“Please help me, I’m not feeling well. I think there’s something wrong with my baby.”
“Don’t worry your pretty little head. I believe they used too much chloroform when they knocked you out, but you and your baby will be just fine, he said. “Why don’t you just sit down and enjoy the food I prepared for you? That should help”
“Where the hell am I?” I yelled. “I need to get out of here! This evening happens to be my mother’s wedding day.”
“Well, pretty lady, doesn’t look like you will be in attendance for those nuptials.” He showed me a news clipping, where it revealed that the wedding was cancelled due to me being missing. “Now, why don’t you go ahead and sit down. I prepared something for you and the baby to eat. You know, you have keep your strength up for the baby.” I looked down at the tray and slapped it to the floor. I became furious once I read the article.
“Look, I don’t know who you are, but I demand you let me get back to my family!” I said, through the tears.
“Well, that wasn’t nice of you. it took me half the morning to put all this together for you.”
“Does it look like I care? I want out of here, and now!”
There was a light knock at the door, and the man just turned around after picking the mess up and walked out of the door without saying another word. I ran to the door, trying the knob, and of course, the damn door was locked. I started crying harder because I wanted my husband. I knew everyone was worried about me. I wasn’t sure why I was here, but I prayed that someone heard my cries. I began feeling lightheaded and frustrated because I couldn’t picture who could have gone through all of this trouble to kidnap me. I started praying hard that my prayers didn’t go unanswered and that someone would find me and rescue me. I was pretty sure that wasn’t going to happen, though. I had no idea what time of day it was, how long I had been knocked out, or who could have been behind this.
****
“Man, you sure got a feisty one in there! Bitch knocked the food on the damn floor after I slaved over that damn stove, preparing such a tasty meal.”
“Yeah, I heard her giving you the business in there. I think I’ll make her sweat it out before I make my presence known. Just make sure she eats something. I want to make sure she is well-rested and that her strength is up before I have a chance to sample that pussy. Make sure not one little hair on her head is out of place, or that’s your ass, do I make myself clear? Now make sure she eats. I’m out!”
There was a knock at the door and the monstrous man reappeared, this time with a big bowl of fruit. My stomach was hurting, and the baby was kicking and moving around all crazy.
“I come in peace, little lady. How about a bowl of fruit? Is there anything else I can get for you at this moment?”
“Yes, how about you let me go?” I said. “My family has got to be worried sick about my disappearance.”
“Well, little lady, it seems I don’t hold your future in the palm of my hands.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked.
“You will get all the answers to your questions soon. Just eat up, and I will try to prepare you something more to eat. I will be back later, so make yourself comfortable,” he said, walking towards the door. “By the way, there is a closet full of clothes, so you might want to shower and get changed.” After he left, my mind began to race, but I needed to feed my little one, so I picked through the bowl of fruit because I was truly starving. I sat on the bed, reading over the article that he showed me earlier in regards to my mother’s wedding. I knew my husband was tearing up the city looking for me. My family had made all attempts to get any information possible leading to my whereabouts. I sat there, rubbing my stomach and talking to AJ because I knew he could sense stress I was under. This was soothing to me, and it helped to calm AJ because he was kicking and moving as if to say, “Hey, mom! I’m here, you got me!” I decided to take a shower and to think of an escape plan, but who the hell was I fooling; my fat ass could barely get down a flight of steps without feeling out of breath. Oh, God. I just wanted to go home.
“God, please hear my cries!”
Chapter 22
Cynthia
Today is my grand opening, and I wasn’t in a celebratory mood. These last couple of days had been crazy. Everybody had been stressed out since Dawn went missing. There hadn’t been any word, and we all had been losing our minds. I hadn’t been eating or sleeping much because she was all I had. She had been like a sister to me since high school. Anthony had been going crazy, and we’d all been worried about her grandmother.
“Don’t worry about me because the God I serve will watch over Dawn and the baby,” she told us. I was truly trying to stay positive. The cops still had no answers, or clues, as to what could have happened. The last thing anyone could remember was her heading down to the banquet room to handle some issues. The manager informed us that she never made a call to Dawn about any issues regarding the wedding. It was hard to believe that my best friend could have just disappeared, and nobody had any real answers as to how or why. The wedding had been postponed until Dawn was back safe and sound. That whole day was a nightmare. The detectives had questioned everyone for hours. Mysteriously, there was a glitch with the camera system. At the time of Dawn’s disappearance, there was at least an hour gap with no recording. Whatever happened to Dawn wasn’t just an accident; it was deliberate. Nobody had any idea who could have wanted to harm Dawn. I’d never known Dawn to have any enemies; she was always that person you could turn to for anything. We were a bunch of confused individuals, trying to understand what could have happened to her. Here it was she was almost ix months pregnant, and she was nowhere to be found. Where could she be?
I hadn’t heard from Jonathan since the day of the wedding. He dropped me off at home and called maybe once or twice. He had been acting strange and distant lately. I’d tried calling him, but I would always get his voicemail. With Dawn missing, I had nobody to turn to. Emotionally and mentally, I was drained. I just didn’t have enough fight in me anymore. I wasn’t eating or getting enough rest. This Grand Opening just wasn’t going to be the same with Dawn missing. Sitting here on the bed, my phone rang, startling the shit out of me. Every time it rang, I damn near jumped out my skin. Before I could answer the phone, the caller hung up. I looked at the screen to see that it was Ms. Julia calling this time. She didn’t bother leaving a message, but she immediately called back. My hands started shaking as I picked up the phone because I didn’t know what to expect once I answered it.
“Hello, Ms. Julia, is everything all right?” There was long pause at first, and when Ms. Julia began to talk, it sent chills up my spine. I could hear it all in her voice that she had been crying. She went on to say that a letter was left in the doorway at Dawn’s house. The letter said that there was no need in searching for Dawn. She was in good hands and right where she belonged. Ms. Julia was on her way to check on Anthony; the police questioned all of us for hours, especially Anthony. They had him down at the headquarters for well over eight hours. Anthony was becoming very frustrated because there were no clues to his six-month pregnant wife’s whereabouts. I couldn’t help crying; I wanted my best friend back safe and sound. I sat on the phone with Ms. Julia for a few more minutes, debating whether or not if I should go through with the Grand Opening. I just wasn’t feeling it, but because I had the media, the Mayor of the City, and some other very important people attending, I just couldn’t cancel it.
After finally getting myself together, I got out of the bed and headed towards the bathroom to take a shower. When I got in the shower, I let the water cascade down my body, washing away the tension and the pain I felt. I began to cry for Dawn, I cried for Jonathan. I cried because this was supposed to be a bittersweet moment for me, but I didn’t have anyone around to share my moment with. I still was puzzled by Jonathan’s abrupt behavior, and I just wasn’t in the mood to deal with it. As I walked back into my room, I could have sworn I heard the doorbell, but I was
n’t expecting any company, so I just proceeded into my walk-in closet to pick out my outfit. I decided on the cream and gold Dolce and Gabana dress, along with my four-inch peep-toe shoes. Once I got dressed, I went into the bathroom to add the finishing touches. I applied my makeup, which only consisted of lipgloss, eyeshadow, and mascara. I wasn’t one to wear a lot of makeup because I rocked the natural look. I added some accessories and made sure to wear the diamond-encrusted heart necklace that Jonathan bought me. I treasured this necklace. I stood there, thinking about how much I missed his presence and the way he made me feel, especially sexually. He knew my body and all of the right moves to please me. I felt a tear as it escaped down my face, but I was determined not to cry anymore. I wasn’t sure how likely that was because I hadn’t even gotten through the whole day yet. When I got back into my room, my phone chirped, alerting me to a text message. It was from Jonathan.
It read:
I know I’ve been MIA but I had some family issues that needed my immediate attention. I just wanted to wish you good luck on your Grand Opening. I promise to make it up to you very soon.
PS. I love you knock ’em dead. I hope you like the little gift I sent you.
***
Well, the Grand Opening was very eventful. I made it through without actually breaking down. As I got ready to leave, there was a package left on the porch, and I assumed this was what Jonathan had been talking about. I couldn’t hold back the tears because when I opened one of the boxes, there appeared to be a gold charm bracelet. The first few charms were a realtor sign, a heart, and a “#1”. There were also two dozens roses and a card attached that read, I’m proud of you. I may not be there in body, but I’m there in spirit. Love Jonathan. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Jonathan and his absence, but he sure was trying to make up for it with all of these gifts. I just wish I had him or Dawn here for moral support.
Throughout the day, I experienced a sense of loneliness, and I prayed that God got me through this day with minimal to no crying. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and the speech the Mayor delivered were both beautiful. And of course, the news reporters and other well-wishers were there. Let’s just say, I was glad when this whole day was over with. All I wanted to do was get home. The office would open first thing Monday morning for business, and hopefully, I would be in better shape for my first day. I had gotten a phone call from Ms. Julia, apologizing for not being there. I let her know that under no circumstances did she need to apologize. I knew that she had enough going on with Dawn being missing. I informed her that she had nothing to worry about because her job was secure. It would all be waiting for her when she was ready to come in. I thanked her for all of the support she provided me, from decorating all the way up to everything she did for the Grand Opening.
When she called, she also told me of the suspicions she had about Carter Barnes being released from jail and how he could’ve been behind Dawn’s kidnapping. Just knowing all that he had put Dawn through when she was younger, and to now kidnap her, I prayed that her and the baby were doing just fine.
Chapter 23
Anthony
I’d been going through hell, wondering about the whereabouts of my wife and my unborn child. The letter that was placed in the doorway really had me puzzled. I’d had my ears to the streets. Some of my boys were out, beating the pavements and searching high and low for any information about the nigga who kidnapped my wife. I didn’t want any stones unturned until my wife was back home safe, where she belonged. I hadn’t slept since this whole fiasco happened. Whoever the motherfucker was who kidnapped her had a price on head, and I wasn’t sleeping until he was brought in front of me. He had me fucked up, talking about she was in good hands where she belonged. The Philadelphia Police Department was worthless, too; they couldn’t even find a damn clue if it was starring them in the face. All they could say was that they were working on the case and that I wasn’t to try taking matters into my own hands. I couldn’t believe these motherfuckers interrogated me for damn near eight hours. They searched the house and my office, as if I had something to do with Dawn’s disappearance. I kept telling their asses that I had nothing to do with my wife disappearing, but as it goes, the spouse was always considered the first suspect.
Damn! I need my wife back here, and safe. My mother-in-law and Dawn’s sisters had no clue as to who could’ve been behind this. However, my mother-in-law always had this look of uncertainty. To me, it was as if she had something to hide. I put a tail on her because I wasn’t taking any chances. I would’ve hated to think Ms. Julia had something to do with Dawn’s kidnapping.
***
“Mom, what’s wrong?” asked Camille. “You’ve been acting a little weird as of lately. I know Dawn being missing has you upset, but it’s as if you been hiding something.”
“Cammie, I can’t be hundred percent sure, but I think Carter may be behind the kidnapping of your sister. With all of the planning for the wedding and working, I neglected to read my emails and check my voicemails. It seems that the District Attorney’s office had been trying to get in contact with me for the last past month or so. They wanted to inform me that Carter had been released due to a technicality. I just can’t help but think he’s the reason your sister is missing. Now, call it a coincidence, but what if he did kidnap Dawn? You read the note. It said she was in good hands where she belongs. Who else could be so devious and pull something off as such? We both know he had some type of obsession with Dawn.”
“That could explain the black roses you got the day before the wedding, but mom, how could he know where you’re at? It’s been years, and you’ve moved several times.”
“Cammie, I have no idea, but the thought of Dawn being with him terrifies me. You haven’t even been in contact with anyone from the hood, have you? Cammie, this whole thing has me freaked out!”
“Well, you have to inform the Police and Anthony as to what you know thus far.”
“You know the police is on some whole other shit. They keep dragging their feet. See, we’re not the rich type, and we’re not celebrities, so they moving at a snail’s pace. Plus, if I told Anthony, he might hurt someone, or better yet, he could get hurt himself. I just wish I hadn’t put Dawn through that madness. All of the changes I’ve tried my best to make, and here comes Satan himself, stirring up trouble!”
“No time for us to fall apart; we gotta get Dawn home. Trust me when I say, Anthony can take care of himself. You know he’s gonna comb these streets, looking for Carter—if he is responsible for this. I wish Joe would have killed his ass back then. That would have been one less problem we had to worry about!”
“Don’t talk like, Cammie.”
“Mom, if you don’t call Anthony, then I will. Every minute we waste means the longer Dawn is with that deranged ass lunatic. I just hope he hasn’t hurt her or the baby. I would hate to think about that, mom. Let’s just have good thoughts because Carter will pay with his life.”
“Okay, Cammie. I’m taking your advice; I’m on my way to see Anthony now.”
“I can meet you at the house if you want while you talk with Anthony.”
“No, sweetheart, I will be okay on my own.”
Chapter 24
Dawn
“I’ve waited long enough; it’s time that my queen be reunited with her king. Carlos, I’m going need you to prepare a romantic dinner for two. Make sure you put a good menu together. Nothing is too good for my queen. A package should be arriving soon. I had a beautiful dress and shoes picked out for this long overdue reunion.”
“Man, it seems like you thought of everything. Hopefully, it’s well appreciated. Lil Momma has stubborn streak about her. She can be feisty at times.”
“You let me worry about that, you just get that meal ready. The festivities should start about 7:30pm. I’ll be there by 7pm.
“Okay, I’m about to serve her breakfast. She sure has an appetite I can tell you that,” grumbled Carlos.
“Al lright, I’ll be back later.”
&n
bsp; “Okay, peace,” said Carter, as the call disconnected.
There was a knock at the door, and Carlos stuck his head in a little to see if I was up.
“Good morning, Miss Dawn. I have your breakfast here for you. How are you and the little one doing this morning?”
“Good morning, Carlos,” I responded. I know you’re wondering how I can be so friendly with him. Well, truth be told, I’ve come to terms with this whole fucked up situation. I’m not giving up because I will escape. He let me roam around this big ass house, which is well-guarded, but I’ve been using that little bit of freedom to plan my escape.
“Well, I’ve made you some waffles, bacon, cheese eggs, and cut up some fresh fruit for you, along with a glass of apple juice. I’m gonna leave you to eat. If you need anything else, just press the call button.”
****
“Carlos, is everything set for tonight?”
“Have I ever let you down?”
“Man, I need for everything to be on point. This is the night I reveal myself to my queen. I should be there within the hour. Did her packages arrive on time?”
“Yes, I’ll have Sylvia take them in to her. You know, she’s starting to loosen up, you may just have that chance you’ve been dreaming of.”
“Oh, nigga, best believe tonight will be a night she never forgets!”
“All right man, I get up with you later. It seems as though I waited my whole life to be with this girl. Back in the day, I had my share of girls, but there was something about Dawn that ignited a fire within me. Now, her momma is going to pay for setting me up and taking me away from Dawn, and that bitch ass nigga she married; his days are numbered, too!” I remember him from back in the day. He was from what they called ‘down the Bottom’. All those niggas were pussies; they couldn’t fuck with us Southwest niggas. See, I was the big dog in the yard, and he was just small change to me. Once she finds out it’s me, I will win her over, and she will be my wife. And if she resists, I will keep her hidden until she changes her mind. I still don’t know what to do with her bastard child, but you can best believe, I won’t be taking care of another man’s child.” Carlos was more than just my butler, chef, and brother; he was also my personal doctor. I made sure he got his MD license. He knew what I expected of him when the time was near to deliver her baby. He was the only one I trusted with the matter.
A Scandalous Philly Love Story (Part 1) Page 10