After All Page 16

  “Sounds reasonable.”Earl began munching on candy from the wreath shaped dish on Gracie's desk.

  “And nobody else is working on anything to do with public housing, not even the newspapers. I've been keeping my ear to the ground.” Michelle scanned the pages. With a red pencil, she made revisions.

  “That gives you some breathing space, too. You can concentrate on a cozy Christmas with your new love.” Gracie made kissing sounds.

  “Grow up.” Michelle continued to read.

  “Don't forget my friend at HUD.”Earl spoke around a mouth full of cinnamon reindeer.

  “I've already got an interview lined up with him to get his reaction to my reports. That's going to be the fourth segment in my series.”Michelle grimaced at a paragraph then went to work on it.

  “Taught her everything she knows.” Earl rose from the chair.

  “In your dreams.” Michelle gave a short laugh.

  “Well ladies, if I don't see you again, Merry Christmas. I'm off to another round of festive shopping with the frantic missus.” Earl pulled on his overcoat. He waved goodbye.

  “How close are you to Ike Batiste?” Gracie peered over her shoulder.

  “We barely speak.”Michelle sat back in her chair rubbing her eyes.

  “That's not what I mean and you know it.”Gracie pointed her pencil at her.

  “The repair scam has got his fingerprints all over it. Of course, there are ways he can wiggle out of it. He's distant enough from the day to day business that he can let his foreman take the fall. But his connection to the drug dealing and extortion is even more shadowy. I don't know. Maybe he isn't part of the bad stuff.” Michelle stared at her narrative. She shuffled the pages around as though they were pieces of a puzzle.

  “He can't know everything his employees and associates do, right?” Gracie said.

  “Right. Those ex-cons could be taking advantage of his generosity. Maybe Charlotte Kinchen and Bridges got greedy. Maybe they decided to build themselves a nest egg. Maybe they've all got Ike fooled.”

  “Maybe.” Gracie returned her gaze for a time.

  “Are you buying any of this?” Michelle said finally.

  “Hell no.”

  “Me neither.” Michelle raked fingers through the thick tangle of her hair.

  ***

  Marcus stood in the cold night air outside the apartment. The loud booming that came from his fist hitting the metal door reverberated through the dilapidated cinder block complex. He waited patiently knowing he was being scrutinized through the camera mounted above his head.

  “Whaddya want?” a gravely called out.

  “Lonnie sent me.”Marcus lifted his head slightly to make sure they got a good look.

  “Come on in.”The door swung open. The owner of the voice was at least six five. His face was a mask of watchful caution as he closed the door. Not once did he turn his back to Marcus. With a tilt of his massive head he directed him down a hallway.

  Voices came from a back room. Boisterous laughter broke out as Marcus came to what should have been a large bedroom. Instead there were two card tables. Seated around on it on battered chairs were four men playing poker. At the other sat three other men. One counted money, a pile of twenty and fifty dollar bills. The other two bundled them into stacks. In the few minutes Marcus stood taking in the scene, loud knocking came twice. Both times, one of the three left with small bags of white rocks. He returned after only seconds to add bill to the pile of money yet to be counted.

  “I'm Marcus.”

  “What's up, man. I'm J. J. These my boys. Andre,” J. J. said. He pointed to the man counting. Andre didn't stop or look up.”That's Barrone takin' care of business. That's Bobby, Derrick, Leo, and T-Bone.” A chorus of grunts greeted Marcus. Five pairs of eyes sized him up rapidly.

  “Got your business straight. Nice.” Marcus nodded towards the money.

  “We doin' all right. Lonnie say you the one put him onto them boys stealin' our money.” J. J. took a drag on his cigarette.

  “Yeah.”

  “You a smart business man s'posed to tell us some big plan.” J. J. squinted at him through smoke.

  “You got something against making more money?” Marcus spread his hands wide. The room got quiet as they stared at each other.

  “Nah, not a damn thing.”J. J. pulled out an empty chair as an invitation for Marcus to sit down.

  For the next hour they sat talking with their heads close together. As Marcus spoke he gained the attention of the other six men. They mapped out a strategy to sell a higher volume of drugs by moving their operation to a house just off Government Street near downtown. Marcus told them how to attract more upper middle-class customers.

  “But the real money is in moving large quantities through Texas from Colombia, El Salvador, and other Latin American countries. We process the product. Then sell to big time dealers with their own network of boys on the street. It won't be overnight. We've got to make connections with people I know. Once they see we got the serious cash to do business, no problem. We start small at first. Hook up with some dudes I know in Easy Town, on the Lakes, like that. Pretty soon we'll be making money.”

  “So how you know all this?” a female voice cut in.

  “I ain't never heard of you.”

  Marcus peered over his shoulder. A woman the color of caramel walked over to stand next to J. J. Her hair was in long braids to her waist with small gold beads woven in near the scalp circling her face. Each ear lobe sparkled with four diamond studs. She wore high heel black leather boots and a black leather mini-skirt. Underneath a multi-colored suede bomber jacket she wore a black cashmere turtleneck sweater. For all that, Marcus didn’t think she looked cheap or gaudy.

  “Like I said, I know people.”

  “Why you ain't in business for yourself then? Why you need us?”She popped her gum loudly.

  “Tia, this here is Marcus.” J. J. said.

  Marcus did not question her right to demand an explanation. Clearly she held a position of power with this group. “You've got manpower. I've got connections. By merging our respective assets we can realize substantial profits.”

  “How substantial?” Tia's slight smile revealed a set of even pearly teeth between lips painted a dark copper color.

  “Millions. There's no reason we can't make millions. As long as everybody understands we're moving to a new level.”

  “Talkin' big. Hope you can back it up.” Tia gave him an appraising glance from head to toe.

  “I can deliver the goods.” Marcus regarded her curvy body encased in leather and suede.

  “Come in my office.” Tia led him down another hall to a room furnished very differently from the rest of the apartment flat.

  An expensive sofa in a dark brown, green, and peach floral pattern was set against one wall. Chairs, some leather, were scattered around the spacious room. Opposite the sofa was a bar with red velvet trim and three matching barstools. A compact disc played a thumping, slow rap melody as background music. On the heavy mahogany coffee table was spread various drug paraphernalia, including a pipe. A white powdery mound sat on large rectangular mirror.

  “This place is really big.” Marcus glanced around him.

  “Yeah, enough space for business and pleasure.” Tia walked away from him with swaying hips. She turned slowly. “Drink, coke, or both?”

  “Crown Royal if you got it.”

  “Sure.”S he waved a hand at the table. “ That's top quality product. Help yourself.”Tia brought him a glass.

  “Maybe later. Business first.” Marcus gulped some of the amber liquid. He licked his lips with a tiny flick of his tongue.

  “Tell me 'bout this master plan.” Tia sat next to him and crossed her legs.

  “Friend of mine got his own private plane. We can move some of the product like that. But we got to have different routes in case we lose a shipment. Some by truck. Eighteen wheeler. Some by boat. If we get it all through, great we make more money. If we lose one,
we still make a profit. I've got some other ideas.” Marcus stared at her legs then let his gaze travel up her body to her face.

  Tia lifted an eyebrow at him. “I see you do. How we gone finance all this?”

  “You got enough in that room alone. At least to start.” Marcus jerked a thumb in the direction of where J. J. and the others still carried on their transactions.

  “You been thinkin' this up a long time. Gone mean a big change for my organization.” Tia let her jacket fall open to reveal full breast stretching tight against her sweater.

  “I think you're ready,” Marcus said huskily. He placed a hand on her waist.

  “Is that what you think?”

  “Sure you are. You wanna be a big player, too. Don't you, baby?” Marcus nibbled her ear lobe. “I'm gonna take you there.”

  Wearing a sly smile, Tia guided his hands over her body.”Then let’s do it.”

  Chapter 10

  “Ready?” Anthony gave her a nervous half smile. He fumbled with the car keys trying to get them out of the ignition.

  “Sure.” Michelle smiled back though she felt anything but sure.

  The huge house was brightly lit. Tiny white lights surrounded the carved double doors while green lights were strung around two large windows on either side of it. A large heavily decorated tree dominated one of the windows.

  “This is one gorgeous home.” Michelle was dazzled despite herself.

  “One of Uncle Ike's friends is an architect. Uncle Ike built it for his first wife. It was her dream home.”

  “Marcus's mother?”

  “No. Aunt Delores was his second wife.”

  “How many--” Michelle snapped her lips together quickly. Michelle knew of Ike's reputation with women. But she had sworn to avoid any subject that could lead to an argument.

  “How many what?” Anthony tugged at his already straight shirt collar.

  “Wonder how many lights it took to decorate so beautifully.” Michelle was grateful that Anthony was too preoccupied to detect her response as improvised.

  “I don't know.” Anthony vigorously brushed his jacket sleeve. Looking at her red jacket with black velvet lapels, he began brushing them, too.

  Michelle lightly slapped his hand. “Will you stop it? We're not paying a call on Queen Elizabeth. He's your uncle. I'm the one who's supposed to be jittery.”

  “Okay, okay.”Anthony drew his hand back with a laugh. “You're right. I just want everything to go well.”

  “Don't give me that look. You want me to cross my heart and hope to die I won't say something offensive?” Michelle held one palm up.

  “Of course not.” Anthony turned to ring the doorbell then faced her again. “Would you?”He dodged another slap. “Whoa now! I'm joking, I'm joking.”

  Ike opened the door with a drink in his hand. “Hey you two. Come on in.”

  “Merry Christmas.” Anthony shook Ike's hand.

  “Same to you. Well young lady, don't you look beautiful this Christmas Eve. The lady in red.” Ike bent forward as if expecting to kiss her.

  “Happy holidays.” Michelle moved her head away and stuck out a hand instead.

  Ike wore a tolerant grin as he shook her hand. “Come on in. Let me introduce you to these old buddies of mine. That old goat is Buster Wilson and his wife, Macie. This is James Bridges, and his lovely wife, Sheila. And that's my son Marcus. And this is Caroline.” He put an arm around the waist of the short busty woman who was obviously his date. “I'm expecting a few more people.”

  The next two hours were spent in small talk, eating, and drinking. Ike played the role of gracious host to the hilt. He made sure everyone's glasses stayed full. A wide range of foods were spread out on a large table buffet style. There was a large pot of seafood gumbo sitting on a burner in the large den, chilled jumbo shrimp, fried chicken, salads and desserts of all kinds. The voices of Otis Redding, Charles Brown, and Luther Vandross singing Christmas songs came from the speakers of his compact disc system. Michelle was surprised how at ease she felt after only a few minutes. It certainly was not what she had expected. These were interesting, even engaging people. She had been fully prepared to spend the evening pretending not to be bored. Instead she found she was enjoying herself, with Caroline especially. With a down to earth sense of humor, she kept them all in stitches with stories of her family. It was clear Ike was genuinely fond of her.

  “How long have you known Mr. Batiste?” The reporter in Michelle came out. She was intrigued by this intelligent, witty woman and wanted to gain insight as to what she could possible see in Ike.

  “For over twenty years. And yes, I know all about his other women.” Caroline had a naughty glint in her eyes.

  “I didn't mean--, that is I was just wondering--.”

  “You were wondering if I'm an old standby or something. No. He is.” Caroline winked at her over the rim of her wine glass.

  “You go, girl.” Michelle laughed out loud.

  “Me and Ike go a long way back. We understand each other.”

  “What about all those wives?” Michelle's hand flew to cover her mouth. She tensed waiting for an explosion.

  “Only four, sugar. He had plenty of time for me,” Caroline said with a saucy lilt. They both laughed long and loud.

  Michelle finally caught her breath. “You're something else, Caroline.”

  “Seriously though, Ike's first wife was the sweetest person you'd ever want to meet. She died of breast cancer. You met Ike's daughter? She looks just like her. Portia was the love of his life. If you don't believe it, look at this house.” Caroline waved a hand around the room.

  “I never thought of Ike Batiste as being in love.” Michelle gazed at him across the room. He sat on a bar stool gesturing wildly as he told a tall tale.

  “He's got faults, plenty of 'em. But he's got his good points, too.” Caroline gave her a knowing look. “You must be crazy about Anthony.”

  “What?” Michelle blinked at the sudden twist the conversation took.

  “You've got guts to come here and not cuss the rascal out after what happened between him and your daddy. That means you care a whole lot about Anthony.”

  “Well, yes.” Michelle blushed under her scrutiny.

  “Y'all make a nice couple. I care about Ike, too. But he got his ways. When I get my fill of his crap, I just ease on down the road. What I'm sayin' is, don't let him come between you.” Caroline patted her hand.

  “These women over here plottin' on us, Anthony.” Ike strolled over to where they sat.

  “When I got something for you, I'm gonna do it to your face, not behind your back,” Caroline said.

  “You can believe that.” Macie Wilson barked a gruff laugh.

  Sheila Bridges alone did not seem amused. In fact, she remained tight lipped defying all attempts to lighten her mood. She looked every bit the part of a proper society dame in a teal blue tunic with tiny poinsettias in silver thread, black satin pants and black satin pumps. “James, that's your third drink.”

  “Loosen up, Sheila. Me and Buster will give y'all a ride home if James gets too boozed up.” Macie slapped James on the back so heartily he grabbed the arm of his chair to keep from toppling over.

  “Thanks, Macie. But I'm just fine. Two of those glasses were only ginger ale, Sheila.” Bridges spoke to his wife in a tight voice.

  “That's a change.” Sheila lifted her nose in the air.

  “I haven't seen you in a while, Sheila. I saw James at the Black and White Ball, but I didn't see you.” Macie sipped her beer.

  “Macie, you want another drink?” Caroline made faces at her behind Sheila's back, gesturing furiously for Macie to be quiet.

  “I ain't finished this one yet. That was a time, wasn't it?” Macie was having a good time and missed her signals.

  “I wouldn't know. I was out of town that weekend. Tell me about the ball, James. The one you said you weren't interested in attending.” Sheila stared at him with cold, angry eyes.

  “Uh-oh.
Think I will have that beer.” Macie sprang from her seat between them heading for the refrigerator behind the bar on the other side of the room.

  “I changed my mind,” Bridges muttered into his glass, his eye down.

  “Really. I have a fascinating party game. Let's guess who changed his mind and what his date wore to the ball.” Sheila wore a smile devoid of humor.

  “Things are getting a little tense.” Michelle murmured to Caroline.

  “Come on, pretty lady, you owe me a dance.” Buster tugged Sheila onto the floor. He guided her around to the sound of Nat King Cole.

  “Damn, that Buster knows how to respond in a pinch.” Ike chuckled watching his friend charm the frosty Mrs. Bridges. “He'll flirt with her enough until she's gotten her revenge on James. At least that's what she'll think.”

  “Macie won't like that very much,” Michelle said.

  “Macie's a sensible woman. She knows exactly what Buster's doing, heading off trouble.” Ike laughed as Buster dipped Sheila causing her to smile in spite of herself.

  Caroline left to greet a couple who were at the door. Michelle was dismayed to find herself standing alone with Ike. Anthony was deep in conversation with another man across the room.

  “Been watching those stories on the projects. Very good. Some of those people are really trying to pull themselves up. What you workin' on now?” Ike smiled at her.

  “Mostly following the new school board members.”Michelle thought his question was not so casual as his tone suggested.

  “I thought maybe you were going to do some more on public housing. You know about the repairs. I contract for some of that work. So does Buster. Those people tear up as fast as you can fix stuff. If you supposed to tell the whole story then you oughta tell that, too.”

  “Yes, there are a few tenants causing problems for the rest.” Michelle glanced around the room hoping to find a graceful way out. Anthony, still nodding at something his companion was saying, smiled at her obviously. He was pleased to see her and Ike together.