Tell Me Lies

by Michelle Lindo-Rice

  “We have time. I don’t know about you, but I’m not planning on going anywhere. You should’ve left me alone that day in the food court. Now, you’re stuck with me,” she joked.

  “I’m glad to be stuck with you.” Noah laughed, loving this upbeat side to Sydney.

  “We need to continue our date.”

  “Believe me, we’ll have plenty more. You and your mother needed to talk last night.”

  “Yes, we did. I’m supposed to meet my father. I’m so scared …”

  Suddenly his palms felt sweaty. Sydney’s voice had this light quality that wreaked havoc on his senses. She rambled on. She had no idea how her voice soothed him.

  “What are you wearing?” Noah’s voice dropped. He needed a visual. Sydney stopped midsentence. Noah held his laughter. He knew she was still too caught up on his being a minister to view him as a man. And he’d asked her something lovers would ask.

  “Uhm, that’s weird. Let me see.” Her giggle filled the car. “I’m wearing a dark gray pencil skirt with a neon yellow blouse. It’s too warm for a jacket today, and of course, a pair of coordinated yellow and gray shoes.”

  “I bet you look fine as ever,” he said. “I can only imagine what your shoes must look like. Text me a picture.”

  “I’m not going to text you a picture.”

  “Go on. Do it. I want to see what’s on those pretty feet of yours.” Sydney’s shoes were like jewels on her feet.

  “I had no idea you were such a flirt.” Her breathy tone teased him.

  “I’d love to see those shoes.”

  “You’re a pastor. What if someone sees your phone?”

  “Then they’ll see a picture of my girlfriend’s feet,” he said. “It’s not like I’m asking you to send me intimate photos.”

  “Let me think about it.”

  “No, don’t think. Just do it.” Noah turned off his car and unlocked his door. Her call transferred to his Bluetooth.

  “Your voice is doing things to me,” she said. “Lord Jesus, You know.”

  Noah chuckled as he walked toward the entrance. “Jesus knows all about our struggles.” They both laughed at his quip and their tension eased.

  “Come see me later,” she said.

  “Let me check the calendar on this new iPhone the church gave me,” he said. He checked his calendar. “I’m booked for most of the day.” Her groan echoed in his ear.

  “The rest of my day is jam packed. I have a preliminary counseling session with two couples.” Noah didn’t disguise the regret in his voice.

  “Mine too,” she whined. “After court this morning, I have a lunch date with Belinda.”

  He straightened. Nothing boosted a man’s ego like having a woman who really wanted to see him.

  “How about we get together later on tonight?” Noah suggested. “We can go out somewhere.”

  “I’d rather stay in if you don’t mind,” Sydney said. “I’m way too tired to tackle my hair and all that.”

  “Okay, I understand. Let’s meet up at my house. I need a chaperone.”

  Sydney giggled. “Why? Do you think I’ll attack you if you come to my house?”

  “Yup. If we were at my place, Gramps and Scurvy would keep us in line.”

  “Okay. I’ll stop by the movie rental and get some popcorn.”

  “I’ll grill burgers and franks and we’ll make a night of it,” Noah offered.

  “Okay. I just got to the office. I want to talk with you on my way to court, so don’t hang up.”

  “I’m here,” he said.

  Noah heard her car door slam. Then he heard the chime as she entered the firm.

  Next he heard her ask, “Wait a minute, where is my file?”

  “What file?” he asked.

  “My notes. I had all my files ready and they’re gone. Okay, let me print out the briefs to take with me.” He heard the frantic tapping of keys. “I can’t get in! My password isn’t working. What is happening?”

  “Calm down,” Noah said. “Is Portia in? Ask her.”

  “It’s tons of papers. I’ve got to be in court in twenty minutes! Who would do this?”

  “Sydney, breathe, Baby. Let me pray with you. God can bring things back to your remembrance. Trust Him.”

  She barely registered his words. “While you pray, let me go ask Portia. Talk to you later.” She hung up the phone.

  Right where he stood, Noah prayed. “Lord, see Sydney through in court. Help her with the case. Help her remember all she wanted to present. I cast all in Your hands. Amen.” He put his phone into his pocket. He’d check on Sydney later.

  Noah waved at Alma and entered his office. His eyes rested on a large manila envelope on his desk. His stomach clenched. Noah picked it up. There was no addressee and no postage. This was hand-delivered.

  Holding it in his hand, Noah scurried out to Alma. “Did you know who dropped this off?” He kept his tone light and casual.

  Alma smiled. “No. It was under the door when I arrived this morning. I didn’t open it.” She bit her lip. “Did you want me to open it?”

  Noah shook his head. “No. That’s okay. I just wondered if you knew how it got here. I’m sure it’s nothing.”

  Alma nodded and turned back to the computer.

  “Let me know when the Warren’s arrive.”

  “I sure will,” she chirped. “Do you need coffee or anything?”

  Noah’s stomach felt wooden. “No, Alma. But, thank you.” He trudged back inside his office and locked the door. Then he tore open the envelope.

  There was a sheet of loose-leaf paper inside. When he pulled it out, there was a message made up of cut out words from magazines. He read the crude words.

  One hundred thousand dollars. Cash. Pay up or she pays. Will be in touch.

  She?

  Matthew was threatening Sydney. His body shook. Noah clenched his fists. If that scumbag came near her, he’d rip him like David did the lion that dared to steal one of his sheep. Noah read the ominous words again. What did he mean by pay? Did he mean money, or … Noah blinked.

  Maybe he should get the cops involved. Noah dismissed the idea. Gangs infiltrated the police departments and Matthew was a hacker and a conman. Like an octopus, he had many tentacles that stretched far even as a kid. He’d be untouchable now as an adult.

  Noah banged a fist on his desk. If anything happened to Sydney, he’d lose it. But she was safe for now. He had no choice but to wait for Matthew to make his next move.

  But rest assured, after that, the next move would be his.

  25

  “My files are missing!” Sydney yelled. How could that be? Before leaving for home the night before, she’d printed the briefs. She was pretty sure when she left that the folder had been on her desk. She looked at the clock. She had to leave for court in three minutes. Maybe she should go without them. The idea of that put her stomach in knots. Sydney raced out to Portia’s area.

  “Did you see anyone in my office this morning?”

  Portia shook her head. “No one was here when I arrived.”

  “Someone swiped the files for the Burns case.” Sydney hyperventilated. She ran her hands through her hair and paced.

  “Calm down!” Portia said. “I can print you a new one.”

  “I know but I made personal annotations. I’ve got post-it notes all through the document and I’m locked out of the computer. Someone changed my password and I can’t access my files.”

  “Breathe,” Portia instructed. “I’ll get a tech in here to work on it.”

  “But I’m due in court!”

  “Sydney, relax. Your memory is better than an elephant’s. You’ve been working on this case for months. You’ll be okay. I promise you that.”

  She exhaled. “I know, but I like having my notes on hand.”

  “They’re a crutch. You don’t need them. I’ve been with you in court. I know you barely look at them.”

  Sydney zoned in on Portia’s face. Her confidence soothed Sydney’s
frazzled nerves. “I guess you’re right.” She squared her shoulders. “I’m overreacting. I’ll be okay. Get me a clean notepad to take with me. Noah prayed for me. I’ll be fine.” She mumbled. “I just don’t know who would do this.”

  Portia scrunched her lips. “I do. Curtis sabotaged you. I’d bet a whole year’s paycheck this was his handiwork.”

  “I don’t get what benefit he’d get from taking my notes.”

  “Get you off your game. Everyone knows about your post-its and lists. He wants your job.”

  “Well, what God has for me is mine. Nobody can take that from me.”

  “Amen, Sister,” Portia said. “Now take your butt into that courtroom and show off. You’re the best at what you do and you have God. Nobody can touch that.”

  Sydney and Portia high-fived. She left for court with an extra sway in her hips. She turned up Joy FM radio and sang along until she pulled into the parking lot. Sydney prayed. “Lord, I’m depending on You. You know Yasmeen Burns needs this money. Help me to be her advocate. Give me the words to reach the jury. I’ll trust in You.”

  Sydney departed her vehicle and scurried into the courthouse. She didn’t have her list or her notes, but she had God. He’d be enough.

  26

  Who earned two million dollars in two hours? Sydney smiled. Yasmeen was now a wealthy woman. Once she’d presented the facts, the jury had debated for two hours. They returned with a unanimous decision. She’d prepared Yasmeen for five hundred thousand. But God had multiplied that. She hadn’t needed her sticky notes. Not when she had God.

  The judge banged his gavel and court ended.

  “Thank you so much,” Yasmeen cried. She gave Sydney a tight hug. “I wanted justice, but now I’ll be able to do so much more. I can send my two sons to college.”

  Sydney patted her on the back. “I’m glad to help. You deserve every dollar.” She stepped back to face Yasmeen. “You can collect it in installments or as a lump sum. But we’ll meet in a week to talk more about that.”

  “I want all my money, now,” Yasmeen squealed.

  Sydney cracked up. “We’ll talk. I’ll have Portia set up the appointment.” She gathered her legal pad and Yasmeen’s file. She walked out the courtroom with her head held high. It felt good to win.

  She spotted Belinda’s car and looked at her watch. It was close to noon. It seemed like years instead of weeks since she’d last seen Belinda. She was looking forward to their lunch date for them to catch up. She also needed to see Belinda in person. It could be her overactive imagination, but Belinda seemed different.

  Belinda was her usual bubbly and carefree self, but she was also evasive. She ended their phone conversations within ten minutes. She hedged when Sydney suggested they get together and that was not like her friend. Sydney had been surprised when Belinda agreed to meet up for lunch today. Sydney tapped her feet.

  The lunch crowd poured out the courthouse. Sydney craned her neck, seeking out her friend. Belinda was easy to spot. Sydney smiled when she saw Belinda’s outfit. She was rocking a white V-neck jumpsuit with a gold blazer and matching gold heels.

  Her eyes widened when Belinda came into view. She couldn’t hold her gasp. “I thought you were wearing one of your wigs. But you’ve changed your hair.” Sydney took in the short pixie cut and red color.

  “Yeah, well …” Belinda lowered her eyes, appearing self-conscious.

  That was so un-Belinda-like. They exchanged air kisses. “You didn’t even tell me you were going to cut it.” Sydney ran her hands through her own long, curly mane; sort of reassuring herself it was still there.

  “I needed a change.” Belinda looked down at her feet like she was afraid to look Sydney in the eyes.

  Sydney couldn’t take it anymore. “Bells, did I do something?”

  Belinda’s eyes widened. She shook her head. “No, of course not. We’re cool. I’ve been busy with getting Carmela’s Closet going. Organizing this event is a monstrous undertaking.” Belinda walked over to the driver side of her car. She gestured for Sydney to get in her car. “Why do you ask?”

  Sydney entered the car and put on her seatbelt. “Because you’re acting funny. You haven’t been yourself.”

  Belinda squared her shoulders. “Between planning this ball, finding a location for the launch party and working with the Beulah Belles, I’m swamped. I’m also filled with doubts as to whether or not this will be a success.”

  Sydney noticed the perspiration on Belinda’s neck and cheeks. She was breathing hard and fast. Sydney knew Belinda was lying or withholding information.

  “You have nothing to worry about. Carmela’s Closet will help so many people.” Sydney tapped her chin. “But you seem nervous. Do you want me to ask Portia to help you?” Sydney asked. She didn’t want to outright accuse Belinda of lying.

  “No, I’ll manage. But I did set up a site for us to visit after lunch.” Belinda rubbed her chin. “How’s Noah doing?”

  Sydney’s eyes narrowed. Belinda was trying to distract her with talk of Noah. But her heart followed the diversion. “He’s perfect.”

  “Perfect? Girl, take that dreamy look off your face.” Sydney noticed Belinda’s tight knuckles as she gripped the steering wheel. “No one is perfect. No one. You really shouldn’t put pressure on people like that. No one, not even Noah, can live up to it.”

  Sydney shook her head. “Of course, I know he’s not perfect. I’m not putting pressure on anyone. But Noah is as close to perfection as they come. I mean Superman fine. You’d have to be blind not to see that. He’s thoughtful, considerate, caring, and…”

  “Yes, yes,” Belinda interrupted, “Noah may be all that and fifteen bags of chips, but he is also a mere man. He’s every inch a man.”

  “Who you telling?” Sydney waggled her brows. “I don’t know how I’m able to keep my hands off him.”

  Belinda’s shoulders shook with laughter. “Well, let me rephrase that. Noah is human and subject to mistakes like everybody else.” She glanced Sydney’s way. “And you’d better keep your hands off him or God will send lightning from heaven to emulsify you for messing with His child.”

  “I’m God’s child, too,” Sydney teased.

  “Yeah, but in a toss off, who do you think would come out on top?”

  Belinda’s quick rejoinder fell from her lips. Sydney’s heart lifted as they engaged in their customary banter. Belinda pulled into the Cozie Café off Bayshore Boulevard. Like the name signified, it was warm and inviting. The food and service came with southern hospitality.

  Sydney and Belinda ordered their meal. Since she hadn’t eaten breakfast, Sydney ordered the omelet with tomato slices. Belinda decided on a big, juicy burger.

  While they waited for their food, Sydney said, “I miss this. You know that?” Without waiting for an answer, she changed the conversation. “I spoke with my mother, or should I say she barged into my home, ready for a show down.”

  Belinda chuckled. “Knowing Janine, I bet it was better than a Mayweather-Maidano fight. Wasn’t that rematch unnecessary?” She shook her head. “I can never get that time back.”

  Sydney scrunched her nose. Belinda was a fan of boxing?

  Belinda continued, “Did you get everything resolved? I mean, learning that you have a father who is very much alive instead of buried six-feet under, must be blowing your mind.”

  “Yes.” Sydney then told Belinda the entire story as her mother related it to her. By the time she was finished, their lunch had been served, but left untouched. Both were caught up in the story of Janine’s past.

  “What a crazy good story of love,” Belinda said.

  Sydney smiled. “I think so too.”

  Sydney dipped her fork into her omelet and Belinda bit into her burger.

  “I’m going to meet him this weekend. I’m going to meet my father. It doesn’t even sound real. He wanted to speak to me, but I was scared to speak to him on the phone. I didn’t know what to say. I mean where would I even start?”

&nb
sp; “Start with hello,” Belinda said. “I know you’re afraid, but it’s awesome. I look at you and I see uncertainty on your face. But there are many who wish they had the miracle you now have. I, for one, would do five cartwheels if I could see my mother once more.” Belinda’s lip quivered. “Cancer took my mother away from me. Carmela Santiago is now a name on a headstone. The world will never see her spirit and her goodness. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of her and remember.”

  Sydney’s eyes misted. “I’m being ungrateful.”

  “I’ll always have my memories to treasure, but my heart aches. I wish she were here.” Belinda looked around. “Look at me. I’m a mess.” She grabbed a couple of napkins and dabbed at her eyes.

  “I never knew my dad so I didn’t mourn the loss in that way.” Sydney quietly returned. “I’m grateful he’s alive and wants to meet me. He could be running away from me instead of toward me.” She rubbed her chin. “I wonder if I would’ve accomplished all I have if he’d been around.”

  Belinda reached for her hand. “That’s a question you’ll never be able to answer. Stay in the present. God gives everyone a different path. You’re a success. Why don’t you do what you can do? Treasure your father and get to know him now.”

  Belinda’s words wrapped around her heart and eased her fears. “Thanks so much for your advice. God brought Irving into my life. I’ll embrace this gift instead of questioning it.”

  Belinda lifted a brow. “God’s doing a work in you. I can see that and I’m proud.” She stuck a fry into her mouth. “So all’s forgiven with your mom?”

  Sydney nodded. “It was like a load off my back. It’s hard walking around with all that anger. My mother rejoiced. We held hands and prayed together. I’m learning people are human and they’ll fail. I can’t hold it against them.”

  Belinda jutted her chin. “Such generous words. I hope you live up to them.”

  Was Belinda challenging her? Sydney’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

  Belinda shrugged. “Never mind me. I’m just talking to be talking.” She changed topics. “I heard on Joy FM that Noah is going to be on the radio.”