Caught Up (Indigo Vibe) (12 page)

She stared at the picture for what seemed an eternity, then she pushed away from the table. “This interview is over. The next time you want to speak to me, speak to my lawyer.” She headed for the door.

Alton blocked her exit. “If you turn evidence over on Ernesto, we can work a deal out for you. Put you into protective custody.”

She stepped around him and continued to the front door. “I don’t need your protective custody.”

“If you can’t explain these photos, then maybe I should ask Rosa about them.”

Now in the center of the living room, she turned on Alton, poking him in the chest with her finger. “Stay away from Rosa or I swear to God—”

Samson slid between them. “We’re searching for the truth, Harriet. You told David that Rosa was in danger by the man who set him up to go to prison.” She looked away. “We know it’s Ernesto. Help us protect Rosa.” He turned her to face him. “Help me protect Rosa.”

She studied his face a long while. He was sure she could hear the genuine concern in his voice, but would she act on it? Rosa had said David had shown her more love and caring in the short time she’d known him than Harriet had Rosa’s whole life.

“I can’t,” she cried. “Please leave.” She rushed to the front door and opened it. The agents gathered their brief cases and notebooks.

Harriet grabbed onto Samson’s sleeve as he walked out of the door. “David will protect Rosa. He always has.” She released him and closed the door.

Alton cursed all the way back to their rental car, tossed his briefcase in the back seat, and settled behind the steering wheel. “What the hell’s goin’ on?” He started the engine and slammed the door closed. “I knew we had her. What power does Rosa have over these people that they’d rather go to jail or die than tell the truth? You’d better be careful messin’ with her.”

“I don’t understand the Ernesto-Harriet dynamic. He still pays for everything of hers, yet she hates him. This doesn’t make sense.”

Alton checked the rearview mirror as he backed out of the parking space. “That’s simple. He’s a control freak, and she’s money hungry. Do you think she’ll tell him about the interview?”

“She’ll tell him she was interviewed, but she won’t mention her visit to the prison. She was trying to set him up, after all.”

* * *

“Angela, please call me,” Harriet cried into the cordless phone. “I said I’m sorry. I need your help. Agents…DEA agents were here asking questions. What if they go to Rosa?” The line indicated Angela’s answering machine had filled. She replaced the phone in its cradle on the end table.

Her cravings for alcohol were worsening, but she wouldn’t give in. Rosa would need her when Ernesto was eliminated from the picture. Thoughts of Ernesto finally falling gave her strength. Seeking a distraction, she sorted through the pictures Rosa had left on the coffee table. Everyone seemed to enjoy the party, except for Harriet. Picture after picture showed her by herself.
They never accepted me into their world.
I don’t need them or Angela.
Her mind returned to when she first tried to enter Ernesto’s world…

Chicago, thirty years ago

Harriet stood at her bedroom window and watched Ernesto work the crowd below. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the Fourth of July pool party. Hundreds of society’s who’s-who had shown up, eager to welcome the Bolívar baby, but Harriet felt like an outsider and sneaked to her room for a short reprieve.

“So, how’s Paris?” Harriet switched the phone to her other ear.

“It’s great,” Angela replied. “I can’t believe I’m actually in Europe. Thank Ernesto again for me.”

“You graduated with high honors. We’re proud of you.”

“How’s my niece?”

“She still doesn’t sleep through the night, but she’s the most beautiful child I’ve ever seen. Did you get the pictures? She has David’s caramel complexion and good hair. Unfortunately, she also has his coal black eyes. Think of how beautiful she would have been with my hazel eyes.”

“I’m tired of you degrading our hair texture. It’s just as good. Plus, she’s a baby. You have no idea what her hair will be like later.”

Ernesto looked up at the window with the baby in his arms. He waved at Harriet. She waved back with glee painted on her face as if she were a clown. Her life was perfect: she had a mansion, rooms of designer clothes, cars and, most importantly, lots of money. But, she still wasn’t happy. She even missed the arguments she used to have with George. The closest she’d come to having an argument with Ernesto was when he had told her she couldn’t even socially drink until after the baby was born. Those months without her booze security blanket were tough. Nightmares of men violating her young flesh had filled her dreams. Glad the dreams had subsided, she swirled her brandy in her glass, then took a sip.

“Ernesto’s great with Rosa. You should see him parading her around.” Bothered that Ernesto seemed more interested in the baby than her, she finished off the brandy, setting the glass on the window ledge.

“Is something wrong, Harriet? You don’t sound like a happy newlywed and mommy.”

She fiddled with the heavy green drapes. “I’m just down.”

“It’s only been a month. I’ve heard that sometimes new moms go through a depression for a few months. Give it time.”

“It’s not the baby.” Hating that the only person she had to confide in was Angela, she paused. Her sister felt she was the prosecutor, judge, and jury.

“What’s wrong?”

“To be honest, it’s Ernesto.” She picked up the base of the phone and propped it under her arm, then padded across the Persian rug to the sitting area and slouched onto the chaise lounge. She might as well tell Angela the truth and get it over with. “He’s boring me to death with this white bread life. Don’t get me wrong. He gave me my own bank account. I’m a millionaire,” she boasted. “He even puts an additional ten grand a month in to ensure I have enough. He says I shouldn’t have to beg him for money.” She propped the phone between her ear and shoulder, then ran her hands along her inner thighs. “And he makes love like no other man, but,” she sucked air through her teeth, “I don’t know. All he cares about is being ‘Super Dad.’ I need some excitement.”

“Don’t start this again,” Angela warned. “He’s perfect for you. I don’t know many that could afford you.”

“Don’t worry. I never make the same mistakes twice. I had my tubes tied.”

“Harriet!”

She laughed at the squeak in her sister’s voice. “Don’t Harriet me. He has his secrets, and I have mine.” She thought about his home office. He always kept the door locked. She was his wife and should be allowed in every part of her home.

“Stop making excuses to sin.”

Harriet released a belabored sigh. Angela always forced her into the bad guy role. “Don’t start that holy mess again. You’re my sister. You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“Because I won’t give you your way that means I’m not on your side? I’ll tell you what I’m not. I’m not doing this again. God has placed an excellent man in your life. Ernesto took your child as his own and worships the ground you walk on. How can you disrespect him and yourself like this? Think about your child.”

“I am. I took the money from David and put fifty thousand of it in a trust fund for the baby. I also convinced Ernesto to set up a fund for her. He thought it was an excellent idea. She’ll never have to worry about money or depend on anyone.”

Angela’s voice rose an octave. “Are you fooling around with David again?”

“Of course not!” She’d approached him, but he wouldn’t touch her. He said when he was through with someone that he was through. When he saw she’d had a daughter instead of a son, he had tossed the bag of money at her and walked out. “I can’t risk him approaching Ernesto like he did George. I have my eye on someone else.”

“You have everything, yet it’s still not enough. You’ll never be satisfied. I’m not covering for you.”

Harriet gritted her teeth. “I’m so sick of your butting in.”

“Butting in? You keep drawing me into your mess, expecting me to bail you out when you get in over your head. I can’t sleep at night from the guilt I have for covering for you.”

“Why are you always so melodramatic? Cool it, Angela. I’m not hurting anyone.”

Angela heaved a long, exasperated sigh. “I love you, but I can’t live like this.”

“What are you talking about now? Okay. Alright, I’ll stop talking about my men.” She placed her hand on her chest. “I didn’t mean to offend your sensibilities. I’m just tired of these prejudiced snobs. I can tell they only tolerate me because of Ernesto. I’ll bet they haven’t even noticed I’ve left the party.”

“God’s given you a blessing in Ernesto and Rosa. Don’t—”

“I’m sick of this same ol’ sermon, Reverend Angela,” Harriet cut in. “I thought you called to tell me about your trip. Stop preaching and tell me about your trip.”

“This is more important. I won’t stand by and watch you ruin your life.”

“I don’t need your judgment. I need your love.”

“I do love you.”

“Then support me! I’m stuck in this lily-white world, not you. I need an escape so that I can be a good wife and mother.”

“You are unbelievable,” she sniffed.

“Are you crying?” Harriet asked as she crossed the room to the window. Ernesto motioned for her to join the party. She nodded an acknowledgement, then turned her back to him.

“I can’t stand by and watch you destroy yourself,” Angela said. “You keep asking me to compromise my morals. I can’t live like this any longer. It’s killing me.”

“Here we go again,” she drawled out. “You’ll beat a point through ten reincarnations. Well, I’m not hearing it. I need to get back to my guests.”

“I can’t help you if you won’t help yourself.”

“Help? I don’t need help. You’re in Paris on my money, aren’t you? My way of life is fine when it benefits you.”

An extended pause settled on the line.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t have accepted this gift from you. Why I keep putting my faith in you is the real mystery,” she stated. “I’ll send you money every pay period until you’ve gotten every dime back, with interest.”

Harriet didn’t know how to react to Angela crying. Surely, she wasn’t serious. Angela wouldn’t abandon her. “Stop this nonsense. It was a gift. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

“I’m partly responsible because I always cover for you. I have to take my responsibility in your situation. I refuse to compromise my principles. I quit.”

“But you can’t.”

“I’ll always love you.”

Angela’s voice contained too much finality for Harriet. “If you loved me, you wouldn’t be doing this,” Harriet explained.

“I’m doing this because I love you. I can’t save you. Only the Lord can. Goodbye.” She hung up.

Harriet slammed the phone onto its base. “I don’t need you. I don’t need anyone!”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Rosa rushed home from work, took a shower, readied for bed, and then pretended like she wasn’t waiting on Samson’s call. The clock on the nightstand read 8:13. She opened her journal and began to write.

When I spoke to Mom on the phone, she was sober but she sounded shaken up. She liked Samson, but said Alton was a complete ass. I have to agree with her on this one.

She drew a stick figure with horns and a pointy tail, then labeled it Alton.

I’m glad she likes Samson.
He’s a good man.

She peeked at the clock—8:16.

I’m afraid Daddy’s hiding more from me. He’s stressing that I’m in danger too much, like he’s trying to make me believe it. I’m not sure if I doubt him because of his past or because of my own insecurities. I’m so off balance right now. I need to steady myself. I need the complete truth.

She picked up the phone, heard the dial tone, and then replaced it on its cradle.

Talking about complete truth. I don’t know how this happened, but I’m falling in love with Samson.
She felt her face flush with embarrassment.
This doesn’t make sense. I’m a logical, rational person. How can I fall so deep, so fast? And don’t get me started on the timing.
She paused.
I don’t know. All I do know is that when surrounded by darkness, he has become my light, and I’m afraid. I can hear Mom in my head saying how men like Samson are the worst ones, the most deceptive. My logical, rational mind tells me not to listen to her, but that emotional part is afraid he’s using me to find out more information about Daddy.

I can’t stand how insecure I’ve become since finding out about my father.
She lifted the pen, ready to scratch out “my father” and replace it with David, but stopped herself. Samson had been correct. Her love for David didn’t diminish her love for Ernesto.
David, my father.

I don’t like being afraid of loving someone. I don’t like being afraid of what I’ll learn next. I guess I’m not insecure, I’m tired. I want peace.

David wants peace. His execution is slated for tomorrow. I’ve called the warden a few times, asking him to allow me to spend the day with David, but David refuses to see me. I wanted to convince him that he could find peace without dying.
A warm comforting feeling enveloped her.
I love him. I’m not ready to give him up. I need more time. We need more time.
She set her pen and journal on the nightstand, then rested her head on the pillow and drifted into sleep.

The phone rang, startling her to full alertness. She inhaled deeply, trying to catch her breath. “Hello.”

“Hello, Rosa. It’s Samson. Is something wrong?”

Her heart raced, but not because of the start. “I’d dozed off. I’m fine. How was your day?”

“Better now that I’m speaking with you.”

“We’ve got to get you some new lines,” she teased.

“That was pretty lame, wasn’t it? You’ll have to forgive me. I’m out of practice.”

“Good.”

They talked into the wee hours of the morning about her feelings for David. Samson told her how he’d grown to know him over the past year and how David was no longer the same person as the murderer who was convicted. Rosa felt connected to David through Samson and was grateful they both had come into her life, though she wished it had been under different circumstances.

“The sun will be up shortly,” Samson said. “One of these days, we’ll have to watch the sunrise together.”

“Let me know the time, place, and date, and I’ll be there.”

“Would you like to go out for lunch tomorrow? Or should I say today?”

The thought of sharing the day with someone who understand how she felt about David lifted her spirits. “I’d love to. Since this is my town, how about I pick the place?”

“Sounds great. Just let me know the time and place, and I’ll be there.”

“I’ll call you in the morning.” She looked at the clock, and then laughed. “Or should I say in a few minutes?”

* * *

Samson parked their rental car in the hospital parking lot. “Does he know we’re coming?” He was exhausted, but they had work to do.

Alton glanced up from his notepad. “Yeah. I just wish we’d waited to talk to Harriet until after we interviewed him. We need to stop rushing and do this right. Connecting all the dots decades later is almost impossible, and they’ve been together for sixty,” Alton said as he drew connections on the paper. “Forty-some-odd years ago, David was the suspect in the murder of a small time drug dealer.” He circled the name MacKenzie.

“He’s been suspect in several murders.” Samson took off his sunglasses and put them in the cubby. Unlike Miami when they’d left, Chicago was bright and sunny. He smiled.
Kind of like Rosa.
He rolled his eyes at himself for being so dopey.

After this interview was their date, and he could hardly wait. When she spoke on the phone about David’s execution, she’d sounded withdrawn and lost. David was correct; she did need him.

“Yeah, but this one actually involves Ernesto,” Alton said. “When the police interviewed MacKenzie’s girlfriend, she said that Ernesto had been harassing her. Mac, that’s what they called him, confronted Ernesto. She thought David killed Mac for threatening Ernesto.”

“Her story sounds flaky to me.” He got out of the car and headed for the hospital entrance.

“To me, too,” Alton said as he stepped out of the car and closed the door. “But it’s all we have to work with. I’ll bet she was banging Ernesto, and Mac found out. David ended up taking over Mac’s territory. He killed two birds with one stone, so to speak. David’s always protected Ernesto.”

“Isn’t that kind of odd how he’s always protected Ernesto? I don’t get it. Rosa said David saved Ernesto’s life before. Why are they so tight?”

“I’m not sure, but in the old foster care files it looks like David and Ernesto were raised as brothers. Somehow, David’s mother had custody of both boys when she was murdered. The authorities didn’t even know they weren’t related until they’d been in the system for two years and Ernesto’s mother decided to show up. Ernesto was even in the system as Ernesto Martín.”

Samson raised a brow.

“That’s not it. His mother was a hype when she returned and couldn’t regain custody. None of that shit matters anyway. The guys found a box of old files and stuff they think belonged to Gains. Maybe they’ll uncover something. How are you making out with Rosa?”

“We have a lunch date.”

Alton raised a brow. “Oooh, a little lunch action. I’ll bet someone returns with more pep in his step.”

“I’m not sleeping with her. I wouldn’t use her, or anyone for that matter, like that.”

“Listen to me, man. You might as well sleep with her, because once we take down Ernesto, she’ll blame you and want nothing else to do with you.”

They walked through the revolving doors, weaved through people and down the hallway. “I say get yours while you can. She’s too sweet a piece to let slip by. Hell, if she were interested in me, I’d sho’ tap that ass.”

“I will put my foot up your ass,” Samson warned as he punched the button for the elevator. The few people waiting nearby decided to take a different elevator.

“Sorry, man, I got carried away. She’s not my type. Fine as hell, but too rich. I can’t stand rich people. They think the world owes them everything.” They stepped onto the elevator. Alton stared at his large friend.

“What?” Samson asked as he pressed the button for the second floor.

“I’m just thinking that we’re closer than that ionic bond crap the nutty professor told us about, but if I show any interest in Rosa, you’d kick my ass…and you two aren’t even an item. It’s a territory thing.”

“You’re right. I’d kick your ass, so don’t even think about it.” The door slid open and they exited. Samson looked at the plaque on the wall to see which direction to go. He motioned to the left.

“Why is Ernesto lying about how he ended up with Rosa, and what’s the truth?” Alton commented. “This makes absolutely no sense.”

“I’m wondering about why he’s lying about the part that isn’t illegal but told her the truth about his illegal activity.”

Alton stopped in his tracks. “She told you he was laundering money? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“She didn’t come out and say it, so we have nothing; but yes, she told me.” They continued down the hallway.

“I can’t believe she told you. Damn, man, think of what she’ll tell you after you tap—”

Samson smacked him in the head, then opened the office door.

“May I help you?” asked the receptionist sitting at the front desk.

“We’re here to see Dr. Wells,” Alton said. “He’s expecting us. Mr. Miles and Mr. Quartermaine.”

“Go on back.” She motioned to the door. “It’s the third door on your left.”

George welcomed the agents into his office and offered them a seat. “I’d just returned from vacation when you called this morning, Agent Miles. I came into the office just for this meeting. What is this about, gentlemen? Is there something going on in the clinic?”

“We have a few questions about your ex-wife, Harriet Bolívar.”

George almost tripped. “Harriet?” He settled behind his desk. “What would you like to know?”

“Let’s begin with the circumstances of your divorce.”

“It had nothing to do with drugs.”

“Why would you think it had something to do with drugs?” Alton asked.

“Why else would the DEA be knocking at my door?”

Alton laughed at himself. “I’m sorry. I’m also sorry our questions make you uncomfortable, but we must ask. We know she was cheating on you.”

George stiffened. “Yes, she was,” he said through tight lips. “Is she in trouble? I know David’s execution is tonight.”

Alton and Samson moved to the edge of their seats. “You know about David?” they asked in unison.

George tilted his head to the side. “Of course, I know about David. She was cheating on me with him.”

“What!” Alton hopped out of his chair.

George’s eyes grew large. “What’s going on?”

“You mean you saw in the newspaper or on the news that David is actually Rosa’s biological father?”

“No,” he answered slowly. “I thought you knew about the affair.”

“Why don’t you tell us in your own words what you know about David, Harriet, and Ernesto?” Alton asked.

George glanced at the picture of his present wife and grown children that sat on his desk. “She cheated with David on me. I kicked her out of the house, and David ended their relationship because she’d threatened to have an abortion. Then she met Ernesto. I tried to warn him about Harriet, but he was so in love. I know how he felt. Harriet had a way of making a man feel like he was the master of the universe. He divorced her within a few years. I’m glad he kept the baby though.”

“What is the time period between the time you kicked her out and David broke up with her?” Alton asked.

“In less than twenty-four hours I kicked her out, David broke up with her, and she met Ernesto.” He shook his head. “She’s a fast worker.”

Alton stomped and slapped his leg. “This is un-fucking-believable.”

“What’s going on?” George asked.

“We’re investigating Ernesto,” Samson said.

They’d assumed George and Harriet were separated when Harriet met David, then the divorce followed later.

“You two divorced for irreconcilable differences, correct? Didn’t you think the child may be yours?”

Shame marred George’s dark features. “I know what you’re thinking,” he replied softly. “How could I walk away from what could have been my child without a fight?” He paused. “Everything happened so quickly. I was hurt, angry, embarrassed, demoralized…the list goes on and on. Then Harriet found another man the next day,” he bit out. “I’ll admit it. I hated her. I wanted nothing to do with her, including her child. I tried to warn Ernesto, not out of concern, but out of revenge. She was winning again. She always got over…always.

“I was so consumed with hating Harriet that I never considered the child she carried could be mine. It took me years to admit that I may have a child out there who I’d turned my back on, and the guilt was overwhelming. Then when Harriet divorced Ernesto, I had to know what I’d put my child into. I went to Ernesto. He showed me pictures of Rosa and explained about Harriet’s drinking problem.” His eyes returned to the family portrait. “She’d started drinking heavily during our marriage. I’m just grateful Ernesto kept Rosa.”

Both agents remained silent while George composed himself.

Samson wrote a few notes on his legal pad. They were running out of time, and he needed to speak with David before the execution and convince him to open up. He checked his watch, forty minutes until his lunch with Rosa. He would call David after the date.

“Ernesto left a few messages on my answering service,” George said. “He said it was important. I thought it was about Harriet, so I didn’t answer.”

“The government is about to send you on an extended vacation,” Alton said.

George frowned.

“Protective custody until we’re sure you’re safe.” Samson didn’t believe the information George divulged warranted protective custody, but they’d rather be safe than sorry. There was no telling what Ernesto would do once he saw the lies he’d spun unravel.

* * *

Samson laid the comforter out under the shade of the tree, then helped Rosa spread out their lunch. He wished his mind were half as peaceful as the view of the lake. He’d barely said a word to Rosa; all he could think about was what George had said. “It’s beautiful out here, and the weather is perfect.”

“I love June. And not only because it’s my birth month.” She placed a fried chicken breast, a heaping helping of potato salad, collard greens, and cornbread on a sectioned plate, then scooped out some garden salad into a plastic bowl. “What type of dressing do you want?” He didn’t answer. “Samson, what type of salad dressing do you want?” She set his plate of food and bowl in front of him.

“Italian.”

She handed him the dressing and a bottle of hot sauce.