by Lynn Emery
“Y’all want some ice cream?” LaTrice stood in the door that led from the hallway.
Karl wiped a hand over his face. When he looked at his wife, he was smiling. “Yeah, baby. You know what I like.”
“Vanilla fudge.” She grinned back at him. “What about you, sugar?”
“That vanilla fudge sounds good to me, too.” Talia smiled at her.
“Comin’ up.” LaTrice bounded off with energy. “Me, I’m havin’ strawberry.”
“The good life, Talia. Supper with my family and ice cream for dessert,” Karl murmured. “I’m grateful every day.”
“You’ve got reason to be proud of yourself,” Talia replied.
“I didn’t have one reason to be proud for years.” Karl let out a sigh of satisfaction. He looked at Talia again. “You’re successful, got a good life up there in D.C. I’m thinkin’ you can afford to forgive Monette now.”
“Here we go.” LaTrice came in with two bowls on a tray. She handed one to Karl and the other to Talia.
“Thanks,” Talia said. She spooned up a tiny scoop and ate it. “Hmm, good stuff.”
“Blue Bell, best ice cream around.” LaTrice glanced over her shoulder when a childish shout came down the hall. “Let me go get these wild children.” She strode off, calling ahead that they’d better behave.
Karl swallowed a generous helping of the frozen treat before he spoke. “You goin’ to see her soon?”
“Thursday.” Talia felt a flicker of apprehension at how quickly that day was approaching.
“Monette used to talk to me a lot about them days,” Karl said. “It was like she was wakin’up from a dream. She told me all kinds of stuff.”
“Excuses I’ll bet,” Talia said.
“No, just tellin’ me like it was. Our daddy got her on drugs. Well, he offered it, and she took some. Made all her troubles go away. At least that’s what it seemed like.”
She glanced at him sharply. “She told you about our daddy? I never heard much about him. What I did hear was bad.”
“He’s up in Detroit. Monette said he did us a favor runnin’ off.” Karl smiled sadly. “Actually I found him once. He’s got a family and ain’t into street life no more. But he didn’t want reminders of his past.
“We got a real pair of winners in the parent department, didn’t we?” Talia said with disgust. “They made us and then went on about their business.”
“God made us, Talia. He put them in charge of takin’ care of us on this earth. Now they didn’t do right, but if he can forgive ’em, so can we.”
She looked at Karl for a long moment. Coming from anyone else she’d have found those words sanctimonious and naive. But Karl had suffered a lot of pain because of their parents.
“I was seriously thinking of not seeing Monette. It’s too hard.” Talia clenched her teeth to deal with the pain.
He sat forward suddenly. “Look, I ain’t tellin’ you what to do. But I believe Monette got set up by folks still around here.” Karl spoke in a lower tone.
His shift in mood gave Talia the shivers. “Cut it out, Karl. You act like Dracula is about to show up.” Talia tried to laugh, but his deepened frown cut it short.
“She ain’t just pullin’ some scam this time. Monette told me there was some funny business goin’ down in the DA’s Office. But she wouldn’t say anything else. You know I was on the street back in the day.” Karl clasped his rough hands together.
“Right.” Talia lowered her voice in response to the change of atmosphere. “You were on drugs, running with a gang.”
“Yeah. Well, before I got sent off to the juvenile center and then the group home, I heard stuff.” Karl twisted his hands together. “I was even stupid enough to brag Monette was my mama.”
“What kind of stuff?” Talia hugged herself as if to warm away a chill.
“Monette was runnin’ with this real bad dude named…” Karl blinked rapidly for a few moments. “Can’t remember his name, but you might. They was livin’ together. You was with her then, right?”
Talia swallowed hard. “In and out of foster care mostly. Besides, Monette went through men like a hot knife through butter.”
Karl nodded once. “You right about that. I’ll think of it probably. He was always gettin’ arrested. The word was him and Monette had a hookup with the sheriff’s office or somethin’ like that. All of a sudden he wasn’t gettin’ arrested no more.”
“And?” Talia’s fear was now overcome with intense interest.
“Monette was livin’ real high, like she wasn’t afraid of nothin’ either.” Karl sat back. “I remember her ridin’ around in a fancy Buick Regal for a while. Long about that time this dude takes off. Nobody hears from him again.”
“Those guys came and went fast. They lived like that. You know about that lifestyle.” Talia’s heart raced even though she kept an even tone.
“Sure. But it’s funny how nobody knew where he went. Usually your partners on the street know somethin’.” Karl gazed at her with a wide-eyed expression.
“So what were the theories on the street?” Talia asked.
“Lots of ’em. But only two made sense. Dudes was sayin’ he got on the wrong side of this bad cop and had to run.” Karl spoke barely above a whisper now. “I also heard maybe he went into that witness protection program.”
Talia felt a finger of fear jab her ribs. She cleared her tight throat so she could speak. “What do you think?”
“This guy disappears, and next thing ya know Monette goin’ to prison for a long time. Some coincidence if you ask me.” Karl sat back with a grim expression.
“You think he rolled on her, and they gave him a new identity.”
“I’ll bet somethin’ he did or said helped put Monette in prison. I think he’s dead,” he said bluntly.
“Let’s change the subject.” Her chest rose and fell as she tried to catch her breath.
Karl got up and sat next to her on the sofa. “I’m sorry, little sis. You had your bad times with Monette, but you wasn’t exposed to that kinda dangerous thug life like me. I gotta learn to watch my mouth.”
“I’m okay, I’m okay.” Talia fought to bring her panic under control.
“Of course this ain’t nothin’ but street gossip.”
“He’s probably in some other town causing trouble.”
“I got a feelin’ Monette ’bout to uncover somethin’ real bad, Talia.”
LaTrice walked in. “I got more ice cream with y’all names on it.” Her smile faded when she looked at them. “Karl?”
Karl stood. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong, baby. You got me spoiled, and now you spoilin’ Talia.”
Talia caught the message in his eyes and took his lead. “If getting more ice cream means being spoiled, then bring it on.”
They both put on a cheerful face for LaTrice and the children. Karl was soon laughing with true warmth, surrounded by giggling children and a loving wife. LaTrice and Karl made her feel part of their family. The children called her Aunt Talia as though they’d known her all their young lives. After another hour she left and started the drive home. Other cars passed her on the lonely highway. Yet the night surrounded her car like a black blanket. Her thoughts went back to Monette, and Earl. Talia gripped the steering wheel and decided to take charge of her fear for once. She would find the truth before anyone else did.
“Yeah, Miss Brave. Then what?” she muttered.
Chapter 11
“I’m out of my mind,” Talia whispered for the tenth time that morning.
A female guard dumped out the contents of her black leather tote-style purse. Talia had been asked to take her pager and cell phone back to the car. Now she was being checked once again.
“Rules, ma’am,” the stone-faced guard clipped. A picture ID tag clipped to her shirt had the name Helen Batiste on it.
“I understand.” Talia winced when the guard dropped her small cosmetic bag onto the metal table.
“What’s this?” Officer Batiste held up
a plastic bag
“Pictures of her grandkids,” Talia said. “I just left them in the bag from Walmart where I bought the album.”
“Uh-huh.” Officer Batiste was already examining the contents.
You were going to look anyway, so why ask? Talia pressed her lips together to keep from tossing out a smart remark. This was not the time, or the place, and Officer Batiste was definitely not someone she wanted to annoy.
“Okay.” Officer Batiste handed her the bag and her purse. She nodded crisply and pointed to another female guard. “Officer Landers is taking everybody back. Have a good one.”
Talia felt the urge to salute but had sense enough not to. She followed the line. Officer Landers, a short plump redhead with freckles, wore a sunny smile. She chatted with several visitors as she led them to a large room with tables and chairs.
“Y’all know the rules; no giving gifts we haven’t checked up front. You can share food, but the ladies can’t keep leftovers. No sitting on laps, no long passionate kisses. This is a family situation. I’ll remind you if you forget.” Officer Landers eyed several men in low-slung pants and baggy shirts. Despite her smile, she seemed just as capable of enforcing the rules as Officer Batiste. “Enjoy.”
Officer Landers waved one hand to signal two officers at a door across the room. There was a rush of babbling voices and footsteps as women dressed in denim shirts and jeans came in. Most wore wide smiles. Others looked taciturn. Talia gripped the purse to her midsection. She wanted to bolt but stood firm as she scanned the faces. It suddenly struck her how long it had been. They might not recognize each other.
“You all right, miss?” Officer Landers spoke over her shoulder causing Talia to jump. “Must be your first time.”
“I’ve been here before. It’s been a while though.” Talia felt guilt wash over her.
“Seeing somebody you love locked up is no day at the beach.” Officer Landers touched her elbow lightly. “Who are you here to see?”
Talia felt like a little girl lost at the mall. She collected herself and squared her shoulders. “Monette Victor.”
“Oh? She didn’t have visitors for years. Now she’s gotten two in the last six months.” Officer Landers looked at her with open curiosity. “Anyway, here comes another group. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks.”
Talia found an empty seat at a round white table attached to the concrete floor. When Officer Landers waved at her from across the room, Talia gave her a shaky smile. Then an odd sensation washed over her. She looked around the room, and her heart thumped hard. A statuesque woman the color of nutmeg stood just inside the door staring at Talia. Her thick black hair, streaked with a few strands of silver, was pulled back into a ponytail. Her round face was still pretty, though it had more lines now. Other prisoners went around her to get into the room. Monette smiled at her tentatively as though not sure if she should. Talia inhaled deeply and let out a slow breath as she stood.
“Hey, you blockin’ everybody else. Either go in or go out.” A caramel-colored prisoner with her hair in cornrows grimaced as she brushed against Monette.
“Shut up, Candy,” Monette replied without taking her eyes off Talia.
“You want some of this?” Candy bumped her shoulder into Monette’s. The rough-talking woman raised an eyebrow.
Talia blinked hard at the glimpse into real prison life. How could she have ever wished this on her own mother? “Leave her alone,” she blurted out before she knew it.
Candy paused in the act of scanning the visiting area and looked at Talia. “That’s your kid. Gotta be with her bold mouth.” The woman barked a gruff laugh and slapped Monette on the back.
“Shut up.” Monette seemed to exchange a silent signal with her. Candy nodded and left.
Monette strolled across the floor. Even in prison clothes she walked with self-possession. Several men noticed her hip-swinging stride as she passed them. Candy called out another joke, but Talia didn’t hear it. All she could see was her mother, graceful in the midst of a harsh environment. Images from her childhood rushed back. Her mother must have sensed the effect she was having on Talia. Her steps slowed, as though she was giving Talia time to adjust.
“How ya doin’?” Monette’s alto voice was husky with emotion. More men glanced around at the sensual timbre.
“Fine,” Talia managed to say despite the lump in her throat.
“Sit back down,” Monette said, with a gesture to the seat.
“That woman—” Talia nodded to Candy who sat alone at a table staring at them.
“What?” Monette looked over her shoulder. She waved at Candy. “Oh, don’t mind that fool. We like messin’ with each other.”
“Oh.” Talia felt only a little tension ease from her shoulders. She sat down on the small bench and put her purse on the table.
Monette sat across from her. She gazed at Talia from head to toe. “I’m glad to see ya.”
“Good to see you, too.” Talia’s response was automatic. Her thoughts whirled as she stared back at her mother with equal intensity.
Monette seemed to read her mind. “Yeah, I’ve changed. Had a lot of work done on my teeth for one.” She grinned revealing even, white teeth. “One thing about being locked up, you get pretty damn good dental benefits.”
Talia nodded and continued to stare at her. “I see.”
“Ain’t many other benefits, but I been makin’ the most of my stay. Got my high school certificate.” Monette shrugged. “Couldn’t sit still when I was a teenager. That ain’t a problem here.”
“Right.”
“It could be worse. We got a library. I work on the newsletter, too.” Monette’s smile faltered. “Say somethin’.”
Talia snapped out of the fog of memories and emotions. She took the photos from the bag. “Karl sent these. Karl, Jr. plays pee-wee football. The baby, Rashida, just started kindergarten. She’s the cutest thing. Looks just like my baby pictures.”
Though she knew she was babbling, Talia couldn’t stop. She dredged up every anecdote Karl had told her about the kids. Monette stared at the photos, nodding and smiling. She laughed at Talia’s account of their exploits.
“They sure are some beautiful babies. And you right, Rashida looks just like you did at that age. Got that same spunky spark in her eyes, too.” Monette looked at each picture at least three times. She pushed them back to Talia.
“Those are yours to keep. I got you this to put them in.” Talia held up the small dark blue album with the words SWEET MEMORIES embossed in silver on the leather cover.
Monette touched the book’s surface with her fingertips. She looked into Talia’s eyes. Tears filled her own until one spilled down her cheek. “For me.”
“Yes.” Talia swallowed hard and looked away. “I mean you need something to keep them in. I didn’t think they’d let you have frames. The glass and metal might…” Her voice faded.
“Thanks.” Monette grasped Talia’s right hand tightly, then let go after a few seconds.
“You’re welcome,” Talia whispered, and choked back her own tears.
Monette sat straight and took a tissue from her shirt pocket. “Came prepared,” she joked through tears as she dabbed at her eyes.
Talia bit her lower lip and glanced around as though interested in the walls. Monette sniffed a few more times, then tapped her hand. When Talia looked at her again, the old cocky smile she knew was back.
“So tell me all about your hotshot career and big-city life. Miz Rose swears you got the town by the tail.” Monette laughed. “You’re using the family gift of fast talk honestly. ’Bout time one of us did.”
“Mama Rose tends to exaggerate.” Still Talia blushed. “I’m a political consultant on the Hill. I help organizations negotiate all the complications of dealing with the federal bureaucracy.”
“A lobbyist?” Monette crossed her arms. “Good for you. Lotta money and influence.”
“Well, I do some of what a lobbyists does, but more.
I help educate congressmen on issues, give organizations information on federal policies and procedures, things like that.”
“Oh, yeah.” Monette nodded. “You use information and know lots of stuff.”
“Definitely. We maintain our own database and use good professional research web sites.”
“Gotcha. So you’ve got inside tips that folks need to get heard, like who to talk to and how to talk to ’em.” Monette sat forward. “Sounds like a good spot to be in.”
“I like knowing the ins and outs of all those complicated rules and regs, sure.” Talia smiled.
“Bet you’re good at it, too. Didn’t need Miz Rose to tell me that. You always had a sharp brain.” Monette gazed at her with pride.
“I work hard.” Talia felt deep pleasure at the simple compliment. She’d always wanted Monette’s approval.
“Sure, but you also got talent and spunk. I’m glad you didn’t throw it away, like I did. Course, I was never smart in books like you.”
“You’re no dummy. When I was real small you had all kinds of books on history, psychology, and sociology.” Talia didn’t mention that her mother sold them over time.
“Yeah, tryin’ to make up for wastin’ my school years.”
“You have a curious mind, that’s a sign of an educated person. Not from a college, but from an interest in the world.” Talia smiled slightly. “I remember you could argue politics with the best of them.”
“Always was shootin’ off my big mouth. Everybody knew my opinion.” Monette laughed at herself.
“One time you were working at Rudy’s Diner. Remember? Your boss got mad because you knew more than he did about managing the place.”
“Rudy.” Monette rolled her eyes. “His own kin was stealin’ him blind. A fool coulda done better.”
“He fired you for taking meat from the restaurant. Later on he found out it was his bum of a nephew.” Talia looked down at her hands. “It wasn’t fair.”
Monette had made efforts to live a straight life, especially after ultimatums from child welfare workers. Talia remembered other jobs lost through layoff, relatives who stole their last money for rent, and friends who betrayed Monette’s trust.