Drama in the Church Saga (45 page)

The fragrance of lavender-scented candles saturated the air, Will Downing's sultry voice adding a bit of spice to the evening and Olivia's sheer Calvin Klein dress was the finishing touch she needed to a perfectly planned rendezvous. This was the night she had been dreaming of since Dean's discharge from the hospital.

Over the past few weeks Dean had regained his strength. A good dose of rehab, rest, good cooking and lots of love from Olivia and Bryce were all contributing factors to his speedy recovery. He even felt strong enough to return back to work.

But tonight would be the night they would consummate their marriage. Olivia designated that night as their honeymoon, since they never got a chance to have one like most couples.

Olivia fanned her hands back and forth to dry her freshly painted nails while she waited for Dean to come home from work.

The timer on the stove alerted her to remove a pan of pasta shells stuffed with ricotta cheese and tomato sauce.

The enticing aroma swept past Olivia's nose and caused her stomach to growl. After taking the contents out of the pan, she neatly arranged the main course on a serving platter. She placed everything on the dining room table and took one final look. Olivia excitedly tapped her right foot on the rug. “It's perfect! This is a night he will never forget,” she said out loud. Then she grabbed a wineglass full of sparkling cider and relaxed until Dean arrived.

Fifteen minutes later Dean walked in the door unaware of what his wife had planned for the evening. She greeted him in the living room. The first thing he noticed was how low-cut her dress was.

“What's going on? Did I forget something? I know your birthday isn't until October.” Dean was worried.

Olivia led him to the dining room table set for two with the fine china that belonged to her mother. “I thought we deserved to spend a quiet evening alone.”

“Where's Bryce?” He sat across from her at the table.

“He's staying the night with my sister.”

Worry lines formed along Dean's forehead.

“It's okay. Bryce is at that age where he tells everything he sees. If Danyelle does anything I won't like, he will tell me.”

Olivia served her husband as if he were king. She looked stunning, and the candlelight seemed to only enhance her beauty. Once again he thanked the Lord for sending him a wife who possessed every quality he ever desired in a woman.

“What did you do with Clinton and Kennedy?” Dean looked around for the pooches. They usually welcomed him home.

“I put them outside for the night. I know they're used to sleeping in the house, but it won't hurt for them to sleep outside for one night.”

“I miss their daily routine of jumping up on me when I come home from work.” He smiled.

The couple ate their dinner in silence. The only sound they heard came from the knives and forks hitting their plates.

Dean practically cleared his plate before he took a hold of Olivia's hands. “Livie, don't think I don't appreciate everything you do for me.” Dean didn't let a day go by without telling Olivia how much he loved her, but tonight was different. She had gone through a lot of trouble to make this night special. The candlelit dinner and sensual atmosphere were something he would cherish for the rest of his days.

“Listen, I know I've asked you to do some things you wouldn't typically do, like marry me without your family and then keep secrets from them, but if it gets to be too much, you have to let me know. I wouldn't want you to carry a burden that's too heavy for you.”

With tears in her eyes she said, “I love you.”

After they finished eating, Dean volunteered to clear the dishes from the table.

While he was busy cleaning up, Olivia slipped into their bedroom to change clothes. She opened her top dresser drawer and pulled out the red-and-black negligee Tressie helped her pick out earlier that day.

Olivia walked out and found Dean sitting comfortably on the living room sofa waiting for her to return. She cleared her throat. The dazed look on Dean's face visibly said he was confused and didn't know what was going on. Embarrassed, Olivia's face turned red. She timidly forced herself to stand directly in front of him.

Dean never knew Olivia had such a voluptuous body. Her curvy hips and ample thighs shouted out to him. He wanted to reach out and touch her long vanilla legs that were unblemished. He couldn't believe anyone that alluring could be real because he was sure she was a dream.

“Olivia.” Dean reached out to caress her waist, but when he touched her she jumped away. He realized she was nervous. “We don't have to do this.” He didn't want her to feel obligated to be with him.

“Why? Are you not feeling well?” Olivia grew concerned.

“No, I feel fine. Better than I have in weeks. But if you're not comfortable, then I can wait. I want us both to want this.”

She may have been a little scared, but she was ready to be with her husband. Olivia took a deep breath and closed her eyes and climbed on top of him. That was her way of saying she was ready.

Dean rubbed her thighs. He was sure he would enjoy the rest of the evening. She climbed off him and led him to their bedroom. The look in his eyes said he had been waiting for this moment for a long time.

Bubbles greeted them as they entered the room together. Dean stopped and thought he had entered into Fantasy Island. Their bedroom had been transformed into an enchanted garden.

Olivia hoped she was seducing Dean the right way. Tressie often shared intimate details of things she did to set the mood for her ex-boyfriend Payce. She had to give it to the girl. Tressie did some creative things with candles, feathers and rose petals; but Olivia wanted something different. That's when the idea of bubbles came to her. Bryce had a bubble machine that Olivia used to fill the room with bubbles. She decorated the room with a few plants. The final touch was the soft pink lightbulb that illuminated the room.

Olivia was pleased that every minor detail went as planned. She loved Dean, and it was important for their first night together to be unforgettable. She wanted to give him just her body, but also a part of her soul.

As they sat on the side of the bed. Olivia waited for him to touch her, but he never did. Instead, he avoided looking at her by staring at the far wall.

Dean hadn't been with a woman in such a long time, he was just as nervous as she was.

Once she realized he wasn't going to make the first move, she took his hands and wrapped them around her waist. Pulling him down on top of her, she kissed him passionately.

Instantly the intensity grew between them. His hands roamed her body, and within minutes they were both unclothed. Dean gently laid her down on the bed, and the two of them made love late into the night.

After hours of lovemaking, the newlyweds passed out in a loving embrace. With bed sheets twisted around their naked bodies, dreams of their night together filled their mind.

Hours later Olivia, never a sound sleeper, woke at the sound of something crackling in the distance. It wasn't a loud noise, but it was enough to wake her. She turned over and pulled the pillow over her head, hoping it would block out the sound. The disturbance continued. Then she was forced to get up and investigate.

She looked around the bedroom and then over at Dean. The darkness of the room gave it an eerie feel. For the first time since they had moved into the house she felt vulnerable and unsafe.

Throwing on her robe and slippers she went into Bryce's room out of habit. She became alarmed when she found his bed empty, until she remembered he was staying with Danyelle. She walked back into her bedroom and climbed back into bed. She leaned over to kiss Dean and hopefully wake him for another sex session when she saw a bright light glowing from outside their bedroom window. She got up slowly and tiptoed toward the window. When she looked outside she screamed.

“Dean!”

The high-pitched way she yelled his name scared him. He lifted his head and jumped up when he saw the distress on his wife's face.

She called his name again and waved him over so he could see what she saw. Olivia pulled the blinds up and watched a wooden cross burn on their front lawn.

Dean grabbed Olivia's hand, and they raced down the stairs. They had to get out of that house. He pulled open the front door and was ready to run out when he was stopped by the startling sight of Olivia's two shih tzus. The dogs had nooses tied around their necks and hung suspended from the rafters. Their fur had been burnt off, and blood dripped off their bodies.

Olivia screamed, and Dean ordered her back inside. She ran toward the phone and called the police.

Before Dean rushed back inside he saw the taillights of a pickup truck pull off a few feet away from the house.

Ten minutes later, the police and fire department had arrived and took statements. The firemen hosed down the burning cross and took it down.

Detective Craig Denali stared at the racial slurs that had been written on the front of the house in blood. Then he went to speak with Dean.

“Mr. West, I know this must be upsetting for you and your family. The police department is going to follow all leads to find out who is responsible for this, but I don't think this is just a random act of hate. I would bet my badge that Judge West's home was targeted on purpose.”

Dean took a seat on the curb and watched the police take samples of blood from the house and place them in a small petri dish. He was afraid to tell anyone else his secret. He wasn't sure if he could trust the police to protect him and his family.

“I'm going to post a car out here to watch the house for the rest of the night,” the detective said. “We have all units searching the area for any suspicious persons, but if you need anything, give us a call.” He handed Dean his card and walked away.

Val pressed both hands against her temples to try and stop the throbbing headache that had haunted her all morning and most of the afternoon. She popped two aspirins in her mouth and waited for relief. She couldn't believe how bad her head hurt. Val crossed the floor to the librarian's desk.

“Hi. Did you happen to find any of the information I was looking for?” Val hoped the librarian had some luck, because she was running out of options.

The librarian knelt down and placed a pile of books on the counter. “This is all we have in this library. Honey, if you don't find what you're looking for in here, then I doubt you'll ever find it.”

Val pulled the pile of books closer to her, but the librarian stopped her.

“You don't look well. Your eyes are really red.”

“I have a headache,” Val told her.

“Is it hurting your eyes?”

“A little,” Val replied.

“Why don't you go home? You've been the first person in this library every day for the past couple weeks, and you stay until it closes. I know lawyers like to burn the midnight oil, but everyone deserves a little rest.” She pulled the books back toward her. “Now go! I'll save these books for you.”

Val reluctantly went back to the table and gathered her things. She didn't want to leave, but the librarian had a point. If she went home and got some rest, she could return in the morning refreshed. A clear mind and fresh eyes may have been preventing her from finding the right precedence case.

As Val exited through the revolving doors, some college kid bumped into her. He almost knocked her to the ground. Val wouldn't have cared, if it wasn't for the fact that she got a huge whiff of the sandwich he was carrying. Her stomach growled from the pastrami and cheese on toasted roll. It was her favorite.

“That looks so good.” Her gaze followed the boy and his sandwich until they disappeared out of sight.

Instead of heading toward the parking lot, Val strolled toward the nearest deli. She had to get a sandwich. On her way she passed by a children's boutique that happened to have a sign outside advertising their grand opening. From the sidewalk, dresses, skirts and tiny little patent leather shoes called her inside. Instantly, she fell in love with what the store had to offer.

An hour later Val emerged with both arms loaded with packages. She was now starving, but there was one more thing she had to get. She walked a few feet and entered the toy store. Hope had plenty of toys at the house, but Val had her heart set on something special for Julian's only daughter.

She walked straight to an aisle full of teddy bears, all wearing New York Knicks jerseys with Julian's number. After Julian died, the bears were sold throughout the city in remembrance of his life. She was glad the stuffed toys were still being stocked and even happier that she was able to find one so easily. She knelt down to grab a bear from off the bottom shelf, one that hadn't been touched. Then a pair of legs wearing white tights and a short purple skirt walked up to her.

“Do you need any help?” the stranger offered.

“No, actually I think I got what I came for.” Val stood up and looked straight into Caitlyn's eyes and at her shopping cart full of toys.

Val was weary. She didn't trust Caitlyn.

Caitlyn stepped up closer to her and pointed her finger in her face. “Are you going to hit me? Go ahead. I want you to. I would love to tell the judge how Hope's father's girlfriend violated the restraining order I have against her.”

Val ground her teeth together to remain calm. “Caitlyn, why are you here?”

Caitlyn sucked her teeth. “This is not about you. I came here to buy my daughter a few toys.” Caitlyn looked at the bears sitting on the shelf. “It's obvious you also were shopping for my child. Val, let me give you a bit of advice—Don't bother. As soon as those test results come back, my daughter will be coming home with me. She won't need anything from you. I can provide all her needs, especially when I get back to Seattle.”

“What do you think your family is going to say when you return home with a black daughter?” Val's patience was about to blow. “They will disown you and cut you off financially, and I'm sure you could never live with that,” Val said.

Caitlyn gave her a smirk. “I hear jealousy in your voice. The same kind I heard when you found out Julian chose me over you. Are you jealous? Jealous of the fact that I had Julian's child and you didn't?”

Val was tired of talking and tried to walk around her, but Caitlyn stood in her path.

“No. You're going to listen to every word I have to say.”

Val was surprised by her boldness.

“You should have seen your face when you walked into that courtroom and realized I was Hope's mother.” Caitlyn laughed. “You know, I paid one thousand dollars for my plane ticket here, and my lawyer charges me seven hundred and fifty dollars an hour, but the look you gave when you found out Julian was the father was priceless.” She laughed in Val's face. “The only thing that would have made that moment better was if Julian was here to tell you himself.”

“Julian didn't know about Hope.” Val sounded unsure of herself. “He would have never abandoned his child.”

Caitlyn giggled, turned her back to Val and picked up a teddy bear from off the shelf. “No, Julian didn't know about the baby. I was going to tell him, but my family didn't think it was wise. Having his baby may have tarnished my family's name.”

“What?” Val couldn't believe what she was hearing.

“My uncle didn't think Julian was good enough to be counted among the greats like Charles Barkley, Isaiah Thomas or Larry Bird. That's why he didn't have any problems trading him when Julian asked. When I found out I was pregnant, no one was more shocked than me. I knew that you and Julian were back together, and I was so far along that an abortion was not an option. So I settled for adoption.”

“So why do you want her back now? How can you tear her away from the only father she has ever known?”

“Isn't it obvious? I love my daughter and I want her with me.” Caitlyn's words sounded empty and uncaring. “When I take Hope back to Seattle with me, don't fret, because I plan to leave you with something to remember me by.” Caitlyn's sincere smile turned to a smirk. “A broken heart—because, rest assured, I'll have a seat sitting next to me for that handsome Jonah.”

Val rolled her eyes.

“Just like old times.”

 

 

Val pulled her car into its regular space in the garage. She pushed the button to turn off her ignition and rested a minute before going inside. Laying her head back on the headrest, she closed her eyes to slow her adrenaline down. Caitlyn was the one person who always managed to bring out the worst in her. She sat for a second and prayed that the Lord would take over her spirit. After she finished, she took a deep breath and realized it had been a while since she'd last spoken with Olivia. They were way overdue for one of their heart-to-heart talks.

Val set her things down in the living room. The faint sound of a radio playing in the distance and the clanging sound of weights made her stop what she was doing and listen carefully. It sounded like it was coming from the basement. She slipped off her high-heeled shoes and attempted to go downstairs when the house phone rang.

Val picked up the kitchen extension. She was surprised. It was Julian's mother on the other end. “Hey, Val, it's Mrs. McCormick. I was just calling to find out how you were doing.”

Val's heart nearly jumped out of her chest. It shouldn't have been a surprise to hear from the woman who would have been her mother-in-law. Julian's mother worried about her almost as much as her own mother, but her call was so unexpected. What if Jonah would have picked up the phone instead of her? How would she explain that one?

“I'm doing well. How about you?” Val had to cut this phone call short.

“I'm trying to keep busy. Mr. McCormick wants to go away on vacation, but I'm not sure I'm ready to leave home.”

Val listened to Mrs. McCormick talk, but she was too deep in thought to comprehend a word she was saying. All she could think about was Hope. How would she explain to Julian's mother that she has a three-year-old granddaughter? She held the phone to her ear, wondering if she should tell her about Hope now or later.

“Mrs. McCormick,” Val interrupted her mid-sentence. “Do you ever feel like Julian left a piece of himself here with us on earth?”

Silence filled the line, and it took Mrs. McCormick a moment to respond. She found it strange that Val would ask such a question. “Yes, I do.”

Val was caught off-guard by her answer.

“I know I sound like a grieving mother, but I carry my son with me everywhere I go. Whether it be the supermarket, the park or work, I carry him in my heart.”

That was not the response Val was looking for. Then she was reminded of Jonah by the sound of him rapping in the basement. Val quickly ditched her idea to tell Mrs. McCormick anything. First, she had to tell Jonah about Julian.

“Mrs. McCormick, I have to go, but I promise I'll call you later on in the week.” Val hung up the phone and bolted down the steps to the finished basement.

When she reached the bottom step she was stunned at the sight of Jonah's bare chest glistening with sweat under the bright lights. He lay on a bench press lifting one hundred and seventy-five pounds. Val watched his bulging arm muscles flex. She watched for a moment before clearing her throat.

He looked up. “Hey, I didn't hear your car pull up. I hope you don't mind me using the weights. I found them pushed in the corner and I needed to work off some steam.”

Val looked around at all the equipment laid out on the floor. They were Julian's weights. “I'm surprised to find you home.”

Over the past couple weeks Jonah had stayed busy. He spent close to sixteen hours a day at work and at least four hours at the children's home with Hope. The remaining four hours of the day he used to sleep.

“Did you forget? We're supposed to meet with Mr. Lawson tonight. He wants to discuss details of the case with us tonight over dinner.”

She threw her hand to her mouth. “It must have slipped my mind.”

Just a minute ago she was all ready to tell Jonah everything about Julian, but something stopped her. She couldn't bring herself to do it. Her past relationship with Hope's biological father could complicate things, and she couldn't risk Jonah losing faith in her.

“I bought some clothes for Hope. You can take them to her the next time you visit,” Val said.

“Thanks.” He got up to load the bar down with more weights. “I'll take them tomorrow.” He started pumping iron again.

Val was mesmerized by the sight of Jonah's muscular body. He noticed her watching him and stopped lifting. She couldn't pull her eyes away, and before she realized what was happening, Jonah stood directly in front of her. Her hands quivered and he pulled her lips toward him. He softly brushed his lips against hers. She savored his touch and she felt her heart flutter. She felt something for Jonah that was foreign. It was different than her love for Julian.

He pulled her closer by embracing her waist and kissed her a little deeper. She opened her mouth and allowed his tongue to enter. A soft moan released itself from her. She abruptly pulled away from him.

“I'm sorry,” he apologized. “I shouldn't have . . . I thought that . . .”

“No, it's not your fault. I . . .” She looked away and thought about Julian. Guilt flooded her conscience. She scolded herself for being so weak and betraying her love for Julian. “I need to go get ready. We don't want to be late.” She disappeared up the stairs.

 

 

A tall slender hostess escorted Jonah and Val to the table where Mr. Lawson was already seated and enjoying a huge lobster tail. He wore a bright red plastic bib that extended from his neck down to his huge protruding belly. When he saw Val and Jonah walking his way, he waved them over with one hand and used the other to take a swig of beer from his mug. Jonah pulled out a chair for Val and, once they were seated, placed their orders with the waitress.

“Folks, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news.” Mr. Lawson didn't waste any time. He cracked open a lobster claw and gazed at the meat momentarily before shoving it in his mouth. “I've studied practically every adoption case in the state of Pennsylvania, Washington and Louisiana, and I can't find one that has not returned a child to its birth mother.

Jonah cupped his head in his hands and let out a low discouraging groan. Mr. Lawson had confirmed his worst fears. He was going to lose his daughter.

“The only instances I found where a birth mother was denied custody of their child was if the mother was a drug addict or lived the kind of life that would put the child in physical danger. I even went as far as to get a few people I know to look into the girl's past. She came back clean. A few parking tickets and they were settled by her family lawyer. She wasn't lying when she said that her family practically owned Seattle.” Mr. Lawson looked toward Val. “Did you come across anything at the library that could possibly help us?”

Val's eyes offered him no hope.

Val knew in her heart that Caitlyn was an opportunist and gold-digger, but she doubted that Caitlyn had any skeletons in her closet worth uncovering. If she did, the Haas family would have them buried so deep, it would take decades to uncover them.

Mr. Lawson's cell phone rang loudly. He answered and quickly placed his hand over the mouthpiece. “I wanted to tell the both of you in person that I don't think there is anything else I can do for you.” He threw his napkin down on the table. “But don't think I've given up. I'm going to work on this until the very end.” He pointed toward the phone. “This is a close business associate of mine. I have to get going, but anything you order is on me. So enjoy.”