Crossroads: An Anthology

by LaShaun, Elizabeth

  Dark Chocolate Publishing Presents

  CROSSROADS:

  THE ANTHOLOGY

  Stories of Love, Lust, Revenge, and Murder

  Wednesday’s Customer

  KR Bankston

  For One Night

  Elizabeth LaShaun

  The Prerequisites of Perdition

  Keith K. Williams

  In Desperation

  DK Gaston

  Wednesday’s Customer

  by KR Bankston

  For all the ‘dream believers’ who never stop moving forward and for all my ‘dream realizes’ who came together and made this project happen. Much love to all of you, taking the world by storm one reader at a time.

  Jasmine saw him walk inside and immediately smoothed her uniform, putting on her best smile. He came every Wednesday without fail, at 10:15AM sharp. As always, he was impeccably dressed, clean shaven and smelling divine. That man is too sexy, Jasmine thought lustily taking him in as he sat in her section and she made her way to his table to take his order.

  “Good morning,” she greeted him pleasantly, smiling her most persuasive smile.

  “Hi,” the man returned asking for his usual breakfast selection.

  Jasmine knew it by heart, but she still had to go through the motions, just in case. “Sure, I’ll have that out to you in a few minutes,” she told him, smiling again and walking away, praying he was watching her butt as she switched it extra hard just for him. Jasmine turned in the order and set about getting the coffee and juice he’d asked for. She was a bit frustrated at the moment. She just couldn’t seem to garner his attention. No matter what ploy she tried, or what hints she threw, he was unmoved. Damn, please tell me he’s not gay, she panicked slightly as the thought began to take hold.

  Shaking her head to clear the feelings and once again putting on her award winning smile, she headed to his table, dropping off his drinks and leaving to retrieve the cream he requested. She ended up having to go out into the walk-in cooler and retrieve the cream since her shiftmate hadn’t bothered to refill the bin inside. “Here you are,” Jasmine told him smiling once more. “I had to go get some from the cooler, we were out up front,” she told him apologetically.

  “It’s fine, really,” he replied smiling at her.

  Jasmine thought she would melt from the sexy smile. He had the most perfect white teeth she’d seen in a long time. The dimples in his cheeks definitely didn’t hurt. Total damned package, she thought once more recalling his six foot plus frame, bulging biceps with sculpted chest and abs. His jeans made his defined thighs and butt look like something straight out of a fitness magazine. Jasmine loved summer. Especially looking at Mr. Wednesday in the form fitting tee he was wearing. She smiled to herself of the nickname. It was what she took to calling him once his pattern was established some two months ago. She still hadn’t worked up the nerve to ask his real name. Sighing lightly, she again put on her game face as the cook called out order up and she headed over to his table one more time.

  Chapter One

  Elijah regarded the woman as she walked away. He observed her far more than she ever realized. She was sexy to him; thick build, shapely hips and butt, smooth chocolate cocoa butter skin. She had beautiful eyes that danced when she smiled and he loved the natural curl to her hair. He also knew she had a crush on him. Bet she feels really good inside, he thought, smiling slightly. Glancing around the diner and changing his thought, Elijah took in the place again. He came because he loved the quick paced atmosphere. The place seemed to always be buzzing with people coming and going. His glance briefly rested on another patron in the diner he’d been observing off and on for a little while. The man seemed restless today. Normally there was a woman and kids that held his attention as he had breakfast. Today he sat unrequited. Elijah knew from casual eavesdropping between the waitresses his name was Nash; vaguely wondering what his story was as he sipped his coffee.

  Obviously he was interested in the woman, perhaps plotting to make his move today; but he’d been stood up, Elijah’s mind told him, bringing a slight chuckle, as he began to once again enjoy his surroundings. The diner was indeed state of the art with just a touch of throwback appeal he noted of the antique style jukebox in the corner that seemed just as at home with the contemporary fixtures and furnishings as if it were designed today. He liked the energizing green of the walls and the offsetting white trim. The chairs were the same deep evergreen with white backs and legs. The tables an interlocking pattern of diamond shapes with the same accenting colors. He looked the waitress over once more, Jasmine, he thought recalling her name tag. Sighing slightly Elijah rose and headed out of the diner, leaving his usual five dollar tip.

  Stepping out in the warmth of the spring day, Elijah turned right and headed up toward Swan Park. It was named after some rich benefactor or other who’d left millions to the parks and recreations department. I could sure as hell think of something better to invest my money in, dead or not, Elijah thought frowning slightly. Taking his time as he walked, he observed each person or establishment he passed along the way. He smiled seeing the young man and woman standing at the entrance to the alley he was passing. He could tell the young man was trying to get inside the woman and she was playing hard to get for the moment. Weak ass rap, blue ass balls, Elijah thought of the young man and continued his journey. Stopping at the tobacco shop he came upon, he went inside. He inhaled all the different tobacco’s loving the scent of them. Stepping to the counter Elijah asked for three Montecristo’s. The cigars were handmade in the Dominican Republic, accounting for their expensive price tag. Elijah loved them though, finding them to be a slow burning cigar loaded with rich, complex flavors.

  Garnering his purchase he headed back into the day, his destination less than a block away. Checking the Rolex Cellini Classic on his wrist, Elijah smiled slightly and crossed the street with the light heading for the entrance of the park. He entered and found a bench, sitting down and enjoying the shade of the huge Oak that towered above his head. He watched a couple of free spirits playing Frisbee with their dogs and the housewives out strolling with their babies, conversing freely with each other. He saw the man walk by but didn’t react. Elijah continued watching the park participants for the next fifteen minutes before glancing to his right and seeing the package. Picking up the small brown bag, he opened it removing the breadcrumbs and beginning to spread them for the gathering geese.

  Moving the crumbs around in the bag, he discovered the small slip of paper, a single name contained. Turning the slip over he read the dollar amount listed and smiled slightly. Folding the paper and putting it into his pocket, Elijah continued to feed the geese until the bag was empty. Rising, he brushed the crumbs from his lap and headed toward his converted loft apartment. Elijah Bower was a man who lived a charmed life, a man who enjoyed the finer things in life, who changed women like he changed his clothes, a man who, for a price, would eliminate any breathing human being whose name you wrote on a piece of paper.

  *****

  Montgomery Southby was a man with an agenda. He was currently serving as Alderman for District 19, the poorest and most crime riddled area in the city. Montgomery had far bigger plans however and he wasn’t going to let a little thing like moral consciences cloud his vision. He currently was working with a major developer on leveling some of the older buildings in his district to make room for a new high rise condominium project, complete with specialty shops and restaurants attached. It was a winning situation to revitalize, bring jobs, and money, into the torn district. Problem was it would also displace almost 200 poor families from the housing projects that occupied the choice property
. Lazy asses should have done something more with their lives than sell dope and make babies, he thought condescendingly.

  Montgomery despised the black half of his heritage, although come election time he used it to his full advantage, making sure he got all their votes to keep him in office. He wouldn’t need them once he pulled off this development coup d'état however. Montgomery knew a project of this magnitude would make millions for his political allies. It would secure his campaign funding from the developer, contractors, and other wealthy investors. Yes, Montgomery was going to be the wealthy and powerful politician he’d always dreamed of being and no low income, classless, dredges of society were going to stand in the way of it.

  “Hi darling,” Delia Southby greeted her husband. He smiled seeing her enter the stately mansion they resided in and kissed her cheek softly as he hugged her. Montgomery looked his wife over, smiling appreciatively at her conservatively classic dress. Delia was seventeen years his junior at 30 years old, but she was the perfect political wife. She stayed in her place, only speaking on issues approved by her husband or his staff. She was mulatoo as was he, taking more of her coloring and features from the white side of her family, which was what drew Montgomery to her in the beginning. He couldn’t marry a full blooded white woman, knowing that would always be a point of contention with some of his older constituents. But he refused to date or marry a full blooded black woman either.

  Montgomery hated the fake hair and colored contacts they wore. He hated the smell of the chemicals they used to perm or bleach their hair. They were all loud and bossy with horrible attitudes and too much mouth. Delia was definitely a welcomed breath of fresh air, with her natural blonde hair and green eyes. The only slight imperfection was her broad nose, but Montgomery paid for the rhinoplasty early in their marriage and she was perfect now.

  “We have that cocktail function at the ballroom tonight,” Delia told him as she began walking up the stairs toward their bedroom.

  “Yes, I know honey, I’m on my way up now,” Montgomery told her, taking in her sexy butt as she walked, his erection growing as he climbed the stairs hoping they had time for a quickie.

  *****

  Elijah was watching his erection slide in and out of Sage as he banged her hard. He loved the way her butt shook when he hit it hard with his thrust. She was moaning and writhing, throwing her sex to him as he eagerly took it. The sweat was rolling down his pecs onto the barreled stomach, the heat from their connection drenching them both.

  “Fuck me Elijah, yeah, just like that,” Sage yelled, groaning loudly as he complied with her request, going deeper and faster. “I’m about to cum baby, yeah, Elijah, damn,” she moaned as her body shook and the rush came from her coating him with a thick layer of her delight. Elijah smiled to himself and continued his journey, holding her hips even tighter as he pushed his ten inches all the way inside.

  “Ohhh,” Sage moaned as he hit her spot and she felt it in her stomach. Quickly flipping her over, Elijah took both legs and put them behind her head going for the kill. Sage was screaming her pleasure as he banged her hard, his balls slapping her butt with each thrust.

  “Mmph,” Elijah mumbled as he came hard and spilled his finish into the condom he wore.

  He was breathing heavily, finally releasing her legs and letting them fall on the bed as he removed himself carefully from her, rising and disposing of the condom. Walking back into the room moments later he addressed her. “You need to be out,” Elijah told her calmly as Sage opened her eyes and regarded him.

  “You have business,” she asked, rising and grabbing her clothing.

  “Yes,” he replied simply.

  Sage grunted, but said nothing more as she began to dress. He knew she wasn’t offended. They had an arrangement and it worked out well for both of them. Elijah screwed her on Wednesdays; never any other day of the week, just that one. They got together and had mind blowing sex. Sage was a print model and she was in a committed relationship with her agent. The problem was his sex left her horny and irritable. That’s where Elijah came in. They’d met at a party a few months back and exchanged numbers. After talking and each agreeing to the arrangement, they began having sex regularly.

  “I’ll see you next Wednesday,” Sage told him sweetly, kissing his cheek gently, as she grabbed her keys and headed out of the door.

  Elijah locked the door after she left and headed to the shower. He had business to take care of tonight. There was a party at the capital and he needed to go shadow his target. “What exactly do you do,” Allison asked as they lay together, her in his arms. “Personal contracts,” Elijah answered evasively. “What kind of contracts,” she asked again, stroking his chest gently. “Baby, it’s not important, okay,” he tried as she frowned slightly but let the subject go. Elijah sighed deeply as he showered and the memory left him.

  Allison was the past and he made it his business to never dwell on the past. Well Alderman Southby you’d better enjoy your last few days on earth, Elijah thought instead, chuckling slightly as he exited the shower and went into his bedroom to dress. He wore the custom tailored tuxedo he’d acquired a couple of weeks ago, adding the diamond cufflinks, watch, and two carat stud to his ear. Adding his favorite cologne, Elijah checked his reflection in the mirror smiling at what he saw. “Time to go start earning your paper,” he mumbled, grabbing the keys to his Porsche and heading out the door, destination, the Princess Imperial.

  Chapter Two

  Delia smiled slightly taking in the strikingly handsome man that had just entered the ballroom. Tonight’s party was being hosted by Clayton Tyler, one of Montgomery’s allies and strongest supporters. He had great flair for corralling money and influence in one room and tonight was no exception as Delia once again took in the exquisite grand ballroom of the Princess Imperial hotel. She loved the double stairway, perfect for regal entrances on either side. It boasted two floors, with a studded balcony so one could gaze upon guests and still be encompassed in the entire presentation. The crème silk draperies that adorned the archways and windows were at full attention, billowing softly from the continuous hum of the central air system, tied back with exquisitely hand tapered, gold marbled, rope ties. Looking again for the handsome stranger, Delia found him conversing with another attendee, drink in hand.

  Who might you be, she thought glancing quickly around to ensure neither Montgomery nor any of his cronies noticed the object of her attention. Her husband was extremely jealous, as well he should be, Delia thought once again. Montgomery was generous to a fault and for that she loved him, but their sex life was another matter entirely. Her husband had a myriad of hang-ups when it came to making love, leaving her for the most part, frustrated on a daily basis. Delia had taken to clandestine meetings with several men over the years just to fulfill her burning desire. He looks like a wonderful candidate, she thought again lustily, her thong moist just from looking at him. She sighed lightly and began to plot how she would meet him. Delia had to be extremely discreet. Montgomery would already blow a fuse if he found out she cheated on him. He’d kill her if he found out she cheated on him with every beautiful black man she could find.

  *****

  Elijah was still conversing with the buxom blonde who was flirting shamelessly with him. As she talked he took in the entire room, finding both his target and his wife. Elijah hadn’t missed the once over she gave him or the lust in her eyes as she watched him. That should make things so much easier, he thought as the blonde shifted her hand to the other hip, tossing her hair back and beginning with yet another story Elijah wasn’t listening too. He often talked to the white women present when he went to a party. It kept him focused since he had absolutely no desire to bed them. Sisters on the other hand, all the sexy sensuality they exuded would have him hard and ready to take them down at a moment’s notice.

  Returning his attention to Bianca, the woman talking, Elijah actually joined in the conversation, continually watching both Montgomery and Delia. Seeing his chance, Elijah po
litely excused himself as Bianca pouted slightly making him promise to give her his number before he left. He chuckled, making her the empty promise, and left headed toward the ladies room. Making sure he timed it just right, Elijah saw Delia leaving the room and began walking, intentionally looking at his phone, bumping into her.

  “I’m so sorry,” Elijah apologized smoothly, watching the smile grace her face.

  “It’s quite all right,” Delia told him.

  She couldn’t have prepared herself for the electric shock that coursed through her when their bodies touched. Oh my god, I bet the sex will be incredible, she thought her breathing becoming slightly uneven.

  “I’m Elijah Bower,” he told her honestly, extending his hand. Delia quickly took the outstretched hand and told him her name. “You’re Alderman Southby’s wife,” Elijah asked as he looked her over and made sure she knew it.

  “Yes,” she answered calmly, jumping up and down inside knowing he was interested.

  “The Alderman is a fortunate man,” he complimented as Delia blushed slightly.

  “Thank you,” she replied as Elijah smiled again. He is gorgeous, she continued to think, unconsciously licking her lips.

  Elijah saw the gesture and moved in for the kill. “You really shouldn’t tease me like that,” he told her softly, audible only between the two of them.

  Delia smiled again. “I don’t have to be teasing,” she flirted back.

  Elijah slowly looked her over again and returned to her eyes. “I’m rock hard right now,” he told her seductively. Delia bit her bottom lip and moaned slightly. “There’s a room upstairs end of the hallway, on the left side,” Elijah began again. “Housekeeping, so no one ever goes in there,” he added, winking and speaking one last time. “I’ll wait 10 minutes, but no more,” he told her walking away and leaving the ball in her court.