When we were through, I turned and faced him. “I think we’re real close to finding out who killed Jason. Otherwise, the incident with Hope or with me wouldn’t have happened. Can you check to see if anyone on the street has video footage outside of their homes?” I asked Lovie.
“I’m on it.”
“I should have listened to Royce and gotten a better security system. If I had, I would know exactly who this mystery man was.”
“Mom, one question,” Lovie said.
“What?”
“Why wasn’t the alarm set? You’re here by yourself. I told you to keep the alarm activated. I swear y’all won’t listen to me.”
“Lovie, I forgot. I ordered groceries. I paid for them. I told the delivery boy to close the door.” I paused.” I never checked to make sure the door was locked. It’s my own fault.”
Lovie placed his arm around me. “Mom, you can’t be careless. Too much stuff is going on.”
“I know.” My hand went up to my forehead. “Your dad called while I was talking to the police. I didn’t accept his call. I didn’t want him to worry. If he calls you, don’t tell him what happened.”
“I can’t promise you that,” Lovie said.
“You Jones men can be so stubborn.”
“I get it from my mama,” Lovie said.
I couldn’t deny it. I could be stubborn. I don’t like being scared. This incident today had terrified me. I should not have been scared in my own house.
CHAPTER 50
Royce
I listened as Lovie told me about the intruder at the house. My head started pounding. If I had been there, it wouldn’t have happened. How many times had I told Lexi to set the alarm? Maybe now, she would start using it more frequently. Out of frustration, I hit the phone with my fist, not caring if I hurt it.
“Jones, one more outburst like that and you will be banned from using the phone,” the guard on duty said.
I didn’t want to lose my phone privileges, but it was either the phone or punch him, and if I hit the guard, I would be put into solitary confinement and brought up on additional charges.
“Lovie, offer the neighbors money or whatever you have to do, but find out who it was in the car.”
“I’m on it. I’m waiting on Mr. Branson to get off work and he’s going to show me his footage.”
“I was wondering what was going on. Thanks for telling me. I’m sure your mom told you not to tell me.”
“I don’t want to lie,” Lovie responded.
“You don’t have to. I know her. This is the reason why I need to be out there. I should be there to protect my family.”
“Even if you were out of jail, you would have been at the funeral home. So don’t beat yourself up about it,” Lovie said.
He was right. I was feeling helpless. I couldn’t protect Lexi from in here. I couldn’t protect any of them while locked in this place. “This call’s about to end. Tell your mom I’ll call her later. Love you.”
The call disconnected. I dialed Mitch’s number. He answered. After waiting on the automated recording, I said, “I don’t care who you have to pay off, but I need you to get me out of here.”
“Royce, calm down. You know I can’t do anything like that.”
“You’ve done it before.”
“Royce, you do know these lines may be recorded.”
“At this point, I don’t care. I want my freedom. I’ve been more than patient. I didn’t kill Jason. You know it and I’m sure the police know it as well. They don’t want to admit they made a mistake.”
“I’m working on it. But what I need for you to do is calm down. You’re not going to do any of us any good if you go flying off at the mouth like this.”
“That’s the problem. I’ve been too quiet. Call the reporter from Channel Twelve. I’m ready to talk.”
“Royce, as your legal counsel, I am going to advise against this. Let me handle it.”
“Mitch, aren’t I paying you?”
“Yes,” he responded.
“Then do as I said. Schedule the interview. I have a few things I need to say.”
“But, Royce,” Mitch pled.
“Now… Set it up. I’ll be waiting.” I slammed the receiver down, almost breaking the phone.
The next morning after breakfast one of the guards informed me I had a visitor.
“It’s in the main room. Not the regular visitation booth,” the guard said.
I followed behind him. He opened the door. Seated were Mitch on the side of the table where I normally sat, and also inside were the reporter and cameraman from the local news station.
Renee Winger turned and faced me. “Mr. Jones, I wanted to thank you for agreeing to talk to me.”
We shook hands. I took a seat next to Mitch. Mitch said, “Against my advice.”
I cleared my throat. “Thank you for this opportunity to talk to your audience.”
Renee said a few things to the cameraman and then sat down right across from me. “We don’t have much time so we’re going to get things rolling. Craig, are you ready?”
Craig, the cameraman, nodded.
“Mr. Jones. You’re speaking with us against the advice of your attorney, is that correct?” she asked.
“Yes.”
“Many were shocked, myself included, when we learned that you were the lead suspect in the murder of businessman Jason Milton.”
“Lead? Apparently, I was the only suspect. The police arrested me under false pretenses while Jason’s real killer runs free.”
“So you’re saying that you didn’t kill Jason Milton?” she asked.
I looked directly in the camera. “No, I did not kill Jason and as long as I’m in jail, his real killer is out terrorizing my family. I wanted to do this interview today to send a message to this person. You may have gotten away with killing Jason, but if you harm my family, I will make sure I find out who you are and you will pay.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I wasn’t expecting this. You don’t think it’s some of Jason’s relatives trying to get some type of revenge, do you?” Renee asked.
“No, I don’t. I think Jason’s real killer feels that we know something. Something that can prove my innocence. I’m putting him on notice. We do. So whoever you are, I suggest you turn yourself in and admit what you did.”
“Mr. Jones, I’m sorry, this is all the time we have. Thank you again for talking to me.”
“My pleasure. I want to get out of here and get back to my life,” I said.
The cameraman turned off the camera. Renee said, “Mr. Jones, for the record, I believe you’re innocent. I am going to make some phone calls to the police department and see if I can convince them to reopen this case. I’ve talked to many people who were guilty of the crimes they committed and you’re not one of them. I believe you’re an innocent man.”
“I am. Thank you,” I said to her.
She and the cameraman left Mitch and me alone.
“Royce, I still don’t think it was a good idea.”
“I know you don’t. I need you to give this note to Lexi.” I handed him an envelope with Lexi’s name on it. “And give this one to Lovie.” I handed him another envelope. This one had Lovie’s name on it. “Whoever killed Jason is going to turn it up a notch or two after they see my interview. I need for my family to be on high alert.”
“I can hire some professionals to watch them if you like.”
“Mitch, please don’t take offense to what I’m about to say.” I stared him straight in the eyes. “I’ve been depending on you and others the entire time I’ve been here. No more. Us Joneses got this. Just answer when I call.” I got up and knocked on the door. “Guard, I’m ready.”
I was no longer feeling defeated.
CHAPTER 51
Charity
I kept look
ing at my cell phone; hoping that Omar would call me back. We had another argument. I still wanted to meet his father. He insisted he didn’t want me to. Now, I was at my parents’ house listening to Lovie give us a lecture on being cautious.
Yada. Yada. Yada. Hurry it up already, I said to myself.
Mom said, “Lovie and I got a note from your dad. He’s going to be on the news. Lovie, turn up the volume.”
As if on cue, our dad appeared on the television screen. We watched the interview. “Dad seems real upset,” Hope said.
“Duh,” I snarled.
“So now that he’s done the interview, whoever followed Hope and broke in here will probably do something else drastic. We want you to be conscious of your surroundings. Be sure to activate your house and car alarms. Do not leave any doors unlocked.”
“Lovie, we’ve got it. We don’t need you to repeat yourself,” I said.
“And don’t get too comfortable because you’re dating a cop,” Lovie said.
“I’m going to keep my normal routine. I’m not going to let someone change how I do things,” I stated.
“Charity, you’re stressed, but watch your tone with your brother. He’s only concerned about your safety.”
“Yes, Mom.” I looked down at the floor.
“I swear it seems like the roles have reversed between you and Hope. I expect this type of behavior from Hope, but you. You’re usually the more sensible one.”
Hope said, “Hey, keep my name out of her mess. What she’s doing is all her.”
I rolled my eyes at Hope. I looked back at Mom. “I’m having one of those days. Okay.”
“Get over it. You need to regroup and focus. Forget the petty little stuff right now. Look at the bigger picture. Did you see the strength your father displayed in a few minutes in an interview?” she asked. “He hasn’t given up so we’re not, either.”
The doorbell rang. Lovie went to the door. He returned holding a disc. “This will tell us who broke in.”
Lovie went to the DVD player and placed the disc inside. He retrieved the remote control and pressed the Play button. The footage was fuzzy.
“I still can’t see his face,” Mom said.
“Me neither,” Lovie said.
“Slow it down and then pause it,” Mom said.
Lovie did as instructed. I got on the edge of my seat and looked at it closely. Although the face was fuzzy, the stance of the man and the hat looked familiar.
“Girls?” Mom asked.
“That’s the car that followed me, and the guy driving did wear a hat like it. I wish I would have gotten a look at his face.” Hope bit down on her nails.
“I don’t recognize him,” Charity stated.
“Lovie, see if one of your techie friends can work on the video. Girls, I think it’s best if you spent the night here tonight. You did bring a bag, didn’t you?”
Hope responded first. “Yes, ma’am. Mine is in the car.”
“I sort of told Omar that I would meet him at his place. We had an argument earlier and need to do some talking.”
Lovie said, “I’ll follow you out.”
“Call me to let me know you made it,” Mom said.
Lovie followed me until I hit the freeway. He blew his horn. I blew mine.
“That’s him. That’s the man I saw coming out of Omar’s place,” I said out loud as I was pulling up next to Omar’s car.
I sent a mass text to Mom, Hope and Lovie alerting them of my arrival to Omar’s place. That way no one would feel left out.
I walked up the stairs. I was still debating on whether or not to use the spare key Omar had given me. Since he was home, I would knock. I raised my hand to knock, but stopped when I heard loud voices coming from inside of Omar’s apartment. Both of the voices sounded familiar.
Knocking was no longer an option. I fumbled through my purse and located the spare key Omar had given me on a New Orleans Saints keychain. I eased the key inside of the lock and turned the knob.
This time I knew that what I was seeing was not an illusion. To my surprise, standing there arguing with Omar, alive and physically fit, was a man who looked identical to Uncle Jason.
Omar noticed me standing there first and then Uncle Jason’s twin. “Charity, what are you doing here?” Omar asked.
I pointed at the man who was the spitting image of Uncle Jason. I stuttered. “Who is that?”
Omar responded, “It’s my dad.”
“Your dad.” My eyes never left the man’s.
“Charity, I was hoping we wouldn’t meet like this.”
Without a shadow of any doubt, I knew exactly who this man was. “Uncle Jason.”
“My darling Charity. I’ve missed you.”
I looked at Omar and then back at Uncle Jason. “You’re supposed to be dead.”
He held his hands up in the air. With a sinister grin on his face, he said, “The dead have risen.”
I felt myself having an anxiety attack. I had to get out of there. I needed to breathe. I ran toward the front door to leave. Omar grabbed me by the waist before I could reach the door.
“I’m sorry, Charity, but I can’t let you leave,” Omar said.
“Let me? Omar, you have no choice.” I looked him in the eyes. I placed my hand on his face. “You love me, don’t you?”
Omar responded, “You already know the answer to that.”
“Then show me.”
“Don’t listen to her. She’s conniving like her mama,” Uncle Jason said.
“Omar, listen to me. If you don’t let me go, then I can accuse you of kidnapping. You’re not trying to hold me against my will, so we’re going to try this one more time. I’m going to walk out the door and you’re not going to stop me.”
I could see the fear in Omar’s eyes. I didn’t know if it was fear about losing me, or fear of what his father would do. “I love you, Charity.”
“I love you too.” I kissed him on the lips to reassure him.
He hugged me and whispered in my ear, “Go. I’ll make sure he doesn’t follow you.”
I whispered in his ear, “Thank you.” I kissed him again on the lips.
I rushed out the door. Omar blocked Uncle Jason from following behind me.
I don’t think I exhaled until I was safely behind the wheel of my car and on the freeway.
I was too shaken to call anyone. I went straight to my parents’ house.
Mom, Lovie and Hope were seated in the living room. They were surprised to see me.
“Uncle Jason’s alive.”
Shock filled each one of their faces.
CHAPTER 52
Hope
Did Charity say what I thought she said?
“Did y’all hear me? Uncle Jason is not dead.” Charity stood in front of me and told us what had occurred. “He’s the man on the video.”
“Have you been drinking? Mom, Dad and Lovie saw him shot. Dead...blood running everywhere,” I said.
“It’s him. He didn’t deny it was him. He looked at me and said, ‘The dead have risen.’ If you don’t believe me, call Omar. Oh my God.” Charity’s hand went up to her mouth. She plopped down on the couch, almost sitting on me. “He’s Omar’s dad. I can’t believe this is happening to me.”
Mom placed her hand on Charity’s back. “Bend over. Breathe in and out.”
Lovie pulled out his phone. From his end of the conversation, he must have been talking to Omar. “Charity’s over here about to have a panic attack. Is it true? Is Jason your father?” Lovie looked at his phone and then at us. “He hung up on me. I’m going over there.”
Mom continued to pat Charity on the back. Charity tried to even her breathing. “Lovie, no. If you go over there, there’s no telling what Jason will do.”
I sat there. I was still in shock that the man who’d tri
ed to destroy my family was alive.
“Get Mitch on the phone. Tell him to get over here right away,” Mom said to Lovie.
Lovie left the room. I sat there and watched Mom comfort Charity. I felt helpless. I didn’t know what to say or do.
Lovie returned. “He’s on his way.”
An hour later, Mitch was seated in the living room. I was now standing near the fireplace watching them all.
“I’m not going to be able to go to the police without proof that who you saw was Jason,” Mitch said.
Charity stammered, “I’m not making this up. Omar can vouch for me, but he’s not answering his phone.”
“I’ll call down to the station. Hold on,” Mitch said.
Mitch dialed the number to the police station. He put his phone on speaker. “May I speak to Detective Underwood?” Mitch asked when the call was answered.
“Detective Underwood is on leave,” she responded.
Charity said, “On leave? For how long?”
The receptionist responded, “I don’t have that information. But if you would like to leave your name and number, I can have his partner call you back.”
Mitch said, “That won’t be necessary.”
Mitch hung up. “Lexi, I’m sorry. Unless Omar can collaborate Charity’s story, we’re still at ground zero.”
I used hand signals to get Charity’s attention. She finally looked at me. I motioned for her to meet me in the other room. She made an excuse and left Mom sitting there with Mitch. I sent Lovie a text message. He left the room.
We were now all three standing in the foyer in front of the door.
“Charity, I don’t know where Omar stays. I need you to either give me directions or drive us there.”
“You’re not going by yourselves,” Lovie said. “I’ll drive.”
“Who’s going to tell Mom?” Charity asked.
“You two go get in the car. I’ll whisper it to her,” Lovie said.
A few minutes later, we were leaving home. Lovie called himself laying down some rules. “When we get there, let me do the talking. Hope, you’re real good with your cell phone. I need for you to take some pictures, do some voice recordings. Anything that we can use as proof that Uncle Jason is alive.”
The Aftermath Page 17