After All

by Emery, Lynn

  “Now look what you've done,” Michelle pointed to the suds sliding down the front of her top.

  Anthony reached behind her for a large fluffy towel. With a grin, he unbuttoned the top and began wiping her skin with slow, deliberate motions. “How's that?”

  “Thanks,” she said in a tiny voice. Michelle's breathing accelerated as he propelled her from the tub and towards the bedroom. “Are you sure you feel up to this?”

  “Uh-humm.” Anthony buried his face in her hair.

  “Guess so.” Before sinking to the bed, Michelle let the top fall around her feet.

  They lay facing each other. Michelle continued her delicate massage of his arms, back, and chest. Anthony nuzzled her neck letting his tongue trace a fiery path down to her breast.

  “I can't stand the thought of him pawing you.” Anthony hugged her to him.

  “Nothing happened. I'm all right.” Michelle whispered.

  “If he comes near you again--” Anthony spoke with his lips pressed to her skin.

  “Shh. Let's concentrate on us. You seem to have bounced back. Dancing all night and then getting into a fight. You're something else. Anthony? Honey?”

  Soft, steady breathing was the only reply. Michelle looked down to find Anthony sound asleep. Nestling his head between her breasts, he moaned softly. She felt a fierce stab of love gazing at the dark lashes against his brown skin. Michelle tenderly stroked his hair until she too dozed off.

  ***

  “Say man, what the hell happened to you?” Lonnie laughed. He gulped the last drop from a bottle of malt liquor.

  Loud, profane rap music blared away. A horde filled Lonnie's house. Writhing, bumping bodies jumped in time to the heavy bass beat. A couple groped each other in a darkened corner. A steady procession of couples left the dance floor to find greater privacy.

  “Nuthin'. What ya got good?” Marcus glanced at the throng not interested in anyone or anything he saw.

  “In there.” Lonnie nodded towards the kitchen.

  Marcus staggered into the room. He took a turn snorting a line cocaine. Wiping his nose and sniffing, Marcus shook his head. Lonnie sat in a tattered chair inhaling deeply from a cigarette. The party continued without them.

  “I want to bring Anthony down hard,” Marcus snarled. He slapped the table so hard it moved.

  “Man, we in business. Business comes first. We got our first shipment comin' in day after tomorrow. We ain't got no time for this right now.”Lonnie took another deep drag on his cigarette.

  “I don't care, man. He's gonna pay. His bitch, too.”

  “I don't care what you do on your own time, but you better not mess up this deal. You hear me? You hear me?”Lonnie's voice was low but deadly. He and Marcus stared each other in the eye.

  “I hear ya.” Marcus looked away.

  “Good. Maybe we can take care of them and boost business later on. That reporter been stickin' her nose in the projects too much lately.”

  “What you mean?” Marcus perked up.

  “Them stories on the projects. She gettin' on my damn nerves. Yeah, we can talk about it later.”

  “I wanna get Anthony, too,” Marcus said eagerly.

  “Man, he's family. You oughta be nice to him. Cut him in on some business.”Lonnie grinned at the look of shock on his face.

  “What’re you talkin' about, Lonnie?”

  “Fact is, he's already in the business. He don't know it though. One of my boys works for him.”

  “So what? They work for you and work for him part-time.”Marcus opened his second bottle of malt liquor.

  “Hey, one of his trucks makin' some of my deliveries. His warehouse is storin' some of my inventory.”

  “You mean?” Marcus blinked at him.

  Lonnie nodded. Suddenly, his grin melted and his lips curled with hatred. “But he been stealin' from me. I been plannin' to deal with Troy. Maybe we can solve my problem and yours, too.”

  “Oh yeah?” Marcus wore a smile that held no humor.

  Lonnie watched Marcus steadily. “Take care of several problems at the same time. Got possibilities to turn this to our advantage.”

  “Lots of possibilities.” Marcus laughed harshly along with Lonnie. “I got some ideas on that for sure.”

  Chapter 11

  “Millions of tax dollars are spent each year on public housing programs in this country. But are we getting our money's worth? And are the residents who live in government subsidized housing really being given a safe, clean place to live as well as an affordable one? In the first of a series of exclusive reports, Michelle Toussaint reveals some disturbing answers to those questions.” Chad Brunson intoned in his best lead anchor voice.

  Michelle came on the screen. “This is Kent Plaza, a two hundred unit public housing development in north Baton Rouge. This is home for the families, mostly single mothers, whose income qualifies them for these low rent apartments. They are a lucky few of the thousands who are still in need of public housing. Yet many don't feel so lucky. Just take a look at why.”

  “Damn it, I knew that first story wasn't going to be the end of it.” Charlotte Kinchen struck the arm of her chair.

  “I don't see what you gettin' so worked up about.” Ike barely paid attention as they watched the television in her office.

  “First the DA starts asking questions, now this. Ike, this is serious.”James Bridges twisted the end of his silk tie through his fingers.

  “That's Anthony's girl, you know. Cute little thing, ain't she?” Ike, the picture of a man without worry, leaned back in the captain's chair with his feet on Charlotte's desk.

  “I'd like to get my hands on her cute little neck,” Charlotte spat.

  LaWanda spoke directly into the camera as she led Michelle on a tour of the project. She pointed to broken toilets, holes in walls, and chunks of broken concrete. “This ain't unusual either. If it gets fixed, it ain't done right.”

  “Who is that, Charlotte?” Ike lit up a cigar.

  “Ring leader of a tenants group. All they do is complain. Just typical welfare mothers wanting something for nothing. She's going to get more than she bargained for I promise you.” Charlotte's top lip twisted with malice.

  “You shoulda taken care of her long time ago if she's been causin' trouble. Evict her butt.” Lonnie leaned against the wall near the window.

  “Don't worry. Miss Sibley and her snotty nose kids will be sitting on the sidewalk. She can find somewhere else to live since she dislikes the projects so much.” Charlotte glowered as she watched LaWanda describe the formation of the tenants association.

  “We want our kids to have a safe and decent place to live just like other people.” LaWanda stood tall as she spoke. A small group of tenants murmured assent.

  “We've spoken to officials with the Housing Authority who say in effect the tenants cause more damage as fast as they fix things.” Michelle aimed the microphone at LaWanda though a chorus of protest came from the group behind her.

  “Most folks here take care of their apartments. But nothin' lasts forever.” LaWanda's voice rose with indignation. “The Tenants Action League wanted to work with the Authority, to clean up, fix up, and clear out the folks causin' problems. They won't even talk to us.”

  “Thank you, Miss Sibley. Chad, in my next report we'll examine closely charges of favoritism in apartment assignments and awarding repair contracts. This is Michelle Toussaint for Channel Twelve.”

  “Don't you have friends at that station, Ike? We ought to do something about her.” Charlotte turned down the volume as a noisy car dealer shouted about great deals.

  “Michelle's all right. Besides, what she's reportin' ain't nothin' new.” He rocked back in the chair.

  “How can you be so calm about this? Didn't you hear her say there are going to be more reports? Charges of wrongdoing she said.”Bridges got up and began pacing. “I've got a business to protect. With the DA sniffing around, this is the last thing we need.”

  “Man, you need t
o chill.” Lonnie spoke with contempt. His eyes narrowed as he watched Charlotte hand Bridges a drink and pat his arm.

  “James is right. First thing we should do is deal with those tenants.” Charlotte let her hand rest on James' arm. Glancing aside, she smiled at Lonnie's reaction.

  “Don't worry, I'll handle the tenants.” Lonnie wore a menacing grin.

  “What does that mean?”Bridges stopped pacing and sat down.

  “Means I'll handle it. That's all you need to know,” Lonnie snarled at him.

  “Okay.” Ike dismissed the subject, his attention already on the papers in front of him. “Now when we gone hear 'bout the new housing developments, Charlotte?”

  “Any time now. It's gone through all the approval stages.”

  “Good. I wanna be able to finish renovatin' by early May at least. They gonna be a gold mine.” Ike sat back wearing a satisfied expression.

  “Sure will, Ike. You won't have a problem getting a good price whether you rent or sell them.”Charlotte lowered her voice and leaned close to him.

  Lonnie stood abruptly. “I'm goin'. Charlotte, come on,” he barked.

  “James will bring me back to the office.” Charlotte didn’t look at him.

  Lonnie slapped a fist against his thigh as he stared at her for several seconds before stalking out. The door banged shut behind him. Ike glanced at Charlotte.

  “Lonnie acts like he's your boss instead of the other way 'round.” Ike wore a veiled expression.

  “I can take care of him,” Charlotte cleared her throat.

  “He's an accident waiting to happen, Charlotte. Fire him.” James gripped her hand.

  “We need him. Besides, Lonnie isn't the type to go away quietly. It's under control, hon. Let's go.” Charlotte pulled him to his feet with her.

  “Goin' straight back to the office I'm sure.” Ike grinned at them.

  “Of course.”Charlotte looked at him with an expression of mild amusement.

  “Such a dedicated public servant. Don't work too hard. You might hurt yourself.”Ike let his gaze wander down the length of her body. His eyes held a warning.

  She wore an imperious smile.”I never take on more than I can handle.”

  “I hope not, baby,” Ike murmured as he watched them leave. “I sure hope not.”

  ***

  “Did you see your sister on TV last night?” T'aneka leaned against Dominic as they cuddled on his sofa.

  “Yeah.”

  “What did you think about it?”

  “I dunno.”Dominic pulled back to look at her. “What do you think?”

  “It was right on. Don't tell me you never noticed how nothin' seems to ever get fixed even though we've got all them work orders.”

  “With all those apartments and houses, there is bound to be some places that get missed. Besides, I know certain repairs are being done,” Dominic said.

  “You're doin' what you supposed to, but you're probably the only one.”

  “Buster hasn't asked me to do anything wrong. He's been straight up with me.” Dominic's voice had a defensive edge to it.

  “Just keep your head up is all I'm sayin'.”

  “Hey, the man flirts with you and you got him doing all kinds of crimes.” Dominic pinched her chin.

  “It ain't just that, Dominic. Mr. Buster got some heavy friends. Lonnie for one. Don't let him lead you into nothin' shady.”

  “Buster is no angel, but he's a good man in his own way.” Dominic moved further from her.

  T'aneka reached out to touch his hand tentatively. “Just be careful.”

  “You know something you're not telling me, T'aneka?” Dominic gazed at her steadily.

  “No, uh-huh. It's just with this stuff on the news and rumors 'bout Buster and Mr. Batiste. I was only worried you might get in trouble.” T'aneka spoke in a rush. She didn’t meet his gaze.

  “Then stop worrying. Ike Batiste has nothing to do with my job. And you know what they say, believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.” Dominic smiled as he put his arms back around her.

  ***

  Michelle glowed from the praise of her colleagues. Her next segment had taken up a good portion of the story meeting. For the next two days, her reports would be the centerpiece of the evening newscast.

  “Fabulous work, Michelle,” Gracie winked at her.

  “Great reporting, Toussaint.” Earl slapped her on the back.

  “Okay, we've got our assignments. Let's move it,” Jason said with a sour expression. He gathered up loose papers rattling them loudly.

  “My goodness, she hasn't won the Pulitzer prize yet,” Jennifer snorted.

  “Green is a lovely color on you, Jennifer, dear.” Gracie flashed a grin at her.

  “I'm not wearing gr--, very funny.”Jennifer shot her a venomous look before leaving.

  Weston Lockport startled them all when he walked in. Seldom did he attend these meeting.”Michelle, stay awhile. You too, Nathan.”

  Jason moved back into the room quickly.”Yes, Mr. Lockport.” He wore a puzzled frown.

  “The public housing series.” Lockport looked from her to Nathan.”With allegations of drug dealing, possible fraud, it seems doing three short reports isn't enough.”

  “I agree.” Michelle held her breath.

  “What about two additional reports with more air time?”

  “Have mercy!” Michelle yelled jumping up. She sat back down immediately. “I mean, the magnitude of what I've uncovered so far certainly warrants it.”

  “Good. Do the last three next week. Jason will give you any extra help you need.” Lockport left the room not bothering to glance at his assistant.

  “Way to go, Toussaint.” Nathan winked before leaving.

  Jason seemed unable to make his mouth work. He liked being in charge and letting everyone know he was in charge. Michelle in particular did not respond well to his posturing. Now he was made to seem her assistant. Noticing Michelle beaming at him and that Lockport was gone, he scurried after him.

  Back at her desk, Michelle began outlining the continents of the two additional segments. She whistled a cheery tune as she organized her notes.

  “So what's next?” Gracie chewed on a jelly donut.

  “Follow up on the drug dealing. I've got an interview with a confidential source. Then I'll interview Charlotte Kinchen to get her side in the last segment.”

  “And Uncle Ike?” Gracie's eyebrows arched.

  “I, uh, haven't decided.”

  “I understand.”

  “What's that mean?” Michelle glanced up sharply.

  “Well, not wanting to upset Anthony. You two are getting along good, and if you don't have to mention Uncle Ike specifically, why should you?”

  “I haven't decided if it will add anything to the feature, Gracie. It has nothing to do with being afraid of how Anthony will react.”

  “If you say so.” Gracie lifted a shoulder and started tapping out a story on her computer.

  “I say so.”

  Michelle labored for another thirty minutes. Her sunny mood had evaporated as she sat confronted with the obvious. Not only did Ike have lucrative contracts, but so did most of his friends. And several of them subcontracted portions of the work to Ike. Michelle cursed softly at the paper trail leading to Anthony's uncle. There was no way around it. The connection between Ike, Bridges, and Charlotte Kinchen was pivotal to the story. With a sigh, she began putting the pieces together.

  ***

  “How is everything?” Anthony gave her a tight smile.

  “Fine.” Michelle answered his smile with one of her own.

  They sat across from each other in a booth at the China Gardens restaurant. The dim lighting and small candle on the table combined to give the booth an air of private intimacy even though they were surrounded by diners in the small room.

  “How are your folks doing?”

  “They're fine. Your mother okay?”

  “Fine.”

  The waitress too
k their orders and left. Michelle carefully unwrapped her silverware from the cloth napkin. She sipped the hot tea. Anthony glanced around the room.

  “How is the new project coming?”Michelle broke the awkward silence.

  “Pretty good actually. We're ahead of schedule. We could earn a substantial bonus for every day we finish before the deadline,” Anthony said.

  “Wow, that's some incentive.”Michelle poured another cup of tea for herself.

  “Sure is.”Anthony stared down into his cup. He had not touched his tea.

  “I wish the station gave me a bonus for beating a deadline. All we ever get is another assignment.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah.” Michelle clamped her lips together. She cursed silently realizing her mistake in bringing up work at all, especially hers. The waitress setting out the platters of food brought a welcome interruption. But before she made an attempt at changing the subject, he spoke up.

  “Your present assignment seems pretty deep. I don't expect you'll be working on anything else for a while.” Anthony busied himself pouring soy sauce on his food.

  “Oh, we work several stories at a time. I've got two others I'm working on right now. Mustard?”

  “No thanks. Seems like you've spent a great deal of time tracking down facts about the Housing Authority. Don't see how you found time for much else.”

  “Yeah, well. Say these egg rolls are great. Try one.” Michelle held up the saucer.

  “Not right now. So are you about finished with it?” Anthony wiped his mouth with the large red napkin.

  “The egg roll?” Michelle mugged at him wiggling an eggroll.

  “The story, Michelle. I'm talking about the story.” Anthony stared at with an irritated expression.

  She stopped smiling and inhaled deeply. “I've got two more segments to do.”

  “Is my uncle going to be mentioned?” Anthony stabbed at the food on his plate without taking one bite.

  “Look, let's not--”