The Secret First Lady: The Naked Truth (12 page)

              “Yes, they had a paternity test and that’s why Tamara----well Leah moved here.” He confirmed with a serious look on his face

              “When she got pregnant with Olivia, I divorced my husband because…well it was bound to happen anyway.” She felt her phone vibrate in her purse. By the time she dug it out, she missed the call. It was her parents’ number. “I need to take this. We’ll talk more in the morning, Mr. Gasko.” She headed for the door, handed Rashonda her car keys, and walked outside.

              “It’s going to be okay, Rachel. And you and the kids can stay with me until she moves to her prison residence. I guess we underestimated that trick!”

              “No, I’m not letting her put me out of my own house. And what’s going to happen to her kids when she goes to jail?” Rachel’s mind started wandering all over the place.

              “I don’t mean to be cruel, but that’s not your responsibility. Let the state handle it.”

              Rachel shook her head and dialed her parents back. “Hello. No, I’m fine, just catching a little cold.” She didn’t want to worry her mother because she made a poor decision.

              Mrs. Belmont called to inform her daughter that her father was back in the hospital. “But don’t panic, he pulled through once and he’ll do it again.” Mrs. Belmont was so optimistic; a trait a daughter inherited.

              “The kids go on break next week. We will be home then, Mom. I love you. Kiss Daddy for me.” Rachel hung up the phone and looked over at Rashonda. “After the calm, comes the storm,” she whispered and gazed out of the window.

Chapter Nineteen: The Right to Remain Silent

              It took everything Rachel had within not to find Leah and cuss her out once she returned to work. How could she not know this girl had been playing her all along?  Not only did she help the very person who ruined her marriage, she’d actually trusted Leah with her own children and took a genuine liking to her.

             
How could I’ve been so stupid? 
She pulled the shades down in her office and buried her face into some paperwork on her desk.  She just needed a few moments of peace and quiet to gather her thoughts as well as put her emotions in check. Even though she felt like committing a homicide, she decided to take Mr. Gasko’s advice and not take the law into her own hands. Her appetite was completely gone. She forced herself to eat an apple that she threw into her purse earlier that morning.

              Her peace and quiet was prematurely interrupted by a call transferred to her line.
I wish everyone would just leave me alone for the rest of the day!
“Rachel Jones speaking. How may I help you?”

              “You can start by telling me you’ll spend the rest of your life with me?” The voice on the other end demanded in a soothing but inquiring tone.

              “Oh. Hey, Mike.” Rachel replied dryly.

              “Oh. Hey, Mike? Damn, baby, is that all I get?” He teased and then immediately grew concerned. “Everything alright, babe?”

              “No. My life is a mess!” Rachel burst into tears and tried to tell him all the details she discovered today as clearly as she could.

              Mike was very attentive. He couldn’t make out the complete story through her heavy sobbing, but he didn’t interrupt.  He felt uneasy knowing the woman he was going to marry was in such pain. Mr. Rizzo knew he was in love; his heart was broken for Rachel, especially knowing she was in pain and he couldn’t fix the problem and make it go away.  “Baby, I’m here for you. If you and the kids need to stay with me until this is all straightened out, my house is your home.”

              Rachel was determined to not be forced out of her own place. Knowing that both Mike and Rashonda had her back was enough comfort.  Most people would’ve thought Rachel was crazy; better yet, down right stupid for not whipping Leah’s ass three-ways from Sunday.  Instead, she decided to pray harder. She couldn’t jeopardize losing her business, tainting her reputation, or missing out on true paradise with her soon-to-be husband. Yeah she got played, but in the end, she was determined to have the last laugh.

              She already froze Leah’s bank account and once the investigation was over, RTJ Incorporated would be getting their funds returned.  Besides, one hundred and fifty thousand was like pocket change to her; still, it was the principle of someone stealing from her.

             
Alright. The pity party is over. Time to sign some new client contracts. 
Rachel encouraged herself. She was going to keep a cool head in order to not tip Leah off; she wasn’t going to allow her to get away with this.  She drowned herself in work until nearly 5:00 o’clock.  She swallowed her emotions for the time being and buzzed Leah’s work line so that they could meet in the parking lot and head home. Rachel played some soft jazz on the way home in an attempt to block out any conversation Leah had for her.

              “So, how was your day, Rach?” Leah asked in a voice that sounded almost as if she cared.

              “It was alright. I got some disturbing news about my father’s health condition. I may be in a somber mood until I get home, but God knows what is best so I’m not going to worry.” Rachel didn’t want Leah to think her mood change had anything to do with the real problem; which was her.

              “I wish I could serve a God like yours. He gives you confidence and a heart that truly forgives.” Leah gazed at Rachel, but Ms. Jones refused to make any eye contact.

              A tear fell down Rachel’s cheek. She felt so played. It almost felt like being a rape victim who had to face their attacker every day.  Even though she was the one who had been assaulted, if Ms. Jones was to take matters into her own hands, she would be hung out to dry in a court of law. Finally, she reached Rock Quarry Road. They picked Olivia up first from day care and then got the other kids from their after school program. 

              When they got inside of the house, they quickly settled in and got prepared for dinner and homework with the children.  Rachel couldn’t help but to stare at Olivia. 
I can’t believe this isn’t Curtis’ child.
  It was going to be tough trying to conceal her emotions.  She was as shook up as a can of Pepsi that was ready to explode.  Luckily for Leah, Rachel kept it together for the sake of the children, otherwise, she probably would’ve met her maker by now.

              After homework was complete and checked over, the children were fed and given an hour of free time before taking their baths and settling into bed. Ms. Jones really did enjoy having a house full of children.  No matter how bad her day was, watching them smile, laugh, and play brought her so much joy.  She noticed that CJ had been in the restroom for a while and decided to check on him.

              “CJ!” she called out as she knocked on the door.  CJ didn’t answer. She tried twisting the knob, but it was locked.  “Curtis Anthony Junior! Stop playing around and open this door!” Still no answer. Rachel got nervous. She moved back and kicked the door in. CJ was collapsed on the bathroom floor. He was foaming at the mouth and was half conscious. “CJ! Baby, wake up!” Rachel cried. She scooped him up and splashed water on his face. He was moaning in between the short breaths he was taking, but for the most part remained non-responsive.

              “Leah! Leah!”  She screamed. “Dial 9-1-1! Something is wrong with my baby!” She cried for help. There is no greater pain for a mother than not being able to or save their child.

              Leah came running to see what was going on. She noticed the cabinet was somewhat ajar and suddenly remembered she’d stored some of her cocaine in there the night before. It was easier for her to get to if she needed to snort a line or two before bed. 
I hope he didn’t get a hold of my dope!

              “Leah, stop standing there! Call 9-1-1!” If Rachel could’ve slapped her, now would be the perfect time. Leah ran into the kitchen and dialed for help. She told them that CJ was dying and they were there in less than five minutes.  She kept the other children in the living room and out of the way.

              When the ambulance arrived, they immediately hooked him up to some oxygen and administered CPR. Luckily, he regained his consciousness.  Rachel rode in the ambulance and Leah followed behind with the rest of the kids in Rachel’s car. When they arrived at Henry County Medical, they took CJ back and kept him stable while they ran a series of tests on him.  Rachel stayed in the waiting room filling out a book load of paperwork and answering all sorts of questions regarding his medical history. She didn’t know what was going on with her son, but she prayed to God to save him.

              After about an hour of waiting, a doctor walked in accompanied by a lady in a suit and two police officers. “Ms. Jones?” The doctor called for her. He looked down at his clip board with a scary look engraved in his face. Rachel’s heart sank down into her small intestine. “Curtis is fine, he’s doing great. He’s up watching cartoons and eating a snack.  We pumped almost an ounce of cocaine out of his system; that’s why these people are here to talk to you.” He pointed at the officers and the lady.

              “Ms. Jones, I’m Angela Lovett. I’m with Child Protective Services. Do you have a drug addiction to cocaine?”

              Rachel was floored. “Ma’am, I don’t even smoke cigarettes. No, I don’t have an addiction to drugs.” Christina came rushing to her mother’s side.

              “Mommy, what’s wrong?” she cried out. The lady in the suit didn’t give Rachel an opportunity to respond to her daughter. “Well, there has to be some explanation for cocaine being in your son’s system!” She snapped at Rachel hard and sharp!

              Rachel remembered Leah’s addiction, which supposedly brought her to Georgia.  “Leah, if you brought drugs into my house, now would be the time to confess.” Rachel pleaded with Leah who had already deceived her in so many ways.

              “Rachel Jones!” Leah retorted in a shocking tone. “I am drug free and if I was a user, I wouldn’t dare bring it into your home with children around. I’m sorry.  As much as I want to help you, I can’t take the fall for this.” Leah said shaking her head in dismay.

              “She’s lying! Check her history. Her real name is Tamara Leah Price. She’s been embezzling money from me and she almost lost her kids in Ohio for drug use. Check with Investigator Shane Gasko on Peachtree, he can confirm my story.  Please! You have to believe me!” Rachel shouted at the officers and Angela Lovett.

              “Shame on you, Rachel!” Leah said with a straight face.

              “Bitch! You put my kids in jeopardy, I’m going to murder you!” Rachel charged at Leah and hit her as hard as she could with a right hook. The blow to the face left Leah with a bloody nose.

              The two officers snatched Rachel up and held her back. “Ms. Jones, your kids are going to foster care. You’re under arrest for child endangerment and now assault.” The lady reached for Christina’s hand.

              “No, I want my mommy!” Christina started kicking and screaming.

              “Let go of my baby!” Rachel sobbed as she dropped down to her knees. “Leah, please tell the truth. Don’t let them take my kids.”

              Leah sucked her teeth and looked the other way. She really didn’t want for the kids to get hurt or involved as a part of her little scheme, but she wasn’t trying to confess and go to jail either.  She did discover that Rachel was on to her and she needed to act fast. It was time to migrate to a new location with her man and kids. Ms. Lovett picked Christina up and started to carry her away. “Wait! Please! Let me tell her something.” Rachel cried for a final plea.

              Ms. Lovett stopped and faced Rachel. She could sense that Rachel really loved her kids; but she was just doing her job. “Ms. Jones, you’ll be booked and drug tested. I’ll personally look into the other information you gave me. If everything checks out, this case will be closed as quickly as possible. You can speak with your daughter for a few minutes; Officers, please let her stop by and see her son before you take her. I won’t be picking him up until he’s discharged tomorrow.

              Rachel nodded her head in agreement. She figured being irate would only get her into more trouble. Christina jumped into her mother’s arms. Tears flooded her innocent face. “Christina. Mommy loves you so much. I need you to be super brave. Can you do that for mommy?” Christina nodded her head. “When your brother joins you tomorrow, you watch over him. Don’t let anyone do anything to hurt you or him. Mommy’s coming to get you real soon, I promise. Now go with Ms. Lovett, she’s a nice lady.” She gave Christina a tight squeeze and said a silent prayer over her.
Lord, send an angel of protection, love, and comfort to be with my babies in my absence.

             
Christina walked away with less resistance. She kept peeking back at Rachel until she could no longer see her mother. The officers escorted Rachel into CJ’s room. He was resting. A tear fell down Rachel’s face. She pressed her lips on to her son’s forehead. She didn’t want to wake him and explain to him that she wouldn’t be around and that he and his sister would be with total strangers.

              “Listen, I have nowhere to run to. Can you please not cuff me in here?” She had been humiliated enough for one day. It was eleven o’clock at night and she had been receiving bad news since eleven o’clock that morning.  The officers agreed and allowed her to walk out with them. Once they got to the car, the younger officer opened the door for her.