Black Lies White Lies (19 page)

“What do you mean yet?”

“I mean we know that she had nothing to do with Mr. Watson’s death, but we do know she was there. All we want to do is talk to her about that afternoon. This can be kept quiet if you cooperate, but if the Memphis police get hold of this it will be in all the newspapers. So you see, Mr. Long, we can do this our way, or we can go downtown. Tell us what you want us to do?”

I wanted to stay here with Anthony and the boys. I would do what I had to. “Mrs. Long, we know that you met with Mr. Watson at a restaurant downtown. We also know that you were being blackmailed by Mr. Watson. We have been following him for some time. We know a lot so if you want to talk to us without your husband it up to you.”

“No that’s ok, he knows everything.”

“Ok, Mrs. Long. Why did you rent a car in Jackson and then go to Watson’s home?”

“I didn’t want anyone to see my car there. It’s red and would have stood out. I wanted to settle things with Stevie once and for all.”

“And how do you mean that? Were you going to harm to him in some way?”

“No, I was just going to talk. He was going to make me have sex with him.” Anthony looked more and more upset the longer we talked.

“Mrs. Long, did you see or hear anybody that you may have recognized?”

“I was hiding under the bed, but I did recognize one of the voices as Stevie’s main guy, Black.” The two officers looked at each other like they already knew.

“What did the other voices sound like?”

“They were Hispanic. They threatened Black. I guess they had found what they were searching for and he wanted to go. Do you have any idea what they were searching for?”

“They were searching for drugs, which was what Stevie was into. Mrs. Long, Watson was more than your regular neighborhood drug dealer. He was a King Pin. We’ve been tracking him and his gang for over two years. The guy you’re calling Black is James Leroy. Both guys are out of New Orleans. So you see, Mrs. Long, these guys are extremely dangerous.

“We’re just trying to make sure you and your family are safe and that you all stay that way. We need you to identify any one of these guys and need to know what you heard or saw. We will be in touch. We are leaving one of our officers in the neighborhood for a while. This is just for your family’s safety.”

“I didn’t know what kind of man Stevie truly was.”

“I understand, Mrs. Long, but now you know. Mr. Long, since you’re a public figure we will provide extra security for you and your PR firm will be informed.” Anthony was beside himself with worry.

“Sabrina, maybe we need to get out of town for a while. Just go on an early vacation.”

“That sounds like a plan, maybe the Bahamas or Fiji.” The next day we packed up, Anthony called the necessary people, and we left for Fiji.

Chapter 16

With all the problems Sabrina and Anthony were having, they took a much needed vacation. I wished Bryan and I could take a vacation, but he was always busy at the church. Instead, I’d finally gotten the hair cut I’d been wanting and it looked stylish. Bryan didn’t like it much, but this was something I had done for me.

Sabrina had been dating this guy behind Anthony’s back and now it had blown up in her face. I loved my sister, but she was always drama. My life seemed so mundane and boring. I needed something other than my husband and kids to fill my life with.

I had earned a master’s degree in business that I’d never put to use. It had always been my dream to open a boutique or start my own clothing line. Maybe I would talk to Bryan about it tonight after dinner. I would have to make sure he would be here. He’d promised he would be home more, but I knew he was a pastor first. I got the kids up and off to school.

I called a friend of mine that was in the clothing business. He designed his own clothing line and worked with some famous designers. Paxton Jacobs lived fashion. If anyone could get me the hook up, he was the one. His assistant answered the phone, “Jacobs’ Design Firm.”

“Can I speak with Paxton? This is Sandra Davis, an old friend.”

“Hey, Sandra, long time. This is quite a surprise. How can I help you?”

“Paxton, I’m thinking of starting my own business and possibly starting a clothing line, and I knew you were the go to guy.”

“Sandra, I’ve told you for years you need to start your own line. Tell me baby, what’s with the change of heart? Are you still married to Bryan? Are you sure he’s on board with you wanting to live your life?”

“I haven’t told him yet.”

“I tell you what, call me when you have. I know you’re married to a preacher, but you have to be you or you will die inside. Sandra, call me when you’re actually serious.”

“Paxton, I’ve never been more serious in my life.”

“Tell you what. I’m going to Atlanta to do a show. Call me on Monday and we’ll have lunch. Call me with the place. Talk to you then.”

“Bye.” I sat and thought. Didn’t I want more for me? All I wanted was to live out my dreams. How terrible was that?

Bryan got home in time for dinner. Tonight we were going to have this conversation. The kids were down for the night and Bryan was reading the paper. I didn’t know why I was feeling so nervous. It wasn’t as if I’d had an affair. “Bryan, I need to talk to you about something important.”

“Alright. I’m listening. What is it?”

“Bryan, you know I’ve wanted to start my own clothing line for some time. I‘ve talked to Paxton and he’s willing to help me out.”

“Are we talking about this or have you made up your mind already?”

“Bryan. I have to make an appointment just to talk to you.”

“That’s not fair, Sandra. You know I’m here as much as I can be. What about the kids? When will you have time for them?”

“I can do both, the kids are in school most of the day. I have all this free time with nothing to do but shop. I have all the material things I need.”

“Sandra, I’m all for this if it doesn’t interfere with the family dynamics. You know what, Sandra? My mother never worked outside the home.”

Here we go. Bryan comparing me to his mother. “Bryan, I’m not your mother and you should never compare us.”

“That’s not what I meant. She was just happy taking care of the family.”

“Was she truly happy or was that what she wanted people to see? Bryan, let’s not argue about your parents.”

“I’m not. I just believe your place is in the home.”

“That’s so old fashioned. You set woman back twenty years.”

“I have an idea, why don’t you start your own ministry?”

“You know that’s not for me, Bryan. I just want to do what makes me happy.”

“I used to make you happy, Sandra. Has that changed?”

“No, but is it wrong for me to want a life?”

“I see that this is a losing battle. I’ll agree as long as I can see my wife on a daily basis.”

“I’m glad we came to an agreement. I love you, Bryan, and nothing will take me away from my family.”

~~~

I met with Paxton for lunch. He was fashion at its finest wearing a blue Gucci suit that fit like a glove. “Hey, Sandra,” he always gave the kiss without actually kissing, “you look terrific. Love your Mark Jacobs. You still know how to dress. Is that a Hermes Birkin bag? I know that set you back a few thousand, but you must look the part.”

“Bryan has worked extremely hard for what we have. Now I want to make my own.”

“I know you can do it, Sandra. You have a fabulous sense of style. I’ll put you in touch with a brilliant designer who can help you put your work together. Fall fashion week is in two months and I want you to be ready.”

“Do you think I can show my work in two months?”

“Sandra, if you put your all into this, I’m sure you will be ready. I’m going to New York tomorrow to meet with an up and coming designer named Lucy Alverez. Don’t worry, Darling, you will be a household name soon enough.” Paxton had me all excited about doing my designs. I wanted to get to work as soon as possible.

I pulled out my design table and started sketching as soon as I got home. I was so glad to be doing something I loved.

When the kids got home I made sure they got their homework done, gave them their dinner and put them to bed. It was 8:30 and Bryan still hadn’t gotten home.

I looked over the sketches I had so far. Things were working out. I had some hip new looks I wanted to show the Paxton’s designer.

Bryan finally got home about 10.30. “Hey, Bryan, how were things at the church?”

“Things were ok. How did your meeting go with Paxton?”

“I think it went well. Paxton thinks I can show my line at New York’s fall fashion week.”

“I see you’re excited. I’m excited for you.”

“That’s sweet of you to say.” I kissed him on the lips.

“I hope that’s not all I’m going to get tonight.”

“Oh no, there is more where that came from. You just meet me upstairs, and you will get all you can stand.” He was in a good mood and I was going to take advantage. We made passionate love for hours, dozing and waking up for round two.

The next day we couldn’t stop smiling. Bryan couldn’t keep his hands off me. It was a terrific feeling to have my handsome husband paying some attention to me. “I think I will take the day off and spend time with the kids.”

I almost went into shock. He hadn’t stayed home in… I couldn’t tell you when. “The kids will love that, Bryan.” I sat in his lap and kissed him.

“If you keep that up, I won’t see much of the kids.” I just laughed.

“Think you can handle it?”

“Why don’t we just see,” and he carried me up stairs where we made love again. What had come over Bryan? If I’d known getting my career off the ground would light a fire in my marriage, I would have done it a long time ago.

The kids were off school today so Bryan took the kids to play putt-putt golf. They were gone the rest of the day. I was anxious to work on my designs and got a lot of work done that day. For the first time in a long time, I felt happy.

Sabrina had called earlier. She must have gotten back from Fiji. I couldn’t wait to tell her my
exciting
news. “Hey, Sabrina, how was your vacation?”

“It was good. Anthony got a real chance to relax and the kids had a fantastic time. I tried to call you earlier, but you didn’t answer. What’s up?”

“I’ve been working on opening a boutique and I’m starting my own clothing line.”

“I’m so proud of you, Sandra. I’m so glad you are doing something for you. What does Bryan think about all this?”

“He seems to be happy for me. It’s made a tremendous difference in our marriage already.”

“You’re kidding me. When did you decide to do all this?”

“I was just tired of living for everybody else and never having time for myself.”

“I hear you, Sandra. It’s about time. While Anthony and I were in Fiji, we decided to try and get all the family together for a barbecue. Daddy, Aunt Sally and Uncle Tee. We haven’t seen Daddy in a while. I want him to get to know his grandchildren. He’s all we have left.”

“I know. I didn’t even see him at Momma’s funeral. Have you talked to Aunt Sally since you got back?”

“Just for a minute, and that’s sad. That woman practically raised us. I’m going to call her after we get off this phone.”

“Yeah I know, Brea. She was always there when Momma wasn’t. I’ll call her later then. When is the barbecue?”

“Next Saturday. You know you’re invited.”

“And why wouldn’t I come?”

“Sandra, we have had a strained relationship for years but I want that to change.”

“I know what you mean. Life is too short.”

“Have you talked to Candice?”

“Not since Anthony was in the hospital. I think I was kind of short with her on the phone.”

“You need to fix that, Sandra. Candice has always felt like an outsider.”

“You’re blaming me?”

“I’m not blaming anyone but you know it’s true. I’m going to call her too, and make peace with this whole family feud we’ve carried on for years. She lives to far away to come to the barbecue, but I’m going to ask. Maybe we can Skype and all talk at once.”

“That sounds like a plan. I’m going to get off here and call Aunt Sally.”

“Ok, tell her I will be calling too. I’ll try calling Daddy. I love you, Sandra, talk to you later.”

“Love you too, Sabrina. Bye.”

~~~

“Hey, Daddy, this is Sandra.”

“Hey, Girl. What’s up? I haven’t heard from you in forever. How are Bryan and the kids?”

“Everybody’s ok. I thought I would call and check on you.”

“Well your old man is making it, you know me. Have you talked to Aunt Sally?”

“Yeah, talked to her last week. Alright tell me the real reason you called.”

“Daddy, I just wanted to hear your voice. Do I have to have a reason to call my daddy?”

“No, but you and your sister don’t call and that hurts. I honestly don’t want to get into it right now, but you know how I feel.”