One Love Read online

  “Aw c’mon, son. Show some guts,” Joe cut him off in a gruffly. “She’s your woman. You ought to get out there and fight for her.”

  “I can’t believe you just said that,” Alex said. “This isn’t Porgy and Bess, she is my woman and I is her man. Lanessa would take a swing at me if I ever acted like that.”

  “Bull!” Joe swept the cigar through the air leaving a trail of smoke. He waved off his words as though they were pesky insects.

  “Women fight for themselves these days.”

  “I’ll say it again, bull.” Joe put the cigar down.

  “You weren’t listening. I tried to talk to her.” Alex jammed his hands in his pockets. “She insists on doing it her way.”

  “That’s it? Because she’s being a little stubborn you give up.” Joe grunted.

  Alex spun to face him. “Lanessa is a lot more than a little stubborn! And she made it clear it was none of my business.”

  “There isn’t a woman alive who doesn’t want a strong man to stand up and be counted when she’s in trouble.” Joe rose from his chair and walked over to Alex. He put a hand on his shoulder.

  “There’s nothing I can do.” Alex moved away from him. He went to the window. His father’s office had a view of the golf course. “Lanessa has made her decisions, now she has to live with them.”

  “The girl’s got guts. That’s one thing I always liked about her.”

  “You never approved of Lanessa.” Alex turned to face him.

  “I never approved of her behavior, no. But I’ve gotta admit, she always had style. Never let anybody push her around.” Joe pointed at him. “Including you.”

  “I never tried to push Lanessa around,” Alex protested with heat.

  “If you say so.” Joe shrugged. He joined Alex at the window.

  “Not once!” Alex continued his argument despite his father’s early surrender. “Yes, I’ve tried to make her see reason—“

  “Your way of thinking and living you mean,” Joe interrupted.

  “We’ve had discussions.” Alex glared at him with indignation.

  “Yes, I’ve had those kind of talks with you. Like talking to your mother sometimes,” Joe muttered.

  “What!” Alex was beside himself.

  Joe chuckled softly and led him back to the chair. “Sit down, son.” He patted his back to soothe him.

  “So you think I’m domineering, that I push to get my way all the time.” Alex crossed his arms. “It’s nice to know what you really think about me,” he said in an injured tone.

  “You’re a fine man. But…” Joe’s voice trailed off as though he was considering his words carefully.

  “But?” Alex prompted him to go on.

  “But a bit stuffy sometimes. You’re into this staid way of living, routine.” Joe wore a slight smile. “And Lanessa is… not.”

  “So I’m boring and rigid.” Alex looked past his father at the wall.

  “Your words not mine.” Joe chuckled. He grew serious again. “You know, your mother and I had the same problem only in reverse. She was raised to be proper, to follow social convention.”

  “Yeah, grandmother and father were a bit snobbish.”

  “Hmm. I was a bit wild in college, but I guess my family name got me in.” Joe sat back and appeared to gaze back through time. “She was something else, your mother. Fine as wine we used to say back then.”

  “I never knew you were wild in college.” Alex smiled at him.

  “Yeah well, nothing too serious. Yvonne was cool as ice when I first approached her. She knew my reputation.” Joe laughed. “But she had a spark in those hazel eyes.”

  “Mother? A spark?” Alex had a hard time seeing this picture of Yvonne.

  “Sure. Yvonne let her hair down. We went to discos, stayed out all night—” Joe broke off with an embarrassed cough when Alex’s eyes went wide.

  “Don’t stop now.” Alex rubbed his chin in thought. “Mother was into disco and boogie nights, eh? I love it.” He grinned at his father.

  Joe grinned back. “She could do the Hustle like you wouldn’t believe. Yvonne and I had some great times.” He lost the smile. “But her upbringing was stronger.”

  Alex gazed at his father. Joe wore a wistful expression. Alex was struck with a realization. Despite his tart jabs about Yvonne, Joe had really been in love with her once.

  “Sorry, Dad,” was all Alex could think to say. It was strange to think of his parents as wrapped in their own romantic drama.

  Joe sighed. “I was just as much to blame. Anyway, let’s get back to you and Lanessa.”

  “Let’s not.” Alex leaned back in his chair. “I know you’re trying to help, but—“

  “Okay, let’s get to the heart of the matter. You want her? Of course you do,” Joe answered before Alex could speak. He stared at him as though daring Alex to deny it.

  “It’s not that simple,” Alex mumbled.

  “Bull!” Joe said with vigor.

  “Dad—”

  “I let pride keep me from bending. Yvonne did the same thing. The result? We spent years being unhappy. Don’t repeat our mistake.” Joe used his trademark direct style to make his point.

  It hit home with Alex. “I want to find a way back to her. But…” his voice trailed off.

  “You’ve got it bad, son. Okay, the old man is going to help you out.”

  “Say what?” Alex looked up at him in alarm. “I don’t like the sound of this.” The last thing he needed was another parent mixing in his love life.

  “You go to her rescue, show her you care.” Joe slapped him on the back. “Women love that stuff.” He walked to the desk and picked up his address book.

  “I wouldn’t know where to start,” Alex said. “That’s if I was willing to do anything.”

  “Let’s see, I’ve got his number in here somewhere.” Joe flipped through the pages. “Oh, yeah. Daniel Corrigan could help, too.” He made a note on a slip of paper.

  “I don’t have your contacts. What do I have to do with Paxton-Waite? Nothing.” Alex stood up and paced.

  “Her father will know quite a bit. I’ll call Alton and… Isn’t her sister married to one of Oliver Knight’s boys?” Joe asked.

  “Yes, Damon.”

  “Right. Fine young man. Ah, here it is. Senator Trent.” Joe wore a look of satisfaction. He sat down and picked up the telephone receiver.

  Alex crossed to him and placed a hand over the buttons he was about to punch. “Are you listening to me?”

  “No.” Joe lifted Alex’s hand from the phone. “There comes a time when a father must do what he thinks best. Especially when his kid is acting like a moron,” he finished in an undertone. Joe punched the numbers as he was speaking.

  Alex opened his mouth but could think of no response. He was angry, frustrated and completely off balance. His father seemed to be taking full advantage of his state to forge ahead. While Alex paced the length of the office, Joe made a series of phone calls.

  Alex listened to his side of the conversations. His father asked questions and made several pages of notes.

  “Thanks, Dan. Yes, I’ll call the senator tonight. Sure, see you on the course tomorrow.” Joe hung up the phone. “Looks bad.”

  Alex felt his heart race at the dark expression his father wore.” What is it?”

  “Real subtle but just as effective,” Joe said. He tapped his ink pen on the desk.

  “What are they trying to do to Lanessa?” Alex stood with his legs apart, fists balled. “I’ll splatter Metoyer all over this city if he tries to hurt her!”

  Joe looked at him with his eyes gleaming. “Now we’re talking. But physical violence shouldn’t be necessary. I’ve got a few ideas.”

  “Good. I want to start right now.”

  Alex forgot everything else. All he could think of was protecting Lanessa. His father outlined a plan to combine the influence of three powerful African-American families. They would call Lanessa’s father and her sister’s father-in-law. T
he St. Romaine, Pellerin, and Knight families would make a formidable alliance.

  “We’ll need all the help we can get.” Joe wore a frown. “It won’t be easy.”

  “And judging from what you learned, we better move quickly.” Alex had another unpleasant thought. “Damn, I haven’t even thought about Shauntelle.”

  Joe let out a whistle. “Good luck.”

  Alex raked his fingers through his hair. “The women in my life are giving me fits!”

  Joe laughed. “But they’re worth every bit of trouble.”

  Alex thought of them all. Tia and Nia smelled so fresh and sweet when he hugged them close. The best sound in the world was hearing them call him daddy. Shauntelle was a wonderful mother and a good person. He owed her so much. How could he stand by and let her be deceived? And for all his complaints about her, Alex would always turn to his mother. She would stand by him through any storm.

  Then there was Lanessa. To taste her mouth, kiss the silky skin all over her body was… indescribable. Having her arms around him as they—

  “Alex, you haven’t heard a word I said,” Joe said loudly. Then the older man smiled. “From that look on your face, I’d say you were having sweet memories.”

  Alex took a deep breath to steady his emotions. There was no sense in denying the obvious. “She’s a special lady,” he said in a soft voice.

  “Then let’s help her.” Joe took on his down-to-business demeanor.

  “Yes. I’m ready.” Alex wore a hard look. “Metoyer is going to pay.”

  ***

  “Another one called.” Robyn held out a phone message to Lanessa.

  “Let me guess, she can’t make our appointment. Her parakeet has the flu or some sorry excuse.” Lanessa’s gave a laugh that was laced with bitterness.

  “Not far off.” Robyn balled up the pink paper and tossed it in the trash can. “What the heck is going on?”

  “My brilliant scheme has backfired, that’s what.” Lanessa massaged the tight muscles in her neck. She’d had a pounding headache for three days straight now. “I gambled and lost.”

  Robyn sat down at the desk. “Okay, time to let me in on what you’ve been up to.” The young woman wore a stern expression.

  Lanessa sighed. “I guess you’ve got as much at stake.”

  “You got that right. This isn’t just another job. You make me feel like I’m a partner.” Robyn lifted her chin. “And if some creeps are after us, I want to help.”

  “Thanks.” Lanessa wore a sad smile of affection. “But I don’t want you mixed up in another of my messes.”

  “I won’t let anyone talk you down, including you!” Robyn jabbed a finger at her. “Now tell me what those scum suckers are up to.”

  “Between Metoyer and Hargrove, our contracts are disappearing faster than Casper the Ghost.” Lanessa picked up a stack of folders. “Suddenly seven clients no longer need my services. You know how much money we’re talking about?” She threw them down hard causing a loud thud.

  “So forget them. We’ve still got three jobs.”

  “Oh it doesn’t stop there. I can’t get folks to return my calls. People who used to help me down at the Archives Department are too busy to talk.” Lanessa rubbed her eyes with both fists. “And I need those contacts to complete the few projects left.”

  “Well… we’ll find other ways.” Robyn lifted her chin in defiance. “They might make it tough, but they can’t deny us public records.”

  “I guess.” Lanessa sat with her head in her hands and eyes closed.

  “Lanessa, we can beat ‘em.” Robyn looked strong and mature despite her girlish features. “And I’ve got resources just as good as those fair-weather friends.”

  She marched to her office and came back a few moments later waving a binder. “They can only inconvenience us, not stop us.”

  Lanessa felt bone tired. She glanced up on for a second at her before covering her eyes again. “If you say so.”

  “I do say so. Now tell me what you need.”

  “Here.” Lanessa pushed one file toward her. “Dixon and Sons wanted information to help them bid on a contract with Dow Chemical.”

  Robyn read over a few paragraphs. “Pooh! I’ll get on it for you, boss lady.”

  “If you want.” Lanessa slumped back in her chair and stared at the wall map without seeing it.

  “It’s on,” Robyn said with youthful optimism. She bustled out.

  “Yeah, right,” Lanessa muttered. Yet she had to smile when Robyn gave her a brave thumbs-up sign.

  Despite her sense of doom, Lanessa did feel a spurt of energy. Robyn’s mood rubbed off on her. For another hour she was actually able to put her troubles aside and work. Concentration was hard, but not impossible. She actually got three pages of a technical report done before Robyn came back in.

  “Speak of the devil,” Robyn said. Her lip curled with contempt. “Charles Metoyer is out there. I told him I wasn’t sure you were still here.”

  “Right. I’ll bet that fooled him,” Lanessa said in a dry voice.

  “I don’t care what he thinks, the upper-class slug!” Robyn’s brown eyes were ablaze with ire.

  “Wonder what he wants?” Lanessa was worried by this surprise visit.

  “Don’t give him the satisfaction. I’ll handle it.” Robyn wore a spiteful grin. “I mastered the art of putting folks who show up without an appointment in their place. Learned it working for the CEO of Exxon International.”

  “No, wait a minute—” Lanessa drummed her fingers.

  “Tell ‘em the boss isn’t in with just the right note of condescension. That way they know you’re lying, but can’t do anything about it.” Robyn turned to leave with a demonic cackle.

  Lanessa jumped from her chair. “Come back here,” she called in a harsh whisper. “Show him in.”

  “You sure? I’d just as well put my foot smack on his behind and give him a nice push.”

  “I want to know why he’s here.” Lanessa straightened her desk. She did not want him to think she was in trouble. “Give me a few minutes first though. I’ll call you.”

  “Okay,” Robyn said. She wore a look of profound disappointment.

  After five minutes of arranging her desk, Lanessa called Robyn’s extension. “Okay, I’m ready.”

  Seconds later, Robyn led Charles into the room. “Coffee?” She seemed to force the words out and did not look at him.

  “Thank you. Cream, no sugar.” Charles tossed out the order like a man accustomed to being served. He turned to Lanessa with charming smile. “Good of you to see me on short notice.”

  “Have a seat.” Lanessa pressed her lips together to keep from laughing. Robyn made a face at his back before she left. “What can I do for you, Mr. Metoyer?”

  “Call me Charles.”

  “Yes.” Lanessa wore a chilly smile. “What brings you to me office?”

  “You have such a unique talent. I admire how you’ve carved out a niche providing valuable research services.” Charles swept a hand around the office. “I see you’ve equipped yourself with the best tools.”

  “We’re living in the information age. Knowledge is power.” Lanessa kept her expression neutral.

  “Exactly. Those who understand the immense value of new technology will be in control.” Charles smoothed down his silk Armani tie. “And you’ve done just that.”

  “Thank you.” Lanessa watched him. He was smooth as ever. Anyone looking at him would never believe the rumors about how treacherous he could be.

  “The Internet is useless without a guide,” he continued in a mild conversational tone.” A few keystrokes can lead to thousands of different sources. It’s overwhelming for the average person. But combine technology with a keen intellect.”

  “You’re making me blush,” Lanessa said with a tinge of flippancy.

  Charles wore a slight smile. “Of course I’m only telling you what you know.”

  Lanessa rocked back in her chair. “I’m deeply honored. To thi
nk you came all the way over here to express your deep admiration, Charles”

  “My sincere admiration, Lanessa. But there is something else.” He broke off when Robyn entered with a tray bearing two cups.

  She set it down on Lanessa’s desk. “You need anything else?” Robyn spoke to Lanessa but stared at Charles.

  “No, I’m fine.” Lanessa said. They both watched Robyn leave.

  “Did I do something to offend your assistant?” Charles raised an eyebrow. “She seems to have taken an instant dislike to me. Women don’t usually do that. In fact, it’s never happened before.” He wore a cocky expression.

  “They get to know you first then they learn to dislike you, right?” Lanessa retorted. His arrogance had worn thin quickly.

  “You’ve been listening to nasty gossip.” Charles sipped from the cup without seeming insulted.

  “I know firsthand. Remember Yasmin is my friend. And I know about Shauntelle St. Romaine.”

  His smile faded. “I have some serious advice for you.”

  “Oh joy,” Lanessa said in a deadpan voice.

  “You won’t be cracking jokes when I get through,” Charles snapped. “I’ll grind you into nothing.”

  “Will this before or after you’re in prison?” Lanessa shot back. “The Commerce guys were here. They talked about you and Dawson. It was an interesting conversation.”

  Charles bolted from his chair. “If you’ve got any sense, you’ll work with us. Hargrove has given you a chance to make a lot of money.”

  “And put me right in the line of fire with you clowns. No thanks. Prison food is not to my taste. And those uniforms they make you wear, horrible.”

  Charles sneered at her. “I didn’t get where I am without knowing how to protect myself.”

  “Yeah, well I’d start lining up the old defense team if I were you.” Lanessa assumed a relaxed pose even though her nerves were on edge.

  “If it’s one thing I don’t like, it’s a woman who thinks she knows more than me!” Charles said. There was pure venom in his voice and his eyes flashed with menace.

  “So you treat women like trash because that’s what you think of them, eh?” Lanessa said. Charles let out a laugh that gave her a chill.