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  “He's right, sugar. Don't get all tore up now.” Candy brushed her hair with soothing strokes.

  “Let me drive you home, all right? Come on, you won't be any use to anybody in this state.” Earl stood up and reached for her hand.

  “But LaWanda--” Michelle wiped her eyes with a damp tissue.

  “LaWanda got me and a lot of other folks here to help. Go on, baby. Get some rest.” Candy took out several dry tissues and wiped Michelle's face with maternal tenderness.

  “Besides, we countin' on you do some more stories and help the police fine them no good punks what done this.” She squeezed Michelle's hand.

  “Okay, but call me.” Michelle wrote down her home and work phone number for Candy. After extracting promises from her and Earl that they would call her if anything changed, she let Earl lead her out of the hospital

  Seated in Earl's car, Michelle leaned her head back and closed her eyes. The tension and fear of the past few hours had held her in vise-like grip. Now released from that grip, she felt weak with exhaustion. Sensing her need for quiet, Earl said nothing during the ride home. Michelle stared out of the window but saw little of the passing scenery.

  “You okay, kid?” Earl walked her to the door of her apartment. He lifted her chin to search her face.

  “Yeah, okay.” Michelle tried and failed to smile back at him.

  “Get some sleep. And call me if you need anything. Anything at all. Okay?”

  “Okay.” Michelle blinked at him in the early morning sun. “You're a friend indeed, Earl Gaines.”

  Once inside she found herself too wound up to sleep. She went in for a quick revitalizing warm shower. Later wrapped up in her favorite terry cloth robe she wandered into the living room with a cup of herbal tea in hand. Two hours has passed, two hours of trying to untie the knot in her gut. Michelle settled in front of the television as the Channel Twelve morning show came on at seven. The smiling host turned serious as he reported the news. Film of Earl reporting from the hospital appeared. Once again she felt a chill of dread as she listened to the horrible details. Michelle could still hear LaWanda's hysterical sobbing.

  Earl sat at the news desk next to the early morning news show hosts. “Doctor's are calling little Relondo Sibley a miracle baby. The bullet passed through his tiny body missing all vital organs. He's listed in stable condition and considered out of danger.”

  Michelle closed her eyes, sinking further into the sofa as if attempting to escape a frightening world. “Is he? Oh God, is he out of danger?”

  ***

  “Tell me, Uncle Ike. Repairs paid for that were never done, kickbacks, even drug dealing. Could any of it be true?” Anthony measured Ike's every movement and expression. It can't be true.

  The wounding of Relondo finally spurred him to face Ike head on. He could no longer ignore the gnawing feeling that maybe there was a grain a truth to the accusations against Ike. Anthony despised himself for being suspicious. Yet Michelle's scathing words still burned in his mind. Was he running from the truth?

  “I was wonderin’ when you was gone come and ask me outright. Been worryin' you, son?” Ike poured coffee into a large mug and sat back behind his desk.

  “How much do you know about it?”

  “Anthony, I cut corners sometimes to make a little cash. Hell, what businessman doesn't? But I ain't no crook. Soon as I got wind of what them tenants was sayin' I checked on it personally. Some of the work coulda been done better or faster, that's no lie. But them damn tenants been tearing up them projects fast as we fix 'em. I'll take you with me if you don't believe it.” Ike spread his hands wide.

  “You don't have to do that, Uncle Ike. But are you sure some of this isn't happening without you knowing it?”

  “Hey, no matter what your lady friend says, I ain't runnin' the Authority. I'm just another businessman with a contract. Do you think I'd go along with drug dealin' and such?” Ike's brows drew together in an expression of pained dismay. “I hope you know me better than that.”

  “Of course not,” Anthony said. He felt a stab of unease at the unpleasant questions in his mind. “But--”

  Ike put a hand on his shoulder. “I'm tellin' you, they just tryin' to make out I'm responsible for stuff that's been happenin' for years.”

  “A three year old was shot, Uncle Ike. In his own home.” Anthony's voice held a plea for some answer that would make sense of such a thing.

  “Son, it happens all the time in them projects. All you gotta do is look at the evening news or read the papers. When them drug dealers get to fightin' they don't care who gets hurt.” Ike shook his head, a look of regret on his face.

  “So this was just another drive by shooting that takes an unintended victim you think?” Anthony looked to him with hope.

  “What else? Look, drugs and poor people been a problem in these neighborhoods for years. Anthony, that's the way of the world. But Michelle didn't tell the whole story.”

  “I don't understand,” Anthony said.

  “Well, that interview with Charlotte was doctored up to make her look bad. Didn't talk about all we've done to help them people. Like that community recreation room we built in one of them apartments. Another thing, me and some of my buddies sponsored trips to the zoo for a group of kids. All she wanted was to spread dirt on us. After I saw what she did to Charlotte, no way I was gonna talk on camera.”

  “Really?” Anthony stared ahead frowning.

  “Damn straight. Listen, I know how you feel about the girl, but she's been out to get me for a long time. On one hand it's understandable, with her thinkin' I tried to ruin Tommy. But then again...” Ike lifted his shoulders.

  “She is still pretty emotional about what a tough time her father had back then.” Anthony glanced at Ike.

  “Yeah, never mind Tommy brought it on himself. He begged me to help get that contract. Then blamed me when he couldn't come through. Truth is, I lost a bundle on that deal myself. Even so, I tried to help him get a line of credit.”

  “You never told me that.” Anthony looked up in surprise.

  “I tried to help. But what thanks did I get? None. Michelle's got a problem with me. Right or wrong, I accept that. But what she's sayin' in those reports is only patched together truth. She's out to get me, son. Always has been.” Ike sat forward to stare at Anthony.

  “Guess you're right, Uncle Ike.” Anthony sighed deeply.

  “Let's go over to Stella's Cafe for some of that down home cookin' like we did back when you was workin' for me after school. Remember that? Not long after your daddy took off we started goin'.” Ike gazed out of the window with a solemn expression. He shook himself out of his reverie and beamed at Anthony. “Whenever things got tough we headed over to Stella's Snack Shack for some of that good sweet potato pie.”H e gave Anthony an affection slap on the back.

  “Sure, Uncle Ike. Whatever you say.” Anthony smiled at him.

  Though he kept up with Uncle Ike's steady stream of chatter, nodding and answering in the right places, Anthony's mind was far away. Across town to be exact. The deep pang of loss stayed with him. His mind argued that saying the end of their relationship was for the best. He tried to hold onto the image of an angry, vengeful Michelle slinging unfounded accusations to reassure himself. Yet his heart kept substituting her smiling face with those lovely brown eyes lit with desire. Anthony came to the bleak realization that learning to live without her would be ten times harder this time.

  Chapter 12

  Charlotte pulled the belt of her satin robe tight before sinking next to Lonnie on his sofa. She accepted the glass of her favorite expensive wine from him with a smile.

  “Sure you know what you're doing?” Charlotte lay back against the cushions purposely ignoring the way her robe fell open to reveal one breast

  “Damn right.” Lonnie's eyes were glued to the exposed copper flesh. He licked his lips.

  “Ike thinks you went too far with that shooting.” Charlotte traced an invisible line down his shoulder
to his harm with a long lacquered nail.

  “Yeah, but ain't nobody lining up to be on TV now, damn right. Sure the police been pokin' around, but they got nothin'. And don't think them tenants ain't figured out the cops can't babysit them. Nah, once this here dies down, it's gonna be business as usual.”

  “How did you like my second television appearance? ‘Naturally we deplore the senseless violence that is an unfortunate fact of life in public housing. We have planned a meeting with the tenants to address security issues.'” Arranging her face to show just the right mixture of dismay and outrage, Charlotte repeated the performance she had given when reporters showed up at her office. “I loved it. Ms. Toussaint couldn't do a thing,” she chuckled.

  “Like I said, business as usual. Come here sweet brown thing,” Lonnie spoke in a husky voice. His hand stroked her thigh roughly.

  Charlotte put her hand over his. “Ike says we ought to be careful for a while. Make some major repairs and ease off any other... activity.”

  “The old man's crazy if he thinks I'm losin' money.” Lonnie clenched a fold of her skin. He lips twitched up with glee at the tiny gasp this caused.

  “He all but came out and told me he knows about us.”

  “So?” Lonnie's hands grew still. His gaze flickered to her face.

  “He doesn't care.” Charlotte squirmed closer to him and began touching his face with the tip of her tongue. “But we'd better be careful James doesn't find out.”

  “You don't need that fool. Dump him.”Lonnie grimaced.

  “Not yet, sugar. James has political influence in Louisiana and D. C. I--, we still need him.” Charlotte drew back and studied his face. “Don't tell me you're jealous?”

  “You seem to enjoy runnin' off to nursemaid him,” Lonnie snarled. His fingers dug into her flesh.

  Charlotte stroked his hands until his fingers relaxed. “There's a big job appointment coming up soon to be a district administrator. I want it and he can get it for me. We’ll both make a lot of money if that happens. Loads of lovely cash.”

  “I'm making lots of cash now. Yours, baby, all yours,” Lonnie groaned. He yanked her to him forcing her to straddle his lap.

  “Be patient and we can have it all. Now, let me show you who I really enjoy taking care of.” Charlotte slipped the robe down over her shoulders and smiled with satisfaction at the glazed, lustful expression he wore.

  ***

  Anthony set a furious pace. He bid on two large projects, three smaller ones, and ordered Cedric to hire more men. Anthony seemed to be everywhere at once, attending as many meetings as he possible. He only went home to shower and fall into bed. Then he was up early the next morning to start all over again. Time alone to think was not something he wanted.

  “I have those figures on the Carlston job. Came out pretty good.” Anthony strode into Cedric's office.

  “Humm. Yeah.” Cedric wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. His jaws worked as he tried to down a large chunk of his oyster po-boy.

  “Look here, Talley is willing to work with us on the materials. I figure we'll come in well below Fredricks and the other bidders.”

  “Sounds fine.” Cedric choked on a piece of food. He downed some of the large cola in an effort to stop coughing.

  “Some of the new crew could get started marking off the layout for the slab first.” Anthony pulled up a chair ignoring Cedric's distress and lunch.

  “Since we don't have the job yet, you think maybe I could finish my lunch?” Cedric swiped his soft drink cup from Anthony who was moving to toss it into the garbage.

  “Oh, you're eating.” Anthony frowned with mild annoyance.

  “Yeah, funny thing is I been doing it every day for, oh twenty-six years now.” Cedric sat back to study his friend.”What's up with you, man? You're rushing around like you plan to prove Rome can be built in a day. Damn, take it easy. For everybody else's sake at least.”

  “You sound as though you don't want the business.”

  “Sure I do, but what happened to pacing ourselves. What's the big hurry all of a sudden?”

  “Staying once step ahead of the competition is what means the difference between just doing okay and being a big player. And I didn't start my own company to do okay.” Anthony continued to scrutinize the plans.

  Cedric tried to take the plans from him, but Anthony pushed his hands away. “Have you had lunch?”

  “Not hungry.”

  “Did you have breakfast?”

  “Coffee and a donut.”

  “Half a donut.” Cedric began folding up the plans.

  “Hey, cut it out.” Anthony tried to spread them out again.

  “You're going to have a sandwich.” Cedric jerked the plans quickly from the desk.

  “I'm not hungry, I don't have a sandwich, and I'd rather be working anyway. Now give me--” Anthony glared at him.

  As if on cue, Rhonda came in and set a bag on the desk in front of him. “Here you go, Anthony. A catfish po-boy, strawberry shake, and a small order of curly-cues. Your favorites.”

  “Rhonda, I didn't order this.” Anthony folded his arms.

  “We did. You need something in your stomach. Now eat.” Rhonda marched out. She stuck her head back in the door to wag a finger at him. “Every bit.”

  “Take the easy way out, do what she says or you'll get no peace for week.” Cedric placed the plans on his bookshelf.

  “This is crazy. I have a zillion details needing my attention. And you two are treating me like a child.” Anthony tore open the wrapper of the sandwich as he grumbled.

  “When are you planning to call Michelle?” Cedric propped his elbows on papers. The clutter of his desk was in sharp contrast to his partner's.

  “I don't know what you're talking about.” Anthony stabbed the straw into the cup as though it were a spear.

  “This drive to succeed has more to do with trying to keep busy so you won't miss her.”

  “Ridiculous. And I'm not going to call Michelle, okay?”

  “She reported the facts.” Cedric fiddled with the cup of soft drink not looking at Anthony.

  Anthony glanced up with eyes flashing fury. “Damn it, Michelle slanted that story because of what she thinks Uncle Ike did to her father. And she left out information that would have presented a more balanced view.”

  “I suppose Ike told you that.”

  “That's right.”Anthony's jaw muscles tightened.”So?”

  “What did you expect him to say? Anthony, Michelle wouldn't lie and you know it. Maybe Ike isn't telling you everything.” Cedric still did not look at Anthony.

  “You got something to say, say it.” Anthony stiffened.

  “Look, I know Ike's been like a father to you. But he likes to make up his own rules.”

  “Wait a minute--” Anthony placed both fist on the desktop and stood up.

  Cedric held a restraining hand and cut him off. “Before you lose somebody that means a lot to you because of him, think real hard. Michelle is definitely not the first to bring up serious questions about his way of operating.”

  “Ike saved my life, man. He kept me and mama off welfare.” Anthony's voice pleaded for empathy.

  “So you'll defend him, right or wrong? Shantae says Michelle is as miserable as you are. Make the first move.”Cedric nodded towards the phone.

  “I don't know, Cedric.”

  “It's the right thing, man.”

  Anthony placed his hand on the receiver but didn't pick it up. He sat staring at the phone. Cedric left the room shutting the door quietly.

  ***

  “Hi.” Anthony stood in the doorway. He hesitated to make a move before she did.

  “Hi.” Michelle gripped the door know so tightly her fingers hurt.

  “Can I come in?”

  “Yeah, sure.” Michelle stepped back motioning him inside. “Want a soft drink? Or I have coffee if you prefer.” Michelle wanted to find some reason to move around and be busy, at least for a few minutes.

  “Co
ffee sounds good.”

  “Okay.”

  When she turned to go into the kitchen, Anthony pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his moist palms. He was still standing there when she came back with the cups.

  Michelle paused in front of him. “Sit down.”

  “Right.” Anthony stuffed the handkerchief out of sight. He cleared his throat nervously. “Thanks for agreeing to see me.”

  They sat on opposite ends of the sofa. Both drank in silence, careful to look everywhere but at each other. Anthony cleared his throat again causing Michelle to start. But he didn’t speak, only took another sip of coffee. Michelle stole a glance at him. Seeing the tense posture and light sheen of perspiration on his top lip melted her cool resolve.

  “Anthony, I--”

  “No, Michelle. Let me start.” Anthony put down the cup and took a deep breath. “Uncle Ike may be in over his head with this Housing Authority business.”

  “Oh, Anthony.” Michelle struggled to put into words the extent of Ike's involvement.

  “Let me finish. Sometimes his methods are unorthodox. You had to do your job. I understand that. I shouldn't have talked said such nasty things the other night.”

  “But let me...”

  “No, listen. I'll never believe that Uncle Ike is involved in drug dealing or extortion, but it's possible that he's gotten mixed up with some unsavory characters. He wouldn't approve of those things, for sure. But if he's making money he would definitely say whatever else they do is none of his business.” Anthony forced the words out. He wrung his hands together. “What I'm trying to say is, I'm sorry.”

  “Anthony, I'm sorry, too. I should have given you more details about the story.” Michelle turned to him.

  “You did try to warn me.” Anthony put down the cup.

  “In a very vague way. Too vague to prepare you for that bombshell. I took the easy way out.”