Caught Up (Indigo Vibe) (21 page)

Anna grumbled as she pushed away from the table and stormed out. Ernesto chuckled lightly. “I love a woman with fire.”

“Anna is very nice. Rosa thinks a lot of her.”

“She stepped in as Rosa’s mother figure and did a great job.” He stretched his arm out to see the time. “It’s almost nine. I can’t believe Rosa’s still asleep.”

“We stayed up all night.”

Ernesto’s brows furrowed.

“We were talking. She finally dozed off around seven. I don’t think either of us will be seeing her today. I’m not leaving. She needs me.” He took a bite of eggs.

“How can you pursue Rosa and investigate me at the same time?”

“I love her.”

Ernesto’s mouth opened, then closed. “If I find out you’re using Rosa, you will pay,” he warned. “I don’t care what kind of agent you are or who you work for.”

“We have a lot to do today, Ernesto,” Anna interrupted as she stepped into the room. “I’m sure Samson can take care of things while we’re out.” She took Ernesto’s unfinished plate and dumped his food into the trash.

Ernesto laughed as he stood. “See what I mean? Fire.” He pulled Anna close and kissed her neck. “Okay, Anna. You win. I’ll leave them alone for now.”

* * *

Samson peeked through the living room curtain, watching Ernesto and Anna drive off for the funeral parlor. He darted to the couch, grabbed the photo album from underneath, then rushed to the front door and waved outside.

Alton hopped out of a blue sedan that was parked down the street. Digital camera in hand, he ran for the house.

Samson set the album on the porch swing. “Hurry up. Rosa’s asleep.”

“I’ve got this.” Alton quickly snapped pictures of the pages of the album. “Damn, Ernesto’s sunk. Look at these. David was having his ass followed.” He continued turning, and clicking. “Some of these are only a few years old. Look at the cars.”

“Yeah, I know. This must be David’s way of telling Rosa the truth about Ernesto. He knew she’d find out who the men in the photos are.”

“Finished.” Alton handed the album to Samson. “Now, all we need to do is prove that he’s head of the cartel.”

“Easier said than done. Did you bring my clothes?”

“I forgot them in the car. What was Ernesto’s reaction to you being here?”

“He was ready to explode, but played it off for Rosa.”

“She’s his weakness.”

“His weakness and his strength. This has all gotten out of hand. It’s like Rosa is trapped in the center of a love triangle. David, Ernesto, and Harriet make up the points. They all wanted to claim her as their own.”

“I guess Ernesto won.” Alton kicked about an imaginary rock. “Would you tell Rosa I’m sorry about Harriet? I mean… Well, hell, I know what it’s like to have a drunk for a mother. Shit, just tell her I’m sorry.”

* * *

“Time to get up, Rosa,” Samson whispered as he spooned her into his body. She didn’t move or acknowledge him in any way. “I allowed you to lie in bed all yesterday, but not today.” Rosa groaned as he pulled her out of bed. “I’ve already run your bath.”

“Where’s Daddy?”

He ushered her into the restroom. “Probably at the airport picking up your aunt Angela and her husband. He said he’d call. We’re on our own until the funeral tomorrow.”

She grabbed the toothpaste and her electric toothbrush off the light blue marble sink. “I haven’t seen Angela since I was small. She cut Mom off years ago.”

“Do you know why?” He took the toothpaste from her and applied a small amount to his toothbrush.

“According to Mom, Angela was jealous. I think it has more to do with Angela not agreeing with Mom’s life choices. She emails every few months to check on me. She’s a good woman.”

Samson knew Angela was in college during the time Ernesto, David, and Harriet got together, but he still wanted to interview her; there was a slim chance that Harriet had told her something useful. He’d have to wait an appropriate time interval for her to mourn before they approached her.

Rosa rinsed her mouth out with water and washed her face. “You made me get up. What’s on the agenda for today?”

He spit a mouthful of toothpaste into the sink and noticed her tray of toiletries now included a box of condoms. He thanked God that he hadn’t known the condoms were there earlier; making love wasn’t what she needed. “Yesterday, I made repairs to everything that was broken in the house. How would you like a patio out back? And the sandpit needs repairing.”

She stared at him. “You want to build a deck?”

“Would you like a deck?”

“I’ve put you out too much already. I’m sure Alton is having a fit.”

“Alton came by yesterday with my clothes and his condolences. I know he’s a real jerk, but he has his moments. In a way, he reminds me of David.”

Her laugh tickled his heart. “Yeah, two assholes. Whew!” She calmed. “I miss him. I miss them both.” Her eyes welled up with tears. Samson drew her into his body. “I can’t lose Daddy,” she mumbled.

“You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. No matter what happens, you’ll survive.”

* * *

Rosa watched from her kitchen window as Samson supervised the men unloading the supplies from the home improvement warehouse. His eyes locked on hers. He nodded his encouragement, then returned his attention to the flatbed truck and its contents.

“I love you,” she mouthed.

The phone mounted on the wall beside the refrigerator rang. She checked the caller ID. “Hello, Daddy.”

“Actually, it’s Anna, darling. I need to charge my phone. How are you holding up today?”

“I’m feeling a lot better. Samson is being great.”

“He seems like a good man. I’m sure you two will be happy together.”

“Don’t let Daddy overhear you.” She returned to the window to watch Samson. “How’s he doing?”

“Honestly,” she sighed, “I’m worried about him. He hasn’t been sleeping much lately and his eating… Well, he barely eats, especially since David’s execution. You know how he tries to act all tough, but he’s a big ol’ softie.”

“He hasn’t mentioned anything about David to me,” she said with a bitterness she didn’t intend. “I’m sorry. I’m tired. I need to ask something. Something about you and Daddy.”

“Go ahead.”

“Did you ever suspect Daddy was…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it. She pulled out one of the ladder back chairs from the kitchen table and sat. “Why didn’t you know Daddy was working for David?”

“This was well over twenty years ago,” came Anna’s solemn voice. “Times where different back then, Rosa. I was almost forty. I had never been married, and I had this handsome, kindhearted, successful man interested in me.” Cheer filled her voice. “The icing on the cake was he had this beautiful little girl. I’d always wanted a daughter.”

“Thanks for stepping in. You’re a great mother.”

“It means a lot to me hearing you say that, Rosa. When Ernesto told me about his ties to David,” she paused, “I wasn’t surprised. I’d chosen to ignore the early signs.”

“What do you think now?”

“He’s changed.”

“Why won’t he go to the DEA? He’s making himself look guilty, even to me.” She fidgeted with the edge of the place mat. “I’m scared, Anna. What if he’s one of those ‘legitimate businessmen’ that front for cartels? I feel so guilty for my feelings. Like I’m betraying him, but… I just don’t know.”

“You’ve lost so much and learned so many ugly truths these past few weeks; of course, you’re confused. You know in your heart that your father is a good man. You know in your heart that he is trying to protect you. Hold on to what you know.”

“It’s hard to hold on when so much of what I knew two weeks ago is totally contradictory to what I know today. My whole reality has changed. I’m losing everything.”

“This is your grief talking. You’re not losing your father. He’s innocent. Don’t give in to the grief, Rosa.”

“I’ll try not to.” She toyed with the edge of the cream placemat. “Are Angela and her husband there yet?”

“They took a taxi from the airport to their hotel.”

“I thought you guys were supposed to pick them up. I figured they’d stay with you.”

“Angela’s husband called earlier and said they’d arrived last night.”

“Maybe I should have invited them to stay here. I’ve been so self-absorbed.”

“No, darling, you haven’t.”

“Can I speak with Daddy?”

“He finally fell asleep a few minutes before I called. I just wanted to call to make sure you were okay.”

“Well, tell him I love him.”

“I will.”

Samson walked into the kitchen through the sliding door. Rosa held her hand out to him. “I love you, too, Anna.” She hung up, then set the phone on the kitchen table.

“The men are finished unloading.” He took her outstretched hand. “It’s a beautiful Saturday. Let’s enjoy it.”

* * *

“Why don’t you just tell Ernesto you don’t want to be CEO?” Samson asked.

Rosa’s mouth flopped opened, closed, and then open again. She looked around, as if reorienting herself. “You’re joking, right?”

“Nope.” He rested his foot on the railing and gently rocked the porch swing as he looked at the moon, which was partially hidden by an overcast sky. “You love your company. Why give it up?”

“I don’t have a choice. Daddy raised me to be CEO of Bolívar International. It’s like he’s the king, and I’m the only heir to the throne. I have a responsibility to fulfill.” She leaned her head on his arm.

“But what about what you want? What about your dreams?”

“Bolívar Networks is my dream. Daddy won’t retire for another decade or two. Until then, I’m free to live my dream.”

“By then maybe you’ll change your mind about being the CEO of Bolívar International.” He wrapped his arm around her and continued rocking the swing.

“I doubt it, but I’ll fulfill my obligation.”

“You’re a natural leader. Why don’t you want to be CEO of one of the largest corporations in the world?”

“I don’t care about being the largest in the world. I want my specialized company to be the best in the world. I have no need or desire to control such large entities. So, what does the future hold in store for you?”

“If we don’t turn anything substantial up in the next month, I’m resigning and returning to practicing law.”

She grinned and batted her eyes. “For me? Why you shouldn’t.” He moved to the opposite end of the swing. “What are you doing?” she asked.

“Making room for your head.” He laughed as he pulled her close. “If we don’t find anything in the next month, the chances of us finding incriminating evidence in the near future are slim to none. I’d planned to leave the agency before I met you. My plans haven’t changed.” He kissed her lightly. “Well, maybe one of my plans has changed. I want at least four children. I used to want five, but since I’m marrying an old woman—well, you know how that is.”

“And what old woman are you marrying?” she asked, brows raised.

He nuzzled his nose along her neck, whispering, “You wouldn’t know her. She’s a sugar mama.” He licked her lips. “And she tastes like caramel.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, drew him into a kiss. She felt so good in his arms that he didn’t want to release her.

Before he had the chance, she pulled back slightly. “You’re gonna get me into trouble.”

“Is that such a bad thing?” he said with bouncing eyebrows.

She playfully hit at him. “You are too much. I’m thirsty. Do you want me to bring something back for you?”

“Apple juice will be fine.” With the knowledge that someday this would be their home, he sat back and watched her retreat into the house. He imagined their children in the front yard having water balloon fights and getting into trouble.

He’d need to change the basement into his and Rosa’s bedroom and office space, so the children could use the three bedrooms on the main floor. His portfolio was worth over seven hundred grand. If he put seventy to a hundred grand into the house, their retirement wouldn’t be harmed. Rosa may be worth over a hundred million, but he had no intention on allowing her to support his family. He was the man and would take care of his wife and children.

A small pinch on his arm interrupted his fantasy. He swatted, killing a mosquito. What was taking her so long? He went into the house. “Do you have any bug spray?”

He caught a glimpse of Rosa as she crossed the kitchen. She wore a simple cream sundress and was barefoot, singing an old Anita Baker jam as she carried a platter of sandwiches from the counter to the table. Just as he saw their children playing in the front yard, he could see her barefoot and pregnant, roaming around the kitchen. He chuckled at his thoughts, knowing she’d kill him for having them.

“The hallway bathroom under the sink,” she replied, then continued singing.

He kicked off his shoes and joined her in the kitchen.

“Are the mosquitoes eating you?” She pointed at a spot on her forearm that had swelled slightly. “They got me, too.”

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his hardness. “You’ve got me.” He swooped her into his arms and carried her into the bedroom.

* * *

“Put me down, you silly man,” Rosa squealed.

Samson entered the dark bedroom and set her on the floor. “Your wish is my command.” Arms wrapped loosely around her waist, he brushed his lips over hers. “What would you like?”

The wondrous sensations flowing through her body from his slightest touch were almost overwhelming.
To be your wife and mother of your children
, she thought, but breathlessly said, “For you to make love to me.”

“I love a woman who knows what she wants.”

She knew what she wanted all right. She wanted Samson. Just as Ernesto had come to terms with her moving to Chicago and starting her own business, he’d have to come to terms with whom she’d chosen to spend the rest of her life with. She slipped her hands under his polo shirt, drawn to his heat, his strength, his love. He was strong in so many ways. “I love you.”

“Not half as much as I love you.”

Feeling him wasn’t enough; she wanted to
feel
him. As if reading her mind, he took off his shirt and tossed it to the side. Eyes closed and head resting on his chest, she listened to the steady beat of his heart. She’d been adrift so long. It felt good to be anchored again.