Someone Bad and Something Blue (8 page)

 

“I
can't believe I'm saying this, but you've improved in the kitchen,” Whitney said between licking her fingers and sopping up honey and the last bits of butter-me-not biscuits on her plate. “You did that, big sis.”

Bella giggled.

I smiled at her until I noticed she was missing not just one but her two front teeth.

I gasped. “When did you lose your teeth?”

“At the soiree PJ,” Bella said, then hopped up from the table and ran out. She ran back in and slapped a sequined coin purse on the table. “The tooth fairy left me lots of money and a sparkly purse under my pillow. It's to carry my tooth money in.”

“It's very pretty, but it's almost time to go. Get your coat,” I said with a smile. Deep down, I was pissed off. Why was I just now hearing about this?

“Oh yeah. I forgot to tell you. . . .” Whitney wiped her mouth with her napkin, then whispered, “Her baby teeth are stored in a keepsake box Mom bought. It's in my bedroom.”

I rolled my eyes at Whitney. “Are you kidding me?”

“What did I do?” Whitney frowned. “It's not my fault that you didn't notice Bella's snaggle teeth after we came home Sunday.”

“You're right. I've been missing a lot of things lately.”

“It's a good thing you're on vacation. Now you can catch up on what you've missed.”

“True.” I checked my watch and thought about my visit to Sean's office tomorrow night. I needed something special to wear and a babysitter. “Whitney, I need a favor.”

Bella bopped into the room. “I'm ready, Mommy.”

“You sure are. . . .” I followed her toward the garage door and opened it.

“Before you leave, what's the favor?” Whitney asked.

After Bella walked past me into the garage, I said, “I need you to keep Bella for me tomorrow night. I won't leave until after Bella's asleep.”

She grinned. “Are you and Justus going out again so soon?”

I shook my head. Until then, I hadn't thought to ask him to come, but since he wanted to be a part of my world, this would be a good chance for him to see. “Only if he says yes.”

 

 

My first official vacation activity was to spend the day with Bella. Mrs. Dowdy, her kindergarten teacher, had invited me to come and I was looking forward to it, especially to lunch. The food service staff made a mean tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. After Elaine had left my house yesterday, Big Tiger's layoff had begun to unsettle me again, so I needed the soup's yummy goodness to keep my mind off of what I couldn't control.

Sure, I could spend this free time pitching my services to Tiger's competition. They would take me easy, but it wouldn't be right since he was paying me for the time off. Truthfully, I didn't want more work and I didn't think Tiger meant me any harm. Yet I didn't want that sinking, who-do-I-trust-now feeling you get after betrayal reveals itself either. And I hated secrets that held my life at bay. This whole situation reminded me of what had gone down between Ava, Devon, the
Atlanta Sentinel,
and me all over again, except this time I had Bella, Whitney, Ava, Mama, and Justus holding me up. Justus had agreed to come with me tonight.

I smiled about my new blessings when I stood in front of Mrs. Bitter inside the school's front office. I was ready for her mean self today.

“Good Morning, Ms. Crawford. Here's your Volunteer badge.”

She handed the name tag to me. It was a standard Hello sticker. I thanked her for it and put it on.

She leaned over her desk. “May I ask you a question?”

I nodded.

“Out of all the good women in Sugar Hill, why did Pastor Justus choose you?”

I stepped back. If Mrs. Dowdy's class wasn't expecting me, I would have run out of there. However, I just smiled at her and silently asked God to keep me from going to my car and getting a weapon that would change the contour of her witchy grin. Like I said, I was ready for her.

At the end of the day I was glad that I hadn't let Mrs. Bitter steal my thunder. It was a great day and the tomato soup was divine. But as I sat in the car-pool lane, waiting for Bella to be released (she didn't want to walk out with me, but with her classmates), her words hit me again. Was I bad for Justus? Should I let him tag along with me tonight?

Someone tapped on my window. I unlocked the door for Mrs. Dowdy to help Bella climb inside. No one opened the door. Just more tapping. I turned to see what was going on. It was Dale Baker, my new best friend. I sighed and lowered the window.

“Ms. Crawford, I'm so glad I caught you before it was too late.”

“What's wrong with Bella?” I unstrapped my seat belt.

“Nothing. She's fine. No need to get out of your car,” he said.

I looked around the school parking lot and shrugged at Dale. “So what's the problem?”

“There's no problem. Usually you're at the end of the car-pool lane, but today you're early and I wanted to catch you before the kids were released. I need a favor from you.”

I squinted and tilted my head. What trouble had Dale gotten into? “What kind of favor?”

“As of an hour ago, we're short a chaperone for the field trip to the state capitol next Monday.” There was a hint of panic in his voice. “Mrs. Dowdy said you were on vacation, so I hope you can help us out.”

I shook my head. “It's true, but I'm supposed to start a class on Monday—”

“Mommy, please. Could you?” Bella squealed. I couldn't see her because she was shorter than my truck, but that voice could not be duplicated.

“Dale, let me check with my class and see if I can miss one day. I can't guarantee anything just yet, so you may need another pinch hitter until I can confirm.”

“Perfect, if you can confirm. Thanks so much, Ms. Crawford.”

“Call me Angel, Dale,” I reminded him as he walked off with his daughter.

“Mom, I would be so happy if you took us to the capitol,” Bella said, as Mrs. Dowdy placed her in her booster seat.

“I know.” I smiled with a heavy sigh. How could I be in two places at one time?

 

 

In order to become a licensed private investigator in the great state of Georgia, I needed to take a one-hundred-hour certification class approved by the secretary of state's office. Georgia Gwinnett College, which was about fifteen minutes from my house and Bella's elementary school, had a fourteen-week class I could enroll in. Ava had agreed to pay for my training and I was beginning to look forward to it. There was a session on white-collar-crime investigation I was very interested in. Gabe had shared so many interesting stories with me I wondered if I could use them to my advantage as a PI/bail recovery agent. That title was too long. I would figure out something catchier later. The only major hangup I had was this school field trip hiccup.

“So you're saying you may not take this class because you have to chaperone Bella's class to the state capitol?” Ava asked and then her eyes narrowed. “Somehow I don't think you are giving me the full story.”

We were having a late picnic with the kids in Town Green Square in Duluth's historic Main Street district. As long as Bella and I had lived here, I hadn't taken the time to take her here. Ava brought Lil' D and Taylor to join in on the fun. This vacation afforded some surprising perks.

However, we weren't alone. It was unusually warm for March in Atlanta. The place was of course crowded with kids, stay-at-home parents, nannies, and day-care centers. Ava and I had to huddle together in order to talk without screaming across the blanket at each other.

“You know there's more to it than that,” Ava insisted. “You finally found a good excuse to drop out.”

“No, I don't want to drop out. I just need to miss the first day, but this is a state-certified course. There's no way I could miss any hours.”

Ava nodded. “We'll figure something out. I'm so proud of you.”

I sat back and smiled. “Where did that come from?”

“You're making lemonade out of what happened between you and Tiger. I think it's a good thing. You put too much of your faith in him anyway. I'm curious why Justus hasn't mentioned it.”

“He did when we were trying to keep you from going to jail.” I smirked.

“Touché.” She grinned. “But you know what I mean. Tiger had too much space in your life. Now you have more room for Justus, which is fine by me.”

I leaned forward. “Do you think it's strange that he likes me so much?”

Ava licked her vanilla ice cream sugar cone, then smiled at me. I wondered if my smile was just as brilliant. “Why does it matter? The man is gorgeous and single
and
so into you that I blush when he looks at you. Don't you see it?”

“What I see is unfathomable. Although I've been fawning after that man since he took over for Brother Allen, I had no clue he was interested in me, too.” I shook my head. “It doesn't make sense.”

“You don't believe in love at first sight?”

“I did. I don't anymore. Not happening again. I don't.” I thought of Gabe. The love we had was a one-of-a-kind thing.

“Are you thinking that allowing yourself to explore a relationship with Justus means you love Gabriel less?” Ava asked.

Then I remembered she was a renowned relationship expert. This time I actually believed it.

I blinked, then shook my head. “I'm afraid of losing a love like that again. Do you have a clue how I feel now?”

Her eyes widened as I referred to losing Devon. She bobbed her head. “I do, but I've been a widow for less than a year, and I had a conversation with Devon years ago before the kids were born. I was pregnant with Taylor at the time.”

I leaned back on the blanket and listened.

“We talked about protecting the family. Insurance, wills, that kind of stuff. And then we began talking about who we were as a couple and what would happen if one of us went to God before we wanted to go.” She chuckled and looked up toward the sky. “We always had this great belief we would die together holding each other in our medical beds after we had raised great grandchildren.”

My hand found hers and I sat quietly while she reminisced.

Then Ava continued. “We knew that this life wasn't perfect and if one of us left the other for heaven, then we believed that person would send the one who was left a companion to help us through our days.”

“Really?”

She nodded. “I don't know if I'll ever find a love like Devon's again. I don't know if I want to, but I'm not going to shut myself off to the possibility. Devon wouldn't have wanted that and I know Gabriel wouldn't have wanted that for you. And you have to consider how Bella dotes on Justus. They love each other.”

I hadn't considered my own child. Bella and Justus had had a special relationship since before he and I met. He was her vacation bible school teacher last year when he first arrived and taught her lines for the Christmas pageant. Maybe Justus had been waiting patiently for me to see him as not just our pastor but a man who would step in and be the father Bella needed.

Ava stood up from our picnic site and began putting away our picnic supplies.

I caught the leg of one of her pedal pusher pants. “What are you doing? The kids are still playing.”

She folded a throw in her basket and wouldn't look down at me. I didn't know what I had said that turned her cold.

“What's wrong, Ava?” I asked again.

“There's nothing wrong. I have a solution and we need to plan properly.” She kicked my feet, wanting me to get up off the picnic blanket.

I hopped up and felt confused. “Ava, you're scaring me. What plan?”

“Next Monday I'll be you.” She snapped the blanket in the air, to knock any grass off it.

“What?” I chuckled. “I know we're identical twins, but honey, we look nothing alike. I have a haircut now.”

“It will be your first day. Your instructor doesn't know what you look like. All that will happen is class housekeeping rules. He won't require me to shoot any gun or kick box. I hope.”

I laughed. “You and me both.”

 

S
ean's “office” was a cigar-smoke-hidden booth in the back of Flappers, a secret speakeasy bar that opened only Friday and Saturday nights. It was hidden in the basement of Bottoms Up Brewery and Pub in the Atlantic Station district. In order to get inside, patrons had to enter a phone booth and enter the secret password on the rotary phone inside the booth. However, in order to get the password, you had to either visit Bottoms Up and hope a staffer gave you the phone number and pass code, or have a frenemy like Sean in your back pocket.

There was much truth in keeping enemies closer. I just hoped my renewed dealings with Sean wouldn't bring more danger to my doorstep. Besides, I wasn't a fan of the history of prohibition in Georgia, especially Atlanta's sordid past. Many moonshiners had sold crappy white lightning to blacks who couldn't buy alcohol in the state. Like, for instance, in 1951 Fat Hardy sold bad whiskey to blacks in the Atlanta slums. Thirty-seven people died. One of them was my great uncle Charlie. He was fifteen years old. Fat was later nicknamed the Moonshine Murderer.

Flappers and other 1920-era secret bars had popped up about five years ago in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Fran, and the UK. It finally made its way to Georgia right on the cusp of their downturn. However, this was the South, the land of blackberry moonshine, mint julep corn whiskey, and fig rum. We had never stopped making bathtub gin and giving it to our friends, so this wasn't new or trendy.

But this place was more like a boomerang except now it was legit liquor and employed some of the best mixologists in The A. The retro bar was still exclusive, but now pseudo secretive, and the kind of place I never worried about bumping into violent criminal elements or my skips.

It was designed like an old-fashioned speakeasy and included a restricted entrance. Once inside it was a sophisticate's dream. Mahogany tables, hostesses dressed like flappers with pin curls and super-tight fringe dresses, men dressed like Cary Grant. The drinks weren't cheap and you couldn't dress like a dirty South thug or hillbilly to get in. It was a great spot to meet Atlanta's posh, Geek Chic, and a discerning ex-white-collar criminal like Gabe.

As Justus walked around his car to open the door for me before the valet got to it, I wondered whether he would have a problem taking me on a real date to a place like this. It was one thing to meet Sean about Riddick, but another to take Justus deeper into my world. Unlike Gabe, who'd reveled in the rich underbelly of Atlanta, I felt like I was shoveling dirt on Justus's toes, which wasn't my plan.

“Is something wrong, Angel?” Justus asked, because I still hadn't taken his hand to get out of the car. Actually, my jaw was still dropped from the moment he'd picked me up at my house.

Justus wore a forest green cashmere vest, a tailored pinstriped plum and gray button-down shirt with a Windsor collar and monogrammed cuffs. His pants were tailored and he wore black and white wing-tipped Correspondent shoes. I shook my head in delight. He could pass for a boulevardier. Or perhaps he had always been one. I was just too caught up in myself to realize it until now.

“I was itching for a Georgia Peach Martini, but looking at you has satisfied my thirst.” I smiled.

He took my hand and lifted me out of the car like I didn't have heavy thighs. I gasped.

“Woman, what did I tell you about giving a man who adores you a compliment?”

I shrugged. “That I would get a kiss.”

“Good try, but so wrong.” He grinned, then extended his arm for me to slide my arm around his elbow.

He escorted me to what looked like an abandoned men's clothes atelier next to a red British-styled phone booth. Justus released my arm from his hold. Before I could give him Sean's personal code, he walked toward the booth, stepped inside, but didn't call like Sean had instructed to me. Instead he tapped the key pad.

A gentleman dressed in a three-piece brown tweed suit opened the door of the atelier. “Madame and Mr. Morgan, welcome to Flappers.”

I waited until Justus slid my arm back under his, then looked up at him. “Should I even ask what you just did and how?”

“Let's just say that I'm more similar to you than you think.” He kissed my forehead. “Your hair smells great.”

I blushed. “It won't be after the cigar smoke inside adds its special scent.”

I touched my head and sighed. Halle had hooked me up this morning with a finger wave. According to her, the retro 1920s style was in and so was this look. It also flattered my vintage navy blue velvet Cabaret cocktail dress. Whitney had bought this for me for Christmas. I had been longing to wear this dress out on the town for a while, but didn't imagine in my wildest dreams I would be wearing it while sharing this night with the pastor I had had a crush on for the past year.

Justus stopped short of the host at the entrance, leaned down, and whispered, “Should I take you home?”

I fumbled with my pearl earrings. “I just didn't think I was going to have such a good time before we stepped foot inside.”

He touched my ear and gently secured the jewelry to my ears. His skin was hot, but didn't singe me. It ignited a spark in me, to be alone with him as soon as possible. And the cologne he wore became a catalyst that made every touch from his hand, every word from his lips, and every change on his face pull me in deeper and deeper. I felt myself slipping and falling in love too fast to make good sense, but felt so right despite it all.

“Am I full of surprises?” he asked.

My hand held his jaw, while my legs and stiletto sling backs lifted me toward his lips. When we kissed, when he pulled me into his body, when he moaned my name, I knew that he was telling the truth about his feelings for me and this time I no longer wanted him to take any of his feelings for me back.

The doorman cleared his throat. Justus ended our kiss and looked up. I caught my breath.

“Mhmm . . .” Justus shook his head and sighed. “Let me get you inside before I forget myself and you forget why we're here.”

I couldn't respond or remember, because I was still lingering over that kiss.

“We're here to meet Sean Graham.”

“Correct, Sir Sidekick.” I nodded and caught his arm again.

When we stepped inside, more than the rich cigar aroma took our breath away. I had forgotten the ambience, the glam and trappings that had drawn me into getting too involved with Gabe.

“How do you know about this place?” I whispered to Justus.

“If Christ could meet prostitutes where they hung, why can't I chill where modern cyber pimps strategize.”

I stopped and frowned. “What are you talking about?”

“Cyber prostitution. It's a crisis in Sugar Hill and all of Atlanta, really. I'm surprised you don't know about this.”

“Had no idea. Most of our skips' offenses are bad, but not soulless.” I paused as Rosary's face came to mind. “When did you have time to get involved in this?”

“While you slept. I'll fill you in on the details later, because your friend is standing behind you.” He nodded for me to turn around.

Sean stood dressed to the nines. He wore a beautiful burgundy silk tie to complement his gray Prince of Wales double-breasted flannel suit. I knew men's fashion well, because Gabe was an aficionado. Before he died, he was about to launch an Asian American/African American men's clothing atelier in Johns Creek called Bl.
si Atelier with his college roommate Khali Knight. That dream also disappeared with our future. Khali left town a few months after Gabe's funeral.

“Sean, thanks for meeting me.” I squeezed Justus's hand. “This is my escort, Reverend Doctor Justus Morgan.”

“Actually, I'm her man.” Justus chuckled.

They exchanged handshakes while I studied Flappers further. It was like I remembered it. Inside, it looked like a high-end cigar club, craft cocktail lounge with a 1920s vintage private club barback vibe. Polished mahogany wood panels, tables, chairs, and the bar; great lighting; and very much a throwback nod to elegance. Gabe and I used to sit in a private section behind the bar. I wondered who now paid the extra bill to have the secrecy.

“We've met before,” Sean said.

“You did?” I asked them both.

“Yes, we have.” Justus rubbed his chin. “At a fund-raiser for Street Grace, a nonprofit coalition of churches united to bring the abolition of child sex slavery and exploitation in Atlanta.”

I turned to Sean. “I can't believe you're involved in something that does not help you in any way.”

“We all grow up sometimes, Angel Crawford.” He winked, then pointed me toward his standing booth. “Let's have a seat at my office.”

Justus ordered a bottled sparkling water for himself and a Georgia Peach Mocktini for me. After listening to Sean and Justus chat about the convergence of social media and charitable giving, I wanted the real deal. Somehow this meeting had become too provincial for both my and Flappers' taste. I rolled my eyes and sipped until the cocktail waiter returned.

“Is there a drink that will make me forget my troubles without getting me drunk?” I asked the waiter.

Justus placed his hand over my hand that rested on the table. “How about a hot chocolate heavy whip?”

The waiter nodded. “We have a great French blend that is decaffeinated for expectant mothers.”

I coughed. I looked down at my stomach and adjusted my dress. I wanted to make sure that the fringe wasn't giving off the illusion of a pouch.

“You look wonderful.” Justus patted my back. “Don't worry. He's a prophet. He's talking about our future.”

Sean chuckled. “I hope you don't mind me saying this, but you two are an adorable couple.”

“Thank you, sir,” Justus said.

“Sean, I've had my share of small talk.” I jumped in before they began their bromance chat again. “I need to know what's the deal with Riddick Avery. Why is he out for me?”

Sean looked at Justus, then at me. “He's just jealous of all the media attention you've been getting lately. Don't take it personal. He's not. He was acting like a total jerk, but this has gotten out of hand. I would be glad to help you guys kiss and make up.”

“Sean, I have a haircut because he paid someone to hit me on the head.”

He sighed. “Angel, if there was malicious intent¸ the young woman who was arrested would have had heavier charges. Quit being so stubborn and let's move on.”

I shook my head. “Tiger told me that he and Riddick have a business relationship, so I feel I was led there to get hurt. Are you a part of it? Is that why you're giving me the deer-caught-in-headlights treatment?”

Justus cleared his throat and wiggled his collar. I could tell he didn't like this conversation.

“Angel, why are you making me seem like a bad guy in front of Justus?”

“Because you are a bad guy, more like a wolf in sheep's clothing, literally. Get it. Flannel. Sheep's clothing?”

“Yes, that was a funny barb. I had forgotten you had such grit and wit.” He rubbed his vest and chuckled. “Angel, there is another reason why I asked you here.”

I folded my arms over my chest. “I knew it. I knew there was a catch.”

“Before you get all toasted, it's not what you think. I need you to find someone for me.” Sean's voice was no longer as light as before. It was a low and fast whisper. “Your home girl, Rosie DiChristina.”

“Rosary?” I looked at Justus, then back at Sean. “What's wrong?”

“The list is long when it comes to that girl.” Sean reached for his black attaché case, which sat beside him on the bench. He unlocked it with a secret code and pulled out a leather bound notebook, but he wouldn't let me see the contents of it.

I glanced at Justus. His eyes were on me. If I didn't know any better I'd have thought he was reading my mind.
What had Rosary really done and why did Sean think I could find her?

“How about you start with the bottom of the list then?” I smiled.

“I bailed her out of jail over the weekend and no one has seen her in two days.”

I shook my head and leaned farther back into my seat. “Don't worry. She's not gone anywhere. Probably getting her fix. You know her family still runs shine.”

He groaned and covered his eyes with his hand. “Please don't tell me that.”

Justus nudged me. “What does that mean, ‘her family still runs shine'?”

“Moonshine,” I said. “Her family brews moonshine and sells it.”