The Fall of the Prodigal (23 page)

“I'll check the hotel records to corroborate his account.”

Keith nodded. “That's a great idea. With Mindy's testimony, the DA doesn't have a case. He'll have to drop the charges and we can go about clearing Michael's name.”

“I'm impressed,” Nigel said. “How did you even get Mindy to talk to you? Bill has her under heavy guard.”

Keith shrugged. “Mindy's actions are a result of prayer in effect. She's not as protected as you think. Apparently, she's able to fly the coop anytime she wants.”

Nigel returned to his notes. “I'm going back to the condom mystery for a minute. Remember your theory about Michael being set up? Do you think there was another person involved?”

“I don't know. The main witness is a mentally ill patient. Mindy mentioned an Elle G several times. But, I don't know if she is a real or an imaginary person.”

Nigel sighed. “What a mess!”

Keith agreed. “I've never prayed so much on a case in my life. I'm going to need some more help from God. I know the charges will be dropped and Michael will be free, but a part of me will never be settled until all the loose ends are tied.”

“Someone had to put it there.”

“I feel the same way. But the $64,000 question is, who? Who put it there?”

“Should I call Frank? Michael has used him in the past and he does get results.”

For a second, Keith was tempted. Frank could find a speck of dust on a shiny surface. That was how skillful he was. But, Frank vetted his information by any means necessary. Keith could not promote evil even if it was for a good result.

“No, don't call Frank,” Keith replied. “I can't support him especially since I know he's a strong arm. The truth will come out. It always does.” He looked at his watch. “Let's not keep the DA waiting. Hopefully we'll convince him to drop the charges and we can get before a judge tonight.”

Nigel waved a hand with confidence. “I do have the judge on standby because without Mindy this is all circumstantial. We'd rip them apart in court. I smell victory.” He nudged Keith with his elbow.

Tiredness seeped through Keith's bones. “We'll start the celebration in church this Saturday. I hope you'll accept my invite.”

“I might surprise you and show up,” Nigel promised. “Tell you what; if we close out Michael's case today, I'm coming and sitting in the front row.”

Keith grinned. “It's in the bag.”

Such kissable lips.

That was Michael's first thought when he opened the door and saw Verona standing there. He was alone as both Keith and Gina were out, so he was glad for the company.

“You're here,” he said, stating the obvious. “I thought you weren't coming back until next week.”

Verona bit her bottom lip, driving him crazy.
Stop it, Michael. You're engaged.

“I'm here now,” she said as she entered. “It's time I stopped running.” She looked around. “Where's Keith?”

“I think he's with Mindy at her therapy session.”

Verona stopped short. He almost ran into her back. To steady himself, Michael grabbed her arm. Awareness rocked his being. The thought hit: they were alone and there were six bedrooms in the house.

However, her mind had been captured by his words. “He's with Mindy? I haven't been gone that long, have I? What on earth happened?”

Michael led her into the family room and they sat on the largest leather couch.

“Mindy sought Keith out for counseling. He wouldn't disclose their conversation but he did tell me she wanted to go see Dr. Forrester. She asked him to go with her.”

Verona's mouth hung open. “How did he get Mindy to agree? Does her father know?”

Michael shook his head. “I don't know. I think this is all happening because Keith, Gina, and I went into fasting and prayer.”

“You fasted? You're cranky when you get hungry.”

He decided not to share his pizza binge. “I did it though. Keith said God told him it needed to be done and after the past few days, I'm inclined to believe it.”

“God's going to solve your case? Do you know how amazing that is?”

Michael did not see it that way. He was afraid to get his hopes up. “Well, maybe God figured He had to step in since my very expensive attorney kept running off and quitting on me.”

“You couldn't resist the gibe, could you? Do you think we can ever have a normal conversation without hitting below the belt?”

His eyes darkened. “I like getting you all riled. Your nostrils flare and your eyes flash this weird color. It's exciting. It's hot.”

Verona threw a pillow at him. “You're trying to get closer to God. You shouldn't be talking like that. You need to be avoiding temptation.”

Michael had another reason why he did not need to be flirting with her: Lauren, his fiancée. But, Lauren was not here and she was not Tiger. “Then stop looking so tempting,” he teased.

Verona did a little squirm. Michael gave her a knowing grin. Keith had lectured him that getting to know God meant living a life pleasing to God. At the moment, the warnings were a little fuzzy.

He watched her tongue dart into her mouth. His body reminded him it had been awhile. Verona must have read his thoughts because she was looking at him like the insect in the spider's web.

She stood and backed away. “I came straight here from the airport. Jetlag's kicking in. I'm going to get some rest. I'll be back later.”

Michael followed her, keeping his eyes on her delectable mouth. No way was she leaving until he had gotten a taste. He stalked her until he had her right where he wanted her.

“Michael, I'm getting back into church myself and I—”

By this time Michael had snatched her close to him. Verona was saying something but all he saw were her lips moving. He knew he should be thinking of Lauren, but this tiger needed taming and he was the only one suited for the task.

Michael used his other hand to raise her chin, imprisoning her with his strength. Then he lowered his head to suck on her neck marking his territory.

Verona pummeled his back with her fists but he didn't loosen his grip until her skin glistened with his love bruise. She stomped over to the mirror and arched her neck. “I can't believe you! That's juvenile. Which judge is going to take me seriously with this red blotch on my neck!”

Michael moved in behind Verona until his body cradled hers and they were both looking at each other through the glass. He studied his handiwork before smiling with satisfaction. Their eyes met.

Keeping his eyes on her, Michael lifted her hair to kiss her exposed ear. She liked watching, he noted. He loosened the buttons on her shirt. Her eyes darkened. While they faced the mirror, he moved a hand down her chest. Leaving it there to play, he kissed her cheek and twisted her head to meet his mouth.

“Michael!” a voice boomed.

For a split second, Michael froze. Then Verona sprung into action. He had never seen someone button a shirt so fast.

When had Keith returned? Like two teenagers caught with their pants down, Michael and Verona hurriedly adjusted their clothes. He shielded her body with his own until she was presentable. He saw her failure to hide his love mark and Verona elbowed him in the ribs.

“Didn't you hear the door open?” he growled into her ear, turning the blame on her.

“I can't believe you're pinning this on me!” Verona furiously whispered.

“I cannot have this in my home,” Keith said. “Verona, please leave. I must have a talk with my brother.”

Verona strove to preserve her dignity with professionalism. “I came to get caught up on the case.”

Keith arched an eyebrow but said nothing.

Verona's face was beet red. Without another word, she gathered her purse. From behind Keith's back, she flipped him the bird. Michael shrugged. It was not the first time. He had better uses for that finger and as soon as he could, she would find out.

What Verona didn't know, at first, was his brother must have seen her through the mirror. Keith lifted his chin and folded his arms. Her eyes widened with horror when she discovered he had indeed seen her. She bolted through the door.

Wow, what sweet payback. Despite Keith's baleful look, Michael laughed so hard, a tear slid from his eye. He loved that woman.

 

 

She just flipped the bird in a pastor's house. Her finger could have wilted or something. Verona hightailed it out of Keith and Gina's house. As she skittered down the steps, Gina's car came into view.

Would her humiliation never end?

“Where are you running off to?” Gina lowered her window to greet her.

Verona skidded on the ice, falling bottom first. It was too much. She keeled over with laughter.

She heard the car door slam. Gina scurried to where she sat and helped her to her feet. “I'm glad I ran into you,” she said, giving Verona a warm hug.

“I was going to call a cab,” Verona said.

Gina's eyebrows arched. “You should've waited inside instead of coming out here in those impractical shoes. Didn't you listen to the weather? We're expecting snow tonight.”

“I was in California visiting my family,” she explained.

“This was my first destination after exiting the plane. I wanted to see Michael. Keith barged in on us and asked me to come back later.” A little fudge on the truth, but Verona would never admit she had been kicked out for bad behavior.

To her relief, Gina did not question her further. Although, Verona thought she saw Gina hiding a smile.

“How about we grab an early dinner?” Gina asked.

Verona nodded her assent.

About twenty minutes later they were being seated at Café Baci. Verona looked around the establishment, admiring the cozy feel of the earthy décor. “What a lovely restaurant.”

“Keith took me here when we were . . . dating.”

Dating?
What a way to pretty up two-timing brothers. Gina had been “dating” Michael then too, but Verona kept her opinions to herself. She was no fool. Verona was not about to let her mouth get her stranded in West Hempstead without a ride.

Once they ordered and their meals arrived, Gina said, “Tell me about your trip home.”

Verona gave her a detailed description of the events. She showed her a selfie she had taken with Elijah.

“What a handsome young man,” Gina exclaimed.

Verona agreed, grateful the other woman had not commented on his blue hair. Come to think of it, not once did she see any judgment in Gina's face. Instead, it reflected understanding. There was something about Gina that made her open up because forty minutes later Verona was still talking.

The waiter cleared their plates and soiled linens and she kept on talking.

He brought them pies and sherbet and she kept on talking.

And through it all, Gina listened. She should have been a psychologist. She would have made a fortune. For a tiny woman, she had big shoulders, Verona thought as they left the restaurant.

“I'm going back this weekend to talk with Elijah and hear him sing,” Verona said, concluding her tale.

Gina studied the ground for several minutes. Then she asked her only question: “Was there another reason your parents didn't help you raise your son?”

What an insightful question.
“I don't think so. We were in dire straits and about to lose our home. My parents didn't want Elijah to suffer,” Verona said.

“Hmm, sounds logical. But most parents I know wouldn't give up their blood so easy, even if they're dirt poor and on the streets. I think you should ask,” Gina advised. “When you mentioned that, I felt a gut reaction. Dig a little deeper when you go home. It may be nothing, but I'd ask the question. Your father is right. You must talk everything out with your son if you want to build a good relationship moving forward.”

Of course, Verona could not wait until she was home. Gina had waited with her until her cab arrived. As soon as Verona entered her apartment, she was on the phone. Louisa answered. “Mom, was there another reason why you and Dad pushed the adoption?”

Before her mother could offer a reply, her doorbell rang. Verona kept the cordless to her ear and opened the door.

“Ms. Stachs? I need your signature to okay a future purchase from our store.”

Verona waved the courier inside. “Mom, I'll call you back in a minute.” She tore open the envelope and quickly perused the contents.

What!
She gulped. It was an open purchase order from Tiffany's. Her heart sang. “Yes. Yes. I'll gladly sign on his behalf.”

She gave the courier an exorbitant tip though he stressed it was not required. “Go buy yourself something,” she said.

When she closed the door, Verona sashayed into her bedroom. She was so giddy she floated. Michael was going to ask her to marry him! She was so excited she forgot all about calling her mother back.

Instead, Verona spent hours planning her wedding. In bed that night, she tried out her new name for size: “Verona Stachs Ward.” No, that was too stuffy sounding. “Verona Ward Stachs.” That didn't sound right, either. It sounded like a sentence. She could imagine the gibes: “Verona Ward Stachs what?”

“Verona Ward.” Now, that was just right.

“Daddy!”

“Daddy!”

Michael hugged John and Olivia tight. He lifted them in his arms, cracking up at their squeals of delight. “Thank you for bringing them,” he said to Lauren. The twins headed to the backroom to visit Epiphany's playroom.

She held up her left hand. “How do you like my engagement ring?”

Michael eyed the bread tie crudely wrapped around her finger.
Oh, no.
That would not do. He opened his mouth to protest, but Lauren was not done talking.

“I was glad when you called, actually. I need to go to Nordstrom and check out their gowns. I'm thinking a champagne color would be suitable for the courthouse. Valentine's Day is clichéd but appropriate, don't you think?”

Lauren was moving with intense speed. Michael waved at her to get her attention. He dipped his head to meet her eyes. “I need to let you know something.”

She raised curious green eyes to his. “Are you backing out of the wedding?”

“No, I . . .” He planted a quick kiss on her lips. When he would have pulled away, Lauren gripped his head and deepened the kiss. The old him would have jumped on that invitation and they would be doing more than locking lips. Key words being “the old him.”

The new Michael was walking a new path. The new him heard Keith's words beating in his head. The new him did not feel right kissing one woman when he was in love with another.

Whoa!
Michael broke the kiss. He took a step back and wiped his mouth.

“Excuse me, but did you just wipe away my kiss?” Lauren asked. Her rapid blinking eyes was a telltale sign of her displeasure. Something else was written on her face. He had better answer right or she would have no problem setting things off.

Michael knew he had messed up big time. “No, I'm distracted. At this very moment, Keith is at the district attorney's office trying to get the charges dropped. Mindy went to the police station to give her statement of what happened that night. Keith was there with her for everything at her request. We expect full exoneration.”

Lauren's jaw hung so low he could see her tonsils. “Why didn't you tell me? How did this happen?”

Michael shrugged, still reeling from his own disbelief. “A few days ago, Keith told me and Gina that God had directed him to fast and pray for Mindy. He asked Gina and me to join him. I was reluctant but when it comes to God, what do I know? Keith's the expert.”

“God told him?” She sounded a bit jaded. “As in, he heard a voice?”

“Yes, God spoke to him,” Michael defended. “I don't know if he heard a voice. I didn't ask him all that as I was too busy protesting giving up my food.”

Lauren looked dubious but Michael now believed God had led Keith. There was no other explanation for the quick turn of events. He said, “I thought something would happen the same day. But nothing. Then Keith calls and says he dropped by the church and Mindy pops up to talk with him.”

She squinted her eyes. “What did she say?”

“Mindy told him she's mentally ill and Keith offered to go with her to therapy. It was when she visited with her doctor that Mindy was able to piece it all together. Mindy remembered everything from that night.”

“Everything?”

Why was Lauren questioning everything he was saying? Irked by her habit, Michael's annoyance grew. He supposed it was from her reporter days, but it was getting on his last nerve. “Yes, everything,” he emphasized.

Lauren let out a big whoop and danced a little jig. “Yay! Now we can put the shotgun wedding idea to rest. Forget the gown; I'll get a wedding dress. I'm thinking Olivia can be the flower girl and John the ring bearer. Ooh, maybe your brother will let us have the wedding at his church? I'm sure Keith won't object. Maybe he can announce it to the church.”

Without waiting for answer, she rubbed her hands. “And I can replace this bread tie with a real ring!”

Michael lifted Lauren's hand to grin at the twist tie. “It'll definitely be replaced.” Once Verona approved the Tiffany's purchase . . .

Oh, no. Verona might think it's for her.
Might think? Of course she would think it was for her. He was an idiot!

“Why do you have a look of horror on your face?” Lauren fussed at him. “Wipe that frown off your face. Women aren't the only ones who can get wrinkles.”

Michael complied with a wide smile. On the inside, he was already working out making two purchases instead of one. He would buy Verona a pair of earrings to match her eyes. Lauren patted him on the arm and Michael redirected his attention to her words.

Again Lauren was moving ten speeds ahead of him. Michael kept silent as she rambled on about caterers and decorations. He would just show up.

There was something Michael needed to say. He took Lauren's hand to get her attention. “Before you go shopping, I wanted to let you know how grateful I am you were willing to marry me when I was on my face.”

She gave a slow nod. “You're the father of my children, Michael. I know I ran from you and I kept them from you, but I was wrong.” She waved her hands. “Anyways, none of that matters now. What matters is I have you and everything is working out the way I'd . . . I mean, the way God planned.”

Michael was not sure why but warning bells were ringing. Why did he feel something was not right, like a piece of the puzzle was missing? Michael did not understand his gut feeling. He should be on cloud nine, but something about this seemed too convenient. Was he being paranoid?

Why couldn't he give God thanks without doubt creeping in? Maybe he was too jaded to accept God handing him his freedom on a platter.

Michael pushed the negative thoughts aside. “I can't wait to put this nightmare behind us forever. I imagine the reporters will be camped outside my penthouse once they hear about this, but that will die down in time as well.” He injected enthusiasm in his voice and told Lauren, “In the meantime, go plan the wedding of your dreams!”

“Don't worry, I know how to handle reporters. And as for the wedding costs, I'll charge it to your account,” she said before the door clicked upon her departure.

Once she exited, Michael exhaled. Lauren had so much energy it was draining. He welcomed the quiet before running to check on his children. They had been back there too long without supervision. All sorts of scenarios played through his mind until he rested eyes on them.

They were fine. Epiphany's toy room was another matter. He carefully made his way through strewn toys—cars, dolls, stuffed animals—and stooped to watch his children at play.

“Daddy, come play,” Olivia demanded.

Michael's heart expanded. “I'd love to have tea with you.” He picked up the pint-sized teacups and squatted next to her.

He had been around several tables with some of the biggest names in construction. He had attended power lunches and deal-making dinners. But, as he drank from a play cup and ate a piece of pretend pie, Michael acknowledged he had never felt this level of satisfaction and belonging as he did straddling a forty dollar plastic table.

Michael's eyes strayed between John and Olivia. He had done the right thing asking Lauren to marry him. Seeing them sealed his decision. Once they were married, he'd have a family.

But, what about love?