The Aftermath

by Shelia M. Goss

  “I would love to go.”

  “The concert is Saturday and starts at eight, so I’ll come get you around seven,” he said.

  “Sounds good.”

  The valet drove up. I kissed him lightly on the lips. “Goodnight, Raymond.”

  I gave the valet a tip. He held my door open and I got inside of my car. Raymond waved at me. I waved back.

  I drove away. I hopped on the interstate so I could bypass the majority of the lights on the way home. I didn’t notice a car following me until I got off on the Lakeshore Drive exit. Whatever lane I got in, the car behind me did the same. When I stopped, they stopped. I decided to stop in the twenty-four-hour gas station. The parking lot was filled with other cars and people. The car behind me did the same.

  I pretended to need some gas, but instead I kept driving and drove around the gas pumps and got back onto Lakeshore Drive.

  The car behind me still followed.

  I had my Bluetooth turned on in my car so while driving, I activated it and said, “Call Lovie.”

  Lovie answered. “Hope, do you know how late it is?”

  “Someone’s following me. What should I do?” I blurted out.

  Lovie’s tone changed from chastisement to concern. “Where are you?”

  “On Lakeshore. Was going to take it all the way home.”

  “Drive straight to the police department. I’m on my way.”

  “But—”

  “Don’t argue with me. Whoever it is following you will get the message.”

  I did as instructed. I turned on one of the side streets and made a circle back on to Lakeshore Drive. I hit the interstate and got off on the exit that would take me straight to the police department.

  I pulled into the parking lot. There were only a few cars in the lot, but the person who was following me kept on driving. I waited to see if they were going to turn around and come back; they never did.

  A few minutes later, Lovie parked beside me. He got out of his car and came to my driver’s side. “Are you all right?”

  “No.” My hands were shaking.

  “We can leave your car here and come back and get it tomorrow,” he said.

  “I’m fine enough to drive myself home,” I stuttered.

  “What kind of car was it? Did you see a driver?” Lovie asked.

  “It was either a black or dark-blue Caddie. The reason I know it was a Caddie was because of the grille in the front. I couldn’t tell who was driving it. I did notice a baseball hat,” I said. This time my words were clear.

  “I’m going to follow you home,” Lovie said.

  He got no argument from me. If he hadn’t suggested it, I would have insisted that he did.

  CHAPTER 47

  Lovie

  I decided to spend the night on my sisters’ couch in case whoever was following her knew where she lived.

  My phone ringing woke me.

  “Lovie, it’s seven in the morning; where are you?” Mom’s voice rang from the other end.

  Having to check in with her was the downfall of us now staying under the same roof. I decided not to upset her and tell her about what had happened with Hope last night.

  “I had to get out and take care of something. Everything’s fine.”

  “Next time, leave me a note or something. You up and disappeared.”

  “Mom, I’m a grown man. I don’t need you lecturing me.”

  “I know that. I’m sorry, okay.”

  Mom had a good way of making you feel guilty about something you shouldn’t feel guilty about. “Mom, no need to apologize. We’re all under stress. I understand.”

  We ended our call. I went outside to check on our cars. I didn’t notice last night, but I noticed this morning that Charity’s car was missing. I went back inside and up the stairs to see if she was in her room.

  Hope was sound asleep and Charity’s door was open and empty.

  I hated to wake Hope but I did. Thirty minutes later, she dragged herself into the living room. She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and was wearing a pink jogging suit.

  “Sis, I think you should pack a bag and come back to the house and stay with me and Mother. Charity’s always gone with Omar and I don’t think it’s safe for you to be staying here by yourself.”

  “Lovie, don’t let me regret calling you. Mom and me under the same roof? Nope. That’s not going to happen. We’re like oil and water. We are not going to mix.”

  “At least make sure you activate the security system. I was able to leave out and the thing didn’t go off. No use of having one if you’re not going to use it,” I said.

  “Fine, I’ll make sure I keep it activated. I’ll tell Charity to do the same whenever she comes home.”

  “I’ve got things to do so lock the door and activate the security system.”

  I hugged Hope and left her home alone. I dialed Charity’s number. I didn’t get an answer. I called Omar. He answered.

  “Let me speak to my sister. Better yet, put it on speakerphone. That way I don’t have to repeat myself.”

  “Charity’s not here,” Omar said.

  “What do you mean, Charity’s not there? Hope told me she was at your place.”

  “I haven’t seen Charity since yesterday evening when I stopped by. I had a late-night surveillance but wanted to see her because it was going to be late when my partner and I finished.”

  I pulled over to the side of the street. “I’ve got to locate my sister. If you hear from her, tell her to call me or you call me.”

  I disconnected our call. I called Charity’s number again. Nothing. The call went straight to voicemail. I called Hope. Hope didn’t answer. I hit my steering wheel. I almost got hit when I pulled back onto the road without looking. The driver behind me honked his horn.

  I sped down the street back to my sisters’ house. I sighed with relief when I saw Charity’s car. I slammed on my brakes, turned the car off and ran down the walkway to their front door.

  Charity opened the front door. I hugged her so tight that I lifted her off the floor.

  “Why aren’t you answering your phone? You had me worried about you. You’re trying to give me a heart attack and I’m not even thirty yet.” I was frantic and out of breath.

  “Lovie, calm down. I’m fine. I spent the night at Omar’s, but he never came home so I got up early and came back here.”

  “You should have told somebody. If not me, at least Hope.”

  “I didn’t know I needed a babysitter,” she snapped.

  “Call Omar. I got him looking for you too.”

  Hope came into the room. “Lovie, I got your message. I was in the bathroom. I was about to call you back when I heard you out here.”

  “She’s here. You girls are going to be the death of me. Somebody needs to know where you are at all times.” I looked at each one of them when I said it.

  “Lovie, we’re grown women. We don’t have to check in with anyone,” Charity proclaimed.

  “Tell that to Mom after I tell her about what happened to Hope last night.” I folded my arms.

  Charity looked at Hope. “What is he talking about?”

  Hope gave her a quick recap from last night.

  “Why didn’t one of you call me? I would have come home,” Charity said.

  “We don’t have to check in with each other, remember,” I said, in the most sarcastic tone I could think of.

  My cell phone rang. It was Omar. I answered. “I found her. She’s home. Yes, I’ll tell her to call you.”

  After making sure both of my sisters were home safe and secure, I left to go to the funeral home. At least there, I didn’t have to worry about any drama.

  CHAPTER 48

  Omar

  I stood in the doorway waiting for Charity to come. I pulled her into my arm
s and held her tight.

  “Babe, I’m all right. You can let me go now,” Charity said.

  I released her. She walked inside and I closed the door.

  “I didn’t realize you had been here until you told me. I’m a detective and couldn’t tell someone had been in my house. Please don’t tell Jake that,” I teased her.

  “I was trying to surprise you, but the surprise was on me,” she said.

  “I’m glad you’re here now, though.” We were now seated on the couch.

  “We were supposed to go out, but I think I want to stay in. I don’t feel like being around a lot of people,” Charity said.

  “I’ll order a couple of pizzas and we can watch movies on Netflix,” I said.

  Over the next few hours, we ate, cuddled and watched movies. For once, there was peace in my life. Charity dozed off in my arms. I smiled because soon she would become Mrs. Underwood.

  My cell phone rang. I tried to answer it before it could wake Charity. I didn’t bother to look at the caller ID. “Hello.”

  I got off the sofa and walked to the other side of the room.

  “Son, we need to talk.”

  I whispered, “Your timing is always off. I’m busy right now.”

  “You’re with that Jones girl, aren’t you?” Dad asked.

  “Yes, so I really must go.”

  “You’re playing with fire.”

  “Dad, I must go. I’ll call you back later.” I disconnected the call.

  “Dad? I thought you told me your father was dead,” Charity said.

  I turned around. She was now sitting straight up on the sofa. “I thought you were sleep.”

  “Answer the question. Is your father dead or not?” she asked.

  “It’s complicated.” I walked back to where she was and took a seat next to her.

  Charity crossed her arms and leaned back on the sofa. “I’m listening.”

  “You really didn’t hear what you thought you heard.”

  Charity tilted her head. “Omar, the worst thing you can do is lie to me. I know what I heard.”

  “I didn’t ever say my father was dead. I told you my mother was dead.”

  “When I asked you if your parents were living, you told me they were dead. Please don’t play games with me. I’m giving you one more chance to be honest with me.” She blinked her eyes a few times.

  “Yes, my mother is dead. My father is not. He’s still around.”

  “Great. So when can I meet him?”

  “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea,” I said. I couldn’t have her meet my father. If I did, she definitely wouldn’t want to marry me. I couldn’t risk losing her because of him.

  “Well, I think it is. Call him. Let’s schedule a time. Tonight. Tomorrow. This weekend.” Charity kept spouting out dates.

  “I’m not going to call him. He’s fine where he is. My dad and I don’t actually get along. We’re nothing like you and your dad.”

  “Regardless, if you and I are getting married, I need to meet him.”

  “Charity, drop it, okay? I don’t want you to meet him. Isn’t that good enough for you?”

  “No. Not without a valid reason.”

  “He’s not a good person.”

  “But he’s still your father and I want to meet him.”

  “No. And I’m through discussing it,” I snapped.

  Charity jumped off the couch and grabbed her keys and purse. “Bye, Omar. Call me when you feel like continuing this discussion.”

  I stood and blocked the front door. “Charity, calm down. You’re too upset to be driving anywhere.”

  “Move, Omar.”

  “No, not until you listen to me.”

  Charity tapped her foot. “Now you want to talk.”

  “I hate that my father isn’t a good man. I don’t want you to meet him and then change your mind about marrying me.”

  Charity reached for my hands and held it. “Omar, is that what you’re worried about? Baby, I love you. So what if your father wasn’t the best dad to you. He is not you. You’re a good man. You’ve been good to me. You’re always helping others. I wouldn’t dare let who your father is stop me from loving you.”

  I felt a little more secure with her response. I moved from in front of the door. “Promise me, you’ll stay. We can talk about this later. For now, let me love you.”

  She didn’t resist when I kissed her. I scooped Charity in my arms and carried her to my bedroom and made love to her. She fell asleep in my arms. Sleep escaped me. I couldn’t allow my past to intersect with my present. If Charity ever found out who my father was it would be the end of our relationship. It had taken a lifetime to find a woman like Charity and I would not lose her. I couldn’t lose her. I didn’t want my life to go back to the way it was before her.

  I heard a knock at the door. I eased out of the bed. I opened the door but wouldn’t allow the person on the other end inside.

  “You are making me regret I agreed to help you,” I said.

  “Son, you are allowing a woman to get in between us,” my father said from the other end.

  “I never felt right helping you. I only did it because I thought you would finally give me your approval. That you would finally love me. But Dad, I don’t think you’re capable of loving anyone else but yourself.”

  “Omar, that’s not true. I love you. I’ve loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you.”

  “You had a funny way of showing it. All of my friends’ fathers attended their ball games. Me, I stopped playing ball and the gang became my family. The leader became my father figure because my own father wouldn’t ever publicly acknowledge I was his son.”

  “I thought we’d discussed this. Thought you were clear on why things happened, but obviously not. Are you going to let me in or not?” he asked.

  “Charity’s in my bed. As I told you on the phone, now is not a good time.”

  “But, Omar, I need you.”

  “I needed you back then. Now you know how I feel.” I shut the door.

  CHAPTER 49

  Lexi

  I didn’t want to alarm my children, but I’d been getting a lot of hang-up calls. The caller always called from a blocked number and they would sit and hold the phone until my voicemail disconnected the call.

  The doorbell rang.

  I wanted to cook dinner for the kids tonight but didn’t have everything I needed. I didn’t feel like going to the grocery store so I called and used a delivery service. I retrieved cash out of my purse and went to the front door.

  “Ms. Jones?” the young deliveryman said. He was carrying several plastic bags.

  “Come on in,” I responded. “Put them right there.”

  He placed them on the table. He handed me the receipt. I double-checked to make sure everything on the receipt was in the bags. The grocery items were prepaid for. I handed him a twenty-dollar bill for his tip.

  His eyes sparkled. “Thank you, Ms. Jones.”

  “You’re welcome. Thanks for not taking all day to deliver.”

  “Do you want me to take them to the kitchen for you?”

  “No, I’ve got it. Please close the door when you leave.”

  I gathered the handles of the plastic bags and took them to the kitchen.

  I went upstairs to change into another outfit. I didn’t want to get the pantsuit I had on dirty with food. On my way back downstairs, I noticed the front door wide open.

  “Lovie, is that you?” I called out.

  No response. I called out Charity’s and Hope’s names. Still no response. I ran back upstairs into my bedroom. I retrieved the gun from under Royce’s pillow.

  I called Lovie. “Someone’s in the house.”

  “Lock your door. I’m calling the police,” Lovie said frantically from the other end.
r />   I ran to my bedroom door, shut it and locked it. Lovie placed me on hold while he made the phone call.

  “The police are on their way. I’m on my way too,” Lovie said. I could hear the beeping noise from his car as he started the engine.

  “I’ve locked the door. I don’t hear anything,” I said.

  I walked to the window and looked outside. I noticed a car near the end of the driveway parked near the street. “I see a dark-blue car. Looks like a Cadillac parked by the end of the driveway.”

  “That’s the same car that followed Hope the other night.”

  “Why am I just now hearing about it?” I questioned.

  “Didn’t think it was relevant,” Lovie responded.

  I heard sirens. “The police are near. I hear them. Oh my goodness. There’s a man running out the front through the yard.”

  “Do you recognize him?” Lovie asked.

  “Not really. He’s wearing all black and a baseball cap. He’s getting into a Cadillac. He just pulled away.”

  The police car pulled behind my car seconds after the other car drove away.

  “The cops are here,” I said to Lovie.

  “I’m almost there too,” Lovie stated.

  “I’m going to get off this phone and tell them they’re a minute too late.”

  We ended our call. I greeted the two uniformed officers at the front door.

  “We got here as soon as we received the call,” the shorter police officer said.

  I told them what happened. While talking to them, Lovie came in. They drew their guns.

  “Relax. That’s my son,” I said. Whew, I said to myself. They were some trigger-happy police officers.

  “And your name?” the shorter officer asked.

  “I’m Lovie Jones. I’m the one who called you.” Lovie took a seat next to me.

  “Mrs. Jones, you say there’s nothing missing. If you can think of anything else, please don’t hesitate to call us.”

  The other officer handed me his card. I placed it on the table in front of me.

  Lovie walked them out. I walked to the kitchen. I wasn’t in the mood to cook anymore. Lovie remained silent as he helped me put up the groceries.