by D. Camille
“How is she?” Ray asked.
Marc shook his head. “I don't know. It's difficult for her.” He looked at Ray. “What the hell happened? I thought he was fine.”
Ray sighed. “I thought his ass was faking until we got the call that he was now paralyzed and unable to talk. There's no way in hell he's pretending now.”
Marc looked confused. “Something's not right.”
“Tell me about it. The hospital had a specialist come in today and even she doesn't know what's wrong with him,” Ray commented.
Marc shrugged. “Maybe all his dirt has caught up to him.”
Ray's eyes darkened. “Couldn't happen to a more deserving dude.”
It was no secret there was no love lost between Ray and his father-in-law and Ray had no qualms about letting it be known.
“How's Isabelle?” Marc asked.
Ray ran a hand down his face. “Belle knows that her father is no good. Her concern is for our baby so she's not letting herself get too stressed out about Milton. I'm keeping an eye on her though.”
Marc nodded. “I'll take care of Isis.”
Ray lifted a brow. “Is this work?”
“No, it's personal,” Marc confirmed.
Ray nodded as his friends Jordan and Sean came through the doors. Ray, Jordan and Sean formed The Black Diamonds and had worked together for years. Jordan and Sean were also childhood friends of Isabelle. Heads turned as the four handsome, well-dressed men stood greeting one another.
“How is Milton?” Sean asked.
Ray answered, “They're saying he may not make it.”
“How's Izzy?” Jordan asked concerned.
“She's doing okay right now. She wants to be strong for Isis,” Ray explained.
“How is Isis?” Sean inquired.
Ray sent Marc a look. “Marc is taking care of her.”
Both Sean and Jordan turned to Marc who stood watching them behind his dark glasses. Sean turned back to Ray.
“So what happened? Was it a heart attack?” Sean questioned.
“We thought he was faking to get Isis out of hiding, but the hospital called in a specialist today right before he took the nosedive. She's trying some different procedures but nothing is working. He can't move or speak but he can hear and understand what we're saying,” Ray explained.
“Damn, I didn't expect this.” Jordan turned to Ray and shook his head. “I mean I wanted his ass dead but not like this.”
“Doesn't matter to me,” Ray added. “His ass deserves everything he gets.”
Marc agreed before his phone rang. He excused himself and moved to a quiet area to take the call.
Sean looked at Ray then asked, “Where is this specialist from?”
“She's a renowned cardiologist who came out of retirement to attend to Milton. She's the best in her field and Milton was lucky to get her,” Ray told him.
“What's her name?” Sean inquired.
“Dr. Camille Smith,” Ray answered.
Sean kept his expression neutral as he heard the name of the woman who had also been the physician to Jordan's father, a man whose death was now in question.
“How did they manage to get her to come out of retirement?” Sean asked casually.
Ray shrugged. “She still has ties to the hospital and she lives in the area. They wanted someone who could come quickly and she volunteered to come today.”
Sean nodded. “I guess it was a good thing she was available.”
“I guess,” Ray agreed. “Maybe if she would have gotten here earlier she could’ve made a difference. He turned for the worse after she arrived.”
Sean looked between Ray and Jordan. “Excuse me, I need to make a call.”
*********
Isis and Isabelle stood next to their father's bedside holding hands. His eyes were sad as he looked at them and both women held back tears.
Isabelle spoke first, “Daddy, I know that we've not had a good relationship, especially since Mommy died. I don't know why you blamed me for Mommy's choices. I always tried to be the daughter that you could be proud of, but you pushed to the point that I no longer cared if you were or not, but I'm sorry this has happened to you and I hope that you will get better.”
Isabelle turned to Isis who stood staring down at Milton. She thought of all the things she'd read in Marcus' files and her heart broke. “I know what you've done Daddy. I know the terrible things you've been a part of and I'm ashamed.”
“I thought you were someone else. I believed in you Daddy and you lied to me. I defended you and you hurt people. You hurt Mommy, you hurt Isabelle, and you threatened to hurt Marcus' family. I don't understand why you've done these things, but I hope that you can make peace with yourself.” She wiped a tear from her face. “I love you Daddy, but you're not the man I thought you were and I'm ashamed to be your daughter.”
Isabelle watched as Isis turned and hurried from the room. Turning back to Milton, she shook her head.
“Like she said, I hope that you can make peace with yourself,” she said sadly.
Isis hurried down the hall away from her father's room. She could barely see through her tears and kept walking until strong arms enfolded her. She looked up into dark glasses before resting her head against his solid chest letting her tears flow.
Marc held her closely and watched as Ray took off toward the room. Jordan and Sean stood a short distance away watching with concern as Isis sobbed in his arms. He nodded to them indicating that he would take care of her before he led her away and down another hall.
Marc found a small waiting area that was empty and led Isis over to one of the chairs. “Sit down sweetheart.” He assisted her into one of the chairs then squatted down in front of her. Gently he touched her dampened face. “Try to relax.”
Isis hiccuped as she tried to calm herself before Marc removed a handkerchief from his breast pocket and gently wiped her cheeks. Finally, he placed the cloth in her hand and looked into her face. She lifted sad brown eyes to his holding onto the cloth tightly. “I want to leave,” she whispered. “I can't stay here.”
“Let's go.” Marc helped her to feet before placing an arm around her waist. He led her back to the lobby where Jordan and Sean were still waiting. They approached and each man hugged her gently.
“Please let us know if you need anything Isis,” Sean told her.
She looked at both men, who were like big brothers to her and nodded. “Thank you.”
“Tell Ray, I'll be in touch,” Marc told them then turned and led Isis through the doors along with the other two Agents. The two men watched them go before Jordan turned to Sean. “What's up Sean?”
Sean lifted a brow. “What?”
“Sean, I know you better than that. What the hell is going on?”
Sean sighed. “I don't know yet Jordan but when I find out, you know that you'll be the first to know.”
Jordan's eyes narrowed. “You need help with something?”
“No, I've got it for now,” Sean confirmed.
“Whatever it is, handle it.”
Sean nodded his head. “It's handled.”
Jordan looked at his watch. “I've got to pick up Sage. I'll check on Izzy later.”
“Yeah, I've got to get Lily as well. The women were supposed to be meeting about this group baby shower later today but since this has happened, they may need to postpone it.”
“Ray will update us and we can just go from there,” Jordan said and Sean agreed. The two men gave each other a manshake before Jordan walked out the doors. Sean watched him go then headed to the desk and asked them to page Dr. Smith.
A few minutes later Dr. Camille Smith appeared and looked up at Sean as she came to stand in front of him. “Mr. Jackson, right?” she asked.
“Yes, you remembered,” Sean answered.
Camille smiled. “Yes, how is your lovely wife? Lily right?”
Sean smiled slowly. “Yes, Lily. She's fine. You're very good with names Dr. Smith.”
“I wa
s a physician for many years Mr. Jackson. I had to learn to remember names.”
“So I understand you've come out of retirement...” Sean commented.
Camille nodded. “Yes, I was called in for a special case. Were you looking for me?” she asked.
“No. I'm here for Milton Martin.”
She placed a hand on her chest and sighed. “Oh, that poor man. We're all stumped as to how his condition deteriorated so quickly.”
Sean watched her carefully. “It's interesting.”
Camille agreed. “Those were my exact words.”
“Dr. Smith, I know you're up to something and when I find out what it is, I hope for your sake you haven't harmed the fathers of my friend’s,” he warned.
She gasped. “Mr. Jackson, I am a licensed physician. I took an oath to help people. I am appalled that you would even insinuate such a thing. As I explained to you when you visited my home, Justin Black had a heart condition and this hospital asked me to come and check on Mr. Martin. I didn't send him here.”
“Why are you the Chair of the Board for The Black Foundation?” he asked with his eyes narrowing.
She tilted her head. “I was Justin's physician for a long time. He and I became close friends and he asked me to sit on his Board.”
Sean continued to watch her. “Like I said Dr. Smith, I'm going to find out what you've done.”
Camille looked back at him. “There's nothing to find out. I'm not a threat to you Mr. Jackson.”
“Until I find out exactly what you are up to, you are exactly that Dr. Smith.”
Camille's pager buzzed and she checked it before looking back at Sean. “I need to check on Mr. Martin. I really hope he pulls through this. Have a good day Mr. Jackson.”
Sean watched her turn and walk away. After taking a few steps, she stopped and turned back to him. “I think it's wonderful how much you care about Justin's son. It's amazing how much those Black men look alike...all of them.” She turned back and continued down the hall.
“Who the hell are you Dr. Camille Smith?” he asked to himself. “And what the hell do you know?”
“What are you doing here?” a voice demanded and Sean turned.
Sean sighed. “Hello Shana.”
“You'd better not be here upsetting my Daddy,” she warned.
Sean looked at her. “Why didn't you ever tell us that Milton was your father?” he asked confused.
“You didn't care who my Daddy was while we were in your bedroom.”
He frowned. “Goodbye Shana. We were kids and that was a long time ago.”
Shana looked around. “Is Jordan here too with that crazy ass wife of his?”
“No, and you should stay away from Sage,” Sean told her. “She's very protective of her husband.”
“She'd better watch him 'cause if he anything like his Daddy, he got 'em coming and going.”
Sean frowned again. “What?”
Shana sighed. “Damn, aren't you supposed to be the smart one?”
“What are you talking about Shana?”
“If Justin wouldn't have rejected me, Jordan would have been my step-son.”
Sean shook his head trying to understand what she was saying. “You are out of your mind.”
She smiled. “We'll never know now, will we?” Shana brushed past him. “Now, I've got to see my Daddy.”
Sean watched her go in the direction of Milton's room and shook his head again. What the hell was wrong with these women and what the hell was Justin Black doing? He walked out the doors to his car. He needed to talk to Lily. Maybe she could help him sort this out.
Shana walked into her father's room and found Ray and Isabelle along with Dr. Smith. She looked at the woman and gasped. “What the hell are you doing here?”
Isabelle turned to her. “Shana! This is the doctor.”
“This ain't no damn doctor!” Shana yelled.
Ray stepped forward. “Then who is she Shana?”
“She's Justin Black's wife!”
Both Isabelle and Ray looked at Camille as Milton's eyes widened.
“And Jordan's momma!” Shana added and everyone looked confused.
Camille laughed. “I can assure you that I'm no one's wife or mother.”
Shana walked closer. “You're her! You look just like her. I remember you!”
Isabelle took a closer look at the doctor. It had been years since she'd seen Joanna Black but she could see the resemblance.
“I'm sorry Dr. Smith. Shana is mistaken, although you do look a lot like my friend's mother.”
“No worries. I get that all the time. I think I just have a common face.” She turned to Shana and smiled.
Shana's eyes narrowed. “My Daddy has a doctor and it wasn't you.”
“I'm the cardiac specialist called in to attend to your father. I'm Dr. Camille Smith.”
Ray gathered Isabelle and began to head for the door. “We'll let you fill Shana in on Milton's condition Dr. Smith. My wife has had enough for today.”
Camille nodded. “We'll let you know of any changes,” she assured him then watched them leave.
Shana turned to Camille. “What's wrong with my Daddy?” she demanded looking at him lying still in the bed.
“You should have a seat Shana,” Dr. Smith told her. “Or should I call you Millie?”
Chapter 11
Isis awakened in yet another strange bed. This was the one she had tried to sleep in for the past two weeks after her father had passed away. Milton had suffered a massive stroke that had ended his life, two days after becoming paralyzed. The next week he had been laid to rest while Isis had cried standing beside her last relative, her sister Isabelle. All of their friends and acquaintances had attended, including Trent and Callie.
Marc had stood in the wings watching her closely. After the service, she had returned to her sister's home and retreated to herself. She had not spoken with Marcus since the service over a week ago, although he'd called her numerous times. Isis would look at her phone and see his number before sending the call to voicemail. She dropped her head into her hands wondering how she would go on with her life. She needed to get an apartment and return to work. First, she needed to sleep. Something she had not been able to do for the last few weeks.
What she'd shared with Marcus had been incredible but it had also been in the spur of the moment. He'd had a hold over her from the beginning and she had given in to it freely during their time together but the last thing Isis wanted to be was a rescue. She didn't want someone who possibly felt that she was a charity case. Marcus had been her protector and her shield but now she simply wanted him to be her man, and if that wasn't possible, she wouldn't want him at all. She couldn't.
Isis climbed from the bed and headed into the attached bathroom still in her thoughts. Her body still craved Marcus Graham. She could not forget the way he'd touched her, held her, and kissed her. She looked into the mirror at her reflection. Her eyes were not puffy today and her skin was regaining its natural golden glow.
Washing her face and brushing her teeth, she came out and got dressed in skinny jeans and a light blouse. She sat on the bed and added some slippers to her feet before heading to get some breakfast. She smiled as she thought about how her sister had breakfast on most days. Her husband Ray made her breakfast and fed her in bed. Must be nice, Isis thought.
Isis was genuinely happy for her sister especially after the way their father had treated her for so long. Isabelle was happily married and carrying her first child and Isis was her number one cheerleader. She loved and respected her sister more than anyone in the world.
Isis stood and walked to the door where she opened it to the hall and discovered Special Agent Marcus Graham leaning against the wall. He was dressed in his agent attire minus the dark glasses.
“Marcus,” she whispered surprised. “What are you doing here?”
His grey eyes held hers. “I promised Ray that I wouldn't wake you. I also promised him that I wasn't leaving until I saw you.�
�
She stood watching him quietly. “You wouldn't take my calls,” he told her and she shook her head slowly.
Quietly he stepped closer to stand in front of her and she looked up at him. “I've missed you Princess.”
“Did you really?” she asked.
He smiled at her. “I've been standing in this hall for two hours waiting to see you...and I wasn't leaving until I did, even if I had to fight Ray.”
Isis stared into the face that filled her dreams and her heart. “I've missed you too Marcus,” she whispered.
Marc took her hand. “Let me take you to breakfast.”
Isis smiled. “I'd like that.” She led him into her bedroom to retrieve her purse and shoes. Once inside Marc closed the door and pressed her back against it. Lowering his head, he kissed her gently and Isis felt the same tingles and tremors she always did. Wrapping her arms around him, she held him tightly absorbing his solid strength.
When he lifted his head, she looked at him and smiled softly as he stood pressed against her. “Back to how we started,” she told him.
Marc shook his head. “We started way before then, Princess.”
Isis touched his face. “I need to get my purse and shoes.”
He stepped back and allowed her to gather her things. When she was done he led her out of the room to the front door and out to the car.
*********
Ray watched the pair as they headed out the door. Carrying a tray he headed into the master bedroom to take Isabelle her breakfast. She was coming out of the bathroom when he entered and he sat the tray aside before he helped her back underneath the covers. Placing the tray over her lap, he picked up the utensil and began to feed her.
“Thank you Sun God,” she said swallowing her food.
He smiled at his wife, the woman who had changed his life and was now giving him a child. “You know I would do anything for you Goddess.”
“I know and I love you.” She touched his rugged jaw. “I can't thank you enough for being here for me and Isis these past days.”
Ray fed her some more and waited. “Marc was here to see Isis. He's taking her to breakfast.”