That was her job.
ABC, NBC, CBS and many of the trickle down networks covered the interview - edited to highlight the truth. The investigation on Oscar T. along with the possible charges against him were derailed by his turning the media’s attention from him, to the actions of a man, who’d committed his greatest crimes as a youth - when most young men do the things they do to later grow into wiser older men and become ashamed of - a past they cannot change. A past they pray - will stay there.
Deidre also, passionately - aggressively defended him as a father - and a better one than most. While it was no one’s business, she went on to correct the matter on their daughter. Who as a little girl - had a tantrum - and used a friend’s from school ugly circumstances that she’d heard about, against her father to hurt him. She went on to say that her daughter immediately regretted it, retracted the lie - and all was followed up by the courts, by a judge and by counselors who all were completely satisfied that it had been exactly what it was, a lie. Besides that, Deidre went on to say, “I, as her mother - gave her to her father with complete confidence in her future welfare - simply because - he - is the better parent. My daughter is - in the best possible place. Of that, I have no doubt. Due to the way this story was handled, and the mental harassment and trauma to my daughter, a child - I will be aggressively bringing charges against every reporter, newspaper and TV station who took part in this witch - or should I say, warlock hunt.”
Following her statements, questions flew, some she answered, others she blanked stating, “That is none of your affair.” Once that interview went live, the reporters in front of the hospital and mansion disappeared.
Day two, despite the interviews done - the B & B and the studio, had the windows broken out, and the B & B garage and walls spray painted with abusive threats and labels from - ‘baby rapist to pedophiles’ and the list went on. A police report was filed and charges pressed against the teenagers and a couple of adults who thought it justified. Due to the high security for Angela, hidden camera’s captured and recorded all vehicles coming and going a quarter of a mile each way. They had plates, truck descriptions and all.
That same second day, Shawn talked to his brothers, his baby sister, and his sons - Ben and Mundo. He told them all - everything about his past. The whole truth of what he went through, what he’d done - even working for the madam where Merriam Styles - bought him. “That’s it, the whole sordid ugly truth. My only regret is Jesse - he died trying to save me. Strange - how it’s possible that he was family. In either case, that’s the story of your brother - half or whole - that’s me.” He looked to Jake then, “All that time you spent, trying to be like me - see where it could have taken you.”
Jake stared at him a moment, and then one of his mischievous grins lit up his face, “I don’t believe that - bull! I tan darker than you, hair color don’t count, I tan darker than all of you, and uh - I also have the biggest-…”
“JAKE!” Shanna shouted his name.
“I’m just saying, mom’s probably not telling the whole truth, I think she got it on with another black man - wonder who my dad really is, hmmm?”
Shawn couldn’t help but laugh at him, “My little brother, you’re such a jerk, the biggest-…”
“Ah! So you admit it, the biggest - long as we all-…” His present siblings cut him off, talking over him, drowning out his words not wanting to hear it. Ben and Mundo stood laughing shaking their heads while watching them carry on. It was clear, that Jake was indeed the middle child - vying for attention and place of prestige among his siblings.
Crystal spent the majority of her time at the hospital with Angela and her mother. To temporarily placate Victor, she took the boys to his father’s house, because he had to work anyway. Plus, his brother and sisters had a ball with them. One thing was certain, they loved their nephews and the boys always had a ball with their uncle and aunties. Even so, Victor was pissed off when she told him that Angela needed her to stay a few days and that she was going to. He’d hung up on her. Crystal never gave it a thought - Ben was there, even if temporarily, she had every intention of spending some time with him.
Mama Jojo spent most of her time staying out of everyone’s way - with the family members dropping in to check on her - per Shawn’s request. She informed them that she didn’t need no babysitter, had been perfectly fine by herself for years, besides - she was starting to get into her computer - thanks to Sylvia - she’d contacted her brother in California - got on the web-cam with him and told him everything that had been going on there - feeling that it was time he met his younger brother and especially the fact that it was quite possible, he had a grandson from Edwin via; the young girl he’d told them about.
That night, Shawn faced his mother.
At first, she’d allowed him to go from Sylvia’s room to Angela’s without interruption, understanding his need to be with both. But plenty of time had passed and she needed to get it off of her chest. Deidre and Jeremiah had walked in once more after visiting Sylvia and seeing Jesse James. Their timing was perfect. Gert came to her feet, walked up to her son saying, “Okay - let’s go get something to eat. Just you and I - no one else.” She made it clear, this was a firm request and mother would not be denied. The look on her face could not be misunderstood. Knowing his mother as he did, Shawn didn’t have to see her face, that ‘tone’ was plenty enough. Sighing, he came to his feet. Leaning over his daughter he gave her a kiss, “I’ll be back, love you pum’kin.”
Angela nodded smiling. She was feeling happy once more. Her room was filled with balloons, stuffed animals and flowers. They’d flooded in from family, her friends from school, her teachers, some of the viewing public and even from certain news networks. Plus Crystal agreed to stick around for a while. Angela’s joy was restored. When she woke that morning, it was to find her father sleeping in her room, right beside her bed, his feet propped up on one of the other chairs. She’d had to go pee and upon her return, he was up waiting for her, smiling. She stopped in the middle of the floor, standing in silk pajamas her mother brought her, hair down her back, a bit pale, her neck scarred.
“Daddy…”
Shawn had exhaled, “Come’ere pum’kin.”
She rushed into his arms, on his lap, hugging him tight, “I’m so sorry daddy - I didn’t mean-…”
“Shhh - there is nothing you need to say to me. You’re my little girl, and I’m here to protect you, look after you. Don’t you worry about me, what others say about me. Long as you love me, believe in me, that’s all that matters. Understand?” He felt her vigorous nod in the crook of his neck and shoulder where her head lay. “Is there anything you want to ask me?” He felt her shake her head. “You sure, if you do - ask it now, I’ll tell you.”
She was still a moment, he could tell that she was thinking and then, finally she asked, “Can I - go and see my little brother?”
Shawn smiled, “They better not try and stop us.” Coming to his feet, passing her the silk robe that matched her pajamas, he waited for her to tie it in place. Then lifted his little girl onto one strong arm and carried her down the hall and through a corridor to the elevator. Up a floor and off and then to the maternity ward and into his wife’s room. Sylvia was up, breastfeeding Jesse James. She’d been laughing at his greediness when they entered the room. Looking up, she had a big bright smile for them. “Good morning my sweethearts.” And looking down at her son went on to say, “Look who else is up - this boy is greedy as can be, I knew he was gonna be a trip.” She grinned.
Shawn sat in the chair right beside Sylvia’s bed with Angela on his lap. “Oh daddy, he looks just like me, like my baby pictures!” She exclaimed excited.
“That’s what your mother said when she saw him last night.” Sylvia informed her. She went to shift him to her other breast, and he had a fit, rooting and searching for her dark nipple, he scrunched up his face and started blaring and wailing. “Wait boy! Good grief.”
Angela started laughing, Shawn informed
her, “You used to be the same way. No patience,” He grinned.
It took Sylvia a moment to get him latched on because he was so desperate in his search to find his milk source again, but once he found her, he latched back on with a growl. All three cracked up laughing, “See how he is, like a little pig.”
Angela leaned on the bed with both elbows, the heels of her hands beneath her chin watching and grinning the whole time, and asked then, “Does it hurt Sylvia?”
“Yeah… a bit at first. But I’ll get used to it. Your daddy has this idea I’ll be breastfeeding him until he’s a year old.”
“You can.” Shawn insisted again.
Sylvia quirked her brow, smirked and rolled her eyes from him to his daughter, who of course laughed in enjoyment. The four sat that way for some time, happy, content for the moment of peace they were allowed.
It was now evening and Gert’s turn.
They sat in the cafeteria of the hospital at a corner table. It was practically empty. The kitchen was closed so there were only cold selections to choose from. Both picked up wrapped salads, a sandwich and decaf. Neither wanted their systems racing at that time in the evening with regular coffee.
There they sat and still, Shawn had not looked at her.
“Son - Shawn - I need you to look at me.”
He used one of the plastic forks to stab up some of the salad and popped it into his mouth, his face turning a bit red because he didn’t feel like looking up at his mother.
“Shawn - look - at - your mother. No matter what has happened, that is who I am.”
“And who is my father?” He retorted, devouring the salad, and then went to his sandwich, unwrapping it.
“You gonna look at me?” She asked.
“Thought you were hungry.” He replied instead.
Gert sighed, growled and opened her salad removing the packet of Blue Cheese dressing and worked to open it with irritated jerky motions while eyeballing her son. Ripping the corner she squeezed it on, mixed it up and forked a portion filling her mouth as well. Chewing she sighed long and hard, watching him. Swallowing, she took a sip of her coffee and simply said, “I love you Shawn.”
“I know you do.” He bit out of his sandwich again, chewing - but not yet looking at her.
She forked more salad into her mouth chewing, “You hate me now?”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
She smirked, “I’m the parent here.” She reminded him.
“Who’s the other?” He repeated.
She sat back in her chair, chewing her food, and decided she would finish her salad. She drank some more coffee, eying him the whole time. He finally finished his food and then, he sat back and looked up at her. A strong surging sense of pride traveled through her for her son. What a handsome devil he was, she couldn’t help but see that. Not that she hadn’t always known it, but today and the events of the last few days had heightened her awareness of everything, him especially. Over the hospital speakers, a song by the Staple singers was playing, they were singing, ‘Let’s do it again,’ She’d always liked that song, and couldn’t help but think of his possible father.
“What are you thinking?”
“Of the answer to your question, the first one.”
Shawn nodded, and lifted a brow as if to say, ‘Well?’
“I’m not certain - but I’m almost sure, your father is Edwin Piercey McPherson.”
“McPherson…” Shawn sighed.
“Yes, he too was a McPherson and I was madly in love with him. Back then, I wasn’t allowed to love someone like him, it was taboo they said. I was supposed to be in love with someone like Bart.” She stopped to use her tongue to stroke over her teeth, and sucked off traces of lettuce and green she felt.
“He was black?”
“Yes.”
“Connected to Mama Jojo.” He put in as the missing pieces began coming together. Although he sat still, as if not the least bit fazed, he was blown away by what he was hearing.
“He was Mama Jojo’s nephew. Her younger brother’s first child.”
He couldn’t believe it. That meant that if he was in fact his father, he and Jesse James Douglas had been related, cousins - third or fourth yes, but cousins still the same. “So… Jacob Edward - could be - my grandfather then?”
“Yes, and Mama Jojo, is your aunt.”
Shawn sat shaking his head.
“And your father, or rather Bart - is in truth, your uncle.”
“Maybe…” Shawn interjected.
“Yes, maybe - and Jacob Edward, is your father’s or Bart’s older brother. Both McPhersons which makes you, no matter what, a McPherson.”
“Like Ben.” He tossed in for the heck of it. Gert wasn’t stupid - she saw that gleam in her son’s eyes, the devil there comparing her to Christine.
“Yes… like Ben.” She returned.
Shawn did a, “Hmph, what is it about women dibbling and dabbling with brothers, cousins, fathers and sons-…”
“Shawn - due to the circumstances, I’m going to allow you certain liberties, but know this - you’ve just spent all you’re going to get from me.” Warning given.
He glanced down, grabbed his Styrofoam cup of coffee and finished it off. With it empty, he crushed it in his hand and with the flip of his wrist tossed it with his other plastic empty containers before him.
“Shawn, I was young - a bit wild and foolish. I was spoiled, allowed to have my way and do whatever I pleased pretty much. I wanted to follow King and I did. I met your - could be father and fell. I’d like to say I regret it, but that would be me lying again. I’ve had enough of it now to last me a lifetime.”
“I guess I’m the last to be judging, considering the last few days.”
Gert sighed, “You’re too much like me. Bart was right about that. You look like me, you think like me, you act like me - you want everything your way, like me. But - you’ve a heart of gold. There’s not a wicked bone in your body.”
Shawn kicked up a brow, gave a wicked grin, one that Jake often used, that grin was the same. In this case, Shawn was flashing back using his mind’s eye and thinking about the two men he did in responsible for Jesse’s death. He thought about his attempt to get a license to kill and he also thought about John Sykes, Shanna’s ex-deceased. And last but not least, his fantasy to do in Armundo Sr. If he proved to be an un-dead. A wicked bone he did have, perhaps more than a few.
“Anyway - you need to decide if you want to know for sure. In California there’s a man who might wish to meet you. Especially if you turn out to be his son’s.”
Shawn grunted at that, sitting back as he was, he stared at his mother and remembered when she was so young, hair black. Many compared her to Elizabeth Taylor’s kind of beauty. He could see even today why she was such a catch. But in his eyes, she would always be his father’s wife.
“You have to go back to dad. He’s an old man and this is not all his fault.” He put it out there and straight to the point.
That made Gert sit back as well once more, her mouth dropped open, “You want me to do what? Did you hear the things he said to me? What he called me?”
“He didn’t mean it.”
“Oh he meant every word! What about what he called you?”
Shawn sat nodding his head, “Yeah, I know - but, you betrayed him. He was in love with you. You cheated on him and passed me off as his.”
“You listen here Mr. McPherson - I’ve carried that burden long enough, I’ve paid for that sin-…”
“And I…” He cut her off, because now he could see it all.
Gert’s wind went right out of her, “Yes, so you have. But I’m tired Shawn, I need some happiness.”
“So does he and he needs you for that. Besides, we didn’t have all bad times, there were some good as well. I remember many times he made you laugh, sigh and he brought a tear to your eyes, and I’m talking proud happy tears. Go back to him. Work it out. It’s all out in the open now. Nothing else to hide or stress ov
er. He knows. You know.”
“He hates me.”
“No he doesn’t. He’s mad at you. You’ve made him ashamed. I’ve made him ashamed. Even so, the truth is, you can’t stay with someone for that long and not love them. Find even the tiniest thread of it mom. Forgive him for what he’s said to you, forget it. He needs you mom, now more than ever. He needs you - he loves you. Go back.”
Gert slumped and sighed.
Yes, three nights after Jesse James birth, his family was home. Even Deidre was at the house with Jeremiah and her bodyguards. Pictures were being snapped of Jesse James in Mama Jojo’s arms. “Woooeee, look’ah here, look’ah here. Lord lord lord, don’ tell’me this ain’ right. Mm-em, lemme unwrap him, get a good look at this ol’man. Hey ol’man, know who I am? Yes lord, this what i’s all about. Got all kind of good blood running through yo’veins, yes you do. Oh mama, if you could only see him.” She thought of her mother Virginia, back so long ago. She thought about all that love she had for them McPherson men, and still today, they were just as dynamic and controlling and demanding and wanting what they want - and protecting those they felt were theirs. Mama Jojo was in heaven, because she’d had her talk with Bart while all was out doing what they do. If things didn’t start smoothing out, she’d be having one with Shawn as well. Then she looked up to see Shawn standing in front of his first wife Deidre. Just maybe, he was going to be all right.
Beauty of Man and Woman - Volume 13: Bomaw Page 40
