After All Page 29

“Goodbye then.” Dosu stood to one side. “And Michelle,” He touched her arm lightly causing her to pause before rushing past him. “I wish the best, for both of you.”

  Michelle could only nod in response.

  ***

  A mob of reporters from around the state filled the hallway outside of the DA's office. Michelle pushed her way through trying to get close to Earl. He was interviewing one of Connely's assistants about the investigation of the Housing Authority.

  The stocky man seemed nervous in front of the camera. He kept tugging at his necktie.”Yes, that is correct. The U. S. Attorney is handling the Housing Authority case now since it involves the possible misuse of federal funds and by federal employees. Our office will continue to pursue the Troy Quarles murder investigation.”

  “Do you have any other leads or suspects at this time?” Earl stuck the small microphone under his nose causing him to jump back.

  “Uh, all we can say now is that our investigations are continuing.”

  “Thank you. That was Lyle Kramer, Assistant District Attorney. As we've been reporting, the East Baton Rouge Parish Housing Authority has been under close scrutiny based on allegations that we first reported in an exclusive series. Numerous allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and even criminal activities surfaced over the last five months. We will continue to follow this situation closely. We'll be back to report on the findings of the Grand Jury the moment they are ready. Earl Gaines reporting for Channel Twelve. Back to you, Chad.” Earl visibly relaxed once the camera went off. “Hey, Michelle.” He loosened his necktie

  “So even though Lockport and Jason accused me of making up a story, they've got you still on it.” Michelle's smile was more of a bitter grimace.

  “Exactly. Lockport asked me about your missing note pad and the work orders. I think he realizes he moved too fast. Even Nathan jumped his case about not standing behind you.” Earl clapped her on the back. “Reliable sources say he's planning to give you a call real soon.”

  Michelle shook her head. “Too little, too late.”

  “Now don't let emotion cloud your judgment. Look at it this way: you can come back on your own terms.”

  “I'm on my own terms now.” Michelle broke in.

  “Full or part-time, the money is good.” Earl pressed on undaunted.

  “It's not worth it if I can't depend on them to back me up,” Michelle countered.

  “Getting a call from Lockport is a vindication of sorts.”

  “He hasn't called me yet. And if he does, look how long it's taken him to do it.”

  “And...” Earl gave her a wink. “Even more important, you can rub Jason's face in it.”

  Michelle chuckled imagining the look on Jason's face seeing her walk into the news room. “Humm. Maybe I shouldn't hold a grudge.”

  They waited for another tense five minutes before a flurry of activity signaled the press conference was about to begin.

  “Here he comes.” Earl spotted the District Attorney coming from his office. He hustled forward motioning the mini-cam operator into position. “Yeah, we're ready,” he spoke into headset alerting the station to switch back for a live report.

  Connely's face was stern as he stood just outside the double glass doors to his office. At least five microphones from various television and radio news departments were perched on the podium in front of him. Michelle held her breath waiting for him to speak. A low murmuring began whose focus seemed to be to her left. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Anthony, Cedric, and Anthony's attorney striding from an elevator on their way out of the governmental building. Three reporters broke from the crowd to race after them. Their exit blocked, Anthony's attorney shot out terse answers to their questions. Connely's voice boomed out drawing her attention back to him. Michelle's heart raced in anticipation of calamity.

  “The grand jury has declined to return an indictment.” Connely stared straight ahead. He did not react to the clamor of shouted questions. When it was clear he would not respond, the voices died away and he went on.”It is their determination that there is at this point insufficient evidence to warrant an indictment. The investigation into the murder of Troy Quarles will continue. We hope to reconvene the Grand Jury at a later date. Thank you.”

  “Mr. Connely, does this mean that Anthony Hilliard is no longer a suspect?” This was shouted by a female reporter from a local newspaper.

  “Mr. Hilliard is one of the individuals who knew Mr. Quarles that we have questioned and will continue to question in an effort to resolve this case.” Connely intoned in an impassive voice.

  “So you have other suspects?” Earl yelled over other voices.

  “We are pursuing other avenues based on recent information given to us. Thank you.” Connely turned and disappeared into the large office.

  Michelle gasped with relief. She leaned against the wall for support. Like a tide going out to sea, the gaggle of news hounds moved towards the three men still caught between the elevators and the doors leading outside. Drawing in a shaky breath she turned to find Anthony staring at her. He seemed impervious to the crush of people around him. Michelle walked towards him glancing neither left nor right, unable to break from the steady gaze that seemed to draw her closer step by step.

  His attorney stood erect. “We felt certain that Mr. Hilliard would be cleared of any involvement in this crime.”

  A tall reporter addressed Anthony directly. “Mr. Hilliard, do you have a statement?” He held a small microphone out towards Anthony.

  Anthony's gaze never left Michelle's face as he spoke. “I'm glad this is over. I only want to get back to my life... and those I love.”

  Gradually the reporters dispersed having no more questions to ask. Michelle took a deep breath before meeting Anthony halfway across the lobby.

  “Hi, Michelle.” Cedric smiled at her. “I'll meet you outside, Anthony.”

  He only nodded at him as Cedric headed out of the doors. “How have you been?” His eyes were bright with expectation.

  Michelle hesitated. She wanted to blurt out how happy she was for him. Yet guilt restrained her. Had she not played a part in throwing his life into turmoil? “Okay. Congratulations. I'm glad things turned out the way they did.”

  Anthony's face was drawn. He rubbed his forehead with a weary gesture. “There's still a cloud of suspicion hanging over me. I wanted to be cleared completely.”

  “Come on,” Michelle said. She started to reach out and touch his arm then drew back. “”Don't look at it that way. No indictment means there’s no evidence linking you to the murder. That lack of evidence points to your innocence.”

  Anthony stepped closer to her. “It's enough to know that you don't think I'm guilty.”

  Michelle looked up into his deep brown eyes. The curve of his lips sent a charge of excitement that began in her chest and ended with a tingle in her toes. Before she could speak her cell phone went off. Rattled by her strong reaction, Michelle fumbled with it for several embarrassing moments. She pressed the button to retrieve the text message.

  “Station calling. Guess I better get back.” Michelle smiled self-consciously. There was so much she wanted to say. But where to begin? Thoughts and feelings crowded her so that she could not find the right words.

  Anthony's attorney joined them. “Excuse me, Anthony. Hello.” He gave Michelle a polite nod. “I wanted to talk to you. Don't go, miss. This will only take a few minutes.”

  “Yeah, wait, Michelle. We won't be long.” Anthony moved towards her when she began backing away from them.

  Michelle felt the distance growing between them again. Sounds around her became muffled as she struggled to reach out somehow. But a sense of being powerless held her in check.”I have to leave anyway. Congratulations again. See you around.”

  Anthony watched her walk away.”I hope so,” he called out. His voice echoed plaintively in the large hallway.

  Chapter 17

  Lonnie paced the length of Charlotte's large living room like a rest
less panther. He had smoked four cigarettes in the last thirty minutes. Charlotte watched with wary eyes, afraid to complain about the haze that filled her luxury apartment.

  “Damn it, somebody's got to know where he is!” Lonnie inhaled deeply.”Either he got scared and ran or somebody lyin'.”He stopped short in the middle of the room to stand directly in front of where Charlotte sat stiffly on the edge of the large ivory sectional sofa.

  “Wouldn't we know by now?” Charlotte was careful to keep her voice calm and steady.

  “That's just it. If the DA got him then what they waitin' on? It don't add up. I'm bettin' Ike Batiste got him tucked away somewheres, and his punk son knows about it.” Lonnie's voice held a deep, ominous timbre. His heavy black eyebrows pulled together.

  “Ike wouldn't be acting so nervous if he knew James was no threat to him,” Charlotte said. Her facial expression was all openness.

  “Don't be fooled by that.” Lonnie sat next to her. “It's an act like you said. Think about it. Ike keeps us all in the dark until he and Bridges can cut a deal with the DA.”

  “Oh, no. I can't believe they would do such a thing. Especially not James.”

  “Get smart, babe. We talkin' some heavy stuff goin' down. We talkin' the US Attorney. Long federal sentences.” Lonnie snorted. “If you think old James is gonna do hard time just 'cause you gave him some, you outta your mind.”

  Charlotte grew very still. “ And then there's a murder. But James didn't have anything to with that. You did.”

  “Yeah, but he can help the damn cops come straight to me.”Lonnie blew out a long stream of smoke.

  “You were careful weren't you? I mean getting rid of the gun.”Charlotte swallowed hard.”Nobody saw you, right?”

  Lonnie turned on her with bared teeth. “Never mind that! Ain't nothin' gone lead the cops to me unless somebody talked too much.”

  Charlotte drew back from him and became silent for a few moments.”Tia and Marcus have gotten very close. You don't think Marcus and she would try to set you up? Maybe they know something, too.” Charlotte watched the effect of her words on him. “Having you arrested would take the heat off them.” She bit her lip and stared at him with wide, guileless eyes. “I mean, isn't that the way people like that think? Maybe James has been threatened and is too frightened to let anyone know where he is. You know how paranoid he was the last month or so.”

  Lonnie stood up and resumed pacing. “Could be Tia has decided she can kill two birds with one stone. Get all the action for herself and give the police a neat package. I been thinkin' somethin' like that myself.” He seemed oblivious to her presence. He rubbed his hands together as he walked. “I ain't never trusted them two since they got together.”

  “Baby, come try to relax. Tomorrow you could ask around--”

  “Hell no! I'd be a damn fool sittin' around waitin' for them to make the next move.”Lonnie grabbed his jacket draped over a portion of the sectional sofa. “I'm gonna get my boys out again. Ain't nobody sleepin' until we find something out one way or another.” He was out of the door in three strides.

  Charlotte did not move for several minutes. Hearing the roar of his car starting, she jumped up and went to the window. She was careful to move the draperies only a little to watch him leave. Charlotte watched the red taillights of his black Ford Bronco disappear completely before she went to the phone.

  ***

  Tia unwrapped herself from Marcus and sat on the side of the bed. She lit a cigarette. When the phone rang she paused to push back her long braids before picking up the receiver. “Yeah. Uh-uh, we'll deal with it soon. Yeah, I'll tell you about it.” She hung up without saying goodbye.

  “Who was that, baby?” Marcus ran his fingers long the smooth nut brown skin of her back.

  “J. J.” Tia stood up and stretched in front of the mirror. A small smile tugged the corners of her mouth at the effect this had on Marcus.

  “What's up? He found James?” Marcus sat up in the bed.

  “Nah, just some minor business.” Tia put on a green and gold silk robe.

  “Like what?” Marcus held a shiny silver lighter to the end of a long cigarette.

  “Routine stuff. Listen, you sure your old man don't know where this Bridges guy is?” Tia went to the large closet. She sorted through several outfits before pulling out a form fitting pair of red leather pants and a black crop sweater.

  “He wouldn't have any reason to hide it from me.” Marcus blew out a circle of smoke.

  “Y'all don't get along too good. Maybe he ain't hidin', just ain't mentioned it.” Tia walked back to stand in front of him.

  “I know him,” Marcus said with a trace of irritation. “He would have told me by now. Why you keep asking me that anyway?”

  Tia looked at him for a moment before speaking. “Lonnie's right. Seems strange Bridges wouldn't call your old man since they've been buddies all this time.”

  “Yeah, well he hasn’t. James could be somewhere in Argentina for all we know.” Marcus frowned. “It's Lonnie we need to worry about. He's crazy. That night we picked up Troy was wild. Hell, I didn't think he was gonna kill the dude.”

  Tia shrugged. “That's business, too. But puttin' his body on your cousin's property was a bad idea.”

  “It got them a suspect.”A baleful grin spread across his face. “I bet Anthony's been sweating bullets for weeks.”

  “It also made the cops keep lookin' at the connection to the Housin' Authority.” Tia regarded him steadily.

  “Hey, baby, don't worry about that. It'll blow over. Hell, they probably got Anthony staked out thinking he's the head of a drug ring.” He chuckled.

  “With Lonnie gettin' some fool to shoot into that apartment hittin' that kid, we been havin' to lay low for a while. Business is down, which means profits is down. We ain't been able to move a big shipment in two months. Now the DA pissed off 'cause he didn't get to indict your cousin.” Tia took a long pull on her cigarette.

  “I told you not to worry about it, didn't I? I'm the one made the connections we needed to get into the big money. Me and the boys can take care of things. You just relax.”Marcus got out of bed. He pulled open her robe.”Don't bother 'bout the details. I'm gonna make sure you get everything you need,” he whispered in her ear and buried his face in the smooth skin of her neck.

  Tia's lips curled into a menacing sneer as she watched him in the mirror. “I'm gonna take care of you too, sugar.”

  ***

  “Are you crazy? Anthony wants you so bad he can taste it. And you feel the same way,” Shantae cried out loudly. Other patrons at the restaurant stared at them.

  “Don't tell us you're over him.” Laree folded her arms. “It won't fly. No man could replace him when y'all broke before. He's the only man for you.”

  “Speak up. I think maybe ten people in Baton Rouge didn't hear you,” Michelle hissed keeping her voice low. She nodded towards all of the eyes turned in their direction.

  Shantae plowed ahead. “You call him right now.” She dug her cell phone from a pocket in her leather handbag.

  “That's right. There is no reason for you to be apart. You need each other, especially now.” Laree placed a hand on Michelle's. “This is a time for coming together. For holding each other tight in a warm embrace against the bitter cold of adversity,” she said dreamily.

  “Lord have mercy, Laree. You've been watching those old low budget movies on the late, late show again haven't you?” Shantae wisecracked.

  “‘Be Still My Heart’ starring Lenore L'amour is a classic for your information,” Laree sniffed.

  “Lenore who? Be real, girl,” Shantae turned her attention back to Michelle. “Look, Chelle, you want him, he wants you. The chemistry is smoking and the math adds up. Jump on it.”

  “How many times do I have to go over this? It won't work,” Michelle said. She pulled at her hair in frustration.

  “Yes it can, Chelle. Sure the road to love and happiness can be rocky, but--” Laree's face was soft with
sentimentality.

  “Laree, do you mind?” Shantae cut in. “You don't have an excuse anymore because Anthony has washed his hands of Ike.” She smiled with satisfaction at the startled look on Michelle's face.

  “Really?”A look of hope spread across Michelle's features then immediately died. “No, that's impossible. The way he talked about how much Ike meant to him and his mother? Anthony would stand by Ike through anything.”

  “Come on! You really think Anthony would keep defending Ike after everything that's happened?”

  “Anthony never believed all the accusations made against Ike.” Michelle raised an eyebrow at her obviously skeptical at such a change. “Why now?”

  “Ike all but admitted he was involved in the mess when Anthony confronted him about it. Cedric says Anthony hasn't spoken to Ike since then and won't return his phone calls,” Shantae said.

  “Poor Anthony. He worshipped Ike. If what you're saying is true, it must have hit him hard.” Michelle could certainly empathize. Learning about her mother's affair with Ike had left her deeply shaken.

  “He's heartbroken. And even more miserable because y'all broke up because of Ike.”

  “Oh, Chelle, he's crying out to you. Go to him. Run to his outstretched arms.” Laree eyes were misty.

  “Pu-leeze, Laree! You’re making me nauseous.” Shantae squinted at her in annoyance. “She's right about one thing, though. You should call him. No go on.” Shantae pushed the phone into her hand.

  Michelle gathered her courage as she dialed. After four rings, she started to hang up with a mixture of relief and disappointment. Then she head the fifth ring cut short by a “Hello?” The sound of his deep, mellow voice melted all her misgivings.

  ***

  “Thanks for seeing me on such short notice.” Michelle stood just inside the door to his apartment self-consciously. Her rehearsed speeches fled at the sight of him, tall and alluring, so close. The rise and fall of his broad chest brought back only too well how fabulous it felt to lie against him. Looking up to into his eyes she blushed, sure her face mirrored her passionate thoughts. Michelle shifted around so as not to face him. She needed time to think and a clear head.