Basement Level 5: Never Scared

by L. R. Wright

  Dr. Lambert swallowed. “I’m sorry.”

  “What are you talking about?” Pop bellowed. “What are you sorry for?”

  Kendrick cursed. “Right, what are you sorry for?”

  “Lambert, what’s wrong with my wife?” Dro growled.

  “We tried to...” The doctor’s voice was grainy. “I’m sorry, Dro. She’s gone.”

  CHAPTER 32

  August 13, 2002:

  Dro peeked into the hospital room and was greeted by a smiling Alexa. He grinned at her. “Hi, baby.”

  “Hey.” Her voice was scratchy. She cleared her throat.

  He looked down at his wife and his newborn baby girl, Alejandra Kyleigh Martinez. Kyleigh was wrapped in a pink blanket and Alexa was holding her against her bosom.

  “That’s my baby girl?” His eyes filled with tears of joy as he looked at his daughter’s plump, red cheeks. He shook his head in awe. He’d never seen anything so precious.

  “Yes, it’s her.”

  He bent lower and kissed Alexa gently on her forehead. Then he looked at the tiny Kyleigh and rubbed her full head of jet black hair. “She’s so small,” he whispered. “So beautiful.”

  “I know. She’s perfect.”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”

  “Shhh. No need to be sorry. Kendrick was here. Although, I’m sure he was scarred for life from the images.”

  Her soft laugh caressed his ears. “I wanted to be here,” he told her, his voice shaky. “You know I did.”

  “I know you had business. The important thing is you’re here now.”

  He swallowed roughly and reached for his daughter. She placed a squirming Kyleigh in his arms. Kyleigh opened her eyes and he gasped. “She has my eyes.”

  Alexa beamed. “Yeah, they’re beautiful like her Papa’s.”

  He cradled his daughter in his arms and rocked her. “She’s so beautiful. I can’t believe I’m a father. I’m your Papa,” he whispered to Kyleigh. “Soy su Papá, la nena.” He picked up Kyleigh’s little hand and swept a finger across her soft skin.

  “Did you take care of your business?” Alexa asked.

  He bounced Kyleigh in his arms. “Everything is taken care of. Lei is outside. He can’t wait to see his niece. He’s adamant that you named her for him.”

  “He would think that. I just liked the name.” They had decided to name their first born after him, whether it was a boy or a girl. Alejandra meant “defender/helper.” Alexa wanted to call her by her middle name, Kyleigh, which was fine with him.

  His daughter cooed in his arms and he felt his heart open up. “I just can’t believe it.” He glanced at Alexa. “Tell me about the birth. How are you? Are you sore?”

  “You have no idea. But I’m good. My water broke at noon, and Kendrick just happened to be with me.” Alexa had been on bed rest since Paul attacked her. “I’m just glad she is finally here. Getting her here, though, was very painful. It was worse than getting shot.”

  She scooted over to clear a spot for him. He climbed in the bed next to her and she nuzzled into his side. “I kind of wanted to shoot the nurse, though,” she continued. “She kept telling me to breathe, and I didn’t want to breathe. I threatened them with bodily harm if they didn’t just pull the baby out. Of course they wouldn’t.” She giggled at her own recounting of the story.

  He chuckled and kissed her on her forehead. “I was worried. Kendrick called screaming you had gone into labor and threatened to kick my ass for leaving him with you.”

  Her light, airy laugh filled the room. “He couldn’t take it, especially when I broke his finger.”

  It was his turn to laugh as he imagined Alexa snapping Kendrick’s finger. “That’s why he had that brace on his finger? That’s funny.”

  “Well, he didn’t think it was that funny.”

  He kissed Kyleigh’s forehead. “Thank you, Baby.”

  “What are you thanking me for?”

  “For my life. You and Kyleigh are my life. I never thought I would feel like this. I really didn’t want to. I can’t imagine things any different. I love you so much. Thank you for giving me my life.”

  She wiped a stray tear that fell from her eyes. “I didn’t do anything. I just love you.”

  “I know. You love me through everything.”

  She reached out and rubbed Kyleigh’s hand. “You do the same for me. But next time I decide to go into labor with your child, be here.”

  “No doubt.”

  She rubbed the top of Kyleigh’s head. “I want to give her everything I have. And some things I didn’t have. I never want to fail her. I never want her to feel fear.”

  He wrapped his arms around Alexa and held both of his girls in his arms. “I know the feeling.” And he did because that’s how he felt about her—and now Kyleigh. Dro and his two girls settled into the bed. Eventually, they all fell asleep.

  ***

  November 20, 2011:

  Dro closed his eyes and clenched his fists. He opened his eyes slowly, but it was still there—Alexa’s casket.

  He sucked in a deep breath and willed himself not to lose it in the middle of the funeral. As the Pastor spoke, none of his words registered, going in one ear and out the other. But that was what he expected anyway. The Pastor, although he’d met her, did not know Alexa. There were certain things the Pastor could say, but he wouldn’t be able to capture her spirit. He wouldn’t be able to describe her smile or the way her hair fell like waterfalls down her back when she wore it curly. The Pastor wouldn’t be able to describe how her voice coated his insides and stilled his fears. Closing his eyes again, he sighed.

  Dro never thought this was something he would have to do. He felt his hand being squeezed and looked to his left. Veronica was gripping his hand. Pop flew her, Ari, and Makayla in for the funeral. He didn’t want the kids there, though. He couldn’t stand seeing their crying faces or swollen eyes. The eulogy seemed to go on for hours and Dro wanted to stand up and order it to be done. He was “The Boss” after all. He could have things his way if he wanted. He knew this needed to be done, though, so others could say goodbye to his wife. His love. They needed closure, even though he just wanted it to be over.

  He swallowed as he stared at the picture of Alexa standing next to the casket. It was a beautiful picture of her, but it still didn’t do her justice. She was even more beautiful in person. He longed to see her, to wrap his arms around her tight and never let go. He couldn’t.

  “Dro, they are wheeling the casket out,” Lei whispered in his ear. “We need to go.”

  Dro rose to his feet and then followed the casket down the long aisle, with Ma on one side and Pop on the other.

  At the cemetery, Dro watched as they lowered the casket into the ground and heard the soft cries of the mourners. He felt numb. He saw Chase kneel down by the grave and toss a rose in the hole. Kendrick had chosen to skip the funeral and Dro couldn’t blame him. He would have skipped it, if he could have gotten away with it.

  Pop stood beside Dro in silence for a few minutes.

  “Son, it’s time to go,” he whispered.

  Dro scanned the area. The cemetery had cleared out. The only people still there were those closest to him.

  Ari squeezed his hand. “Let’s go, big brother.”

  He nodded and let her lead him away.

  ***

  In the limo, they sat in silence as the car drove them to their destination. “The plane is ready, Dro,” Lei said, closing his cell phone.

  “Did you take care of everything else?” Dro asked.

  “Everything is good. Are you sure you want to do this?”

  Dro peered out of the window. “I need to do this for her and for the kids.”

  When the limo arrived at the private air strip, the car emptied. Ari and Makayla entered the jet after saying their goodbyes to Veronica and Pop. Chase said his goodbyes next.

  Lei kissed his mother’s brow. “Bye, Ma.” He embraced his father. “Talk to you soon, Pop.”

/>   Tears gathered in the corner of Pop’s eyes as he patted Lei’s back. “Bye, son. Take care. I’ll be seeing you.” Lei climbed the stairs into the jet.

  Dro turned to his in-laws—his real parents. They were there for him more than his own. “I’ll be in touch.”

  Veronica caressed his jaw. “Bye, Dro.”

  Pop embraced Dro. “Don’t worry about things here. I’ll take care of everything. Then, I’ll see you again.”

  “I know,” Dro said. “You’ve always taken care of everything, Pop. I can’t thank you enough. I love you both. Thank you.”

  CHAPTER 33

  November 21, 2011:

  For anyone curious enough to view their flight plan, it would seem like they were headed to Puerto Rico. Instead, they landed in Alicante, Spain—off Costa Blanca.

  Since Kendrick hadn’t gone to the funeral, he’d flown to pick up the kids and his wife from Pop’s private compound in San Jose. It had surprised all of them when Pop revealed their location. Pop had managed to build a little haven no one knew about. They were all greatly relieved that the children were safe.

  The limo pulled into the circular driveway of a massive estate in the mountains. When Kyleigh was born, Pop had secured the property and charged Chase with renovating it. Chase had spent nearly a year and a half in Spain, modifying the land and putting his own special touch on it.

  When they exited the limo, the other passengers stood in awe. The house was just one of five on the ten acres of land purchased in the hills of Alicante. For security reasons, Dro bought all of the homes in the vicinity.

  Ari had chosen to stay in the Dro’s villa, in a separate wing. After Alexa died, Ari informed Dro that she was tired of working and was ready to move on. The others pretty much followed suit.

  Dro liquidated the Martinez Organization, choosing to leave that part of his life behind. He transferred ownership of Martinez Construction over to Chase. The construction business headquarters were relocated to Spain. Since Chase had practically lived in Spain for over a year, he had already made plenty of contacts and lined up other jobs.

  Although Dro sold most of Martinez’s holdings, he chose to maintain ownership of the Martinez hotels, including the one in their home town. Over the years, they’d acquired hotels in various places, including Florida, Las Vegas, Brazil, and Madrid. Alexa had a passion for the hotels and insisted he expand that business. Kendrick agreed to help him run the hotels. The hotel in Canada was transferred to Chase and Kendrick’s parents, The Wilsons, because that’s where they wanted to relocate.

  Pop purchased Martinez Security from Dro with the provision that he would change the name of the company. Dro didn’t want to be associated with it anymore. Pop also took over the business interests in Puerto Rico, including the casino and resort.

  Pop stayed behind to tie up some loose ends for Dro. Then he and Veronica planned to go to their villa in San Jose, even though Dro wanted them to come to Spain. Pop promised to visit as often as possible.

  Lei chose to remain on as legal counsel for all the businesses, but he would live in Spain with the others.

  Dro stared at the sprawling, luxury villa sitting in front of him. The home was beautiful and, by far, Chase’s best work. Dro was impressed by the modern architecture. There were large glass windows and all rooms had views of the sea. There was a small gym, which was attached to an indoor pool on the lower level. There was an infinity pool outdoors as well, and a large garden on the grounds. The beach was less than two miles away from the house, and he was looking forward to taking the children as much as possible. He smiled as they walked through their home. He remembered how he and Alexa dreamed of making love on the beach. After he took a tour of the front of the house, he walked back into the main living area. Most of the windows were retractable and offered an intermingling of indoors and outdoors. They were open now, and he could feel the soft gentle breeze.

  He’d just sat down on one of the plush couches in the living area when he heard the children’s innocent laughter. He smiled as Ky and Alex bounded toward him. He chuckled as they pummeled into him.

  “Papa,” they both screamed.

  Kendrick was close behind with the other children. “Hey,” he said, leaning against the arm of the couch. His hand was clutching his chest, like he was out of breath. “I need to work out. This is the third time they beat me in a race.”

  Dro greeted Kendrick with a hug. “What’s up? You look comfortable.”

  “I am. Feel that breeze?”

  Dro had never seen his friend look this relaxed, especially in light of everything that happened. From the looks of it, Kendrick had already benefitted from the nice, mild weather in Spain. He was dressed in khaki colored linen pants and matching shirt. He wore no shoes.

  “How is the family?” Dro asked. “Are they adjusting well?”

  “Good, considering everything that happened. They love Spain, though.”

  “It is beautiful,” Dro agreed. “Chase really outdid himself on this.”

  “I know,” Kendrick said. “All of the homes are beautiful.”

  Dro gazed at his two children. He rubbed Ky’s hair and looked into her matching steely eyes. “I missed you, baby girl.” He smoothed a hand over Alex’s hair. “You too, hijo.”

  Ky squeezed his waist. “I missed you too, Papa. We were gone for a long time.”

  “When are we going home?” Alex asked.

  He embraced his children again. He never wanted to let them go. “We are home. This is our new home. You like it, don’t you?” They bobbed their heads. Dro opted not to explain what happened yet. He needed a moment. “I’m going to put my things in my room and then I’ll come down and we can talk, okay?”

  The children cheered and then bolted out of the room. They screamed with laughter as Kendrick chased them through the house.

  Dro climbed the massive staircase to the second level, which housed the bedrooms. The master suite was situated on the south end of the house. As he entered the room, he felt the sea breeze whip across his face. The glass windows leading to his private terrace were open, allowing the air to flow through the room.

  The huge en suite bathroom was separated from the rest of the room by French doors. The bathroom had a fireplace against the wall and a giant whirlpool tub. As he took in the ceramic tile on the floors and the walls, he thought about all the changes that were about the take place. For once, he was looking forward to living life on his terms without the shadow of Martinez looming behind him.

  After he explored the walk-in closets and sitting room attached to the bedroom, he sat down on the edge of the bed and enjoyed the breeze. He rested his elbows on his knees and lowered his head. He felt the cool tips of small fingers on the nape of his neck, lifted his head, and gazed into the smiling eyes of his wife.

  ***

  November 8, 2011, Alexa’s Hospital Room:

  Dro glared at Lei, his eyes like a raging thunderstorm. “I said handle it.” Lei rolled his eyes and left the room quietly.

  When Dro turned back to Alexa, her eyes were open. “Why are you being so nasty?” she asked with a scratchy voice.

  “You’re awake.” He picked up a cup of ice water off the table and held it out for her to take a sip.

  She coughed lightly. “I told you not to bring me to the hospital.”

  He kissed her chapped lips and skimmed her face with his hand. “You scared me half to death. The bullet hit a vein. You were bleeding to death.”

  “Really?” She tried to sit up in the bed and winced in pain.

  Dro could hardly believe he was talking to his wife. “I was going out of mind. I was ready to kill everyone.”

  “I can tell.” She coughed again and he gave her another sip of water. “You really should try being a little nicer.”

  He kissed her again, trailing his fingers across her face. When he backed away, she tried to sit up again. She cursed and held her hand over her chest.

  “Maybe you should stop moving, baby?”
he suggested. “You’re all bandaged up. They had to pull the bullet out, so it’s going to be tender. Luckily, Dr. Lambert was able to do the surgery without getting more staff involved.”

  She grunted as she shifted in the bed. “We need to talk. Go get the others.”

  He hesitated, wanting to keep her to himself for a little while. He wanted her happy, though, so he walked to the door. As he opened it, he looked at Lei, Pop, and Kendrick. “Lei, you’re right. We need to talk. So, let’s do it.”

  The men followed him back into the room.

  “Why are y’all looking like someone died?” Alexa asked, covering her mouth as she coughed.

  Dro watched a gamut of emotions play across each of their faces. Pop rushed over to her and held her until she begged for mercy. Once Pop let her go, he moved aside to let Lei and Kendrick greet her.

  Kendrick messed her hair. “Don’t you ever do that to me again?”

  She smiled at Kendrick. “I promise, which leads me to my point.” Glancing at Dro, she reached for his hand. “I’m tired, baby. It’s time. I can’t do this anymore.”

  “I know,” Dro sighed. “I’m going to make it happen. I’ve already been working out some things. You’re right, Alexa.” He caressed her face and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m the boss, and I promised to always make you happy. I understand you want something different for our children. I want the same thing. So, here is the plan.”

  ***

  November 21, 2011, Alicante, Spain:

  Dro faced his wife. When she opened her mouth to speak, he planted a searing kiss on her lips. Pulling back after a couple of minutes, he drank her in. “I missed you, novio.”