Where There's Smoke (9 page)

Sighing, she looked at the GPS. They had another hour and a half before reaching Smoke’s friend. She hoped Nando was right; hiding out in the smaller town should buy them some time to negotiate the release of the photos. She simply wanted her life back. No question, Smoke was on point about the seven men looking for her. They’d seen her and by now, they were all aware someone knew they’d murdered those women. If she hadn’t stopped to help him, she could’ve retrieved her cameras, and no one would be the wiser. Her conscience wouldn’t allow her to leave without trying, so now she was a fugitive.

While Smoke sat talking at the table with Fernando earlier, she’d researched his company. His picture was on the banner of the site along with two white men. That surprised her. Even more so, when they were the first ones he was concerned about. Coming from East Texas, people said they weren’t prejudiced all the time and that they had friends of different races. At the first sign of trouble, those friends disappeared. Her family’s firsthand experience was something she never forgot.

Convenience pals. The degree of friendship Smoke talked about was indeed rare. Now that she had to deal with his friends, she’d check things out to see if the allegiance went both ways. The cynic in her didn’t believe the body count scenario Smoke spouted, or the all out search he thought was going on for him. It’d been her experience, most people talked bullshit and fell short when it was time to step up to the plate. Time would prove her right or wrong on the matter.

***

Finally, they turned into Ross’s subdivision. Smoke exhaled. Water filled his eyes. He still hurt, but the twin emotions of joy and pain battled his head for supremacy. To see the familiar security gate sent a jolt of happiness surging through him. Blinking fast, he leaned close to the guard station to greet the man on duty.

“Hey, Rodger.” Smoke leaned across Vee, brushing against her chest. She tensed.

The man bent, looked at him and smiled. “Hey, Smoke, a little late to visit.”

“Yeah, call ahead and let ’em know I’m on my way back.”

“Will do.” The gate opened and he directed her to the large house near the back of the complex.

“Sure he won’t mind?” she asked again, an uneasy look on her face. He suspected her doubts had more to do with the color of his partner's skin than any real objections he might have regarding the time of morning they were dropping in.

“No. And even if he did, it won’t matter.” He looked at her, pointing to the next turn. “Do you have any brothers? Sisters?”

“My dad remarried when I was almost seventeen, I left for college before the babies were born. I don’t see them that often. Why?”

“You’re having a hard time dealing with the reality of my friendships.” They both knew from the tense set of her jaw, he'd downplayed her concerns.

“I’ve never seen the kind of friendship you're talking about between white people and other races. Most just talk bullshit.” Her jaw clenched again.

He chuckled. “I’ll be damned. You’re really prejudiced.” He pointed at her reddening face. “You got a problem with interracial relationships?” Her visit was going to be painful unless she came to terms with some things real fast. He refused to give her a heads up. She'd make up her mind one way or another. Denise and Cherise didn't play. He had no doubt they'd check her with a quickness if she disrespected their men. He smiled and glanced at her. She had no idea what she was in for.

“No, I don’t care about what people do; I just don’t have any close gringo friends. That doesn’t mean I’m prejudiced,” she snapped looking ahead. “I’m going to assume, since there’s a large white man in a pair of sweats on the porch, this is your partner’s house.” She pulled into the driveway as Ross walked toward the car.

Smoke had stopped listening the moment he saw Ross. Not too long ago he didn’t know if this moment would ever come. His heart beat with conviction that everything would be okay. He wouldn’t die, not tonight anyway. For the moment, he was safe. Silently, Ross met the vehicle, opened his door and stooped down so they were eye level. His eyes were suspiciously watery, his jaw clenched and unclenched. Wordlessly, they looked at each other. Smoke's eyes burned. Thankfully, the ring of a cell broke the stare-fest. Without breaking contact, Ross opened his phone.

“Yeah.” He paused. “It’s him and don’t get a ticket.” He hung up. Smoke knew that was Red.

“On his way, huh?” Smoke choked out, his throat thick, tight. He fought for control as recent memories of his capture and subsequent beating, then escape flew across his mind. He had so much to be thankful for. He blinked fast to stop the tears from falling.

Ross nodded. “You all right?” His voice was uncharacteristically low.

Smoke shrugged and moved to get out. Ross stood and backed up. Standing, the men looked at each other, and embraced, pounding each other’s backs. It felt good. The roar of an engine, and then a loud breaking noise broke their reunion. Red jumped out his Hummer and ran toward them. He scooped Smoke up, and hugged until he winced from the pain in his side.

“Shit, I’m sorry, man. You’re hurt.” Returning him to the ground, Red stared and then hugged him again. Tears ran down his face.

Smoke’s composure broke. He choked on the pain of the past few days. He thought he’d never be here again, never see them, the last seventy-two hours had taken a toll on all of them. All three of them stood in the driveway, embracing and patting one another on the back. It was damn good to be home.

Vianca sat stunned. Tears pooled in her eyes at the sincere feelings between these men. Each one looked as though he could bench press a small car, yet they placed the he-man bullshit to the side during their emotional reunion. This prodigal son had been stolen. Their tears of his return were justified. They weren’t blood related, but none of her blood kin would’ve responded to her with such joy, happiness, or gratitude. The Hummer’s door was still ajar, lights on and no one gave it a second glance. Or her for that matter.

“Vianca, Vianca,” Smoke called. She glanced at the two neutral faces turned in her direction. They didn’t appear all that friendly. She shrugged it off as male ego; after all, she’d seen them crying.

“Yeah?” She got out the SUV and stretched her legs.

“These are my partners,” Smoke said from between the two men who stood tall as angelic sentinels. He pointed to the big, dark-haired man who’d met them in the driveway. “Ross.” Then he pointed to the huge man on the other side. “And this is Red. Guys, this is Vianca Marino, she saved my life. Got me out of a bad situation.” He paused to catch his breath. The men stiffened, alert, but didn’t touch him. “I know we have a lot to talk about, but can I sit down and get something to eat first?” An audible release of breaths filled the air.

“Let’s go inside,” Ross said motioning to the front door. He turned to her. “Thank you, Ms. Marino. We owe you more than we can get into right now. Please come inside. My lady was asleep, but knowing Cherise, she’s up and about by now.”

“Denise is biting at the chomps,” Red said. “I’ve got to call her and let her know what’s up.” He turned to Vianca. “But I want to add my thanks to Ross and the rest of our company. You have no idea what you’ve stopped by bringing him back alert and walking on his own.” He smiled as he walked behind Ross. “Someone’s guardian angel is definitely thanking you.”

Unsure what an appropriate comment would be, she nodded. Obviously, these men lived by a different set of rules here. Why else would he talk so blatantly about the possible death of someone to a stranger? Halfway to the porch, she remembered her luggage and returned to the car. Before she could lift it out, strong hands pulled them.

“I got this.” Red picked up both bags. “Sorry. Our manners aren’t normally this bad. We just got distracted with Smoke.” He moved to close her trunk and then slammed the door to his Hummer. The engine died and the doors clicked loud in the night.

“Thanks,” she murmured trying to remember the last time a man offered to carry anything for her. She couldn’t.

###

Vianca met Cherise when they walked in. She immediately threw her arms around Smoke and sobbed. Loudly. After a moment or two, Ross gently removed the woman from off his partner; after all, the man was in pain.

Based on what Fernando discovered, these three men had quite a bit of money and power in the area. He mentioned something about them being well connected. It was the tipping point for her to hide out here. He assumed Smoke would be able to get the untraceable cell phone, internet and feed her for a few days, a small amount in exchange for saving his life. The inside of Ross’s house screamed wealth and privilege; she doubted Smoke’s would be much different.

Vianca stared at the pretty black woman Ross held tenderly as he spoke near her ear. It took a moment for Vianca to grasp these two were a couple. From the looks of it, a serious couple. She’d seen interracial pairs near military towns, and during her travels. But, rarely did
rich
white men marry black women. No wonder Smoke laughed at her and called her prejudiced. No one with eyes would doubt the love Ross had for Cherise or vice versa. Opposing facts pounded the wall of biases she’d held close most of her life. Her face and neck heated as Smoke looked at her.

“Cherise, meet Vianca Marino. She’s responsible for me being here. She saved my life.” Smoke’s eyes twinkled mischievously during the introduction. He knew what she thought and enjoyed her discomfort.

“Thank you, thank you.” Cherise threw her arms around Vianca, startling her. Smoke laughed at whatever expression covered her face. No doubt it was comical. What did you say to such a declaration?

Vianca nodded. A yawn slipped out.

“I’m sorry,” Cherise said, stepping back and wiping the tears from her face. “You’re probably exhausted.”

“I’d love a shower and maybe a bite to eat before bed.” Getting clean was her primary directive. The cabin didn’t have hot water and the quick wash she’d done at the hotel was days ago.

“No problem. Come with me.” Cherise walked to the doorway and glanced at Smoke, who sat gingerly on one of the leather sofas. “Smoke, I’m so glad to see you.”

“Glad to be seen, baby girl.” He smiled at Cherise and nodded at Vianca. “See you later, Vee.” The double-edged words sent tingles down her spine. He was being bad and knew it. She nodded and followed Cherise. Red placed her bags inside the room.

“Thanks, Red,” Vianca said as he left. He nodded.

“The bathroom’s through here and the towels are here.” Cherise pointed to two closed doors, one smaller than the other.

“Thanks so much.” Vianca opened her suitcase and pulled items out for her shower.

“No thanks necessary,” Cherise said from the doorway. “Just follow the noise when you’re done. I think everyone’ll be up for a while. I’m putting some food out. Whenever you’re ready, come and eat.”

“Will do,” Vianca said, her mind already on smelling better and getting clean. Picking up her toiletries, she headed for the bathroom.

###

Dressed in comfortable gray sweats and a black and gray faded tee, she followed the trail of voices into a large family room. One of the largest TV screen panels she’d ever seen took up a huge portion of a wall. Leather chairs and sofas were scattered around the room, most were occupied at the moment. Two large trays of food sat on the coffee table. She zeroed in on the chicken wings and fruit, failing to realize the room had gone quiet until she had her plate.

Smoke’s eyes caught hers, a wicked glint teased. “Want some milk to go with that?”

Milk was her favorite beverage. “Sure.” She glanced at Cherise. “You have milk?”

“Yeah, let me show you where the kitchen is.” They walked down the hall and flipped on the lights. The moment she placed her plate on the table, Cherise hugged her from behind. The damp towel encasing her wet hair fell to the floor as she tensed in the other woman’s arms.

“Thank you, thank you so much for taking him out of there. You didn’t have to. I’m sooooo glad you did. My next daughter will have your name.”

Vianca smiled, realizing she referred to Smoke’s debacle. She relaxed as the woman released her, wiping the tears from her face. “I have no idea what to say, other than Smoke has agreed to help me with a case I’m working on. So everyone benefits.”

“Wouldn’t be necessary if you hadn’t helped him.” She waved away Vianca’s comments. “I should warn you, we’re a tight knit group and I’m the stand-offish one.” Vianca’s brow rose at that comment. Cherise laughed. “It took me a serious minute to come to terms with the touchy-feeliness of these people. But they’re good.
We’re
good, unless you mess with one of us. Then all hell breaks loose on your ass.”

Cherise handed her the glass of milk and pointed to the chair. “Have a seat, let me fill you in. Smoke said you’d be sticking around for a while.” Cherise moved to the table and grabbed a chair watching her. Cornered she felt the need to explain.

“Just until we work out some details,” she corrected, not wanting to get corralled into their private community.

“Okay, until then we’ll all be hanging out. Probably more now than before.” Cherise settled, ready to begin her interrogation when footfalls echoed on the tile. They looked up as Red walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the fridge.

“Denise called and said, don’t have a serious discussion without her. Save everything for the office later today. I think she believes Vianca can operate with no sleep. At any rate, I’ve done my duty by passing on my lady’s request.” He bowed and left the room.

A gusty sigh breezed through the room. Vianca smiled at Cherise's frustration. It was obvious from the expressions flying across her face she battled her curiosity and weighed his words.

“He’s right.” She gave in, although her face clearly said she didn't want to wait. “You need to get some sleep. They’re working out security details now. Smoke’s place has to be checked thoroughly before he goes back, that’ll happen in a few hours. The doctor and attorney will be here soon as well.”