Something Worth Fighting For (14 page)

“What is he doing here?”

That was a very good question. “I don’t know.” But he was planning on finding out. Over the course of time that Jonah and ReShaunda had waged their wars with one another, Eddy pretty much stayed in the background. From what he knew about him, Eddy was a good provider, his girls seemed to dote on him and Cami never said anything bad about the man. He and Jonah never had any beef, but at the same time, they were not what he would have called friends either, so this appearance was definitely out of the blue and out of character. Still, Jonah figured it didn’t pay to be rude.

“Eddy.” Jonah walked toward the other man and held out his hand in welcome. “How’s it going?”

“To be honest, like shit.” Eddy gripped Jonah’s hand in a firm grip and gave a brief shake before releasing his hold on Jonah and shoving his hands in his pants pocket.

“I’m sorry to hear that. What can I help you with?”

“This whole thing with ReShaunda has just gone too far and I’m done.”

Jonah didn’t know what the other man was talking about, but he could definitely relate to the feeling of being done with the annoying woman. “How about we take this in the house?”

“Yeah, man, yeah.” Eddy gave a nervous laugh. “I need a drink.”

“Then we’ll get you one. Oh, pardon my manners.” Jonah turned to Tisha and reached out to pull her into the conversation. “Eddy, this is Tisha, my fiancée.”

“Fiancée?” Eddy’s eyes widened in surprise he glanced back and forth between the two of them. “Oh congratulations. I…ReShaunda never said.”

“She didn’t know.” Not that it was any of her business. “We just became engaged this morning. But come on,” Jonah nodded his head toward the house. “Enough about us. Let’s go in.”

“Sounds good.”

Hand in hand, Tisha and Jonah led the way toward the house. After unlocking the door, Jonah ushered his guest in before he and Tisha stepped inside and he shut the door. The three of them stepped into the living room, and while Tisha and Eddy sat, Jonah made drinks.

Once that was taken care of, he handed Eddy his glass then walked over to the couch and sat down next to Tisha. “So what’s going on, man?”

“I guess…I…fuck.” Abashed, Eddy glanced over at Tisha. “Sorry, ma’am, for my outburst there. I’m having a hard time figuring out where to begin.”

“It’s no big.” Tisha was quick to assure him. “I’ve said worse in church.”

Jonah chuckled. It wouldn’t have surprised him if she had. “Really, Eddy, just go ahead and say what’s on your mind. Don’t worry about filtering. Tisha can take it.”

“It’s not Tisha I’m worried about.”

“Then who is it?”

“ReShaunda.” Eddy closed his eyes and shook his head briefly before opening them once more and focusing his troubled stare on Jonah. The man’s normally placid face was doused with pain.

“ReShaunda?” The ease that filled Jonah’s heart and stayed from the moment Tisha said yes to his proposal slowly began to slip away. “Is something going on with her I should know about?”

“I…” Eddy hedged.

“You what, Eddy?” Jonah sat up. “If some shit is going down, I need to know. She has my kid with her right now.”

Eddy’s eyes widened. “She has Cami too?”

“Yes.” Jonah’s unease was notching up to something much more.

“And you know where they are?”

He better. “Yes. They’re in San Diego for the weekend. They’re supposed to be back today at two o’clock.”

Eddy let out deep relieved sigh and dropped his head. “Thank god.”

“Excuse me for interrupting,” Tisha said. “But what’s going on here? By the way you’re acting, it would seem as if you didn’t know where your wife and kids were.”

“That’s because until now I didn’t,” Eddy admitted as he sat upright again. “I came home yesterday from a business trip, thinking my family would be there when I arrived, only to find all the closets damn near emptied of clothing. Hers and the kids.”

Jonah’s blood felt as if it had turned to ice. His last conversation with ReShaunda poured forth in his mind, as did her very erratic behavior in the days leading up to the weekend. She’d been almost pleasant on the phone when she requested trading visitation times so Cami could accompany her and her girls on what was supposed to be their little “girl bonding” trip. Then her odd behavior continued once she came to pick up Cami, refusing to let him near the trunk of the car.

Jonah couldn’t help but wonder if the reason she didn’t want him near the trunk was because there was something in there she was hiding. Like three other large suitcases that would have belied the length of her trip. But no. He was reading too much into things.

For all he knew, Cami’s over-packing could very well be a trait she inherited through her and ReShaunda’s shared DNA.

“Maybe she just packed a few extra things.”

“A few things that didn’t include her wedding ring. I think she’s leaving me and taking my girls,” Eddy nodded toward him and amended, “our girls with her.”

“What!” Tisha rose to her feet. “Taking them. Taking them where?”

“I have no idea.”

That answer didn’t seem to satisfy Tisha. “How did you not know your wife was planning this?”

“Probably the same way I didn’t realize my wife was self-medicating with our daughter’s Ritalin medication.”

“Oh shit.” The shock in Tisha’s voice matched the same coursing through Jonah’s body.

He could feel Tisha’s eyes on him, but he couldn’t move. He was frozen in his seat by the possibility of Eddy’s words.

“Yeah, that’s pretty much how I felt when I found out two weeks ago. I gave her an ultimatum. I told her when I got back from this trip she was either going to check into a treatment center or I was going to take the girls and let her self-destruct on her own.”

“Seems to me she chose the third option. She took the girls and let you deal with her self-destruction from afar.” Even though Jonah knew this wasn’t Eddy’s fault he couldn’t help but blame the man a bit. How was it possible to live with someone, sleep with someone, and not know what a destructive psychopath she was?

“Look, I know I went about this the wrong way.” Eddy’s voice took on a biting tone. “I just want to talk to her and convince her to come home. I hoped maybe you’d seen her. That maybe she’d said something to you.”

“She did.” Jonah rose slowly to his feet, his anger rocking him to his core. “She said goodbye to me as she drove away with my child.”

“I’m sorry, Jonah.”

“Save it, Eddy.” Politeness be damned. Reaching into his pocket, Jonah retrieved his cell phone and once again tried to call Cami. Unfortunately, like before, the ringer went right to the message, causing Jonah’s heart to tattoo painfully in his chest. With trembling fingers, he hung up the cell.

“Still nothing?” Tisha asked, her soft voice filled with fear.

“No.”

“I know this is very unlike me, but I’m going to say it anyway. Let’s give ReShaunda the benefit of the doubt.” Tisha glanced at her watch then back at him hopefully. “Two o’clock is when she’s supposed to be here, so let’s give her until then before we flip out.”

Jonah reached out and took Tisha’s icy-cold hand in his. “Do you really think she’s going to bring her back in forty-five minutes?”

“I have to.” Tisha’s eyes filled with tears. It was a sight Jonah was unprepared to handle. Pulling her to him, he held her flush against his body, absorbing her determination and lending her his own strength. They could get through this together. They could get through anything together. Nevertheless, they wouldn’t be complete until their girl was home.

With a deep breath, he pulled away from her but kept her hand in his for support. “In forty-five minutes our daughter is going to walk through that door.”

“That’s right.” Tisha nodded her head as she tightened her hold on his hand. “We’re going to laugh about this later,” she glanced over her shoulder to include Eddy, “we’re all going to feel stupid for overreacting.”

“God, I hope you’re right,” the other man muttered, taking a long drink from his glass.

“Forty-five minutes,” Jonah reiterated as he and Tisha took their seats again, angling their bodies so they could see the front door. They stayed in that exact spot, barely speaking a word as the clock crept past two then three then four o’clock. But by the time five o’clock rolled by, they were silent no longer. Tisha was on the phone, calling every number in Cami’s phonebook while Eddy dialed his family and friends in hopes they might have seen or heard from ReShaunda.

Jonah called the police himself, relating the news of the missing children with a lump in his throat. When he finally hung up the phone, he walked over to the fireplace to stare broodingly at a picture of Cami. For the third time in his life, he experienced the devastating horror of losing his family. This time, he wasn’t sure he could survive it.

Chapter Fourteen

“How’s he holding up?”

Tisha glanced over her shoulder and smiled sadly at Nance. “About as well as can be expected for someone who hasn’t slept more than a few hours here and there in three days.”

Nance shivered then ran her hands up and down her arms as if trying to keep a chill at bay. “I couldn’t even imagine.”

“Trust me,” Tisha turned to face forward again, and stared sight unseen out of the window over the kitchen sink into the empty and dark backyard, “you wouldn’t want to. I didn’t think it was possible to feel this bad, to hurt this much and still be alive.” And if that’s how she felt after knowing Cami only a few months, she knew Jonah had to feel a hundred times worse.

Nance set the coffee cups she brought into the kitchen with her on the counter then placed her arm around Tisha’s waist and pulled her friend into her for a hug. “Oh sweetie, I wish I knew what to say or do to help.”

“You’re helping by being here.” Tisha leaned into the warmth and support of her best friend. “All of you are.” Since Sunday, Jonah’s house had been buzzing with family and friends who wanted to help.

From the ladies at the shop to Cami’s teachers and classmates, the once-quiet house had come to life, thanks to their concerned friends and family. There wasn’t a tree on the block that didn’t bear a yellow ribbon or a window in the salon or the neighboring stores that didn’t have a reward poster up with a picture of Cami’s sunny smile on it. Everyone had come out in full force to bring the little girl home. Tisha could only pray their efforts wouldn’t be in vain.

“You’d do it for us if the situation were reversed.”

“Let’s pray it never is.” Tisha wouldn’t wish this pain on her worst enemy.

“I saw the officer here earlier. What did he say?”

“Not much.” Her voice broke under the weight of disappointment. “They haven’t had any leads. For a fucking psychotic drug addict, ReShaunda is playing it smart. She hasn’t used any credit cards and hasn’t made a play for the border. There’s an Amber alert out for Cami, but it will only work if someone spots the car or ReShaunda and the kids.”

“What are the chances of that?”

“A little bit above jack crap.” Tisha let out a harsh breath. “I swear, it doesn’t seem as if it’s enough. An alert. Whoop-dee-fucking-doo.”

“Honey, I’m sure they’re doing the best they can.”

“Are they?” The question raged in her mind like an inferno. “Do you know we made it on the news the first couple of days but I haven’t seen anything today?” Tisha pulled away and turned around, leaning on the sink for support. “All I keep thinking about is Alexis Patterson.”

“Who is she?”

“Exactly.” Tisha let out a bitter little laugh. “Do you remember who Elizabeth Smart is?”

“Yes,” Nance nodded. “The little girl who was kidnapped in Utah but then later found.”

“That’s right.”

“What does she have to do with Alexis?”

“Everything. Alexis was a seven-year-old who went missing a month and two days before Elizabeth Smart did, but she didn’t get a third of the press Elizabeth did. None of them ever do.”

“None of who?”

Tears welled in Tisha’s eyes as she looked over at her friend. “Black kids. No one cares when they go missing. It doesn’t make the front page news, or when it does, it doesn’t make it for long. It’s as if they don’t matter. As if their lives aren’t as important or as worthy as everyone else’s. And I can’t stand for Cami to be put in that category. Dismissible. Unworthy.” Tisha wasn’t the crying sort, but she could feel the tears streaking down her face. “I can’t stand for any child, no matter what race or who they belong to, to be filed away and forgotten. Someone has to care.”

“Someone does care. I care.” Nance reached out and clasped Tisha’s cold hands in her warm grasp. “Everyone in this house cares, and none of us will rest until Cami comes home. We won’t let them ‘Alexis’ her, even if it means we have to stage a coup outside the newsroom.”

“A coup, huh?” With her free hand, Tisha wiped her cheeks. “You might get in trouble for that.”

“So what? This is my future niece. You’re damn skippy someone’s going to pay attention. I’m not afraid to go back to jail.”

“Please,” Tisha laughed, despite the situation in which she found herself. “You’ve never been to jail.”

“But I’m not afraid to go. Those news people don’t know who they’re fucking with. You don’t mess with a Latina’s
familia
.”

“I guess.” Tisha pulled the feisty woman into her arms and hugged her, grateful for the strength her friend was lending in her moment of need. “I love you.”

Nance squeezed her tight. “I love you too.” The two women remained locked in the embrace for a few seconds longer before Nance finally pulled back. “Why don’t you let me finish up in here?”

The offer sounded too good to refuse. “Sure you don’t mind?”

“No, not at all.” Smiling, her friend gave her a nudge toward the living room. “Go on and find Jonah. I’m sure he could use you right about now.”

Tisha wasn’t sure if he needed her, but she knew she needed him. “Okay, thanks. I will.”

After leaving Nance in the kitchen, Tisha headed into the living room in search of Jonah. Unfortunately, he was nowhere to be found. The living room was far from empty though. Almost every available surface was filled with people sitting or standing around, talking in small groups. There was a long folding table set up, with people on their laptops or cells making calls on Cami’s behalf. Even though the support had been strong, it was only three days out, and Tisha couldn’t help but wonder if there would still be this many people searching in a week, a month, or God forbid, a year from now.

Filled with dread at the prospect, Tisha made her way through the throng and headed upstairs to look for Jonah. After checking every room and still not finding him, Tisha went back downstairs and out the front door.

The night was cool, so she crossed her arms to keep herself warm as she glanced around, looking for Jonah. It didn’t take her but a few seconds to spot him, sitting in his car in the driveway, staring straight ahead as if lost in thought. Concerned, she walked over to him and tried to the open the passenger’s door, but to her disappointment it was locked.

Bending down, she peered inside and tapped lightly on the window to get his attention.

He didn’t immediately respond and she wondered for a moment if he heard her. Before she could make the decision to tap again or walk around to the driver’s side of the car though, a soft snick alerted her he’d released the locks. She grasped the handle and opened the door, sliding into the seat.

Jonah turned toward her and the anguish in his face ripped at her soul before he glanced forward once more. Without saying a word, she shut the door behind her, enclosing the two of them in darkness.

So many stupid questions entered her head.

“Are you okay?”

“Do you need something?”

“Is there anything I can get for you?”

Each question seemed dumber than the one before it. Of course he wasn’t okay. What he needed was for his daughter to come home. And no, there was nothing she could get for him or do to make this better. Nothing.

The only thing she knew to do was to be with him. Without saying a word, she reached over the console and took his hand in hers. It was only then she noticed the cold metal of the car keys in his hand.

“Where are you going?” she asked, confused.

Jonah moved his hand from hers and placed the keys in the ignition. “I couldn’t stay in there a moment longer.”

“Were you going to tell me?” She knew this was not the right time to feel wronged, but she couldn’t help it. “Were you just going to leave?”

“Yes.”

“Yes to what? Yes, you were going to tell me or yes, you were just going to leave?”

“Yes, no, I don’t know. Fuck,” He raked his hand through his hair. “I just know…I can’t…”

“Can’t what?”

“Do this.”

“What?”

“I can’t sit in there with all those well-meaning people who once they feel as if they’ve done their civic duty, will return home to their children. I can’t be in there without her.” His voice broke and her heart broke right along with it. “I know you probably think I’m the world’s biggest dick. Ungrateful and…”

“Jonah,” Tisha called his name softly.

He turned toward her. His eyes were brimming with tears.

Touched by the vulnerability he allowed himself to show, Tisha reached up and stroked his cheek. “Let’s go.”

“What?” His voice was filled with shock.

“Let’s leave. We have our cells.” The only time either of them had set the phones down was to charge them, but even then they left them on. “Nance will call us if she hears anything.”

“Where would we go?”

“Anywhere that isn’t here. We can drive around and look for her. Or we can go to the park where the three of us had that picnic and just sit together and pray.”

“Pray?” Jonah let out a harsh laugh. “To who, god? I’m not too sure he exists right now, and if he does, I don’t think I want to talk to him.”

“Then I’ll talk for the both of us.” She might not be the type who went to church every week, but she damn well knew god was there, and she would use everything in her power to get Cami back.

Jonah reached out and fingered his keys. “It’s probably stupid to drive around but…”

“You have to do something.” She understood his need to move, to feel as if he wasn’t just waiting for the inevitable.

“Yes.”

“Then let’s go.” Tisha grabbed her seat belt and buckled in. “I’ll call Nance on my cell to let her know to hold down the fort for a while until we come back.”

Jonah reached out and cupped his hand under chin. “I can’t…” He closed his eyes for a brief second as if trying to gather himself. “I couldn’t have made it this far, endured all of it, without you.”

“You’ll never have to be without me and I know that together we will find Cami and we’ll bring her home.” Tears shone in her eyes, but her voice held the conviction she felt in her heart.

“I hope you’re right.” He pressed his lips close against hers in a brief but meaningful kiss then settled back in his seat. After taking a deep breath, he turned on the car and put it into gear then slowly began to back down the driveway.

Tisha felt in her pocket for her cell so she could make the call to Nance when Jonah’s phone began to ring. He stopped the car and shifted in his seat to grab it. The awkward positioning though caused him to drop the cell at her feet.

“I’ll get it,” Tisha offered. She bent down and scooped it up then handed it to him.

Jonah glanced at the number on the screen and frowned.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Who is it?”

“I don’t know.” Clicking the phone on, he brought it to his ear. “Hello?” There was a brief silence followed by a sharp intake of breath. “Cami? Is that you?”

Jonah shifted into park and turned the car off. He couldn’t tell if he was dreaming, but if he was, he knew he never wanted to wake. Could it be true? Usually, nothing in his life ever ended well. Things just ended, and normally not in his favor. But this time he was going to hold on to hope for as long as he could. “Cami, honey, is that you?” Jonah reached out blindly and grasped Tisha’s hand. He needed something, someone to ground him and keep him in one piece.

“Yes.” Even though she was speaking softly, there was no way he could ever mistake her voice for anyone else’s.

Cami was alive.

“Oh my god!” Tears fell unchecked down his checks as he grasped the phone like a lifeline, thankful just to hear her voice again. “Say something, anything. Let me know you’re okay.”

“Is it her?” Tisha demanded. “Is it really her?”

“Yes,” he mouthed, releasing Tisha’s hand to hit the speaker option on his cell. He held the phone between them, knowing she needed to hear Cami’s voice as desperately as he did. They leaned forward at the same time, heads banging sharply in their rush to get closer to the missing girl. If it were any other time, it might have been funny, but amusement was the last thing Jonah was feeling. Rubbing his head, he pulled back a bit and spoke again. “Cami, are you there, baby?”

“Yes. I’m here.” Even with the phone on speaker, it was still a little hard to hear her.

Acting quickly, Jonah fingered the volume button up on the side. “Are you okay?”

“No.”

“No.” His heart felt as if it dropped to his stomach. “Are you hurt? Did ReShaunda do so—”

“What did I do wrong?”

Her abrupt question caught him off guard. It took him a second to process what she said, but even when he did, it didn’t make much sense. “What do you mean, what did you do wrong?”

“Why don’t you want me anymore?”

Confusion yielded to fury. Not want her.

That deceitful bitch. Never had Jonah wanted to hurt someone as desperately as he wanted to hurt ReShaunda. Not only did that conniving psychotic bitch steal his child, she lied to her to boot. “That’s not true, not even remotely.” Jonah tried hard to keep his voice even and not let his anger overflow onto the line and frighten Cami away. “ReShaunda took you. I didn’t give you up. I’d never give you up.”