Though he hadn’t told me, his machismo was probably the reason he was leaving Rainbow.
“Well, first off, let me thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I really appreciate it. I know we’ve had a few issues in the past.”
“And some recent…”
“Right… yeah. I can uhh… be a little off-putting. My apologies for my past actions. I admire you, Leo. I admire what you’ve done with your business. Each time I’ve ever had interactions with your PM’s and your Sup’s, it’s been nothing but keen knowledge and professionalism. All in all, I just like what your operation stands for. From your guys I hear nothing but positive shit about Kastellanos Development. Can’t really say the same for Rainbow.”
“And why not?”
He shrugged, then smirked. “I just can’t. You talk to any of the employees—from the office to the field—they hate it.”
“But nobody is going to love their job completely, Coleman. Not that everyone will be disgruntled; but for sure, nobody’s skipping into work every morning with a cheesy grin, giving out hugs and kisses. It just won’t happen.”
“And I totally get that,” he said, his facial expression showing signs of uncertainty. “I just feel that when you get people to a point where it’s only about the money, they in turn, start to give their bare minimum. Then there’s no longer a solid structure to stand on.”
“And do you realize that by telling me this, you’re telling me that as a tiered sub, Rainbow Construction may not be the best choice on any of my developments?”
“But—”
“That they’re not giving their all when they show up to do a job. You know how much time my estimators spend doing sub bid analyses before they make final decisions? A lot. They’re making every effort to find the best one for the job. So, to find out that—”
“No, I’m—”
“That when buildings are going up, entire families and populations of people are at risk… because Rainbow has whatever they have going on—”
Coleman held his palms outward in an effort to interject. “One sec, Leo. Just a sec. I’m not going that far with this. I’m not saying that. The guys take their jobs seriously. I’ve been in the trenches with them and would bet my whole savings on a few. I’m—”
“I know.” I smiled across the table at a frustrated Coleman.
His palms lowered in surrender; his shoulder relaxed once again. “Wait, what?”
“I know that the guys are good. I wouldn’t continue to push them through the bidding process if I didn’t trust that the best of the best would show up.” I leaned forward, so that Coleman could see my eyes clearly when I said my next words. “Man-to-man, when you enter a conversation, enter it with integrity. You’re here for a job, not a slaughter. If there was truly a threat to the millions of people that I build for, I would know. I’m a checks and balances guy. I know who I deal with in business. I didn’t get this far… not knowing.”
Coleman nodded slowly, then lowered his gaze from mine, presumably in shame or even disappointment in himself. Seconds later when he looked back up at me, I totally expected what he said: “If you’re willing, I’d like to start this over—the right way.”
“I’m down with that. Go pour yourself another shot and come back so we can do this the right way.”
19 | Nova
On the drive home, I thought back to hoe-ass Jennifer having the utmost nerve to come to my job. The look on her face when I called her ass out, made my entire life! I probably never would have thrown that up in her face had she not tried to talk down to me, like I was less-than. Like I wasn’t good enough for her brother. Girl, please! What she was really afraid of, was her brother finding out just how much of a tramp she was.
Today was the first time in about five years that I had seen Jenn K. I was prepared to speak to her until I read the stank look on her face. At first, I thought it was because Leo was her man. Thought she was being territorial and jealous. But even after it was discovered that he was her brother, and she still had ‘the look’, I let that bitch be. I wasn’t about to kiss her ass, or act like it was the reunion of all reunions.
Fuck her.
I’d met her one night when I was hanging out at the Rhumbar smoking hookahs, drinking, and listening to the live DJ. Her and her goofy blonde friend, Bella, came over and befriended me. They wanted so bad to be in the company of the cute black girl. I didn’t really trip. That’s how I am for the most part, with everybody. If the energy feels okay, I’m cool.
During the course of that night, I saw Miss Thirst Bucket, in action—a few times. Highest bidder got her attention—even if she was initially, second choice.
After we met that first night, it would be several other times where she’d call to meet up. It was a fun time with drinks, food, and dancing at some club. Once, we ended up at the same resort in Arizona. We were never besties, but we enjoyed the same type of single girl shenanigans. I never claimed innocence. Not ever. I’ve always been a free spirit and lived the way I wanted to. My pussy, my life. But just the same, it was my business.
Unlike her, I didn’t broadcast. Unlike her, I didn’t have a reputation that preceded me. Unlike her, I wasn’t desperate. I knew how to carry myself and move with respect. Jenn K. couldn’t say the same.
So yeah, sending that bitch on her way with egg all over her face, ended my day on a festive note. So much so, that I been singing since I pulled out the lot at work, and was still singing when I drove my ATS into the garage.
“Ugh…” I groaned, in the middle of my duet with August Alsina. It was the sight of Drew’s car that twisted my lips up. And then his face flashing across my mind. I quickly forced it away. I ought to sell that shit to somebody’s teenager for five dollars, and a white-hot chocolate from Starbucks.
While cutting the engine and then grabbing my purse, my thoughts were of parking his shit out on the street.
In the end, I decided against it, opting instead to get inside and chill for the night. It had been three-plus years since I came home to a residence that was all mine, and I welcomed it.
Before my marriage to Drew, I had a two-bedroom, townhome-style condominium, in the Northwest part of town. I loved it there. Should never have given it up. But in the moment, I saw the decision as an investment. New house, new life. As fond as I was of my place, there’s nothing like having a house. Nothing connected to either side of you, your own yard, and no shared swimming pool.
Of course, I had the money, and could buy my own home before Drew came along, but honestly, I didn’t stop long enough to consider owning. Partly because I didn’t know if Las Vegas would be my forever home. So, I was okay with renting. But when he came into my life, and fell in love as quickly as he did, it was easy to go where that led. He was older, he was accomplished, he was nice-looking, and he treated me well.
It was all roses and candlelight dinners when we first got together. But I soon found out that the best thing about Drew was the oral sex. His tongue was like some kind of fairy dolphin; swimming and doing acrobatic laps, that just shouldn’t be labeled as normal. The damn thing should literally have its own patent label. Buuut, outside of that, his sex lacked… a lot.
But there’s more. Dry humor. I attributed that to him being white. As fine as some of them could be, they really weren’t the funniest folks around. He totally lacked the ability to let go and have fun. Jealous of my success. He applauded it when we first met, but then his envy showed up soon after. During those times I did what I thought I was supposed to do—soothe his ego. At the time, I felt that since I signed on for it, then I needed to do my part to make it work.
Little did I know, that he didn’t need that from me. Royce was filling in the gaps.
Since I met Royce, she had a fetish for anything white and male. She had never dated within her own race. Not even the lightest skinned black man would do. She wanted the Caucasian bloodline, only. Needless to say, she fell in love with the idea of me and Drew. She made a habit of askin
g him to hook her up with a friend. I don’t know when it went from one of his friends, to the two of them getting horizontal. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. And they knew how trusting I was. That’s why it was so easy for them to play dirty right under my nose.
No longer did I have to worry about that, though…
Inside, I bypassed all of downstairs and headed straight to my room to strip out of my work clothes and into something more comfortable. The smile on my face beamed when I entered my master bedroom. I was absolutely in love with the job that the design agency had done. Brand new king-sized bed. Brand new mattress and box spring. And a gorgeous cream/pink pleated headboard that was to die for. An even bigger television; this time, mounted onto the wall, the way I’d been asking, for the past three years! Gone was all the black, brown, and off-white that was much too overbearing. In their place… silver, pink, and white.
Femininity.
Shutters had been taken away, and replaced by flowy sheer curtains, in pearl white. Sexiness emitted everywhere and I loved it. Drew’s shit was boxed up in the garage for another three weeks, when the Goodwill truck would be coming to take it.
First thing I did was open all eight windows in my bedroom. One of the many perks of the house, was the bay windows. They offered an amazing burst of natural sunlight.
With the gentle breeze sweeping in, I took a seat on my pink suede ottoman, in the retreat suite. There I slid my heels off, revealing a peachy pedicure that was in need of a redo. Thankfully, I had an appointment for the weekend and it would be an all-day appointment consisting of a full pamper. I deserved it.
I massaged my foot out and began to loosen from the business of the day. My next move was going to be a shower, and then catch the latest episode of that new series, Siren, on Freeform.
“Forty-five minutes…” That was how much time I had until my show. Which meant that I needed to get in the shower now, so I wouldn’t have to rush. However, as I was about to unbutton my blouse, my Ring app alerted me to someone at the front door. “Okay, forty,” I said, chuckling as I shaved five minutes off.
I rushed to a pair of footies in my drawer; then made my way down the stairs to see who this uninvited person was, at my door.
20 | Nova
“I hope Simply raspberry lemonade is okay.”
Kaitlyn Matthews, the female detective working Drew’s case, sat comfortably at my dining room table. She wore a white button-down that was tucked into a pair of loose-fitting navy slacks. And the shoes… a dark blue leather flat. The entire getup made her way less attractive than I knew her to be. Smooth cocoa skin, big brown eyes, and a thick auburn plait pinned into a bun at the nape of her neck, exposed that truth.
But being a cop, probably made her keep her pretty, toned down, so I get it. Had to do what she had to do to be taken seriously. That, or get sexually harassed, and talked down to.
Such a man’s world.
“Raspberry lemonade is perfect.” She smiled, and then nodded. “And it’s my favorite brand. Thanks for your hospitality, Mrs. Levine.”
“No problem.” I added ice to her glass, then filled it past the midway point. After placing the beverage on the coaster in front of her, I opened the patio door to let in air and sunlight. “What can I do for you?” I asked, taking a seat across from her.
She released a regretful sigh. “I’m sure you’re good and ready to put all this behind you.”
“Yeah,” I whispered. I nodded and folded my arms across the tabletop, observing her closely. “It’s been a thorn in my side. I’m still processing and it hasn’t been easy. I mean, it’s all so hard. At the same time…” I paused. “I’m trying to mourn my best friend; but then met with memories of her being the ‘other woman’. It’s uhh… been a lot.”
“Understandably so. And I’m so sorry to be the one to rehash pieces of this. I’ve been through it. So, I get it.”
“You’ve been through this before?” I was intrigued.
“I definitely have. Was married for eighteen years to my high school sweetheart. And the whole time, he belonged to his high school sweetheart. They’d had two kids together before I found out.”
You’re licensed to carry and kill! Did you dead that fucker?!
“Damn! I’m so sorry that happened to you.”
“I’m fine. It stung for years. But I got over that shit when I discovered my love of self.”
“Wow, Detective. I applaud you for that.”
“I applaud you. Had to be a lot to digest. As long as you know that it’s not your fault.”
“I supposed I do get that. But thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She rose her glass in a faux cheer, then brought the juice to her lips. “Thank you for this. It never disappoints. So, for the reason that I’m here. I know that the emotions have to be running high. I want you to know that my job is to get as many of the details as possible, so that the best case can be built.”
“I… I thought that it was pretty… open and shut.”
The last thing I wanted to hear was that there was some way that Drew could be getting out of this fucking predicament. How could that even be? My head was spinning as I tried to go over the events of that morning. See if I missed anything…
“On the surface, yes. And initially, yes. Now, don’t get me wrong. We still feel that Mr. Levine is our guy. However, there’s been something of a wrench thrown in the case. Our goal is to cover all bases so that his attorney doesn’t have a strong case for reasonable doubt.”
A wrench? Reasonable doubt?
It sounded like a thunderous roar inside the room when she said what she said. I felt sick. Like I wanted to vomit. I should have just killed them both and let their asses dissolve in acid never to be found!
“Wh-wh… what does that mean exactly?” I stuttered.
The detective lowered her eyes from mine, then looked back up, her hands wrapped around her now-empty glass of juice. “The victim was pregnant at the time of her death.”
Fuck! A baby!
“So, her and Drew were…” I lost the ability to complete my sentence.
My heart was beating a mile a minute. Royce and I had had many conversations about kids. About our kids growing up together. About us being godmother to each other’s children. And here she was… Fuck.
“Do you know of anybody else that Ms. Jacobson was seeing?”
I shook my head in response. My voice was a light whisper when I asked, “Why do you ask?”
“Apparently, there was sperm present from two men.”
“What?” The area inside my chest went warm. “Two men?”
“Yes. So, it’s very possible that the DNA test will reveal that Mr. Levine was the father. However, if it’s not—”
“Then you might have another suspect,” I concluded.
“Yes.”
“Is he making bail? I mean… I don’t feel safe, Detective—”
“No,” she confirmed, reaching across the table to pat my hand. “He’s still our number one suspect. GPS on his vehicle put him in the area, as well as the call from right outside her door, text messages. We just have to make sure this is as airtight as it can be. When his attorney gets wind of this, she’ll probably go to work on establishing reasonable doubt… using this faceless person.”
“Oh my God… I-I…”
I couldn’t articulate. All I could think about was how I should’ve killed him too. I got up and walked over to my patio door where I could let the air hit me dead on. If Drew got out, there would be hell to pay—for him. Everything was so perfect. And now this… fuck!
“Mrs. Levine,” I heard her call out, interrupting my thoughts.
“Yes,” I answered making my way back to where she was.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m trying to be. I just… I don’t know what to—”
“Don’t worry too much about it. If the unborn child turns out to be his, it establishes motive.”
“And
…” I paused. “If… not?”
“It establishes a crime of passion where he might have known about the other man and flew into a rage. Either way, he was Ms. Jacobson’s last point of contact. He’s staying put. We just need to follow the trail. And now that trail leads to another man as well. It would be even better if we had the murder weapon. Without that…”
Wait. Did she say murder weapon?
21 | Nova
“Mrs. Levine…”
How could they not have the weapon? They searched everything. The mess in my house could vouch for that. So much was swimming around inside my head. Confusion and panic were in a tie at the top of the list.
This has to be joke.
She’s trying to trip me up.
Does she know more than she’s letting on?
What the hell kind of games are you playing, lady?
Don’t let her see you sweat, Nova. Grandma said, ‘Never let them see you sweat…’
“Yes, I’m sorry. I’m here.”
“You sure?” the detective asked with concern.
“I’m sure.”
“Did you hear the rest of what I said?”
“I heard you say that there’s an issue with the weapon…”
“Yes, I was asking if you wouldn’t mind me checking your husband’s car once more.”
“Oh. My apologies. I must’ve—”
“It’s okay. Would it be okay?”
“I thought you all already checked the car.”
Lethal Love: Deceit can be Deadly Page 10
