“What!” Sondrea burst out in laughter.
Roya slapped her arm while she sat next to her, and then Sunny reached to hold Lavonne’s hand.
“Sondrea, don’t judge. You weren’t innocent either.” Roya yelped. “But Lavonne, why’d you deal with a man that calls himself a criminal law attorney and still living at home with his family?” Roya shouted out what was on her mind.
Sunny and Sondrea looked at Roya in surprise, then slowly nodded their heads at Lavonne.
“I wondered too when we went back to his place. I’d drunk too much wine at dinner. He took me back to his place since I didn’t remember where I lived. But then, there’s no way I could’ve driven home, either,” she said, shrugging.
“Are you serious? Lavonne, you don’t drink,” Sunny reluctantly said, looking in Lavonne’s brown eyes.
“I did that night to try it for the first time, since they serve wine with your dinner. I didn’t expect to get more than tipsy from one.” She put up her forefinger, shook her head, and then lifted another finger. “Or two glasses.”
“I love this,” Sunny said as she cracked a smile.
“He said he’s staying with his mother until he gets situated. He moved from New York to Los Angeles. Then, he moved to San Diego, where his parents live. His father just passed earlier this year and stayed with his mother to help her out,” Lavonne defended Mark.
“Girl, it sounds like too much. Oh well, so what happened after that night you slept with him?” Sondrea pondered as she grabbed another few kernels of popcorn and tossed them into her mouth.
“Well, I woke up the next morning, and his mom was in the kitchen. He closed the door and his niece walked in without knocking first. I did ask him if she was his daughter. He denied it. He said it was his sister’s baby. The little girl was his twin sister’s child.” Lavonne answered.
“Does he have any other siblings?” Sondrea interjected.
“Nope. He speaks about his twin sister always sleeping with thug men. She has no idea whose child she is. I didn’t want to stick around hearing him badmouth his sister. I put on my clothes and asked him to pay for a cab for me to go. He threw on his clothes and drove me home in his Lexus instead.” Lavonne explained. “Well, at least he was a gentleman to get you home.” Roya said.
“Well, that was when we first met. What would you do if you were caught being indiscreet with a drunk woman?”
“Girl, that’s quite a mouthful.” Roya said bluntly.
“A month later, he moved into a luxurious town home in San Diego. He asked me to move in.”
“Did you?” Sunny drew in closer.
“I was scared at first. I decided to do it. My roommates would’ve kept my room open if things didn’t work out between us.”
“That’s a blessing,” Sunny said, plainly.
“We’ve been like two love-birds ever since. He asked me to marry him. Most people when they move in, they see the true colors and don’t like what they see. But the more I learn about him; I love him more and more. He feels the same about me.” Lavonne exclaimed.
“That’s hopefully me and B.” Sondrea nodded. She explained her plans to move in with Bernard once they get married.
Everyone in the room glanced at Sunny, since they suddenly were aware that they’d been talking about relationships, and Sunny had nothing to add.
Sunny noticed the stares, as if to say ‘when will you get married?’ and the hairs on the back of her neck rose.
Joy marched from the entertainment room to the kitchen, pulling on Sunny’s arm to play a game with her. Sunny felt saved by the bell.
She breathed a sigh of relief, “Later, girls!” She placed her hand on Lavonne’s arm and said, warmly, “So happy you found someone so wonderful, sis.”
As the night progressed, Roya fell asleep on the couch from jet-lag. She forgot about checking the home for anything suspicious. Sunny and Lavonne left shortly later. Sondrea prepared the beds for her daughter, niece and nephews after they showered and kissed them all goodnight. Joy read a bed-time story and turned on the night-light before she fell sound asleep and put on the night light.
Bernard called later in the evening when they were all asleep. When the voice mail answered, he responded, “Plane landed. See my future wife soon. Love you. Enjoy your favorite girls—your sisters. Kisses and Hugs. Bye, Sondrea.”
CHAPTER 16
Before the Ceremony
Sondrea
July 3rd
Sondrea drove Roya and her family to the outdoor wedding site. “Roya, you’ll remember I wanted the Bahamas, but the wedding planner said it should be local. That a lot of people might not be able to attend in the Bahamas. We’ll just honeymoon there.”
Roya’s mouth dropped. “Wow, Son, you did all that in such a short time. You are such a beauty on short notice!” Roya exclaimed excitedly.
“Well you know me…” She puckered her lips.
“Sondrea, you probably had all this planned months ago,” Roya asked.
“Well, your objections, plus a few other people we really wanted there asking us to reconsider the Bahamas—made us change the venue, so, nope,” she pouted.
Petite purple lilies surrounded the outdoor setting and large blooming white lilies stood next to the platform, symbolizing purity and royalty. The bridesmaid’s dresses were adorned of a rich texture of purple silk close to the color of the lilies displayed. She’d walk down in her beautiful white laced gown. Her husband-to-be would be wearing a white suit with a white snakeskin print vest and a purple silk long tie. His best man and groomsmen would wear matching suits and ties, with purple vests as opposed to Bernard’s white vest.
Roya stood in a trance as if she saw a ghost.
“Snap out of it, Roya.” Sondrea clicked her fingers. “What is it?” she shouted.
“I just saw Solomon. There.” She pointed at the platform. “He came down the aisle, as if we were getting married, or renewing our vows. Hawaii. Justice of Peace with only two witnesses.”
“Sis. This isn’t your wedding. Renewing your vows. This is my wedding. Look at me.” Sondrea demanded and tapped her chest. “Look. See my gown?” She gestured and spun around as if she were wearing her wedding gown, “Help me, best lady,” she teased.
“You’re right. Sorry, Sis. This is your special day.” She helped fasten her dress in the back.
“What are you thinking, Roya?” Sondrea asked.
“Nothing. Are you ready for your big day tomorrow?” Roya forced herself to focus on Sondrea’s wedding.
“Yes.”
“What happened to B? Bernard?”
“Big B got stuck down in D.C. for another day.”
“Coincidence.”
“He left a message early this morning.”
“Then, where is he? Is he going to show up for the rehearsal tonight? Or simply be a no show like the last time?”
“The wedding doesn’t start until two o’clock tomorrow.” She paused. “Girl, I’m shaking. I’m getting the wedding jitters now.” Sondrea’s body shook as she walked back to the car.
“Hey, Thanks for showing us the location. It’s lovely,” Roya tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
Roya held Sondrea close to her chest to make sure she didn’t get dizzy and fall. She also calmed her nerves by rubbing on her shoulders while whispering in her ear, “You’ll be fine. You will be a beautiful bride and he’ll be here on time for your special day.”
Only one day to rehearse for the wedding, Sunny, Roya, Lavonne, and Sondrea, were ready for the big day. Jewel would walk down the aisle as the bride’s mother. Unfortunately, Sondrea’s father couldn’t give her away. Jewel’s second husband, Lance Wall, agreed to walk Sondrea down the aisle instead.
Bernard
The plane landed at 11:15 p.m. He quickly turned on his cellphone. He dialed the house. His rings went to voicemail. He left a message. He rushed to get his luggage at the baggage claims. After getting his luggage, one suitcase and handbag, he calle
d for a taxi.
“Long ride?”
“Take me to the local deli spot.”
“Gotcha.” The cab driver said.
He heard his stomach growling.
“Yes, from East coast to West coast. Over six-hour flight. One stop.”
“Good to hear. B. Things are going as planned.”
“So, you’re my contact. Good to know. Thought you were my regular driver at first. Formalities.” Bernard joked.
“We’re here. I may have to grab something to go.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
They moseyed in the deli shop, ordered food to go, and hopped back in the vehicle in a short time.
“Got your tux in the trunk. Mine too.”
“Les sent you. I presume.”
“Yes, that’s why you had business in D.C. Did you get a chance to meet him or Salvator in person?”
“Both. It was amazing.” Bernard showed his teeth. His excitement glowing.
“Stop gawking. We gotta prepare for the ceremony. Left a message for the lady?”
“Check.”
“We’re meeting at the Hilton. I’ll be there soon.”
“Good. I’m as ready as can be.”
“Do you mind me asking…”
“Do I love her? Yep. She’s adorable and easy to love, also easy on the eyes.”
“That woman is a hottie with a nice body.”
“Okay, bruh. We are not that cool.” He raised his hand to stop.
“No harm intended. Just saying,” He smirked.
“We’re here. Wedding starts at 2 p.m. tomorrow. Gotta get to work.”
“Done. I take it that you have the keys already and checked in?”
“Done. Affirmative. Let’s go!”
The vehicle was parked and both entered the hotel after midnight.
Sondrea
Sondrea’s eyes became watery.
“You have to be upset.” Roya exclaimed. “Not surprised.”
“Roya, stop!” Sunny shot and gave her a sneering glare. She threw up her hands. “You are something, you know that!” She hissed.
“Someone has to say it,” Roya shot back. “She planned this wedding, with like 500 guests, and he couldn’t even come one day to rehearse all these hours like we did in the bloody sun.” She wiped sweat from her forehead.
“Enough!” Sondrea shouted. “He’ll be fine. He’s good at catching on fast.”
Roya mumbled, “I bet he is.”
Sunny shushed her.
“Girls. We are to comfort our sister before her wedding day.” She drew closer to Sondrea, extending her arms to her, and embraced her, while she gave Roya a how dare you look. “If he’s the man you say he is to be…then all will go well. Maybe they will do a quick mic check, sound check, and even a rehearsal check, right?”
“I’ll check with my wedding planner and make sure,” Sondrea sniffled.
“Hm.” Roya folded her arms. “I surely hope so.” She leaned on one leg.
Lavonne sauntered next to Roya, she gave her a light shrug and then push, “Stop it, big sis.”
“Okay, you are right, Lavonne. it’s enough,” Roya cracked a reluctant smile.
CHAPTER 17
Not Me
Lavonne
At the pavilion, Lavonne finished getting ready in the powder room. Sunny and Roya, the first of the women to walk down the aisle, leading Sondrea, had already stepped out of the room, and began their trek down the aisle to the music Lavonne’s heels clicked in the hallway of the pavilion. She stepped outside the door as her foot landed on the platform. She checked her breathing, and heard someone behind her. She paced faster. She feared to turn around. Her chest heaved. She knew there was a presence gaining on her. Before she could glance over her shoulder, he yanked on her shoulders, and pulled her against his chest. His strong, muscular arms held her tightly as the other hand slipped over her nose, the potent ether scent suffocating her. She lost her balance and sunk in the intruder’s arms.
Lavonne was supposed to walk about 250 feet up the aisle before she met up with her sisters Roya and Sunny near the flowery stand. Jewel looked over her shoulders, and they all turned around, expecting another bridesmaid to stride down the aisle. “Where’s Lavonne?” Security skipped past the pavilion platform, exiting the area, and nearly two hundred people rose from their seats. Photographers, video camerapersons, and the other wedding staff appeared startled, and looked around the open area for Lavonne.
Lavonne woke up in a pale white Suburban van. She sat up to look out the window, and saw Sondrea standing at the altar about to get married. She was supposed to be standing next to Roya and Sunny—but Roya wasn’t there. She noticed some chairs out of disarray after Mark stood up and knocked them down, and ran across the lawn. Lavonne was chained to her car seat, unable to scream or hit the window of the car. There were several other people in the vehicle. She glanced at two women on her right and two men on her left also tied to their car seats. Two men wearing black attire with dark ski masks sat up front, holding loaded guns in their hands. She felt cold steel on her neck, and froze. She turned her head slightly and looked sideways. Another man sat behind her to her left side, glaring at her. He moved the gun from her neck and gestured with it, indicating she should to look forward. The gun again rested behind her ear. She gulped. What are they going to do? What do they want?
Lavonne saw police cars pull up next to the wedding ceremony on the grass, next to the parking structure near the pavilion. Then, the van moved, driving a block, and she, along with the other people were moved to a police paddy wagon. Who were these people? She bowed her head and prayed.
Lord, I hope these aren’t the Task Force. Roya doesn’t need any more of this craziness. Please help them! Please help me! What do they want from me?
The men in the paddy wagon were dressed like officers, and removed the rags that had kept her and her fellow captives from yelling as they were moved.
“What’s going on?” Lavonne hoped for answers.
“You don’t know. This is like a drug bust—but patrol on a roll.” A coffee-complexioned guy said behind her.
“Patrol on a roll for what?” Lavonne questioned.
“You really don’t know, sweet and innocent,” the woman teased. “We’re not marked.”
“You’re kidding me, right?” Lavonne whispered.
“Not for me sugar,” another woman spoke up. Lavonne turned to look at her. “These wanna-be security cops caught me standing on that block selling my goodies. Yes, I did have some sniff on me too.”
Lavonne wanted to ask ‘what is sniff?’ She assumed it was cocaine since the woman made sniffing sounds and pulling on her nose.
Those men must have made a mistake by grabbing me. I don’t sell drugs or do them. They got the wrong woman. I’ll have to explain it when they put me up in court. Poor Sondrea. Why didn’t they mirandize me? Why did they think they had to kidnap me and put me under? What type of justice is this?
Minutes later, a reddish-brown woman with long straight hair had picked her handcuff locks and knocked out the man holding a gun in the backseat without notice.
“Whoa. Where did you—” she was cut off by the woman.
“Quit talking! We’ve got to get out of here! Here,” she said in a loud whisper, “take these keys and get some of those other cuffs off.”
Lavonne helped take the cuffs off of some of the others while the woman climbed over Lavonne to open the sliding door of the moving van. Once the driver stopped at a light, she and another woman slid out of the open door. and Lavonne was amazed. The woman reached inside to grab Lavonne and two other men jumped out after her.
The two women and two men ran down the block. Lavonne followed, as she wasn’t familiar with this side of town. Suddenly the two men veered off in one direction, and the women ran inside an apartment building. She followed the women, intending to get inside the door.
“She ran over here! We got her now!” yelled one of the men chasing behind.
He knew she couldn’t get far in those three-inch heels.
She froze, wanting to turn, when someone pulled her inside the screen door of the apartment building. Lavonne’s mouth was covered by the hands of the auburn woman who’d picked the lock in the van and knocked the other guy out with a gun in the backseat just minutes ago.
“Where did you learn stuff like that?” Lavonne wondered, breathing heavily.
“Girl, I’ve been on the streets for a very long time. I know those men aren’t cops. They’re some men that just got out of the pen, looking for me and my girl, for taking them for a run for their money,” She explained.
“I thought your girl said because they were not marked?” Lavonne stared at her. She favored the lead singer of Pussy Cat Dolls and innocent look like Tatiana Ali from Fresh Prince TV show.
She touched Lavonne’s cheek. Then she replied, “You’re very pretty. Have you been on the streets before?”
“No.” Lavonne snapped. “Why? I’m supposed to be at my sister’s wedding and someone grabbed me from behind as I stepped off the platform.” Lavonne’s voice rose. “I have to go back to my fiancé Mark.”
“Wait, who did you say? I saw you before the ceremony started. Then they grabbed you. You’re dating Mark Mathis.”
“What does this have to do with anything!” Lavonne flew her hands over her head.
“It makes sense why they grabbed you.”
“Tell me.”
“Those two guys were in for a drug bust that went bad.”
“Okay, so Mark had to do something with their criminal case?”
“Hm. Good way to say it.”
“Stop talking in circles.” Lavonne barked.
“These men are strapped. We met them at the club the other night. I pick-pocketed their wallets, with plans to take their cash, but saw they had the Real ID…and realized they were chipped.” She pointed at her hand. “Cashless. All their money is not paper money. You feel me. Hear me?”
“You mean, their cash is on the chip.”
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