Operation Midnight

by Sharon C. Cooper

  He winked at her. “Later. But right now, let’s get you into the family room.” He lifted her and she laced her arms around his broad shoulders.

  “You’re going to spoil me if you keep carrying me around like this.”

  “I live to spoil you.”

  The doorbell rang just as Wiz set her on the sofa.

  “Are you sure you’re cool with having Raeanna here?” Wiz asked as he backed slowly toward the door.

  Olivia lifted an eyebrow. “Are you saying I have a choice?”

  “You always have a choice, sweetie. I would just feel better knowing that someone was here with you.”

  The last thing she wanted was for him to spend his day worrying about her. “It’s fine.”

  “Hey, Olivia.” Raeanna waltzed into the room, a large bag hanging from her shoulder. “I hope you don’t mind being stuck with me for a couple of hours.”

  “I should be saying that to you. I hate that you have to babysit.”

  “Oh please, I don’t look at it as babysitting. I’m hoping some of your creative talent will rub off on me while I’m here. If so, maybe I’ll be able to create something like that.” She pointed to a large abstract painting hanging on the wall over the sofa. It was one of the first pieces Olivia had painted while in college. “If I had half your talent, I’d probably paint until my hands fell off.”

  Olivia liked Raeanna from the moment they met. Young, with a geeky like quality, she was like a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day. Her easy smile and gentle spirit could make the grouchiest person feel good. What Olivia liked most was her style of dress. Tar black hair, spiked at the top and tapered on the side with a streak of pink, went flawlessly with her all black attire and four-inch platform shoes. Such a contradiction to her bubbly personality.

  Wiz walked back into the room. “What else can I do for you before I head out?”

  “Nothing, baby. You’ve done more than enough.”

  He bent down and kissed her. “Don’t forget our plans for later,” he whispered close to her ear.

  She smiled. “I won’t.”

  An hour later, Olivia finished a sketch she had started days ago, something that had been playing around in her mind. The abstract wasn’t like anything she’d done of late, but she had to admit, it was good.

  “Are you okay, Olivia?” Raeanna asked from her perch at the kitchen counter. “Do you need anything?”

  Olivia had gone back and forth on whether or not to solicit Raeanna’s help in locating Keisha. Wiz would go ballistic if he had any idea of her plan, but finding Keisha was something Olivia felt she needed to do. Not just because of the note, but because it was time. It was time to reconnect with her sister and try to put the past behind them.

  “As a matter of fact, I do need something,” Olivia finally said to Raeanna. “If I wanted to search for a family member, where would I start?”

  Raeanna tilted her head, her brows slanted in confusion. “Um, Wiz is the best at finding people. Why not ask him? Besides, he’s a licensed P.I. He has access to informational databases that others can’t touch.”

  That was one of the reasons Olivia was disappointed that Wiz wouldn’t even consider her request. It wasn’t like he would have to interact with Keisha. Olivia wanted to pass the note along and see how her sister was doing. That’s it.

  “Cameron has been so busy lately. I was hoping to do this on my own, but I don’t even know where to start.”

  Raeanna still didn’t seem convinced. “I hope I’m not overstepping here, but everyone who works with Wiz knows that he would walk on water for you—busy or not. I only hope that when my Mr. Right comes along he is half as attentive to me as Wiz is to you. Ask him. I bet he would search for your sister.”

  Olivia sighed and sat back. “He hates my sister,” she stated simply.

  Raeanna’s eyes grew as large as saucers. “Wiz? He’s like the nicest guy at the office. I can’t imagine him hating anyone.” Olivia gave her a look and Raeanna started back peddling. “But, I guess you would know him better than anyone.”

  She debated on how much to tell Raeanna without actually coming out and telling her that her sister deserved to be on Wiz’s shit list.

  “Cameron has every right to be against the idea of finding her. Keisha …” Olivia stopped, searching for the right words to describe her sister. “When we were young, Keisha stayed in trouble. She has done some things to us that … let’s just say she has left some permanent scars on us.”

  Raeanna grabbed the note pad she’d been writing on earlier and strolled over to the family room. She sat in one of the chairs across from Olivia.

  “Then why do you want to find her? If you don’t mind me asking.”

  Olivia gave a half shrug knowing it was crazy that she wanted anything to do with her sister. If only Keisha hadn’t been on her mind so much lately and if only that note didn’t exist.

  “I know we will never be as close as we were when we were kids, but I want to know what she’s been up to. I want to know where she is, if she’s okay, and whether or not she’s changed.”

  Raeanna nodded but didn’t speak for the longest time. “I can understand that. My sister and I aren’t as close as we used to be, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying about her.”

  Somehow, Olivia didn’t think Raeanna and her sister’s relationship could remotely be compared to hers and Keisha’s. After their parents died, Keisha’s behavior grew reckless. The drug use, the drinking, and the people she hung with back then were bad news. There were times when Olivia wondered if Keisha was even still alive.

  Olivia shook the thought free. She would know. She knew in her heart that she would know if Keisha was dead.

  “Okay, I’ll see if I can help, but I won’t be able to do it on company time.”

  “Whatever you can do or find would be helpful and appreciated. I’ll gladly pay for your time.”

  Raeanna waved her off. “That won’t be necessary, but I’m going to need some information in order to get started.”

  “Anything.”

  “I need her full name and her last place of residence, if you know. And if you have her social security number that would help.”

  Olivia answered the questions she knew the answers to and promised to get the information that she didn’t have on hand.

  “Oh, and when is her birthday?” Raeanna asked.

  “November twenty-third.”

  Raeanna’s brow lifted. “Wow. Isn’t your birthday around that time? Wiz invited me to your birthday celebration next weekend.”

  “Actually, my birthday is on the twenty-third, too. We’re twins. Identical twins.”

  The young woman’s mouth dropped open. “You have a twin? That’s so cool. I always wanted a twin. So did you guys dress alike as kids? Finish each other sentences?”

  “Yeah, we did.”

  A smile found its way to Olivia’s mouth. There was a time when she and Keisha were inseparable. Their mother always dressed them alike and back then, their parents were the only ones who could tell them apart. Happy memories of when they would try to confuse their teachers and pretend that they were the “other” twin came rushing back. They had a perfect life until—

  “Olivia. Olivia?” Raeanna waved her hand in front of Olivia’s face. “Are you okay?”

  Olivia blinked several times and turned her head, trying to keep the tears at bay. It was hard for her to think of Keisha without thinking about all the bad that was her sister.

  Olivia blew out a breath and swiped at the lone tear that made its way down her cheek.

  “I’m fine. How about I make us some lunch?”

  Raeanna stared at her for a moment before speaking. “Wiz told me to make sure you stay off your feet.”

  That man. Olivia loved him like crazy, but sometimes he was just too much.

  “He mentioned that there was lasagna in the refrigerator. Or would you like something different?”

  “That’s fine. Thanks.”

  Raea
nna stood and started to walk away, but stopped. Turning back to Olivia, she said, “I’ll do everything I can to find your sister.”

  “Thank you and … can we keep this between us?”

  She nodded and headed to the kitchen.

  Part of Olivia hoped they were able to find Keisha, but there was a part of her that wasn’t so sure. Maybe Wiz had been right in saying that she should forget the idea of searching for her. But how could she? This was her sister. No they didn’t have a telepathic connection like their friends used to ask them about years ago, but there were times when thoughts of her were stronger than other times. Like lately. Since last seeing Keisha, Olivia hadn’t thought much about seeking her out. Until now. She just hoped she didn’t live to regret it in the end.

  *

  Wiz pulled open the heavy glass door of the jewelry store and a bell chimed. Several people glanced his way. He was surprised by the number of customers considering it was Tuesday.

  “Good afternoon, welcome to Diamonds and Gems,” a perky redhead with heavy makeup greeted. “May I help you?”

  Wiz gave a head nod to two staff members he recognized before approaching her as she stood behind one of the glass counters that held silver jewelry.

  He removed his shades and tucked them into the inside pocket of his heavy leather jacket. “Hi, is Greg here?”

  “Wow. You have beautiful ey—” she started. Her gaze darted around checking to see if anyone had heard her. “I’m sorry, I mean …”

  Wiz smiled and waved the comment off. “Thank you.” He was used to the reaction, especially from women. It wasn’t that often you saw a black man with green-hazel eyes. He had inherited them from his father, who had the same eyes as his mixed-race mother.

  “Hold on a second. I’ll get Mr. B.”

  While she was gone, Wiz glanced around the space, only spotting a few cameras. The store’s security system had been installed five years earlier and at the time, Greg had been on a tight budget. The agency now had systems that were light years ahead in technology, compared to Greg’s current equipment.

  “What’s going on, man?” Greg’s voice boomed. He gave Wiz a one-arm hug, pounding him on the back.

  Greg, a big man the same height as Wiz, carried around at least forty extra pounds. Dark complexion with thinning hair, he looked a little older than his fifty years. “It’s good seeing you. Come on back.”

  “Remind me not to leave here without Olivia’s watch.” He had ordered her a new platinum one for her birthday.

  “Actually, I have it right here.” Greg unlocked the top drawer of his huge mahogany desk and pulled a square, gray velvet box out. “How is that gorgeous woman of yours anyway?”

  Wiz opened the box and glanced at the timepiece.

  “She’s doing okay. Busy as ever, but good nonetheless.” He hadn’t told many people about the mess at the university the other night, trying not to think about it no more than he had to. Every time he thought about how the situation could have turned out, his blood pressure spiked.

  “I’m glad to hear that. Let her know she’ll be hearing from me in the near future. Deloris and I want to commission her to do another painting for us. We’re always getting compliments off the two she’s already done.”

  Wiz smiled. Olivia was very talented, and though he was glad she wasn’t traveling as much, he hoped she kept painting.

  “I’m sure she would be more than happy to hear from you.” Wiz glanced down at the watch.

  “If it looks okay, I’ll print the final invoice.”

  “Looks good.” Wiz closed the lid. “Was there an additional charge for the heavy duty fastener?”

  Greg shook his head. “Nah, man. You’re all set. I hope she likes it.”

  “I’m sure she will. So let’s talk diamonds,” Wiz said now that they had the small talk out of the way. “You really think Clayton is the one switching them out, huh?”

  Greg nodded, his mouth devoid of the smile he usually wore. “I don’t have any proof, but when I review the tapes, it really looks like he’s up to no good. I figured I’d get you or Malik to check out the video surveillance footage before I get the authorities involved. I hope I’m wrong. He’s a good guy who has been with me for years. But someone is stealing from me. In the past two weeks, there’s been about ten thousand dollars’ worth of diamonds that have been switched out.”

  Wiz whistled. “Okay, well I’ll start with the video footage you have and we’ll see what’s going on.” Wiz moved his chair around to Greg’s computer. “Malik told me which system you have and I should be able to tap into it and send the information to the office. You really should consider upgrading and having the agency monitor your systems.”

  “After this, that’s what I’m planning to do. I’m just going to have to talk Malik into giving me the family discount.”

  Wiz grinned. “I’ll put in a good word for you.” He began typing in codes. “Does anyone here have access to the cameras? And does everyone have the alarm code for getting in and out of the building?”

  “No one has access to this computer, which is the only way to monitor the cameras in the building. My three managers have the code for getting into the building.”

  For the next hour Wiz asked questions to gauge which new security system would be best suited for Greg’s needs. He also watched some of the videos. He had to agree, Clayton was up to something. The way he positioned himself when handling the diamonds, he clearly knew where all the cameras were located.

  A knock sounded on Greg’s office door.

  “Sorry to bother you,” the redhead said to Greg. “There’s a woman out here who says she ordered a broach last week, but I can’t find any paperwork on it. She said you were the person who helped her.”

  “Wiz, I’ll be right back.”

  “Okay.”

  Wiz moved through more frames showing different parts of the store. He stopped and watched a few minutes of footage of the sales floor and then froze.

  What the …

  He zoomed in on the woman who walked into the store and approached Clayton. Her large sunglasses shielded a portion of her face, while the short, reddish wig added to her attempt at a disguise.

  Ice crept through his veins as he rewound the footage, freezing it. Noting the date and time.

  A week ago.

  He scooted to the edge of his seat as his pulse hammered double time.

  This can’t be.

  He continued to stare at the woman who—despite the disguise—looked just like Olivia, but he knew it wasn’t her. That would mean …

  He slammed back in his seat. “No way. There’s no way in hell that can be her,” he mumbled.

  Wiz rewound and started watching that part of the footage again, wishing the video had sound. The heated conversation the woman was having with Clayton definitely piqued Wiz’s interest. But he couldn’t get over how familiar she looked.

  He paused the tape, his gaze steady on the woman, studying every inch of what he could see of her.

  It can’t be.

  There’s no way that can be Keisha Abernathy.

  Olivia’s sister.

  Chapter Seven

  “Daddy!” Olivia screamed, her heart thumping wildly. “The smoke is coming from our house! Hurry!”

  Her father floored the gas pedal, then skidded the car to a stop and leapt out. Flames shot out of the basement and first floor windows as he ran toward the house.

  Sirens blared nearby and Olivia struggled out of her seatbelt. The moment she opened the car door, she heard her mother’s screams from a second story window.

  “Mama!” Olivia cried, running across the grass to the house. Her foot touched the bottom step of the concrete stoop, but someone grabbed her around the waist, lifting her off the ground. “Noooo! Let me go!” Blinded by tears, she kicked and yanked against the person holding her. “I have to help her!” she cried, coughing from the smoke coming from the opened front door.

  “You can’t go in there. It�
��s too dangerous,” a young male voice said close to her ear, his body like a wall behind her. Still she fought. She had to keep moving. She had to help her family. “I can’t let you go in there.”

  It was no use. He was too strong.

  A firetruck pulled up to the house and firefighters jumped out of the vehicle. A small crowd had gathered and one of the firefighters directed everyone back.

  “Please. Please. Help! My parents …” Her throat tightened and tears fell faster. She continued pulling against the person holding her. “I have to help them. I have to help!”

  “Olivia. Olivia.”

  She continued to struggle against the grip on her shoulder. Her arms flailed and legs kicked despite a pain in her ankle.

  “Olivia. Sweetheart, wake up. It’s just a dream. Come on, wake up.”

  She just barely heard Wiz’s voice over the pounding of her heart.

  “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

  All the fight seeped out of her like a slow leak in a bicycle tire. She fought to think past the fog clogging her mind and slowly opened her eyes. Wiz leaned over her, his hand cupping her cheek and concern marring his face. He wiped at her tears, but more fell just as fast.

  “You know I can’t handle tears.” He sat back on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap, cradling her as if she were a small child. His chin rested on top of her head as he whispered comforting words.

  It had been years since she’d had the dream. Why now? Why after all of these years had she dreamt about the fire that took her parents’ life? The fire that started because her rebellious sister had left a cigarette burning in the basement thinking that she had put it out?

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Wiz’s voice rumbled against her ear.

  “It was the same dream. The fire.” She ran her hands down her face. “It seemed so real. My mother’s screams, the smell of smoke, the firefighters yelling for everyone to get back. It was as if I was right there again. Living that nightmare. Feeling that nightmare.” She shivered, wrapping her arms around Wiz’s midsection.

  The only thing that kept Olivia from running into the burning building to go after her father that day had been Cameron. He had come out of nowhere.