by S. K. Hardy
“Please do. What would you like to know?”
“Are you still in love with my husband?”
Roni looked Jerra in the eye and shook her head. “No. I know it may sound trite, but I’m going to say it anyway. I’ll always love Darrell but I’m not in love with him. I’m sorry if that’s not the answer you wanted, but he was a big part of my life at one time. It took me a while to get to that point, but…” Roni stared down at her engagement ring. Her face had a soft glow when she looked at Jerra. “Zayden played a huge part in making that happen. When we met, he knew there was someone in my past that I was still holding on to. He was there for me, but never pushed. And one day, it hit me. I had the perfect man in front of me and if I didn’t get some ‘act right’ in me I was going to lose him, and I didn’t want that to happen. Thankfully, I realized I was head over heels in love with him. I didn’t know when it happened or how. I just…was.”
Jerra laughed. “That’s usually the way it happens.”
Roni grinned. “I think you’re right.” Pressing her lips together, she reached out and took Jerra’s hand in her own. “I’m glad we were able to have this little chat and clear the air about some things.”
Jerra squeezed Roni’s hand and smiled. “So am I.”
Roni looked over Jerra’s shoulder and bit back another grin. “Your husband and my fiancé look as if they’re ready to burst from curiosity. What say we go over and put them out of their misery?”
Jerra turned around and saw that Darrell and Zayden were indeed staring at them with anxious, or rather confused, expressions on their faces. It was obvious they had no idea what was going on between herself and Roni, and were curious as hell.
“I guess we should let them know everything is fine. Come on.”
Roni slipped her arm through Jerra’s. When Darrell and Zayden looked even more perplexed, Roni and Jerra stifled their laughter before walking over to join them and put them out of their misery.
CHAPTER 53
After everyone had gone and the house was finally quiet, Jerra took one look at Darrell’s exhausted face and sent him upstairs to take a shower while she helped Mrs. Henderson get everything back in order. Although the other woman protested that she could finish the little that still needed to be done, Jerra wasn’t about to let her do it alone. She’d helped them so much already today.
Between the two of them, it didn’t take long to straighten up. As the older woman prepared to leave, Jerra thanked her once more and walked her to the door. Standing in the doorway, Jerra watched her drive off and made a mental note to get her a special gift as an extra show of appreciation for helping them today.
Turning out the lights, she made her way upstairs to prepare D.J. for bed. However, when Jerra walked into her son’s room, she could’ve melted into one big sappy puddle at the sight that met her. Lying in bed with Darrell beside him was Jerra’s already bathed and pajama clad sweet boy. Looking like virtual twins, both of them were dead asleep. Apparently, instead of taking a shower and getting some rest himself, Darrell had prepared D.J. for bed. The book he’d been reading a nighttime story from was lying on top of her husband’s chest.
Jerra tiptoed over and gently shook Darrell’s shoulder. “Babe. Babe, wake up.”
Darrell’s thick lashes fluttered a couple of times before he opened his sleep laden grey eyes. He stared at her for a minute, then looked around D.J.’s room as if trying to remember how he got there. Then he glanced down and saw his son asleep on his arm and relaxed.
His head fell back on the pillow as he blinked up at Jerra. “I fell asleep.”
Jerra smiled indulgently. “Yeah. You did,” she whispered.
She stepped back while Darrell carefully extricated himself from underneath D.J. and kissed the top of his head. When he stood up, Jerra tucked the covers around her son and kissed him good night as well, then followed Darrell out the door. Once they were back in their room, Darrell wrapped his arms around her and leaned down to rest his head on her shoulder.
“I thought you were going to take a shower and go to bed,” she said over the yawn she finally gave in to. Kissing his neck, she snuggled close. “Thank you for getting D.J. settled for the night.”
“No problem. I know you were just as tired as me. Plus, I wanted to spend a little time with him before he went to sleep.” Darrell lifted his head and stared down at her. “You okay? We haven’t had a chance to talk again about the conversation between you and Roni.”
Jerra tilted her head to the side and pursed her lips. “I’m fine. She and I didn’t talk that long, but it was…productive, I think. For both of us. She’s nothing like I imagined. I actually kind of like her.”
Darrell nodded. “She’s good people. I’m glad she’s happy.”
“She looks happy. And in love.” A ghost of a smile played over Jerra’s lips when she remembered Roni’s expression while talking about her fiancé. “What about Zayden? He seems nice.”
“He’s cool. Smart dude. Seems like they make a good couple.” Darrell leaned down and gave her a quick peck on the lips before unbuttoning his shirt.
“Was it weird seeing her again?”
“Of course it was weird. Awkward more than anything.” The muscles in his shoulders and back flexed as he stripped it off and tossed it on a chair in the bedroom. “I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was, but…”
“But…what?”
“I don’t know, baby, like I said I’m just glad she’s happy. She didn’t deserve the upheaval her life went through because of me. I’ve felt guilty about that for a long time, you know? I think Zayden will be good for her.” Shrugging, Darrell changed the subject. “I’m glad our baby girl was able to come,” he smiled, thinking about Giselle. “She was a tremendous help with D.J.”
“Yes, she was. I’m going to hate to see her go, but she’ll be back for the holidays in a couple of months.” Jerra watched Darrell sit down on the bed and remove his shoes and socks. Biting her lip, she asked gently. “What about your father? Do you think you’ll see him any time soon?”
Darrell placed an elbow on his knee and massaged the back of his neck. He knew he couldn’t avoid the subject of Isaac Pattel indefinitely, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready to peel back the complicated layers and dig into it just yet.
After giving Jerra a brief run through of the conversation he’d had with Isaac, Darrell lifted his shoulder in a shrug. “To be honest, bae, I have no idea when–or if–I’ll see him again. I need to work some things out in my head first before I can even think about that.”
Darrell had briefly spoken to Justin and asked him about the conversation he’d had with the detectives. According to Justin, he was fairly sure the authorities had the right person. He’d made some phone calls to some of his contacts on the force earlier in the evening. From what he’d been able to gather, the attack on Tina had been a random, senseless act.
“Anyway, enough about him. How are you doing? Tired?”
“A little.”
“Me too.” Pulling her close to stand between his thighs, Darrell watched as she unbuttoned her shirt while he helped her pull her skirt off and step out of it. Leaning forward, he kissed her stomach before turning his head and laying his cheek against it.
Sighing, he closed his eyes and took a moment to reflect on his blessings. Without realizing it, Darrell’s arms tightened around her waist when that familiar voice in his head whispered that he didn’t deserve her. That he wasn’t good enough for someone like her.
Jerra stared down at him, caressing the back of his head with soft strokes. “What’s wrong, baby?”
Darrell shook his head. “Just thinking I don’t deserve you, J. That I don’t deserve to be this happy,” he answered honestly.
The words slipped out before Darrell could stop them, but he didn’t regret saying them. He was trying to give her what she wanted, which was him opening up more about his feelings. It wasn’t an easy thing for him to do. It had always been difficult for him to lo
wer his defenses and admit his weaknesses; he’d been that way since he was a kid. But he knew he could do that with her. They were each other’s strength. Each other’s safe haven. God, he needed that.
He looked up when Jerra framed his face with her hands. She brought her lips down to his and gave him a lingering kiss. “You deserve it just as much as anyone else, Darrell Monroe. Why shouldn’t you be happy?”
Darrell’s eyes roamed her face, feeling a sense of peace come over him. “I love you, baby. You do know that, right?”
Smiling, Jerra nodded. “Yes. Love you too.” Stepping back, she laced her fingers through his and pulled him up. “Ready for that shower now?”
Nodding, Darrell followed behind her, feeling lighter than he’d felt in a long time. As he’d said before, he was a work in progress, but then again, so was everyone. They just weathered different storms than the ones he’d been through.
Isaac Pattel sat on a sofa in the sitting room of his suite staring at a picture on his cell phone of himself and D.J. Lucas had taken it before Isaac had left for the hotel, since it very well might be the last time he saw his grandson.
Isaac didn’t consider himself to be a nostalgic man, but he found himself smiling when he thought about D.J. During the few moments he’d managed to steal with him, the little boy had given him a glimpse of what Darrell must have been like when he was that age. Not for the first time, Isaac felt a ball of regret rest heavily in his stomach. If only he could go back and change the past. His son should have been raised by him. Darrell and Lorenzo should have grown up together, the way brothers were supposed to. Isaac would never forgive himself for letting his hatred of Tina outweigh the love he felt for his son.
“You’re looking very somber and pensive.” Joseph paused in the doorway, staring at him before coming into the sitting room. “Let me guess, you’re thinking about Darrell.”
“Very perceptive as always.”
“It wasn’t hard to figure out.” Joseph went to the mini-bar and poured two drinks. After giving one to his brother, he unbuttoned his suit coat and sat down in a chair beside the sofa. “Want to talk about it?”
Isaac took a sip of the expensive brandy. “Not particularly.”
Joseph stared down at his glass before bringing it to his lips. “I hope what we did isn’t bothering you. It was done out of necessity.”
“Of course I know that, Joseph. You’re preaching to the choir.”
“Just trying to keep things in perspective.”
Isaac scowled. “Things are in perspective. I understand what needed to be done. It doesn’t stop me from regretting the fact that Darrell was dragged into it. That was never part of the plan.”
“You had no idea the police would look at him as a suspect.”
Isaac stood gracefully to his feet and took unhurried steps towards the window. He stared out at the glittering lights of the city, longing for the peaceful quietness and beauty of his home. They’d be flying back in the morning, and he was more than ready to go.
“What we did doesn’t bother me. That bitch made her bed with her lies, and then looked to me to put her back into Darrell’s good graces. Confronting me and attempting to force my hand was a grave mistake on her part. Her threats didn’t work thirty years ago. What in the hell made her think I’d bow to her demands now?”
“Tina was always a crafty one.”
“And that was her problem. For some reason, she thought she was smarter than everyone else.” Isaac made a sound of disgust and tossed back the rest of his drink. “I warned her, but as was always the case, she didn’t listen. Did she actually think we’d just sit back and let her destroy our family, and do nothing to stop her?”
“Apparently so.” Joseph stood and came over to join Isaac at the window. “And that was her downfall.”
“As its been for countless others.”
“Do you think Darrell believed the story you told him?”
“I guess we shall see.”
The two men stood shoulder to shoulder, both tall, ruthless, and powerful. Only four years apart, they’d been close their entire lives. They would go to hell and back to protect each other. Protect their family. And that was something Tina never understood.
Inhaling deeply, Isaac’s thoughts switched back to his son. “Darrell can never know we were responsible for the death of his mother. He was disillusioned with Tina, yes. But he still loved her, whether he wants to admit it or not.”
“I agree. I still think we should have gotten rid of Goodman. He confessed as planned, but he’s still a loose end. Loose ends make me nervous.”
“Normally, I would agree, but you saw the way Darrell looked at us when the detectives announced they’d found the man who had killed Tina. He was immediately suspicious. Still is. If we’d gotten rid of Goodman, that would have only fed his suspicions. Don’t worry. Goodman will keep his mouth shut. He knows that the lives of every single member of his family depends on it.”
When his brother still looked unconvinced, Isaac placed a hand on his shoulder. “Joey, the situation has been dealt with. Other than ourselves, Tina was the only person who knew what happened thirty years ago. Dead men–or in this case, women–tell no tales, eh? The secret is still safe.” He folded his arms and returned his attention to the bright lights of Vegas. “It’s safe now, and safe it shall remain.”
“And the detectives?”
“Those idiots,” Isaac sneered. “They almost ruined everything. They were supposed to have gotten to Darrell to tell him the news long before we arrived. That confrontation with him could’ve been avoided. Nevertheless, things worked out in the end. They were paid quite handsomely to expedite their investigation and bring it to a close. With the proof we have of their involvement, they would be fools to turn on us. They won’t be a problem.”
“Have you had a chance to talk with–”
A series of rapid knocks on the door cut off what he’d been about to say. Joseph looked at Isaac. “Speak of the devil. That’s probably him now.”
Isaac went over to the bar and poured himself another drink while Joseph answered the door. He listened as the two men talked in quiet undertones while making their way back to the sitting room. Hearing them behind him, Isaac turned around and came face to face with the scowling features of his lawyer.
“Hello, Justin.”
CHAPTER 54
“Isaac.” Justin greeted him in a wintry cool voice, brushing past him to pour a shot of whiskey. “Sorry it’s so late. I stopped by the office before coming here and got hung up with some things I needed to take care of.”
“It’s not a problem, you know that. How’s my great-godson?” Isaac asked, referencing Justin’s son, who was actually Lorenzo’s godson.
Justin’s square jaw ticked repeatedly before taking a swallow of his drink. “He’s fine. I’ll tell him you asked about him.”
Isaac lifted an eyebrow upon hearing Justin’s dry, clipped tone. Sighing, Isaac sat down on the couch and made himself comfortable. “Okay, out with it.”
Scathing blue eyes burned in anger as Justin glared at first Joseph, then settled back on Isaac. “I don’t like being blindsided. You should’ve told me. I could’ve been prepared.”
Isaac let out a low chuckle. “Justin, even when you’re not prepared, you’re prepared.”
“I’m serious,” Justin seethed. “From the beginning you’ve practically left me out of the loop while expecting me to cover up everything.”
“That’s not true. You were told what you needed to know.”
“No, I was told only bits and pieces. Thank God Lo called to warn me of the connection between himself and Darrell after he found out Jerra had accepted my job offer. At least I was warned in advance to expect the resemblance. Otherwise I would’ve slipped up and given myself away.” Justin brought his glass back to his lips and finished off his drink before going back to pour another. “Hell, the way Darrell stared at me with those eyes of his when he walked into his home and found m
e talking to Jerra reminded me so much of Lo. It’s eerie the way those two have similar mannerisms and expressions.” Justin gestured towards Isaac with his glass. “They get it honestly, though.”
“Yes, I saw it myself the first day I met Darrell,” Isaac mused. That was all he said, but it was clear how pleased he was by Justin ’s observation.
“How crazy is it that Lo and I went to law school with the woman who would one day marry the brother he didn’t even know existed?” Justin muttered, still unable to think about it without shaking his head. “I swear, you can’t make stuff like that up.”
Joseph nodded in agreement. “It just goes to show that things always have a way of working out the way they’re supposed to.”
“I guess so, which is probably why Jerra and I didn’t work out in law school,” Justin said with wry amusement. “I just wish I didn’t have to lie to her about not knowing Lorenzo was a Pattel.”
“Lorenzo felt the same way about having to keep it from them as well,” Isaac nodded. “However, it couldn’t be helped.”
Justin’s scowl returned. “Well, some things could’ve been avoided, Isaac. I won’t even ask what really happened to Tina, because I don’t want to know. But you could’ve given me a heads up about how you planned to take the focus off of Darrell.”
“I told you it would be taken care of.”
“Yes, and once again, I’m left with having to lie to Darrell about it. I take it Lorenzo has no idea about any of this either?”
“No and that’s the way it’ll stay. He’s only just now starting to forgive me for lying to him all these years about his real mother. If he knew about this, it would cause irreparable harm to my relationship with my son. With both of my sons.”
Justin closed his eyes for a brief moment. “I don’t like this, Isaac. Lo is like a brother to me. Then tonight I had to stand there and look Darrell in the eye and lie yet again when he asked if I thought you were involved in this in any way.”
