The Ramseys Boxed Set

by Altonya Washington

  Daphne was so certain of that future; she visited Marcella Ramsey to announce her interest in the woman’s son and explain the misunderstanding with Houston and Catrina Jeffries when Marcella inquired. There in the elegant sitting room; with the usual tea and lemon cookies between them, Daphne waited for some outrage or disgust from the Ramsey matriarch.

  Marcella leaned forward with her hands extended and smiled when Daphne obliged in taking them. “When my time came, I’d hoped to die in the peace of knowing all my children were settled down.”

  “Miss Marcella?” Daphne tilted her head; her light eyes reflected a surprise over the comment.

  “This is wonderful news.” Marcella reached for her tea cup and sighed. “Houston was the one I fretted most over. Always so uncertain of himself. You’ll be good for him.”

  Daphne blinked, feeling happy tears behind her eyes. For the next fifteen or twenty minutes, the women talked of a possible wedding.

  “Ma? Mama?!” Carmen rounded the sitting room door then. “Mama, phone.”

  “Thank you, baby.” Marcella left her chair but gave Daphne a hug before seeing to the call. “You’ve made me very happy, child.”

  “I’ll show you out Daphne,” Carmen said when her mother had ventured off. She bounced away without bothering to ask if the visit was at its end.

  Daphne didn’t argue the matter. At the door, she crossed the threshold with an added lilt to her step. “Houston’s not interested in your friend Catrina.” She said, while pulling on her gloves. “It’s me, it’s always been me. I was just telling Miss Marcella. She’s very happy for us.”

  Carmen leaned against the door and absently fiddled with a flipped lock of her hair.

  Daphne smiled over the girl’s obvious attempt at being bored. “I know you’re disgusted by me, just like most of the phonies in this town are. You best get over it. I’m sure to be your sister-in-law one day.”

  Carmen’s smile was barely there. “I don’t actually care one way or another. My brother is an idiot and deserves exactly what he’ll get- that includes you.” She closed the door in Daphne’s face.

  ***

  A cut and bleeding Reggie had stumbled off to find help while Houston continued to rage at Catrina. Reggie didn’t have long to look; for all the commotion soon brought the family on hand, rushing into the dining room.

  “Daphne Monfrey’s got a whore for a mother but she’s got more decency that you and my whole fuckin’ family!” Houston barked while Catrina attempted to stand.

  “She told me ‘bout you and D playin’ me for a fool!” He followed the statement with another blow. “A daughter of a slut is more respectful than you’ll ever be.” He sneered.

  King Jeffries let out a roar and was bounding to his daughter’s defense. He never had the chance, for Damon arrived in time to witness his brother’s actions.

  Still on her knees, Catrina’s ears were ringing but she heard someone scream. Then, everything happened in a blur. An instant later, it was Houston on the floor being ravaged by Damon. She felt someone’s hand on her elbows and was led to a chair. The Jeffries’ had a ringside seat for the vicious attack.

  No one attempted to separate the Ramsey brothers. For several moments, the sounds in the room were a mix of thuds to Houston’s face from Damon’s fists. Houston’s moans of pain mingled with the sounds of Aretha Franklin’s “Think” vibrating through the speakers. He was driven by frustration and anger over Houston’s reckless and unforgiveable actions.

  “Damon! Damon stop!” Catrina called, suddenly fearing he’d kill his brother.

  Damon had Houston poised to receive another blow. Stopping to observe Catrina’s bleeding lip and the darker shadow of a bruise on her cheek only threw his rage into overdrive.

  “Daddy!” Catrina called when Damon continued the beating. “Daddy? Steve? Preston? Do something!”

  “There baby, shh…” Rosa kissed the top of her daughter’s head. “Let him give the jackass what he deserves.”

  “Daddy please!” Catrina burst into fresh tears.

  Slowly, King urged Steve and Preston forward. Reluctantly, they obeyed. It took their combined efforts to pull Damon up but they managed a firm grip when each took hold of an arm. Damon got in a few good kicks to Houston’s side before he was pulled completely clear of the man’s writhing body. Reggie had recovered somewhat and did his part in shoving Houston out onto the sidewalk.

  Damon jerked out of Steve and Preston’s hold. Giving an indignant tug to his tattered suit coat, he ambled over to King Jeffries while reaching inside his pockets. Finding his wallet, Damon handed the man every bill inside.

  “Sorry Mr. King.” He managed a grim smirk when the man patted his shoulder.

  Damon walked over to where Catrina sat cupping her mouth. Her alluring mahogany gaze was wide as she watched him with a mix of disbelief and awe. He knelt before her, brushing aside her hand in order to observe her cheek and lip. Muttering a curse, he bowed his head and ordered his temper to cool.

  “I had the place shut down for us.” He sighed, grimacing at the wrecked dining room. “This was all for you.”

  Catrina gasped and looked around with renewed awe.

  Damon stroked her swollen lip for a few seconds more, and then reached into the deep inner pocket of his coat. He withdrew a small box.

  “Will you marry me?” He smirked adorably when Catrina’s eyes pooled with happy years.

  ***

  Winter 1970~

  Marriages, births, death. Changes within and along the immediate edges of the Ramsey clan happened in rapid fashion following the night at Jeffries Café.

  Josephine gave birth to Quentin and Marcella Ramsey’s first grandchild in the winter of 1969. Moses Tahir Ramsey was adored by everyone who saw him. Marcus of course strutted around like the proudest of fathers while his wife lost herself in the love she had for her beautiful son. Hatred for her son’s father however, continued to fester.

  Moses’ name in itself was a testament to how grateful Josephine was for the child’s ability to bring sanity to her life. She cringed whenever Marcus boasted of the baby. She recalled the day she rushed home to tell him of the pregnancy only to discover him at home naked in his study with two busty young women from the secretarial pool.

  Daphne Monfrey finally got her man when she and Houston married a month after Moses’ birth. The ceremony surprised family, friends and associates alike especially once Houston’s rape charge was effectively swept under the rug.

  Needless to say the Ramsey/Monfrey wedding was the most heavily attended gathering of the year. No one wanted to miss the chance to witness one of the Ramsey princes tie the knot with the daughter of the town madam.

  As always, it was Marcella Ramsey who set the stage on decorum. The woman was clearly elated by her son’s choice for a wife. None of the hundreds of guests were about to say or do anything to upset the newest Ramsey bride.

  In keeping with the new marriages, Damon and Catrina exchanged vows in late March 1970. The wedding was held in Atlanta- home to the majority of Catrina’s family. Westin, Briselle and Georgia flew out for the event with Marcella and Carmen in attendance as well. The occasion was a tribute to the love, desire and commitment existing between the gorgeous couple.

  With so many unions in the Ramsey world, everyone speculated on the future of the Ramsey daughters. Carmen spent an increasing amount of time with Jasper whenever he was in town. While no talk of marriage had been spoken, the love between the two was unmistakable.

  As for Georgia, she was on a mission to claim her own identity with a vengeance. After editing a few press releases for Westin, she realized she had a knack for the job. As a result, she decided to lend her talents there. In Georgia’s own boisterous words, she’d ‘ensure the family wasn’t being screwed by the press.’

  ***

  Marcella Ramsey was content that her children were settled or close to it. She no longer waged war against the sickness that no one could put a finger on. Marcell
a clearly recognized it as a broken heart. She went to join her beloved Quentin when she passed away on a stormy Sunday in August 1970.

  R

  ~CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE~

  Catrina Ramsey had emerged as the chief planner of events and advertising for Jeffries Catering. Her father was steadily losing his enthusiasm for the grind. Any day, Catrina expected her parents to announce their move back to Atlanta and retirement. Catrina didn’t mind- her love for the position she’d crafted, hadn’t waned.

  Besides, the work helped to keep her mind off her husband. Something wasn’t right with him and she knew it had to do with Ramsey. Doggedly as she tried, she couldn’t persuade him to confide in her, but she knew he could desperately use the chance to discuss his concerns.

  She was on the phone one evening settling a date for a Jeffries’ event when Damon arrived home and threw his briefcase against the wall.

  “Lonnette we’ll talk more tomorrow, alright?... alright, good night. So how was your day?” She sweetly inquired of her husband once she’d ended the call.

  Instead of answering, Damon went for a drink.

  Catrina followed him to the bar. “Why won’t you talk to me?” She curled her toes into the silver shag carpeting lest she scream her frustration at him.

  Damon sloshed bourbon into a stout glass and drained it. In a smooth move, he tugged his wife close and plied her with a throaty kiss.Instantly affected; Catrina curled her fingers about the lapel of his tanned double-breasted suit coat.

  “I can think of better things to do with you,” he began to tug at the button securing the bodice of her coral shirtwaist dress.

  “Something’s wrong and I’d really like you to tell me about it.” She managed in spite of the maddening swirls of his tongue below her ear.

  “I should take you on a honeymoon.”

  She laughed at his poor attempt for a conversation change. “We had one.”

  “Miami wasn’t what I had in mind.” Both his hands were at work then on the buttons. “I want to take you away. Away from Savannah, away from Ramsey.”

  “Baby why won’t you talk to me?” Her hands closed over his.

  “I told you why.”

  Catrina felt the sudden brush of air against her skin and knew; without looking that her dress was on the floor. “Damon, wait,” she moaned when he kept her in his arms and moved them away from the bar. “Mmm…wait-” the request ended on a gasp when her bra followed the dress.

  This was about more than lovemaking she knew. Damon was more interested in silencing her questions. Little did he know that only made her more determined to seek answers. Still, that could all wait. Just then, she was more preoccupied by her husband’s touch.

  Damon kept moving her back until she felt the unyielding edge of his desk bumping her thighs. One hand cupped her neck to keep her in place for his kiss- as though she’d even think of evading it. His tongue thrust hungrily, masterfully and she; in turn, ground herself shamelessly against him. In seconds, she was pleading.

  “Thought you wanted to talk?” He grazed his fingers along the edge of her bikinis. His double dimples flashed when she gasped at the feel of his thumb stroking her to orgasm.

  Eagerly, she wound her arms about his neck and stood on her toes to kiss him more comfortably. She draped a leg up over his hip offering more room for his seeking fingers. When Damon began to thrust them deep, she uttered a breathless cry and began to ride them. She heard him speak a low curse when he broke their kiss. Next, everything from the desk hit the floor at one swipe from his arm. Flat on her back then, Catrina heard her panties rip. His tongue plundered her mercilessly as he shrugged out of his clothes.

  Feverishly aroused, Catrina rested her arms above her head and arched into the devastating kiss. She bit down on her lip when the lengthy stiffness of his arousal replaced his tongue. She would have locked her legs around his back, but Damon prevented that. Bracing a hand upon each thigh, he kept her open effectively deepening his lunges inside her.

  “I’m ruining your desk,” she moaned feeling a heavy stream of moisture oozing after each of his thrusts.

  “Let me help,” he never withdrew and covered her fully when he joined her on the desk. Tugging one of her legs across his shoulder, he trapped her wrists in his hand and took her with a wildness that had them both crying out into the room.

  Sated, they only rested atop the desk for a moment. Then, Damon tugged his wife across his shoulder and carried her upstairs to continue what had only just begun.

  ***

  Josephine returned from her shower to find Marcus lounging on the chaise in their bedroom. So much for flipping the lock before she’d gone into the bath, she thought. There were probably keys to room in that house she knew nothing of. She went about her nightly routine hoping Marc would grow bored and leave but he just continued to stare. That was almost as unsettling as his crass words and the feel of him touching her.

  Marcus relaxed on the lounge wearing nothing but black sleep pants slung low on his lean hips that did little to hide his arousal. In spite of a very healthy sex life outside his marriage, he’d had enough excuses from his wife for not wanting to sleep with him. It’d been well past the time when the doctor said she could resume relations yet nothing had happened in that area for months. She’d grown more curvaceous, beautiful and desirable. He’d be damned if she’d turn him away another night.

  Accepting that he wouldn’t be leaving, Josephine decided to make another unnecessary trip to check on Moses in his nursery. Looking down on the baby, she thought how perfect and peaceful he was.

  God, was she doing the right thing in remaining there? Didn’t her child deserve a better life than the one he’d have with a father like Marc? A voice seeped into her silent questions, reminding her that the child also deserved to eat. How did she expect to support him? That is, if Marc let her take him in the first place.

  Josephine stiffened then, feeling his probing, unwavering gaze on her before she turned and actually saw him in the doorway of the nursery. He moved forward and she moved to leave. He caught her arm before she reached the threshold and pulled her into a kiss. He didn’t seem to care that her moans were ones of disgust and not pleasure.

  Josephine heard ripping and realized their struggling had caused a tear in her robe. No matter to Marc, who only continued to rip and tear, linking the shreds about her waist to secure her against his bare chest.

  With strength of will, she shoved him and landed an echoing blow against his face. She made another attempt to leave the room, but tripped on the tangles of the robe. Seconds passed and then she was flipped over and trapped beneath Marc’s weight. She didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of making her struggle, but she felt compelled to fight. Then Moses began to whine in his sleep, and she ceased her attempts to break free. Marcus had no shame and took his wife against her will on the floor of their son’s nursery.

  ***

  Houston got the call at the office and came rushing to see to his wife. He found her in the sitting room of her mother’s house. In a place teeming with police, emergency workers and scantily clad women, Daphne appeared unfazed.

  Babydoll Monfrey had been found dead in her bed that afternoon. The news buzzed all over town and had actually reached Houston at Ramsey before the call came through.

  Slowly then, as if uncertain, Houston stepped into the room and joined his wife on the sofa. When Daphne saw that it was him emotion surged and she rested her head on his shoulder.

  “They know anything?” He kissed her forehead.

  Daphne fiddled with the clasp of her watch. “They won’t say officially ‘til the medical examiner sees her but the emergency workers think it was natural. However natural a heart attack is,” she sniffled and shrugged. “Looks like she passed in her sleep.”

  Houston felt her shuddering against him and thought she was crying. He tried consoling her with back rubs until he realized she was laughing.

  Sure enough, Daphne’s light eyes were fil
led with happy tears. “Doesn’t that just beat it all? I just know Mama’s lookin’ down on this crap pot of a town and laughin’ at the bastards here who expected her to die some foul death of some whore’s disease.” She bumped her fist against his thigh. “A heart attack…how normal, how… respectable…” she tossed her head back and blinked away tears. “It’s all she ever wanted for me, you know? Respect. She regretted I’d never have it because of her- who she was…”

  “Shh…” Houston kissed her temple and smoothed his hand along the amber cotton sleeve of her dress. “You’ve got respect. You’re a Ramsey and respect is ours for keeps.”

  ***

  Carmen had been living at home since her mother’s passing. She had every intention of returning to finish her schooling but decided to take a bit more time off. She wouldn’t linger long and; to ensure it, she released the house staff. Only two or three would come in once a week to keep the place tidy.

  Then, there was Jasper. They’d made the house their regular meeting place when his schedule permitted. Carmen’s hands slowed over her hair. She’d been putting the finishing touches on the upswept style when her thoughts lingered on his schedule. Jasper; while far more confident and charismatic, was still as secretive as ever. How she longed to know how he spent his time away from her.

  The bell rang and she sprinted to the windows, squealing at the sight of his Impala Coupe parked below.

  “Coming!” She called out when the front bell rang again. She sprinted from her room and down the stairs. Whipping open the front door, she barreled against him and kissed him deep.

  “Why don’t you ever use the key I gave you?” She asked when they came up for air.

  The uneasiness; that he rarely showed anymore, crossed his face then. “I don’t feel right about it.” He shrugged and scanned the yard beyond the porch. “Walkin’ up into your parent’s house that way…”