Happy New Year, Baby Read online

  “That’s what worries me about the cuts, Eric. It’s all about having the resources to give these kids choices. Jobs, help with tutoring, a mentor, or sometimes just a hand to hold can be lifesavers,” Shani said.

  “Eric, I have that report— Oh hello, Ms. Moore. Sorry, the door wasn’t completely closed so I thought it was okay to come in.” Despite his words, Trumaine entered the room with confidence.

  Shani smothered the dislike that rose in her chest at the sight-of him for fear he would see it in her eyes. “Hello, Trumaine. How are you?”

  “Fine. I won’t take long, Eric. Nedra printed out this report and I’ve proofed it. Give me a call if you have any changes.” Trumaine handed Eric a bound stack of papers.

  “Great, Trumaine. Efficient as ever.” Eric flipped through it before putting it on his desk.

  Trumaine turned to Shani. “So how are things at Mid-City? Still running smoothly I hope.”

  “Routine. The same as with any organization. There are good days and bad.” She felt foolish for being so paranoid.

  “I heard that. Well, I’m on my way. Nice seeing you again. Senator, I’ll meet with you at four, right?” Trumaine headed for the door.

  “We’re still on, Tru.” Eric sat next to Shani again. “He’s been a rock for me. A good assistant you can trust is worth his, or her, weight in gold.”

  “Amen. Elaine keeps me from losing my mind some days. Eric, about this dinner—”

  “Sorry it took so long to get here.” Dalton strode in. “So this is Ms. Shani Moore. Welcome to our little corner of the business world.” He stepped back and studied her with an open, benevolent smile on his face.

  Shani was caught off guard. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Aucoin,” she stammered.

  “Call me Dalton, sugar.”

  He settled his large frame in a chair around a coffee table in a corner of Eric’s office. Eric and Shani sat on the small sofa.

  “I’m so glad to finally meet you. Eric has been singing your praises to his mother and me. Thank you, son.” Dalton accepted a large mug of coffee from him.

  Shani flushed with pleasure. “It’s a nice to meet you, too.”

  “Shani, Dad and Mom are both great cooks.” Eric patted his father’s knee with affection.

  “And Adeline and I are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night at dinner. You’ll love Eric’s mother. She’s the sweetest woman in the world.”

  Shani shifted in her seat. “I’m looking forward to meeting her, too.” But not being under a magnifying glass with two sets of critical eyes scouring out every little blemish.

  “So Eric tells me you’re a social worker.” Dalton fixed his imposing gaze on her.

  “Yes,” Shani said. She shifted in her seat. “I’m at Mid-City Community Development, Inc.”

  “Doing some good things there I hear. Of course, some programs should put more responsibility on folks to pull themselves up out of poverty. The trouble with most of these social workers, no offense, honey, is they think money is the answer to everything. It’s obvious all the liberal ways of tackling these problems haven’t worked. I know you agree with me on that.” Dalton gave a curt nod.

  “Yes, well certainly mistakes have been made. We—” Shani began.

  “Big mistakes, Shani.” Dalton went on before she could finish. “The answer isn’t to increased the money flow to what isn’t working. We need a return to family values in the black community.”

  “Dad, Shani has some programs that stress just those values. Tell him about the Teens Lending a Hand program, honey.” Eric spoke up with animation.

  “Well, yes. As a matter of fact—” Shani began.

  Dalton’s wrist watch alarm trilled a series of beeps. “Time for my next meeting. I’ll be talking to Shreveport. What headaches I get just thinking about Louis and that crew. Goodbye, my dear. See you tomorrow night, kids.” He bustled out after giving Shani a firm squeeze on the upper arm and Eric a clap on the back.

  Shani inhaled and exhaled. “My goodness.”

  Eric chuckled. “Dad can be overwhelming at times.”

  “My head is spinning. He’s a powerhouse.” Shani gazed after the tall man.

  “But he can be a real softie, too. Really.” Eric laughed at the incredulous look she gave him.

  “I hear he’s faced down some of the toughest opponents, white and black, in this state to become successful in business. And he’s not reluctant to tell some black leaders when he thinks they’re wrong, which is often.”

  “But he will fight just as hard to right injustice or help someone in need. I can’t wait for you two to get to know each other. And my mother, too. This is going to be the best holiday ever. My older sister, LeeAnne, is flying in a couple of days before Christmas.” Eric put an arm around her.

  Shani felt butterflies fluttering in her chest at the thought of being judged by yet another formidable member of the Aucoin clan. LeeAnne was senior vice president of retail sales for a large corporation. She lived in Atlanta with her husband and two children. One more appraising set of eyes to contend with in a few days.

  “Yes, wonderful.” Shani’s voice was thin with anxiety.

  Eric pulled back to scan her face. “What’s wrong? You sound less than enthusiastic. My family isn’t that bad.” He gave her chin a gentle pinch.

  Shani bit her lip. She formed her words with care. “Eric, my family isn’t like yours. Mama and Daddy worked hard to give us what we needed, but we very were poor. Brendon and I worked our way through college. And then there’s J.J.”

  “Shani, I—”

  “No, let me finish. My baby brother is in prison, Eric. He’s serving a sentence on a drug charge.” Shani let out a long breath.

  “I know. Brendon is a computer analyst. His wife’s name is Janine, they have two kids. J.J. has been in trouble since he was fourteen. I’ve known for a while now. And it’s okay.”

  Shani went rigid. “Have you been investigating me or something? I’m not asking for your approval or begging you to excuse my family tree.”

  “That’s not what I meant, Shani,” Eric put in with a worried look.

  “Well, it sure sounded like it. Furthermore, I don’t like having a background check run on me by my dates.” Shani pushed him away and stood up.

  “Shani, wait a minute. You gave an interview to a newspaper reporter the day of the committee hearing. The reporter did a story on you and mentioned those things.” Eric held out his hands in a gesture of conciliation. “Remember?”

  Shani did remember the story. The story was supposed to be on the center but the reporter included information on her family as well. She felt a twinge of guilt for her fit of temper.

  “I said a few things and the reporter did research. But I’m not ashamed of my family,” she added in a defensive voice. “J.J. is going to turn his life around.”

  Eric took her in his arms again. “I’m sure he will. With you for a sister he’s got a lot to be thankful for all ready. Did you really think so little of me? That I’d look down on J.J. and your parents?”

  Shani was grateful to feel the hard arms around her. She rested against his chest. “I’m sorry, Eric. It’s just that we’ve had to face a lot of folks passing judgment on us. Forgive me?” she murmured.

  The scent cologne on his neck was glorious. Shani put her arms under his suit jacket around his body. Passion, warm and sweet, flowed from his hard body into hers.

  “Baby, there’s nothing to forgive. Now I better let you go before we set off the sprinkler system in here.” Eric touched the tip of his tongue to the soft inside of her mouth for a second before letting her go. “Oh, man. How many hours until we meet tonight?”

  Shani’s legs were unsteady. “Too many. Now I’m going to have one heck of a time concentrating for the rest of the day. And this meeting with the city parish Human Services staff promises to be too dull for words.”

  “You can steel yourself for the ordeal while you drive the six blocks over there,” Eric
chuckled. “And I’ll make it up to you tonight.” He winked at her.

  “I’m holding you to that.” At least she could daydream about his embrace to get through what promised to be a drab afternoon of tedium.

  ***

  “So what have you got, Trumaine?”

  Dalton rocked back in the deep red leather captain’s chair behind the massive, highly polished oak desk in his office. The picture window at his back over looked the street below and a small park. Dalton was proud of his office. For him it represented his triumph over all those who said he could not make it.

  “Some very interesting information, sir. An ex-employee has given me evidence that could be quite helpful.” Trumaine placed brown folder in front of Dalton. He leaned down to point at a paragraph. “Look at that.”

  “Interesting is right.” Dalton balanced his bifocals on the end of his nose to read. “How widespread is this theft of goods from Mid-City.”

  “My source, frankly she’s had her fingers stuck to property not hers, says it’s the rule not the exception. And Ms. Moore has been ineffective in controlling it.” Trumaine pressed his lips together.

  “Ex-employee. Fired?”

  Trumaine nodded. “Yes.”

  “Then she isn’t credible. Happens all the time, they’ll say. She’s out for revenge because she got caught stealing.” Dalton drummed his fingers on the blotter.

  “There are indications that this has happened before, sir. And there’s something else.” Trumaine lifted the top page to show him the next one. “Involving Ms. Moore allowing a drug addict to remain on a payroll even though this addict has dropped out of the job training program.”

  “You mean Shani Moore is collecting the paycheck?” Dalton’s head came up with a snap.

  Trumaine gave a small sigh of disappointment. “Well not really, sir. The paycheck has been stopped, but under the guidelines, this M. Campbell should have been dropped from the list weeks ago. Bad management, pure and simple.”

  “It’s not much, Trumaine. I’d hoped for more.”

  “I did the best I could with such a short time frame, sir. Besides, with the proper handling a little can go a long way.” Trumaine’s lips twitched with the trace of a cunning grin.

  Dalton looked at him with interest “How’s that1”

  “We don’t have to prove anything. Just show inept management and questionable results for the money being spent” Trumaine lifted a shoulder. “The appearance of impropriety can be just as damaging. And the new conservative majority legislature won’t need much convincing.”

  “You’re right. With the rosy filter taken off his eyes, Eric should come back to his senses.” Dalton swiveled his chair around to gaze out of the window. “He won’t give up his career to support her when this comes out”

  “Novelty, sir. I’ve been there myself a time or two.” Trumaine let out a gruff laugh.

  Dalton glanced at him sideways. “Yes I know.” He suppressed a smile of satisfaction at the flash of worry that flittered across Trumaine’s thin face for an instant “But how do we know the reporter will use it?”

  “He was already doing a series on scandals involving funds mishandled by the Department of Health and Hospitals. I know the guy. He’ll grab it like a dog goes after a juicy soup bone.” Trumaine wore a smug look.

  “Very good.” Dalton let his gaze wandered around for a few seconds. The downtown buildings were decorated with garlands and red bows. “We need to get my son back on track. Hmm, it will come out when Eric wanted to introduce her to our social circle,” he murmured to himself as though Trumaine was no longer in the room.

  Trumaine wrinkled his long nose at the prospect “There would certainly be talk about that. Not to mention how fast it would get back to Senator Raymond.”

  Dalton did not answer or seem to notice Trumaine was still present “Yes, the timing is just right”

  Chapter 5

  “Come in, My’iesha.” Shani held open the front door to the center.

  Several other girls from the neighborhood had told her that My’iesha was pacing back and forth outside. Shani did not waste a minute. She did not want to miss an opportunity to connect with the skittish young woman again. My’iesha presented a tough exterior, gained from being bounced around ten foster homes by the time she was sixteen. She ran away at seventeen and was forced to do whatever she could to live. Though quick to insist she needed no one, her presence meant she was crying out for help. But she looked as though she might take flight.

  “Please,” Shani said.

  My’iesha stood still, looking down the street instead of at Shani. “I can’t stay long.”

  “Sure. Just a quick cup of coffee.”

  “All right I guess.” My’iesha responded with a toss of her head. She sauntered past Shani. A childlike sketch of a Christmas tree topped with a gold star caught her eye. “Kids decorated. Hey, look at little Yusef’s drawing. Pretty good for a seven-year-old,” she said examining it.

  “Yes, the children worked real hard on our decorations.” Shani swept a hand around her. Not only were there drawings, but the children had hung garlands and made a two large wreaths for the double doors leading into the center. “They started right after Thanksgiving.”

  “Not bad.” My’iesha did not move from the drawing. She stared at the signature.

  “Yusef has asked about you several times,” Shani said.

  My’iesha’s shoulders went rigid. “Yeah, well workin’ in some after-school daycare is a pain.”

  “You volunteered to help out a couple of days a week after your part-time job. The kids loved your puppet shows.”

  “I ain’t got time for none of that,” My’iesha retorted in a tough girl voice.

  Shani said nothing until they got to her office. When the door was closed, she poured hot water for the coffee. A few minutes later she handed her a cup.”This will take the chill off.”

  “Thanks.” My’iesha took the mug and slumped into one of the chairs facing Shani’s desk.

  “So how’ve you been?”

  “‘Kay.” My’iesha mumbled with her head down.

  “Yusef isn’t the only one who misses you. Maybe you could drop by sometime when Mrs. Martin is here. All the ladies in the senior citizens crafts class said to tell you hi.”

  My’iesha shifted in her seat. “What did you tell them? About me not being around anymore?”

  “Just that you had a lot going on.”

  “Yeah, that’s no lie,” My’iesha said with a grunt. Silence stretched between them. “I guess you disgusted with me.”

  “I’m worried about you. Life is rough without friends.” Shani sat next to her.

  “You want me to come back?” My’iesha said in a little girl voice.

  “Very much,” Shani replied. She held her breath waiting.

  “But how I’m gonna get my job back? You must have given it to somebody else by now.” She relaxed a little.

  “No, I kept it open for you.”

  My’iesha looked up at her with liquid eyes. “How did you know I’d come back?”

  “Because I know how much pride you took in doing a good job and how much it meant to you,” Shani said with feeling.

  “Well, maybe I can go by there next Tuesday.” My’iesha plucked at a loose thread on the tight skirt she wore.

  “Fantastic. I’ll call them today. I’m glad you’re back. My’iesha.” Shani put her hand on My’iesha’s shoulder. “We’re going to be okay.”

  My’iesha could no longer stop the tears. She put down the cup and lay her head on Shani’s shoulder.

  ***

  “That was a wonderful meal, Mrs. Aucoin.” Shani sat next to Eric in the large den.

  She could not help but be impressed with her surroundings. The foyer of the spacious house was made festive with white lights strung around two tall potted trees. Fresh garlands draped over the windows of the formal living room and dining room, both decorated by professionals in ivory, green, and gold. The ho
use smelled of a refreshing combination of pine and cinnamon. After dinner, Mrs. Aucoin had insisted they be informal and relax in the den.

  “Now let’s have Dalton fix us a drink. He just loves playing bartender,” Adeline winked at her.

  “And I’m good if I do say so myself.” Dalton called out from behind the bar. “Here we go. Chardonnay for you, sweetheart. Ginger ale for my son who’s driving, and brandy for his lady.” He sat on the wide arm of the chair Adeline occupied with a glass of bourbon for himself. “So Shani, you’re from Baton Rouge?”

  “Actually I was born in Evangeline Parish, but my parents moved to Baton Rouge when I was a baby.” Shani took a sip of the brandy.

  “And you have a master’s degree. What school?” Dalton kept his tone casual.

  “Undergraduate at Southern, master’s at LSU.” Shani cleared her throat. This was the part of the evening she’d dreaded. Soon Mrs. Aucoin would jump in with questions of her own.

  “I understand you have two brothers. What do they do?”

  “Dad—” Eric cut in before Shani could speak. He frowned at Dalton.

  “No, Eric. It’s okay. My older brother, Brendon, is a computer analyst. My youngest brother, J.J., is in prison.”

  Dalton’s expression showed no surprise. “I see.” He glanced at Eric then Adeline. “How unfortunate.”

  “Both my parents are dead. They were poor, working people. My mother finished high school. My father never did. I don’t have any educated, well-to-do relatives or a fancy family history.” Shani spoke in an even tone without hostility, a tone that said “take it or leave it.”

  Adeline’s handsome features clouded over. “Dalton, you should be ashamed. You sound like a police officer questioning a suspect.” She faced Shani. “Excuse my husband, Shani. He can be hard to take sometimes.”

  Dalton waved away his wife’s admonishment. “What’s everybody getting so upset about? I was just making conversation. Getting acquainted.”

  Shani scanned his face. “Is there something else you want to know, Mr. Aucoin? A lot of people are curious about my younger brother. It’s natural.”

  She was used to the questions and shocked whispers behind her back. It was obvious Mr. Aucoin wanted to see if she would mention J.J. being in prison. And he wanted Eric and his wife to hear it.