The Fall of the Prodigal

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  When Keith opened his eyes, he saw Gina’s gaze pinned to his face. He returned her look, stare for stare. She bit her lip and broke eye contact. “What is it?” he asked.

  “Nothing.” Gina slid off the bed. She moved toward the bathroom to take care of her morning rituals.

  Keith remained pensive until she returned. “Gina, what’s on your mind?”

  “I think I might know something to help your case,” she said. “Or rather, I think Colleen does.”

  He frowned. “Colleen?”

  “Yes, she told me something when we met for dinner a few weeks back. At the time, I was mad at Michael and . . .” She stopped and picked up her cell phone. Keith listened in as Gina placed a call. “Colleen, I think you need to stop over. It’s about Michael’s case.”

  Gina ended the call and looked at Keith. “She’ll be here in about a half hour. She’s dropping Kim and Kaye off at school.”

  For some reason he could not fathom, his wife looked guilty. “You wouldn’t be holding out on information that could free my brother, would you?” he asked with a halfhearted grin, expecting her to laugh at his jest.

  With a furtive glance his way, Gina mumbled, “You’ll have to decide once Colleen gets here. I’ve got to take Epiphany to school. And, Trey’s due for his blood work.”

  As a cancer survivor, Trey had to keep up with his screenings to make sure he was still in remission. Keith knew his son had been healed, but did not discourage the practical steps toward maintaining good health.

  Great. She was leaving him in suspense. Before she left, Keith said, “I have to talk to you about something else later.”

  His wife nodded. She breezed through the door. While he waited, Keith tried the bishop’s phone. This time the number was disconnected. Bishop Combs, why?

  Keith heard the doorbell and pushed the matter from his mind. Right before Colleen’s arrival, Michael and Verona barged in, bickering about something or another. Keith was too preoccupied to pay them any mind.

  Colleen Hayworth settled herself onto the couch. “Mindy Laurelton has—or rather, had—a brother, Carl. He was a student of mine at the high school.”

  “Mindy has a brother? That’s the first I’m hearing of this,” Michael voiced. “Wait, what do you mean, had?”

  “If you’d give her a chance to talk, maybe we’ll know,” Verona sniped.

  What’s going on with those two? Keith wondered.

  Colleen turned toward Michael to answer his question. “Yes, she did. Carl was one of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever encountered. That’s why I remember him. He was profoundly gifted. He scored a perfect score on the SAT and he was only in tenth grade.”

  “Wow, that’s impressive,” Keith said.

  Colleen smiled. “Yes, tell me about it. We were all impressed, but Carl wasn’t. Despite being smart and popular, Carl didn’t like himself. He was depressed; and I’m no psychiatrist,” she said, holding up a hand in the air, “but, I feared he was mentally ill.”

  “What made you think that?” Verona asked.

  “I can’t put it into words, but it was the look he’d get on his face at times. It gave me an eerie feeling.” Colleen shuddered. “And, sometimes his papers were a bit morbid. Carl was an amazing writer, but never pleased with his work.”

  “Did you ever talk with his father about your concerns?” Keith asked.

  “I spoke with his mother. She was battling cancer and his father never seemed to be home.” Colleen shrugged. “For a couple months after I spoke with Mrs. Laurelton, I saw a change. Carl was brighter, more upbeat. I thought I was wrong. Then, out of the blue, he committed suicide. He . . . he hung himself.”

  “Where was Mindy when all this was happening?” Keith probed.

  “Mindy was a little girl. I remember seeing her long ponytails and her sad, round face when I went to the funeral,” Colleen reminisced. “It wasn’t until later I learned Mindy had been present when this happened. She was the one who found her brother hanging from the ceiling. Imagine what that would’ve done to a child. One who, from her mother’s account, had idolized her brother.”

  Verona inhaled sharply.

  Michael’s eyes bulged. “She found him? Where was her mother?”

  “Sick on the bathroom floor. Bill Laurelton was out of town.”

  Keith rubbed his chin. “I don’t remember hearing about this at all.”

  “Bill Laurelton is a powerful man,” Verona said. She jumped to her feet, pacing while she voiced her thoughts. “He could’ve kept this hush-hush.”

  Colleen agreed. “I only heard about it because Mrs. Laurelton blurted it out to me. She was consumed with grief at the time. I was her sounding board. She died within months of losing her son.”

  “But, he must’ve gotten Mindy help,” Michael said.

  Keith snapped his fingers. “I agree. Mindy must have seen a professional. She definitely would’ve needed help.”

  Michael snorted. “I bet she still does.”

  Keith zoned in. “Why do you say that?”

  “Mindy always seemed fragile and a little unbalanced. I really hope she’s okay,” Michael said.

  “Mental illness can be hereditary,” Verona chimed in. She raced for her cell phone. “I know just the person to call. If Mindy sneezed wrong, Frank will find out. I’ll go call him.”

  “Use the library,” Keith offered.

  “Michael, I heard about Mindy getting beaten. You’re suspect number one,” Colleen stated.

  “I didn’t,” he ground out, with clenched fists.

  Keith studied Michael’s face, taking in the jutted jaw and his rapidly blinking eyes. “Well, you’re the obvious culprit, since you’d have benefited the most from her . . .” He didn’t want to say “death.” “Demise.”

  “I didn’t hurt her in the first place,” Michael pointed out. “Regardless of anything, I wouldn’t want Mindy dead.”

  Colleen patted Michael’s arm. In a tone laced with sympathy, she took his hand in hers. “Let’s pray.”

  Michael lowered his head and closed his eyes. Keith bowed his head as well. Colleen’s soothing tone echoed throughout the room.

  “Father, we know the enemy desires to trap us and to keep us bound. Lord, you have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. We ask for your healing power to stretch toward Mindy in that hospital bed. We ask for your help in capturing her assailant. Lord, I put Michael before you. Give him the strength to face this trial and give him peace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

  “Peace be still,” Keith said, with uplifted hands.

  Coming out of Keith’s office Verona heard the collective “amen’s.” She knew she should join them, but her prayers would not pass the roof. Verona made her way into the kitchen to get a glass of water. She needed a moment to compose herself.

  Verona slipped onto one of the stools by the breakfast counter. While she sipped her water, she mulled over her fight with Michael during the drive to Keith’s house. Michael had gotten under her skin in the worst way. She could not understand him. A young woman was laid up in a hospital, badly beaten. He was the chief suspect. What did he want to do? Go see her.

  “See how she’s doing,” he said.

  “Are you out of your mind?” Verona roared back. Michael obviously didn’t understand the seriousness of his situation. “You’d better not step within two hundred feet of that hospital or you’re going down.”

  “I’m not guilty. I cared for her. Before all of this, she was the daughter of a man I did business with for years.”

  Verona gave him a look. “Yes, a very dangerous man who wants you dead.”

  “I’m human,” Michael countered. “I have feelings. I want to know she’s okay.”

  “Why? Is this guilt talking? Or, do you intend to finish what you started?”

  He inhaled. In a swoosh of breath, he gritted out, “You think I could do this?”

  Verona rolled her eyes at him. She pinned them on the road. Sh
e wasn’t going to dignify that question with an answer. Of course she knew he didn’t do it. She couldn’t handle the jealousy swirling in the pit of her belly. He sounded worried about Mindy; like a man in love? She wasn’t sure. She didn’t like it.

  One strong hand gripped her chin and tilted her head. “Well?” came the imperial tone.

  She said, “I’m not going to Long Island Jewish. We’re going to Keith’s as planned.”

  “That wasn’t my question.”

  Verona ignored him. She was chicken to admit her true feelings. Their funk took them all the way to Keith’s house. Their argument continued from the car into Keith’s home.

  Verona heard the back door open, bringing her mind back to the present. She rested her glass on the counter as Gina sailed in. “Whew, it’s cold out there.”

  “How’s Trey?” Verona asked. Keith had told them about his appointment.

  “He’s fine. Thank God.” Gina shrugged out of her bulky coat. “I dropped him off at school, which he wasn’t happy about at all.”

  Verona chuckled. “I have to agree. Getting an all clear from the big cancer should constitute a free pass to stay home.”

  Gina looked around. “Where’s everyone?”

  Verona crooked her head toward the living area. “In there. Colleen told us about Carl.” She scraped the stool as she stood, and ambled over to Gina. “How long did you know?”

  Gina avoided eye contact. “Colleen told me about it but . . .”

  Seeing her chagrin, Verona patted the shorter woman on the shoulder. “I’m having my contact investigate all he can. I should hear back from Frank in a couple of days at most.”

  After a slight nod of the head, Gina moved to join the others. Verona took a deep breath and straggled in after her. By the time she had entered the room, Gina had sidled up to Keith. Seeing Keith’s arms draped over Gina’s with such ease gave Verona a jolt. She wanted to feel the assurance of someone’s love. She gazed at Michael with longing, but he was chatting it up with Colleen.

  Verona moseyed over to their direction in time to hear Michael ask Colleen, “Do you think you would be able to pay the family a visit? I need to know she’s okay.”

  When Verona heard Michael’s words, she clenched her fists. “Why are you concerned about someone who wants you behind bars? What are you, a masochist?” she screamed. Whipping her head to face Colleen, Verona heaved. “Don’t go within ten feet of that hospital, Colleen. Don’t listen to this lunatic who doesn’t even care about his own life.”

  Wide-eyed, Colleen shook her head. “No, I couldn’t go anyways. It’s been years since I’ve been in touch with the family. I wouldn’t think of imposing on them.”

  Verona struggled to remain calm. She knew her face was red from her exertion. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell.”

  “Yet you seem to enjoy it,” Michael drawled.

  Verona spun her head Exorcist style and wailed on him. “It’s you. You’re making me crazy!” She felt all eyes on her. Verona knew she was in over her head. She saw the compassion in Gina’s eyes and backed up. “I can’t be here. I need a moment.”

  Ignoring Gina’s calls, Verona grabbed her jacket and briefcase and left. She knew what she had to do. With a swipe, she placed a dreaded call.

  “I need you to take over Michael’s case.” She blinked back tears. “I’m too emotionally involved. I can’t be what he needs right now.” She held her breath waiting for the mockery.

  “What happened?” Nigel asked, with surprising gentleness.

  Tears rolled down her face. Ugh! Verona pulled over to the curb. “It’s almost lunchtime. Do you have plans?”

  “I’ll clear my schedule. See you at our usual spot.”

  They had a usual spot? Verona swung her car into traffic with the skills of a NASCAR race driver. She noticed her phone was vibrating. She pressed the phone button on her steering wheel. She preferred the Bluetooth but had forgotten to connect the earpiece.

  “I’m checking on you,” Gina’s voice echoed through the car.

  Verona smiled at her thoughtfulness. “I’m sorry. I had to bounce before I hit Michael senseless.”

  She heard a low chuckle. “Be patient with him. I know from experience Michael doesn’t always think things through. Keith axed his idea of going to the hospital. There are no worries there. You be safe. I’ll see you Wednesday night. Why don’t you come early? We can have dinner together first.”

  Verona tapped the wheel as she considered Gina’s offer. She knew the dinner invitation was a disguise for something else. She was not sure which conversation: Michael or her past church history.

  “Hello? Did we get disconnected?”

  Verona rushed to answer. “No, I’m here. I was thinking. I’ll see you about five-thirty.”

  “Looking forward to it, friend.”

  Her dashboard read, call ended, but Verona was caught up on Gina’s last word. Friend. Friend. Gina Ward. Michael’s ex considered her a friend. If that did not beat all.

  “He’s a dead man!” the voice roared.

  “No,” Mindy groaned, failing in her attempt to shake her head. It was like moving lead. “No, don’t hurt him,” she whispered. Her father was talking to someone. Her throat felt dry and achy from her screams. She forced her eyes open. They closed of their own volition. She must be drugged up. Ugh! She needed to move. Her body refused to obey.

  “Water,” she croaked, trying to make her eyes stay open. She needed toothpicks because they were refusing to cooperate.

  In slow motion, Mindy lifted a hand to her face. “Owww,” she moaned with a stronger voice. She felt bandages on her right cheek and forehead.

  “Mindy?” She heard her father’s gruff voice and strove to reply. His hand touched her hand. “Don’t try to move,” Bill cautioned.

  “I’ll do whatever I need to do to make sure he pays for this,” another voice belonging to a younger man threatened. Mindy shivered at his menacing tone.

  I know that voice! She fought with her eyes until she won the battle. It took effort but she focused. Slowly her vision, cleared. “F . . .” She stopped. “Water. I need water.”

  In an instant, Mindy felt the cool liquid pressed against her lips. She guzzled it down in seconds. Her father pressed the button to raise the bed. Mindy’s head throbbed but she did not care. Her eyes remained glued to the man standing in front of her. Her father performed the introductions.

  The other man did not let on this was not the first time he had seen her. She would be eternally grateful for that.

  Bill’s cell phone buzzed and he left the room.

  “Finn! How do you know my father? What are you doing here?”

  In two steps, Finn was by her side. Gently, he kissed her forehead. “Thank God, you’re awake. Mousie, why didn’t you tell me who you were? I had no idea you were Bill Laurelton’s daughter. I almost choked on my breakfast when I saw your face on TV and heard Bill was your father.”

  At the mention of her stage name, Mousie emerged. “Don’t touch me,” she snarled with contempt. “You know I hate when you touch me.”

  Finn lowered his voice. “Cool down, princess. Now you know I won’t hurt you. You must know how I care for you. You have me feeling some kind of way. I can’t even explain.”

  Bill Laurelton reentered the room. He signaled to Finn. They huddled in the corner of her room. Mindy strained to hear their hushed voices but it was of no use. She did not even know when she closed her eyes. Somewhere in her subconscious she knew Michael Ward would be a dead man by the time she awakened.

  Do something! the voice belonging to Baby screamed. She almost never spoke. Mindy was surprised to hear from her.

  Baby, what can I do? Mindy asked. You know Daddy’s stubborn.

  Well, if you ask me, Michael Ward deserves what he gets. He had it coming, Mousie voiced. He rejected us.

  You’ve got to help him, Mindy, Baby pleaded with a cry. Her shoulders shook. You can’t let him die like Carl. You can’t.
r />   Quit your wailing, Baby, Mousie snapped.

  I’ll help him, Baby, Mindy decided. She hated when Baby cried. As soon as I get up from my nap. You and me, we’ll think of something.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  “I need you to take over Michael’s case.” Verona took a bite of her market salad with organic chicken from JoJo’s enjoying the taste of feta cheese.

  “Tell me why,” Nigel said.

  “I’m too emotionally invested in this case, or, rather, Michael. I’m in love with him. It makes me irrational and that’s dangerous. He needs clearheaded objectivity. Not a simpering fool,” Verona said.

  “Simpering fool?”

  She rolled her eyes. “Nigel, be serious, will you? I’m here baring my soul to you and that’s what you focus on? You know what I mean.”

  He snagged a grape tomato from her salad. “Yes, I do. If you need my assistance, I’ll do it. I hope you know I don’t come cheap.”

  “Don’t worry, you’ll be paid triple whatever you’re imagining.”

  His eyes rounded like dollar coins. “Triple? I’m in. What do you need?”

  Verona wiped her hands on the linen napkin draped across her pants. She retrieved her phone. “I’m expecting to hear from Frank with some information. If you come over later this evening, I’ll bring you up to speed.”

  Nigel sank his teeth into his JoJo’s burger and crunched the onions. “You’re forgetting one thing.” He chewed. “Michael hasn’t agreed to my representation. Keith may also object.”

  “I’ll handle them,” she said with confidence. “I’m sure Michael will agree once I explain my position.”

  How wrong she was. When Verona met up with Michael at his place later that day, he was not pleased.

  “Too bad. He’ll be here in an hour, along with Keith,” Verona said. She had arranged the meeting at seven p.m. so Nigel could be debriefed.

  Nigel had predicted this would happen, but Verona was not prepared for Michael’s vehement reaction.

  “You’re not quitting on me, and you’re not quitting this case!” Michael railed.

  “She does make a good point. You need someone who is not so invested in the case,” Keith interrupted.