All I Want Is You (Kimani Romance) (10 page)

“Check her pulse. She doesn’t have one.”

“Stevens can’t know about this.”

“He was going to get rid of her anyway.”

“Damn, I’d wanted to have a crack at her.”

“I’ll go get the van. Dump her in the box,” he said, referring to the large rectangular box they used to get rid of girls who died from overdoses or other reasons. “We might as well clean this mess up tonight.”

One guard left and she heard the other lifting Felicia into the box. Then she saw Lola come and wave to the guard to get his attention and hand him a note. “What now?”

She nodded.

He glanced at the box, clearly conflicted, then said, “All right, show me what you need, but make it quick.” He followed Lola. Monica snuck inside the room and climbed in the box with Felicia, who wasn’t dead but was in a catatonic state from the compound she’d given her. She’d come out of it in a few hours.

Monica heard the footsteps of the guardians return and felt herself being lifted.

“Damn, she’s heavy,” one grunted.

“Dead weight always is. Now shut up and go.”

Minutes later Monica felt the box being lifted onto a truck, and soon she was out of the compound and on the road to freedom.

“Monica?”

JD’s voice cut through her thoughts, and she turned to see his worried face. She was free. This was a man who didn’t want to possess her. This was a man who didn’t need to own her. With him she was still her own woman. She remembered him selecting the perfect rocking chair for his grandmother. His attention to detail and concern that it not tilt back too far. She
knew he was a man she could love. A man she already loved. Not that he needed to know that. With him she was safe. Her secret was safe, and soon she would go back to the farmhouse and the new life she’d created for herself. She took JD’s hand and smiled. “I’m all right. I was just enjoying this perfect day.”

They returned to the house in the early evening, just as the sun lengthened the shadows.

“I know just the place where I’m going to put this,” JD said as he untied the rocking chair from the top of the car. “I’m going to put it near the fireplace where Gran can keep warm and work on her crocheting.”

Monica looked at him, surprised. “She crochets?”

“No, but she’s always wanted to learn.” And he’d help her before it was too late, JD thought with sudden determination. Maybe the doctors were wrong. Maybe if he stayed longer and made the place comfortable she could get better. Life in town wasn’t good for her. She belonged at the farmhouse. She needed to be near the trees and land she loved. He turned to look at Monica take out the knotted rug from the car, and he remembered how she’d selected just the one she thought would be perfect for Gran. She’d grown to love her as much as he did. He could feel the bond between them. He looked at the house and welcomed its presence. He would fill it with all that his grandmother wanted, and maybe he could be happy. Tonight, anything seemed possible.

Monica held the front door open for him, and Baxter greeted them at the door with a little yelp.

“Nice to see you, too,” JD said as he headed to the family room. Baxter followed him and yelped again.

“I think something’s wrong,” Monica said. “It’s not like Baxter to bark.”

JD set the rocking chair down. “He’s just excited to see us,” he said, wanting to dismiss the eerie silence and Baxter’s strange behavior. “Gran, we’re back,” he called out. “And I think you’re going to like what we got you.”

He walked into the family room and found Nadine lying facedown on the couch. JD rushed over to her and knelt by her side, turning her face to him. “Gran?” He touched her forehead. Her skin felt pasty and damp. He took her hand and warmed it between his. “Gran, honey?”

Her eyes fluttered open. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she said in a weak voice.

Monica rushed over to the phone. “I’m calling the ambulance.”

“Won’t do any good,” Nadine wheezed.

“Don’t say things like that,” JD said. “You’re going to be fine.” He stood. “Let me—”

“No, just stay with me.”

JD fell to his knees, feeling helpless while Monica dialed. “Gran, let me get you some juice and a blanket. I can carry you to your room.”

Nadine shook her head. “Did you get the items?”

“Does it matter?” he snapped.

“Yes, we got them,” Monica said in a softer tone then returned to her conversation with the emergency operator.

“Good,” Nadine said. “I’m so glad I got to see you again.”

JD shook his head, trying his best not to lose his
temper. He wouldn’t let the evening end like this. He’d get her to the hospital and she’d be fine. “Don’t talk. Just save your strength.”

“Promise me one thing.”

“Gran, I told you—”

“Be happy, JD. That’s all we’ve ever wanted for you.”

It was his father all over again. It was a cruel irony that, just like in the past, he couldn’t promise her that one thing. But unlike the boy he’d been when his father had died, he was able to control his feelings and push down his anger and sadness and kiss the back of her hand. When he spoke, his voice was calm. “Just rest, Gran. I promise I’ll never leave your side.”

N
adine passed away a week later. There were moments when the doctors thought she would rally, but she slipped quietly into a coma from which she never recovered, and then one day her heart stopped. Her physician admitted to JD that she was sicker than she let anyone know.

At the repast, which was held in the farmhouse she loved, Monica kept herself busy in the kitchen, making sure the catering was on schedule. Being in the kitchen allowed her to feel useful. Even though she’d loved Nadine, she felt like an outsider among her family and friends. Also, she didn’t want to think about what Nadine’s death meant for her future. She’d have to find a new place to live. Whoever inherited the farmhouse, even if it was JD, might want to move in right away or sell it. She couldn’t buy it. Not right now. The paper trail was too dangerous.

It was probably better this way. She was getting too attached to the place and JD. It was time to move on.

JD peeked his head in. “I thought I’d find you here.”

“I just—”

“You’re a guest, not the waitstaff,” JD said, taking Monica’s hand. “Come on.” He pulled her into the other room then handed her a glass. “Relax, Monica.”

A man suddenly turned around and grinned. He was a tad shorter and lighter-skinned than JD, but he had his smile and a wicked gleam in his eye. “Did I hear you say Monica, big brother? At last I get to meet the sexy artist you’ve been telling me about.”

JD made the introductions. “This is my brother, Donnie. Donnie, this is Monica.”

Donnie couldn’t hide his surprise as he stared at Monica then he burst into laughter. “This is a joke, right? Good one, bro.” He playfully punched JD in the arm. “You almost got me. Really. Where is she?”

JD lowered his voice, his eyes blazing. “She’s right in front of you.”

Donnie’s smile fell and his face turned crimson. “You’re serious?”

JD’s eyes darkened as he folded his arms.

His younger brother swore. “I didn’t mean to—”

Monica waved his embarrassment aside, even though she felt mortified herself. “It’s okay.” She took a step back. “I have to tell the caterer something. Excuse me.” She slipped out of JD’s grasp when he reached for her and weaved her way through the crowd, desperate to escape to her room. She didn’t make it. A stunning woman blocked her path. She was impeccably dressed in a black silk designer pantsuit and a pair of three-inch
Italian leather pumps, and she was wearing a magnificent mother-of-pearl necklace with matching earrings. Although Monica was several inches taller, the other woman carried herself as if they were of equal height.

She had smooth dark skin and piercing eyes, which were outlined with a deep purple kohl pencil. Her other features were softer. Monica could not help noticing how striking this woman looked. There was something about her that kept Monica entranced. Crystalline had that affect on people.

“I’d like a word with you,” JD’s mother said. Her hair was swept up in a chignon, giving her the look of a living sculpture. Monica had seen her at the funeral service but hadn’t spoken to her. Now she followed her over to a corner.

“My son tells me you make jewelry.”

“Yes, but I’m nowhere in your league. You’re a true artisan and I have always—”

Crystalline held up her hand. “Save the flattery, please. That’s not why I want to talk to you. My son has taken a keen interest in you.”

“I like him, too.”

“Most women do, for one reason or another.”

Monica stiffened. “My reasons are pure.”

Crystalline paused. “I’ve met a lot of people, but only once have I ever met near perfection. Unlike others, I notice things like the shape of one’s forehead to the ratio of one’s neck or shoulders. Few people have the perfect elongated neck that makes jewelry shine. I saw that once when I met Venus. You may have heard about her, or seen her picture. Over the past ten years she was featured in every major magazine.” She looked
straight into Monica’s face as if she could see past the shield of her sunglasses. “I saw it again. Today, when I saw you. Your attempt at dressing down didn’t fool me. I’d know your profile if you were covered in feathers.”

“I—”

“I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I won’t allow anyone to toy with my son.”

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him. I’ll be gone after tonight.”

Crystalline looked as if she wanted to take her up on the offer, but she suddenly shook her head. “He won’t let you.”

“I’m my own woman.”

She rested a hand on her hip and considered Monica. “Then why are you hiding?”

“It’s complicated, but please—”

“I won’t say a word. I’m an expert when it comes to secrets. No one will hear anything from me.” She looked up and saw JD. “As long as you don’t give me a reason to.”

“I won’t,” Monica promised then left and went into the extra room where Nadine had stayed. She pulled off the quilt that covered the bed and wrapped herself in it then sat on the floor, feeling as if she was in her own cocoon. She closed her eyes, just wanting everything to stop. She wanted Nadine to be alive again, to have never met JD’s mother, to have never met JD. Everything would have been different if he hadn’t entered her life.

Look after him for me.
Monica heard Nadine’s words echoing in her mind. But who would look out for her? She thought of the loss of her husband and her old life
and then the loss of the new life she’d created. She hung her head and cried. She wept until her chest ached and her throat was sore then lay on the ground and covered herself with the quilt, blocking out the world.

Monica woke up hours later, shocked when she saw the clock. It said 9 a.m. She’d slept nearly twelve hours. She hadn’t realized she was so exhausted. She replaced the quilt then returned to her room. She changed out of the clothes she had slept in and jumped in the shower. She didn’t stay long. She knew JD was leaving that morning. He hadn’t said a word, but he didn’t need to. His vacation had come to an end. She went downstairs and noticed his suitcase by the door.

“Are you all ready to go?” Monica said when JD entered the kitchen a few minutes later. She took care to keep her voice neutral.

“Yes. I just came back from dropping Baxter at the shelter. I donated a large sum of money and gave instructions that he’s not to be put down but worked with until he’s ready for a new family.”

Another loss. She’d no longer see Baxter chewing on his favorite doggie bone, jumping at shadows or greeting her at the door wagging his tail so hard his entire back end shook. Monica felt her heart softly crack. “I see.” She cleared her throat. “Well, have a safe trip.”

“Monica—”

She went to the kitchen cabinet and pulled down a plate and glass. “You have to go. I understand that. It hasn’t been the quiet vacation you’d hoped for.”

JD walked up behind her and turned her to face him. “That night with you was wonderful. And although…” He sighed and struggled for words. “I don’t regret a
thing about coming here. What happened when we were together—”

“Is over.”

“It doesn’t have to be.” He hesitated. “My life in the city is complicated, but it’s simple here and I like it that way. I can’t make you any promises. I want to see you again without any strings. I won’t put any pressure on you, and you’ll do the same. I won’t ask you why you’re here, and you won’t ask what I do when I’m away from you. We’ll just meet on holidays for times like these. What do you say?”

“I don’t know if I’ll still be here. I have to find another place and—”

JD rested his hands on her shoulders. “You don’t have to go anywhere. The place is mine. Gran gave it to me with specific instructions that you stay for as long as you like.”

The tightness in her chest began to ease. She didn’t have to leave. She would be safe here. “Nadine was always so generous.”

“You haven’t answered my question.”

Monica bit her lip. No strings attached. No questions. No promises. She’d see him only on holidays. Yes, that could work. It meant that it wasn’t anything serious and his mother wouldn’t have to worry. “No one would know?”

He shrugged. “No one needs to. What I do is no one’s business.”

She licked her lips. “Okay.”

He grinned. “Good. I have time off for Thanksgiving, unless you have family that you want to see then.”

Monica quickly shook her head. “No, I’ll be here.”

“Okay, I’ll see you then.” He kissed her then pulled away and left without looking back. As he drove away Monica realized he hadn’t said goodbye.

“Let her go? Did you just say I should let her go?”

Gerald held the phone away from his ear. Even though Stevens wasn’t shouting, his cool delivery was just as effective. “It’s just a suggestion.”

“You may be the best in the business, but you can and will be replaced. Can you do the job or not?”

“Of course. It’s just getting expensive.” Finding Venus had taken a lot longer than he’d anticipated.

“That’s my problem, not yours. Any developments?”

“She’s definitely in the U.S., and that’s all I’ll say for now.” He hung up. Gerald knew he’d taken a risk by advising Stevens to forget about Venus, but he’d been willing to take the gamble because part of him liked her. Part of him liked how cunning she was. She’d outsmarted Stevens and was giving Gerald a hard time. As each day passed he’d become more impressed with her fortitude, her false leads and misdirection. He remembered when she was in the limelight. God, he could imagine just one night with her. But now he knew there was a keen mind behind that beauty.

She deserved a free pass, but he wasn’t the boss. If Stevens was willing to pay to find her, then it was fine with him.

His cell phone rang just as he lay down for a nap. He swore. If it was Stevens again, he was going to up his price. “Hicks.”

“I’ve got a job for you,” a low familiar voice said.

“Sorry, I’ve already got an assignment.”

“This one won’t take you long.” When the voice told him the target, Gerald sat up with interest. “Is this some kind of joke?”

“No, it’s a family thing.” The voice told him the amount they were willing to offer then said, “Think about it.” Then the line went dead.

Gerald rested against the headboard. He’d never worked on two cases before, but Venus made locating the second target easy. The woman wasn’t only a goddess but a sorceress. She could make him a very rich man. It was a risk, but he’d never liked playing it too safe. He brought up Venus’s image on his phone and gazed longingly at it. The woman was so hot—dressed in skintight jeans and a tank top—he was surprised the phone didn’t melt in his hand. “I’ll find you, Venus,” he said to the image. “And it will be a pleasure.”

Over the next few weeks Monica busied herself with work. But she couldn’t stop thinking about JD and Nadine. She’d come here to be alone, away from people, and two had already stolen her heart. She worked on new jewelry designs and patrolled the woods to make sure that Drent and his crew hadn’t come back. Everything seemed to settle back to normal then one day as she cleaned the foyer, she heard scratching on the front door. She opened it and saw Baxter.

He sauntered past her, as if he was where he was meant to be, leaving dirty paw prints on her newly swept floor.

“Come back here.”

He turned to her and wagged his tail. He looked as though he’d traveled for days; his fur held grass
stains and stray leaves and was caked down with dirt and mud.

Monica bent down to stroke him then changed her mind. “You bad boy. What are you doing here?”

He licked her hand.

That melted her heart. She picked him up and hugged him. “I missed you, too.” She set him back down and shook her head, wondering what she should do next.

“JD’s not here and they’re going to be looking for you…but let me clean you up first.”

Monica washed and fed him then picked up the phone.

“Thank God!” the shelter coordinator said when Monica explained the situation. “We just took them out for exercise and he jumped the fence and ran! We’ve been searching for days.”

Monica looked at Baxter and made a decision. The determined little dog deserved a permanent home. “I’ll keep him.” When JD returned he could formerly adopt him, and she’d look after him when JD was out of town.

The coordinator agreed with Monica’s plan and everything was settled. Monica smiled. She knew when JD came back he’d be in for a big surprise.

But as summer turned to fall, touching the leaves with yellow, crimson and amber, Monica wasn’t sure JD would return. She sensed that the farm held too many memories. Sad ones that hurt: the rocking chair that sat in the corner unused; the guitar stand that stood empty while the guitar was sealed up in a case inside the closet; and the knotted rug that lay discarded on the family room floor. Once he was back in the city he’d get accustomed to its fast pace and excitement and would
forget her, which was exactly what she needed. One of them had to be sensible. It had been a fantastic, hot love affair, and after two months she couldn’t see how it could continue the way it had been. Would he really want to see her again, just for a night in bed?

Monica continued to doubt JD’s return, but as Thanksgiving drew near she held out hope even at the risk of being disappointed. Two days before the holiday she scrubbed down the walls in the kitchen and dining room and purchased a festive orange table cloth, an elegant place setting, and a vase of fresh flowers as the centerpiece. On Thanksgiving Day, Monica spent all day preparing a feast. She made a sweet potato casserole, three-bean salad, fried green tomatoes (she learned how to cook them because JD had once mentioned they were his favorite food), roasted turkey with corn bread dressing and, for dessert, a homemade blackberry cobbler and apricot cookie rolls.

After that she took a long, hot shower and lathered herself in expensive creams and oil then put on a layered tunic-like soft pink dress with a silk head wrap and waited.

And waited.

And waited.

And he didn’t come.