“I don't have to stay here and listen to this foolishness!” she screamed. She stood and grabbed her bag. “Oh please don't go sis. You haven't heard my story of betrayal yet.” Steve said giving me a wink. “Steve! Please!” she said clinching her hands in a fist. “No, no, I promise I won't take up much of your time. I just wanted you to know how your lies affected me. You wanted so desperately to run Knight, Hall and Hall that you decided the best way to get me out, you know, since I didn't accept your original offer, was to have me set up on embezzlement charges. It almost worked!” he said wagging his finger at her. “Almost...but talking to Ms. Skye here, I heard something that spoke volumes to me. Do you know what she said sis? She said 'sometimes the worst treatment comes from the worst people who can sometimes be your blood.' At first I thought I was hearing things because, after all, the only time I ever heard that saying was when dad said it. So it got me thinking, you know, after I was arrested and terminated. I had nothing else to do with my time but think. And it hit me...she must know you somehow. That day at the party when you caught your husband and Jennifer together. You flipped out. Next thing I know you and Maxine are exiting the ladies room together. Next thing I know she's the new receptionist. Next thing I know I'm fired. Funny how all that worked.” “Steven shut up!” she yelled. “Daddy was right about you. You're nothing but a sniveling, cocaine snorting bastard! All you ever did was bring the company down. Like you bring everything down. You disgust me.”
“You disgust me too little sister. Because you will go to the ends of the earth to have your way. Even if it means sleeping with a married man. Even if it means framing one brother and killing the other. Kidnapping not one but two women. Hiring this man to do all your dirty work so you can sit over there and look like your hands are clean. Setting up one of your most promising employees for murder. Where does it stop Lucy? Or does it? How far are you willing to go? Haven't you done enough? Look at all of us. Everyone in this room has been touched in one way or another by your filth. Did you ever once stop to think of John's family? Or mine?” “Tracy will be fine! John was a millionaire which is more than I can say for you!” she laughed. “No I'm not a millionaire because I believed in trying to make the family business work...the right way. You on the other hand, are a back stabbing bitch. I hope they throw the book at you.” he said turning to walk away.
“Are we all really listening to this?” she asked her eyes wildly searching the room. All eyes were on her but no one said anything. “Lucy is all this true?” Elizabeth asked. “Why are you even asking me such a question?” “These people have all assembled here to lie on you then?” “You're my attorney! You're paid to represent me, so do it!” Lucy screamed. “I'm afraid you're going to need new representation Mrs. Knight. I can't help you.” Elizabeth said gathering her things. “Fine! Leave! I don't need you either! You're fired!” Lucy yelled. Elizabeth got up and brushed past Ashley and Lance. “Are you satisfied now?” she asked looking at me. “Of course I am. You're getting exactly what a woman like you deserves. Hiring a newbie like me proved to be your biggest mistake Mrs. Knight.”
“This just in: we've been following this story for quite a while. Our sources tell us that Lucy Knight of Knight, Hall and Hall has been arrested again.” “Again Bill?” “Yes, and this time it looks like she has a slew of charges to face. Everything from kidnapping to murder for hire.” “She's been a busy woman.” “Yes she has.” “That's too bad. It looked like her firm was really going places.” “In other news, a tragic car accident landed an 87 year old man in jail tonight for drunk driving.” “Well, you finally did it babe.” Lance said. “You're one determined little lady.” “Thanks to you for helping me. I never would have been able to get this case closed without you.” I spoke to Verene and she was happy that the case was closed. “I'm grateful to you for helping me. I really appreciate it. Now when are you going to stop working for Knight, Hall and Hall?” “You're late girl. I already did.” she laughed. Lance and I went to Lucy's trial. Steve, Frances, Ashley, John's wife Tracy, Verene, Lucy's husband David, even Mitch all came. The trial lasted two and a half weeks as there was a parade of people who needed to testify to their involvement in Lucy's life. I even had to take the stand to tell how I came to be hired. Finally after it was all said and done Lucy Knight was sentenced, 30 years to life without parole. The court room erupted as she was carted off in handcuffs.
“I'm sorry I was so mean to you.” Tracy said. “Thank you for putting that monster in jail.” “You don't have to apologize to me Tracy. I understand how you felt. You lost your husband. Your children lost their father. For that, I'm sorry.” We hugged. “Yes Maxine, thank you for putting that monster in jail.” Steve said. “She's where she belongs now.” Ashley said. “I didn't know her well at all. But she's one scary chic. And, she was screwing my husband.” Frances said. “I'm sorry.” Ashley said to her. “I didn't know you...then.” “It's okay. We're all victims.” she smiled. “So what happens now?” Mitch asked. “Now you can go on with your life. And this time don't mess it up.” I told him. He smiled and gave me a tilt of his hat. “Steve? Steve Hall?” a short bald man asked. “Yes?” Steve said. “I'm Patrick...Patrick Truman. Your father's partner.” “Yes, yes, I remember you. It's been a long time.” Steve said shaking the man's hand. “Yes...and I've lost allot of hair.” he said rubbing his head. “Is there someplace we can go to talk a little business?” he asked. “Of course.” Steve said. They both walked out of the back of the court room.
Everyone began saying their goodbyes. It was time to move on and let Lucy Knight go. She had a sentence to serve and we all had lives to move on to. “It's mine!” Steve exclaimed. He was waving papers in his hands. “What's yours?” I asked. “The firm, the house, the extended firm, all of it! It's all mine.” he said sitting down on one of the benches. “That man was Patrick Truman, my father's long time business partner. He said that once Lucy forfeited her right to run the firm, I was next in charge. I didn't even know this was in existence.” he smiled. “Congratulations Steve. You deserve it.” Over the next few weeks Steve and I kept in touch. He told me he fired Will. Good decision since Will was instrumental in helping Lucy. Things were back to normal in his life. He sold his parents home. He said there were too many bad memories to live there. He even sold the additional firm that was Lucy's. He said he only wanted to work from one office. The original one his father started. Last but not least, he said he had to let Laura Baxter go. He wanted a chance to have a fresh start with his wife Melissa. Having her around made it hard to be faithful, both to his wife and the promise to stay drug free. I was proud of him.
I hadn't seen Mitch Russell since the sentencing. But I heard that he had enrolled in culinary school per his probation officer. Lance made sure he checked in. Ashley decided not to go back to work for Knight, Hall and Hall. She found employment at another law firm in a different state. Frances divorced Frank after he received his hefty 15 year sentence. She stayed single but said that Jack was a likely boyfriend candidate. Tracy continued to run John's The JH Experience. She said she couldn't sell it or give it to someone else to run. It was his dream and his baby. She intended to see it through. I didn't blame her. David and Jennifer got married the next summer. I hear she's expecting. Verene and I searched Hadley for empty office spaces. We finally found one near downtown. The rent was reasonable and it came equipped with office furniture. I would have to supply the computers and other office machines. I decided to use some of the money I made to make the space nice and invest in myself. I also paid for the first year's rent to show myself more than others that I am serious about my new profession. I'm sure new clients will be beating down our door. The life of a private investigator has it's ups and downs. But like anything else I have to stay focused. I have to stay motivated. But most of all, and most importantly, I have to pray and trust God.
Chapter Twenty- I'm Getting Married! “Momma are you alright?” I asked her. “Yes Max, I'm fine.” she said. She was sitting in Mariah
's garden having tea. “How's she doing, with the medication and all?” “She's doing much, much better. I'm glad she's staying here with me.” “I'm glad she's staying with you too Mar.” We both laughed. “You two have come a long way. It's good to have my family back again.” “Are you ready to get married?” momma asked me as I sat down next to her. “Yes.” I said. My smile was so big and wide I couldn't stop if I tried. “Well any man that can put a smile like that on my baby's face deserves her.” she said leaning over to kiss me. “Go on, go on, get ready. He ain't gonna wait on you forever!” momma said. I went up to Mariah's room. All the girls were there, waiting for me. I had my own hair stylist, make-up artist, and nail tech. My dress was hanging there waiting for me. It was beautiful. I felt like a princess. “Come on over here Miss. Thang!” Kim said. “Get your face beat.” she laughed. “I can't believe a year has passed already.” Michelle said. “Good thing we planned early. This is probably the most stress free wedding I've seen.” Mar said. “Thank you Mariah!” I said blowing her a kiss. By the time my make-up, hair and nails were done, I was overcome with excitement. I just wanted to see my Lance.
“Max?” a little voice from below softly called my name. “Lacey!” I exclaimed. I was so happy to see her. She was dressed in her little flower girl dress and she looked beautiful. “Thank you.” I whispered to her. She nodded and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “You're welcome.” another woman's voice. I looked up to see Keisha standing in the doorway. “I couldn't let my daughter's father get married without her being there. Besides I have to grow up sometime and face facts. It didn't work out. So I have to let him go.” I smiled at her. “Congratulations and good luck.” she said grabbing my wrist. She put a pearl bracelet on me and closed the clasp. “Something borrowed.” she smiled. “Im'ma need that back.” We both laughed. She took Lacey's hand and they left. “That was nice.” Kim said. “I'm glad she didn't come with the drama. I didn't want to have to whoop her ass on your wedding day.” Mariah said. We all broke out laughing. We drove to Madison City and my stomach was jumping the whole way.
“Is the bride ready?” the coordinator asked. “Yes she is.” “Okay, we're walking in five.” she said. Everyone did a quick once over in the mirror and hurriedly took their places in line. Then I heard the music. Here comes the bride, here comes the bride I heard the piano. My heartbeat sped up, my hands began to sweat. My legs felt like spaghetti. But more than anything else I wanted to walk down that aisle. “You ready?” my sister's husband asked. “As I'll ever be.” I said. He put his arm under mine and the doors opened. The room was beautifully decorated and all the seats were filled. My sister and friends were standing there smiling, full of pride. My mother standing there healthy, and beaming, full of joy. I was happy. My husband to be standing at the alter, smiling as big as I was. I began to walk down the aisle. My legs grew stronger with each step. Finally, after what felt like forever, I reached Lance. His handsome face, his beautiful smile. I was in love.
Pastor Blackmon started to speak. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, in the sight of God and this company, to witness and celebrate one of life's greatest moments. To give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the union of Lance Whitfield Jr and Maxine Skye. Lance and Maxine, marriage is an institution ordained of God, and it is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but reverently, deliberately, and only after much consideration, for in coming together in marriage you are committing yourselves exclusively, one to the other, for as long as you both shall live. If you would, please turn to face one another and join hands as you each take your marital vows. Beginning with you, do you, Lance Whitfield Jr, take Maxine Skye, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, or for worse, for richer, or for poorer, in sickness, and in health. With respect for her integrity and faith in your union, do you promise to unfailingly seek out the best you can in her, loving her every day, in every way, until the end of your forever? If so, please answer:” “I DO.” “And now do you, Maxine Skye, take Lance Whitfield, to be your lawfully wedded husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, or for worse, for richer, or for poorer, in sickness, and in health. With respect for his integrity and faith in your union, do you promise to unfailingly seek out the best you can in him, loving him every day, in every way, until the end of your forever? If so, please answer:” “I DO.” What tokens of love and respect do you offer each other? We looked around for my nephew Joey. He handed over the rings.
“The wedding ring is the outward sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. It was Saint Augustine who said, 'The nature of God is like a circle whose center is everywhere and circumference is nowhere.' May the rings that you hold symbolize the nature of God in your lives, and as often as either of you see them, may you be reminded of this moment and the endless love you have promised. Lance, as you present Maxine with her wedding ring and pledge your love and your life to her, will you please repeat after me: Maxine, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to love and honor you always. With this ring, I thee wed.” Lance said the words and I tried not to cry, but it didn't work. “Maxine as you present Lance with his wedding ring and pledge your love and your life to him, will you please repeat after me: Lance, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to love and honor you always. With this ring, I thee wed.” I repeated the words half talking and half crying.
“Lance and Maxine, in as much as you have consented to be joined together in the holy state of matrimony, and having pledged and sealed your vows by the giving and receiving of rings in the presence of both God and this company, it is with great pleasure that I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Congratulations! You may kiss your bride. It is with great joy and honor that I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Lance and Maxine Whitfield!”
And there it was. We were married. I was now Mrs. Lance Whitfield, Maxine Skye-Whitfield. What a big name for me but I was prepared to carry it. I had such a rush of emotions. I felt everything from happiness to feelings of bitter sweetness. I was no longer a single woman. But I was overjoyed to be Lance's wife. “Put your hands together for Mr. and Mrs. Lance Whitfield!” the DJ announced as we walked into our reception. Lance and I walked hand in hand and danced our way into the room. Everyone cheered and clapped for us. We partied into the wee hours of the morning. Everyone left but we stayed in the hotel room Mar had booked for us. “We did it baby!” Lance said. “Yes we did...in more ways than one.” “Huh?” “I'm pregnant!” I squealed rubbing my belly. “Oh my God Max, that's great!” He picked me up and carried me across the thresh hold. We both fell on the bed. “Tonight was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful night.” “I agree. I'm glad you got everything you wanted. I know I did.” He said kissing my stomach.
I'm a new wife and soon to be mom. I had a good life ahead of me. Every now and then I think about Lucy and everyone that I met because of her. She touched my life in a profound way. I hope that each and every person lives a long and happy life. Even Lucy...
Maxine Skye, Private Eye Page 21
