Troublemaker

by Trice Hickman

  Samantha loved his duality. He was a clean cut, athletic honor student whose favorite board game was Tic Tac Toe, yet he kept whips, chains, and feathers under his bed for sexual pleasure. Samantha thought she’d found the perfect man, but she soon discovered there was a darker side to her new found prince charming than she’d ever imagined.

  One night Samantha had snuck David into her house while her parents were out at her father’s holiday office party. While Samantha was down the hall taking a long shower, David used the opportunity to go through her things. When she came back into her bedroom with a towel wrapped around her body, she had no idea that the sexy, good-looking man standing in front of her had just discovered the secret she’d been keeping that could tear her family apart.

  It wasn’t until the explosive evening of their break-up a few nights later that Samantha found out how ruthless he really was. She went over to his apartment and accidentally stumbled upon a shocking discovery that made her nearly lose her breath. While she was in the middle of cursing him out, David raised his hand and said, “You’re gonna walk out that door, you’re gonna keep your mouth shut, and this is why.” He proceeded to tell her what he’d read in her journal when she had been in the shower a few nights before, and when he was finished, Samantha was left silent, doing just as David had said, walking out the door with her mouth shut.

  “Getting mixed up with David Carpenter should’ve taught me a lesson a long time ago,” But that incident hadn’t stopped her. She’d spent the next ten years masking her pain and heartache by making one mistake after another, until Tyler had reentered her life and helped her find the strength to change.

  As she stared at David’s cryptic message, she thought about the truth. She knew that once Edward Baldwin, Esq. found out that he wasn’t her biological father, it would crush him. But what would hurt even more, and cause tidal waves within their family was the other part of the truth—that Samantha was the product of an affair that her mother had with her own sister’s husband.

  Samantha shook her head again as she thought about the sobering fact that Parker was her brother, not her cousin. “I definitely need to bury the past so that hopefully a good and new beginning can come out of all this hurt,” Samantha said, trying to stop her voice from shaking. She zipped her suitcase and made up her mind right then and there that she was going to expose the truth, even if it was at a cost to the people she loved. She moved her fingers toward her computer keys and started typing.

  I’m not putting up with your bullshit, and I won’t be warned, threatened, or whatever the hell else you try to pull. You’re fucking with the wrong one this time. I’m not that scared co-ed you remember who was afraid of the truth. This is a new day, so hear me clear. Do what you feel you have to because that’s exactly what I’m gonna do, you dick sucking punk. That’s right, I said it, and if you keep fucking with me, I’ll say it to your wife.

  Samantha hit reply and waited for David’s response. When thirty minutes went by with no reply message, she knew she’d gotten her point across. But she also knew this meant she’d have to be confronted with her past very soon.

  Chapter 13

  Alexandria

  Alexandria and PJ were patiently sitting at their gate waiting for an announcement to see if they’d be heading to Nedine by air, or if they’d be forced to make the nearly seven-hour drive by car. Heavy rain and thunderstorms had grounded over half the flights out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for the last two weeks. It was 7:00 AM, and the Delta terminal was full of disgruntled passengers whose travel plans had been foiled by the unrelenting weather.

  “We might have to either drive, or fly out of a different airport,” PJ said. “The weather’s bad and I just don’t trust it. We need to be prepared if they cancel this flight because that’s a very real possibility.”

  Alexandria shook her head without the slightest worry. “We’ll make our flight. Trust me.”

  Sure enough, their plane took off on time despite the bumpy start caused by the steady rain and winds. Once they were in the air, gray turned to yellow, allowing the sun to be their guide as they soared through the sky, headed for a weekend that held both promise and danger.

  Alexandria was too wired to sleep on the flight, so she listened to the soft hum of PJ’s breathing as he rested his head on her shoulder while he dozed. He’d pulled two all-nighters in a row at the hospital, and Alexandria was amazed that he still had energy to travel. She was thankful for PJ’s kind spirit and genuine goodness, and she was determined to do whatever was necessary to make sure she kept him safe this weekend.

  Ever since that morning two weeks ago when Alexandria had called her mother to set plans in motion for a family trip to Nedine, she had known there would be trouble. The first sign had been the rain and thunderstorms that had started almost immediately and hadn’t let up since. Even though Grandma Allene had taught her that rain was a good sign and a healing force that could change whatever was wrong, washing it away to help make the way to a path for new growth, Alexandria knew that wasn’t the case this time. Deception, love, and secrets came at a heavy price, and unfortunately she knew this weekend someone was going to have to pay the cost.

  Before Alexandria had time to think about what type of misfortune might ensue, or whom it would befall, the captain’s voice boomed through the cabin, alerting everyone that they needed to prepare for landing. Alexandria felt a smidgen of relief when she looked out the window and saw that the sun was still shining. It made her hopeful that maybe things would turn out better than the pit of her stomach was telling her they would.

  “We made it,” PJ said as he awoke. “I needed that nap. Now I feel like a new man.”

  “I’m glad you were able to rest because we have a busy weekend ahead of us. Between family visits and the festivities going on for the Flower Festival, we’re going to hit the ground running.”

  PJ smiled. “All right, I’m ready.”

  Twenty minutes later, Alexandria and PJ were in their rental car headed for Nedine. Even though Alexandria knew this weekend was going to prove to be extremely challenging, she felt more and more at ease with each mile they traveled, and she knew it was because she would finally be able to see her grandma Allene. She couldn’t wait to sit at the old woman’s feet, where she knew she would surely learn, grow, and feel the presence of love. She and Grandma Allene shared a special connection through their gift, and it made Alexandria feel less alone in a world that didn’t always understand her.

  Although she knew her abilities were a blessing, being able to see and do unexplainable things could also present enormous strains that the rest of her family couldn’t possibly understand. But Alexandria found comfort in the fact that Grandma Allene did.

  She couldn’t wait to talk to Allene about all sorts of things that she couldn’t readily discuss with others, not even PJ. And she was also looking forward to sharing the exciting news that the process for PJ and her to adopt Gary was already moving forward. Alexandria was grateful that Allene had sent someone to watch over Gary and to protect her soon-to-be husband as well. She’d learned that danger lurked everywhere, especially when you least expected it.

  Danger aside, Alexandria knew that her grandma Allene would be just as overjoyed as her mother was about the prospect of adding another generation to their family.

  Initially, Victoria had been cautious upon hearing the news last week, which Alexandria understood was reasonable, especially seeing that she was about to embark upon several life-changing events in a short period of time. She’d recently moved in with PJ, she was quitting her unfulfilling but stable and good-paying job to pursue her passion as a writer and spoken-word artist, she was getting married in two weeks, and soon, she would be a new mother to a small child with health challenges.

  When Alexandria and PJ had taken Victoria and Ted by the hospital to meet Gary two months ago, and her parents had seen the love and devotion they had for Gary, and that he had for them, all Victoria could do wa
s smile. And now that Alexandria and PJ were going to adopt the little boy, all her mother could do was offer her blessings, and let Alexandria know she was ready for grandmother duties.

  Gary was sweet, smart, and thoughtful. Not once had she ever heard him complain or whine, even when he had to suffer through long, painful tests and treatments. He always said thank you to the nurses and doctors, showing courtesy that didn’t come from examples learned at home, but rather from the person he’d been born to be. Alexandria loved him with all her heart. She and PJ had scheduled appointments upon their return to meet with the proper authorities and caseworkers at the hospital, as well as with social and child protective services. They had a mountain of paperwork in front of them, but the reward of having a child they could nurture and love was a blessing they were looking forward to just as much as becoming husband and wife.

  “We’re almost there,” PJ said as he steered the car onto an upcoming exit ramp. “I can’t believe we’ve been driving for an hour. It only seems like it’s been a few minutes.”

  Alexandria smiled as she looked out the window. “Yes, our time on the road sped by pretty fast.”

  “Sure did, and I’m surprised. Usually when I drive for long stretches without seeing tall buildings or anything other than trees, it feels like it takes forever to get to where I’m going.”

  Alexandria nodded, knowing that once they reached Nedine it would feel as if time were gliding by on roller skates. They were going to experience a lot of challenges that would test them this weekend, and the next seventy-two hours were going to prove to be crucial in their lives, and in the lives of those they loved most. Alexandria didn’t want to reveal too much because she didn’t want PJ to worry, and because she didn’t fully know all the details herself. But there were a few things she was very clear about, and she knew she needed to prepare him before they arrived in town.

  “Your father’s going to be here this weekend,” she said, trying to sound calm.

  “What?!”

  “He’s arriving late tonight and he’ll be staying at a bed-and-breakfast inn, not too far from where we’ll be at my family’s homestead.”

  “Ali, you’ve got to be kidding me. Why is my dad coming to Nedine, and how long have you known about this?”

  “Honey, I decided not to tell you until we got here because I didn’t want you to worry or get upset, like you are now.”

  “I’m not worried or upset—I’m confused and irritated.”

  “I don’t want you to be that either, and again, that’s why I decided not to tell you until now.”

  PJ furrowed his brow. “I can’t believe you kept something like this from me. We said we’d never keep things from each other.”

  “I know, and I’m sorry, but you’ve been working long hours and I didn’t think you needed the stress. Besides, I only realized he was coming a few days ago when I was buying tickets online for some of the Flower Festival events,” Alexandria said, trying to gage PJ’s mood. “I was calculating how many tickets I needed to purchase when a vision popped into my head that included your father. That’s when I knew he’d be here.”

  PJ took a deep breath, glancing over at Alexandria as he spoke. “I told him about this trip last week, but he never mentioned any interest in coming. And I specifically told him that this was a family thing . . . your family’s thing.”

  Alexandria hesitated for a moment, but she knew she had to tell PJ the full truth. “When I saw the vision that your dad was coming, I also saw that he was worried about you being in Nedine. Just like most members of my family, your dad is aware of my gift. He knows we’re coming here specifically to deal with family issues, and since you’ll soon be a member of my family, he feels he needs to protect you.”

  “Protect me from what?” PJ asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

  “I don’t know. But don’t worry. I’m going to make sure nothing happens to you this weekend. I don’t like using my gift to change the outcome of events, because as my grandma Allene always says, everything turns out the way it’s supposed to. But if I feel that you’re in danger of any kind, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

  Alexandria saw the tight strain on PJ’s face and she felt terrible. She’d done exactly what she hadn’t wanted to do, which was to cause him stress. But she knew it was better to forewarn him, at least about his father, anyway. “Honey, please don’t be upset. This visit is about my family. My blood family. I say that because I’m almost certain that if anything unfortunate happens to anyone, it will be to someone who’s connected to me by blood.”

  PJ shook his head. “Sometimes this prophecy stuff is too unreal.”

  “I know, and I wish you weren’t in the middle of this awkward situation with your dad coming. But I had to let you know so it won’t be a total surprise when you see him tonight.”

  “This is crazy.”

  “Just try to act surprised and happy . . . okay?”

  “You know I’m not good at pretending, Ali. Besides, regardless of the fact that my dad feels a need to protect me, I’m not at all comfortable with him being in such close proximity to your mom and dad for an entire weekend.”

  “I know, and neither am I.”

  “Our fathers hate each other’s guts.”

  Now it was Alexandria’s turn to furrow her brow. “No, they don’t. Why would you say that?”

  “C’mon, Ali, you know it’s true and so does everyone else.”

  “No, it’s not. They don’t like each other, which is very evident. But they certainly don’t hate each other.”

  PJ drove in silence and Alexandria could see a look on his face that said she may have the gift, but this was one thing she clearly couldn’t see. She had to admit that perhaps he was right. She could see things for others, but she’d always had difficulty foretelling her own circumstances. She hoped that Ted and Parker would be civil toward each other and, most of all, that her mother wouldn’t be at the center of any drama between the two headstrong men.

  PJ reached for Alexandria’s hand. “I can’t control what your father might do, or mine, but I can definitely talk to my dad when I see him tonight. I love and admire him, but I also know he has a strong personality and he’s not afraid of confrontation.”

  Alexandria nodded. What PJ had just said was true, and not only was Parker unafraid of confrontation, at times he seemed to actually welcome it. She’d seen that side of his personality the night they’d first met when he’d attended one of her spoken-word performances. Parker had openly flirted with her mother and had made bold statements, almost daring Victoria to respond. Right then Alexandria had known that he was the type of man who didn’t mind pushing boundaries, or risking things to get what he wanted.

  Alexandria hated to even think about the different scenes that might play out between Parker and her father if they came into contact with one another, so for now she blocked out all hints of trouble from her mind and smiled when she saw the large green sign that said WELCOME TO NEDINE.

  Chapter 14

  Victoria

  The last two weeks had been so hectic that Victoria could barely keep up with the fast pace. Ever since she’d talked to Alexandria about the trip to Nedine, she’d been busy making plans for their family’s grand weekend.

  She’d immediately created a to-do list, and her first order of business had been to coordinate with Percy Jones. Percy was a trusted and longtime family friend. His father, the late Maurice Jones, whom everyone had called Slim, had been one of John Small’s best friends. Slim had been a busboy and cook at a local nightclub, and he’d gotten his start in the real estate and property management business after John loaned him the money to make his start. “I owe Slim my life,” Victoria’s father had once told her. “That man saved me from a world of trouble many, many years ago, and I’ll never forget what he did for me.”

  After Slim retired, he’d passed his business on to his son, who was every bit as kind and loyal as his father was. For as long as Victoria
could remember, Jones Management had been taking care of the Small family homestead, as well as the family’s rental properties and other real estate holdings in Nedine and the surrounding county. She was glad she could count on Percy to take care of things.

  She’d instructed Percy to arrange for a cleaning service to come out and dust, polish, and scrub the place from top to bottom, supplying each bedroom in the large house with fresh towels, linens, and an array of high-end toiletries. Since she knew she wouldn’t have time to go by a grocery store, her next order of business had been a call to Peapod. She’d ordered a mountain of food to be delivered the morning of their arrival, that Percy would personally ensure was stocked in the refrigerator and cupboards. She then called Cora’s Bakery and Flower Shop to order fresh arrangements for the entryway, kitchen, dining room, and each bedroom in the house, along with two mouthwatering cakes and one pie to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

  Victoria had spent the next week making sure all the events she’d scheduled for her company, Divine Occasions, went off without a hitch, while eagerly anticipating her family’s trip to Nedine. Before she knew it, the weekend was upon her and even though she was exhausted, her hope of great things to come gave her the energy to keep going.

  Now as she sat in the back-row seat nestled next to Ted inside Tyler’s roomy SUV, she was praying her plans over the next seventy-two hours would include an evening of passionate lovemaking and emotional reconnection with her husband.

  “How much longer till we get there?” Chase asked without bothering to look up from the game he was playing on his phone.

  “We’ve got another hour or so,” Tyler answered from behind the wheel.