“Grayson, come in,” was then heard from the two-way radio from another officer.
“Go ahead with your message.”
“The van has been secured and is on its way to the auto pound. We’re going to head to the station with the offender.”
“10-4,” Grayson responded.
Charles looked at Toni. “I’m going to walk my wife home and then we’ll use my car to take her to the hospital,” he said.
Toni nodded at him in response. He then rose and lifted Vivian from the floor sitting her on the sofa. He sat next to her taking Vivian in his arms and laying her head on his shoulder.
“Sir, an ambulance is in route,” Officer Grayson said.
“If it’s okay we prefer to take her,” Charles said. “I don’t think Vivian would object to it.”
Officer Grayson using his lapel radio cancelled the ambulance. He then placed his hands on his hips. “In light of what she’s gone through, we’re probably not going to get any information from her. We’re going to take care of what else needs to be done here and be on our way.”
About fifteen minutes later Toni and Charles were helping Vivian out of her house. They waited until the officers cleared out and the block was empty of spectators.
“What happened to her,” an ER nurse asked and assisted with sitting Vivian in a wheel chair.
“She was raped,” Charles said which caused Toni to ball his mouth in fury.
“Weren’t you here a little while ago?” the nurse quizzed.
“Yes, I was here with my wife.”
The nurse then over her shoulder said to an aide, “Were going to need a rape kit. Set up room four, it should be empty,” and the Aide moved to carry out the request. “Are you gentlemen related to her?” the nurse inquired.
“I’m her boyfriend,” Toni said placing his hands on his hips, which widened his jacket enough to expose muffins size breasts.
The nurse appeared a little surprised at the size. Toni saw her astonishing expression and embarrassingly crossed his arms. He quickly realized he didn’t put on the spandex t-shirt he usually wore under his shirts when he left home. His routine of doing so had been replaced by his urgency to get to Vivian.
“I’m her next door neighbor. She and my wife are best friends,” Charles said.
“Ok, if you gentleman don’t mind kindly moving to the waiting area while we take care of her,” the nurse said and then looked over the information the ER receptionist had taken down.
When Charles and Toni were out of sight the nurse turned to the receptionist looking flabbergasted. She whispered, “Did you see the size of the boobs on that man?”
The receptionist moved her head, no.
“My God,” the nurse said and turned and walked away.
The waiting room was near empty. Waiting to see the doctor was a young black woman cradling a child and an elderly white couple sitting close to where the circuit television was stationed. It was one reason Charles was glad they lived in the suburbs. They knew the wait to see a doctor wouldn’t be as long if they lived in the city.
“No dagger to you, but that woman has been through a lot in the last couple of months,” Charles said, and took a seat stretching his legs out in front of him and crossing his arms.
“This invasion didn’t have anything to do with her brother, did it?” Toni inquired and he sat down leaving a seat between them. He leaned over resting his arms on his thighs.
“Man who knows. Then again, I doubt it. The police did say she was being raped when they entered. I don’t know any one that would rape his sister, or set her up for something like that to happen, despite what’s going on between them.”
“Yes that would be disgraceful. I just want you to know that I care a great deal about Vivian.”
Charles briefly looked over at Toni. “I believe you. My wife said that she hasn’t been the same since you two stopped seeing each other. All I can say is, don’t give up. From what Jennifer’s said despite Vivian not wanting to admit it, she cares a lot about you. She just doesn’t know how to deal with your condition. I’d appreciate it if you keep me knowing about you between us.”
Toni looked over at Charles, nodded his head. “It’s not a problem,” he said.
Charles looked over at Toni again. He already sized him up to be a good man by the way he was at Vivian’s side.
“I saw how that nurse was looking at you. You must get a lot of attention. Does it bother you?” he asked Toni.
“I don’t usually attract attention. I wear a spandex under my t-shirt. At the time my thoughts were on getting to Vivian.”
Charles sort of giggled.
“A spandex, man you’re going to have to forgive me for finding that a little humorous. You know that’s something you don’t hear coming from a man.”
Toni smiled because he liked Charles and understood how he could be tickled. He also appreciated his honesty and said to him, “Well go ahead and get it out of your system. I am who I am, and I’m not going to change that for anyone. The one person I was concerned with knowing, knows.”
Toni having said that then felt a sense of relief. He felt his secret was out in the open.
Charles said, “Well for the record I don’t have a problem with what you are. You seem like an alright guy. I’m not here to judge you. My concern lies with my wife. Man, we’re dealing with our own issues right now. I don’t know if Vivian told you, but my wife has cancer, and now she’s sick with the flu. You being around would only be a benefit, because Jennifer needs to focus on gaining her strength back.”
“You know, it’s still up to Vivian whether she wants me to be a part of her life.”
“What, a part of her life? Unless she aborts you’re already a part of her life.”
Toni looked over at Charles with his eyes a bit wide. “She’s not thinking about aborting, is she?”
“Whoa...” Charles said rising from the seat he was in and feeling he was sharing just a little too much. He slid his hands and keys into his front pockets. “I think we should drop this conversation. Let’s just hope everything is okay with Vivian.”
Toni agreed with a nod, but continued to wonder if it was Vivian’s plan to abort. He told himself no, then questioned why she would say they need to talk only to tell him that she’s intends to have an abortion.
Two hours later the nurse returned to the waiting room.
“If you gentleman can come with me,” and they followed her down the hall to an area where there was little to no traffic. “Were either of you aware that she’s pregnant,” she asked.
They both nodded.
“How far along is she?” Toni asked.
“I’m not at liberty to share that information with you. I probably just violated the HIPPA law informing you that she is pregnant. As of now she still appears traumatized by the event. We’re going to keep her overnight for observation. Visiting hours is over, so if you want to leave a number in case anything changes, we can give you a call.”
“Is it okay if I stay here?” Toni asked.
Charles thought wow, he really cares about her.
“That’s up to you, sir. There’s an overnight waiting room for our patients family to use if their loved ones are scheduled for early morning surgery. It’s a lot more relaxing than the normal waiting room. I’m sure it won’t be a problem with the overnight clerk on duty, but check with her anyway,” and the nurse gave a brief smile then walked away.
Toni turned extending his hand to Charles. “I just want to say thanks for allowing me to ride with you.”
Charles shook his hand. “No problem. We care about her, too. If I know my wife, even if she’s still feeling bad, she’s going to be here the minute visiting hours start in the morning. I’m sure she won’t mind giving you a ride home.”
Toni dipped his head at Charles, who returned the motion and then turned to leave.
***
The next day Jennifer and Charles walked in Vivian’s room. Jennifer whispered, “How’s is she doing?”
to Toni who had just entered the room before them and was standing by Vivian’s bedside.
“Still asleep,” he said and slid his hands into his front pants pockets.
“I hope I don’t’ make anyone sick. I’m still recouping from the flu,” said Jennifer as she walked to the opposite side of the bed. Charles followed her.
Vivian began to stir. “Is that you Jen,” she murmured and then slowly looked over and saw Toni. She quickly began to panic, her breathing fast escalating.
“You’re scaring her Toni,” Jennifer said.
“Vivian it’s me, Toni,” he said hoping to calm her down.
Vivian looking terrified outstretched her hands to Jennifer. “Don’t let them do this to me Jen, don’t let them do this...”
“Toni she’s having an anxiety attack. I think you should leave,” Jennifer said leaning in and taking her friend’s hand in hers.
“Come on,” Charles said walking around the bed toward the door and waved his hand for Toni to follow.
“Charles, send a nurse or doctor in,” Jennifer said and she began comforting her friend, rocking with her after Vivian placed her head on her shoulder. “It’s okay, I’m here. You know I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.”
“Why did he rape me?” Vivian said softly wailing. “Why? Why did Toni want to hurt the baby?”
Jennifer’s mouth dropped some. “No, it wasn’t Toni.”
The doctor entered the room.
“I’m Dr. Michael. What happened to her?”
“I think she’s having an anxiety attack,” and Jennifer released Vivian so the doctor could tend to her.
Vivian cried out, “Don’t leave me Jennifer!”
“It’s okay, you’re safe here,” the doctor said and placed two fingers on Vivian’s wrist to check her pulse. “She’s still traumatized,” he said.
“Doctor, how long is she going to be like this?” a concerned Jennifer asked.
“I’m guessing until she feels safe. Do you know what caused her to become alarmed?” He began taking Vivian blood pressure.
“It was her friend Toni. She was sleep when he came in and when she awakened and saw him holding her hand she panicked. I think she believes he’s responsible for what happened to her.”
“It was him. I told him he could come over.” Vivian cried and placed her hands gently on her stomach.
Jennifer looked at the doctor. She coughed then said, “Is she going to be okay?”
“She’ll be fine. She just needs to get over the initial shock of what happened to her. However, I don’t recommend whoever it was that set off the alarm sees her again until she fully recuperates.”
Jennifer began to rub the top of Vivian’s hand. “Doc, when do you think she’ll be released?”
“Today, after the police have talked to her. They were here a short time ago. She was still sleeping. Besides that, there’s no reason to keep her. I do recommend she sees her gynecologist,” he said looking at Vivian, who nodded okay. “You’re going to be just fine,” the doctor told her. He patted the metal arm of the bed then turned and left the room.
Jennifer smiled tenderly at Vivian. “See, you’re going to be fine. Charles and I are going to take you home.”
Jennifer walked to the opposite side of the bed for some tissue to blow her nose. As soon as she pulled a tissue from the box she sneezed into it and felt a little lightheaded. She also felt a sharp pain in her uterus, which caused her to grimace and then ignore.
“Vi, I have the flu. I don’t want to stay too long. I’m going to go let Charles know what the doctor said,” and Jennifer tossed the tissue into the wastebasket.
Vivian nodded and then watched Jennifer walk to the door and out of the room. She then curled up in bed.
Jennifer headed down the hall and stopped where Charles and Toni were standing.
“Toni, she thinks you were the one that raped her.”
“I got that feeling,” was his response.
“She’s still traumatized,” Charles offered as a reason for Vivian’s confusion.
“Or she’s just afraid to be in the company of a man right now,” Toni countered. “It’s understandable,” and he slid his hands into his front pants pockets exposing himself again.
Jennifer looked a little tickled at him. “I’m sorry Toni, but I couldn’t help but notice,” she said and pointed at her breast.
“What...these,” Toni said removing his hands from his pockets and opening his jacket wider.
Toni brought both Charles and Jennifer to chuckles showing he has a sense of humor.
Toni then said, “In all seriousness I’m concerned about her.”
“You really care about her don’t you?” Jennifer said with a soft smile.
“We may not have known each other long, but I love that woman,” he stated looking Jennifer in her eyes.
“I believe you,” Jennifer responded and with a couple of nods. She then said, “Ooh, Charles I feel a bit dizzy,” and a chill rushed over her causing her to shiver.
“Did you speak with the doctor? Did they say when they plan to release her,” Toni asked.
Jennifer coughed and the pain she felt minutes ago in her uterus stabbed her again. Charles moved closer to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Baby, are you okay?”
“I think so,” she said and looked at Toni. “The doctor said there’s no need to keep her that she’ll probably be released today. The police just need to talk to her.” Jennifer coughed again placing her hand to her mouth. “I don’t think she should be home alone. Someone needs to be with her,” and Jennifer eyes began to flicker a bit. She brought her hand to her head. “Actually...I’m not...feeling well, Charles,” she said then collapsed into his arms.
“Get a doctor!” Charles said and not wanting to wait lifted Jennifer into his arms and carried her down the hall to the emergency room.
“What happened to her?” a doctor asked and began to check Jennifer’s vitals.
“She been battling the flu,” Charles said. “We were here earlier and she was given antibiotics.”
“How long has she had the flu?” the doctor asked and looking into Jennifer’s eyes with a pen light.
“It’s been a couple weeks.”
“Is she allergic to any medications?”
“She allergic to Penicillin,” Charles told him.
“Does she have any health problems?”
“She was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer and is currently undergoing radiation treatments.”
“Who’s her primary doctor?”
“Dr. Carol Winfrey. Doc is she going to be okay?”
The ER doctor looked at the nurse assisting him. “Get an IV started and then have her records pulled and get her doctor on the line.”
The ER doctor recorded Jennifer’s heart rate, and then after getting a temperature reading of 102 asked, “Who’s her radiation oncologist?”
“Dr. Maim. She’s being treated in his office. What’s wrong with her doc is this related to the flu?”
“It looks like she’s dehydrated.” The ER doctor glanced over at Charles. “I know you want to be by her side, but if you could please wait outside.”
“Sure, no problem,” and Charles let loose Jennifer hands. He turned to leave then turned his head to look at her again before exiting the room.
***
Richard’s hands were cuffed behind his back and to the chair he was sitting in. He was being questioned by two plain clothes officers. A third was observing him from behind a surveillance glass.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I work alone,” Richard said.
“So you’re trying to tell me that while you were raping a woman you were also running down an alley after a policeman gave chase,” said the officer sitting across the table from Richard.
“Dude, if somebody...”
Richard’s words were cut short by a rapid smack to the head by the officer standing to his side. “You address him as officer!” he dema
nded and placed his hands on his hips.
“Of..fi..cer,” Richard countered. He didn’t appreciate being slapped upside the head and displayed it by rolling his eyes at the officer. “Like I said...if somebody was at that van then they must have scoped that it was open and were going to make off with the goods.”
“Sounds plausible but its bullshit, try again rapist.”
“Look there’s no doubt that I wasn’t busted getting some, but that’s all I’m guilty of. As a matter of fact, don’t I get a lawyer?”
“Where you’re going, trust me, you’ll be getting more than a lawyer,” the officer said and left the room.
Five minutes later Officer Grayson reentered the room. He grabbed the chair across from Richard and sat in it backwards, resting his arms on the table. “Why her house?” he inquired.
“What?”
“I didn’t stutter or mumble answer the question.”
“Why not her house,” Richard responded then looked away at nothing.
“So let’s get this straight, when you woke up this morning you said its Halloween. I’ll guess I’ll dress up like a vampire and rape and rob a woman way across town.”
Richard shoved his shoulder. “Sounds just like the plan I made and executed.”
“What’s your relationship to Vernon Fowler Jr.?”
Richard reaction to the name was stoic.
“I don’t know anyone by that name.”
“You don’t know anyone by that name.”
“Nope.”
“He knows you.”
Richard looked blankly at the officer.
“A lot of people know me. I’m a criminal. If you’re spitting his name at me then he must be a criminal, too. What we do...spend time together in prison,” Richard said in an attempt to back up his lie that he didn’t know Vernon.
“You know him,” Officer Grayson came back with then stood. He turned the chair he was sitting in back around to the table and then left the room again.
Richard was then watched by all three officers behind the one-way mirror. He knew better than to show any expressions while facing it, so he tilted his head and began to rip himself to pieces.
“Damn, why did I touch her? I’m stupid,” he said of his mistake.
***
Trickery & Envy Page 16
