“You shouldn’t have gone to that house today,” Detective Sawyer says. “Mr. and Mrs. Briggs are thinking about pressing charges against the both of you.”
“We didn’t hurt anyone,” I reply.
“You entered their home without permission,” Jackie says. “You can’t do that, Joslyn.”
“They were having a party,” I offer up, knowing that was a lame excuse the moment it left my lips.
“A party for their family and friends,” Jackie points out. “You two aren’t either one.”
“We didn’t even stay that long,” Terrence remarks.
“Why were you accusing Mrs. Briggs of knowing the assailants?” Detective Richardson butts in.
“Because she does,” I answer. “And I really wasn’t accusing her of anything. I just wanted her to tell me who Gia hired to take my son.”
“What did we talk about yesterday?” Detective Richardson asks.
“I know what we talked about, but I had to find out for myself. You guys weren’t getting anywhere!”
“There are eyes on this case constantly, even today on a holiday,” Detective Sawyer replies.
“Well, from where I stand, I couldn’t tell.”
“That’s because you’re too busy sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong,” Detective Richardson snidely remarks.
I don’t have a comeback, which pisses me off.
“What is the real reason you went to that house, Mrs. Montgomery?” he asks. “They’re not suspects. They do not know who those people were. You’ve been told this already.”
“They know where my son is, Detective Richardson. I’m telling you, they know.”
“You’re just trying to switch the blame from yourself to them.”
“No, I am not!”
“What is he talking about?” Terrence asks me.
I shake my head, really wishing he hadn’t heard the accusation.
“We think that Mrs. Montgomery is responsible for her son being kidnapped and her husband getting hurt,” Detective Richardson answers.
“Don’t believe him, Terrence.” I grab his arms, making him look me right in the eyes. “I would never hurt my family. You know that.”
Terrence looks to everyone before making eye contact with me again.
“I would never hurt them,” I firmly repeat. “Never.”
“Where is your proof?” Terrence asks the detectives in general. He believes me. I lift my chin and face Detective Richardson, knowing I’ve won Terrence over.
“There is no proof,” Detective Sawyer admits.
“But it’s just a matter of time before we do get it,” Detective Richardson adds.
“What proof do you think you’re going to find?” I ask. “There is none. And if you were capable of halfway doing your jobs, you would have figured that out by now, and my son would be home.”
“If we were doing our jobs.” Detective Richardson chuckles and shakes his head as if I said something stupid. “It’s hard to do that when you and your brother-in-law are busy harassing innocent people, and we have to go behind you two and clean up the mess instead.”
“I’m doing what any mother and wife would do in these circumstances.”
“Is that how you justify your actions today?” Detective Richardson points at me. “You see, Mrs. Montgomery, any mother and wife in your position would be keeping in contact with the police. She would be seeing what can be done to aid in the investigation, without direct interference, and would be available for any questions the police might have. Now, tell me something, Mrs. Montgomery, have you been in contact with any of the detectives standing before you today? No, you haven’t. Have you attempted to return Detective Sawyer’s phone call yet? Once again, the answer is no. As a matter of fact, you hung up on your sister when she was trying to pass on a message to you from Detective Sawyer. I think you have your responsibilities of a mother and wife confused. I know for a fact, a woman in your position wouldn’t be doing the same asinine things you’ve done today.”
Who is he, talking to me like I’ve done something wrong? I did the right thing this morning, and he’s not going to make me feel bad about it.
“Got nothing to say, do you?” he openly taunts.
“Damn you, Detective Richardson. That’s what I have to say.”
“And I thought you were going to confess.” He chuckles before continuing, “Oh, one more thing, Mrs. Montgomery. I was wondering why you didn’t buy another cell phone while you were out. The stores are open, and you can still use your old number. Don’t you want us to contact you directly, just in case we do find your boy?”
His question leaves me speechless. I didn’t even think about that. I’m too embarrassed, too ashamed to admit it. It’s bad enough Detective Richardson put it out there.
“Makes me wonder what you two were really doing, other than accusing the wrong people of kidnapping. Were you and your brother-in-law getting in some private time?”
“What did you just say?” Terrence squares up with Detective Richardson.
“No, he didn’t!” I yell.
“Alright, I think we’re done here,” Detective Sawyer says as she steps between the two men.
Jackie pulls me out of the way.
“Do you own a gun, Mr. Montgomery?” Detective Richardson asks calmly. The question sounds more like an affront to get Terrence more riled up.
“Back off, Detective Richardson,” Detective Sawyer firmly commands.
“Whose idea was it to try and kill your brother? Was it Mrs. Montgomery? I know she’s tired of playing mother and housewife. You must have shown her a whole new life.”
Terrence lunges, but Detective Sawyer slaps him in the chest hard, surprising everyone. Terrence blinks as if he’s been awakened, and he backs off.
“Everyone is done talking!” Detective Sawyer yells. “Mr. Montgomery, you can leave now. GO!”
He steps back, eyeing Detective Richardson the whole time. The tension between the two can be cut with a knife. Terrence finally turns and takes long strides, disappearing behind the doors to the ICU.
“Please, listen to me,” I say to Detective Sawyer, hoping to diffuse the heaviness of the situation. “I would never cheat on my husband or hurt my family. I’m not guilty of anything.”
“That’s what all the criminals say,” Detective Richardson slips in.
I turn on him with a finger right in his face. “I’m tired of your shit!”
Detective Richardson wears a smirk on his face like it’s a crown of triumph. I just want to slap it off.
“I give up. Whatever.” I look at each detective. “Are we all done here?”
“Yes,” Detective Sawyer answers, “we are done.”
“Just don’t leave the state of Georgia,” Detective Richardson says, adjusting his suit.
I want to cuss him out again, but we have the attention of everyone in the lobby, security included and the press outside. Plus, I don’t want to go to jail. I go back into the ICU, leaving Jackie and the detectives in the lobby. I can’t get away fast enough.
Chapter Twenty
I sit down beside Terrence on the bench across the hallway from Harlan’s room. His elbows are resting on his legs, and he’s holding his forehead. I’ve already called his name twice, but Terrence refuses to answer me. I reach for his hand, but just as I touch him, he snatches away, giving me the most hateful look I’ve ever seen.
“I’m sorry,” I sheepishly remark. “I am truly sorry.”
“Was he telling the truth, Joslyn? Were you trying to kill Harlan?”
“No, Terrence, I would never do that. Are you kidding me right now?”
He huffs and rubs his hands over his head. “I know you wouldn’t hurt him. I know. I’m sorry to ask.”
“Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. I’m the one that’s sorry. That cop was all over you, and I didn’t mean for that to happen.”
“It’s okay, Joslyn. I just hope we don’t have to go through that again.”
; “I hope so, too.”
Just as I’m about to ask Terrence if we’re good, Sarah opens the door to Harlan’s room, and she smiles when she sees us. Terrence gets up to give her a hug. She pats his back, reassuring him that everything is going to work out. As old as he is, Terrence needs that comfort.
She steps away from him and says, “Why don’t you go in there and spend some time with your brother while I talk to Joslyn for a minute.”
“Alright, Mom.” Terrence gives her a peck on the forehead before going inside.
Sarah exhales heavily and looks at me with sorrow. I try to keep my tears, but they’re about to burst. Seems like she’s trying to do the same. Sarah sits down next to me, and we hug for a moment before she lets me go.
“How are you feeling, Joslyn?”
“Tired,” I answer. “How is Harlan?”
“No change, of course.”
“What about Jeremiah? Is he here with you?”
“No, he’s out barbecue hopping, visiting his sons and daughters.” She crosses her legs before continuing. “Detective Richardson talked to me last night.”
I sit back and roll my eyes. “What did he say?”
“He wanted to know if I ever seen you and Harlan fighting, or if there’s ever been a separation between you two. He also wanted to know if Harlan ever cheated on you, or if you ever cheated on him.”
“What did you tell him?”
“I told him that neither one of you would do that, as far as I knew, and you’ve never been separated. Honestly, I couldn’t believe he would ask me those kinds of questions. It’s not like you or Harlan would tell me such things.”
“He’s out to get me,” I reply. “Detective Richardson thinks I had Davian kidnapped and tried to have my husband killed.”
“Ridiculous,” she comments with a wave of her hand.
“Not to him. He’s sticking with that theory. What else did he tell you?”
“He said that he went to Harlan’s job, questioned Faith Pursell.”
“Harlan’s secretary? Why?” I ask curiously.
“According to Faith, Detective Richardson was thinking that she was having an affair with him.”
“She’s sixty-eight years old.”
“Well, Detective Richardson didn’t know that until he saw her. He thought she was going to be some spry young thang in three inches heels and a tight skirt.” Sarah laughs. “Anyway, he asked her about Harlan’s clients. You know, if he had any private lunches with questionable women, more than normal phone calls from clients of the opposite sex; nonsense like that. Faith told him that Harlan was committed to you and that she has never known him to cheat. I don’t think Detective Richardson believed her. He had Harlan’s office phone records pulled, along with your house phone, Jackie’s house phone, and his cell phone.”
“He’s relentless,” I comment. “Oh, I got one better for you. Detective Richardson thinks that I’m having an affair with Terrence.”
“He does?” she says with amusement. “That man is relentless.”
“He’s getting on my nerve, Sarah.”
“Joslyn, I wouldn’t worry about him. That’s all he has is a theory, and it sounds like to me it’s falling apart. You and I both know he’s wrong, and when he finds out who took Dave, he’ll see. And he’ll be apologizing to you when he’s done.”
“I really don’t want his apology.” I exhale with heavy shoulders, thinking about what she said. “What if he never finds the people-” I swallow the last few words, realizing that means my son would be dead. I can’t complete the sentence.
“We’re not going to think like that,” Sarah replies. “Those criminals will be found, Joslyn, and they will be brought to justice. You better believe, they will not get away with what they’ve done to our family.”
“I hope you’re right. God, Sarah, this is too much to deal with. I’ve never had any problems taking care of my family, making sure they had everything they needed. But the circumstances I’m dealing with right now, it’s just really hard. I want to be with Harlan, but that means I’m being pulled away from Davian and vice versa. Then on top of that, Detective Richardson thinks I don’t care because I didn’t call him or Detective Sawyer about Davian’s case. I’m just trying to do the right thing.”
“This is all new to you, Joslyn. You’re not supposed to know what to do. I personally think you’re doing great. Some people would break down and crawl in a hole somewhere, but you haven’t. You’re trying to take back control, fighting for your family the best way you know how, and if Detective Richardson can’t see that, then he’s blind as hell.”
I nod, wiping my tears. Finally, someone that understands.
“How is he doing at his job?” Sarah asks. I’m absolutely confused. Is she talking about Detective Richardson?
“How is who doing?”
“Harlan was appointed Chief Operating Officer for some hop-nanny-big-time-division in the city. I can’t remember what it’s called, but how is he doing with it?”
I realize that she’s trying to stop me from totally breaking down by showing me that all is not lost, that Harlan’s life is relevant and still part of this world.
“Fine,” I answer. “He doesn’t really talk about it all that much. He comes home late sometimes, too tired really. I never ask.”
“I bet he works nonstop. Joslyn, when he was younger, I used to tell Harlan to slow down and take a break every once and a while.”
“He was driven.”
“Is driven,” she says while pointing a finger at me. “That boy came out the womb like that. He was trying to walk before he was nine months old. How does a baby have the strength to walk that young? Unheard of, and then when he was in first grade, he told me he wanted to be a rocket scientist. Who wants to be that at that age?”
“Guess that didn’t work out for him,” I reply with a chuckle.
“All for the best, Joslyn. You know, I asked Dave when he was in the first grade what he wanted to be. I was wondering if he had the same aspirations as his father.”
“What did he tell you?”
“He wanted to be a teacher, and he was so dead serious about it.”
“Still is, but I want him to be a lawyer. Then he could work his way up to becoming a Supreme Court Justice.”
“We do like to dream big for our kids. Too bad life has its way of putting our dreams in check. You have a plan. He has a plan, and then there’s what life really has planned. Not exactly what you want, but more than likely, it’s what you need for the moment.”
“What were your dreams for Harlan and Terrence?”
She looks at me and says, “I wanted them to be great human beings.”
“That’s what every parent wants.”
“True, but by me wishing that for them from the beginning, it was easier to accept what they would become. Look at them now. They are great human beings. Each one contribute to society and have built a good life for themselves. They’re not out there doping, stealing, or killing. They are stable, intelligent African American gentlemen, doing the best they can, living good lives. They make me proud. Even if Harlan and Terrence didn’t have their current jobs, I’d still be pleased with them because I know they would be doing the right thing.”
“I never thought about my kids’ future like that. Well, I did, but I always wanted much more for them.”
“There isn’t much more than being an upstanding person, Joslyn. Get beyond the nuts and bolts of making a living, grinding for the money, and consider your children and what kind of people they will be to the public and the world. Are they shamelessly God-fearing? Are they giving? Are they compassionate? Are they tolerate? Do they love their fellow human beings despite their differences in race, nationality, or beliefs? The job, the career, doesn’t make who they are. They can change that, but their character, they can’t. But at the same time, there’s nothing wrong with wanting your children to succeed. You don’t want them to suffer and be broke while being that great human being.”
“No, I don’t, Sarah. God knows I don’t.”
“Actually, I do hope Dave becomes a Supreme Court Justice. I could say my grandson is accomplished, making historic decisions on the country’s most important legal issues.”
“That would be something,” I say with a big smile.
“Yes, indeed.”
Both of us laugh. I so needed to talk to her. I love hearing Sarah’s advice. What she said is common sense, already drilled in me from my own upbringing, but to hear it out loud once again, not in the same exact words but spoken from a woman that I love and respect, brings me back to reality. The future still reigns true in my mind, thanks to her. Not all is lost. I believe Davian is okay. I believe Harlan will pull through. I believe there are more moments to come as a family. But in order to get to those main points of life, I can’t give up, and I must fight to get there. Not easy to do but not impossible, either. I just wish I was already there.
Chapter Twenty-One
For an hour I’m at Harlan’s bedside. He never stirs. He doesn’t even twitch. Proof that he’s alive is in his breathing and the rhythmic beat of the EKG machine. I wonder why he hasn’t wakened up. Is he dreaming of me and the kids? What’s going on in that brain of his? I miss the simple acts of his kisses and hugs. I miss his smile and his walk. The way he plays with the kids and talk to them made me so happy, and I want those moments back. I rest my head on his hand and cry over the possibility of our lives being destroyed. A family broken, never meant to be mended, never meant to be the same. I don’t think I can accept such a fate. Actually, I won’t. I’ll leave Harlan’s health in God’s capable hands, but I can and will do all I can save Davian.
Unfortunately, in order for me to beat fate, I must leave. I have a serious itch that needs to be scratched anyway, and if I don’t act, I’ll drive myself crazy. I must ask Lucy Davis, Joshua’s mother, about whether or not she knows the kidnappers, and it must be done face to face, mother to mother. I want to see her eyes when she gives me an answer. Maybe, I’m insane for wanting to go to her house after the results of this morning, but what choice do I have? I have a need to react, and so I must.
Joslyn (Women of Privilege Book 3) Page 10
