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  “I mean Bridges and Batiste. Don't tell me they know about each other 'cause you'd be lyin'.”

  “How dare you!”

  “Hey, you gotta use what you got to get what you want. Something I totally understand, brown sugar. What I'm sayin', you don't need them. Look out the window.”

  “What?” Charlotte's arched eyebrows came together giving her a look of puzzled caution.

  “Go look out the window.” Examining his hand, Lonnie twisted a gold ring on his finger. “It's yours.”

  “Oh my.”The sight of a white Infiniti made Charlotte bite her lower lip.

  Lonnie stood behind her.”It's the right color, ain't it?” He put his hands on her hips pulling her back against his chest.

  “Yes, but--”

  “I've got the keys.”

  “Mine,” Charlotte said. She already accepted the car as rightfully hers.

  “See that's what a real man does for his woman. I heard you talkin' 'bout what kinda car you'd like to have, so I got it.” Lonnie's hands moved over her hips to her buttocks.

  “I can't let you do this. What would James say?” Charlotte leaned against him matching his gentle rocking motion.

  “He ain't gone say nuthin'. Now that you got Batiste in your corner, you can dump the punk. Batiste got the real power you need. Course you figured that out by yourself, didn't ya, baby?”

  “Umm.”Charlotte gripped his thighs.

  “We gone keep usin' him for a while until we have everything in the palm of our hands. He'll get a little of what he wants, we get all we want.” Whispering in her ear, he yanked her away from the window. He raised her skirt with one hand and dangled the car keys temptingly with the other.

  “You mean--.”

  “Yeah, baby. You and me gonna get it all.” Lonnie shook the keys causing them to jingle.

  A slow smile spread across Charlotte's face as she reached out to grasp the keys to her new car.

  ***

  “Now remember, you gotta keep all these rent records in chronological order for me. Last assistant I had got 'em all messed up,” Buster said.

  “Okay.”Dominic looked around at the shelves of folders.

  “And on the third Monday of every month, I want you to do a property inspection and look for any damage.”Buster waved a ledger book then opened it to page to show him.”The ones I got marked, see?”

  “I see.”Dominic scanned the list of addresses with a check mark next to them in red ink.

  “Them ain't no government units, they mine. If they don't keep it up, I throw 'em out.”

  “What about the ones not marked? How often do I inspect those?”

  Buster shrugged.”About every three months, if we have time. Don't worry about them.”

  “But how do you know when they need repairs and stuff?”

  “Look, them people don't know how to take care of nothin' no how. I ain't wastin' time or money on 'em.”Buster puffed on a large cigar.

  “What do I do when a unit needs repairs?”

  “Fill out one of these work order forms. Give it to me. Then if I tell you, send one of the guys out to take care of it. Understand?”

  “Yeah, I got it.”Dominic still stared at the list of houses and apartments, a frown on his face.

  “What's wrong?”

  “I noticed a lot of the public housing units needed some repairs when Johnny took me around in the last three days. Shouldn't I fill out work orders?”

  “Hell no. Listen, first thing you gotta learn is you don't rush to fix those places 'cause they tear it up by the time you get off the parking lot.”Buster stood up to leave.

  “But the damage just gets worse if you let it go.”Dominic looked up at him.

  “Son, I decide what gets fixed and when. Remember that. Learn the ropes before you start tryin' to be the boss.”Buster gave him slap on the back, but there was a definite edge to his voice. He looked to see his secretary standing in the doorway. “What is it Deniecia?”

  “You got a phone call on line two.”Her jaws worked on a big wad of chewing gum. “It's Mr. Batiste.”

  “Here, get started on straightening these out. Just record 'em as completed and put 'em on my desk.” Opening a folder, Buster pushed a stack of work orders in front of him.

  Dominic began placing a check mark on a blank line indicating repairs done on housing units. He set aside each one in a second neat file. Buster went into his office and closed the door.

  “Hey, Ike. What's goin' on. Yeah, he doin' okay. Nah, far as I can tell it don't bother him one bit that we business partners. His daddy told him, but he says he took the job and he's gonna keep it. Yeah, I bet his old man is pissed off.”Buster cackled.”But the kid's gonna come in real handy. Uh-huh. You gonna do what? Damn, man! You always schemin'.”

  ***

  “Knock, knock.” Marcus strolled in.

  “What you doin' still here?” Lonnie gave him a stony stare. “It's after six o'clock.” He checked the Rolex watch on his wrist.

  “I noticed you were burning the midnight oil and thought you might need a little help.

  “You thought wrong. Go home.” Lonnie closed a file as Marcus came closer.

  “I'm just trying to be helpful. Looks to me like you got your hands full.” Marcus took a seat in the chair opposite him.

  “Say, man, who asked you to sit down?” Lonnie's lip curled. Standing, he leaned forward, his massive fists planted on the desk top. “Get out.”

  “If you say so.”Marcus lifted his hands as if surrendering. “Just thought you'd like to know, a couple of competitors are giving three of your boys a cut to steer customers to them.” He continued to sit completely relaxed in the chair. “You're losing a big chunk of profits.”

  “How you found all this out so fast? You only been workin' here a coupla weeks. You supposed to be one of the office boys.”

  “I didn't stay in the office. I notice things. One of them offered me a deal.” Marcus crossed an ankle on his knee.

  “So why didn't you take it?” Lonnie eyed him with suspicion. In his world, not taking advantage of someone else for personal gain was the norm.

  “That's pocket change. I want real money.”

  After several seconds of examining Marcus, Lonnie stood straight. “What you got in mind?”

  “I think we can come to a reasonable agreement. One that will be profitable to us both,” Marcus said. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as Lonnie sat down again.

  Chapter 8

  Michelle stood on the balcony, and took a deep breath. Pulling the sash of her velour robe tighter, she gazed around at the vista spread before her. The morning had dawned crisp and clear with a cloudless sky. Rolling hills still thick with foliage surrounded the bed and breakfast. In the distance a lake sparkled with reflected sunlight. A plume of smoke rose from the chimney of one of the lovely old homes tucked away somewhere in the woods of West Feliciana Parish. The air was fragrant with the smell of burning oak. Lilting bird song provided the perfect background music to such a lovely day.

  “It's all yours, baby.”Anthony came out of the bathroom wearing pajama pants only. His broad chest covered with the same curly, dark hair on his head.

  “In a minute. I'm enjoying the scenery.”

  Wrapping his arms around her from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder to stare down the front of her robe. “Um-hum, what a view.”

  “I'm talking about the hills.” Michelle gave him a playful slap.

  “So am I.”Anthony brushed her neck with his lips.

  “Cut it out or we'll be late for breakfast.”Michelle began to breathe faster as his hands roamed over her body.

  “They serve breakfast until ten thirty. It's only a quarter to eight.”

  “Somebody might see us out here.” Michelle let out a tiny gasp as one of his hands found the soft inside of her thighs.

  “Then let's go back inside,” Anthony whispered.

  Anthony tugged her away from the balcony towards the large
canopy bed. With one quick motion he pushed the robe down on her shoulders in thick folds as he kissed the cleft between her breasts. Michelle sank to the bed pulling him with her. They teased each other, relishing the erotic sensation of touching without consummation until both quivered in a delirium of passion. In concert they moaned at the fiery contact of flesh on flesh. For what seemed an eternity they moved as one with lingering strokes. But these soon gave way to the frenzied motions of lovers lost in ecstasy. And then they shared the wonderful moments of merely holding each other, savoring a dreamy state of love made complete.

  “Now what time is it?” Michelle snuggled against his chest with a sigh of satiation.

  “Umm, who cares?”Anthony made no move to look at his watch.

  “I do. I've worked up a big appetite.”

  “So have I.”Anthony slipped a hand beneath the covers to cup a full breast.

  “For breakfast, you rascal,” Michelle giggled.

  “Oh, right. I guess we have to get out of bed sometime.”Anthony gave a mock frown.

  In a happy playful mood, they dressed in warm sweaters, jeans, and comfortable boots. After a hardy breakfast of grits and eggs, they ventured onto the walking paths that wound through the forest. The cool snap of weather in the first weeks of November had resulted in a wonderful pallet of colors. Strolling hand in hand, they admired the leaves of deep reds, gold, and light green swaying in the breeze. They spoke in hushed tones as if doing otherwise would be disrespectful to the peaceful setting. After more than two hours they returned to the inn and their room.

  “Chelle, you keep outdoing yourself. This was a great idea.”

  Anthony hugged her tighter as they sat in front of the fire in the small sitting room of their suite. Pale fall sun rays slanted through the window. Their bags were packed, yet they dawdled not wanting to leave the magic of three glorious days alone.

  “Thank you, sir. We aim to please.”

  Anthony looked around with a wistful look.”Now we have to get back to the real world.”

  “Unfortunately.” Michelle took a deep breath before dragging herself from his arms to pack the last of her things.

  The thirty minute drive back to Baton Rouge was spent in cozy silence. Arriving at his apartment complex, Anthony maneuvered his car next to Michelle's. He put her bag in her trunk before they went upstairs.

  “Too bad the weekend has to end.” Michelle stretched out on the sofa, her head in his lap.

  “Yeah, but we can plan more great times. And not just on the weekend.”Anthony curled a thick tendril of her hair around one of his fingers.

  “I'm going to be tied up for a while on this big assignment. That's why it was so important to me that we have this weekend. I really appreciate you making time for it.”Michelle touched his cheek with her fingertips.

  “Don't thank me. I was being very selfish when I said yes.”

  “Still, I know you have pretty big projects of your own.”Michelle smiled up at him.

  “Cedric is the perfect partner. Having him allows me time off. So what's the grand story you're working on?”

  “Uh, it's on public housing.” Michelle sat up, her relaxed mood vanished.

  “Really? Say, I caught the end of your profile on that family trying to improve conditions at the project where they live. It was great.”

  “Yeah. I've got an idea, let's go out for Chinese.”

  “Sounds good. You know my uncle has done some work on a couple of the housing projects.”

  “I know.” Michelle looked away. The last subject she wanted to discuss was Ike or public housing. Not today, not with Anthony.

  “In fact, he's had a hand in making more than a few livable, though there's little profit in it for him.”

  “Humph, not hardly,” Michelle muttered.

  “What?”

  “Let's not get into this, Anthony.” Michelle tried to ignore the bile rising in her throat. To think Ike had the nerve to act as though he performed noble work for the poor! She started to stand but Anthony placed a hand on her shoulder.

  Anthony's brows drew together. “You got a funny look on your face when I mentioned Uncle Ike doing work on those housing projects.”

  “The units could be in better shape.” Michelle clenched her teeth suppressing the urge to say what she really thought.

  “What's that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing.”She wanted to close this discussion. “Let's go to that new restaurant on Chimes Street. House of Hong Kong.”Michelle reached for her jacket.

  “No wait a minute. I want to know what you're implying.”Anthony caught her arm.

  “One of the big problems the tenants have is getting repairs done right or at all for that matter. From what I've seen, they have a right to be angry.”

  “My uncle didn't invent the problems with public housing projects, you know.”

  “And he's not doing much to make it any better either.” Seeing the stiff set of his jaw, Michelle regretted her words instantly.

  “That's not fair. Uncle Ike has done a lot of good work. I've seen what he's done to a few of them.” He stared at her hard.

  “Okay, forget it.” Michelle looked away.”Let's go.”

  “No, I want hear these accusations being thrown around without proof.”

  “The problems are very real, Anthony. The tenants have legitimate complaints.” Michelle turned to him.

  “A lot of the damage is their fault. I've been to some of those apartments.”

  Michelle bristled. “So have I. Most of the tenants are people who just want to be treated with respect. The Housing Authority could do more to deal with the few trouble makers, but they won't. Any property needs constant maintenance to keep looking decent. There's a lot of normal wear and tear. But some of our esteemed Black entrepreneurs are taking advantage of poor people.”

  “Is that so?”Anthony's face became a rigid mask.

  “They get contracts that could help our community. What do they do instead? Stuff their pockets at the expense of people who don't have the power to stop them.” Michelle's voice had risen.

  “You can't miss any opportunity to dump on my uncle. Talk about using poor people for personal gain. You just want revenge. You don't give a damn about the tenants.”Anthony glared at her.

  “I'm a reporter. It's my job to inform the public. Information empowers people so they can't be pushed around. That story came to me. I didn't even know your uncle was in any way involved,” Michelle yelled at him.

  “Bull! You did the same thing when you were on the radio. Oh yes, I heard those reports you did for KSAL on construction industry rip-offs.”Anthony stabbed an accusing finger at her.

  “I can't help it if your uncle and his scum ball friends keep crawling out from under every rock that gets turned over in this town.” Michelle jerked on her jacket.

  “I can't believe this. No matter how I try, just mentioning Uncle Ike gets you started all over again. You've got a real problem, sweetheart.”

  “You're right. My problem is I give you too much credit for having the sense to someday see him for what he truly is.”

  “So much for not trying to make me choose between you two. It's obvious you haven't grown up as much as you think.”

  “I don't need this.” Michelle snatched her purse from the coffee table.

  “Neither do I.”Anthony leaped up from the sofa.

  “You insisted on talking about Ike,” Michelle said angrily.

  “After you made it a point to let me know you had something to say about my uncle.”

  “I'm outta here. It's obvious this isn't going to work.”

  “At least that's one thing you've got right.”Anthony shouted.

  Michelle stormed out slamming the door behind her.

  ***

  “You insulted the man's uncle, and you're surprised he took offense?” Shantae cocked one eyebrow at Laree over Michelle's head.

  “I saw that,” Michelle snapped.

  It was three
days later and all three were at a popular soul food restaurant and bar near downtown. A stereo system tuned to the local R and B radio station blared as waiters maneuvered between tables with loaded platters. The smell of fried chicken, fried catfish, and meat loaf filled the dining room. It was separated from the bar by a thin sheet of painted plywood that cut the large room in half. Raucous laughter filtered through the clink of dishes. The bar was jumping. A man dressed in a gray wool jacket stared at them trying to make eye contact. They had been studiously ignoring him and his two friends for the past half-hour.

  “Shantae is right, Chelle. You can't talk the man's kinfolk down and expect everything to be fine between you. You gotta learn to curb that mouth of yours,” Laree said.

  “What you're saying is I have to grin and pretend. Even when I know his uncle is up to the same old crooked tricks.”Michelle lowered her voice.

  “Who appointed you district attorney? If the man is up to no good, he'll eventually pay for it.” Shantae wiped her mouth daintily with a paper napkin.

  “The bottom line is we're poison for each other. Far as I'm concerned it's good riddance to him and his crooked uncle. ”Michelle stuffed her mouth with cornbread.

  “So you can live happily ever after without Anthony? Girl, pu-leeze.” Laree shook her head.

  “That's right. I've been doing it.” Michelle swallowed only to load her mouth with cabbage.

  “Yeah, sure. For the past six years you didn't find any man good enough. Don't even tell me about Dosu.” Shantae held up a hand when Michelle began to protest. “You treat him more like a brother than anything else.”

  “Oh no. We're about to have company.” Laree grimaced watching the three men approach.

  “You ladies doin' all right this evening?” The man in the gray jacket smiled. He made a show of adjusting his sleeves revealing a gold watch and diamond ring.

  “Okay,” Shantae mumbled. She didn't look up from her plate.