will feel better if the police actually did what the taxpayers pay them to do. Investigate and find the real murderer. I can only imagine how many innocent men go to prison because of their negligence.”
“Calm down, Lexi. When I look at things, I try to see all parties’ views. I’m going to be honest with you. Royce had a lot of reasons for wanting Jason dead. Many people have killed for less.”
“I know that. You know Royce. I know Royce. Royce works with dead bodies, but he would never kill anyone. We both know that.”
“And you’re right. Getting others to see that is my job and I promise you, I’m going to do my best to show that when this thing goes to trial.”
“What about the video? Forget what Royce said. Use it. Lovie and I can deal with the aftermath.”
“Royce is my client so I must honor his wishes,” Mitch conceded.
“Fine. What if I had other information that could help you? Stuff that can show you that others may have wanted Jason dead. We’ve found out that quite a few of Jason’s clients were unhappy. You want to know why?”
“I’m sure you’ll tell me,” Mitch responded.
“Because he was stealing money from them, too.”
“We know that. But that hasn’t resulted in any other arrests,” Mitch said.
“Do you know that Jason’s secretary was killed recently? She was found in her aunt’s house strangled.”
“No, this is the first time I’ve heard this. It could all be coincidental,” Mitch said.
“Mitch, I don’t believe in coincidences. Let’s not forget Mr. Franklin was murdered, too.”
“The police said it was carbon monoxide poisoning.”
“Yes, by the hands of a murderer,” I concluded. I didn’t mention the inmate Royce told me about. I wanted Mitch to get an overview of what I knew so that maybe it would put some fire under him. “Mitch, what I wanted to meet you here tonight for was to plead with you to have the police reopen this case and find out who is behind this. Whoever killed Mr. Franklin and Diana is probably the same person who killed Jason.”
“Lexi, right now you’re speculating.”
“That’s more than what the police are doing. In fact, I’m doing their job. Where’s my paycheck?” I threw my hand in the air. “There isn’t one. So Mitch, I beg you to please talk to whoever you need to talk to because Royce can’t go to prison behind all of this.”
Mitch cleared his throat. “Royce is not going to prison. I will try to get them to do more investigating. I can’t promise you anything.”
I smiled. “All I’m asking is for you to try.”
“Lexi Jones, you’ve been hiding from us,” Mattie said. She was one of the Shreveport socialites whom I didn’t like.
“No, Mattie, dear. I’ve just been busy.” I didn’t bother to stand. I plastered a fake smile on my face and looked at Mattie.
“We must do lunch soon. You haven’t forgotten your husband, Royce, now have you?” Mattie asked, tilting her head toward Mitch.
No, this heifer didn’t think I was stepping out on Royce with another man. I was sure she couldn’t wait to get her gossiping tongue wagging.
“Mattie, this is Mitch. He is Royce’s attorney.”
Mattie’s smile faded. “Oh, your attorney. I’m sorry. Hi, Mitch.”
They shook hands.
“Who did you think it was?” I asked as I batted my eyes.
“No one, dear. You go right ahead and finish your meeting. They’re bringing your food now. I must go.” Mattie rushed away.
I looked at Mitch. We both laughed. All I could do at that point was shake my head.
CHAPTER 38
Royce
Mitch delivered Lovie’s message. Lovie didn’t have to tell me to watch my back. I was on full alert. I didn’t know who to trust in here so I trusted no one. The guards were making no effort to find out who had shanked the young man, either. They’d put us all on lockdown, but that ban had been lifted. Most of the inmates were now able to be in the common area to watch TV or play cards.
It was the end of another day for me. The light
s were out. My cell door shut and locked. I lay on my back and stared at the ceiling, imagining the various marks were clouds.
I never thought I would miss seeing the outdoors. I would’ve done anything to be able to smell fresh flowers and to see a starlit night. If I was not in there and it rained, I would’ve stood in the midst of it and let the water fall all over my body.
I drifted off to sleep. I tossed and turned the entire night. I kept having nightmares that someone was trying to kill Lexi. That she was calling out my name. I could hear her, but the bars were separating us. I could see the masked man getting closer to her, but I was helpless. Right as he held his hand out to stab Lexi, I woke.
My body was drenched in sweat as if I’d really been doing the things that were in my dreams. I sat straight in the bed. I lay back down on the cot and turned on my side. This time I stared at the pictures of my family I had taped to the wall. I tried to remember when each picture was taken. I focused on the positive memories and drifted back off to sleep. This time I didn’t dream or if I did dream, I didn’t remember.
“Breakfast,” one of the trustees said as he opened the cell door. He placed the tray inside of the cell.
I picked up the tray and brought it back to my bed. There was a piece of paper under the plate.
The note read: Tell your family to back off or else.
I almost dropped the plate. I looked out my cell and saw the trustee still in my area. He looked at me and walked back to my cell.
I asked, “Did you put this note on my tray?” I held up the piece of paper.
“Jones, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the trustee replied. “Let me see it.”
“Never mind,” I said.
“You must have been dreaming. Old man, get yourself together. You and I got ten more hours together. Don’t want you spazzing out on me.”
“I’m just stressed,” I said. I slipped the paper in the pocket of the orange jumpsuit.
“You want a magazine or something? Something to read to take your mind off your situation,” the trustee said.
“I’m cool,” I responded.
“Eat up. That’s probably the best meal you’ll get today.”
“Can I have another tray?”
“I’m not supposed to, but I’ll get you one,” the trustee responded.
Fifteen minutes later, the trustee returned with another breakfast tray.
I discarded the other plate and ate off the new tray.
I was going to stay in my cell the entire day but didn’t want whoever to think I was scared. I was cautious but couldn’t live my life in fear. Some of the young men spoke to me when I entered the common area. I held a magazine in my hand as if I was there to read, but I wasn’t. If I wanted to read, I would have stayed in my cell where the noise wasn’t as loud.
I found me a seat near the end. I pretended to be reading my magazine while scanning the area. I flipped the pages every now and then to keep up with the appearance that I was reading.
I noticed one young man watching me. I decided to test it out so I got up to get in line to use the phone. The young man whom I’d noticed watching me earlier did the same. He stood right behind me.
Sweat dripped from my forehead. I turned around and came face to face with him. We were pound for pound. His age was his only advantage. “You have a problem with me?”
“No, sir,” he replied.
Some of the other inmates were looking in our direction.
“Then why are you watching me? Did I do something to you?”
“You look familiar.”
I got closer to him. We could feel each other’s breath. “Deliver this message to whoever you’re working for: I don’t take kindly to threats. If anyone, and I do mean anyone, in my family is harmed, I will see to it that they pay.”
“But, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the young man declared.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about. I appreciate you giving me a little space.” I moved my arms out.
The young man left and went to sit down. Since I was in the phone line, I decided to call Lexi. I didn’t get an answer. I tried Lovie. He answered.
“Mitch gave me your message.” I told Lovie about the note.
“Dad, I’m not going to let anything happen,” he assured me.
“Son, I know you won’t. I just wanted to warn you to be careful.”
The call ended before I could tell him, “I love you.”
The young man who’d been watching me earlier was no longer out in the common area. He’d returned to his cell and his door was opened. I stood in the doorway.
“If you or your people mess with me or my family, you will live to regret it,” I whispered. “And I will make sure the people in here know you were the one that killed Jeremy.” I spoke back in my regular tone. “Do we have an understanding?”
“Man, you don’t…have to…worry about me,” he stuttered.
“Good.” I walked away and down the walkway to my cell.
I heard one of the inmates say, “Old man is gangsta.”
I wanted to turn around and say, “No, not gangsta, but a man who’s willing to do anything to protect his family.”
CHAPTER 39
Charity
Omar greeted me at my front door holding a bouquet of long-stemmed red roses.
“These are beautiful,” I said, as I took them and sniffed their fragrance.
Omar followed me inside. “Looks like you already have some flowers. Flowers that I didn’t give you.”
He was looking at the colorful floral arrangement sitting on the dining room table. “Raymond gave those to Hope. Aren’t they pretty?”
“Whew. I thought I had some competition. Thought I was going have to step my game up.”
“As long as you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll be all right.” I winked at him.
I placed the roses in a vase and placed them on the table next to the other flowers.
Omar scooped me into his arms. “You’re ravishing. I could make love to you right here.”
“What’s stopping you?” I asked.
He kissed me on the lips and released me. “The night is just cranking up for us.”
“Sounds interesting,” I said as we held hands. I grabbed my small clutch and keys. I shouted, “Hope, I’m gone!”
Omar opened my door and I slid into the passenger seat of his sports car. We flirted with one another during the car ride to our destination. Omar pulled into the parking lot of a seafood restaurant known for its food and ambiance. It was located right on the lake.
We were led outside on the patio. To my surprise, the patio was decorated with beautiful orchids. The waiter held out my seat. “I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.”
“But I didn’t order any drinks,” I said.
“The gentleman has,” the waiter stated as he held my chair.
I looked at Omar. He smiled. I took a seat.
Omar said, “Just enjoy.”
The waiter returned with a bottle of wine. “This is a specially blended wine. It’ll go good with your meal.”
I looked at Omar. He tilted his head and mouthed the words “trust me.”
I took a sip of the wine. “This is good. Sweet like I like my wine.”
“I knew you would.” Omar reached over the table and squeezed my hand.
Omar and I ate a meal fit for royalty. I sampled almost everything on the menu.
The waiter walked to the table and placed a covered plate in front of me. I held my hand out. “Oh, no. I can’t eat anything else.”
He looked at Omar. “The gentleman insists I serve you dessert.”
“Omar, I’ll have to get it to go. I’m stuffed.”
Omar looked at me. “Please take a little bite.”
“Fi
ne. But if I burst, it’s all your fault.”
I removed the covering off the plate. My mouth flew open. On top of the plate wasn’t a slice of cake or pie but a black velvet ring box.
Omar now stood next to me. He reached for the ring box and got down on one knee. He opened it. Staring back at me was a beautiful diamond ring with a sapphire band.
“Charity Jones, will you marry me?” Omar said.
My mouth flew open, but nothing came out. A marriage proposal was the last thing I was expecting.
Omar’s phone rang.
“Shouldn’t you get that?” I asked.
“I’m waiting on your answer,” he said.
His phone rang again.
“It could be your partner, Jake. Maybe you should see who it is.”
He looked at his phone this time. “I’ll be right back.”
I held the box containing the ring in my hand. I looked at Omar as he paced back and forth. I loved Omar, but did I love him enough to want to marry him? Things had been moving fast. He was very attentive to my needs. We’d only had one disagreement and that was because of what Hope had shared with me. Omar assured me he would be open and honest with me about everything.
He hadn’t really given me a reason not to trust him. Being with him felt right. I deserved to be happy, right?
Omar walked up to me. I asked, “Do you have to go?”
“No. You’re not getting off that easy. Maybe I didn’t do this right.”
He held his hand out. I grabbed it and stood. He wrapped his arms around my waist. “I love you, Charity. You complete me. You make me want to be a better man. You’re my dream woman. You have my heart. I’m giving it to you to mold. I love you. You’re entwined within my soul. So I’m asking you again, Charity Jones, will you marry me?”
I went with my emotions. “Yes. Yes, Omar, I’ll marry you.” How could I resist?
Omar kissed me in a way he never had before. I could feel his love transfer from his body to mine.
He removed the ring from the box and placed it on my finger. “I love you, baby.” He kissed the back of my hand.
The Aftermath Page 13