Melody (THE LOGAN FAMILY) (13 page)

He chuckled. “You can open them now.” She clung onto him for leverage. She heard loud, rhythmic breathing. She stood on some sort of wobbly platform. She opened her eyes. She tumbled back. She grabbed onto Lucas. “Whoa, you okay?” He laughed.

“Ahhh!” She laughed. “I can’t believe this!” They stood in a fancy white horse carriage. A beautiful mare turned around to check out the excited couple. “Oh my God, Lucas.” Melody held her chest. “Oh…this is beautiful.” They settled into the seat. The carriage driver tilted his hat to her. “Jesus. I can’t believe…you did all of this for me?”

He shrugged. “Well, I wanted our first date to be something you’d remember. I couldn’t think of anything more romantic than a carriage ride in the park, could you?”

“Oh no.” She kissed him. “No.” She leaned against his chest. Lucas gestured for the driver to go down the path. “I can’t believe you’d do all of this for me.” The beautiful horse neighed.

“I wish you could see how important you really are, Melody. You’ve always been a big part of my life. You were like my best friend.” He looked ahead. “I know Aileen and Craig were always there with us back then…” He took her hand. “But sometimes it felt like you were the only one I saw.” She smiled. “Maybe I’ve been in love with you all this time, Melody. I never stopped thinking about you. I can’t believe I stayed away.”

“Lucas, this…this is just incredible. Tonight has been amazing. I can’t even take all of this in!” She turned all around. “I, this is just too much. Lucas, I…oh, I don’t know what to say.”

He pulled her close. “I figure if you’ve got the money, you might as well use it in the best ways. And you don’t have to thank me, Melody. This wasn’t a favor, okay? I wanted to do this. You deserve all of this and more. Don’t let anyone make you feel that you don’t. I wish I could make you see how wonderful you are.”

He wrapped his arms around her to shield her from the night’s chill. People gawked at the attractive young couple in the carriage. Melody felt like royalty. She usually didn’t like to show off, but tonight she thought she deserved to. She imagined how jealous Aileen and Sarah would be to hear of this night. She grinned. Why couldn’t she have something special for once? If Lucas felt she deserved it, didn’t that mean something?

Melody turned from Lucas’s intense gaze. “You’re staring.” She grinned.

“I always stare at you.”

“Not like that. Something on your mind?”

“You never told me how you felt about me. Better yet, how did you feel when I said that I’ve been in love with you all this time?”

She wiggled in the seat. “Strange, I gotta admit. I mean, we haven’t seen each other in a while. It’s going to take some time for me to know exactly what I feel for you, Lucas. I hope you understand.”

“But, you do want to explore this, too, right? I know you said you aren’t good in relationships, but can we just do this? I mean, can we give it a try on your terms?”

“It shouldn’t just be on one person’s terms, Lucas. A relationship is a partnership. It takes two to commit. I do want to take it slow, but I don’t want you to hide your feelings because of me. I’m very comfortable about how you feel.”

He smirked. “Really? Because you got this strange habit of running away from things that could ultimately make you happy.”

“Really?” She tilted her head in the air. “Very presumptuous of you since you haven’t seen me since high school.”

“Did I offend you again?” He sighed.

“You damn right, you did!” The driver looked around. Lucas grinned. “And it’s not funny. Don’t just assume how I’m gonna act, Lucas. I may surprise you.” She smirked.

“Oh really?” He held her closer. “What kind of surprise do you have in mind?”

She gently pushed him away. “Uh, the night is romantic but not
that
romantic.”

He laughed. “Don’t think just ’cause you swept me off my feet you’re gonna get laid.”

“I wasn’t thinking that.” He grinned. “Anyway, I wouldn’t want to have sex with you unless it was official, you know?” He touched his lap. “I mean, we’d have to do the girlfriend and boyfriend thing first.”

“So what are you saying? You want us to become an official couple?” The horse neighed.

“I guess, if you want us to.” He shrugged. “Do you?”

“I guess, if you want it.” She pouted.

“Fine.” He grinned. “Then we’re going together officially. We won’t date other people.”

“Uh-oh, commitment, huh?” She bit her lip.

“Yeah. Can you handle that, Melody?”

She pulled him close. “I’d at least like to try.” They kissed.

“Well, that’s what I’m talking about.” Lucas wiped lipstick from her mouth.

“You’re not as smooth as you think.” She tugged his shirt. “I know you did all of this to seduce me.” She lay against him.

“Well…” He felt his hair. “I didn’t do it to get you into bed, Mel. I did it because doing good things for you makes me feel good. I’ve never wanted to be like this with anyone else before. I wanted to impress you like no one ever has.”

“Thought you said that you didn’t want me to think of you in terms of your money, Lucas. But then it’s okay for you to use it to seduce me?”

His head rocked with the movement of the carriage. “Anyone ever tell you you’re a pain in the ass?” She laughed. “No, I mean a man can’t even try to be romantic around you, huh? You’re suspicious about even that.” He chuckled.

“It’s just that men don’t usually do things like this for nothing.”

He sighed. “Okay, maybe I was hoping to get some loving out of this.” She laughed. “But I’d rather wait. Being with you is not anything to rush or take lightly. I want it to be special when it’s time.”

“And who says we’re gonna get to that point?” She grinned. “A little cocky, aren’t we, Luke?”

“If I didn’t know you wanted me, too, I’d be offended, Mel.” He laughed.

“You aren’t getting these panties tonight, no matter how many horses and carriages you buy.” He laughed. “Nice try with the seduction thing, though.”

“Is it working?” He raised an eyebrow.

She looked at the glorious bright moon. “When it works, you won’t have to ask.”

“
O
h, I cannot believe this!” Melody stomped through the upstairs hallway. She’d had a perfect time with Lucas only to come home to Sarah’s unreasonable temper. Apparently, Keith had told Sarah his own version of his and Melody’s last meeting. Melody ripped her bedroom door open. Sarah stayed heavy on her heels. Melody grabbed her long T-shirt from the drawer.

Sarah slammed the door behind her. “Why are you closing the door when we’re the only ones here, anyway?” Melody snapped.

Sarah opened it again. “Don’t change the subject. I want to know why you’ve been asking questions about Keith! And before you deny it…don’t!”

“I told you when you jumped down my throat, when I first walked in here that I need to know more things about him.”

Sarah scoffed. “You act like Keith’s
your
boyfriend, Mel.”

“Oh, please.” She walled her eyes.

“No, really.” Sarah leaned against the dresser. “You’re not working at Caper to keep tabs on my boyfriend!”

“Well, seems to me that someone needs to. He’s not this ‘knight in shining armor’ guy you think he is, Sarah. You honestly think someone could be that perfect? I see the signs every time I look at him. I don’t understand why you’re letting him treat you like a fool! He’s playing you, Sarah. He’s hiding something. Something, something’s not right with him.”

“You’re way out of line, Melody. I’m not gonna take this anymore.”

Melody threw her bra on the dresser. “And why are you treating me like
I’m
in the wrong? Didn’t he tell you what happened in my office today? Yet you stand here yelling at
me
?”

“Why wouldn’t I be when you damn near scared the shit out of him?”

Melody gaped. “Excuse me?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean. You not only decided to spy on Keith, but had the nerve to threaten him when he confronted you about it!”

“I didn’t threaten him!”

“Oh, Mel, save it, please.” Sarah waved her hand. “He told me all about it. You don’t have to lie. I know you did it. I know you hate Keith enough to pull some trick, but it won’t work this time, baby girl. I’m not letting you run Keith away like you ran all my other men away.”

“Sarah, he’s lying! I didn’t threaten him.” Melody sighed. “You don’t understand what he’s doing, Sarah. He’s manipulating both of us. The only problem is that he has no trouble getting you to believe what he wants you to believe.” Sarah turned away. “Sarah, Keith threatens me every time we’re alone.”

Sarah looked at her. “What are you talking about?”

“He does things every time your back is turned. I didn’t want to mention it because I knew you wouldn’t believe me. I don’t see why not, since I’m your sister, and he’s some guy you just met! Anyway, I won’t go into all the details, but Keith assaulted me in my office this morning.”

“What?” Sarah sneered.

“I’m dead serious, Sarah. He closed the door, shoved me in my seat and he…he ripped open my clothes.”

“What?” Sarah gaped.

“I couldn’t believe it, either. He was trying to intimidate me. Sarah he practically told me he’d do something to me if I didn’t stay out of his business. Does that seem normal to you?”

“Wait, you mean to say all of this shit happened, yet you didn’t tell me?”

“Sarah, I couldn’t.” Melody sighed. “Sarah, look, I knew you’d say I was just starting trouble. I was hoping that you’d see what Keith was doing fast enough that I wouldn’t have to keep going on like this! Sarah, he’s sick, okay? I know something is wrong with him.”

Sarah looked at her fancy fake nails. “So, he, uh, ripped your clothes and threatened you? That’s quite different from what he said.”

“I don’t care what he said. Anyway, I’m your sister. Who are you gonna believe?”

“Well, you know, Melody, it would be easier for me to believe you if you didn’t pull this stunt every time I have a new boyfriend, you know?”

“This isn’t like the other times! Besides, I was telling the truth then, too! All of your guys have been jerks, Sarah! You couldn’t pick a decent guy to save your life! You take the first well-dressed, charming dog that slumps up to you! You don’t think twice!”

“Well, at least they slump up to me,” Sarah scoffed. “Which is a lot more than I can say for you, Mel.”

She rolled her eyes. “We’re past this childish shit, Sarah.”

“No, obviously we aren’t! I’ve had it up to here with this shit, Melody! You do this every goddamn time, and I’m sick of it!”

“I just told you that Keith Taylor assaulted me, and you’re yelling at me?”

“He didn’t assault you! I don’t believe a word you said!”

“He’s done that and more, Sarah.” Melody stood against the dresser. “See, I didn’t want to tell you any of this because I love you. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I guess I’ll have to come clean.” Sarah crossed her arms. “Today wasn’t the only time your boyfriend has put his hands on me.”

“Get to the point.”

“Okay, if you want it this way.” Melody sighed. “You won’t want anything to do with Keith Taylor after this. Sarah, the other day, you remember how flustered I was when you came home? Remember, when Keith was waiting for you?”

“Of course I remember.” She exhaled.

“You kept asking me to say what was wrong, but I just couldn’t get it out. You said I was more frightened than you ever saw me. Well, that was because of Keith.” Sarah’s arms dropped. “When I got home, he followed me to my bedroom. When I got undressed, I realized he’d been watching the entire time. I told him to leave and he wouldn’t.”

“What?” Sarah whispered.

“That’s why I was so shaken up that entire night. That’s why I didn’t want to be two feet near Keith Taylor. And it didn’t stop there. He also grabbed me in the kitchen and wouldn’t let me go. And that’s not all. He’s also kissed me, Sarah.” Melody looked at the carpet. “I’m sorry.” Sarah chuckled. “What in the hell are you laughing at, Sarah?”

“You’re pathetic, Melody. So this is the next stage, huh? You can’t get me to believe your version of Keith, so you end up lying? How could you do this?”

“Oh no, wait, wait, wait, wait.” Melody shook. “I’m not lying, Sarah. You know me. I don’t lie! Well, I mean, at least not about anything serious. Sarah, I wouldn’t make any of this up! I can’t believe you’d even think that way.”

“Melody, am I supposed to believe that Keith’s been doing all this shit and you didn’t tell me? Look at the sense that would make!”

“Sarah, I didn’t tell you because I know you care about him! I wanted him gone, but I didn’t want to hurt you in the process!”

“You never gave a shit about telling me about my other boyfriends’ so-called problems. Why wouldn’t you tell me about Keith? Especially when you hate him? Wouldn’t it have been easier for you to tell me this stuff first off…if it had actually happened?” Sarah squinted.

“It did happen! Sarah, look at me. I’m your sister! You, you said that I’ve been acting weird lately, right? All of that is because of Keith! Sarah, he can’t keep his hands off me.” Sarah laughed. “So what, is it hard to believe a man would want me that much?”

“No, it’s not. But what you say about Keith is impossible to believe, and I don’t!” Melody gaped. “Why would you even take a job with Keith if he’d done all these things to you? Melody, I cannot believe you’re standing in here lying!”

Melody grabbed her. “Look at me! Would I have been so frightened if I made all of this shit up?”

Sarah broke free. “All I know is that Keith’s scenario seems to be the logical one. Melody, how can I believe you now? Why would you put up with this stuff from Keith if it truly happened? Unless…”

Melody squinted. “Unless what?”

“Unless, all of this happened and you enjoyed it.”

“Get out of my room.”

“I’d believe that before I believed that you didn’t.”

“You know what, fuck you, Sarah, okay? If you don’t want to believe me, then it’s okay. You’ll see what he is soon enough. I’m telling you the truth and your stubborn ass will have to live with that one day.”

“Melody, the bottom line is that I’m not taking this shit from you anymore. You’re not running Keith away like you ran away all the others. He’s special, I love him.”

Melody got in bed. “More than you love me?”

Sarah shook her head. “I don’t know why you have this attitude like everyone’s against you, Mel. That’s just not the case. Look, everything in my life doesn’t revolve around you. Keith is not gonna take your place, okay?”

“It’s not even about that, Sarah! Something is wrong with him. He’s dangerous.”

“Oh.” Sarah laughed. “So he’s dangerous now. He’s gone from being an asshole to now being dangerous?”

“Do I look like I’m laughing? He scares me more than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m not misreading a damn thing, Sarah. What I feel about Keith is real. It’s all there, and you’re gonna see it one day.” Melody sighed. “Maybe we both will. I just hope it’s before it’s too late.”

“Here’s the deal, okay? Stay out of my relationship with Keith. I love you, Melody, but I’m not going through this shit again with you. My love life is my business. You want me to respect your privacy and you living your own life, then do the same for me.” She went to the door. “And just to clear all confusion, why don’t you stay away from Keith from now on?”

“I was trying to do that, but it’s not gonna be easy seeing how you gave the prick a key!” Melody slapped her pillow. “And without even telling me.”

“Melody, honestly, I can’t believe a word you said about Keith. It makes no sense. I love him. He is a part of my life now and you won’t change that.”

“Good night, Sarah.” Melody walled her eyes.

“Melody, get yourself together, okay? There’s nothing wrong with Keith. It’s all in your head.”

“I’m trying to help
you
, Sarah. I’ve always been on your side.”

“Really? How come right now it doesn’t feel like you are?” She left the room.

“After all the time we’ve worked together, you hand me this flimsy excuse, Kemp?” Captain Jersey reached for the coffeemaker behind her desk the next morning. She poured a steaming cup of coffee. Steven ran his hands over his rugged face. He’d never been late one day since being on the force. Too bad he’d chosen the wrong day to oversleep.

“Captain, I don’t know what to say.” He shrugged. “My alarm didn’t go off. You know me, I’m never late!”

“Too bad for you, it’s the wrong damn day.” She shuffled through papers. “There was another rape last night. Morris is questioning the victim now. That’s why I was calling your ass all morning.”

“I didn’t hear the phone!” He waved his hands. “Come on, Captain.” He sat down. “This case is taking a toll on me. I couldn’t
steal
sleep these days.”

“You should be used to it. Besides, sleeping should be the least of your worries. Look at me. Do I look like I sleep? Shit, Kemp, I never sleep. I spend my time riding cops’ asses while trying to stop the commissioner from riding
mine
.” She pointed to the wrinkles under her eyes. Steven couldn’t tell if they were from lack of sleep or age, but he’d humor his superior.

“So there was another rape, huh?” He sighed. “Well, since this is my case, too, you mind filling me in on the details?”

She clasped her hands on the desk. “The victim is Cheyenne Wilson. She’s twenty-three, black and she dances at the Flamingo bar on Southmore.”

“A stripper?” Steven scratched his head.

Jersey shrugged. “We won’t know more until Morris comes back from talking to her. She should be back soon. She’s been at the hospital about an hour. Cheyenne is supposed to be released to go home later this afternoon.”

“Is it really our guy?”

“Looks like it.” Jersey sipped coffee. “She was raped at home and beaten in the face with a flashlight.”

Steven sighed. “Oh man.”

“The cop who took the report said she was so battered he couldn’t make out the left side of her face. Said he was surprised the blows didn’t kill her. I suppose the blow didn’t cause any major trauma, or else they wouldn’t be releasing her today. As for the rape, I’m sure that’s not anything pretty to hear about either but…” The door opened. Brianna walked in. Jersey sat erect. “Morris. What’s the deal with Miss Wilson?”

Brianna looked at Steven. “Well, uh, it was definitely the Albany Predator. Uh, she described his face, then when I showed her the sketch she hadn’t any doubt. She said it was definitely the man who raped her.”

“She’s a stripper?” Jersey asked.

Brianna shrugged. “She says she’s just a regular dancer, and doing it to pay the bills.”

Steven scoffed. “I don’t know nobody who just dances at a titty bar without taking something off.”

“Stripper or not, she doesn’t deserve to be raped.” Jersey tapped her pencil.

“Of course not, Captain. I didn’t mean nothing by that. I’m just saying that my experience with titty bars, these women usually take it all off for quick cash. Some even do more than that. Anyway what happened, Bree?” Steven crossed his arms.

“Well, apparently he offered her a ride last night after she finished dancing. She said he was sitting on a bench. She said now that she remembers it, she thinks she saw him in the bar, too.”