Dangerous Ground

by Smith, Stephanie Jean

  As Xavier listened to Spinkter tell his story, things began falling into place. “Schaffer is you father isn’t he.”

  Kyle looked Xavier square in the eyes. “How did you know?”

  “At first I thought you were responsible for the murders on base, but it didn’t hit me until just now that you were covering up for someone else. Who was the real murderer?”

  “I was covering up for my brother Jason Schaffer.”

  “Schaffer was willing to let you die to protect his other son.”

  “You don’t understand Xavier; I was setting you up to take the fall for the murders. My father underestimated your friends and their loyalty to you. At the last minute Leland and Huey orders were changed, they shouldn’t have been there that night you confronted me about the murders.”

  “So Schaffer has been pulling our strings all along. Now I understand why he sent me after you. Schaffer never wanted me to bring you in; he wanted me to kill you. So Graison, what is your part in all of this?”

  “I had an idea of what was going on back then, but Kyle refused to turn on his father. I’ve been following Schaffer’s career, he’s gotten careless in his old age. I finally got all the proof I need to bring Schaffer down. I was surprised when Kyle contacted me and told me that he was ready to cooperate in the destruction of his father.”

  Huey didn’t like the whole situation; he was just there to ensure that his friends made it back to Omaha in one piece. “How do we know we can trust Kyle? What’s to keep him from calling his daddy once we’ve got our plans in place?”

  “I don’t owe my father anything. He destroyed the only person I ever loved, and she was my mother. My mother was a young Haitian immigrant fresh off the boat, when she met my father. He was looking for domestics for his wife; what he found was a vulnerable girl he could take advantage of. A year later I was born; my mother told me that he was proud that he finally had a son.

  Schaffer and his wife have been trying to have children for years without success. When I was three years old, Schaffer’s wife finally produce the son that he would be proud to show the world. Schaffer kept my mother around as a servant and mistress. At my mother’s request, I did everything Schaffer wanted, hoping that I’d make him proud of me.

  When I joined the army, Schaffer promised my mother that he would take care of me. My mother was stricken with cancer six months after I joined the army. Schaffer promised me that my mother would receive the best care. In the end, he proved to me that he did have some feelings for my mother. Cancer ate my mother to the bone; I never got a chance to see her before she died. I was indebted to Schaffer for what he did for my mother. I pledge my loyalty to him, promising that I would never let him down.

  A couple of months ago I received a package from Schaffer’s wife. Inside the package were my mother’s hospital records. My mother was listed as an indigent patient who couldn’t afford the treatments she so desperately needed. General Schaffer led me to believe that there was no hope for her full recovery. He tucked my mother away as if she were a homeless maggot leaving off of his goodwill. My mother died alone and poor in a county hospital, she might have had a chance if she had gotten the care she needed.”

  Graison patted Kyle on the shoulder. “I still owe Schaffer for operation hutch, we all do. This time we’ll set a trap for Schaffer that he’ll never forget. We’ll hit him where it hurts the most, in his own home on Capitol Hill.”

  ***

  Chapter 19

  Loretta stared at the phone in amazement. She had just gotten confirmation of her pregnancy form Dr. Ferris’s office. Loretta touched her stomach she still couldn’t believe that she was pregnant. She wished that Xavier was here to share her good news. He’d only been gone a couple of days, yet it seemed like an eternity.

  She was two and a half months pregnant that would mean that the baby was conceived in Kansas City. Loretta had to take a short trip this weekend, or she would mope around the house missing Xavier and feeling sorry for herself. She just hoped that Xavier wasn’t in danger; it seemed as if everything and everyone was trying to keep her and Xavier apart.

  ***

  Xavier had trouble reaching Loretta all morning. He wanted to tell her that he would be home in time for their wedding. Things were going better than he expected. Graison had been collecting data on General Schaffer’s for the last fifteen years. Kyle was tired of hiding out, so he’s testifying against his father. As far as far as Xavier was concerned, Schaffer deserved everything he was going to get. It was a good thing that Xavier couldn’t get his hands on him right now, or he would choke him to death. Not for what he did to Xavier, but for endangering Loretta’s life.

  Xavier hit the recall button and dialed Vincent’s phone number. Xavier was in luck, Vincent answered on the first ring. “Hello Vincent.”

  “Xavier it’s about time you contacted me. Have you called Loretta yet?”

  “I tried to, but she wasn’t at home and her work number has been busy all morning.”

  “Loretta moved out of your house as soon as you left.”

  “What do you mean she moved out of my house? We live there together, it’s our house.”

  “She said the house didn’t feel like a home without you in it. I did something stupid and accused her of deserting you.”

  Xavier couldn’t believe the depth of Vincent’s stupidity. “Did she blow up?”

  “She tried to take my head off.”

  “Well, at least I know why I couldn’t reach her at home. By the way did you notice something unusual?”

  “You mean the man Graison sent to watch over Loretta.”

  “How did you know?”

  “I pick him out the first day. He told me that he was sent as a look out, in case Schaffer tried some funny stuff.”

  “Good show little brother, I made a bet with Graison that you would pick his man out right away.”

  “If I were you, I would contact Loretta as soon as you can. She’s been moping around for the last two days, behaving as if her life was over. Besides that Daddy, Jo and Gail will be arriving on Thursday. Do you think you’ll beat them home?”

  “I don’t know, We’re laying a trap right now, my main goal is to make if home by my wedding day. I’ll try to contact Loretta at work again.”

  “Sounds good, watch your back and I’ll see you soon.”

  “Vincent, before you hang up, I just want to say thank you. I owe you one.”

  “Anytime brother, we’ll discuss your fee later.”

  ***

  Loretta was just about to leave work for the day when her phone rang. “Hello.”

  “Hi baby, I can’t tell you how good it is to hear your voice.”

  “Xavier!” Loretta grabbed the phone as if it were a life line. “Where have you been for the last two days? Why haven’t you called me? I’ve been sitting around thinking the worst.”

  “Loretta, honey I’m sorry I didn’t call you before now. I knew you were in safe hands, and I’ve been busy.”

  Loretta sat down in her chair and began rubbing her stomach. “I’ve missed you so much, when are you coming home?”

  “I plan on being home sometime Thursday, hopefully I’ll beat my folks there.”

  “Good, you’ll be home just in time to help get the guestrooms ready for your family. I’ve got a surprise for you Xavier.”

  “What is it?”

  “If I told you over the phone it wouldn’t be a surprise.”

  “Loretta, you are such a tease, but I’ll discuss your surprise when I get home. I love you.”

  “I know you do, and I love you too! Good-bye.” As soon as Loretta got off the phone she went straight home and grabbed the suitcases she never unpacked and headed back to Xavier’s house. For the first time in two days, Loretta felt that life was worth living.

  ***

  Loretta spent all Thursday morning dusting the guestrooms in Xavier’s house. She hoped that Xavier’s family liked her. It would be so nice to be a part of a family
again. Loretta heard someone at the front door, she ran down the stairs. Xavier was home. Loretta flung the front door only to see a surprised Vincent standing there. “Oh, it’s just you Vincent.”

  Vincent wasn’t put off by Loretta’s less than thrilling greeting. “Hello Loretta, I’m sorry to burst your bubble. You know, you never told me how you can tell the difference between me and Xavier. Our mother was the only one who could ever tell us apart.”

  “It’s not so mysterious everything about you two is different. The way you walk; hold your head, and even your hairstyles are different. Xavier wears his hair closely cropped to his head, and you wear your hair at least and inch longer. Xavier also has a mild, spicy scent that seems to have eluded you.”

  “Loretta you sure have a way of making me feel so wanted.” Vincent was going to make himself some coffee when he heard the door opening.

  Xavier opened the front door and dropped his bag. Loretta ran across the room and flung herself into Xavier’s arms. “Baby I’ve missed you so much.”

  Vincent stood there feeling like an outsider. Anyone witnessing Xavier and Loretta at this moment could feel the love radiating from both of them. He put his jacket back on and headed for the door. He paused briefly to welcome Xavier home. “It’s good to have you home man.” Vincent patted Xavier on the back and let himself out the house.

  Xavier and Loretta didn’t hear Vincent leave they were so occupied with each other that nothing else mattered. Xavier was the first one to pull back from their embrace. “I’m ready for my surprise.”

  Loretta rehearsed it over and over again how she would tell Xavier that she was pregnant. Now she was at a loss for words. “Xavier, I just don’t know how to tell you now that we’re standing here face to face.”

  “Honey I know you went to see the doctor before I left for my trip. You were acting funny that day, so I called the King Center and Cookie told me that you had a doctor’s appointment. I know something’s not right, you have headaches all the time, you have no appetite and your breasts are always sore when we make love in the morning. Please put me out of my misery.”

  Loretta gently stroked Xavier’s face. “I’m pregnant. I called and got the test results last Friday.”

  “I figured that, is something wrong with the baby, or is it too early to tell.”

  Xavier had Loretta’s unwavering attention. “What do you mean you know?”

  “Loretta, we’ve had a physical relationship for almost three months straight. I do know how to count.”

  “I’ve been going through all this heartache wondering how I was going to tell you that I was pregnant, and you already know.”

  “Loretta when a man is in tune with his woman, he’s aware of everything that’s going on with her. I didn’t know if it was the pregnancy that was making you sick or if something else was going on.”

  “How do you feel about becoming a father? I mean you always thought you couldn’t become a father, and here we are getting ready to face parenthood.”

  “It’s the best news you could have given me. Why didn’t you tell me before I left?”

  “I didn’t know for sure, and I didn’t want you to think that I was using pregnancy as an excuse to keep you in Omaha. At first, I was afraid that if I was pregnant, you believe the baby was yours. You said that you couldn’t have children.”

  “Whose baby would I think it was? I went to my doctor weeks ago, he told me that while it was unlikely that l couldn’t father a child it wasn’t impossible. I was never in doubt that the baby you’re carrying is mine. I know my woman loves me too much to be messing around with another man.”

  “You sure are taking a lot for granted,” Loretta said as she kissed Xavier.

  Xavier touched her face gently as he kissed her back. “You don’t have to tell me that you love me, it’s in every gesture, touch and every look you give me. Being in love with someone is more than just saying the words. How far along are you?”

  “Dr. Ferris speculated that I was about ten weeks pregnant. We used condoms all the time I guess I’m still in shock. I never thought to use birth control because you can’t have kids. For someone who supposedly has a low sperm count, you sure managed to get me pregnant pretty quick. It must have happened on our trip to Kansas City.”

  “We didn’t use condoms all the time, sometimes I just wanted you so bad that I forgot to use protection. How do you feel about this whole thing?”

  “The idea of having your child is a blessing I thought I would never receive.”

  “I think that calls for a celebration. If you feel like it, that is.”

  “I feel better than I’ve felt in a long time.”

  “Good come upstairs with me, there’s something I want to show you in our bedroom.”

  ““Loretta, I don’t know if I can make it to our bedroom.”

  “Baby, let’s not even try.” Loretta pulled Xavier’s shirt out of his pants, and practically ripped it trying to get it off of Xavier.

  Xavier sucked in his breath as Loretta ran the tips of her tongue over his erect nipples. He picked Loretta up and carried her upstairs. “On second thought, our bedroom is the perfect place to celebrate our love.

  ***

  Vincent picked up Gail and his parents from the airport at seven o’clock Thursday night. They would be staying at Xavier’s house for the duration of their visit. Xavier had a large dinner planned, so Vincent was told to bring them straight over. He just hoped that the dinner was for family members only. Usually when Xavier and Loretta had a get together, they invited all of their friends.

  He finally admitted to himself that he wanted Diane in ways that had nothing to do with friendship. After leaving Xavier’s house, he kept thinking about Diane. She was over Loretta’s house last weekend just shooting the breeze. Diane’s face was animated, and beautiful, as soon as she saw him, her face closed up and she practically ran from the house as if he were the devil incarnate. Vincent was kind of hurt by her actions. Diane was shutting the door in his face before he came to realize that he wanted her.

  When Vincent pulled into the boulevard that led to the airport, he could see his family standing outside. He looked at watch; it wasn’t even seven o’clock yet. Their plane must have come in early. He got out of his car, and by the time he reached the curb, Gail was running to him.

  “Hi Vincent, it’s so good to see you. Where’s Xavier and Loretta, we thought that they would come with you?” She hugged Vincent as if she had seen him in a year instead of this past summer.

  “Xavier is at home cooking dinner, and Loretta is getting some rest. Something tells me that she got a work out this afternoon.”

  Josephine was walking towards him with a smile on her face. “How’s my boy? It’s been such a long time since I’ve seen you Vincent.”

  “Since when can you tell me and Xavier apart?”

  “Well, baby it’s not like you and Xavier drive the same car now is it.”

  “What would you have done if I drove up in Xavier’s car?”

  “That’s not possible, Xavier doesn’t even let you sit in his car let alone drive it. It’s cold out here, Gail and I will get in the car while you go help your father with our bags.” Gail and Josephine got into the back seat of Vincent’s car.

  Vincent walked toward his father and before he could greet him. His father was thrusting bags in his direction. “What’s wrong with you boy? Standing over there jabbering with those women while I’m standing here freezing. Grab these bags and lead me to some heat. Your car does have heat doesn’t it?”

  “Yes Dad, I’m fine.” Vincent chuckled as he took the bags from his Father. “What do you have in these bags, cookware?”

  “You know Jo she’s got wedding gifts and Christmas gifts crammed in every bag.”

  “Well, we better get going I promised Xavier that I would have you home in time for dinner.” On the drive to Xavier’s house, Vincent told his parents and Gail about everything he, Loretta, and Xavier had been through the l
ast couple of months.”

  “If someone had kidnapped me, I think I would have fallen to pieces. Loretta must be an exceptional woman, especially if she got Xavier to the altar,” Gail piped in. “After he divorced that witch Yvonne I thought he would never get married again.”

  “You’ll like Loretta, she’s the type of woman Xavier should have married in the first place, ’’ Vincent said as he pulled out of the airport.

  “Are you sure that Loretta is okay. I heard somewhere that women have nightmares years after suffering from the trauma of kidnapping.” Josephine was concerned about her future daughter-in-law. “I hope we aren’t imposing on Loretta and Xavier. If I went through half of what Loretta experienced, I would still be trying to recover.”

  “From what Xavier tells me, Loretta has been given a clean bill of health.” Vincent hoped that Josephine wouldn’t try to mother Loretta. He couldn’t see Loretta standing for that, and Josephine might up getting her feelings hurt. He didn’t want Josephine to get the wrong impression of Loretta. By the time Vincent pulled into Xavier’s driveway, it was seven thirty. Xavier was waiting on the porch, so he came outside to help them with their bags.

  Gail ran to Xavier and kissed him on the cheek. “It’s good to see you Xavier, where’s Loretta I can’t wait to meet her.”

  “She’s in the dining room setting the table. Why don’t you go in and help her? Xavier walked toward Josephine and gave her a hug. “How are you doing Jo? It’s been to long since you and Daddy have been here for a visit.”

  Josephine kissed Xavier on the cheek. “Well we still live in the same house, and you are always welcome to come visit.”

  “It’s too cold out here why don’t you go inside while I help Vincent and Daddy with the bags.”

  ***

  Loretta was setting the table when Gail came in and introduced herself. “I’m happy to make your acquaintance.”