Pain, Pleasure, and Lies: An Urban Romance Thriller

by Qiana London

  “I don’t want to listen to this.”

  I began to walk toward the stairs.

  “Just be careful, Dezzy,” Donte called behind me.

  I walked to my room without muttering another word. I was furious. I was upset that Donte had gone to his father before coming to speak with me. I was equally upset that they had taken my personal life into their hands. Granted, their intentions were good, they needed to mind their own business. Besides, I’d met Diandre through my very own cousin. Camille would never intentionally introduce me to a man who was no good for me. If anyone could provide answers, she could. I pulled my cell phone out of my purse and dialed her number immediately.

  “Hey, Camille what are you up to?”

  “I just closed the deal on a home I’ve been trying to sell for the last four months!”

  “Congratulations. Do you have a minute?”

  I didn’t waste any time.

  “Always for you cousin. What’s the matter?”

  “I was just wondering how long you knew Diandre before you introduced us?”

  “About a month. Why?”

  My heart dropped to my stomach.

  “A month? I was under the impression you’d known him for some time.”

  “Well, not exactly. Blu was looking to work with a new producer, so he asked around and one of his friends referred him to Diandre. He and Blu did most of their communicating over the phone until they finally met a month before I introduced you to him.”

  I listened intently. I soon realized Camille wasn’t as familiar with Diandre as I had hoped she’d be. In fact, she didn’t know him well at all, and Blu’s relationship with him was mainly business. I remained calm. I didn’t want to jump to conclusions that could embarrass us all, but I would definitely pay attention going forward.

  Camille and I talked for a while longer. I intentionally kept her on the phone, so it wouldn’t be so obvious that my sole reason for calling was to ask about Diandre. Once the conversation ended, I sat on my bed in silence trying to make sense of everything that was being thrown at me. I hoped Donte and his father were wrong. After all, I’d waited a long time for a man like Diandre. I needed him to be my happily ever after.

  Chapter Eleven

  A few weeks later I was all moved into my home with Diandre in Fremont. Robyn’s beautiful wedding had come and gone. Now I could focus on my own. I wanted my mother to be very involved in the process so the real planning would begin once she returned from her conference in Washington, D.C. In the meantime, I dog-eared pages inside different bridal magazines with ideas I liked. I had begun researching catering companies on the internet when I was interrupted by the doorbell. I peered out the window and saw Robyn’s truck parked in front of the house. She was early. When I opened the door, Robyn stood on the other side holding Samarai on one hip with the diaper bag on the other.

  “Please take this child. She is working my last nerve!”

  Samarai was going to stay the night so Robyn and Trevell could have the evening to themselves. I smiled, shook my head, and extended my arms for the baby. Samarai was my child once removed. I got her whenever my schedule allowed. I looked forward to our time together. The best part, though, was giving her back when I was done. Robyn handed my god daughter over and practically threw the diaper bag at me.

  “Well damn, Robyn!” I exclaimed.

  “I’m sorry, Dezzy. I got no sleep last night. I’m exhausted. She’s all yours.”

  She started walking back toward her truck.

  “Well, try to get some rest, if Trevell lets you!” I yelled.

  Robyn turned back toward me, smiled, and shrugged her shoulders. I took Samarai’s hand in mine and helped her wave at her mommy as she pulled away. When Robyn was no longer in sight, we headed inside to get our day started.

  After I set her diaper bag down in the living room, we headed to the kitchen for a snack. I put her in the highchair I had bought specifically for my house while I cut up a banana into small pieces before placing it in front of her along with some dry Cheerios. While Samarai ate, I got dinner started, pausing periodically to make silly faces at her. After I put the chicken in the oven, I saw that she had fallen asleep. I lifted her carefully out of the highchair and took her into my room. I lay her on the bed so she could continue her nap. I knew I would have a small window to take care of any unfinished business, so I seized the opportunity. I washed, folded, and put away two loads of laundry. I finished dinner and returned some overdue phone calls. I was able to take care of everything I needed to do. Diandre and Kendrick would be returning from a day at the zoo soon, and I’d be able to relax when they did.

  Samarai was still asleep, so I had a few minutes to myself. I plopped down on the couch and surfed channels. I stopped on HGTV and had just made myself comfortable when I was tackled by a very hyper Kendrick. I hadn’t heard him and his father come in.

  “Hey you!” I exclaimed, wrapping my arms around him.

  “Hi, Dezzy! Daddy’s going to get me a snake like the one at the zoo!” he shared, excitedly.

  “Oh, no Daddy isn’t!”

  Kendrick looked at his father who shrugged his shoulders. His spirit appeared broken, so I reassured him he would get to have some animal for a pet, but not a snake, though. He seemed to like the idea of having any pet besides a snake as opposed to nothing at all.

  “Okay, you two go upstairs and get cleaned up for dinner.”

  “Come on, Kendrick.”

  They headed upstairs to change, and I went into the kitchen. I was preparing his plate when Diandre appeared next to me out of nowhere.

  “Diandre!” I gasped, “You scared the shit out of me!”

  “What the fuck is Samarai doing here?”

  I dropped the plate on the table and looked at Diandre like he’d lost his mind. His outbursts were happening much more frequently. I wasn’t going to tolerate much more.

  “What’s the problem, Diandre? She comes over all the time.”

  “That’s exactly my point. You didn’t ask me first.”

  “Ask you?”

  This was one of many times he’d acted like I needed his permission before doing something.

  “I’m a grown ass wo—“

  “I’m starving!” Kendrick interrupted.

  He walked into the kitchen just as I was about to give Diandre a piece of my mind.

  I didn’t believe in discussing grown folks business in front of kids, so I dropped it for now. I fixed Kendrick’s plate, poured him a cup of apple juice, and sat it before him on the table. Once he was all squared away, I left him and Diandre in the kitchen to attend to a crying Samarai. I had lost my appetite.

  I decided to stay in the guest room with Samarai. I didn’t want to deal with Diandre. He attempted to apologize, but I didn’t want to hear it. He was going to have to learn that he couldn’t continue to disrespect me. We needed some time apart. Space would allow me the opportunity to clear my head and hopefully provide Diandre with the room he needed to get his shit together.

  The next morning I headed out of the house early to take Samarai home. When I pulled up outside, Robyn was doing yard work. I left my car running while I unloaded the baby and her belongings. Robyn realized I wouldn’t be staying long, so she met me at my car.

  “What’s wrong, Dezzy?”

  “Girl, I had a long night.”

  “She didn’t sleep for you?”

  “Oh, my baby was fine. Diandre and I got into it.”

  “For real? Is everything ok?”

  “It will be.”

  She waited for me to say more, but I didn’t volunteer any more information.

  “Well, you know that I’m only a phone call away if you need me.”

  “Yes, I know.” I walked back to my car door, “I’ll call you later.”

  *****

  “Lee, it’s getting worse.”

  “Have you thought about hearing what your brother has to say?”

  “To be honest, I’m still upset
with Donte. I love my brother to death, but I feel like he went behind my back.”

  “Dezzy, I think you need to get over it and hear him out.”

  “Maybe.”

  Lee left the matter alone.

  “Well, feel free to stay as long as you’d like, okay?”

  “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”

  “I know you would do the same for me.”

  She was right, but I hoped she was never in my situation.

  “I ordered Chinese food right before you got here. The delivery man should be here shortly. I hope you’re hungry.”

  “I’m starving. I was so upset I skipped dinner last night, and I left before I could eat breakfast this morning.”

  While Lee ironed her uniforms for the week, I rescheduled my appointments for the next two days. I intended to lay low for a little while. I needed a break for more reasons than one. I placed some money on the kitchen table for Lee and headed to the bathroom. The doorbell rang. I had just flushed the toilet and was washing my hands when I heard muffled arguing. When I opened the bathroom door, I could hear Diandre’s voice loud and clear.

  “Where is Dezzy?”

  “Why do you wanna know?”

  “Stop fuckin’ around, Lee, and go get her.”

  “I ain’t going to do shit!”

  “Man. I don’t have time for this shit. Where is she?”

  “She isn’t here.”

  “Why are you lying? Her car is parked outside.”

  Lee held the door with one hand, forcing Diandre to stand outside. I never considered that he would come looking for me. I knew he would attempt to reach me, but I didn’t think it would be in person. They continued to go back and forth and were getting nowhere. I knew Diandre wouldn’t leave until he talked to me, so I walked up behind Lee at the door. She turned around to see why he’d suddenly fell quiet. Her expression told me she didn’t agree with my decision, but she stepped aside anyway.

  “What do you want Diandre?”

  I studied his face. He looked disheveled, and his eyes were vacant.

  “Let’s go.”

  “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I said let’s go!”

  “And I said no!”

  “Who in the fuck are you yelling at?”

  I was convinced that Diandre had lost his mind. His eyes filled with hatred as my brother’s words began to run through my head. I tried not to lose my cool. I just wanted him to leave. I lowered my voice, but maintained my decision.

  “Diandre, I am not going anywhere.”

  He stepped forward and grabbed me by my arm.

  “Yes, you are!”

  “Let me go!”

  I tried to pull myself away from him but his grip was too tight.

  “What?”

  “Let me go!”

  The delivery man looked frightened as he walked up to the door behind Diandre.

  “What the fuck do you want?” Diandre turned and barked at him.

  “He’s obviously delivering food,” I mumbled.

  “Quit being a smart ass and shut your mouth.”

  Lee squeezed past us, took the food, and gave the man the money before hurrying back into the house. The delivery man hurried back to his car.

  “Hey. Why don’t you leave her alone?” he asked once he was a safe distance away.

  “Why don’t you mind your business? This doesn’t have anything to do with you.”

  “Leave the man alone, Diandre.”

  “Didn’t I tell you to shut up?”

  “Diandre, just let me go and leave,” my voice cracked.

  Diandre was silent when he let me go. He appeared to have finally calmed down. I straightened out my clothes and waited for him to walk away. Instead, he scratched his head, looked at me, and hit me with a blow so hard to my face it caused me to feel dizzy. Though I could barely think straight, I managed to kick him in the balls. He yelled out in pain, hunched over, and grabbed himself while I rubbed my face. In a split second, he stood up straight and hit me again, and I blacked out.

  *****

  When I came to, Lee was standing over the couch looking down at me. I could see that she’d been crying which made me break down. She told me she’d called the police while Diandre and I were talking. She explained that she’d had a feeling the argument wasn’t going to end well. Shortly after I blacked out, the police had arrived and arrested him. Hearing what had actually taken place from her lips only made me cry harder. I sat in silence. I regretted that I hadn’t listened to Donte. If I had, none of this would have happened. It could have all been avoided.

  “Lee, can you call Donte for me?”

  “He’s already on his way.”

  I knew once Donte saw me he would feel like he had failed to protect me. It would be hard to wrap my head around it, but I was ready to hear everything he had to say. There was clearly a side to Diandre I didn’t know anything about. Donte had already given Lee a heads up, and she said I was going to be blown away.

  There were three knocks at the front door. Lee started to get up, but I told her I would answer it.

  “It’s Donte,” I said, going to answer the door.

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “Trust me on this one.”

  I opened the door. Donte took one look at me and immediately pulled me into his arms. I really needed his strong embrace. He stepped inside, locked the door behind him, and escorted me back over to the couch. As much as I didn’t want to face my brother right now, I knew I had too. I sat on the couch and held my throbbing head. Lee brought me an ice pack as Donte sat down next to me.

  My brother shook his head. I knew he was hurt. There was plenty he could say, but he didn’t. Instead, he stared at my swollen face and dropped his head.

  “Tell me everything,” I said, softly.

  “You’re in danger.”

  “I pieced that much together, Donte.”

  I immediately regretted the sarcasm.

  “No, Dezzy it goes beyond the surface.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Dezzy, Diandre is a dangerous con artist who preys on women.”

  He couldn’t be serious. What he was claiming only happened in the movies, not real life. I searched my brother’s face. He was very serious.

  “I know this sounds bogus, but I need you to hear me out.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Diandre isn’t Diandre at all. His name is Anthony Towers.”

  “Anthony Towers? Well if he’s so dangerous, why hasn’t he been caught?”

  “Because he constantly changes his identity. He uses one for several months at a time before changing to a new one.”

  “But that doesn’t make any sense.”

  “For him, it’s all about control. He’s known for persuading young women into believing he’s their knight in shining armor. He invests a lot of time, energy and money into vulnerable women, causing them to fall in love. Once he’s certain he’s won a woman’s heart, he moves her away from her family. As she becomes distant with everyone else, she becomes more dependent and trusting of him. He plays these mind games with them until he grows tired of them... and...”

  “And what, Donte?”

  “And he kills them.”

  “What? Donte, do you know how crazy you sound right now? If they know he’s guilty why is he still walking the streets?”

  “Well–”

  “Donte, there’s no such thing as a black serial killer.”

  “Don’t be so sure, and quit cutting me off.”

  “Well, if he’s a woman killer, explain his son’s mother.”

  “Justine?”

  “Yeah, how did you know?”

  “Justine’s real name is Kimberly Wethersbee. She figured out who he was before he could harm her. Rather than turn him in, she joined his life of crime. Together, these sick bastards prey on innocent women for the hell of it.”

  “Donte, all of this brings me back to my original question. I
f the cops know all of this, why are they still walking the streets?”

  “He’s smart, Dezzy. He’s found some sort of way to kill without getting his hands dirty.”

  MacGuyver and Nino Brown immediately came to mind. A knot formed in the pit of my stomach and my mouth became dry. I asked Lee for a glass of water while Donte and I continued talking. I was full of questions, and I was going to get as many answers from him as I could.

  “Where does Kendrick fit into the picture?”

  “Kendrick is as innocent as the next kid. They never wanted children, but when she became pregnant they figured a way to incorporate him into their master plan.”

  “My God! Why didn’t I recognize any of this?”

  “Dezzy, the man is a professional. You weren’t supposed to figure it out.”

  I was struggling to accept the fact that the man I loved wanted to kill me. I honestly believed the love he felt was sincere. I immediately began replaying various moments we’d spent together. When I gave it serious thought, there were several red flags. There had been a few like his jealousy after his birthday party and references he’d made about time spent with friends. Finally, his sudden controlling temper manifested.

  “Dezzy, I want you to move back home until we can figure out what to do.”

  “I’m one step ahead of you.”

  I sat my glass on the coffee table.

  “Lee I appreciate the offer, but I’m going to go ahead and go home.”

  “No worries, girl. You just be careful and call me if I can do anything to help.”

  Donte walked me to my car. I drove him back to his, waited for him to get inside, and then he trailed me home. Once we got home, Camille’s car was parked in the driveway. I pulled up next to her, and Donte parked out front on the street. She wrapped up the conversation she was having on her cell phone as Donte and I walked toward the house. She hurried to join us before we made it to the door. She looked distraught, and her eyes were red like she had been crying.

  “That was Lee on the phone. She told me what happened. Oh my God! Look at your face!”

  “I’d rather not.”

  Camille followed us into the house. She didn’t really speak to Donte, but he knew it was nothing personal. I walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. Camille helped herself to a glass of water and sat down with me. I avoided eye contact. I didn’t want to look her in the eyes because I knew she’d be devastated, and I didn’t want to start crying all over again.