by Emery, Lynn
“You think your bosses will be supportive of you if this thing gets bad?” Gabriel pulled Erikka tighter into his arms as though wanting to protect her.
“I wish I could say they would, but I just don’t know. New Orleans seems to be a bad-luck town for me.” Erikka let out a long sigh.
“You don’t have to stay in New Orleans,” he said. “Come be with me.”
Erikka held him tightly. How she wanted Gabriel to be her way out. “I can’t run every time things get rough.”
“What’s wrong with starting over?” Gabriel eased to one side until they faced each other.
She wiped tears from her face. Erikka steadied her breathing before she could answer. “I don’t know. Coming back here would be like admitting I can’t make it in the city. Just doesn’t feel right.”
Gabriel took his hand away from her hair and lay on his back. “It’s your decision, your career,” he said.
She placed a palm on his chest as though trying to read his heart. Although she wasn’t certain how he felt, Erikka did not hear anger or resentment in his voice. Maybe he was disappointed in her? She had the answer when his large hand covered hers. They kissed and the subject closed, at least for the night.
***
Roz sat in Darlene’s living room when Erikka got in the next morning. Her glow was gone. Darlene had the same haggard expression she’d worn for weeks. The two sisters had a resemblance forged as much by trouble in life as heredity. Erikka imagined she had the same look, too. She didn’t need to ask how they were as a greeting.
“Hi, Mama. I didn’t know you were coming this weekend.” Erikka sat down on a leather ottoman. She tossed her small purse on a chair.
“I needed to get away,” Roz said with a sniff.
Erikka thought she knew why but asked anyway. “Hakeem?”
“Yes. No. I’m not even sure.” Roz got up and went to the window.
Darlene lifted a shoulder when Erikka looked to her for a clue. The two women she’d most counted on for advice seemed fresh out of ideas. Erikka realized she hadn’t spoken to Craig in over two weeks. She wondered if Jaci had. Of course. She was really his daughter. Another loss.
“Is it Craig?” Erikka asked.
Roz nodded without turning around. “He’s furious.
Jaci told him about Hakeem. And Hakeem is acting like a kid, demanding I get a divorce.”
“Uh, I thought you wanted a divorce,” Erikka said carefully. “Isn’t that what this whole younger man and not waiting around for Craig thing was about?”
Roz spun around. “Don’t even try that lame reverse psychology on me,” she snapped.
“She’s right, Roz. You’ve been acting like reconciliation was the last thing you needed or wanted,” Darlene put in.
“I know this game. I invented it,” Roz said, with a sniff.
“She’s got us on that one,” Darlene mumbled.
“Oh, please,” Erikka blurted out. “Just admit you want Craig back.”
“On my terms,” Roz said, with her nose to the ceiling.
“Girl, you better go get your man before somebody else hijacks him,” Darlene said flatly.
“No. I’ve run after Craig for twenty years. Let him come to me this time.” Roz marched over to the sofa, sat down, and picked up a copy of Essence magazine.
“How long do you plan to wait?” Darlene said, with her eyebrows raised.
Roz looked up sharply from the glossy pages. “You’re right. I’ll give him a deadline. After that, I’m talking to my lawyer.”
“Hey, wait a minute. Don’t go telling him I suggested the ultimatum and lawyer,” Darlene said loudly. “I just meant Craig may move on while you’re making that power play.”
“Let him,” Roz said, with defiance in her brown eyes. She went back to the magazine and flipped pages aggressively.
Erikka exchanged a glance with her aunt. “Mama, I’m not sure you want to—”
“I know what I’m doing,” Roz broke in. She sighed and put the magazine aside. “I don’t blame Craig completely. I let him take me for granted. You might not believe this, but I chased him down after we first met.”
“No,” Darlene said, with a straight face.
Roz nodded. “I did. His mother was right in a way. I was interested in climbing the social ladder so to speak. Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” she added.
“There isn’t?” Erikka blinked at her.
“Of course not. Women have made matches for gain since the dawn of time. Of course I was attracted to him. How anyone can kiss on some man she thinks is a toad, even for a lot of money, is beyond me.” Roz shook her head.
“If he’s worth over a million? I’d risk a few warts, especially to help the center these days,” Darlene retorted. She winced. “Just as long as he’s single.”
“Hard lesson learned, girl,” Roz replied, with a nod of sympathy.
“Around here I’m a suspected thief and a convicted tramp,” Darlene said quietly.
“I’ll bet no one blames him. That’s what I’m talking about. Women shoulder the whole burden,” Roz complained. “So, let Craig come to me.”
“What about Hakeem? You can’t keep seeing him if you want Craig to come back,” Erikka said.
“Why not? Craig has his piece on the side. He knows where I am and what I expect to hear,” Roz said. The stubborn set of her mouth made her look fierce.
“I don’t know if that’s a good plan, Roz.” Darlene gazed at her with a frown. ‘Two wrongs won’t make it right.”
“My mind is made up. Now let’s go out to dinner and rent a movie. Something about women being empowered, showing men we’re strong.” Roz looked from her sister to her daughter.
“I don’t know. Gabriel and I—”
“You haven’t been listening to me. Don’t come back here and ignore your sister support to hang with a man. Let’s have a girls’ night. What do you say?” Roz lifted one eyebrow in a challenge.
“No problem for me. My dance card is empty.” Darlene stood.
“I’ll call Gabriel,” Erikka said, after a long moment, and went to the cordless on the table across the room. When she heard his voice on the other end of the telephone line, Erikka’s insides felt like warm melted butter. “I’ll see you around eleven,” she whispered, and hung up.
Roz stood with both hands on her hips when Erikka returned. “My hearing is exceptional.”
“Just pick a restaurant and let’s go,” Erikka shot back.
***
Monday. Traffic. Work. All three had shaped Erikka’s mood. By the time she got to the office, Erikka had gone through her repertoire of cusswords. When she got off the elevator Erikka stopped short. People crowded the lobby of Lewis, Calder and Brinkhaus. Angry people, by the looks on their faces. Laurie wore a flustered smile as her lips moved. She spotted Erikka and pointed at her as though desperate. Everyone turned as a group to stare at her through the glass doors. The elevator doors whisked shut, efficiently cutting off one escape route. Erikka gripped her new Etienne Aigner handbag against her chest as though it were body armor. She entered the office lobby and paused just a few feet inside. Well over a dozen pairs of eyes watched her. Most of their gazes scraped over her as though wishing her harm, mouths turned down in contempt. One woman’s eyes shone with a combination of desperation and hope. She spoke first.
“Ms. Rochon? I’m Alison Ray and we’re with Layton Inc. We wonder if you might have time—”
“She sure as hell better have time,” a tall Black woman broke in, not waiting for niceties. “Brinkhaus and Calder said they’d meet with us. They lied.”
“Right,” another woman agreed with a scowl. “The news reports make it sound like we’re all crooks. You helped Transome.”
Her comments brought on a burst of angry responses. Erikka’s heart thudded at what looked to be a mob thirsty for her blood. At that moment, Roni and another security guard entered. Both had stony expressions to prove they meant business. The tall str
apping male guard stood a few steps behind Roni to her left. He put both hands on his hips and planted his feet apart.
“Okay, folks, time to go. Your appointment has been canceled,” Roni said in a calm, firm tone. She seemed poised to play the diplomacy card while her partner would provide the muscle, if needed.
“You believe this?” One of the assertive women spoke again. She nodded at Roni. “They mess over our money, and then call rent-a-cops to toss us out. The whole bunch of them should be in jail.”
“We’re not the thieves in this place,” a man grumbled. He glared at Erikka.
“Look, all I know is you’re causing a disturbance and disrupting the flow of business. Now I’m asking y’all to leave.” Roni spoke in an even tone.
“The flow of business at Lewis, Calder and Brinkhaus needs to be disrupted,” the woman shot back. She pointed a finger at Erikka. “They helped our bosses rip us off.”
“Listen, we didn’t mean to scare you. But our lives and futures are at stake. Layton management won’t tell us anything. Please,” Alison said, appealing directly to Erikka with a steady gaze.
“You call back for an appointment then. Now let’s go,” Roni replied, and stepped between Alison and Erikka. Her tone had changed to one of hard-edged authority.
“Wait a minute, Roni,” Erikka said. “I’ll see one person, a representative.”
“I’ll meet with you, Ms. Rochon. Thank you,” Alison Ray replied quickly.
“Don’t be thanking her. She’s in on it,” a male voice spoke up. Still, the others started to file out past the watchful guards.
“If you’re sure.” Roni looked at Erikka hard. Her gaze questioned the wisdom of Erikka’s decision.
“I’ll be okay. Thanks, Roni. Follow me to my office, Ms. Ray.”
Erikka made a vow to treat Roni real special for at least a week. Feeling sweat roll down her sides, Erikka walked ahead of the woman. Once they reached Erikka’s office and the door was closed, Alison Ray started talking.
“We can’t get answers from the company. All we know is there is an investigation or going to be one soon. Most of what we hear is from the news media.” As she spoke, Alison twisted the twin straps of her cheap purse.
Erikka played for time. She needed a way to tell this woman she and the others would be disappointed again. “Please, sit down. Let me get you a cup of coffee.”
“I don’t drink coffee. I started as a secretary. Now I’m a vice president of the company, Ms. Rochon. If you believe the reporters, I helped Transome make up profit and loss figures. I didn’t.” Alison Ray stared at Erikka.
“Look, you know how business is done,” Erikka started, and stopped.
“You gave them what they asked for, a way to word reports that painted a healthy picture. We both know that’s a fancy way of saying you helped them lie,” Alison Ray said quietly.
“Don’t believe what they print in the newspapers, Ms. Ray. I can assure you we followed accepted procedures.” Erikka surprised herself by being so smooth under fire. Still, she didn’t expect any applause for her performance.
Alison Ray seemed to struggle to keep calm. “What’s acceptable isn’t right. If I lose my job and my benefits—I need medical coverage for my little girl.” She suddenly started digging in her large handbag.
Erikka tried not to panic as the woman’s face tensed with concentration. Erikka glanced at the door, hoping for help, calculating the distance. Her throat closed with fear, but she had to keep her talking. “Listen, I want to answer your questions—”
“Her name is Janie and she just turned eleven. I had two miscarriages before her.” Alison smiled at the picture of a little girl with red hair. The child was propped on a sofa with cushions holding her up.
“She’s cute, but—”
“Janie can’t walk. I feed her through a tube in her stomach. She has seizures, not as many as she used to though.” Alison continued to gaze at the child with love and sadness. “My husband left us. He got tired of the endless trips to the hospital, operations, fighting to get services.”
Erikka looked at the photo, then away. “I’m really sorry.”
“Jeff said I didn’t have room in my life for him anymore. I can’t put her in an institution,” Alison Ray said fiercely. She held the photo up again as though compelling Erikka to look.
“Ms. Ray, I—” Erikka could not bring herself to use the words she knew Nadine would. “I’ll do what I can to find out more about Layton’s figures. I can’t promise anything,” she added, when hope lit the woman’s eyes.
“Anything at all would be more than what we know now. Thank you so much.” Alison Ray carefully tucked her precious photo back into a pocket of her purse. She grabbed one of Erikka’s hands with both hers. “You can help us, I know you can. Goodbye.”
Erikka started to repeat that she had no guarantees, but the woman was gone. Feeling sapped of energy, Erikka slumped into the chair behind her desk. She wiped her brow with a shaky hand. After a soft knock Jarvis, Laurie, and Misty came in.
“You okay?” Misty blinked at her with wide eyes.
“Somebody should have called my cell phone to freakin’ warn me,” Erikka snapped. She squinted at all three of her colleagues.
“Sorry, but they took us by surprise,” Jarvis said. “I thought at least one of the partners would handle their business.”
“Well, where the hell are they?” Erikka glanced around angrily.
“They all had meetings away from the office,” Misty said.
“Yeah, right.” Erikka grabbed a bottle of spring water on her desk and wet her scratchy throat.
“I don’t know about the rest of you, but my updated resume is circulating,” Laurie said.
“What do you mean?” Misty asked.
“Once the SEC and the US Attorney start digging, this firm will be covered with dirt. They’re gonna want somebody to do time. I’m out of here,” Laurie said bluntly. “If you two are smart, you’ll be right behind me.”
Misty started to cry. “I didn’t do anything against the law.”
“Don’t listen to her, kiddo,” Jarvis said quickly. He scowled at Laurie before going on. “Accusations have to be proven. And we’re a long way from that.”
“You keep living in that fool’s paradise. Meanwhile, not one of our bosses is in the office today. Now what does that tell you?” Laurie walked toward the door. “I have interviews before this ship goes down.”
Once she was gone, Misty looked at Erikka. “Laurie is wrong, isn’t she, Erikka?”
Erikka pulled it together and smiled. The effort stretched her tense facial muscles to the limit “Laurie is exaggerating, Misty. You know how she likes drama.” “Yeah. She is always trying to stir the pot. You go back and answer the phones. Roni cleared the lobby.” Jarvis gave Misty a pat on the back to further reassure her. He turned to Erikka when they were alone.
“Nice speech. Did you believe what you were saying?” Erikka gazed up at the lanky man. Large wet circles stained his light blue shirt under both arms.
“Misty is just a sweet kid caught up in something. She really didn’t do anything.”
“Unlike me, you mean.” Erikka spun her chair until her back was to him. She had a small window that looked out at the building across the street.
Jarvis walked over and sat on the edge of her desk. “Have you looked over their figures again? If they used you, then don’t feel like you have to protect anybody.” “Right. Thanks. I’ve got a lot of work to do.” Erikka turned back and tapped her password into the computer.
His self-righteous tone grated. She decided to head off a looming “I told you so” kind of speech.
“If you need help—”
“No, I don’t,” Erikka said sharply, without looking at him.
“Okay.” His exit was confirmed by the soft thud of her door closing.
Erikka ground her teeth together. Laurie wanted her to fail, and Jarvis wanted to be right. Erikka planned to disappoint them both. She
pulled out the information on Layton, Inc. she’d compiled. Her work for them had not crossed the line. She’d helped them restructure to avoid a layoff. Like any accountant, she knew a dozen ways to prepare the same report depending on what a client needed. She had given them options and ways to present statements of income that were true. Maybe the projections on future earnings were optimistic, but with cost-cutting measures, Layton’s overall profits could increase dramatically. Erikka hadn’t done anything that violated the law or the accounting code of professional conduct. No matter what happened, it wasn’t her responsibility. Those words and others like them bounced around in her head for hours, until she felt better.
Chapter 21
Two nights later, Erikka and Gabriel drove to Roz s house for dinner. For the first time in weeks Erikka wouldn’t have minded working late. She didn’t look forward to the evening at all. Roz had let out a squeal of delight at finally meeting Gabriel. Her mother announced that Craig had “come to his senses” and moved back home. Jaci promised to make a special effort to show up as well. Erikka sent up prayers for an uneventful gathering. Boring would even be nice. Gabriel broke into her thoughts when he patted her hand.
“You survived my family’s version of dinner theater. I doubt your folks can top the drunken-brother performance,” he joked with a grin.
“Don’t count on that, baby,” Erikka retorted.
“Your folks are back together. So, there shouldn’t be any problems on that score. They’re probably still in a second honeymoon phase. This exit?”
“Yes, then go left and turn right at the third traffic light.
I should just relax. You’re probably right about my parents.” Erikka gazed ahead as they entered her parents’ neighborhood. “Lord in heaven please let him be right.”Ten minutes later they parked behind Jaci’s blue Toyota Corolla. As they walked along the redbrick path to the front door, Erikka took a deep cleansing breath.
“Everything is going to go smooth as silk. You’ll see,” Gabriel said. When Erikka gave him a weak smile, he pressed the doorbell.
Moments later they were inside, and introductions were made all around. Roz sparkled in her role as hostess. She served appetizers and kept conversation flowing. Craig seemed at ease as well. Erikka felt dizzy with relief at the lack of tension. Jaci gave Erikka a wink of approval once Gabriel had turned to talk to Craig about the coming football season. Roz maneuvered her daughters into the kitchen on the pretense of needing help.