Authors: Michelle McGriff
Blood Relations (15 page)
Chapter 38
Allen never thought of himself as a murderer, although, now that he reasoned on it, death seemed to always be where he was. From a young age, people always died around him. He thought about his childhood and the day he saw death up close and personal for the very first time. It was a hot day, hot enough for people to take off their shoes and walk about in bare feet. Allen remembered his mother would take off her shoes at any and all opportunities. She never had to have a reason, but today it was hot and so the excuse had been provided. She was a beautiful woman with a big smile and happy face. But this day she looked scared and worried, pacing back and forth in her bare feet while he and his little brother, Blainâthe boy with the cursed white skinâbusied themselves playing backgammon. Allen enjoyed puzzle games. Blain always lost so it made playing with him fun. Allen remembered now how he would sometimes set Blain up and still he would fall short. Maybe that was part of the reason Allen hated him so muchâthe other reason came shortly after the white man came.
Allen remembered his mother fussing with the man outside, he tried to listen but only remembered hearing bits and pieces of the conversation. Their father arrived after, not too much longer, he looked angry and he carried his rifle. That made Allen curious and so he ventured outside to see what was going on. Blain followedâof course. He was always tailing himâbugging him, begging to fit into his world.
Father was a tall man, but very lean, whereas their mother was tall and quite thick and broad. It was like watching giants at war when they began to tussle. The smaller white man in the middle tried to defend Allen's mother but to no avail, Father had pushed her to the ground. The white man then took hold of Allen's brother Blain and like a bolt of lightning it hit AllenâBlain looked like him. Their jaw lines and facial features were the same. But that realization came only a moment before Allen heard the blast from the gunshot and saw the blood pour out of the man's mouth. He fell at their feet. Blain screamed and ran toward his father. He was scaredâterrifiedâbut instead of comfort, he too found the angry end of that rifle that his father held.
Sitting in his car, Allen jumped slightly at the memory of sounds and pain-filled cries Blain released as he took those blows from the butt of that rifleâagain and again until he lay bloody on the ground. When Blain survived, Allen remembered how disappointed he felt. He always felt that Blain's survival made his father's execution for murder a waste. Sure he'd killed Blain's father but that was his right. But if he had killed Blain then, yes, he maybe could have been considered a murderer. As it stood he was executed for trying to return the honor to his home ... so what was the fault in that? Allen too committed such an act when he realized his wife had been unfaithful. There was no child to rid himself of so he killed his wife and sought to kill her lover. Finding out her lover was none other than Blain, again, raised the bar on the reasons he needed to die.
When Rashawn Ams killed Blain, Allen was relieved in a way, grateful not to have to do it himself. There was something about Blain that, although Allen hated him, seemed untouchableâcharmed, jaded. It was almost as if by him not dying at Allen's father's hands, Blain had some kind of Karmastic aura around him. Allen always felt that if he killed him directly, someone would come and take his life in trade. So instead of taking his life, he took his mind instead.
Looking at his phone Allen thought about Reggie and how much alike they were. Allen was an only child of a deceitful, wicked, and beautiful woman and Reggie was too. Allen had a sibling that he despised, and it was clear that Reggie and Chance's children had no real connection. Allen would go so far as to say Reggie hated themâespecially that brother. He'd all but said it in one of his conversations with him.
It had been nice talking to Reggie over the last week. It was reminiscent of when Reggie was younger. He was such a trusting, open boy. Allen was quickly taken with him. “And now look! We are destined to be even closer,” he said, thinking about what he was planning. Picking up his phone he called Reggie's phone number.
“Hi Reggie, Mr. Smith hereâare you all ready to leave tonight? Good. Don't forget to get to the station early to pick up your ticket. Wouldn't want you to miss your train.”
Chapter 39
“Nobody is blaming you for anything, Nita,” Ovan said, as they sat in the coffee shop at the pier. The train was not scheduled to leave until 8:00
P.M.
, so they had time but didn't dare leave the area just in case the boys showed up early. They had confirmed earlier that there had been a ticket purchased for Reggie and so it was now just to wait for them to come pick it up. It wasn't hard to assume they would be together. Junior usually hung pretty close to Reggie most of the time and Juanita could only figure that's where he was now. She'd called all of the friends she knew him to have, but it wasn't as if any of Junior's friends had seen him or expected him to show up.
P.M.
, so they had time but didn't dare leave the area just in case the boys showed up early. They had confirmed earlier that there had been a ticket purchased for Reggie and so it was now just to wait for them to come pick it up. It wasn't hard to assume they would be together. Junior usually hung pretty close to Reggie most of the time and Juanita could only figure that's where he was now. She'd called all of the friends she knew him to have, but it wasn't as if any of Junior's friends had seen him or expected him to show up.
“Junior would have wanted to help Reggie get to Oregon. That's the kinda kid he is ... He loves Reggie. You'd think they were ...” Juanita covered her face with her hand before sighing heavily.
Ovan reached over and took her hand from her face. “Why can't you say it? Why is it so horrible for you to face it? You had sex with the manâ”
Juanita pulled her hand back from his touch. “He seduced me. He ... he raped me,” she growled.
“No, he didn't, Juanita.” Ovan spoke sternly nowâalmost as if he knew her better than she knew herself. She looked at him. Her eyes were brimming with tears. Ovan was touching spots she'd not exposed in many years, wounds she didn't realize were not completely healed.
Reaching for her again, he touched her face. His hands were much softer than she expected. “Now again, where do Junior and his brother usually go together?”
“Chance's house. They have a lovely home ... comfortable. And Rashawn cooks really good.”
“I bet you cook good too,” Ovan said, hoping to lighten her spirits. He had apologized for their earlier argument. He admitted to acting inappropriately:
“I often get out of line,” he'd said, to which Maravel whole-heartedly agreed before she left to drive Chance to the hospital since he'd ridden there in Ovan's car.
“Do you know what you're doing?”
“I do. I've been doing this work for many years. I always get my man.”
Juanita chuckled. “I used to always say that.”
“I bet you did ... and I bet you did,” Ovan said, sounding flirtatiousâat least Juanita wanted to hear that. She wanted to hear something that would make her feel the way she liked feelingâcarefree and good. “Do you think Roman knows what you know ... about Junior that is?” Ovan asked them.
“No. How could he?”
“True, even I was guessing, but that was only because I saw the boy up close. Allen hasn't had a reason to closely examine your boy ... unlike Reggie who he already knew about.”
“I feel bad for Reggie. Gosh I never would have even dreamed that he and Rashawn ...” Juanita shook her head, before taking a sip of coffee. “I didn't realize he was the one who had raped her.”
“Well it's not like I could picture the two of you âwillingly together' ... and don't think I didn't try to fight that visual.”
Juanita smiled. “Why? The thought of seeing me naked, even in your mind, disgust you?”
“Hell no,” Ovan blurted, before catching himself. They both broke out laughing.
“I'm sorry. I get so preoccupied with sex sometimes. . . especially when I'm stressed,” Juanita confessed for the first time. Ovan was so easy to talk toâit just came out.
Ovan's eyes widened with excitement. “Me too!” he exploded as if finally facing something in his own life.
“I mean, I did rehab and all that ...”
“Oh, that's so unfortunate,” he said, bowing his eyes slightly, looking boyish. “Did they reform you?”
“What do you think?”
“I think that if your son weren't off gallivanting at such an inconvenient time and his insane father weren't on the loose, we'd slip under this table and ...” Ovan raised an eyebrow.
Juanita felt a familiar calm come over her, yet at the same time the sickening pull of resistance. She was fighting the urge to do something sexual with Ovan. His eyes were calling her again ... begging her.
How wrong could it be?
Rashawn was near death. Reggie was in danger. Junior was missing. It was real wrongâher shoulder angel told her.
But this was all just too much to deal with ... almostâthe devil on the other shoulder convincingly whispered.
No one came to Fisherman's Wharf on a cold day like thisâno one except diehard fishermen and those travelling by trainâ
and the train wasn't due for a minute.
Ovan locked the door to the men's room just as Juanita turned him around, slamming him against the wall. She was backsliding in a big way right now. She knew it, but she could fight it no longer. Six months of being good was out the window. Inappropriate sexual appetite is what is was but ...
damn it all to bloody hell right now,
she thought as she ripped at Ovan's leather. Leatherâanother of her weaknesses. Just touching it was taking her further to the edgeâfast. She sniffed at the jacket, filling her nose with the masculine scent that came from itâfrom him. She unhooked the large decorative buckle on his belt.
and the train wasn't due for a minute.
Ovan locked the door to the men's room just as Juanita turned him around, slamming him against the wall. She was backsliding in a big way right now. She knew it, but she could fight it no longer. Six months of being good was out the window. Inappropriate sexual appetite is what is was but ...
damn it all to bloody hell right now,
she thought as she ripped at Ovan's leather. Leatherâanother of her weaknesses. Just touching it was taking her further to the edgeâfast. She sniffed at the jacket, filling her nose with the masculine scent that came from itâfrom him. She unhooked the large decorative buckle on his belt.
Zigggggg went the zipper.
He purred and moaned allowing her access to his manhood which was standing strong and ready. He handed her the condom that he pulled from his pocket. She couldn't help but chuckle. Yes, he too had an inappropriate sexual appetite. Sliding the condom on orally she teased his penis with her tongue and mouth. Before turning around and bending over, offering him the bird's eye view of her treasures. Pulling her thong over to the side, roughly he entered her without much delay. Deep and long were his strokes. As both of them seethed and panted he put his hose to work on the fire between her legs.
Juanita wanted to scream, but it was all moving too fast. All she could do was go with the feelingâthe good good oooh so good feeling. He held her by her small waist while riding her back like a champion biker. Tighter and tighter she flexed her muscles until she felt his hands move from her waist and rest on her back before he began pushing slightly. “Whoa, baby ... you're breaking it ... dammit!” he gasped. Juanita felt the warm juices inside her.
“What happened ... oh my gosh ... did it break?” she asked, turning to him. He looked shocked and shaken a little.
“That's never happened to me. I'm ...” Ovan was visibly shaken. “You're an animal.”
Removing the broken condom from her body, Juanita wasn't sure how to take his comment. She feltâstrange inside. Never had anyone disliked having sex with her. Never had anyone had a complaint. Ovan seemed just short of disgusted the way his face twisted up. Tears burned her eyes.
“I'm sorry. I ...” Juanita began.
Ovan shook his head, lifting her off her feet and pulling her into his middle. She wrapped her legs around him as he pulled her onto his uncovered hardness. “You're a flippin' animal. Baby! You're fantastic!” he growled again taking her for a ride on his rod.
This time he came with intent. Juanita too gave way to a wild orgasm that caused her to squeal with delight.
Chapter 40
Junior called all the numbers in Reggie's phone, looking for him until finally one of his friends confessed that Reggie was there with him. “I've been looking for you all damn day.”
“What do you want?” Reggie asked getting on the line.
“Do you still want to go to Oregon?”
“Stupid-ass question.”
“Okay, then you need to get to the Emeryville station at nine o'clock. You got about an hour or so.”
“Dude called. He thought I was you ... told you to make sure you got there early. I went to get your ticket but cops were there. They were undercover but I know spies when I see one.”
“Spies?”
“Yeah, they're looking for you. This one agent has been snooping around. He was with my mother talking about you ... I think. But anyway, yeah you're on the lam for sure.”
“Junior, you're an idiot.”
“I may be, but I know if you want to make it to Oregon, you better get to Emeryville instead of catching a train at the pier. Dude agreed and said he'd take care of changing the ticket.”
Reggie sat on his end quietly as if not sure what to ask next. “Thanks,” he finally said. “By the way how'd you get my phone?”
“I got it. That's all you need to know.”
“Weirdo ...” was all Junior heard Reggie say as he hung up.
Chapter 41
Ta'Rae smiled weakly, before addressing the group waiting in the family waiting area. “Okay so she's in a coma but her vitals are strong. That's all I really know for sure except that yes ... she's gonna pull through.”
“Thank God!” Carlotta sighed heavily.
Rita squeezed Chance's shoulders. He'd been quiet most of time after arriving. Rainey too had been biting her nails in worry over her motherâand her brothers. “Does Mom know about Reggie and Junior being gone?” Rainey asked quietly. Chance looked up from his hands and over at her.
“I can't tell your mother that and I won't. We're going to find them.”
“So you think they are on their way to Shelby's?” Carlotta asked. Chance nodded.
“Then we can't tell her either. She needs to be there when they get there,” Carlotta said, taking the lead as the eldest sister. “If we call Shelby she'll be on the first plane here and, well, we need her to be there so she can get the boys when they arrive, right? She needs to get to them before ...”
Carlotta held in the rest. “Plus why upset everyone until we know more.”
“She's going to be fine,” Ta'Rae answered decisively concerning Rashawn. “Don't call Shelby.”
“Mr. Davis,” the doctor called, noticing Chance waiting along with Rashawn's sisters and Rainey. Chance hugged Rainey tight as if gathering her love to deliver to Rashawn.
“Yes?”
“You're the husband?”
“Yes, please ... my wife?” Chance asked. The doctor motioned for him to follow, moving him away from the group.
“Please just tell the man about his wife right here so we can know about our sister. Damn!” Carlotta blurted. She then pointed at Ta'Rae, “She's a doctor!” With that comment everyone could tell Carlotta was at her limit of patience. “She already told us about the comaâshit! Tell us what else we need to know.”
“They don't care that I'm a doctor, Lotty. Let Chance go see about her. It's HIPPA,” Ta'Rae tried to explain.
“Fuck a hippo. She's my sister!” Carlotta cried out.
“She's alive,” the doctor said in a low voice.
“Is that the best you can tell me?” Chance asked, feeling his heart growing almost too large for his chest. “Ta'Rae said something about a coma.”
“Yes, she had a pretty rough last few hours. She's pretty banged up. But she's come out of the coma in the last few moments, so.”
“Can I see her?”
The doctor shook his head. “No. I don't think . . .”
“I'm sorry, did that sound like a question? What I meant to say was, I'm going in to see her,” Chance reworded. The doctor glanced over his shoulder at the formidable womanâCarlottaâand apparently rethought the situation.
“For a moment. Her vitals are strong but she's far from stable.”
“I have to see her.”
“I understand.”
The doctor led Chance into the ICU where he donned a mask and medical covering for his street clothing. He could see Rashawn in the distance laying on the bed still. He'd tried not to look before he had to.
Slowly he crept close to the bed, avoiding all the wires hooked into her. His eyes burned as he fought the tears, noticing the bandages covering her head and one of her eyes.
“Rashawn ... sweetie ... Shawnie,” Chance called in the softest voice he could muster.
The one uncovered eye crept open slowly as if she sensed his closeness, or heard his whispered voice and she turned her head slightly. “Chance,” she mouthed.
“Shh, baby, don't speak.”
“I have to,” she whispered. “Allen Ro ...” she began to cough.
Chance's chest tightened. “He did this?”
“He ...” Rashawn began. “ReggieâRegâ” Just then the monitor began to call out her internal distress. Chance was moved aside quickly as the doctors and nurses came to her aid.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Davis. Really I need to you to wait with your family,” the doctor demanded, barely holding onto any bedside manner. Chance nodded.
Moving quickly into the hall, he ripped off the medical coverings as he passed Rashawn's sisters who inquired about their sister. He pulled out his cell phone. “Ovan!”
“Yes, Chance,” Ovan answered sounding calm and collected. “Did you find them? We've seen nothing here.”
“She saw Allen Roman. He did this to her. Somehow he's caused this accident.”
“Then that explains why Hap Washburn was here at the station instead of Allen. He purchased a ticket to Oregonâvia the Emeryville station.”
“Why didn't you grab him?”
“For what? We have no reason to stop Hap Washburn ... only follow him. The police have my hands tied on that.”
“Following him! I'm not following that fool! If he knows where Roman is grab him and beat the shit outta him until he tells us what we need to know. I want Roman ... and I want him bad.”
“I agree, but as I've been trying to tell you, if we stop the boys or grab Hap, Roman won't show himself. I can promise you that.
“Then what do we do?”
“We get our asses on a plane as soon as you get to the airport. We're going to beat those bastards to their destination. We'll be there waiting for them.”
“I'll be there as quickly as I can.”
“Chance! Chance!” the sisters yelled as Chance burst from the hospital headed out to his car that had been driven to the hospital by one of the sisters.
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