After All Read online

  They were in the garage apartment his parents had fixed up for him was spacious and well furnished. With two bedrooms, a bath, full kitchen, and large living room, it was spacious and well furnished.

  “I don't work for him. I work for Buster Wilson. I've told you that fifty times already.” Dominic placed a can of diet cola on a coaster in front of her. He plopped down into the chair next to the sofa and swung a leg over its arm.

  “It's the same thing and you know it. Everyone knows Ike really owns Quality Building Contractors. The man tried to destroy daddy. Our family has never been the same since.”

  “Get over it, Chelle. Even dad didn't make this big a deal about it.” Dominic took a swig from his can of soft drink.

  “Are you trying to tell me daddy isn't angry that you're working for that crook? Oh, come on! I saw the look on his face when you dropped your little bombshell.”

  “He's not crazy about the idea, no. But after the first month, he said he was pleasantly surprised with the change in me.”

  “Quit lying.”

  “I go to work every day. I don't stay out late on work nights, and I've been paying my own bills.” Dominic held up a forefinger. “Including the utility bill on my apartment for the first time.”

  “So what are you doing at this dream job that's made you into a new man?” Michelle wore an amazed expression.

  Dominic sat up straight. “I manage Buster's rental property. See to repairs, handle complaints, and I've started collecting the rents.”

  “He's got some Section Eight program houses. You know, where the government pays him part of the rent. You manage those, too?” Michelle frowned slightly.

  “Sure. Not many though.” Dominic shrugged. “Most of the property is pretty nice, even those. They were a bit run down, but I've been able to get them repaired for very little. Buster was impressed.” His chest stuck out a little.

  “He let you get them fixed up?” Michelle began to relax.

  “Sure. He's giving me more and more responsibility.”

  “Maybe he's not as bad as Batiste, then. I sure hope not.” Michelle bit her bottom lip.

  “Huh?”

  “I mean, maybe he just sticks to running his business and doesn't get involved in shady schemes.” Michelle tensed again hoping Dominic would not press her.

  “Will you stop it? It must be the reporter in you, always looking for the worst in people.” Dominic grinned.

  Relieved, Michelle grinned back. “Maybe so.”

  “I'm learning a lot, Chelle.” Dominic propped his legs on the coffee table.”I actually enjoy going to work. I get to help tenants solve their problems. I helped this one lady get a rail for her porch steps. She said I was the best thing ever happened to Buster's tenants.”

  “That's fantastic, Dom. You know, I haven't seen you this at ease and happy for a long time. It's got to be more than the job.”Michelle examined him as his grin spread. “That dopey smile on your face means a woman is in the picture somehow.”

  “Ahh, you know.” With a shrug, Dominic brushed invisible lint from his pants.

  “What are you being so shamefaced about? She's not married I hope.”

  “No indeed.”

  “Then who is she? Let's see, you broke up with Chandra. Did you get back together with Kenice? No, she just got married. Pam?”

  “None of them.” Dominic pressed his lips together enjoying her attempts to guess.

  “Wipe that superior look off your face and tell me.” Michelle reached over to slap his knee.

  “Her name's T'aneka Johnson. I met her at work.”

  “Go, boy. How long have y'all been dating?”

  “We've only been out a couple of times. She's so different from the other women I've run around with. T'aneka has had it tough, but she still has dreams. Those other ladies had mama and daddy giving them everything they wanted. They're interested in status symbols. The kind of car you drive, designer labels on clothes, stuff like that. Spoiled, you know?”

  “Oh really?” Michelle's eyes went wide in mock surprise.

  “Yeah, well you don't have to say it. That goes for me, too. Just like the crowd I was running with, I didn't think about anybody much but myself. T'aneka has been giving money from her paycheck to her mama since she was fifteen to help with her younger brothers and sisters.”

  “She sounds like quite a young woman.”

  “She is. Makes me look at my life, you know? I mean Dad's been right, I was going nowhere and thinking I was all that.”Dominic shook his head.

  With a gasp, Michelle leaned towards him. “Dom, is that you in there?” She peered into his eyes.

  “Cut it out.” Dominic threw back his head in laughter.

  “But do you understand you just said Daddy was right about something? You agreed with him, about you no less! Lord have mercy.”

  “Gotta admit I was dizzy from shock for a few days myself.”

  “You told Daddy all this I hope.”

  “Hey, we still have our differences. He's not the easiest person to talk to either. So don't make too big a deal out of this.”

  “Yeah, but it's a start. At least you called a cease fire for a while. This Thanksgiving may actually be nice.” Michelle smiled at the prospect.

  “Don't count on it.” Dominic eyed her mischievously. “Now I'm going to get in your business. You and Anthony are back together I hear.”

  “We've been seeing each other again,” Michelle said.

  “Uh-huh. Like spending a weekend together. Thought I didn't know about it, didn't you?”

  “You've turned into a gossip, too?” Michelle chided him.

  “Never mine about me. Does Dad know?”

  “We haven't talked about it. I don't know. But he never had anything against Anthony.” Michelle shook her head.

  “Still, don't get your hopes up about a warm family holiday season.” Dominic's face became grim. “No cease fire has been called over there.” He pointed towards their parents' home.

  Michelle's smile faded. “He and Mama lead separate lives in that house. I swear I hate to be around when they're in the same room.”

  “I wish I knew what's up with them.” Dominic sighed.

  “Whatever it is, it’s gotten worse over the years.”

  Michelle stared remembering the happy family outings of her early childhood. Then she turned six, Dominic was born three months later and things changed. Smiles and hugs between their parents turned to sullen silences. Muffled, angry voices came from behind closed doors.

  “And Ike Batiste and his rotten trick seemed to set them at each other’s throats even more.”

  “But that was a long time ago. Dad's back on his feet and doing better than ever in business. You'd think they would have worked it out by now.” Dominic threw the empty soda cans in the large kitchen trash can.

  “Maybe if Daddy wasn't so cold.” Michelle spoke to him over her shoulder.

  “All I know is, it's not getting any better.”

  “Every year it seems to get worse. I don't know what to do.”

  “Chelle, I don't think it has anything to do with us.”

  “Now you sound like Brian. This is getting spooky, man.” Michelle grinned at him. “I'll be believing in alien abductions if you keep this up.” She ducked a balled up paper towel aimed at her head.

  “Very funny.”Dominic sat next to her. “Seriously, don't get your hopes up that things will change between them. Like I said don't expect--”

  “A warm family holiday,” Michelle finished for him. “I know.” Michelle took a deep breath. “At this point, I'd be satisfied with room temperature.”

  ***

  “So tell me about Thanksgiving dinner with your sweetie.” Shantae sat down and immediately stood again. “I'm so sick of finding these things all over the place.” She picked up a toy super hero action figure from the loveseat cushion and threw it across the room. It landed in a big toy box set against the wall.

  They were in Shantae's small l
iving room. Sounds of mortal combat came from the bedroom where her little boy played an electronic game with Laree. Laree gave a whoop of surprise. Then there was a childish snigger of triumph.

  Laree came into the living room. “That kid is brutal. He whipped my butt without breaking a sweat. I used to change your diapers young man,” she yelled over her shoulder.

  “I told you so.” Shantae waved at her to sit down. “Now hush. Michelle's going to give us the scoop on the holiday with her honey.”

  “There's not much to tell. His mother cooked a delicious dinner, we talked, and that was it.” Michelle lifted a shoulder.

  “And you got along with his uncle? Will wonders never cease,” Laree said.

  “His uncle wasn't there.”

  “He didn't invite y'all to come over?” Shantae chimed in.

  “No. Anthony decided we should spend the Thanksgiving with his mom.”

  “Uh-huh.” Shantae gave Laree a look.

  “What?” Michelle glanced at them.

  “Nothing.” Shantae picked at her blouse.

  “Nah, you've got something to say so say it.”

  “You can't avoid the man forever. He's not just his uncle, he practically raised Anthony,” Shantae blurted.

  “You're putting off the inevitable,” Laree added.

  “Yeah, you might as well get used to seeing a lot of Uncle Ike and learning to deal with him,” Shantae said.

  “Listen, we're working through our differences. Remember we haven't been back together for very long. We need to take things a little slow. It's way too soon for us to be spending time with his uncle.”

  “That's a good point.” Laree nodded.

  “Typical, Laree. You switch sides at the speed of light,” Shantae snorted in exasperation.

  “Hey, I have the ability to see all sides of an issue,” Laree said in a huffy voice.

  “Anthony and I agreed to wait a while before we visit Ike.”Michelle continued ignoring their bickering.

  “But your feelings about the man haven't changed.” Might as well get it over with.”Shantae shook a finger at her.

  “Anthony doesn't expect me to hug Ike to my bosom and start calling him uncle. I'll make occasional brief duty visits, be polite during said visits, and that will be that.” Michelle lounged on the couch.

  “You are going to bite your tongue around Ike Batiste? Video tape those visits for me please, because that's the only way I'll believe it.” Shantae tittered.

  “She's right, Chelle. Steam comes out of your ears at the mention of his name,” Laree said.

  “Don't worry, honey. I've got it under control. When we go over there Christmas Eve.” Michelle smiled at the shocked expressions.

  “Get outta here!” Shantae shouted.

  “You're joking!” Laree's mouth hung open.

  “His uncle called while we were at Anthony's the other night. He asked to speak to me and that's when he invited us over.”

  “You said yes?” Shantae sputtered.

  “Sure did.” Michelle examined her fingernails nonchalantly.

  “I think that's wonderful, Chelle. Anthony must be happy about you two getting together.” Laree gave her an approving pat on the shoulder.

  “Wait a minute; we're not going to be kissin' an huggin' getting together. I'm doing this for Anthony.”

  “But I'm sure Anthony hopes this is the beginning of you and Ike being on good terms. And it just could be.” Laree, ever the peacemaker, beamed at Michelle.

  “Not hardly. Like I said, I'm only doing this to avoid tension. Anthony doesn't expect me to be friends with his uncle. He knows better. We have an understanding.”

  “Um-hum. I can't wait to hear about your Christmas.” Shantae rubbed her hands in anticipation.

  “I'm sure your visit is going to be very nice, Chelle,” Laree chirped.

  “It will be brief hopefully.” Michelle sighed.

  “Have mercy. Talk about walking into the lion's den.” Shantae stared at Michelle in wonder.

  “Don't worry I can take care of myself. Ike Batiste doesn't scare me.” Michelle lifted her chin.

  “I meant him, sugar,” Shantae said with a devilish snicker.

  ***

  “What do you think?” Michelle watched their faces for any sign.

  Jason, Nathan, and Lockport still stared at the small screen even though the taped segment had ended. The technician continued to turn dials and adjust the elaborate equipment in the viewing room. No one spoke for several minutes causing Michelle to squirm with nervous energy, yet she kept quiet. Nathan sat scratching the stubble on his chin. He tipped the swivel chair back. Jason stood with his arms folded alternately glancing at Lockport then back at the monitor. Lockport seemed to be somewhere else mentally. His eyes were focused on some distant point on the ceiling.

  “You've got the work orders you referred to, right?” Nathan began to rock in the chair.

  “Yes. Copies actually.” Michelle bit her lip.

  “Wonder if that's considered public record?” Lockport asked no one in particular.

  “I checked with legal. It is,” Michelle said.

  “Starting kind of slow I think. I mean, so a few repairs haven't been done.” Jason shrugged.

  “But contractors are getting paid a great deal of money for those repairs.” Michelle tried to keep the irritation from her voice.

  “They could say the residents did the damage after the repairs were made,” Nathan said.

  “The tenants have been reporting the repairs in writing. I randomly chose six sites months ago. The work orders are kept in the maintenance supervisors file until they're marked completed and the invoice has been paid. I have copies of the tenants’ requests and the work orders showing the contractors were paid. And those are the sites I went back to video tape after my source gave me copies of the work orders.”Michelle tapped the table with each point.

  “Okay fine. Some small time operators are ripping off the system. I figure this is good for one, two segments tops. I thought you had evidence linking people at the top to all this,” Jason said.

  “I do. Batiste is very cozy with Charlotte Kinchen. His company is the main contractor. I'm betting those two are getting kickbacks.” Michelle looked at Nathan and Lockport.

  “Proof?” Nathan turned to her.

  “No, just adding two and two.”

  “I still think it's not the big expose' she said it would be. Stick with the repairs; and do two stories is my vote.” Jason leaned towards Lockport.

  She leaned towards him, too. “That's the tip of the iceberg, Mr. Lockport. It's all connected with widespread scams. If we drop it, one of our competitors will take the ball and run with it.” Michelle could see Nathan's lip twitch with amusement at her use of Lockport's favorite sports analogy. “After working on this thing for months, I can tell you the big story is just beneath the surface. It won't take them long to hit pay dirt.”

  “Strong indications of other wrongdoing?” Lockport faced her.

  “Drug dealing and extortion by Housing Authority employees. Every time I follow-up on one thing, something else comes out.”Michelle knew she had him interested.

  “Tenants are willing to speak out?” Nathan said.

  “Not on camera, they're too afraid. But they don't have to. I found out a lot of the employees in the maintenance department are ex-cons. Most were convicted of drug offenses and assault. Some while employed with the Authority.”

  “What do you think?” Lockport turned to Nathan.

  “Michelle has done a helluva job here gentlemen. With what I'm hearing from my friend in the DA's office, she's on target.”

  “You should share any information about possible crimes with the district attorney. Certainly we have a duty to notify the proper authorities.” Lockport looked back at the monitor.

  “Of course, Mr. Lockport.” Michelle nodded in agreement. She smiled at Jason.

  “It would be a real coup for us if your report leads to action by the
district attorney.” Lockport was already seeing the ratings jump in his head. His eyes gleamed at the prospect.

  ***

  Twenty minutes later Michelle worked furiously to organize her notes and thoughts. The newsroom was decorated with fake holly. Plastic garlands were strung around doors and along the top of the walls. A small Christmas tree stood in a corner with blinking lights of different colors. Its pine fragrance filled the room. Even amid the hustle to get ready for the next news broadcast, there was a holiday mood in the air. Christmas music came from a portable cassette on top of a bookcase.

  “You can't be stopped, tiger. I hear you got it goin' on.” Earl grinned at Michelle.

  “Yeah, truth and justice will triumph.” Michelle grinned back. Her desk was covered with papers. The laser printer was spitting out the results of her recent labor.

  “Hey, Earl. Like that piece you did on Christmas savings clubs.” Gracie sat with her feet up on a desk drawer pulled out.

  “Tis the season. Next will be a piece on toys. Got some rug rats lined up to test which toys are favorites.”

  “Little Earl, Jr. included I'm sure.” Gracie laughed.

  “Nah, these are four to ten year olds. Little Earl's only nine months. Give him a spoon and a sauce pan to beat on, he's in heaven.” Earl turned to Michelle. “So tell me, Toussaint.”

  “It's going to be hot.” Michelle sifted through the chaos of her desk. Finally she found a tattered sheet of note paper.

  “When do you start?”

  “After Christmas. Mr. Lockport and I decided we would start off the new year with a real bang. Between your Christmas pieces and Jennifer's fluff stuff, it just makes sense.”

  “My oh my. No wonder Jason is having such a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit. You know how jealous he is.” Earl wagged a finger at her.

  “What if the DA moves and Channel Eight or six pounces on it?” Gracie chewed on a chocolate snowman.

  “Nathan checked with his pal over there. They're going slow. Making sure they do everything right. A month at the most before they make any more big announcements. Meantime, all the other guys can do is a tired rehash of the same old same old.” Michelle pulled her copy from the laser printer.