Once You'Ve Touched the Heart

by Iris Bolling

  “Oh, really, is that what you are, a real man?”

  “Damn right.” JD laughed. “Seriously, you never used those muscles in that way before and it’s the same as when you first start to exercise. Every muscle in your body hurts until you become used to it.” She let that answer sit for a moment and began to enjoy him washing her with the sponge.

  “Jeffrey?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will it always be like that?”

  “What, making love?” He kissed the back of her neck. “Actually, from now on it will be better.”

  Tracy laughed. “I don’t think that’s possible.”

  “Well, next time you will not have the discomfort you did last night.”

  Closing her legs, she remembered the pain. But she also remembered it went away and another feeling replaced it. “Jeffrey?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did I…um…did I, you know…um, satisfy you?”

  He kissed her cheek. “Yes, you did, very much so.”

  She released her breath, and relaxed against him again.

  “Now I have a question for you.”

  “What?” She asked with a smile in her voice.

  He put her head under his chin. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d never been with anyone before?”

  She sighed. “Cynthia said—”

  “Not ‘Cynthia said’ again.”

  “Do you want to hear this?”

  “Shit, no, not if Cynthia said it.”

  She sighed. “Well you asked.”

  “Okay, okay, what did Cynthia say?” JD asked, not really interested.

  “Cynthia said a man like you would not want someone with no experience. A man like you didn’t have time to teach someone how to satisfy him. You needed someone who knows what to do.”

  “Tracy,” he said, cutting her off, “I will ask you this question again: does Cynthia have a man?”

  “No.”

  “Then stop listening to her.” They both laughed.

  He moved her forward to wash her back. She pulled her knees up, put her arms around them, and laid her head on top of them. They sat quietly for a moment, both content with the sensuousness of the moment. He leaned forward over her back, kissed her, and felt himself becoming aroused again. He had to clear his mind from that. She was too sore for him right now. He pulled her back against his chest. “Tell me what happened yesterday.”

  “Umm, let me think, oh, yeah, you took my virginity,” she said, laughing.

  He smiled, put his head against hers. “Yes, I did, and enjoyed every moment of it.” He kissed her head. “But that’s not what I’m talking about.”

  “Oh.” She laughed. “What are you talking about?”

  “Why does Carolyn make you so uncomfortable?”

  She sat quietly for a moment, thinking, and then asked, “Why do you want to be with me, Jeffrey? I have nothing to offer you. I’m not Carolyn, Cynthia, Karen, Denise or whoever else I haven’t met yet.”

  He put his arms around her. “I’m with you, Tracy Alexandria Washington, because I love you. You have all that I will ever need or want, and that’s your heart.”

  She smiled. “You’ve had that for a number of years now.”

  He smiled and relaxed against her. Listening to her talk made him realize her insecurities came from people like Cynthia and Carolyn constantly telling her she didn’t belong. And they were right, she was above them. “Please don’t allow other people to destroy what we have,” he said, “and they will try. We are stronger as two than we are as one. Just remember, we can withstand anything together.”

  As she reclined in his arms, she wondered if it could really be like he said. Could they really be together? “Jeffrey?”

  “Yes,” he answered, not sure if he had convinced her.

  “I’m hungry; let’s get something to eat.”

  Relieved, he hugged her tight, and thought, I’m hungry, too, but not for food.

  Chapter 13

  A few weeks later Jeffrey was in the office reviewing the Gonzalez case when Gavin knocked on the door. “Hey, you got a minute?”

  “Sure,” JD said, looking up from the file.

  “JD, I received a call from the Times-Dispatch requesting an interview with you concerning the Blackwell neighborhood. Apparently a reporter got wind of the visit you made on the Gonzalez case. They spoke with Mrs. Gonzalez, who is singing your praises to everyone from the editor of the newspaper to the governor.”

  “She’s a nice lady.” JD smiled.

  “Yeah, well, the AG thinks this will be good publicity for the office and so do I. Now, I know you turn down interviews and I understand your reasons why. But I’m asking you to reconsider this request.”

  “Gavin, I don’t want the publicity. I just want to work the case as effectively as I can.”

  “I understand your position, but consider this. Next year is an election year. You will be in a position to get any assistance you request, with any case. You will have access to the AG’s office or the governor’s office if you do this interview.”

  “Why this one?” JD asked. “I have refused many interviews in the past.”

  “The Hispanic vote is up for grabs. You’ve made an impression on the Hispanic community. In addition to that, you have the African-American community wrapped up. Whatever direction you go, they go. Both parties are aware of your popularity among both sectors. They are going to be grabbing at you to help capture that group. Now, I know none of that is important to you, but being able to get whatever you need from the AG on cases without red tape or hesitation is something you will need now and in the future. JD,” Gavin pleaded, “do this one interview. I told these people I would talk to you personally. Help me save face here.”

  “You shouldn’t have promised them anything, Gavin.”

  “I did not make any promises. I know better, but work with me on this one.”

  “No personal questions?” JD said with a questioning tone.

  “None, and if any come out, you can throw her out,” Gavin replied.

  “Her—her who?”

  “Victoria Murillo.”

  “All right, Gavin, I’ll make arrangements to meet with her.”

  “Well, she’s here,” Gavin said.

  “I thought you didn’t make any promises.”

  “I didn’t. I just said I would ask.” Gavin smiled. “I didn’t want to give you a chance to change your mind in case you agreed. Ms. Murillo, please come in,” Gavin said while opening the door. Victoria Murillo walked into JD’s office.

  Victoria was a beautiful young woman. She was about five feet eight inches, slim at 110 pounds with an almond skin tone. Her hair was jet black, flowing down to her waistline, with big brown eyes full of aspirations. “Mr. Harrison, thank you for meeting with me.” Victoria smiled.

  JD extended his hand. “Ms. Murillo.”

  “Well, I’m going to leave you two. Ms. Murillo, it was a pleasure meeting you.”

  “Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Roberts.”

  “If you need any further assistance, let me know,” Gavin said as he closed the door.

  “Have a seat, Ms. Murillo,” JD said, pointing to the chair.

  “You are a difficult man to pin down, Mr. Harrison.”

  “I rarely do interviews unless it is helpful in a case.”

  “So I’ve been told by everyone I have contacted regarding you.”

  JD could read women very well. He noticed she was checking him out the minute she walked in. “Why is this interview so important?”

  “Are you questioning my motives for this visit, JD?” Victoria said with a flirty smile.

  “Yes,” JD replied, leaning back in his chair.

  “Why?”

  “Because, frankly, I don’t see how a tragic story about a young girl’s death and a subsequent visit to the child’s mother would qualify for good reading.”

  Victoria was taken aback a little by his sharp-toned response. “You take your cases a li
ttle personally, don’t you, JD?”

  “Is that question on or off the record?”

  Victoria frowned, wondering why he asked that. She replied, “Nothing we have discussed so far has been on the record. I usually let someone know when they are on the record.”

  “So you are feeling me out,” JD stated. “Why?”

  “What makes you think that?” She laughed.

  “You are a reporter; everything is on the record. Yet I noticed you did not pull out a recorder nor are you taking notes. What is it you want from me, Ms. Murillo?”

  “Boy, you don’t pull any punches do you? No small talk, just straight to the point.” She chuckled.

  JD just looked at her. “The question is still on the table, Ms. Murillo. What do you want?”

  Victoria was impressed. Most attractive men in power positions tend to be just the front man. There was usually someone in the background with the brains. But this man was the real deal. He was serious about his work. Sitting forward she said, “You are right, JD, I’m not here to do a story. But I will write one as if we did an interview. I’m here on behalf of Mrs. Gonzalez.”

  While Victoria was talking, JD looked at his watch and wrote a note, but was listening very intently.

  “She did what you asked of her and was able to get a small group of people from the community to meet with you.”

  Not knowing if she could be trusted, JD did not acknowledge the conversation with Mrs. Gonzalez. He did not want to take a chance on anyone else in the family being harmed by Cortez or any of his people. He did not know Victoria Murillo and wanted an opportunity to have her checked out prior to discussing anything with her. “Excuse me for a moment.” JD hit the intercom. “Mrs. Langston, would you step in my office for a moment?”

  “Yes, sir,” Mrs. Langston replied

  “How do you know Mrs. Gonzalez?” he asked.

  “I grew up in Blackwell. My mom still lives there with my little sister. She and Mrs. Gonzalez are friends and have been for the past 20 years.”

  A knock came at the door. JD stood and handed the note to Mrs. Langston. “Would you handle this for me please?”

  “Yes, sir,” she replied.

  “Is Ms. Rivera still here?” JD asked.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Would you ask her to step in here, please?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Mrs. Langston, would you please stop that?” JD asked.

  “No, sir. Mr. Harrison, will there be anything else?” Mrs. Langston asked with a smile in her eyes.

  “No, thank you, ma’am,” JD replied with a smile.

  Mrs. Langston stopped, looked at JD then at Ms. Murillo. “Mr. Harrison,” she said with a smirk.

  JD smiled and sat back down. “How many brothers and sisters do you have, Ms. Murillo?” JD asked, returning to the conversation.

  Victoria made note of the playful exchange between the two. It was nice to see he had a playful side. “Are you interviewing me, JD?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said, being very serious.

  “I have two brothers and a sister. One of my brothers is a member of the Latin Eagles and the other is a victim. I’m trying to keep my sister from going down the same trail as Lisa Gonzalez,” she replied with a little irritation in her voice.

  Magna knocked, then stepped into the office and took a seat.

  “Why should I believe you are here on behalf of Mrs. Gonzalez and not your brother?”

  “Hector,” Magna interjected.

  “Hector,” JD repeated.

  Victoria smiled. “You guys work quick. Look, I went through a lot to get to you. So all my trouble will not be in vain, let me give you this message. The group would like to meet with you. However, meeting anywhere in the neighborhood would be dangerous for them. Therefore, you would need to make arrangements outside Juan’s turf and at a time that would not be suspicious.” She got up to leave. “Thank you for the interview, Mr. Harrison. Oh and if you or your people want to follow me, I’ll save you some trouble. I’m going home, which is 126 North Elm. You can check that out later if you like.” She smiled at JD. “You have a good evening.”

  “You do the same, Ms. Murillo,” JD said as Victoria closed the door.

  “What did you get on her?” JD asked Magna.

  “From what we could get on short notice she is on the up and up,” Magna replied. “She started with the paper right out of college and has an anchor position in the works with WWBT12. Here’s the kicker. Back in high school she was Juan’s girl.”

  On his way home from the office, JD placed a call to Maxi’s and made arrangements to reserve her conference room. He asked her to keep the meeting confidential. He knew Maxine would know what to do. JD hung up the telephone then called Tracy to see where she was.

  JD loved going home these days. He and Tracy had spent every day and night together since the first time they made love. He thought the sex was so good because of the excitement of him being her first lover. However, as the weeks passed, nothing changed. Just the opposite happened: he couldn’t seem to get enough of her. It was so unreal, he thought. It actually pissed him off when he had to leave her to go to work. The guys noticed he hadn’t been to Maxi’s in a couple of weeks. JD laughed to himself, remembering that Brian had asked him one day, “Man, what in the hell are you doing, hitting it 24/7?” When JD just smiled, Brian threw his hands up in the air. “I’m so jealous.”

  JD pulled into his garage and went inside. Tracy must have heard the door because she was coming out of the kitchen with a dishtowel wiping her hands off as he entered the room. She threw her arms around JD’s neck. “Hello, handsome,” she said, then kissed him, long and deep.

  JD grabbed Tracy around her waist, pulling her feet off the floor. He walked her backwards to the sofa where they both collapsed. “Hello to you,” he replied once he broke the kiss. “Hmm, how was your day?”

  “Long,” she replied. “What about you?” She smiled at him.

  JD was caressing the back of her neck as they talked. He told her about the day, including the meeting with Ms. Murillo.

  “And how gorgeous was she?”

  “Oh, she was hot. She had dark, mysterious eyes and long legs,” JD said grinning, “but not my type.”

  “Oh, really, why is that?”

  “Because she wasn’t you.”

  Tracy closed her eyes and exhaled. “Good answer, Mr. Harrison.” She pulled him down and kissed him. Dinner was late that night, but no one complained.

  The next morning Calvin met JD coming down the hallway. “Everything is set for this afternoon,” Calvin said as they entered JD’s office.

  “Good, I spoke to Mrs. Gonzalez, she did send Ms. Murillo. She will be facilitating things between us from now on. Mrs. Gonzalez indicated at least 10 people will be in attendance tonight, but she said it will be a tough crowd,” JD explained to Calvin.

  “Man, if anyone can convince them, it’s you.”

  Magna walked through the door. “Things on my end checked out. Murillo has no connection with Juan Cortez or her brother Hector. There was an apparent blow-up about the brother joining the gang and Murillo walked out. She is an untouchable, per Juan’s orders. Right now her main goal is to keep the little sister out, especially since Lisa Gonzalez’s death.”

  “Where’s Brian?” JD asked.

  “He is making transportation arrangements for you and Mrs. Gonzalez. Dan’s on his way,” Magna answered.

  “Dan’s here,” he said as he walked through the door. Everyone sat.

  “It’s important that we are able to convince this group that we can do something to clean up their neighborhood,” JD started. “Synopsis.”

  That was Calvin’s cue. “We are going to have to provide a force of police power in that neighborhood for an undetermined amount of time. We can’t waiver on this. We need the police force visible at all times. As soon as they suspect we are easing up, Cortez’s group will stomp on that neighborhood—starting with whoever t
hey think opened the door to let us in.”

  “We also have to make sure the sentences Juan’s people get will keep them behind bars long enough to give the good people time to reclaim,” Magna added, as Brian entered the room and took a seat.

  “Brian.” JD acknowledged his entrance. “Dan, will the AG’s office guarantee the force Calvin is speaking of?”

  “Maybe,” Dan replied.

  “I can’t go in there tonight with a maybe. I need a guarantee before we ask these people to put their lives in danger. Contact the AG, get me a guarantee,” JD replied.

  “You got it.” Dan left the room. “Brian, what do you have for me?” JD asked.

  “We know you and Mrs. Gonzalez are being watched. We arranged for her to come here. We will take you and her to the meeting in another vehicle. If they are watching either of you, they will think you two are here. That will keep the others in the clear.”

  “That will work,” JD replied. “Calvin, should we put Gavin in this loop?”

  “Not yet,” Calvin replied. “Let’s keep a lid on this until we need to bring him in. These people are taking a chance on us. No one out of this circle should know about this meeting.”

  “I agree,” Magna said.

  “I agree,” Brian seconded.

  “All right, it’s just us,” JD responded.

  The meeting took place without interruption. The group was actually larger than expected. A few business owners shared their concern about the illegal activity that caused people to go outside for services they provided right in the neighborhood. Others who expressed their concerns at the meeting were people who wanted to go home at night without fear. “People live in the projects not because they want to, but because they have to. Does that mean they have to live in an environment that is not safe for them or their children?”

  “When our children try to go to school, they have to endure thugs trying to get them to sell drugs or do other things for them. We should not have to live like this. What can you do to help us?”

  JD did not have an answer to all of the questions that they threw at him. It hurt him to his heart to hear the desperation in their voices. They wanted a normal life for themselves, but mostly for their children.