After All Page 21

  “I hated being apart from you, Chelle,” Anthony whispered.

  “I know.” Michelle blinked back tears. The truth tore at her. They could never have a future. Her reports had destroyed even the outside chance they could make it work. There could be no be no happy ending for them.

  “Chelle,” Anthony said reaching for her.

  “No.” Michelle pushed his hands away and moved farther from him.

  “But I thought--”

  “We can't make it this way, Anthony. You can't turn your back on Ike, and I can't tell you that there won't be another story about him.”Michelle looked at him. Her eyes were filled with sadness. “It'll be the same thing all over again.”

  “No it won't, baby. I swear.”Anthony ignored her attempt to resist him and put his arms around her.

  “Anthony, my report is just the beginning. You won't be able to forgive some of the things I'll have to say about him.” Michelle wrenched from his embrace and stood up.

  “Don't do this, Michelle. Uncle Ike means too much to me. Don't let the past blind you to the truth,” Anthony implored her.

  “Are you sure I'm the one blinded by the past?” Michelle went to the door and opened it. “Goodbye, Anthony.”

  Anthony went past her with heavy steps. Michelle held her breath when he paused, and turned back to her. Her mind and heart still battled each other; one hoping for a way to keep him, the other arguing the impossibility of it.

  “Goodbye,” he said in a strained voice and walked out the door.

  Michelle nodded mutely, not trusting herself to speak. Fighting the urge to call him back took all the strength she had. At the sound of his car engine starting, she closed the door. She pulled aside the curtain of her front window slightly to watch his taillights melt into the night. As the lights grew smaller, she felt more alone than ever before.

  ***

  “T'aneka, what are you doing in here?” Charlotte glanced at the files on the table with a slight frown.

  “Oh, making some copies for, uh. The files needed straightening up.”T'aneka shuffled the papers and turned them face down.”A lot of these pages all torn so you can't hardly read 'em.”

  “We worked on these files over a month ago.”

  “Not these, Miz Kinchen. These are from two years ago. Remember, we only worked on the ones from six months back.” T'aneka stacked the files she had been copying under others.

  Charlotte puckered her lips in annoyance.”Yes, but I told you we decided not to do those.”

  “Yes, ma'am. But I was caught up so I was workin' on them now.”T'aneka had her back to Charlotte. She began putting the folders in a file cabinet.

  “Let me see those.” Charlotte strode towards her holding her hand out.

  “It's just the files of late rent notices and stuff.” T'aneka handed her a several of the brown folders.

  “T'aneka, look at these.”Charlotte spoke sharply pointing to them.

  “Ma'am?” T'aneka went rigid with dread.

  “These are from 1994. You've been pulling the wrong year, silly.” Charlotte shook her head.

  “Oh, yeah. Stupid me.” T'aneka let out a shrill laugh. “I never noticed. But most of 'em was this year though. I need to get me some eyeglasses.”S he shifted from one foot to the other.

  “Well, be careful. We can't afford to waste paper on dozens of files that shouldn't be copied. Besides, I want you to concentrate on putting old files on microfilm. We're running out of space,” Charlotte said.

  “Yes, ma'am, you are so right. Lord, these files all crammed in here so tight they all fly out when you try to pull one out.” T'aneka began to move around busily. “I'm gonna sure do that.”

  “See that you do.” Charlotte eyed her steadily for a few seconds before leaving. She passed Lonnie on the way to her office. “Lonnie, come in here a minute.”

  “What's up?” Lonnie shut the door behind him.

  “T'aneka was in there copying a bunch of files she didn't need to copy. And she was acting very nervous when I walked in on her.” Charlotte rubbed her chin.

  “So?” Lonnie shrugged.

  “So how did Michelle Toussaint get all those details of work orders, dates of invoices and such? I wondered who was talking. I thought maybe it was one of the ex-employees. Somebody we fired in the last six or seven months. Now I don't know.” Charlotte stared past him at the closed door.

  “That reporter did know a lot. Matter of fact some of the stuff she reported on was kinda recent.” Lonnie's eyes narrowed to slits.

  “What should we do? With T'aneka having access to those files, she could cause us big problems. If she's the one.” Charlotte paced the office wringing her hands.

  “Take it easy. I got an idea. Gimme a file folder with some invoices from Buster or Ike.”

  “What for?”

  “We gonna bait a hook and see if she takes it.”

  Lonnie opened the door to Charlotte's office a little. Seeing T'aneka back at her desk, he signaled to Charlotte to play along.

  “Look here, we got some big invoices got to be paid to Buster for the Wesley Park complex.” Lonnie spoke in a conversational tone. His back was to the open door.

  “Yes, but as usual they only did a little of the work. With that reporter sniffing around maybe we shouldn't... well, you know what I mean.” Charlotte rustled papers loudly.

  “Yeah, but we told him he'd get his money. We don't wanna get him mad with all he knows.” Lonnie shut the door and crossed to Charlotte. “Keep talkin',” he mouthed.

  Charlotte raised her voice. “Sure he may want his money, but he doesn't want to risk answering questions from the district attorney either.”

  “If the DA had anything we'd be on trial by now.” Lonnie eased the door shut.

  Charlotte lowered her voice. “I ought to fire her right now. She's going to keep feeding that reporter ammunition,” she hissed.

  “No she won't.” Lonnie's nostrils flared. He looked at the closed door again with a feral expression.

  “You'd better be careful. The uproar over that last incident hasn't died down yet.” Charlotte's face showed anxiety and excitement.

  “Let me handle it.”

  “Just don't do anything to make the situation worse for us.”Charlotte's face twisted with malice. “But take care of that back-stabbing little wench.”

  He nodded to her then opened the door again. “Well, I'm going to file this then. You say you gonna go on and pay it?”

  “Yes, T'aneka can copy it and I'll cut the check.”

  “Say, T'aneka, give Charlotte a copy of this for me.” Lonnie smiled at her.

  “Sure, Lonnie. And I'll put it in the files for you.” T'aneka took the papers from him.

  “Thanks, babe. Got yourself real efficient worker, Charlotte,” Lonnie called out winking at T'aneka.

  “I'm going to take care of it.”T'aneka eyed the form for a few seconds, then smiled up at him.

  “I know you will.” Lonnie's smiled curled into a grimace as she walked away.”I'm counting on it.”

  ***

  Michelle delivered the news flawlessly. She was somber when reporting crimes and smiled when reporting upbeat news items. No one would have guessed that she felt disconnected from the calm, articulate woman viewers saw. It was as if the voice was not hers. This night was far from being her shining hour. Being weekend anchor had the dull finish of tarnished silver. For weeks she had planned her celebration. A celebration that had included a glorious night with Anthony. Grief stabbed deep as a needle into her heart at the thought of him. She could not deny how much she missed Anthony's kiss. Night after night, she struggled to fall asleep. But images of his smile, his hard body, and his hands gently touching her played across her mind as clear as a video tape. Michelle closed her eyes and willed herself to stop thinking of him.

  “Hey, I know it feels good to sit in the anchor's chair, but you gotta get up now,” Kate said grinning at her.

  “Oh, yeah.” Michelle started as her ey
es flew open.

  She stood up and gathered up the papers in front of her trying to conceal her confusion. With one last look, she left the set. Her heart sank at the sight of jolly faces filling the newsroom. With a deep breath, she steadied herself to pretend.

  “For she's a jolly good fellow!” Earl lifted a cup of punch.

  “Great work, Toussaint.” Nathan nodded at her.

  Forcing a smile, Michelle accepted the shower of congratulations on her performance. Seeing the banner of congratulations, the punch bowl, and the nuts and cookies brought tears to her eyes. Michelle opened her mouth but words would not come out.

  “You worked hard to get there, Michelle. We're happy for you.” Earl gave her a peck on the cheek.

  “Thanks, everybody. Really.” Michelle grabbed tissues from Kate's out stretched hand and dabbed her eyes.

  After a few minutes, the crowd shifted leaving her standing apart with Gracie.

  Gracie studied her face before speaking. “So this is a big night, huh?”

  “I've looked forward to this for a long time.” Michelle's voice was subdued. She stared down at the full glass of now lukewarm punch she still held.

  “If you don't mind my saying, you look less than overjoyed. Want to talk about it?” Grace gave Michelle's arm a pat.

  “No. Not now. Let's join the party.” Michelle left without looking back at her. She plunged into a lively conversation with Earl and Bob pretending a heartiness she did not feel.

  Later that night, Michelle sat with Laree and Shantae at the Shake, Rattle, and Roll Lounge, a nightclub featuring live bands playing the blues. Her friends saw right through her act despite her attempts to be merry. They had tried to lift her spirits for over an hour.

  “This is more like a wake than a celebration,” Shantae finally blurted out.

  “Hush, Shantae,” Laree admonished her.”Michelle is trying to have a good time even though she's heartbroken. I'm sorry,” she stammered and fidgeted.

  “Will you two stop it. I'm fine.” Michelle avoided looking at them and took a sip of her strawberry daiquiri.

  “We've been doing most of the talking, 'Chelle. And the dancing. Every time a guy asks you to get on the floor, you look at him as if he had horns sticking out of his head. You're miserable.” Shantae shook a finger at her.

  “I'm not miserable,” Michelle snapped. “I'm not interested in any men right now. Being uninvolved has its advantages.”She sat up straight, squaring her shoulders.

  “Is that right?” Shantae arched an eyebrow at her.

  “Yes, that's right,” Michelle said defensively.”I can concentrate on my career for one thing.”

  “Sure, you'll have plenty of free time now. No long weekends with Anthony. No reason to rush home for a date with him...” Laree's voice trailed off as she saw the gloomy look on Michelle's face. “I mean, think of all the things you can get done. Not being distracted and--”

  “Don't try to help, Laree.” Shantae cut Laree off as she floundered to repair the damage.”Have you tried talking to Anthony, Chelle?”

  “What's to talk about? Our relationship was doomed from the start. He can't accept that Ike is a crook, and I won't pretend he isn't.” Michelle's face hardened from one of sadness to determination.

  “It's a shame, though. Y'all are crazy about each other,” Shantae sighed.

  “Well, it's time to move on. I've accepted that ending our relationship was for the best.” Michelle scanned the room. She smiled at a man approaching. “You're right. I'm going to stop moping around. Dancing isn't a bad idea at all.”Ignoring their looks of disbelief, she sprang up to follow him.

  Michelle got home at two in the morning. She undressed quickly and took a warm shower. All night she had done her best to be the life of the party. Yet her laughter sounded hollow. The dancing and loud music had shut out painful memories only for short while. Now she lay in bed curled up with the comforter pulled around her. The quiet closed in on her. Her battle to blot out the ache of wanting Anthony began again. Michelle cried softly into the pillow as she drifted into a fitful slumber.

  ***

  “What's wrong, Anthony?” Lizabeth put down her fork.”You've been picking at your food for ten minutes. Those candied yams are mashed up fine enough to pass through cheese cloth.”She pointed to his still full plate.

  “Guess I'm tired from all the hours I've been putting in at work.” Anthony squirmed under her gaze.

  “Try again.” Lizabeth folded her arms and continue to watch him.

  “Aw, Mama. Cut it out. I'm fine.” Anthony wiped his mouth. He still would not meet her gaze.

  “You had it out with Michelle about that story on Ike. Yes, I saw all of them.” Lizabeth nodded at him as he looked up sharply.

  “Then you know how one sided it was. Nothing is more important to her than getting revenge on Uncle Ike. Except maybe being a big time television news celebrity,” Anthony said in a bitter voice.

  “I know how much she means to you, child. I also know Ike.”

  “She is not right, Mama! Uncle Ike would never put people in danger so he can stuff his pockets.” Anthony spoke vehemently.

  “Michelle may have had no choice but to report what others are saying,” Lizabeth said in a calm, level voice. Reaching out, she placed a hand on his arm. “She can't be just making all this up to get revenge on Ike. They wouldn't let her say those things on television if that were so.”

  “Mama, the name of the game is ratings. They'll report lies, rumors, innuendo; anything to grab a big share of the viewing audience.” Anthony wore an angry frown. He pushed his plate away.

  “I've known Michelle since she was a child. I can't believe she'd do anything like what you're saying. And from the way you talked about her, I don't think you believe it deep down either.” Lizabeth touched his hand.

  “Mama, I've got to accept that Michelle and I can't make it. It's over between us.”Anthony got up and began clearing the dishes from the table.”Let's talk about something else.”

  Lizabeth did not press the issue. As they had at least once a week since his return home, they spent the rest of the evening talking about his work, church projects, and playing a trivia game. Yet beneath his light chatter, Anthony felt heaviness in his chest. To have Michelle back in his life only to lose her again pained him more than he could put into words. He had foolishly convinced himself that they could work out differences about his uncle. Anthony could not deny the strong passion she kindled with only a smile. But he felt used and betrayed. Maybe she had even used him to get information for her reports. Anthony closed his eyes and immediately the sweet memory of her fiery kisses, the smooth satin brown skin beneath his fingers, and the tiny gasps in his ear as they made love came to him. Doubts assailed him. Could he be wrong? He could almost hear her musical laugh. With a start, he realized her was hearing her laugh. It came from his mother's television. Anthony opened his eyes to see Michelle joking with the weatherman. His anger returned as he watched her flash a lovely smile at the camera before signing off. What did she care for the truth? At last she was an anchor woman. Michelle was on top of the world. And she had stepped on him to get there. Anthony clenched his teeth. Punching the buttons of the remote, he changed the station.

  ***

  “I don't understand what this is all about.” James Bridges mopped his forehead with an expensive linen handkerchief. “You know how those reporters operate. They'll do anything for a story that'll make a big splash.” His eyelids twitched as his eyes darted an anxious glance at the faces around him.

  “Let's talk about some of your dealings with the East Baton Rouge Housing Authority, Mr. Bridges. The Mayfair construction project for example.” The young man in the dark gray business suit did most of the talking while the District Attorney sat quietly.

  “Mayfair?” Bridges squeaked in a strained voice. He shifted in his seat.”Why that was, uh-hum, straight-forward. I mean..., well Ike Batiste got that work. Why are you asking me this?”


  “You played a role we understand with Ms. Kinchen?”

  “Look, Mr. Connely, just what is your assistant implying? I have my rights.” Bridges mustered up an indignant tone.

  “Wheelwright isn't my assistant, Mr. Bridges. He's with the U. S. Attorney's office.”

  Bridges stared with wide eyes, his mouth slack. “Th--thh-- the U. S. Attorney?” he croaked.

  “Because federal funds could be involved, U. S. Attorney Lewis has asked to be that his staff be brought in on our interviews to review what we have so far.” Connely spoke crisply.

  Bridges twisted the damp handkerchief between his fingers. “I want my lawyer.”

  ***

  “Dominic, if anything happens to me you talk to the police, all right?” T'aneka glanced over her shoulder nervously.

  “T'aneka, what is going on with you? Calling me at eleven at night to meet you here.” Dominic waved a hand at the mostly empty table of the all night diner.

  “They know. Something should have told me what was up when Lonnie kept letting me handle a lot a paperwork he used to do all himself.” T'aneka chewed on a fingernail.

  “Know what? What paperwork? T'aneka, you're not making any sense. Calm down and tell me what's wrong.” Dominic pulled her hand away from her mouth and held it tightly.

  T'aneka took a deep breath after looking over her shoulder for the third time. She spoke in a low voice with her head close to his. “You know Michelle had those stories on the news about crooked stuff going on at the Authority, right?”

  “Right.” Dominic nodded.

  “She's been getting information from a source inside the Authority.” T'aneka gripped his hand and whispered, “Me.”

  “What?” Dominic yelled then immediately lowered his voice when startled restaurant employees stared at them. “Are you crazy? You shouldn't be taking a chance like that with somebody like Lonnie. Wait until I get my hands on Michelle!”H is face hardened. “Letting you take that kind of risk so she can get a story.”