The Improbable (11 page)

           
I yanked down on Ray’s arm and planted my feet, feeling awfully protective over
David. “I. Said.
No
.”

           
David intervened coolly, keeping eye contact with Ray. He took a gulp of his
wine. “Lead the way.”

           
My heart sank; I couldn’t tell if I was entirely smitten by the fact that David
hadn’t backed down to Ray or if I was terrified of how my father would react. I
looked back at my friends who appeared just as surprised as myself, knowing
what a hard ass my father was.

           
I followed behind Ray, wanting to melt and disappear into the ground with every
step. David looked at ease…or more so in control when I glanced over my
shoulder at him. He shot me a quick smile that even in that situation put a
smile on my face. What was it about this man?

           
“Excuse me for a moment mother,” Ray interrupted Mrs. Jackson’s conversation
with my father. “Percy, I –” He began before David swiftly stepped forward and
held out his hand.

           
“Mr. Percy Hutchinson, I’m David Finley.” David shook my father’s hand.

           
Daddy’s eyebrows furrowed as he assessed David’s face. It was clear when he
registered David’s face and who he was; his expression was cold. “Hello son,
what’s going on? I thought I told you I didn’t want you around my little girl
anymore.”

           
“That’s exactly what I came over to discuss Percy. See –” Ray tried to squeeze
in between David and my father but David wouldn’t budge.

           
“Yes I remember Mr. Hutchinson, but I think it may have been possible that we
started off on the wrong foot. The morning that you found Eva-Marie and I was
strictly the result of me trying to keep her safe throughout the night and
nothing more, I couldn’t drive as I had been drinking myself. I would never
even
dream
of violating her or any other female in that way. And if I
did…I’d give you full permission to do away with me, sir.” David explained
genuinely. He was so in control of the situation and executed his explanation
with such perfection that it was possible he could’ve gotten away with murder!
I was beyond impressed.

           
I watched, along with everyone else in our circle, as I waited for Daddy’s
reaction. To everyone’s surprise, he burst out with laughter! Who would’ve
thought he’d
laugh
in David’s presence considering their last encounter!

           
“David, all I’ve got to say is that any grown man who would give a father
permission to off him for even thinking about his daughter in the wrong
way…deserves my full apologies.” This time my father held out his hand to David
with a warm smile.

           
I breathed, not realizing I had been holding my breath the whole time, nervous
for the outcome.

           
“Oh that’s terrific!” Mrs. Jackson clapped with a smile, influencing my parents
and myself to do so as well. Ray shook his head with disbelief.

           
David held his hands up. “I wasn’t seeking any apologies, sir, just wanting to
clear up any confusion.”

           
“Well thank you David, it is very much appreciated.” Daddy raised his glass to
David and took a swig. “And I would like to thank you for saving my baby’s
life.”

           
“Welcome to Chicago’s Prestigious City Club’s New Members Ball of 1950! Would
you please be seated for the welcoming speech?” A voice announced over the
microphone.

           
“It was nice meeting you son,” Daddy nodded at David before leading Mama to the
table. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson followed close behind them.

           
“Come on dear, let’s go get ourselves seated.” Ray placed his hand on my lower
back and began guiding me toward my parents’ table.

           
I looked over my shoulder at David, who was watching me with those
forever-intense blue eyes, and smiled. “It was nice seeing you, David.”

           
“You as well Eva-Marie.” He gave me a half-smile.

           
“This guy,” Ray mumbled with irritation.

           
I giggled at him being bothered by David, whom I was
clearly
more
interested in.

           
“Well isn’t he such a sweetheart!” Mama gushed with fake enthusiasm.

           
“He sure is, and he’s in law school Mama.” I boasted.

           
“Law school? Huh, maybe I could teach him a few things.” Ray snickered.

           
“Well he certainly didn’t need your help explaining himself to Daddy, what
makes you think he’ll need your help with law school, darlin’?” I teased;
rubbing it in Ray’s face that David could handle himself quite well.

           
“Mary, I agree with you he is a nice young man.” Ray spoke a tad louder so the
whole table could hear. “However, I don’t think it’s appropriate for Eva to be
around such a flirtatious man when she’s
unmistakably
taken. What’s a
rich white man got to do with a young
negro
girl
anyhow? Now don’t get me wrong, who wouldn’t want to be with her? She’s
beautiful but it is quite odd, his interest in her.” He paused to arrogantly
sip at his liquor. “Unless he’s looking for a tramp to fool around with.”

           
Mrs. Jackson and my mother’s eyes enlarged at his foul language. I was furious
at the fact that he still somehow managed to turn the situation against David!
However, there was a small part of me that did wonder why in the world David
was hung up on
me
of all people…did he really just see me as a sexual
object and nothing more? My spirits slowly descended from the high they’d been
on as I leaned back in my seat, fuming while glaring at the back of Ray’s head.
Daddy seemed to be pondering what Ray said.

           
“And
no
wife of mine will or will ever have been a tramp for any man.”
Ray added, looking back at me with a smug expression.

           
I shifted my eyes away from him quickly.

           
“She won’t see him anymore.” Mama blurted. Looking around the table, gauging
the Jacksons’ reactions. “He said it himself that he only wanted to come clear
things up, that means there’s no reason he should be
seein
’
her anymore. Isn’t that right, Percy?” She looked at Daddy expectantly.

           
“
What
?” I hissed. “He’s my friend and he’s friends with all of my
friends so you can’t ban me from seeing him!”

           
“Then I guess we’ll have to be more careful on who we let you go out with, the
girls are fine but I do not want you
bein
’ made into
some tramp for a white man, Eva-Marie.” Mama put her hands up defensively.
“Don’t you agree, Percy?”

           
“That’s not fair! Daddy you liked him and you know that!” I whined to my
father.

           
“It wouldn’t be a good look.” He said in a finalizing tone. “And no daughter of
mine will be made into some whore.” Daddy shook his head.

           
“It’s for your own good, baby.” Mama rubbed my shoulder.

           
I leaned forward, shrugging her hand off of me, eyes bouncing back and forth
from my mother to my father, feeling betrayed. Neither of them spoke up and I
knew it was because Ray held the power and they wouldn’t dare do anything to
tick him off. I shoved my seat back hastily and stood up.

           
“Where are you going, honey?” My mother asked as if nothing was wrong.

           
“To get some
fucking
air!” I shouted at her in frustration.

           
At that moment I wasn’t concerned about how much trouble I had landed myself in
with my parents, what Ray’s parents thought of me, or who was disgusted by my
swear word. All I was worried about was getting away from my parents and Ray to
have a goddamn moment to myself! I understood why it was important for me to
marry Ray but not why it was necessary for him to control my life the same way
as my parents. I flung the doors open and paced quickly to the edge of the
octagon porch staring out at the golf course breathing heavily, unsure of
whether I wanted to burst out crying or screaming. The hot tears pooling up in
my eyes gave the answer away. I heard the door open slowly behind me and
instantly I knew Ray had come to try and talk some sense into me.

           
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not in the mood Ray, I’ve had enough for one night.
Can’t you just let me be?” I asked wearily and sniffed. “It’s clear that you
have my parents on your side but I’m not quite there yet, so please just leave
me alone.”

           
“Well I’m glad this time I’m not the man that got you all upset.” A different
voice spoke up. “However, I can’t consider any fella that would upset such a
stunning young woman a real
man
; more so a boy in my opinion.”

           
I spun around to see David advancing slowly toward me with his hands behind his
back, eyes full of caution. I wiped the tears off of my cheek quickly and
turned around, not wanting him to see me that way. “Oh David, I’m sorry I
thought you were someone else.” I sniffed. “What’re you doing out here?”

           
“You looked upset, I wanted to make sure you were alright.” He said, coming to
stand next to me.

           
“Oh what is your fascination with me David?” I wondered with burning curiosity.
“I’m a
negro
girl don’t you know that? What’s a white
man got to do with a
negro
girl like me?” I echoed
Ray’s words from earlier with frustration.

           
He broke his gaze from the golf course and looked at me with furrowed eyebrows.
“You’re a negro girl? I didn’t notice.” He answered with sarcasm.

           
I shook my head.

           
“Look, I like what I like Eva-Marie, if color was an issue to me, if I didn’t
like negroes, I would’ve let your ass down the night I met you, but I didn’t,
did I? I wouldn’t hang around you and your friends but I do, don’t
I
? My mom used to do work in Africa and I was exposed to
different cultures at an early age, she taught me better. Just because I’m
white doesn’t mean I hate blacks, I’m sure Kate could tell you that.” David
sounded truly offended. He turned to head back inside.

           
“Don’t go,” I blurted. And I truly didn’t want him to; there was something
about the man’s presence that just seemed to comfort me. “I’m sorry, Ray just
got me
wonderin
’. He said you have no use with me
unless you wanted a tramp to fool around with. But you can’t blame me for
wondering and you know that.”

           
“You heard what I said to your father, I hope that answers your question.”
David stood next to me again and shoved his hands in his pockets. “So do you
just enjoy staring out at empty golf courses?”

           
I sighed. “I do actually.”

           
“And why is that?” I could feel him staring at the side of my face.

           
“It makes me want to run. There’s just some sense of freedom out there.” I
shrugged. “That’s all.”

           
“They usually make me want to golf.” He said, laughing lightly.

           
I laughed and shook my head.

           
“Oh there’s a smile!” He clapped and started down the steps off the porch.

           
“Where are you going?” I looked down at him questioningly.

           
“I,” he began backing away from the porch, “dare you to run down the fairways.”

           
“What! Are you crazy?” I couldn’t help but laugh at his request.

           
“Oh c’mon, you said that’s what it makes you want to do so do it!” He yelled
from the course.

           
“Only if you do it with me!” I bargained.

           
“You’ve got my word.” He agreed.

           
Without thinking, I slipped out of my pumps, hiked my dress up, and descended
off the porch. “I’ll race you!” I shouted as I shot past him.

           
“You’re on!” He hurriedly kicked off his shoes.

           
And together we were off, bounding down the fairways! We laughed at each other
trying to get ahead of the other and myself for not being able to run in a
straight line. In that moment I felt elated with pure happiness and comfort all
because of David, he had turned my night around for the better. I was thankful
I was able to end my night on a happier note than it started.

O
n
my way in to work, I held the door open for at least three different people and
did it with a smile on my face. On my lunch break I voluntarily carried on a
conversation that actually had meaning – and it wasn’t even about the case!
Walking to Warren’s office, I smiled and waved at everyone I passed and even
winked at the office clerk who’d been eyeing me since the day I arrived. I was
in a fantastic mood!

I
had finally organized everything in my house, charmed my way in to good graces
with the beautiful Eva-Marie and her family, and to top it off I was headed to
report my progress on the case. A part of me believed that it was the time I
spent talking with Eva on the golf course the night before that had me so
elated but another part of me swore it was the anticipation of my father’s
reaction when he heard about the work I’d done. Hell, both were enough to make
me jump for joy!

           
I tapped at Warren’s door lightly. “It’s me,
Pop
, can
I come in?”

           
“You may,” he called.

           
I strolled in and shook my father’s hand. “Good afternoon,
Pop
.”

           
“Good afternoon, son.” He leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands
together. “How is everything going?”

           
“Pretty smoothly I’d say; finally got everything settled in the house.” I
answered.

           
“That’s good son,” he said as he began sorting through a folder. “Did you mow
the lawn? Don’t want the neighbors to complain about it.”

           
“I’ll get to it,” I shrugged.

           
“Better hurry,” he mumbled, evidently absorbed in what he was reading over.

           
“But that isn’t what I came to talk about.” I spoke louder to regain his
attention.

           
“What is it, son?” Warren looked expectantly at me for a split second and then
back at the papers.

           
“I made a breakthrough on the case.” I stated and watched for his reaction.

           
My father leaned forward and set the folder down. “Please, do tell.” He
insisted.

           
Excited, I began explaining. “Clayton made a finding, said the age range for
the buyers go from twenty-one to thirty.”

           
Pop nodded.

           
“He also said the majority of them are fairly wealthy,” I continued. “So I took
it upon myself to investigate at the city club’s New Members Ball seeing as
some of Chicago’s wealthiest families would be there. Upon investigating, I’ve
found a possible connection to the producer. His name is Nicholas Brandy, I
think with time if I get closer with him he’ll leak out some information on the
suppliers.”

           
“You think?” My father was looking at me over his glasses.

           
“I
know
.” I corrected myself immediately.

           
He sighed. “Well whatever you do try to expedite it, there was another
overdosed body found this morning. How long before this Brandy kid becomes the
next body we find? You can do better than that. Bring the heavy-hitting
information back next time.” He continued looking through the folder.

           
It felt as if his words stuck me like a jagged sword leaving nothing but nasty,
open wounds. My mood plummeted from one hundred to zero in a matter of seconds.
Why couldn’t he just be proud of me? Dammit! Or was I being sensitive? Either
way it went, it was apparent I had to do
better
.

           
“Was there anything else you wanted to discuss?” Warren asked nonchalantly, not
making eye contact.

           
“Uh, no, I’ll do better.” I stammered.

           
“That’s what I like to hear, son.” Warren finally looked up at me with a weak
smile.

           
I rose and headed for my office without another word. It took everything I had
in me to not destroy my office out of frustration. What more did
he
fucking want? I knew I hadn’t solved the case but
couldn’t he at least acknowledge that I was making an effort? I paced back and
forth a few times before taking a seat at my desk, still fuming even after I
told myself to suck it up and stop being sensitive.

           
There was a quick knock on my door before Clayton let himself in. “How’s it
goin
’ partner?”

           
I glared at him, not up for any conversation.

           
He caught sight of my expression. “Well, well what’s got you all upset? You
came in here
jumpin
’ from rainbow to rainbow and now
it looks like you’re caught in the middle of a rainy day.”

           
“Don’t feel like talking about it.” I said firmly. “What do you want?”

           
“I told your old man we’d be heading out after lunch, let’s get a move on.”
Clayton motioned for me to follow as he exited the office.

           
Feeling as if I had no choice, I started after him. “Where are we going?” I
asked when I caught up.

           
“Did some research of my own while you were out last night; there’s a block in
the southern part of the city where most users go to buy. I just thought we
could check it out.” He informed me.

           
“Whatever makes this case go faster,” I grumbled.

           
“So what had you all giddy this
mornin
’?” Clayton
asked when we were in the car. “It’s
gotta
be some
pretty, young blonde thing
judgin
’ by how much you
were
smilin
’.”

           
An image of Eva’s lovely, ethnic features surfaced in my mind, easing my hostility.
I smiled at the image. “Pretty and young, not so much blonde.” I said. I didn’t
exactly feel like listening to what he would have to say if I told him she was
an African-American – he was from the south, I knew he would have
a lot
to say. Not to mention if I heard him bad-mouthing her I would’ve strangled
him. It was so surprising to see how my views on her had completely changed.

           
“Well alright!” He nudged me playfully having seen the smile on my face. “How
serious is it?”

           
I shook my head. “I’ve only seen her a few times…so not too serious.”

           
“Well do you like her?” He asked.

           
“She’s a friend.” Lately I had been trying to convince myself that I wasn’t as
head over heels for her as I thought due to the fact that most of our
encounters were fantasies of my mind.

           
Clayton was shaking his head. “No…somethin’
ain’t
right. That sparkle in your eyes, that there is somethin’ special that’ll come
once, maybe twice in a lifetime. It’s more than a ‘friends’ kind of feeling.
Even if you don’t know it, I’m
callin
’ it: that girl
will
be very special to you. Don’t let her go.”

           
I let his words sink in and for a moment I wondered if he would’ve said the
same thing if he knew she was black, then I let it go and took his advice for
what it was. “Thanks for the insight.” I said, still gazing out the window.

           
“You ask her out on a date yet?” He asked.

           
The more we talked about her, the more I realized that I still had long ways to
go with Eva. “She’s technically taken.” I finally mentioned my biggest
roadblock – Ray. Though I knew the decision between him and I wouldn’t have
been that difficult, he was still in the picture.

           
“So she’s married?” Clayton’s eyebrows came together, trying to understand.

           
“No.” I answered immediately. “I would never step in on someone’s marriage.”
And the idea of her already being married to someone else damn near gave me a
heart attack; I also didn’t actually know if Ray was her husband or not.
Am
I going crazy? Slightly obsessing over a girl I just became friends with, what
is wrong with me
? I wondered to myself. I knew I had to get a grip but
goodness there was just something about her!

           
“Well you know what I say?” Clayton looked over at me with a half-smile.

           
“What’s that?”

           
“They aren’t taken until they say ‘I do’.” He said.

           
I liked his way of thinking.

           
When we reached the southern side of Chicago the sun was out yet it still
seemed gloomy as if a cloud of despair hung over the streets. However, there
was a strong contrast between the dingy streets and the luxurious cars and
suits that filled them. Some of the people appeared high and others more in
control – making it fairly easy to distinguish the buyers from the sellers.
More than half of them began staring as we slowly walked down the street.

           
“So what was your plan?” I asked Clayton. “They’re all staring, I think they’re
on to us.”

           
Clayton put his hand up. “Relax, no one is –”

           
Before he could finish, we were both pinned against a building with the brick
grinding against our cheeks. The force was immeasurable to the point where I
wasn’t even sure if I could move my eyeballs! Whoever it was had a forearm
pressed against the back of my neck and held my hands together at the wrists.

           
“Now is there a problem kind fella?” Clayton asked sarcastically.

           
“No talking,” A deep Italian accent spat. “How I know you no pig, huh?”

           
“We were just walking, what’s the problem?” I asked with frustration, trying to
get out of his grip.

           
“Now, now, calm down David. I’m sure –” Clayton tried to soothe me before a
voice called out.

           
“David? David Finley?” A very distinct voice.

           
“Is that you?” The man behind me growled.

           
“Yes!” I tried to break free once again.

           
“Luccio, Mastodon, let them go!” The distant voice instructed.

           
Instantly, my neck and wrists were released. I spun around and glared at the
two men that were three times my size; at that moment I didn’t care that they
could kill me with one hand, I was pissed off! I shoved past them and started
toward the car the voice was coming from.

           
“Nicholas, what the fuck!” I yelled, outraged.

           
He held up his hands, not looking truly concerned. “I didn’t recognize you from
the back!” He rested his chin in his palm and smiled. “Though I should’ve.”

           
I rolled my eyes. “Look Nicholas, you can’t just have random men attacking
people out of nowhere!”

           
“And
accusin
’ us of
bein
’
police, that’s not a good look for business.” Clayton piped up.

           
“Who is that?” Nicholas asked me, not looking at Clayton.

           
I sighed. “He’s my –”

           
“Cousin. I’m his cousin, Clayton.” Clayton thrust his hand in the car.

           
“Pleased to meet you,” Nicholas shook his hand slowly, eyeing him cautiously.
“What’re you two doing out here?” His eyes bounced back and forth between
Clayton and
I
.

           
“Well,
ya
see, as unfortunate as it is I don’t live
as…
comfortably
as my cousin here.” Clayton pointed to me. “And when he
told me he bought some, uh…stuff from you – and some good stuff I might add –
for such a high price, I heard an opportunity knocking.” He raised his eyebrows
at Nicholas.

           
Nicholas rubbed his chin. “So what are you saying?”

           
“I’m saying I want in; I want to sell.” Clayton stated firmly.

           
Nicholas nodded slowly and looked at me. “You as well?”

           
I shook my head.

           
“Well I’ve only just met David here all of a few days ago. I would need to get
to know you a little more before I go handing out jobs.” He assessed Clayton.
“I would need to make sure you could handle this business.”

           
“Why do we have to go through you? Isn’t there someone that you report to that
we can talk to?” I asked impatiently.

           
Nicholas chuckled. “Oh let’s not get ahead of ourselves Mr. Finley, you’ll
learn the odds and ends as time goes on. What are you concerned for anyways?
He
is the one that’s going to be selling, not you.”

           
“Exactly, take it easy partner.” Clayton placed his hand on my shoulder, eyeing
me intensely.

           
I shrugged his hand away; my father wasn’t putting the pressure on Clayton like
he was on me, Clayton just didn’t understand.

           
“Well I’ll tell you what,” Nicholas pulled a card from the inside pocket of his
suit. “Come by this address next Saturday at four o’clock
sharp
. A
minute late and you can forget it.” He gave a warning glare.