A Scandalous Philly Love Story (Part 1) (10 page)

Chapter 23

Anthony

I’d been going through hell, wondering about the whereabouts of my wife and my unborn child. The letter that was placed in the doorway really had me puzzled. I’d had my ears to the streets. Some of my boys were out, beating the pavements and searching high and low for any information about the nigga who kidnapped my wife. I didn’t want any stones unturned until my wife was back home safe, where she belonged. I hadn’t slept since this whole fiasco happened. Whoever the motherfucker was who kidnapped her had a price on head, and I wasn’t sleeping until he was brought in front of me. He had me fucked up, talking about she was in good hands where she belonged. The Philadelphia Police Department was worthless, too; they couldn’t even find a damn clue if it was starring them in the face. All they could say was that they were working on the case and that I wasn’t to try taking matters into my own hands. I couldn’t believe these motherfuckers interrogated me for damn near eight hours. They searched the house and my office, as if I had something to do with Dawn’s disappearance. I kept telling their asses that I had nothing to do with my wife disappearing, but as it goes, the spouse was always considered the first suspect.

Damn! I need my wife back here, and safe. My mother-in-law and Dawn’s sisters had no clue as to who could’ve been behind this. However, my mother-in-law always had this look of uncertainty. To me, it was as if she had something to hide. I put a tail on her because I wasn’t taking any chances. I would’ve hated to think Ms. Julia had something to do with Dawn’s kidnapping.

***

“Mom, what’s wrong?” asked Camille. “You’ve been acting a little weird as of lately. I know Dawn being missing has you upset, but it’s as if you been hiding something.”

“Cammie, I can’t be hundred percent sure, but I think Carter may be behind the kidnapping of your sister. With all of the planning for the wedding and working, I neglected to read my emails and check my voicemails. It seems that the District Attorney’s office had been trying to get in contact with me for the last past month or so. They wanted to inform me that Carter had been released due to a technicality. I just can’t help but think he’s the reason your sister is missing. Now, call it a coincidence, but what if he did kidnap Dawn? You read the note. It said she was in good hands where she belongs. Who else could be so devious and pull something off as such? We both know he had some type of obsession with Dawn.”

“That could explain the black roses you got the day before the wedding, but mom, how could he know where you’re at? It’s been years, and you’ve moved several times.”

“Cammie, I have no idea, but the thought of Dawn being with him terrifies me. You haven’t even been in contact with anyone from the hood, have you? Cammie, this whole thing has me freaked out!”

“Well, you have to inform the Police and Anthony as to what you know thus far.”

“You know the police is on some whole other shit. They keep dragging their feet. See, we’re not the rich type, and we’re not celebrities, so they moving at a snail’s pace. Plus, if I told Anthony, he might hurt someone, or better yet, he could get hurt himself. I just wish I hadn’t put Dawn through that madness. All of the changes I’ve tried my best to make, and here comes Satan himself, stirring up trouble!”

“No time for us to fall apart; we gotta get Dawn home. Trust me when I say, Anthony can take care of himself. You know he’s gonna comb these streets, looking for Carter—if he is responsible for this. I wish Joe would have killed his ass back then. That would have been one less problem we had to worry about!”

“Don’t talk like, Cammie.”

“Mom, if you don’t call Anthony, then I will. Every minute we waste means the longer Dawn is with that deranged ass lunatic. I just hope he hasn’t hurt her or the baby. I would hate to think about that, mom. Let’s just have good thoughts because Carter will pay with his life.”

“Okay, Cammie. I’m taking your advice; I’m on my way to see Anthony now.”

“I can meet you at the house if you want while you talk with Anthony.”

“No, sweetheart, I will be okay on my own.”

Chapter 24

Dawn

“I’ve waited long enough; it’s time that my queen be reunited with her king. Carlos, I’m going need you to prepare a romantic dinner for two. Make sure you put a good menu together. Nothing is too good for my queen. A package should be arriving soon. I had a beautiful dress and shoes picked out for this long overdue reunion.”

“Man, it seems like you thought of everything. Hopefully, it’s well appreciated. Lil Momma has stubborn streak about her. She can be feisty at times.”

“You let me worry about that, you just get that meal ready. The festivities should start about 7:30pm. I’ll be there by 7pm.

“Okay, I’m about to serve her breakfast. She sure has an appetite I can tell you that,” grumbled Carlos.

“Al lright, I’ll be back later.”

“Okay, peace,” said Carter, as the call disconnected.

There was a knock at the door, and Carlos stuck his head in a little to see if I was up.

“Good morning, Miss Dawn. I have your breakfast here for you. How are you and the little one doing this morning?”

“Good morning, Carlos,” I responded. I know you’re wondering how I can be so friendly with him. Well, truth be told, I’ve come to terms with this whole fucked up situation. I’m not giving up because I will escape. He let me roam around this big ass house, which is well-guarded, but I’ve been using that little bit of freedom to plan my escape.

“Well, I’ve made you some waffles, bacon, cheese eggs, and cut up some fresh fruit for you, along with a glass of apple juice. I’m gonna leave you to eat. If you need anything else, just press the call button.”

****

“Carlos, is everything set for tonight?”

“Have I ever let you down?”

“Man, I need for everything to be on point. This is the night I reveal myself to my queen. I should be there within the hour. Did her packages arrive on time?”

“Yes, I’ll have Sylvia take them in to her. You know, she’s starting to loosen up, you may just have that chance you’ve been dreaming of.”

“Oh, nigga, best believe tonight will be a night she never forgets!”

“All right man, I get up with you later. It seems as though I waited my whole life to be with this girl. Back in the day, I had my share of girls, but there was something about Dawn that ignited a fire within me. Now, her momma is going to pay for setting me up and taking me away from Dawn, and that bitch ass nigga she married; his days are numbered, too!” I remember him from back in the day. He was from what they called ‘down the Bottom’. All those niggas were pussies; they couldn’t fuck with us Southwest niggas. See, I was the big dog in the yard, and he was just small change to me. Once she finds out it’s me, I will win her over, and she will be my wife. And if she resists, I will keep her hidden until she changes her mind. I still don’t know what to do with her bastard child, but you can best believe, I won’t be taking care of another man’s child.” Carlos was more than just my butler, chef, and brother; he was also my personal doctor. I made sure he got his MD license. He knew what I expected of him when the time was near to deliver her baby. He was the only one I trusted with the matter.

Well, the time was almost here for me reveal myself to my queen. Before I left, I needed to make sure I had the diamond earrings and necklace that I bought for her. You know, they say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Some would say I was buying her affection, but until I could get her to fall in love with me, there was no other way. There was a buzz at the intercom, letting me know Pedro was here.

****

We arrived at the mansion, where Dawn was being held, and I could see her silhouette from the upstairs window. I couldn’t wait to see her in person. Sylvia was there to greet me at the door.

“Good evening, Mr. Barnes, your guest looks exquisite in her baby blue Vera Wang gown.”

“Sylvia, how is our houseguest doing?”

“Well, the masseuse seems to put her in somewhat of a good mood. She was more relaxed when the hair stylist and makeup artist arrived.”

“Oh, okay. Well, I know the makeup artist couldn’t have done too much because she was already gorgeous.”

“At first, she was a little apprehensive and being stubborn, but after my little pep talk, she relaxed even more.”

“Well, Sylvia, I thank you for all your hard work and your effort these last couple of weeks. I heard she could be a handful, but tonight all that ends.”

“Well, Mr. Barnes, good luck,” she said, as she walked away.  

I went to observe the area where our romantic dinner would be served, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with my brother, and Sylvia, for bringing this room to life with the candles, the music, and the musicians who would be serenading us throughout the night. The food smelled delicious; I could tell my brother put his foot in it. I walked into the kitchen, where I found my brother putting the final touches to tonight’s meal.

“Hey, bruh. How’s it coming along? You got it smelling good up in this piece. I really appreciate this. I knew I could count on you and Sylvia to come through for me.”

“No need, man, you know I’m a hopeless romantic. Hopefully, Lil Momma appreciate all of the trouble you went through to have this wonderful evening for her.”

“Yeah, well, we will soon find out.” I called out to Sylvia to bring our guest of honor downstairs while I lit the candles and Carlos place the appetizers on the dining room table. I could hear Dawn and Sylvia coming down the steps and approaching the dining room. I waited in the kitchen area before making my entrance.

While Carlos was seating Dawn, I heard her ask, “Why is the table set for two? And what’s up with all these candles and this music?” That’s when I made my entrance. When Dawn looked up, she fainted. Carlos rushed to her side to make sure she was okay, while Sylvia poured her a glass of water. When she came to, I was standing closer to the table.

“Dawn are you all right?” I asked.

“No, I’m not all right. So, you’re the reason I’m here?” she asked. She just kept question after question coming. “When did you get out? Why did you have me kidnapped? What the hell were you thinking? You know my husband will find me, right?”

“Well, to answer your questions, I’ve been out for almost a month, due to a technicality. I was thinking I needed to have the one who got away back where she belongs. See, I fantasized and dreamed about you. And fuck your husband.”

“No, Carter, it’s fuck you. What kind of sick individual falls for an even-year old? You must have forgotten that you almost raped me. So, what did you think was going to happen when I saw you? Did you actually think I was going to fall for you?

“I don’t need a reminder. I sat for fifteen years behind bars because your mom thought it was cool to set me up.”

“You know, Carter, you’re sick to think you’re gonna be able to keep me here. I guess you didn’t get the memo that I’m good, and pregnant. What did you think you could do with me and my unborn child?” I told her to let me worry about that. She got up from the table and tried to charge at me. I blocked her right hand as she tried to slap me. I took her in my arms to restraint her. Even though she was fighting me, it sure felt good to hold her. She yelled, “Let me go, Carter! Just let me go, I promise to not bring charges against you, but my family is another story. I’m sure I could talk them out of any retaliating against you. Just please let me go!” she yelled. Sylvia came over towards Dawn and took her by the arms, leading her back upstairs. All I could hear her screaming. This night wasn’t going the way I planned it, and I felt defeated and left out without even talking to my brother.

“Hey, bruh, what do you expect me to do with all this food?”

“I don’t know, and I could care less!” I hollered, and disappeared out the front door. I didn’t even alert Pedro that I was ready to leave. I just got in the car and drove off.

“Man, this is too much food to go to waste, and plus, I slaved over this stove half the day!” Carlos called down to the gatehouse and told the guys to come up to the main house. Hopefully, Carter would be oky. He knew that had to have been a blow to his ego. Hopefully, Sylvia could get Lil Momma to calm down.

I would hate to give her a sedative, Carlos thought.

Chapter 25

Eric

I’ve been feeling a little under the weather lately. I was hoping I wasn’t coming down with the flu. I had one more case to finish, so I hoped the meds would work. Right now, I was experiencing headaches, the sweats, and a sore throat. I made an appointment to get in to see the doctor. I wasn’t one to run to the doctors for every little ailment, though. I’d been feeling drained and tired as of lately, and it was hard for me get out of bed. My appointment was for 1pm, so I still had some time to rest. I called in and told Diane to cancel all of my appointments for the day, and I would call in later to let her know about the rest of the week. She had been over to the house, cooking and taking care of me. I appreciated her efforts in looking out for me, but she was becoming too clingy and kept asking questions about us moving in together. Maybe I was missing something, but I didn’t recall telling her we were a couple. Yeah, she came over from time to time and gave me some ass, and I mean that literally, and she knew how to give decent head. However, I hadn’t even been in the mood for her. Whatever was going on was making me weak.

When I arrived at the doctor’s, I signed in and waited to be called to the back. I never liked waiting to be seen by anyone. I just wanted to get in and out. After making several trips up to the receptionist’s desk, it was explained to me that because I called in for a sick visit, I had to wait to be seen. After waiting close to an hour, I started to leave until I heard the nurse call my name.

“Mr. Greyson, sorry for the long wait. Please follow me. I’m gonna need to weigh you, and take your temperature and your blood pressure.” As I got up on the scale, I started feeling weaker. I informed the nurse that I felt feverish and cold. She hurried up and got me into a room. Once she put me in a room, she wrote down my vitals. She began looking over my file and started asking me a series of questions. The one question that caught me off guard was if the Health Department had gotten in contact with me. She must have caught a glimpse of my face because I had no idea what she could have been talking about.

“Umm, excuse me, but why would the Health Department need to contact me?”

“Hold on, Mr. Greyson,” she said, “let me get the doctor in here,” and she walked out of the room. I was puzzled because I needed answers, and now. In walked this short bald-headed doctor, who introduced himself as Dr. Walker.

“Mr. Greyson, let me apologize for the long wait. I understand you have some questions, and I will try to answer to the best of my ability. Now, do you happen to someone name Andre Williamson?”

“Yes, I do. What is this all about Dr. Walker?”

“Well, we’re gonna need to run some tests on you and take your blood.”

“Will someone please tell me what the hell is going on?” I demanded. I became irritated because I wasn’t getting any answers. Like what did my knowing Dre have to do with why the Health Department wanted to see me. Then it dawned on me. I stood up off of the exam table, and my legs got wobbly.

“Mr. Greyson, please calm down. Mr. Williamson was seen here over seven months ago in the ER department. At the time, it was bought up that he named you as a person he had come into recent contact with sexually. Now, because of the nature of his visit, we need to take some blood and test you for HIV.”

“Hold the fuck up, I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I don’t have no damn HIV!”

“Well, that’s why we want to have some blood work done to verify just that. It will only take close to twenty minutes for the results to come. So, if you could please follow the nurse here to the lab, we can know exactly what the next steps are.” I felt a headache coming on because this punk ass knew for seven months that he had HIV, and he let me hit that ass raw, plus he wrapped his raggedy ass mouth around my manhood. I swear, I was ready to beat the brakes off of his ass. He better not have passed that shit on to me.

“Mr. Greyson, please roll your sleeve up,” the nurse instructed. She took some alcohol pads and cleaned off the area where she was going to take some blood. When she was done, she placed a band-aid on the area. She directed me back to the room to wait for my results and to consult with the doctor. After sitting in the room, lost in my thoughts, the doctor walked in, and his whole demeanor was different from earlier.

“Well, Mr. Greyson, I hate to inform you, but it seems you tested positive for HIV.” Before I knew it, I jumped off of the exam table, and with what little strength I had, I took my frustration out on the little table and the chair. The doctor got scared because thought he might have been my next target. He tried to calm me down, but I wasn’t hearing him. This punk ass fairy infected me with HIV, and he was destined to die once I got my hands on him. After having my temper tantrum, the doctor handed me a sheet of paper, so I could list all of the names and the addresses of the people I came come into recent contact with sexually. I couldn’t even fucking think straight, and I was on some whole other level. I had the “Fuck it” attitude. I took the paper and began writing down names, and the one name I hated listing was Cyn’s. After I listed everyone’s name, the doctor asked me what pharmacy I wanted to use, so he could send my prescriptions there. He prescribed some iron pills, stool softener, vitamin C, and other meds I would need to take for the HIV. As I sat there, I could feel my blood boiling; all I saw was red. I was ready to lay hands on somebody, mainly Dre. I called his phone while I sat, waiting for my results to come back and got no answer. My next stop was to show up at his house and his job.

I would not rest until this motherfucker was dead.