"Call me every time you make it to your next stop, so I know you're okay." She forgot all else, because in the end, she did love this man.
"Hey, just think, I roll this truck and snap my neck, you're free to keep working." He joked.
"Tsk!" She sucked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, "Why would you say something like that, I love you - you know it. Just because I'm uneasy about my future, doesn't mean I would ever even consider something happening to you to get out of it, so don't joke like that."
Jake smiled, "You really love me lil'girl? You sure?"
"With all my heart. I must love you, because I'm scared as hell of you, but look at me, about to dive in."
"You don't ever have to be afraid of me. I may fuck up from time to time, do stupid shit, say stupid shit - but I'd never hurt my lil'girl, you hear me?"
"There's more than one way to hurt somebody Jake, while I know you would never harm me physically - what about my heart?"
"Listen here lil'girl, I'm about to do for you, something I've never done for another woman ever - not ever! No woman can claim of me, what you soon will. You remember that, you hear, that's what you remember. Now blow me a kiss to keep me going until my next stop."
Vivian sighed into the phone, "Mmm-uah!" She kissed vocally for him.
"That's nice, that's real nice. Well, in the words of a good song, 'On the road again, I just can't wait, to get out on the road again...' He sang in his stunningly incredible voice.
"Be careful babe." She whispered on the line.
"Will do... until my next stop, mmm-uah - to you!"
She heard the click of him hanging up.
Vivian lay there a moment letting her body ease from the effects of speaking with him. Once it did, she realized she had to pee. In the bathroom, finished doing what she went there for, after washing her hands, drying them she opened the door to come out and ran directly into Paul, face to face. Caught so off guard, she screamed.
"Sorry, it's just me, sorry."
"Boy you scared me to death! I didn't even know you were up yet, the house was so quiet." She held her hand to her heart and then happened to look down his body, noticing that he was fully dressed. "Going somewhere?" She asked, assuming he'd just gotten up because she hadn't heard him sneak in.
Staring her in the face, Paul turned red. Blushing because he was not used to lying - and couldn't come up with one fast enough caught as he was. So there he stood, his mouth partially open. He considered the truth, just not - the entire truth. "I ah - I've just - come in."
"Come in? From where? You know what time it is? You been out all night? Paul, this is Chicago! Oh my goodness, where have you been?"
"I ah-h-h - went - out to ah-h-h-h." He couldn't think of one thing to say that was plausible, not one halfway decent excuse.
"Paul?" Vivian questioned again, gently.
"I went - ah - hmmm..."
"Oh my goodness, you've - you've been to that ladies house - haven't you?"
His face colored up red big time.
"You have! Pa-a-aul!"
"I know - I did, that's where I was." He confessed, since he wasn't into lying, there was no way he would get away with one.
"Why Paul? At this time of night?"
Again he stood, this time nibbling on his lip, not sure how to answer her. She was responsible for him, he knew that, so he owed her an explanation, but he wasn't sure how to give her one. Taking another deep breath, he finally mustered the nerve to say, "I'm - a bit - well - uh - taken with her - you - you know what I mean?" He hinted suggestively, trying to be respectful to his father's future wife.
There it was, in the nutshell, Sheila had been right. Of course Vivian knew that she probably was, because as all knew, if Sheila said it was so, then just like the CBS news, you were reluctant to argue with it. She could only stare at him a moment, because she too was ill equipped to deal with a teenage son, step-son - but deal with it, she must, because he was there with her. Taking a deep steadying breath, she finally found her voice, "Are you saying, that you and she - are having a consensual, adult, relationship?"
"Hey, that's a good way to put it, uh - yeah."
Vivian groaned, closing her eyes a moment and then opening them, she asked one more time, "A full - complete - all the way - adult - consensual relationship?"
"Uh-h-h-h - yep."
Vivian whimpered, "Oh Paul, your father is going to kill me!"
"Why? No he won't! Vivian, don't tell him! I mean, why does he need to know? I'm not a little kid you know."
"I know you're not a little kid Paul, but to go out at this time of night - in this city - oh my goodness, just the thought of what could have happened to you out there, and I would have never known! Do you know how dangerous that is! The chance you took?"
"I wasn't thinking about that." He gently defended, his father's grin showing up with a twinkle in his eye.
To see it, made Vivian slap her hands to her face, shaking her head she turned toward the kitchen, he followed.
"I'm okay Vivian, I'm back, safe and sound. I'm sorry okay, I apologize. You're right, that was really stupid of me, something could have happened."
"You're doggone right something could have! Don't you ever do that again Paul! Jake would have never forgiven me had something happened to you! I would have never forgiven myself!"
"Never again Vivian, never ever again will I do something so callous, cross my heart, hope to die!"
"Excuse me, I hope the hell not! Not on my watch!"
He grinned again.
"Stop grinning! You hear me boy, just stop that look right now!" She mildly fussed at him, at the sink for a glass of water.
Paul leaned there, looking at her, smiling and joyful. "You're not gonna tell my dad, are you? Come on, I said I was sorry. I don't usually do things like this, really I don't."
"Yeah, that's why I agreed with you, talked your dad into letting you stay, because that's what I thought."
"Vivian, I'm not an angel. I'm a man, maybe a young one in your eyes, but a man still the same. And well, if I may be so bold to say it, just like any other man, I too, have my needs. I needed to see her tonight. I'm eighteen years old, at the legal age of decision. And, I'm asking you, to forgive me for making one that violated your trust in me, I won't do that again. I'm asking you, not to report back to my father, as if I've been a bad little boy that needs disciplining, please."
Vivian stood staring at him, he was too charming for his own good. As much as she hated to admit it, he was right. He wasn't a little boy, albeit under twenty-one - but yet, old enough that if he signed up into the army, they would take him. But still, "Look, in truth, what you do, is none of my business. I am not - your mother. So, I will not - treat you like a little boy, reporting your actions to your father, but I'll treat you as a man, and let you - however way you choose to do so, tell him yourself, okay?"
"Huh?"
"Yeah, you can tell him. However, if you don't - then - that's up to you. There's no one who will force you to, that includes me. But I have your promise, that you won't be pulling this again, correct?"
"You have my word on that."
"Okay, as for me, I can get in at least another hour."
"Good idea." He smiled, "Thanks Vivian, for being so cool about it."
She stopped on her way, "It's easy with you Paul, because you're so smart and kind, but don't let new found experiences in life, change that in you. By all means, go ahead and grow into your manhood, all I ask, is, that you don't toss good sense to the wayside as you do."
* * *
L. A.
Angela sat in the breakfast room of her mother's home; at the table in form of a triangle, with Jeremiah, sitting to the left of her reading the morning paper, and to her right, her mother, spooning up the last of her fresh fruit, nuts and yogurt. She was nervous, and they looked tense, she noted as she nibbled on her toast. An audible sigh captured her attention, pulling her eyes to Jeremiah once more, who lowered his paper to look a
t her. She could tell that he was not used to being around kids much. He was nice, but struggled to think of things to say to her, but it didn't flow from him, similar to the way it had never flowed from her mother. Weird as it might seem, just in the short time she'd spent around them, she, at her age, recognized that they were perfect for one another. They acted very similar. She reflected back to the previous evening when they'd gone to an incredible play, she and her mother had met him there. They both tried hard to think of things to say to her, to make her feel comfortable with them; going to the standard discussions of school, grades, favorite classes, any new friends. Her mother hadn't been so bad, because she was after all, her mother. But him, he'd had a time of it. Angela, decided, just on general principles, not to make it easy on him, she'd only stared at him and waited for him to say whatever it was that he'd had on his mind. In which she gave more, one word answers, and occasionally two to. In the end, he smiled, stroked the top of her head and looked helplessly at her mother. She felt a bit sorry for him, for being that way, but she didn't wish to give them the impression she was having such a good time, that she might consider staying, no way!
Angela wanted no doubts concerning her being there, it was just a visit - no sense in anyone getting too comfortable.
Now, as they sat, he'd lowered his paper to say something to her, he smiled - and then looked to Deidre, whom she noticed widened her eyes with a slight shake of her head. He gave a slight nod as if in agreement and pushed his chair back from the table. "I have a few phone calls to make, I'll leave you two to enjoy your breakfast." folding his paper under his arm; stood and left the room. He would be staying with Deidre through the next few days, deciding to conduct whatever business he could from her home. He had all he needed, his lap top and briefcase - because he wanted to be a support to her. She was getting more and more nervous, worried because the time had come to deal with Angela and then, Shawn would follow.
Because their behavior could not be mistaken, Angela asked right away, "What's going on?"
Deidre took a few deep breaths, pushing her plate away to clear an area before her where her elbows went to the table and her chin resting on the knuckles of her hand. She looked at her daughter, right into her eyes. Her stomach tightened.
"Well?" Angela pressed again.
Deidre gave a gentle smile, "Have you been enjoying yourself here? This time?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Just asking, and what do you think about Jeremiah?"
Angela shrugged, "He's okay I guess."
"He really thinks you're cool."
"What is this about, you gonna marry him or something?"
"I wouldn't mind marrying him, but - that's not what this is about." She saw her daughter physically brace herself, sitting back in the chair, hands gripping the sides of the seat.
"If not that, what then?"
Deidre took another deep breath, "Remember me being in the hospital a while back?"
"Yeah, when you got shot."
"Yes - when I was shot. You see Angela, the problem is - we think someone went through a lot of trouble to set me up that night. I can only guess at the plot, but either way, it no doubt had to do with money. I'm worth a lot of money, meaning, we have access to a great deal of it, do you know what that means?"
"No I don't know what you mean, what are you getting at? What does that have to do with me?"
"You're my daughter Angela, you're a Wherrington-..."
"I'm a McPherson! I'm not a Wherrington, maybe you are, but I'm not!"
"Either way Angela, lots of people know that we are descendants of Wherrington's, regardless of exterior ties, such as your father. People know, that I - have a daughter, you."
"So." Angela returned, drawing further away from her mother into the chair, as if it would keep her away from her. Her eyes were growing wider, worry was already starting to transform her features.
"Angela - they know - or - will assume that you are the most important thing in the world to me. A correct assumption I might add. Knowing that, they also figure that I'll do anything possible, whatever it takes, to keep you safe - a - alive. The motivation behind things they might do to challenge that knowledge is money, something many people want and need. Those that feel they need it the most, sometimes do desperate things to get it. What happened to me Angela - we believe was a desperate act. We don't understand it fully yet, or who was behind it, but - it didn't turn out the way they planned it. And - they may be planning something - again. Only, they're more than likely, giving a little time to go by, and perhaps, better plan, or go in another direction. Are you following me so far?"
Eyes round as saucers, she nodded quietly.
"Angela, one of the most often used, desperate acts to get a person's money, is to hold for ransom, something - or - someone they most treasure. Those that will do this, are willing to go as far as necessary to succeed, in getting paid the value of what they hold. Or - else. It's the or else, that makes many pay the price. Do you know what I'm getting at?"
"No." She couldn't get herself to give in to what this discussion was leading to.
"Come on Angela, you must know what I'm saying to you. You're a little girl, but you're a smart one. You've been around enough to hear things, see things."
Growing upset, she fired off, " I don't know why you're telling me this!"
"Angela, you - are worth - a lot of money! Lots of it. I'm saying, that those same people who tried to hurt me, might try once more, but this time - they may go after you. They'll do it Angela for the money - and they don't care about anything else but that."
Her eyes started to well up, because now she knew where it was going.
"Angela ... oh honey, I can't - I can't take a chance - as your mother - on letting anyone - hurt you - kidnap you. I have to do all that I can, to protect you."
"My daddy will protect me!"
"I know he would Angela, your father loves you more than anything in this world. He would protect you with his dying breath. Problem is Angela, once he gives up his - last dying breath to try and save you, the people after you, would still get you - and Angela - your father, Shawn Everett McPherson - would be gone - for good this time Angela. Never to return. Angela, they will kill him. To get you from him, they would have to kill him."
"Noooo - don't say that!" She began crying.
"Angela! That's the way it is! That's the world we live in! You know your father better than anyone - no one loves him more than you - that's why - I know - just as he would do all to protect you - you - Angela - will do all you can - to protect him. He will not hesitate, he will take whatever is-..."
Angela shot up from her chair running from the room.
Deidre stood, "ANGELA!!! Angela please..." She rushed after her, as she darted up the stairs, "ANGELA!!!" Deidre called up to her.
"I HATE IT HE-E-E-ERE! I HATE BEING A WHERRINGTON AND I - HATE - YO-O-O-OU!!!" She screamed hysterically rushing towards her room where she locked herself in.
Deidre stood mid-way up the stairs, her eyes filling with tears. Gathering below, Jeremiah, Charlie, and the new bodyguard, Angela's bodyguard. They were all quiet, waiting. Deidre turned looking down at them. Tears ran from her eyes that she swiped at, looking to the new bodyguard, selected by Jeremiah and Charlie she ordered, "Please, go - guard my daughter."
The new person, Ivory Saitama - son of a black mother and Japanese father, in his late 20's made his way silently up the stairs to position himself as guard over her. He'd been in training of the martial arts since he could stand on his own two feet. And it was in one of his classes that was attended by Jeremiah, that he was approached by him four years ago saying to him, "You should be a bodyguard, your speed, your skill - you could practically name your price."
Four years of specialized training later, there he was.
Deidre passed him on the way down, "She didn't mean that Deidre." Jeremiah tried to console her.
"Yeah, she did. She is, Shawn's daughter - all I did was bring her into
the world, he's done the rest."
"But she doesn't hate you, she's frustrated, hurt and angry. I'm sure you can relate."
"Kind'ah - but you see, I never had a father like Shawn. No child, no little girl, with a father like him, should be forced to part from him. If I were her, I would hate me. Oh well, no matter, that was mild. That was nothing compared to what we'll face when he's here. I'm just going to - relax for a bit, give it some time, before I call him."
Jeremiah nodded, turning to look at Charlie.
"Are you sure, this is the only way we can protect her?" he asked, now starting to feel a bit of the pressure himself.
"What do you think? You know what they'll do to get her."
Jeremiah nodded, yes, he did know.
* * *
L. A. Condo
By the time Shawn came out of the shower, most in the house were up and at it. His wife on the other hand, was still in bed. "Hey you, you okay?" He inquired, drying off, one towel around his neck, the other around his waist.
"Em hm, just sleepy. I tossed and turned a lot last night, couldn't stay asleep. I'm telling you now, we gone catch hell with your Jesse James, his lil'butt was moving around all night long. I'd dose off and he'd wake me up again. But he just as still as he can be now. Is it okay if I get in another hour?"
Smiling, hearing about his son, Shawn climb on the bed to lean over her, "Are you kidding me, of course. You stay in bed as long as you need. You want me to bring you anything?"
Sylvia turned into him, snuggling against his body on her side, "Nooo, I'm fine, just wanna get s'more sleep. Emmm, you smell so fresh, smell good." She smiled groggily. Shawn leaned down, kissing her temple, to her ear, on the side of her neck, "I'm - sorry about last night, I didn't mean-..."
"That - is not even, on my mind, gone and forgotten." She murmured with her face tucked into his neck, a soft kiss followed the dismissal.
Shawn exhaled, "Would you like me to climb back in bed so you can smell more of me." He flirted.
BOMAW 10-12 Page 88
