All I Want Is Forever (4 page)

“Now that brings back painful memories. Mama would call my full name when I was in big trouble.” He winced.

“How is your mama?” Talia's voice dropped to a gentle timbre.

“Pretty good. She's in one of those subsidized housing developments. She seems to really like it.” Derrick stared at his plate without seeing the food on it.

“You've taken good care of her.” Talia leaned across the table to make her point.

Derrick took her hand. “Thanks.”

“For what?” Talia looked uneasy, yet she didn't pull away.

“You always stuck by me when things got tough. Actually we stuck by each other.” Derrick searched her face.

Talia removed her hand and picked up her wineglass. “Who else was going to save your butt?” Her tone was light as she looked away.

“Most people said I'd end up in prison like my father. But not you.”

“I know what it's like to be judged based on your parents,” Talia said softly. “Even more reason that I owe you an apology.”

“I should have given you warning that I was in town instead of showing up like that.”

“It's okay, Derrick. I'm glad you came.”

Derrick felt a rush that left him feeling dazed. Until that moment he hadn't realized how much she meant to him. He was ridiculously happy at the simple statement.

“I fought being assigned the mandatory-sentencing thing. I shouldn't base my work decisions on a bumpy childhood. Talking to you helped me work through that.” Talia sat straight.

His spirits fell a notch. “Glad I could help.”

“I did a lot to escape those days, but I left behind pleasant memories, too.” Talia looked at him with emotion in her eyes. “Thanks for bringing them back.”

When he took her hand again she seemed at ease. “Then the trip was worth it. Except—”

“I know, the real reason you're here.”

“I'm sorry, Talia.”

Derrick was more than sorry. He wanted to kick himself for waiting so long to visit Talia. Visions of a happy reunion flashed in his head. Now he had to bring news that was sure to upset her. She'd turn away from him for good. Still, he'd grown up and out of that schoolboy love thing, right? He'd moved on. Regret bit into him when her expression hardened.

“It's not you. It's Monette, but then it's always Monette!” she said bitterly. “What is she up to?”

“Like I said, she's trying to get out of prison on parole. But this time it's different. I hear she might have a chance.” Derrick pushed his half empty plate aside.

“Got some rich old guy to bribe somebody?” Talia retorted.

“No, she has great legal representation. A project out of the Tulane Law Center is helping her. Professor James Rand and a group of law students take on select cases of inmates,” Derrick said.

“So Monette has been able to con them. No surprise. She's that good.”

“These people aren't gullible, Talia. You deal with lawyers.”

“They're professional cynics,” Talia said.

He nodded. “Professor Rand and his students thoroughly check out each story. I'm talking months of research, interviewing people involved and reading the trial transcripts.”

“So they're taking on Monette's case because?” Talia's eyes held a spark of interest.

“Her court-appointed lawyer did a poor job from what I understand.”

“That's it?” Talia grunted. “Half the prisons could be emptied on those grounds.”

“Rand has a special interest in mandatory-sentencing cases. Also, this Tulane project takes on cases where there's evidence the person is innocent.”

“‘Innocent' is one word I wouldn't use to describe Monette,” Talia said.

“Monette says her conviction was funky, based on bogus evidence, and Rand knows it, whatever that means.” Derrick lifted a shoulder.

“Classic Monette Victor speak for ‘Hold on to your wallet cause I'm working a scam.'” Talia wore a smile empty of amusement.

“I don't think so this time.” Derrick held up one palm to cut off another retort. “Okay, I know your mama.”

“No, Derrick. You don't know her the way I do.” Talia stared into her empty wineglass for several sec
onds. She waved down the passing waitress. “Another one please.”

He watched her without speaking. There was no use arguing with Talia about Monette. The facts were not in Monette's favor anyway. Talia seemed to turn inward. She drew invisible circles on the red linen tablecloth. When the waitress brought a full glass of wine, she took a long drink from it. Derrick waited patiently. Finally, Talia squared her shoulders and looked at him steadily.

“I can't blame her for trying anything. LCIW isn't a resort,” Talia said. The Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women held some of the toughest female offenders in the state, the country even.

“There must be something to what she's saying. Tulane Law Clinic doesn't take on cases just because an inmate talks a good game,” Derrick replied.

“Fine, I wish her well. Thanks for telling me.” Talia nodded as though filing it away neatly in a special mental and emotional compartment. “Now let's do justice to this wonderful meal.”

“That's it? Your mother is fighting for parole on a forty-year drug sentence, and you just take the news and go on eating?” Derrick lowered his voice.

“If you were expecting me to book a flight and rush home for a warm family moment, get real.” Talia folded her arms in a defensive posture.

“No, but after so many years maybe it's time for some kind of closure, some kind of resolution. If not for her, then for you.”

“You've been watching too many talk shows. I can't count the number of times Monette let me down. Hell, kicked me down is more accurate.”

“All right, I can't argue with you on that.” Derrick took a deep breath and let it out. “The other thing is—”

“Oh, happy day. More good news from home,” Talia mumbled.

“There might be some publicity, big-time. Monette is worried that you'll be hurt when all this hits the fan.” Derrick held up both hands when Talia glanced at him sharply. “Like I said, she won't give more details.”

“Typical Monette. No normal appeal for parole for her, no ma'am.” Talia let out a sharp laugh.

Derrick wore a half smile. “Yeah. The day I visited her she was all made up. She dropped a few hints about maybe being on
20/20
or
60 Minutes
.”

“My mother has always aspired to national fame. Notoriety on a local scale never seemed enough for her.” Talia waved a hand. “I can deal with it if push comes to shove.”

He gazed at her with skepticism. She was taking that last bit of news too well. “Really?”

Talia's eyes narrowed to slits. “No one will connect her to me.”

“What about digging up too much history?” he murmured.

Talia's smile turned into a grimace. “If she says one word to hurt you, I'll personally help them throw away the key to that damn prison cell.”

“She'd never do that.”

“Monette would turn on anyone if it suited her purpose.” Talia leaned across the table. “You tell her what I said!”

“Why don't you tell her? I think you should talk to her face-to-face. Maybe you wouldn't feel so angry.”

“I know what you're trying to do, but it's too late.”

“Your mama really wants to protect you.” Derrick squeezed her hand.

“She's about twenty-five years too late.” Talia lifted her chin. “I don't need her now.”

“Maybe she needs you.”

“Monette is good at manipulating men. Especially men with a soft spot for women in trouble,” Talia said. “Don't fall for her line of bull.”

“I'm even less gullible than an army of legal sharks. Remember, I grew up hard, too.” Derrick held his own demons from the past at bay.

“Like I said, your one weakness is rescuing women. It can get you into deep trouble.”

“I take care of myself pretty well. Don't worry about me.”

They gazed at each other for a long time, in silence, without moving. Talia let out an audible sigh. “We have this habit of looking out for each other.”

“Being apart for years doesn't seem to matter, does it?” he said quietly.

They'd met in elementary school on a dusty playground. At the time Talia was in the third grade and Derrick was in the fourth. They had recognized each other, two kids who hated going home most days, Derrick because of his father and Talia because of her mother.

Talia nodded, then sat straight again. The tough girl returned. “I can weather the storm. I'm established, so ‘mama drama' won't affect my career.”

“Monette will be relieved to hear that.” Derrick smiled. “You're a lot more like her than you think. You've always got a Plan B when the stuff hits the fan.”

Talia scowled at him. “I let you off easy for showing up unannounced. Don't mess it up.”

“Calm down.” Derrick wrapped his fingers around her wrist. “That was a compliment. You're a smart, talented woman who survived.”

Without thinking he lifted her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it. His gaze traveled down her face
and neck to the small spot of skin exposed by the V-neck blouse. He took in the luscious curve of full breasts outlined by the delicate fabric. Her full lips parted. She clasped her long, elegant fingers around his wrist, then drew him closer. Derrick's pulse beat like a drum when she tenderly kissed him. Heat licked at his pelvis when her tongue ran across his bottom lip. Without thinking, he traced a forefinger along the silky skin on her throat and was about to unbutton the blouse. The clink of dishes brought him back to where they were in the nick of time.

“How long will you be in town?” she whispered.

“Two days. I can stay longer,” Derrick answered in a raspy voice.

“No promises.” Talia stared into his eyes.

“No promises,” he repeated.

They needed each other badly. Or at least Derrick realized how much he needed her. No one else could ease the special brand of isolation that came from keeping an unspeakable secret.

“What's up, everybody?” Talia sighed and plopped down into an empty chair in Eileen's office. “One helluva day and it's only one o'clock!”

“Hey, road warrior,” Jasmine replied with a smile.

“So take a break like us,” Eileen said. She had her feet propped up on an empty file box next to her desk.

“Yeah, get some lunch,” Jasmine added. She ate from a small cup of low-fat strawberry yogurt and read an open copy of
Time
magazine on her lap.

“I don't have anything. I couldn't make up my mind.” Talia rubbed her eyes. “If I have to read one more fine print document in the Federal Register, some bureaucrat will die.”

“Tell me about it. Those health rules are the worst.” Eileen made a sour face.

“This town thrives on killing trees to print up single-spaced reports in tiny print.” Jasmine smiled.

“There should be a law,” Talia said with a laugh.

Eileen groaned. “Please don't say that outside this room. Some silly congressional aide will draft a bill! The liberals have shoved too much big government down our throats—”

“Don't start, Eileen,” Jasmine said with a warning frown.

“Please! I came here for a breather from ‘spirited debate,'” Talia added.

“Okay, okay.” Eileen waved a hand at them both.

Talia patted her midsection. “I'm empty. Do we have anything here?”

“Go take a look. I brought sandwich and salad fixings for the long days.” Eileen pointed to the door in the direction of the small office kitchen.

Talia kicked off her black Fendi pumps and padded down the carpeted hall. She found cheese, smoked turkey, and a package of small French bread loaves. Minutes later she'd made a sandwich and found a bottle of spring water to wash it down. Talia returned to Eileen's office.

“Bless your little ‘be prepared' Girl Scout heart, Eileen,” she said and sat down again.

“Even a conservative has some good points,” Jasmine teased. She dodged a paper clip Eileen flung at her.

“I'm going to send you two to the principal's office in a minute.” Talia shook her head at them.

Eileen dabbed her mouth with a paper napkin. “Tell us all the news that's fit to print. What's happening with your home state connection?”

“Forget that. Skip to the fine hunk from your old 'hood.” Jasmine put down the empty yogurt container.

“Yeah,” Eileen said with enthusiasm. She swung her chair around to face Talia fully. “I hear he's six feet four inches of the world's finest chocolate.”

“Oh grow up, will you,” Talia said, wearing a staid expression. “Don't the high-powered folks in this town have anything better to do than engage in petty gossip?”

Eileen and Jasmine looked at each other, then at Talia. “You're joking!” they said together. All three burst into laughter.

Talia wiped her eyes. “I plead temporary insanity.”

“Okay, now that you've come to your senses,” Jasmine began.

“Dish it, darlin',” Eileen picked up.

“Start with him being a private dick,” Jasmine said with a smirk.

Eileen let out a howl of laughter. “I just got a mental picture.”

“Derrick is not—” Talia started.

“Hmm, sexy name. Derrick Guillory. Suits the brother to a tee.” Jasmine leaned over and tapped Eileen's arm.

“Sure does. Wait, I haven't seen him.” Eileen looked at Jasmine.

“Tall, dark, and oh-so-handsome. Girl, he's one delicious Happy Meal!” Jasmine nodded vigorously.

“Since you know all about him, I can let you tell it.” Talia pressed her lips together.

“Sorry. Go on.” Jasmine waved at her.

“It's a short story. Derrick is primarily an investigator with the Pointe Coupee Parish DA's Office. He's also a licensed private
investigator
.” Talia shot Jasmine a heated look before she went on. “He does a few jobs on the side. Civil stuff only, of course.”

“Cool,” Eileen said.

“So he's here with his boss trying to fix this mandatory-sentencing outrage. Good man.” Jasmine gave a curt nod of approval. “Keep him.”

“I hadn't looked at all the ramifications. Criminal justice resources are being used up on small fry. The big guns are tossing sacrificial lambs to the cops and getting away.” Talia took a swig of water.

“An excellent point that may appeal to conservatives.” Eileen smiled.

“I've been meeting with Pete mostly.” Talia took the
last bite of her sandwich. “He's meeting with Perrilloux, not me.”

“Right, and having dinner with sexy Derrick is part of the job.” Jasmine winked at Eileen. “You were spotted, sweetheart. You know this is a small town.”

Talia sighed. Her attempt to deflect Jasmine's probing into more personal areas had failed. “We knew each other in grade school.”

“And?” Jasmine prompted.

“We're just catching up on old times. That's all.” Talia tossed the paper napkin she held into a trash can.

Jasmine threw up both hands. “Oh come on. I'm a cynic. Make me believe in romance again.”

“Buy a romance novel because there's nothing more to it,” Talia tossed back. She stood, brushed crumbs from her skirt, and put on her shoes. “I've got a ton of things to do.”

She grabbed her soft leather briefcase and strode out before they could say anything more. She went down the hallway, passed by Jasmine's small office, and turned a corner. The door to Bill's office was open. He waved at her as he talked into his phone headset. Talia waved back. Her corner office looked out on Wisconsin Avenue.

“Safe at last,” she mumbled, and kicked the door closed behind her.

An interesting choice of words,
she mused. Once again she'd danced around attempts to find out more about her personal life. Talia worked behind the scenes for that very reason. Gathering information to help others influence government suited her well. Those out front got the attention and the intense media scrutiny that resulted.

Talia dropped her briefcase onto her desk and sat down. Instead of following her routine of checking
voice mail and e-mail messages, she sat staring out of the window.

Just what would happen between her and Derrick? They'd talked about old times, that much was true. She couldn't lie to herself. There was a strange chemistry between them. Derrick inspired a sense of safety with his solid, muscular presence. Not that Talia needed protection. The scared, lonely little girl was gone. Still she admitted that it felt good to know that he had her back covered. For years she'd relied only on her own survival skills. Just as he had when they were children, Derrick made her know she wasn't alone after all.

His appearance had awakened other memories. She remembered the strong, lithe body of the seventeen-year-old boy. They'd discovered the pleasure of lovemaking. Derrick had made up for a lack of experience with passion.

“As if you would have known the difference.” She smiled to herself.

They'd talked about every aspect of taking the big step. Derrick had planned their first time down to the last detail and made sure she didn't feel pressured. His assured tender caresses had helped her relax immediately. After the first time, she'd been eager to repeat the experience. Then one bright summer day Talia experienced true ecstasy.

Talia let out a long shaky sigh at the potency of her memory. Somehow she'd have to fend off that feeling. Twisted up with that seductive dream was a ghastly nightmare.

“Knock, knock.” Bill walked in with a smile.

She jumped at the sound of his voice. “Geez, Bill! You scared the crap out of me.”

“Sorry, kiddo.” His jovial expression faded as he studied her. “You okay?”

“Yeah, fine. What's up?” Talia took several deep breaths to shake Derrick's influence. She put on a smile.

Bill carried a thick folder under one arm. He sat down in one of two chairs in front of her desk. “You sure? You look rattled.”

“I'm sure.” Talia forced her smile wider. “Just deep in thought on how to kick legislative butt.”

“Uh-huh. I was just talking to Pete about this Louisiana thing.” He watched her closely.

Talia got up and took off her jacket to cover any reaction. “Surprisingly we might be making headway. Jarrod tells me there are some in the Justice Department who realize the problems.”

“I know. I've been talking to a few folks myself. A pal of mine pretty high up feels it's a waste, too.” Bill propped an ankle on his knee.

“Hey, I'm back.” Jasmine strolled in with a can of diet cola in one hand.

“Hi,” Talia said.

“Thanks for the help on that auto industry assignment, cowboy.” She slapped Bill's shoulder and dropped down into the chair next to him. “Your buddy Ken knows his stuff, and we've got a date.”

“Sure, I'm here to help your love life,” Bill drawled.

“Ken Worthington? Wow, you reeled in the big one, Jas,” Talia said with a grin. Ken Worthington was not only from an old-money Washington, D.C., family, he was a top Justice Department official with a bright future.

“Please! He's a nice brother, intelligent, and no cheesy come-on lines.” Jasmine flipped a manicured hand at her.

“Keep him then,” Talia quipped.

“We'll see,” Jasmine said, with a sassy toss of her head. “Back to biz. Here are some notes I did last night
on mandatory sentencing. Thank me for my unwavering dedication later.”

Talia read the outline. “Nice job.”

“Just making sure you keep that handsome hometown guy of yours happy.” Jasmine grinned mischievously.

“What's this?” Bill glanced at Talia.

“Nothing,” Talia snapped. She glared at Jasmine.

“Ahem, guess I'll mosey on to my office.” Jasmine stood. “See ya.” She beat a hasty retreat.

“We won't get Congress to change this session, but we can lay the groundwork for the next one. I think in a few months we might approach the Black Caucus staffers about drafting a bill.” Talia read through the notes.

“Uh-huh.” Bill continued to study her.

“We'll also need the Latino Caucus. There are a couple of moderate Republicans I can work on in the meantime.” Talia avoided his gaze.

“Right. Can I say something?” Bill uncrossed his legs and sat forward, elbows resting on both knees.

“Sure. You've got good insight into these law-and-order issues. Of course we agree to disagree on most of them.” Talia wore a slight smile.

Bill shook his head. “I'm not talking about politics now. Something's got you shook. Don't bother to deny it,” he said quickly, when she opened her mouth to protest.

“Since when did you become my big brother?” Talia joked.

“Since the first day we started working together,” he replied. “Us Southern folk stick together.”

She felt a warm flush of affection. Bill had taken her under his wing even before she came to work for Pete. They'd met while she was still a grad student at Howard University. Their unique friendship grew,
and he'd advised her on career moves since that time. He had become her big brother in a sense. She'd never quite understood why though. He was from a wealthy family with political clout in Texas. Yet they'd always had an easy, close working relationship.

“Lighten up. I'm tired and stretched thin is all.” Talia glanced away from his perceptive gaze.

“Look, I left Texas for a lot of reasons. Mostly to get away from a control freak drunken father who beat the stuffing out of me every chance he got.”

So that was it. Adults who were knocked around as kids seemed able to recognize each other. Rich or poor, black, white, or purple, it didn't matter. Talia had met enough kids from deep-pocket families to know hellish childhoods were equal opportunity. Or as Mama Rose would say, “The devil is always busy, child.” Still she couldn't share her Louisiana past with anyone, not even Bill and Jasmine.

“Every once in a while he still tries to mess with my head. Old bastard is pushing seventy years old and just as crazy-mean. I know all about trying to escape.” Bill sat back. “You've been jittery since this guy Guillory showed up.”

“Don't worry about me, I'm cool. I mean it, Bill.” Talia looked at him steadily.

Bill rubbed his jaw for a long minute, then nodded. “Okay. Remember you can call on me.”

Derrick appeared in the open door of her office as though conjured up by a voodoo spell. A chill spread up her spine at the look in his dark eyes. The lightweight gray suit seemed tailor-made to fit his large frame. He wore a white shirt that made a striking contrast to his creamy brown skin.

“Sorry to interrupt. I met your colleague Jasmine,
and she said I could come back.” Derrick nodded toward the front of the office suite.

Bill stood. “No problem. I'm on my way out. Bill Elliot.”

“Derrick Guillory. Nice to meet you,” Derrick said. The men shook hands.

“First time in D.C?” Bill wore an easy smile.

“No, I was here a couple of years ago on business.” Derrick's gaze flickered to Talia for only a second before he looked at Bill again.

She worked on keeping a bland expression. So he'd been in town before without calling her. Well, she had it coming. Not that she wanted to see him, right? A worrisome tickle of anger lodged in her chest all the same.

“Then welcome back.” Bill gave Talia a meaningful glance that said he sensed the undercurrent. “Good meeting you. Talia, I'll talk to you tomorrow.” He closed the door on his way out.

“Bye, Bill.” Talia lifted her chin and smiled at Derrick. “So what brings you this way?”

“Larry called your boss, and they agreed to meet. Since I hadn't seen your office, I came along.” Derrick scanned the layout as though he were conducting an investigation. “Nice.”

“Thanks. Sit down.” Talia suddenly felt exposed. Of course he was conducting an investigation, of her.