Ebony Angel (31 page)

Ebony rested on the living room couch of her new house. She was exhausted. She had spent the weekend, and what was left of her bonus, purchasing second-hand furniture and having the utilities turned on. She’d even unpacked everything.

The guys from the block were great. They had scrounged enough money together to buy her a few sets of towels, dishes, glasses, and eating utensils as a going-away gift. They had told her Trae was out of line, and she should find Richard.

Of course, Skeet had to harass them about paying full price for the items instead of buying them from him. “D-damn, Skeet,” Stam said. “W-we ain’t givin’ our Miss Ebony n-no hot gifts. We g-gots more class then that.” Skeet acted wounded, but everyone laughed.

But the highlight of the weekend was Meechie. They had gone to the rehabilitation clinic together, and he was admitted.

She called Crystal and told her about their new home, and that she loved her and would be picking her up from school the next day.

Everything had finally fallen into place. Almost, anyway. She got a second wind and went into the kitchen to prepare stir-fry. Her mind went back to the first time Richard had prepared it for her. He would be pleased that she could now prepare the dish to perfection.

Listen to me carefully. I need someone who, no matter how things appear, loves me enough to know my heart.
His words haunted her. She closed her eyes and ears to the noise of her problems with her parents, her resentment toward Trae, her breaking up with Richard, her having to move, her finishing school, her starting a new job, and listened to her own heart.

Ebony and Richard loved each other and wanted the same things out of life. What was the real obstacle between them? She opened two packages of linguine and poured the noodles into a gallon glass jar on the counter. It couldn’t be her ties to the drug world, because he didn’t break off his friendship with Skeet. She smiled.
Like Skeet gave him a choice in the matter.

She knew he wasn’t ashamed of her, but he still didn’t want her to meet his family. The entire time his sisters were in the hospital room, he had pretended he was asleep. She’d seen him peeking, and had noticed his jumpy reaction when Trae entered the room.

She snapped her fingers. “That’s it,” she said aloud. “He’s ashamed of his family.” She sat at the kitchen table, waiting for the water she had put on for the pasta. He’d introduced her to Nonno, the one member he wasn’t ashamed of.

Skeet walked into the house as though he owned it. She met him in the living room with her hand held out. “Give me my key, Skeet.”

“What if you lock yourself out?”

“I’ll give a spare to Mom.”

“Like I don’t have copies. You’re cute.”

“You make me sick. Wash your hands. Dinner will be done shortly.”

He turned the water on in the kitchen sink. “Has Dan called?”

“What did you do?”

“I cussed his ass out and told him to stay the hell away from you.” He grabbed the dish detergent and washed his hands.

She smacked him on the back with a dishtowel. “How could you? That wasn’t your place. Call him up now and apologize.”

“Hell, naw. He’s the one who’s been lying all these years.” He chuckled. “I asked him if he’s my daddy, too.”

She dropped noodles into the boiling water. “I wanted to approach him my way, and in my time.”

“Your way and your time takes too damn long. By the way, you have a new tenant.”

Arguing with Skeet was like arguing with the television. Sound came out, but it ran on its own programming. “When are you moving in?”

“It isn’t me, smarty pants. I found a spot in Oak Park I like. Bought the whole building yesterday.” He reached in the back pocket of his jeans and took out the lease. “Here’s your copy.”

“Thanks. Just put it somewhere. The realty company takes care of everything, right?”

“I set it up exactly like you wanted. Read the lease.”

She glanced over her shoulder at him. “What are you up to?”

“Why I always gotta be up to somethin’? I think you should know who you’re letting rent your property. Especially since you live on the premises.”

“Yeah, right.” She skimmed through the lease. “Richard’s my renter? I’m gonna kill you!” She chased him into the living room.

He hopped over the couch and headed for the front door. “What’d I do?” He laughed and ran outside with her close behind.

The beauty of the sun saying its final farewell for the evening over the rooftops of the western houses stopped her in her tracks. Children were playing in the park. People were walking their dogs, talking and laughing. Others were working in their flower gardens or washing their cars. Skeet stood on the sidewalk, showing all of his teeth.

She smiled, shook her head and walked into the house. All of her dreams were literally within her grasp. All she had to do was reach for them.

“What are you doing?”

She fingered through the index of her cookbook. “I want to bake a cake. Do me a favor and steal Auntie Genevieve’s caramel cake recipe.”

“You tryin’ to get me killed?”

“Do you plan on eating a home cooked-meal tonight? And what about that hair? It’s awfully frizzy.”

“You blackmailin’ me? What has this world come to? Don’t fix mine until I get back. Cold stir-fry is straight up nasty.”

“When is Richard moving in?”

“He’ll be back from Texas tonight.”

“That’s nice, but I asked when he’s moving in.”

“Pay attention to the conversation, Ebony. He’ll be back tonight. I bought his condo complex, so I doubt he’ll want to stay there.”

“You bought his place?”

“How else did you think I tricked him into renting here?”

“You are the devil.”

He bowed like the perfect gentleman. “Thank you. I’ll be right back.”

* * *

Ebony smiled at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Richard would love the contrast between her bright yellow sundress and her dark-chocolate skin. She combed her hair back and put on a wide yellow headband with black shadow imprints of animals spread around. According to Skeet, Richard planned to spend Monday unpacking and organizing his new place. She baked a caramel cake and cooked breakfast.

She organized the bacon, eggs and grits on a serving tray, along with orange slices, coffee and toast, lowered the tray cover and walked over to Richard’s unit. She used her elbow to ring the doorbell.

Richard opened the door wearing his Bulls T-shirt and shorts. Flashbacks of their first night filled her mind. “Welcome to Hidden Oasis,” she said.

His crooked smile lit up his face. He poked his head out, looked up and down the street, across the park, took the tray and rushed her in. “Come in, come in.”

Confused, she followed him into the kitchen. At first he appeared happy to see her, then he started acting paranoid and nervous. After the beating he had received, she couldn’t blame him for being extra careful. “I was worried you’d already eaten breakfast.”

He opened the tray. The aroma of bacon, eggs and grits filled the room. “This smells delicious. Thanks.” He took out a second plate. “Come and eat with me.” He dumped half of his food onto the second plate. They sat at the kitchen table together and said their blessing.

“I see you unpacked the kitchen first.”

“Kitchen and bedroom. How did you find out I moved?”

She second-guessed herself. “Skeet,” she replied softly. “I didn’t mean to intrude.” His genuine grin removed all doubt.

“Of course it was Skeet,” he said. “I’m glad you came. Really.”

“He’s been busy lately. He helped me move in this weekend. I’m your neighbor.”

He stopped eating. She saw the passion in his eyes and warmed instantly. But this time she intended to take it slow.

“What a coincidence. Skeet
has
been busy.”

“I’m done unpacking. How about I help you out today?”

“I’d like that. I have an appointment later this afternoon, but until then I can tell you what’s been going on in my family while we work.”

“I’m picking Crystal up later anyway. Wait until I tell you about my family dynamics. What a mess.”

* * *

Trae searched through the town house and garage for Ebony. The truck was there, but Ebony wasn’t. He walked around the park. Still no sign of Ebony. He called her cell phone from the house. “Where the hell are you?”

“Hello, Ebony. How was your weekend? Now hang up and try again.” She disconnected.

He grumbled a few expletives, calmed himself and redialed. “I’m sorry. I just don’t have much time. I wanted to see you.”

“No problem. How was your trip?”

“Mission accomplished. I’m a free man.”

“I’m so proud of you, Trae. Skeet said he’s getting out in a few months. I can hardly wait.”

He pushed the curtain back to the large picture window facing the park. “Where are you? Your truck’s still here.”

“I’m glad it’s there. I’d hate to move out here just for my truck to be stolen. I’m helping my new tenant move in.”

“Put Skeet on the phone.” He went to the kitchen for a cola.

“It’s not Skeet. The point in me moving was to get away from you guys, remember?”

“I didn’t say anyone could move in.” He saw the lease setting on the counter next to the jar of linguine. He picked up the lease and skimmed through it.

“I didn’t ask. This is my place. I have a realty company managing the property for me. I intend for them to earn their pay.”

He saw Richard’s name and ripped the lease into small pieces. “I have a few minutes. I’ll come over and help out.”

“No, Trae. Stop treating me like a baby. I know what I’m doing.”

He checked his watch. If he hurried, he’d have time to curse Skeet out in person before he tied up a few loose ends.

* * *

“How the hell you gonna rent Smoke one of Ebony’s units?” Trae stalked into what used to be Richard’s condo, flinging the lease pieces into the air.

“It was really quite simple,” Skeet replied in his most formal voice. “They didn’t know what hit them until it was too late. Damn, I’m good.”

“You know I’m interested in Ebony. Smoke walked out on his chance.”

“He didn’t walk out. You beat his ass.” Skeet set a gallon of primer and two gallons of forest green paint in the purple bedroom. “You my boy, but Ebony’s my heart. I’m not stupid. I know what you’re up to. I’m leveling the playing field.”

“So you want Ebony with Smoke?”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t care. You’re legit, and Crystal loves you both. Either of you would be a good choice for Ebony. But it’s her choice to make. You gonna help me with this, or what?”

Trae cursed under his breath. He was furious with Skeet, but knew there was no way to stop him. Killing him was not an option; Ebony would never recover. Counteracting Skeet’s meddling would become his full-time job. “I can’t help today. I have a lot to do.” He paced the room. Now there would be no way to keep Ebony away from Richard. “Why don’t we have a painting party next weekend? We can all chip in and have this done in no time.”

“Sounds good to me.” He dropped the paintbrush. “We haven’t had a party in a while.” He pulled out his phone. “I’m inviting Smoke. Don’t cause any trouble if he comes.”

“I’m done playing games. We’ll do this heads up. Let the best man win.” Trae needed to arrange for Richard to have an accident he wouldn’t survive. An accident no one would suspect was foul play. “I’ll catch you later.” Finding someone Skeet didn’t know to organize the accident would take more time than he wanted, but he needed to do this properly.

* * *

Richard arrived a little late for his appointment with Dan at a pancake house in a small town northwest of Chicago. He’d never been to Rockford before, and took several unnecessary turns to ensure he wasn’t being followed. It was 3 o’clock in the afternoon, so the place was virtually empty, which suited Richard just fine. He didn’t want anyone overhearing their conversation. Dan had listened to everything Richard said as he retold the tale from beginning to end.

“…The only way to stop Trae is having him arrested for murder, but I need solid evidence,” Richard said. “I know he killed the Collins boys. When I went to the police, someone tipped him off. I’m not sure who to trust in the department, maybe a state prosecutor or something. My father’s researching for me.” Richard could feel himself rambling. “I’d appreciate any information you could give me.”

Dan sipped his coffee. “I’ll take care of everything.”

“Thank you, Dan. I should have come to you sooner.”

“I’ve had my suspicions ever since you were beaten. When he told Ebony I’m her father, I knew what he was up to. I hear you’ve moved next door to Ebony.”

“Skeet is a mess.”

Dan chuckled. “That he is.”

“He’s throwing a painting party this weekend. He bought both of the condos at my old place. Says he’s renting out the bottom unit.”