The ice cold carbonation almost burns as it slides down my throat. The taste is everything I remember. Flavors burst on my tongue and the bite is welcome. Faster than I wanted, the can is empty. I must have had a look on my face as I hear Richard laugh and tell someone I was thirsty. He opens another and pushes it over to me. “Slowly this time.” He almost sounds like he might have a smile on his face. I can’t hide the un-lady like burp that escapes me. Richard throws back his head and laughs. He tells the table he can’t take me anywhere. I feel the blush cover me instantly.
***
I need a drink. I have no desire to relive these memories. I have to get through the day and face Tiffi. I need to check into the office and clear up the paperwork I ran out on. Better get a move on or I’ll be late for dinner. I jump in the shower and quickly wash up. I find some clothes and hurry into the dining room. I’m not the last one in, but I am close to it. Tiffi rushes to me and wraps me in her arms. “So glad you're home. I missed you while you were gone.”
“I missed you too. I promise not to leave without letting you know next time.” I get a smile and a kiss on the cheek. Others have noticed me here and I hear “Hellos" and "Welcome backs”.
Looking around I see that there aren’t enough places and ask for the extra tables to be added. All employees and family sit at dinner together. I'll need a trip to the kitchen to explain that. Taking a quick head count, I see they have it under control now.
Walking into the kitchen, the aromas are stronger. I love the smell of Roast beef and yeast rolls. I find Mooki finishing up and wait till he is through. As he drains the vegetables, he sees me and that big smile comes out. “I was wondering if you would make it back for dinner or not.”
“Oh yes. Dinner is a mandatory thing here on Sundays. No excuses allowed. Which is why I’m here. You need to gather your girls and have them join us. All employees and family are required.” I can see him looking for a way out. “No excuses.” Nodding his head and slumping his shoulders I watch as he heads to the hall where his rooms are. Having taken care of that issue, I turn to enter the dining room and come face to face with Greg. Pulling up my big girl panties, I search his eyes. I owe him an apology and I have to do it soon. “Hi, if you have a few minutes after dinner today I would like to talk to you.”
“Yes Elizabeth, I have all the time you need. Let me know where and when.”
I nod my head, “My office will give us the privacy I want. I also need to talk to Mooki about the kitchen. If you don’t mind, let me talk to him first and get that out of the way.”
I watch him nod his head, but his eyes are behind me at the door. I turn and see Kenneth standing there and they stare each other down doing that mind-speak men are known for. Kenneth walks in and I catch his smirk before he speaks.” Y’all good in here? We’re hungry and can’t start without you.”
I look at Greg to see his reaction. He has no smile, but also has no smirk. He just dips his head and walks out. I let out a quiet huff and Kenneth rubs my arm. “It’s all good. He doesn’t hold grudges or anything. Let’s go eat.”
Dinner at the Play Pen on Sunday has always been my favorite part of living here. I have all my ‘family’ together and we catch up on the news. I sit and listen to the good natured kidding going on. Mooki looks a little uncomfortable and that makes me sad. I want him to be happy here. “Mooki, is there anything I can do to make you and your family more comfortable here? Anything you need?”
I watch as his head snaps up and he ping pongs back and forth between me and his family. “Umm no, I think everything is good. Belinda is happy here and we have all we need.” I see him lower his eyes and look at his mother. “Mrs. Rae, is there anything I can do for you?”
She blushes so softly I don’t feel so bad about myself. She shakes her head no and doesn’t speak up. I don’t want her to be uncomfortable so I can discuss her cooking with Mooki later and see how he wants to handle it. I look around and Kenneth catches my eye and winks at me then looks to her. I guess he is still wanting her cleaning services. I need to remember to ask about that.
After general chit chat and pleasant conversations, I bring up the schedules. If anyone needs time off, now is the time to say so. Both Gravel and Mindy want Saturday off. They have found someone willing to cover their shift and would like permission. “Can you explain why you both want off, on one of the best nights at the Pen?” I watch them look at each other and can plainly see they don’t want to answer. “Is this a conversation best done in my office?” Both shake their heads yes and relief is evident on their faces. “Okay. I'll make time for you after dinner today. You’re not the only ones, so you may need to take a number.” I say that with a smile so they all know I am happy to meet with them all.
Chapter Eight
I make it to the office and check the work I'd left. A knock lets me know that the meetings have begun. Calling for them to enter I find Mooki looking sheepish and a bit shy. Laughing I invite him to sit.
“You’re good, relax.”
“Thank you Miss Elizabeth, Match warned me you know about my Momma.”
“Yes, I did hear she is cooking here. Want to tell me how that came about?” I see a nervous tic in the corner of his eye.
“She’s my Momma, she wanted to see where Belinda would be staying with this being a bar. She loves it. Likes knowing, she is safe with the security and her own room. Then she showed up in the kitchen and just started cooking and baking. To tell you the truth I can’t get her to leave. She’s my mom. She’s little, but she scares the hell out of me.” His breath hitches and I know he forces all that out without breathing. It’s a little funny.
“Relax, I only asked because we want to keep her. She needs to be paid for her efforts and I don’t know if she has a pension or how she wants to be paid. Some people prefer cash, others checks” He visibly relaxes and sinks into the chair. I can see the weight is sliding off of him.
“Thank you. I was worried I would have to leave to get her out of here.”
“I would do anything to keep you here, and if I can get apple bear claws every now and then I'll call it a bonus.” Clearing the air and making him feel comfortable is the easy one for today. I still have Greg and whatever is going on with Sarah and Christopher. That thought brings another knock to the door. Mooki smiles and stands to leave. With a look and a raised eyebrow at the door, I nod. He opens the door and with a goodbye he leaves. The kids come in.
“Hi, sit down and tell me what’s up.” I watch Sarah squirm and Christopher take her hand for the comfort he feels she needs. He clears his throat and stutters over his words.
“Slow down and breathe. I think I heard you are getting married in secret on Saturday morning and you don’t want the guys to know because they will make a big fuss. Is that what you said?”
I get nods from them both and see the love they have with the looks they pass. “We love the guys, but don’t want a circus. Just a simple J.P. and it’s done.”
“Can I make an offer?”
“Yes ma’am always.”
“The chapel is wired for video. I have a closet full of decorations from over the years, do it up nice and keep quiet about it. I will set the recording up for the day and you will have a nicer place than just the J. P’s office. I have a friend that’s a Judge and will ask him to come here Saturday for you. Does that sound okay to the both of you?”
Huge smiles from both of them let me know they like the idea. I dig out the keys for the Chapel and the closet, telling them to help themselves. “All I ask is to see the video after and to be happy.”
“Thank you so much, you’re the best boss ever.” Sarah grabs me in a tight hug and Christopher has to peel her off as the door opens with Greg standing there.
“Excuse me, I heard Sticky was here also and wanted to know if I could help with something?” I see the looks between the kids and try to save them.
“It’s not a problem, they were worried about dating and working together. That’s all.”
I get nods of thanks from them both as they leave, then Greg shuts the door.
Having to apologize is never easy. I look and see him staring at the door. I know the questions he has, but it isn’t my business to tell him. If they want him to know they will tell him. I have my own questions for him as well and I have no clue how to start this conversation. I want to apologize. Not for what I said, I meant every word, but the way I said those words wasn’t nice. I shouldn’t have lost control in a public area. He didn’t need me screaming at him.
“Greg, I’m sorry I screamed at you. I should have known better than to speak to anyone like that. You matter to me and didn’t deserve it.” I watch his head snap up and look me in the eyes. I don’t turn away. I look at him too. He needs to see the truth.
“Most women would say they were sorry for what they said.” His tone is neutral and there is no smirk. He is mistaken if he thinks I will.
“I’m only apologizing for the way, and the where, I said those things. Not what I said. I meant every word. I hated Richard. I hated those six and a half years I was forced to spend with him. I hated every man that was involved with the decision to help him keep me there.”
Still watching me and carefully listening to what I say, I see him trying to choose his own words. “I never knew the truth. I brought you to the club to eat, get a shower and maybe a good night’s sleep. I wanted you off the streets and safe. Never in my life would I imagine that people I looked up to were capable of keeping you a prisoner. When I returned two weeks later I was sent out again. I wasn’t aware of you being at the club. I took a ride through town looking for you. I found Lauren and asked her where you were and she told me you left. She didn’t know where you went or why you left your things behind. She assumed you were picked up and returned home. I stupidly went with that thought and left town again.”
Okay I can live with him not knowing right away. I was there seven months, but he couldn’t have been out the whole time. I know what Axel told me so I know he was paid for bringing me in.
“Elizabeth, I found out you were in the club through Jenni. I didn’t know it was you at first. All Jenni said was that Richard gave her a mom and a house for Christmas. I was happy she was happy; she was going to be living somewhere besides the club.” His words slam into me. My first meeting with Jenni is bitter sweet.
***
“Come, girl.” I stand and follow Richard blindly. If I don’t fight him, I don’t hurt as much. I see people watching us from all around the room. I have never been forced to entertain the men when women and kids were here. Please don’t make these kids watch. He stops at a table with children and a little girl with his dark skin and Greg’s high cheek bones looks up at him. She doesn’t smile or acknowledge him as anyone special. I listen as he talks to her.
“Hey kid, did you get what you wanted from Santa?” She watches him carefully like she is judging his mood before speaking.
“Mostly. I have puzzles, books and colors, but not what I asked for.” Her voice is sweet and with a missing tooth it’s a little lisp-y.
“Yeah, what did Santa forget to bring you?” He is smiling at her and in his own way I see he cares for her. I look at her and see her looking back at me. I smile to see if she will smile back. She cuts her eyes back to Richard and stands on her chair.
“I told you I wanted a mom and a house. I told you I wanted that more than anything. You took me to see Santa and I told him too, but I didn’t get either one under the tree.” Richard cocks his head to the side and looks at me. I see that one eyebrow rise. Is this what today is all about? Making this little girl happy so she trusts him? I try to pull away from him. I need to find someone to protect her. The grip on my arm tightens.
Richard leans closer and whispers into my ear. “You go along with this and I will make your life so much easier.” I stop pulling and stand still. “Good girl.” He takes my hand and holds it out. “Here, this is for you. You now have a mom.” I am speechless. Was I just given to a child? I see her turn her head away from Richard and look at me and I feel like a zoo animal. Richard reaches out and takes her hand and he places my hand in hers. “Santa was running late kid, he left her in the back.”
This child is staring at me. Her hold on my hand is tight. It feels like she is afraid to let go and I see hope in her face. “Hello.” I don’t know what to say to her and I have no clue what’s to come. For me or for her.
“Hi, my name is Jenni. Your name is Momma.” The sounds of cheering and back slaps goes un-noticed by both of us, lost in the hopes and dreams of a better life.
***
“Elizabeth, Elizabeth are you here?’ I blink my eyes and see concern coming from Greg.
“Yes, Sorry. I was lost in a memory.”
“What did you remember? I couldn’t tell if you were sad, mad or just lost.” Do I want to tell him? Will it make a difference if he knows? Why the hell not. He knows the worst. What could it hurt?
“Just about the first time I was introduced to Jenni. Your father gave me to her as a Christmas present. His ways of controlling me had no limits. Why did Axel tell me you were paid for bringing girls into the club? I really didn’t need to know that.”
I watch him as he digests the words I speak. The calm way he's taking everything in before he speaks lets me know how hard he is trying to understand where things stand. “I have no idea why he told you lies. Maybe to get you to give up hope. I remember seeing Jenni a couple days after that Christmas. She was cleaned up. Her hair was brushed and had bows in it. She was the happiest I had ever seen her and she looked like a little girl should. When I asked what made her so happy, the words just spilled out so fast I had to get her to repeat it slowly. She told me all about her new Mom. How she had pretty clothes and how she had food when she was hungry and had a clean bed to sleep in."
"I was impressed that Richard was getting proper care for her so I thought maybe one of the wives took her in. That was when I heard your voice. You were calling her from the back hall. She jumped up, gave me a kiss on the cheek and told me she had to go. I watched her run to the back where I heard your voice."
"Axel was at the bar drinking so I walked over and asked him what was going on with her. He told me Richard claimed an old lady to give Jenni a mom. When I asked him who, his answer shocked me. He said a run-a-way whore, but I still didn’t put the pieces of the puzzle together until you told me. I now know it was all my fault for the terror you lived. I was never paid to bring girls into the club. I was paid to make deliveries of illegal goods. Being young and dumb I did everything I was asked by the club.”
I stand and walk to the cabinet beside the window. Without asking his preference I pour us both a larger tumbler of rum. I don’t know if he needs one, but I do.
“There was more to it than that. I had to do whatever it took to keep Jenni safe. I don’t think you understand what Richard had planned for Jenni.” He holds his hand up to stop me speaking.
“I didn’t then, that’s true. I believed you chose to be there. I know different now. I went back to the past this week, too. I righted the wrongs that I could. Something I should have done a long time ago and I will continue to right as many as I can.”
I haven’t a clue what he means. The tone of his voice is hard and callous. If I had just met him, I would be afraid of what it means. Greg has always been sweet and caring. He has doted on Jenni and has made sure she knew she was loved. He made time to call her and was even the one to walk with her at her wedding. What he could do to right a wrong so long ago is an un-known. Do I want to be nosy and ask? Of course I do. Will I? Not sure yet. The silence is loud. I watch him with lowered lashes and I see many emotions cross his face. When he stands, I twitch and it catches his attention then his eyes find mine.
“Do I scare you? Is my coming here a mistake?”
“No! You have never scared me at all. I am curious as to what brought you here. It’s been thirty years since you've been around. What changed to bring you here all those month
s ago?” This is one thing I never got from him. He and the others showing up out of the blue. Bringing the other Presidents to me seemed out of the norm. He could of had it handled by a lawyer. He didn’t have to come here.
“Greed, nosiness, revenge maybe. I really don’t know. I wanted to see Jenni. To show her I wasn’t anything like Richard. I wanted her to know she didn’t need to be ashamed of me. Maybe to see what you were like also. To see what you did with all the money you had that Richard stole. To see what had become of the young girl that had my heart, when I was just a wet-behind-the-ears know-it-all kid.”
His words bring a gasp to my lips.
“Elizabeth, I don’t know if I could leave now without you telling me to. Jenni is happy, I have a daughter, someone I need to know about. A beautiful grown child that you raised without any knowledge of who she was. And you… you deserve the happiness that was stolen from you. I can’t change the past, I can’t un-do what has happened, but I can and did make some amends.”
“What do you mean? What amends do you think you can do? The past is over. It can’t be changed. What is done is done.” He is wrong if he thinks my past can be righted. I have safety here. I have provisions in place if Richard ever tries to come after me.
“Richard will be sending you divorce papers in the next week. Along with that, will be a letter admitting what he did to you, in detail. Axel is in jail and will never be free. I have it in writing, everything he did that involved you. Now I understand why you protected my sister. She and I owe you for that.”
“No! No! No! You will never speak of that to her. She will never know even if I have to send you out of here with every cop, judge and anyone else I can find. She will never know what they wanted from her.” I slam my hands down on the table. The bottles rattle from the force, but I will not allow anyone to tell her. I can’t have that on her and I feel tears, but blink them away before they fall. I turn and face him. The shock is still on his face.
Mercy's Angels: Elizabeth Page 7