"Lis, if we get married my body is yours. I won't share myself with anyone else, only you. And I would want you to do the same. Sex means something to me, you mean so much to me. I would rather wait and plan our future than take the risk of gratification now, and then we break up and I'm left hurt."
Saturday Evening - Jamaica Time
Shane opened a small box encased in dark blue velvet. "What do you think?" he asked his brother who was putting away dried plates and cups. With eyebrows raised Shaun whistled his admiration.
"It's gorgeous," he said quietly.
Shane grinned. "I'm taking her out tomorrow night and I'm getting down on my knee to propose," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I want it to be a surprise so I'm hoping you and Kerry are available tomorrow."
"For morale support?" Shaun asked amused.
Shane nodded, chuckling. "That, and to make it seem like a double date so she doesn't suspect anything," he said, his eyes shining with mischief.
Shaun laughed. "Okay, I'll ask Kerry. She should be off work by one (1) o'clock tomorrow. When she comes in tonight I'll ask if she's down for a little incognito mission."
Shane slapped his brother on his shoulder. "Thanks bro," he said grinning. "I got to go. Have some other errands to run."
Shaun nodded. "What time should we be ready?" he asked.
"Be ready by 6:00. I'll pick you guys up. Don't worry about driving."
Shaun chuckled. "Okay bro bro, I hear you." He nodded. "Alright then no problem."
Shane patted his brother's shoulder and smiled. He moved towards the front door. "Get mom and dad to babysit the boys, we're coming back late tomorrow," Shane said over this shoulder.
Shaun laughed. "Will do," he said. He heard the front door open and close. It had been a while since he and Kerry had done something fun. He would treat it like a real date after all.
***
Marcus was taking a nap when Rachel knocked on his room door to inform him that he had a call on the house line. It was his son, Brandon. He rubbed his eyes and stared in front of his for a full minute before he got up to get the phone call.
He trotted downstairs and took up the phone. "Branno, son, everything alright?" He chuckled. "The money weh mi send to yuh done already?"
He heard a distant laugh. It was cold, devoid of emotion. "Who is this?" he asked.
Kyle cleared his throat. "Is me man, Kyle."
Marcus shook off the chill that travelled from the base of his spine up to his neck. "Oh, Kyle. Everything alright wid mi son?"
"Yes man," Kyle said smiling. "I wanted to let you know some good news, that with your help, hopefully will remain good news."
Marcus shifted his weight between his legs. Seeing what he was doing, Rachel went for a chair and brought it to him. Marcus smiled at her and sat down.
"What do you need?" Marcus said. Kyle was generous to house his son. He would help him if he could.
"The man you said was a threat to your family, Mr Z. My sources have told me that he's in a jail cell in the Seychelles. Apparently he was on vacation there when he assaulted his wife," Kyle said. Marcus noted that Kyle seemed to be enjoying sharing this news more than usual.
"Sounds good," Marcus said.
"Yes, it does. But they could release him. His wife isn't going to press charges on him."
"How do you know?" Marcus asked. Why did he have the feeling that Kyle knew more than he was letting on.
Kyle chuckled then said, "My source has indicated that even now she's making calls trying to get him out of jail.
"Your source? Who is your source?" Marcus asked. Something sinister about this information was setting alarm bells off in his head. "What do you want me to do?" he asked.
"Now that's what I'm talking," Kyle said, his voice lifting a semitone in excitement.
"Help me bury him," Kyle said. "You have international connections. Do you know anyone in the justice system over there?"
"No," Marcus said. Well actually he did, but the guy was dead--deceased two years ago.
Kyle cleared his throat. "Anybody in Africa?
"A few people," he answered.
"Do you think they could get in touch with the Seychelles Police Force?"
Yeah, he knew a few people, but he was puzzled. "Why are you so invested in burying this guy? I know why I would, but what about you?" Marcus asked.
Marcus didn't like how he was feeling towards his friend right now. He wasn't sure why, Kyle had been his friend since university days.
"You are my friend, anything that happens to you concerns me. Plus you have your son here at my house," Kyle replied. "He misses his family. We try to make him comfortable but he's still homesick."
So that was it? Kyle wanted to get rid of the extra mouth to feed. "I'll reimburse anything Brandon may have taken that is an expense to you," Marcus replied, his voice even.
Kyle chuckled softly. "There's no problem. Brandon is a joy to have here, and my younger daughter loves him dearly. Markie, we've been friends for a while, I know this situation must be hard on you. I just want to make sure you're okay and that you can go back to your life. You have an ailing wife. I would think you would want this thing over with so you can properly attend to her care," he said.
Marcus took in air and released slowly. He closed his eyes and leaned into the chair. "What do you want me to do?"
Kyle smiled. "Your connections abroad. I did some digging. I found some interesting info about this Mr Z character. I need you to make sure this information gets into the right hands so that criminal never leaves prison. There might be the possibility of extradition to the US."
Marcus eyebrows flew upwards. "Is that so?" he asked.
"Mhm," Kyle said smiling.
"Okay, I'm in."
"Good."
***
Sunday Night - Seychelles Time
8:30 p.m.
Warm, gentle hands brushed on her face, and caressed her hair. She opened her eyes, and for a minute she was confused about what had happened. Then Mael's concerned face came into view and the memories came flooding in. She touched her tummy and stared at him.
"How are you feeling?" he asked. His right hand brushed against her skin. She closed her eyes. How did she feel? Hollow. Like her whole world had been ripped from her. "I'm okay," she replied hoarsely.
"You had a ruptured ulcer. The doctor said it was a good thing I brought you here in time. It would have gotten septic," Mael revealed.
She opened her eyes feeling startled. He drew the chair he was sitting on closer, and gently brushed his hand on her cheek. "You'll be fine," he said.
He looked down at the floor then at her. "Also, your husband will be out in the next hour. He was informed of your condition. As for your boys, they were visiting a casino, which was why you couldn't get in touch with them."
"How did you know?"
"How did I know you couldn't get in touch with them?" Mael said smiling. "Well, because I doubt I would be the first person you'd call if you were in trouble. You'd call family, right?"
She nodded. She tried to get more comfortable. He stood up, leaned forward and adjusted her pillow to ease any discomfort she was feeling. The smell of his cologne and personal body odour was unnerving, but not in an unpleasant way. On the contrary, he smelt very good.
"Thank you for your help," she whispered hoarsely. He took her left hand and brushed his lips on it, kissing it slowly. He watched her eyes as she looked at him. "I meant what I said. Call me if you need me." He opened the palm and kissed it, then let her go. He stood to his feet.
"Your boys will be here soon. A squad car has gone to fetch them so I'll be leaving. I don't want there to be any misunderstanding," he said, but his eyes told her he didn't want to leave her side.
As he was about to leave, she reached for his hand. He turned his upper body around to look at her then sat down. His chestnut brown eyes searched her face.
"Will you come back?" she asked.
"That may not be a good idea," he answered.
"Please, I need someone to talk to or I'll go crazy," she said. He took her hands and squeezed them.
"Okay," he said, "Call me when your husband and sons are gone, and I'll come see you. It may be past visiting hours though."
She nodded. "Will they let you in?" Referring to the hospital staff.
He nodded smiling. "Yes, they will. They know me here."
He looked at his watch. He was tempted to lean forward and kiss her face, but stood up instead. "Gotta go. I also have a tour to do."
She nodded. "Okay," she said. "See you later?" she asked.
"Mhm, okay. Later," he said then left. Danae sighed and closed her eyes.
***
An Hour Later - Seychelles Time
"Baby?"
Danae opened her eyes. An odd pang of disappointment hit her. Am I feeling the unthinkable? A part of her wished Mael had come back already, and it was he who standing before her. Instead, it was her filthy, cheating husband.
Zavier brushed his fingers across her bruised cheek. He seemed shellshocked. She gave him a fake smile and he sat down.
"When we get home, we'll seek the best care so you can get better faster. Dan Dan, I'm so sorry I hit you. I didn't mean ...." Zavier sighed. "I love you very much. I just want you to be healthy, and of course happy." He reached down and clasped her hand in his.
"I love you baby," he said. "I won't hurt you ever again."
"Zavier, I want a divorce," she said, her eyes cold. Zavier leaned back in the chair. He looked at her like he had seen an aberration.
"What?" he asked, his brow knotted. He released her hand as if he'd been burned by it.
"When we first got together, you promised me that you would treat me well. You also promised my mother you would never hurt me: you would never lie, you would never hit me."
Zavier shifted in the chair. "Dan Dan, I'm sorry about everything. I had a silly lapse in judgement--"
"What brought it on?" She stared at him tiredly. She couldn't do this anymore. "I should have told you about my drinking problem, I know, but that doesn't justify you hitting me."
Just then, Zaniv walked into the hospital room. He was carrying a large paper cup with a straw in its plastic cover. He held it in his hand and said, "Mommy, I got you this bubble tea to try--lemon infused iced tea with the boba balls in them."
He extended his hand to her and she moved to sit up. Zavier helped her and she gingerly took the disposable cup from her older son.
"Thank you, baby," she said, almost inaudibly. She brought the straw to her mouth just as Zahir walked in with a bouquet of yellow carnations. He kneeled before Danae and said, "Here's something to cheer you up, mommy," he said smiling. He placed the flowers beside her on the bed then stood up.
Danae looked at the flowers and smiled. Carnations were her mother's favorites, not hers, she was more practical, but now seeing her sons making the effort to cheer her up she felt better.
"Boys, thank you for the gifts," she said smiling at them both. She avoided Zavier's penetrating stare. "What would you guys think of mommy visiting grandma for a little while?"
Zaniv nodded. "Sounds good," he said, "I can stay with you and help take care of you until you're better."
But Zahir observed his father's body language. He saw the tenseness in his dad's shoulders and spoke up. "No need mommy, dad can take some time off work to take care of you," he said.
Zaniv looked at his little brother, his right eyebrow lifted above the left. He watched his mother take a long sip of the tea. His brows furrowed, he reached for his mother's hand. "I promise to take my leave to take care of you whether at home or at grandma's," he stated. His tone was even, but there was something steely in it that made even Zavier break his stare to look at him.
Zavier's gaze flitted back to Danae who was now watching him, as if to say, don't do anything stupid. He sighed. "Okay. Staying at your mom's may be a good idea for now," Zavier said. Zahir shifted on his feet beside him.
After visiting for an hour Zavier said he had to leave to make a few calls, but he would be back the next day before they closed the ward to visitors. She nodded. He kissed her brow and walked away. Zaniv and Zahir stayed forty minutes more, then said they would come back early tomorrow morning. She kissed them on their cheeks and they left.
***
Around 9:30 p.m, Mael called her. She smiled as she realized who the call was from. She answered with lightheartedness in her voice. "Hi," she said.
"Hey," he answered, his tone soft but tinged with humor. "You know I could get used to hearing you sound like that. Is that sexy voice for me specifically, or is that how you answer the phone?"
She laughed, her voice girlish. "Maybe it's for you, or maybe this is how I am on the phone. What do you think?"
He chuckled. "I think it's for me. Am I accurate?"
"Maybe," she said teasing.
Mael grinned. "Still want me to come by later?" he asked, his tone intimate.
"Yes, I would love that." Danae paused, wondering if she should tell him. Why not! she thought.
"I asked him for a divorce," she said softly.
There was a brief pause. "You did?" Mael asked, surprised.
"Mhm," she uttered.
"How did he take it?"
"Calmly, more so stunned. I don't think he expected me to ever say that word. But to be honest neither did I. I still love him," Danae said feeling her throat tighten.
"So why ask for a divorce?" Mael asked.
"Because he's been living a lie right under my nose. He says he loves me, but he's telling another woman I can't hold a candle to her. This is a married woman mind you, the wife of a very close business associate and friend."
"I wish I could be with you," Mael whispered, his deep voice caressed her senses. She exhaled softly. "I would cherish you, and ravish you," he said.
Danae sighed, but she smiled. "How old are you?"
"Trying to figure out if I'm old enough for you?" Mael asked with a low chuckle.
Danae blushed. "No, not exactly. I'm just curious," she answered.
"Oh really? And why are you curious, beautiful?" he asked. The friendly but teasing tone in his voice was sending sparks up her spine.
She stuttered. "I-I ..."
He laughed. She paused to listen to him. He had a confident, endearing laugh.
"That's not funny," she said begrudgingly.
"Okay," he said, "But it doesn't mean I don't see the humour in it." His voice still held a hint of the laugh he belted out a few seconds before. "Beautiful lady, bel damo, I wish I could get to know you better."
Danae closed her eyes. "Not possible," she told him. "Even if I go through with this divorce I just want to be alone, no more romantic entanglements." Bel damo? What does that mean?
"That's too bad. You're still young and very beautiful. I think you have so much more to offer," he said.
Danae swallowed. "I-I'm no spring chicken ... more like an autumn leaf. I'm forty-four, will be forty-five next year," she said quietly.
"Mhm, okay, and I'll be forty-three next year. Is that a problem?" he asked feeling curious.
"Never been married?" she asked her interest peaked.
"No. Almost, but no," he said.
"Almost? What happened?" she asked.
"I caught her cheating," he answered.
"Oh ..." she muttered. She could sympathize.
"So you've been a bachelor? Taking numbers and breaking hearts?" Danae asked feeling amused.
He chuckled. "For a short while, yes, but afterwards I came to my senses and realized that if I continued I was hurting myself and the women I had these short trysts with. So, no, I am a bachelor who behaves like a hermit."
Danae smiled. "Oh please! A handsome man like you. I'm sure women are beating down your door."
"Not these days. I try my best to keep to myself, and I do my best not to lead them on," he said, his voice sincere. Then he chuckled softly and Danae felt her body shiver with a thrill at his tone.
"So you think I'm handsome?" he asked.
She chuckled. "You're coming by, right?" she asked.
"Yes, I will," he answered smiling.
"Yes, you are handsome. Very handsome," she said. "Um .. those words you used earlier? Bell something what does it mean?" she asked.
Mael was smiling from ear to ear. "Bel damo, it means beautiful lady, which you are," he replied. Danae was speechless. He chuckled at her silence. "Okay, see you then. I may stop by really late as I told you. You may be asleep when I get there."
She cleared her throat. "I give you permission to wake me up," she said feeling better just by talking to him.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
She laughed a little. The sound made Mael's breath catch, his heart started to beat fast.
"Yes, wake me up if I'm asleep," she told him.
"Okay, I will. Talk later," he said softly.
"Okay, later," she replied then ended the call.
***
His phone rang and he answered. It was Davian's big booming voice on the line. "Yes?" Zavier answered.
"Boss yuh arite? Yuh still deh in jail?" his second in command asked.
Zavier smirked. Davian was like his son. A not so bright son, but he was still fond of him. "No Davian, I'm out. How did you find out?"
"Zahir called Lequan and mek him know?" Davian said.
Zavier felt a surge of pride swell in his chest. Zahir could be brash and stubborn, but there were times he proved himself to be very useful.
"It was just a misunderstanding," Zavier replied. "The police didn't have much on me and my wife loves me. She would never press charges."
"Mi glad fi hear. Boss sumn a gwaan. We did wire tap Kyle aka Midnight's house like yuh tell we to do. Boss, he's trying to bury you!" Davian said, his tone angry.
"Weh yuh mean?" Z asked. His countenance changed as he looked around his hotel room. His mind was now razor focused on his operations.
"We have him on a recording plotting to get you locked up in prison for the rest of your life. He was talking to the lawyer guy .. ahm, what him name ...?"
"Marcus Dixon." One of Z's men shouted from the background. Zavier recognized the voice as Jack.
"Where are you guys now?" Z asked.
"At the loft, boss," Davian answered.
"So what did you hear?" Z asked.
"Better thing mi boss, mek we play it for yuh. We downloaded it." Zavier heard Jack shouting across the line.
Davian chuckled. "Give me the thing," he said.
There was the sound of movement, then a crackling, then voices came over the phone line loud and clear. Zavier listened as Kyle coaxed Marcus into agreeing to bury him. He shook his head. Marcus didn't know who he was dealing with. He may be a crook, but he was an honest one. He did what he had to do for the sake of his family, but Kyle was just greedy and evil.
"You guys heard from Lequan pertaining to my house?" he asked.
"Yes boss," Davian said. "him seh the sound quality get poor from the other day. Him not sure if the devices are malfunctioning or if something else is happening."
Zavier eyes narrowed. Or that bastard N found the spy bugs and is using a device to muddle the sound, he thought. N, what are you up to?
His eyes widened as a light bulb went off in his head. Could it be?! Dirty bastard! That son of a bitch must be sleeping with my niece. Why else does he need to jam the sound. I need to get home fast. He's screwing my niece, meanwhile Kyle is planning a hostile takeover ... unless, they are in on it together!
Z rose to his feet. "I need you to do something for me. Have you identified where Marcus's daughter is staying?"
"Yes boss," Jack shouted in the room. "She's staying with her bodyguard. Dem in a relationship!"
Zavier sniggered. That young lady has a better sex life than me right now. First, she was with my sister's killer, then the young cop. Now she's sleeping with her bodyguard? He grunted his disgust.
He shook his head. He would have loved to get a piece of her too. He heard she was very pretty. It was a pity she lost her twins. He felt bad for her, but not anymore. If her dad was coming for him, he would help him understand that he wasn't to be messed with.
As for Kyle aka Midnight. He loved those children and Rebecca too. They should have been mine, he mused. Lately, Becca was texting him more often. She knew how he felt about her. If Danae was serious about a divorce, he would let her go, if Becca would come to him. He had called Becca as soon as he left the hospital and told her what had happened to him.
Her voice betrayed her concern for him. He had a feeling she still wanted him. She also told him that Kyle was acting strange lately, not as affectionate and barely speaking to her. He hadn't thought it meant much, but now, now it seems Kyle was too busy plotting his downfall to have time for his wife. But he would, if she gave him the chance. He resolved to get all of them out of harms way before he made his move to destroy Kyle.
"Here's what you're gonna do," he said glancing at his ring. It was a gift from his sister Marcia. The purple stone represented royalty. He was the son of Krome, a ruthless don, who rose in the ranks of a notorious gang, which was rumored to have had connections with the political parties during the 1970s and 80s.
The gang had long been dismantled, and his father killed, but he left Zavier and his sister a legacy and a mission: make sure that none of their family was ever poor again. The snakes embossed on the band were symbols of good fortune and protection.
They'll never beat us sis. Never! Z said in his heart.
"Go after Marcus's daughter. Before, I wanted her to be kidnapped. Now I want you to hurt her. Don't kill her, but beat her up. Do anything else you want. Have a little fun if you feel like it, but don't kill her."
He heard Davian chuckle. "She's a hot mess. I will gladly have some fun," Davian said.
"Call me when it's done, and kill the bodyguard, but make it look like a robbery--a mugging," Zavier instructed.
"Yes boss!" He heard his men answer.
"Find out more about Kyle's kids: their routines--what they do on a daily basis."
"Yes boss," Davian replied.
"Good," Z said. He ended the call.
Z paced the floor. "Lock me up, eh? Unnu know who unnu ah deal wid?! I'm Zavier aka Z. My house will always stand. No one neutralizes me!" he said through gritted teeth.
He needed to pack and leave before the police could hold him for some arbitrary reason. He started packing. He would come back for Danae. Right now he needed to get out of here. He called his boys into his room and told them his business was in danger of being taken away from them.
"I have to leave your mother here for a little bit. But I need you boys to come back with me to take on more responsibilities in the family business."
Zaniv stood and looked out of the floor to ceiling tall glass window. The blinds were drawn back and the city lights dazzled his eyes. He could not leave his mother. He turned to his brother and father who were watching him.
"I can't leave her alone here," he said.
Zavier sighed. "Son, I know you love your mother, but she asked for a divorce. She doesn't want me," he said.
Zavier stood to his feet and came to him. He placed both hands on his son's shoulders. "I'm not abandoning her," he said. "As soon as things clear up I'll be back for her. There's enough money here to last for four more weeks. I'll be back for her by then, and if you want you can come with me to get her, but I need you." He pointed to the smallest drawer in the beautifully crafted mahogany vanity desk. "The money is in there," he said.
Zaniv's eyes drifted to the desk. He nodded. "I'll take care of her," he said firmly. He looked over at Zahir, who was watching the interaction between him and their father. He knew what his brother would do, he had no doubt.
"Sorry dad," he said, "but mom is very sick right now. I am not leaving her." He shook himself out of his father's hold, and walked to the door. "I love you both, but mommy needs me more now."
He opened the door and stepped outside. Zavier looked at the door, hands clenched. He was beginning to resent the fact that Zaniv always chose his mother over him.
Zahir stood to his feet. "I'll come with you," he said. Zavier smiled at him. He came over to him and hugged him. "Knew I could depend on you," Z said happily. "Okay, go pack. We need to get out of here before ..." He didn't want to scare his son. He slapped his son's arm. "Go. Get ready." Zahir nodded and hurriedly left the room.
He reviewed the flight plans. He had already booked for all of them for the next day. Now he would switch flights to something later tonight. They needed to leave immediately. He had planned on getting Danae discharged out of the hospital and taking her home, now she would have to stay.
He called customer service of the airline and made arrangements for the transfer of flight details. He had to do a little flirting with the young lady on the phone to get his way, but it was done. A few more hours and he would be gone.
Danae doesn't want me any more? Fine, I'll leave her to consider her decision.
He was lying that he would leave the money for her to stay over for a month. He was only planning to leave money for two weeks. But now that Zaniv was staying with her, he had to leave the money after all. He swore quietly. He would fetch her as soon as things cooled down. Maybe by then she would have a change of heart.
By 11:00 p.m. he and Zahir were boarding a plane to go back home.
***
Jamaica Time - Saturday Evening
Lissa reached for Jordan's hand and pulled him into the living room to talk. "So you're saying that Christ came to redeem us from sin?"
"Yes, if we're honest, we know deep inside you and I, and of course other people--if we're all honest, we know we don't always do things right. Even when we want to, there's just this thing in us that is more drawn to being selfish. We lie, we steal. Some people kill without remorse."
"Have you ever killed? You were a soldier." She looked at him, observing how his body reacted to the question. He seemed calm.
He looked at the floor for a brief minute, then looked up at her--his emotions raw, but he composed himself. He nodded. "Yes, I have hurt people and I have killed before," he answered, his voice tight. "I did those things because I was in the Army and it was required for the protection of other people: my fellow soldiers as well as civilians."
Picking up on the tension in his voice, she reached for his right hand and squeezed it. He reciprocated putting a little pressure on her fingers.
She cleared her throat. "Go ahead ... continue," she said smiling reassuringly at him.
"Lis, all of us have a tendency to do wrong, to lie, steal, cheat and so on. Obviously I'm no angel. None of us are. Doing wrong is a part of our DNA. It's a curse we inherited from our ancestors Adam and Eve. Our hearts are 'black' with evil thoughts on a continual basis. Christ is the solution to that. He takes our messed up hearts and cleanses them so we can be more like him," Jordan said.
"But why is that necessary?" she asked. She came closer to him.
"It's necessary because there's a holy God that requires holiness and purity from his creation. God created us to be perfect. The Bible says we were made in His image: holy perfect, pure--not knowing evil." He touched her arm. "But then sin came in."
"Okay, so I've heard this at Sunday School ... uh ... Remind me how that went."
Jordan smiled at her. "So God created a perfect world: no sin, no death, no sickness. Then, he made Adam and Eve--they were the first humans. One day the serpent who was Satan, tempted Eve to take fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and eat it. Initially, Eve declined telling him that God warned them not to partake of it, not even to touch it, because the moment they did they would die.
"Satan was cunning. He basically told Eve that God was a liar; that God knew if they took the fruit they will be like Him--knowing what is good and evil. The prospect of being all knowing like God was appealing to Eve so she took the fruit and ate it.
"When she realized that nothing had happened to her, at that time, she gave the fruit to Adam to eat. Him, seeing that nothing seemed to have happened to her, also took a bite of the fruit--"
"And their eyes were opened, right?" Lissa interrupted. "And they sewed leaves together to cover themselves because they discovered they were naked whereas before they never knew they were, right?"
"Yes," he said nodding.
"Okay, so why did they suddenly realize they were naked? Weren't they always naked?"
He nodded. "They were naked, but the glory of God was a sort of a clothing and protection for them. When they disobeyed God's command the glory of God left them. Also taking, the fruit brought a kind of knowledge of shame. Their bodies were no longer glorified, but now exposed."
"Oh ..."
"Which is why instinctively, when we see a naked person, most of us would look away. But being nude meant something different for Adam and Eve before they ate the fruit."
Jordan took up his phone and looked for a verse. "Genesis chapter 2 verse 25 says, 'Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.' The Bible reveals that Adam and Eve felt no shame before they sinned. Before they ate the fruit they didn't even know what shame was--they had no capacity to feel it, until they disobeyed and ate the fruit. The glory of God was stripped from them and then they felt shame."
Lissa nodded.
"Why?" she asked.
"Why what?" he asked puzzled.
"Why did he make the tree in the first place? Okay, he made the tree: why didn't he stop them from making that mistake?" she asked perplexed.
"First of all, it wasn't a mistake. Adam and Eve both had free will. God created them as very intelligent beings. They understood the command do not touch, and they had a concept of what God meant when he said they would die.
"They chose to take the fruit and eat. The serpent/Satan told Eve to eat. but neither she nor her husband had to listen to him. They were curious. They wanted to feel what it was like to be like God, and so they ate the fruit."
He cleared his throat. "As for why the Lord chose to put that tree where he did ... the only thing I can say is it was all a part of God's plan--"
"But--"
"Let me finish," he said quickly. He brushed his hand on her face. She took a breath and paused.
He sighed. "God is sovereign. He is all powerful, but He is also holy. We won't understand everything he does because He is God, and he has knowledge far beyond our scope of understanding. The Bible however gives us a hint by saying Christ is the vessel, so to speak, that God the Father used to show his love towards all of us.
"When God created us he knew we would fail into sin, so He made provision through the death of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. So Christ coming and dying in our place to cover our punishment is God's way of demonstrating His love."
"But if the sin didn't happen then Christ wouldn't have to come, right?" Lissa reasoned.
"Fair point, but it did happen, and God made provisions for that through Jesus Christ."
"I don't understand: how does that show love?" she stood up, looking at him. She moved away from him, her mood conflicted.
"Love isn't proven to be true until it's tested," he answered solemnly. "The word of God tells us that God demonstrated his love towards us by sending his Son, and he did that while we were lost in sin. Christ sacrificed himself for us. We had nothing to do with him. We couldn't, we were spiritually dead to God." Jordan clasped his hands together.
"Jesus wasn't a victim. He willingly allowed himself to be put to death. No human being could meet God's holy standard, so Christ came to earth and took on the form of a human being so that he could bear the punishment that we as humans deserved."
He looked towards the wooden cross on the wall and felt his heart beating faster. He gazed at her, his heart stirring with gratitude.
She followed his eyes and saw the wooden cross. It dawned on her that she hadn't noticed it was there before now. She glanced back at him, studying him carefully.
"You believe all of this?" she asked.
He nodded. "Yes I do," he said.
"And this belief is why you don't believe in sex before marriage?" Lissa asked crossing her arms over her chest.
"Yes," he said simply.
"Is it so wrong?" She closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them and looked at him, he saw her vulnerability. "Jordie, I have never felt this way about anyone else. The way you hold me, and kiss me." She shook her head. "Is it wrong to want to express my love, my desire for you?"
"Baby, it's not wrong to want me. Lissa, you know how I feel about you. Baby, I'm crazy about you." Jordan wanted to hold her, but stood his ground. He shoved his hands in his jeans' pockets instead.
He took a deep breath and released it slowly. He smiled at her. "I haven't been perfect, as you know. My Christian walk with God has not been easy. It's more like bucking my toe, tripping, falling and getting up again, and asking God daily to help me be better," he admitted.
"But I know in my heart what I'm doing now--saving myself for my wife, is what I want to do. God created sex and He requires that we honor Him by waiting until marriage, and making sure we are faithful to our spouse.
"Lis, if we get married my body is yours. I won't share myself with anyone else, only you. And I would want you to do the same. Sex means something to me, you mean so much to me. I would rather wait and plan our future than take the risk of gratification now, and then we break up and I'm left hurt."
She uncrossed her arms and took a step towards him. "Jordie, I love you," she said. "There's no one else I want. It's hard for me. You're so sexy and when I look at you and think of the things you've done for me, naturally I'm attracted to you. I want to be yours.
"I've never really waited for sex. I mean if I date a guy I make them wait a little, but not for too long 'cause I want it too."
Jordan stepped forward and touch her face. "But now you have a man who knows you're worth. Lis, you're more than a sex partner to me. You're my wife to be, and to honor God I will do whatever it takes to make you feel secure, but the right way, the godly way."
Lissa was touched by his words. Her heart fluttered in her chest. She stared at him feeling as though she discovered something new about him.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too, sweet baby," he said.
"Why is Jesus important to Christians?" she asked smiling up at him.
He leaned forward and kissed her brow. He took her hand and led her to the couch. They sat down together and he wrapped his arm around her. Leaning towards him, she rested her head on his shoulder.
"Remember I said God warned Adam and Eve if they ate the fruit they would die?"
She nodded.
"The punishment for sin--breaking God's decree is death. God the Father, a holy and righteous God requires that sin be punished. The punishment for disobedience is death. Death is a curse brought on by sin." He rubbed his hand on her arm. She closed her eyes and listened to him.
"The Bible tells us that God is also love. Being a loving God he didn't want us to suffer. He had to come up with a solution to ensure He could save us. There had to be a payment: a fulfilling of his righteous law, but he couldn't bear the thought of us not being with him, That is where Christ stepped in. He became our substitute, taking our place to be punished, so we can be saved from God's wrath."
"I ..." She shook her head.
"I am your bodyguard, yes?"
She nodded. "Yes," she said.
"My job is to protect you from any threat against your life--to keep you safe?"
"Yes," she answered
"As your bodyguard I put my life on the line for you. If you get hurt, I fail my mission to protect you." He continued rubbing her arm. "It is my calling, my duty, my mission. Ultimately, it is my destiny to keep you safe, even to the point of risking my life. And risking my life means even to the point of death."
She stiffened in his embrace. He held her tighter. "Now that I'm in love with you, I will go above and beyond to protect you. And if it came down to it, I would give my life to make sure yours is secure."
Lissa felt her eyes prick with tears.
"As Adam's offspring we're also in danger: the wages of sin is death, not just dying physically, but being spiritually dead. Adam and Eve didn't physically die as soon as they ate the fruit, but their spirits were severed from God's Spirit.
"The bond they had with their Father was broken: they existed outside of God's presence and power. And ultimately, being guilty of sin, the punishment for them, and us their descendants, is being thrown into hell, as well as our bodies wearing out and expiring."
She pressed her face into his shirt. Jordan tenderly stroked her hair. She thought of her grandma, the most important person in the world to her besides her parents, and now Jordan. She missed her so much.
"Consider it a triple threat," he continued. "We'll die physically; we're cut off from God spiritually, and we'll experience further separation from God by being in hell, and from what I've read, hell isn't a nice place to be."
She nodded. "Okay," she said, listening.
"My grandma died of cancer. I prayed for her to get better but she didn't," she said on the brink of shedding tears. Jordan squeezed her, then rubbed her back in a soothing up and down motion.
"God takes no pleasure in us dying. His word says that he does not want to see any of us perish. Was she a believer in Christ?"
She nodded. "Yes, she was," she said, her voice shaky.
Jordan sighed. He could feel her shaking. "In St. John chapter 11 verse 25, Jesus declares that he is the resurrection and the life. If your grandma trusted in Jesus one day she will live again."
She pulled away from him and looked at him. He nodded. "It's true," he said.
"It was Christ's mission to restore the spiritual bond between us and the Father, and make it so we can live eternally with him--to restore what was lost when Adam disobeyed. A day will come when she will live again and she won't ever be sick. The thing is, you too will have to be saved to have eternal life and be able to see her again, which means you have to accept Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour."
"I have to accept Christ to see her again?"
He nodded.
He touched her cheek. "Jesus Christ died to protect us from the judgement--hell. To do that he had to meet the requirements of a holy God, which meant he had to suffer the punishment for sin, so we can be free to have a relationship with the Father and live forever with him. Jesus gives us hope."
"And you're saying he did all of this because of love?" Lissa asked, her eyes watering.
"Yes, he did. I am human Lis, but I'd do anything to protect you because I love you. Imagine the great lengths a perfect and loving God would go through to ensure we're restored to him. That we don't have to suffer his wrath or hell. The Bible reminds us that he made us and so we belong to him. It's the mending of an ancient relationship between God and Humans--Creator and Created."
Lissa sighed, a few tears rolling down her face. He pulled her to him and held her close.
"You would die for me?" she asked. She was crying now.
"Yes, in a heartbeat, and Jesus did the same for you and me, because He and the Father love us."
She bowed her head and leaned on his chest. He held her as she cried.
***
He was coming up on a right turn when he saw a woman bending over her car with the bonnet open. He was going to drive past when he felt the need to slow down. He ignored the thought and drove on, but then the niggling of his conscience tugged at his heart.
He slowed his vehicle down, then changed lanes, and exited at the next roundabout. He was annoyed with himself for doing this. Why was he wasting his time? Someone could have already stopped to help her. But his mind was unsettled.
He drove until he saw the opportunity to cross lanes. He filed in behind a white Toyota Prius and drove slowly as he came closer to where she was. He was surprised to see that no one had stopped to help her. He slowed his vehicle down and parked on the soft shoulder just ahead of her.
He took a deep breath. She might think I'm crazy if she recognized my vehicle had past earlier. He got out and walked slowly towards her.
"Miss," he said calmly. "Would you like some help."
"Oh, thank God!" He heard the relief in her voice, and was happy he stopped to help. The woman stepped from behind the lifted bonnet, and recognition showed on her face. "Ryan ..." she said, surprised to see him.
"Hi Prudence," he said smiling at her. She was a sight for sore eyes. She was taller than he remembered her. He looked at her feet. Oh, she's wearing high heels. He smiled at her.
She came forward and extended her hand to him. He shook it and grinned. "What seems to be wrong with old Betsy?" he asked.
Prudence laughed. It was a beautiful sound to his ears. He chuckled.
"Old Betsy did some sputtering sounds and gave up the ghost apparently," she said her eyes twinkling.
He walked past her. "Okay, let me see if I can help," he said smiling.
She grimaced.
"I know a guy. He can tow your vehicle to any mechanic you have in mind, okay?" he said, watching her fold her arms in frustration. She nodded with an exasperated sigh. "Okay," she said, "thank you." He slammed the bonnet shut and she sat on it. He took out his cellphone and dialed his friend's number.
"Jerry, wah gwaan? Mi have a job fi yuh. Is a lady friend of mine so I expect you to be reasonable." He chuckled after hearing Jerry's reply.
"Yes man. Yes, she's my girl, mhm." He laughed. He told his friend their location. Prudence sat on her car, listening to the conversation, totally oblivious to what Jerry may have said to warrant that laugh. She did however hear Ryan say she was his woman. She was going to check him on that as soon as he came off the phone.
He hung up. She turned towards him. "Considering the fact that the last time I checked I'm still single, and you're dating Lissa, I don't know how I became your girlfriend."
Ryan looked at her for a few seconds before walking towards her. "You haven't heard from Lissa, have you?"
Her brow knotting, she adjusted her butt on the hard surface of the car. She shook her head. "No, I haven't heard from her in a while."
He smiled at her. He came to stand before her. "I told my friend you were my woman to secure a discount on his towing rates for you," Ryan said. "As for Lissa, we broke up."
Prudence's eyes widened. "What? When?" she asked.
"Maybe some weeks back. Maybe two or three weeks. I'm unsure of the time."
She stared at him, feeling concerned. "What happened?"
He moved to sit beside her. She scooted over to give him space.
He cleared his throat. She looked at him. He looked nice in his police uniform.
Ryan looked back at her. She wore thin rimmed glasses that accentuated the shape of her eyes. He flexed his shoulders to relax them.
After the incident with Lissa he asked for a transfer to the Half Way Police Station. Fortunately, Superintendent Dacres, knowing the sensitivity of the situation, released him so he could take up duties at that branch.
Until the transfer was finalized, he avoided eye contact with Shane and Dana. Several times Shane tried to speak to him, but he would walk past him and not respond. He felt much better where he was now, and was already familiar with the officers at that station.
He smiled at her sadly. "I overheard her telling her baby father, well ex-baby father that she still had feelings for him," he said softly.
Prudence covered her mouth. "I'm sorry," she said. She reached out and touched his arm, then redrew her hand feeling awkward. "I-I'm sorry."
He shook his head. "That's fine," he said.
"Did she tell you she lost the twins?" he asked.
"What?!" Prudence stared at him in shock. She shook her head. "No ... she didn't."
He nodded his head. "She lost the twins and afterwards she told me we shouldn't be together because I love kids and would want them one day. I tried to convince her that I would never leave and we could adopt."
He took a deep breath and released it slowly, "She didn't want to hear that. I was so in love, I went by her house to talk things over with her. I thought I would be able to convince her to give us a chance, and she said she would, after we talked for a while. That same day I conducted a raid on a restaurant/night club where this thug had her dad hostage."
Prudence put her hands on her head, her mouth open. He shrugged his shoulders and gave a melancholy laugh at her reaction. "Anyhoo, I had a report to write about it, but I wanted to spend a little time with her. So I went back to her house. When I walked in Shane was already there. He was telling her that he was going to get engaged to his new girlfriend."
"I see," she said, her chest was tight with pent up anger. She knew nothing of these things.
"She told him she wanted to be with him, but he told her he was in love with another colleague of ours. When he left I confronted her and broke it off with her," he said.
She looked at him. He was clean shaven. His honey-brown coloured eyes were sad and guarded. She covered his hand with hers. "I'm so sorry. I bet she's feeling really sorry now."
"I doubt it," he snorted.
"Why do you say that?" she asked, watching his facial expression.
"Because my friend told me he likes her. More than likely he's dating her now," he said.
"Your friend?" Prudence asked in shock.
"Mhm ... her bodyguard," Ryan replied.
Lissa has a bodyguard? Prudence couldn't believe it. She didn't even call to let me know about the twins. She was livid.
"Just because he likes her doesn't mean she will date him," Prudence retorted, still in disbelief.
He chuckled. "I know you want to defend your friend, but it's actually fine. If there's anyone who can handle her it's him," he said.
"Why is that?" she asked curious.
"He has a bad boy side she might find intriguing. He has tattoos. She might like that. Plus, the sense of danger he exudes, though he's actually a kind person, may just be what she needs to keep her interested."
Prudence eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I see," she said quietly.
His phone rang. Ryan fished into his pocket and took it out. He answered the call and listened. "Okay, thank you. We're here waiting," he replied then hung up. "My friend is fifteen minutes out. I'll stay until he gets here."
"Thank you," she said smiling at him. She looked at him. He was very handsome. She was still holding his hand. She squeezed it a little, and he smiled at her. She couldn't understand what Lissa was doing. "I'm sorry for what she did."
Ryan smiled at her. He bumped her shoulder with his. "It's fine," he said. "I won't say I'm over it, but I will live. I do wish her the best."
He looked in front of him as cars passed by them on the busy thoroughfare. "One thing I learned from this experience: I violated my Christian walk to be with her. Not her fault, I wanted her and pursued her. I got what I deserved I guess. But from now on, I promise myself that I will do the right thing. If I do meet someone else I fall for, I'm courting her to marriage, and I'll make sure I don't have sex with her until she's my wife."
Prudence smiled at him. She squeezed his hand. He looked down at their hands and responded with a tiny squeeze. He moved to withdraw his hand and she released her grip.
"I understand what you're saying. I've been a Christian almost all my life," she revealed.
He looked at her, his eyes observing the neat arch of her eyebrows. "Since when?"
She smiled. "Since I was ten," she said. "I understand what you're saying about waiting. Sorry you had to go through that with Lissa, but you knew she wasn't a Christian."
He nodded. "True, I did know," he replied. "No more compromising for me," he said with a sigh.
"I too am waiting for marriage. I-I've never ..."
"You never?" he asked, his eyes flickered with mild interest.
She clutched the chain around her neck. "I'm not experienced," she said, her eyes straying away from his curious gaze.
"You've never?" he asked, as realization of what she was saying dawned on him. He turned his body slightly towards her.
She shook her head and stared at him. A fleeting emotion past on his face. "It's good that you're waiting," he said. He touched her hand. "I pray you will find someone who is worthy of you," he told her softly.
He gazed intensely at her. Prudence smiled at him, her lips trembling, her heart thudding in her chest. He released her hand and put both of his hands in his lap.
When Jerry came Prudence paid him what she had in her bag and told him she would go to the ATM. She left to find an ATM to retrieve more money. But while she was gone, Ryan, seeing her dilemma, gave his friend the money. Prudence was surprised when she came back to her car, to hear Jerry say Ryan had settled the bill for her.
She couldn't believe he did that. He was about to start his car to drive off. She ran after him and stood before his vehicle. He shut off the engine.
"Are you insane?" Ryan asked, alarm in his voice.
"Why did you do that?" she asked--her voice breathy. Her heart was beating fast. "You were going to pay and just leave without me getting the chance to say thank you?" Her body was tense with frustration.
She came around to the driver's side window. "Look, I know Lissa hurt you, and maybe she didn't or couldn't appreciate you, but give me the opportunity to show my gratitude."
He shook his head. "That's not necessary," he said politely. He was looking before him.
"Yes, it is," she said. She reached inside the car and touched his face, turning it towards her. She saw the pain in his eyes and her heart melted.
Prudence brushed her fingers on his right cheek. "Let me buy you dinner, please. I got some money from the ATM. You already paid for the wrecker service, let me treat you. My way of saying thanks."
"I don't know ..." he said.
She gently brushed her fingers against his cheek. His eyes fluttered shut as his body registered how soft her hand felt on his skin. He had been feeling 'touch deprived' for a while now.
"No pressure, no expectations," she said. "Just a friend taking a friend out to dinner. Is that so bad?" She smiled at him.
He opened his eyes and gazed at her lovely shaped eyes. She had kind eyes. Even that time when he had visited her home, and she behaved sternly towards him, he could tell she was a kind soul. He stared at the curves of her cheeks and her soft, full lips. She was a beautiful girl. He smiled at her. He nodded. "Okay, just dinner. Your treat?" he asked.
"Yes," she said, "it will be my pleasure."
"Okay, get in. We'll follow Jerry to secure your vehicle at the mechanics, and then I'll let you take me out."
He unlocked the passenger side door and she hurried around to open it. She slid inside his car and smiled at him. He smiled back at her. A mysterious look crossed his face, but was gone just as quickly as it came. He looked up and saw Jerry watching them.
"Ready!" Ryan shouted.
Jerry gave a thumbs up sign, got in his truck and drove off. Ryan followed him.
***
Saturday Night - Jamaica Time
They walked into a fancy restaurant called the Hummingbird, Jordan had booked it for his birthday. They were served by two waiters. Sophia Aurora was texting on her phone, a cheeky smile on her lips. Jordan was curious as to who she was texting, but he would give her some space for now. Today was his birthday, and he wouldn't let anything ruin it for him.
Jordan looked at Lissa. She was wearing a pair of black slacks and black, flat, strappy sandals, and a black blouse with silver threading shaped into a heart. Sophia Aurora helped paint her toenails in a glossy black polish and even did her makeup. He was glad the two of them were getting along well. He reached for her hand, kissed it and pressed it on his face. Lissa blushed.
Lissa looked at him. He was wearing a navy blue blazer over a teal coloured turtle neck shirt and dark blue slacks. On his feet were black dress boots. He smelled so good. Her hormones were going haywire. She was deeply in love with this man.
Smiling at him, she wished she was already his wife. She longed for his touch in ways she couldn't describe. She wanted to ask Sophia Aurora a favor. She was timid about it. She would wait until tomorrow, when Jordan would do his grocery run, to talk to her privately.
She blew him a kiss. Her eyes adored him. She thought about everything he said earlier. She was seriously considering being a Christian. She could feel the stirring in her chest when he spoke to her.
As he was about to release her hand, she grabbed at his, pulling it to her and kissed it. She rubbed her face on it. His eyes softened as he watched her. "I love you, baby. Happy birthday," she said smiling. Jordan blew little kisses. "Thank you baby," he whispered, his voice raspy.
Sophia Aurora looked up, saw the interaction between her brother and Lissa, and dipped her head back into her phone messages. She smiled. She really liked Lissa. She hoped this relationship would work. She continued to secretly text Marlon.
The time together went along quite well. On several occasions Jordan fed Lissa food off his plate and she did the same. She looked at him, her eyes telling him that she wanted him. He looked at her. He was grateful for her.
He knew what was on her mind, but tonight he had to be strong for both of them. Yes, he wanted to touch her. Yes, he wanted to make love to her. She was dreaming of him. He dreamed of her too. He needed her, but tonight he would say no.
Meanwhile, Shane walked into the restaurant and spoke to a hostess about how to make a reservation for Sunday night. He was guided into a private room upstairs to speak to a reservations agent.
The young woman walked in with a tablet in hand, smiling politely at him. "Good evening sir, how can we at the Hummingbird be of service to you?" she said.
Shane smiled at her. "The thing is, I want to propose to my girlfriend here tomorrow night. I want to book one of your private booths. Reservations for four people." He watched as the young woman typed something in her tablet.
"I want it to be special for her," he continued. "My girl isn't much of a drinker, but I want her to taste champagne. Do you have champagne that's a little lighter on the alcohol content?"
The young woman nodded while she continued to tap on her device. "Yes, we do. We can recommend a bottle of Moscato d'Asti--5% alcohol content, if you like." She looked up and smiled at him.
Shane grinned at her. "Yes," he said, "yes, that sounds good."
***
They were walking towards the car Jordan rented for the occasion. It was parked across the road, a few meters down along the sidewalk. While Sophia Aurora walked ahead of them, still texting on her phone, Jordan clasped his hand in Lissa's and strolled slowly with her.
"I love you," he said. "Because I love you I want to treat you like the treasure you are. I'm waiting for our wedding night because I want to give you something special, and I want to honor God."
She squeezed his hand. "I understand." She sighed and moved closer to him. "I can't deny I want you. I'm on my period, but God knows I would still do it if you want it."
He chuckled. "The thought crossed my mind to be honest."
Lissa looked at him, eyebrows raised. He winked at her. She giggled.
"But I hear you, and I want to try for both of us," she said looking up at him. "I love you, if this is what you want, I'll do my best to wait," she said, leaning her body into him. He released her hand and circled his arm around her shoulders. They were closer to the car now, but Sophia Aurora was nowhere in sight.
He was still smiling when he called out to his sister. "Sophia!" He looked around them. "Sophia! Where is that likkle girl? Cyan bet she walk past the car di way how she ah text."
Lissa smiled at him, but she could feel the worry in his voice. She looked back to where they were coming from. People were moving up and down on that sidewalk as usual, cars drove past. Nothing was out of the ordinary. She looked in front of them.
A few people were walking ahead of them, no one coming in their direction. She moved to his side and touched his arm. He looked down at her, his brow furrowed. He lifted his head, his eyes scanned their surroundings. Just then, they saw a man coming towards them. Jordan moved towards him. The man slowed down.
"Excuse me, have you seen a young lady in her twenties: wearing a pink crop top and blue mini skirt--denim fabric? She's wearing a blue Kangol hat on her head. She had a little backpack shaped like a pink bunny."
Lissa watched the man. The man smiled at him amusedly. "You know, actually I did see someone that looked like that. Very pretty girl."
Lissa observed that Jordan's fists curled slightly when he heard the man say his sister was pretty.
"I tried to get her number, but she brushed me off, and turned down that alley a few meters away. There's a garbage skip down there. I told her it's dangerous to do that, but she said she forgot to throw something away."
Jordan nodded at the man. "Will you show me where she went?"
The man agreed, "Sure, not a problem."
Jordan extended his hand towards Lissa who came to him. He grabbed her hand and walked a few meters away from where the man was standing. He looked into her eyes. "He's lying," he whispered. "Sophia Aurora is socially awkward around strangers. If it's not about her products she doesn't talk much."
Lissa had to agree with him on that. Aurora always had time to talk about her oils and soaps, and what she was doing with her products, but seemed uncomfortable talking about anything else.
"I'm gonna ask him to show me where he said she is. But I want you to be alert. Lock yourself in the car. If I'm not back in five minutes call Ryan." He gave her the car keys. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear.
She hesitated. "I ... he and I are not on good terms. Remember? I don't know if he'll answer." He took out his phone from his pants and gave it to her, then took her phone from her hand. He put it in his pocket and gave her the pin to unlock his phone. "He'll answer for me," he said. He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her lips.
The man watched them closely. "You coming or what? I do have somewhere to be," the man said impatiently. He watched them, a strange gleam in his eyes. Lissa felt uncomfortable with the way he was looking at her.
Jordan touched her chin. He stared into her eyes, saying everything he wanted to say, but couldn't out loud. Somehow she knew. She nodded. She was trembling. She watched as Jordan followed the man down the road and then turned into a lane. She opened the car door and slid in, locking herself inside.
Two minutes had passed when she heard a scream from nearby. When she looked around, Sophia Aurora was running towards the car. She opened the door quickly and Aurora jumped inside.
Breathing erratically, Aurora said, "Some guys came out of nowhere and grabbed me, this big black guy and two other men. One of them left and when I looked he came back with Jordie. Lissa we have to help Jordie. He's fighting them off, but it's just him!"
Lissa's hands shook as she unlocked Jordan's phone with the pin he gave her. She dialed Ryan's number.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The hollow sound of gunshots echoed in the air. Sophia Aurora screamed. Lissa heard screams ringing out around her, as people on the road heard the gunfire. Her heart was in her throat when she heard the phone connect and started to ring.
"Hey, what's up?" Ryan answered cheerily.
Bang! Bang!
Sophia Aurora screamed.
"Bro?" Ryan said.
"Ryan!" Lissa said crying. "Some men are attacking Jordan, please help!"
She heard shuffling. "Where are you?" he asked. More movement. She told him where they were. "I have his sister here with me," she told him. "We're in the car he rented. It's a silver-blue coloured Subaru."
"Stay in the car. I'm coming."
Lissa heard a female voice ask. "What's going on?" She didn't care about that. Jordan needed help.
"I'm coming don't move," he said then hung up.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw a shadow move to her side of the vehicle. She looked and saw a man with a piece of metal pipe in his hand. He was bleeding from the right side of his head. He brought the pipe down with such force it cracked the window.
Aurora screamed, her eyes showing the fear she was feeling. Lissa grabbed her hand, she unlocked Aurora's side of the car. She pushed Aurora. "Run!" she said.
Wide eyed, Aurora looked at her. The man brought down the pipe again, the glass breaking into more fissures. He was hitting the glass harder now, heaving his body weight into each swing of the pipe.
"Go!" Lissa said.
Aurora pushed the door open and scrambled out of the car. She took off her slippers and ran into road. Car horns blared as drivers tried to avoid hitting her. She managed to get safely across the street, and ran into the restaurant. Lissa quickly locked the door.
The man looked up, realizing that the younger girl had escaped. He wondered if he should go after her, but before he could make up his mind ...
"Oyie! Fat bwoy!" Lissa shouted, while tapping her hand on the glass. He looked at her. She showed him her middle finger. He glared at her and resumed hitting the passenger side window. Lissa bent her head and covered her eyes as shards of glass flew towards her face.
Why was he attacking them. There were people across the road who were filming what was happening on their phones, but no one tried to help. "Call the police!" she screamed glaring at them. She wasn't sure if they heard her, the windows were rolled up. One man however, took out his phone and appeared to be dialing a number. While he did that, others kept on videoing the incident with their phones.
The man was poking holes in the glass now with his weapon of choice. She thought of running, but she wasn't as fast as Aurora. She had a bag in her hand. What can I do? She unlocked the car door and with all her might she shoved it into him. He stumbled back.
Lissa jumped out of the car and hit him repeatedly with her bag. He dropped to the ground, the pipe falling out of his hand. She grabbed it and started beating him all over his body: his head, neck and arms. She was so angry. She hit his knees and shin and whacked him over the head again until he was unconscious.
There was a commotion as folks scurried out of the way as another man charged towards her. Behind him, another figure was gaining ground on him. It was Jordan! She was relieved to see he was okay.
Lissa turned and ran as fast as she could--pipe in hand. She couldn't cross the road at that time, the traffic had piled up. She ran as fast as she could, but the man caught her. He grabbed her to spin her around, just as she swung hard at him. The pipe connected with his muscular arm. He grunted and yanked the pipe out of her hands.
She screamed and covered her head when she saw him make a fist to hit her. But Jordan lunged at the man, knocking him down to the ground. Lissa jumped out of the way to watch him tackle the man who was trying to stand up. The big, burly man pushed him off and stood to his feet.
"Lissa get back!" Jordan shouted. She looked around her. A larger crowd had gathered at the front to the restaurant and other businesses across the road. On their side of the road there were folks also standing, watching. No one tried to help them.
"Lissa!"
She looked across the road to see Sophia Aurora at the entrance with two of the restaurant's guards behind her. They moved to cross the road. They had weapons in their hands. Lissa hoped they would be able to cross in time to help.
Shane heard the commotion outside, but when he asked, he was told that it looked like two men were fighting over a woman.
"Maybe a lovers' spat," a patron said laughing.
Shane nodded. He turned his attention back to the reservations agent, who was showing him the booth he would book for the engagement tomorrow. He told her he wanted a special jello pudding prepared so the ring could be placed in it. The agent made note of the request. He sat in the booth and nodded his head. This will do, Shane thought.
He heard someone scream. He looked up. As soon as I'm done here I'll see what's going on, he told himself.
Lissa picked up the pipe to hit the man, but he spun Jordan around to her position, so she had to abort her swing. Jordan pushed the man and jabbed at him, using his southpaw hook to deck him.The man flew backwards to the ground. Jordan kicked him, and stumped on his belly, then he dropped to his knees on the man's chest. He gripped the man's throat and squeezed.
The man Lissa had beaten unconscious crawled to his feet. Still dazed, he moved menacingly towards her. She screamed. Jordan squeezed hard on the man's throat he was fighting. Something inside him snapped. He lifted the man's head and hit it hard against the concrete. Harder and harder, Jordan smashed his enemy's head on the concrete until he saw blood flow out.
The other injured man grabbed at Lissa and she ducked away from him. Jordan stood up, his breathing deep but calm, he moved slowly towards the man. The man moved towards him. The man grinned at him, but Jordan was stone faced.
"You look like you want to play? But you're gonna die tonight," the man said.
Jordan shook his head. "The only one that will die tonight is you," Jordan barked. He rushed at the man. The man pulled out his gun. Lissa hadn't seen the gun when she was beating him. Panicking, she screamed Jordan's name. She tried to block the man from harming her lover, but Jordan grabbed her and spun his body around, shielding her.
The man fired and Jordan hunched over still holding Lissa in his arms. The guards from the restaurant finally crossed the street and approached. One guard shot the man, hitting him in the knee. A second bullet lodged in the man's chest, and a third hit him in his head. He fell to the ground.
The third bullet was from Ryan. He regretted not getting there sooner, but he had to make sure Prudence got home safely. He called an Uber for her before he left the restaurant.
Ryan ran towards Lissa and Jordan. He saw that his friend was hit and pulled him off Lissa. He laid him on his back. "Breathe," he said to Jordan--his voice shaky. Lissa ran to Jordan. She touched his face. Sophia Aurora was now by his side. Ryan stood up and called in the incident then called for an ambulance.
Lissa looked down at her beloved. He got shot in the back but the bullet was lodged in his abdomen. He was bleeding out. She remembered she had a handkerchief in her bag. She ran to where she dropped the bag and took out the handkerchief. She ran back to Jordan and pressed the handkerchief onto his right side.
He was trying to say something. "I love y-ou ..."
I love you too, baby," she replied, her voice trembling. Tears flowed freely from her eyes. A large crowd stood around them, silently watching the scene. She could hear the flashing of cameras--her heart felt bitter.
Sophia Aurora looked up at her. She too was crying. She looked back at him and grabbed his hand. "Jordan, you can't die now. You just found your soulmate." She squeezed his hand. "Squeeze my hand Jordie, please!"
Ryan looked at them. The situation looked grim. It was one bullet, but the back and abdomen areas protected several vital organs. The bullet was still in his body this was a dire situation.
Jordan looked at his sister. He blew her a kiss and smiled at her. "My baby sister. I love you," he whispered hoarsely. He was feeling so tired. Sophia Aurora squeezed his hand harder, but he barely felt anything. He noted with a strange calm that his body was getting numb. He looked over at his woman.
He smiled at her. "I love ... yo-ou," he said, his voice breathy. He was having difficulty breathing. "Always and forever." He closed his eyes. Lissa screamed. She grabbed the collar of his shirt and cried his name.
Ryan pulled her to her feet and held her while she sobbed. Her limbs were weak. She almost fell to her ground, but Ryan held her upright.
The ambulance came up just then, and two men exited the vehicle. They checked him. The older man looked at Ryan, acknowledging him as the officer on the scene. Ryan was still wearing his uniform.
"University Hospital A&E," the older EMT said. He jumped into the vehicle and closed the back door while his colleague sat in the front. Sirens blared as the ambulance lurched forward and sped away.
Aurora rubbed her hands on Lissa's back. "He'll be fine," she said, but she too was dreading the worse.
Ryan held Lissa steady while she cried. Her body was shaking. She couldn't breathe. Oh God, Jordie! Please don't leave me now! she thought. She sobbed loudly.
Ryan glared at the people still standing before them. "Nothing to see here!" he barked, "Move along!"
"Will that guy be alright?" someone asked from the crowd.
Ryan swore. "Leave before I arrest all of you!" he shouted. His emotions were raw. Reluctantly, the crowd dispersed, many muttering under their breath that they hoped the brave young man would be okay.
"Lord please save him!" Lissa screamed. "Take my life for his!"
A few folks looked back at the screaming woman and felt sorry for her. They turned around and walked away.
Ryan's grip tightened around her. He tried to soothe her. "Shhh ... Lissa, they said there's a pulse. He'll be okay," he said. He hoped.
She was shaking violently. He looked into her eyes. Her pupils were dilated, her eyes looked wild. She did a blood curdling scream that made even the guards who helped in taking the big guy down feel a jolt of fear. The hairs on the back of their arms and neck stiffened. They looked at each other not knowing what to say.
Lissa cried even louder. "Lord, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything. Don't take him from me!
Maybe I don't deserve him. For all the wrong things I've done in my life, she mused. God don't punish him, punish me!
Ryan lifted her in his arms and brought her to his car. Sophia Aurora followed them. Ryan opened the back passenger door and laid Lissa on the seat. Aurora slid inside and put her arms around her.
Lissa leaned into Sophia Aurora. She searched her mind. I need to pray. I need to pray.
"The Lord is my Shepherd ...:" Her breathing ragged.
"I shall not want ... He makes me lie down ..."
She thought of Jordan. "The Lord is Jordan's Shepherd ... He shall not want ..."
Ryan turned on his car's engine. He would take Lissa home first, then go to the hospital to find out about Jordan's situation.
"Yea though Jordan's walks
In the valley of the shadow of death
He shall fear no evil
For you God are with him
Your rod and staff will comfort him
You prepare a table for him before his enemies
His cup will run over
Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow him
All the days of his life
And he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Overwhelmed with fear and grief Lissa fainted. Sophia Aurora cried out in shock. Ryan turned around and saw Lissa unconscious. He pressed down his foot on the gas pedal.
***
Shane stepped out of the restaurant and looked around him. He listened to a man and woman speaking as they walked before him.
"That bwoy teck on three men. Three men Barbara!" the elderly man exclaimed.
"Three men? I only saw two!" Barbara replied.
"It was three. Some men pass by and seh dem see another man in the lane across the road. Look like him kill that one first, then fight the other two guys after," the man told her.
Shane cleared his throat. The man and woman turned to look at him. "Forgive me for listening in," Shane said. "I'm a police officer. I was actually in the Hummingbird restaurant. Can you tell me what happened to the man and the woman he was helping?"
The man squinted his eyes at him. "You is a police officer?"
Shane nodded and smiled at him politely.
"You should have helped them then!" the man shouted.
Barbara touched the man's arm. "Hector, a weh mi hear the girl call the man. What was the name?"
"Is never she call him name. It was the younger girl?" Hector answered.
"Younger girl?" Shane asked. He felt bad because of the man's rebuke, but he didn't know it was anything serious.
The man looked at him. his eyes showing his contempt. "Yes," Hector answered, "a young girl was also there. Looked like she was in her early twenties. She ran into the restaurant. The same one you were inside. Me and wifey was just walking past and we see what was happening. She got some guards to help. They shot the man who shot the guy, and then a police officer finished him off."
Shane's eyebrows lifted. He wasn't sure if he heard shots fired.
"Oh yes!" Barbara said. "The young girl called him Jordan. His name was Jordan"
Shane's eyes widened. Fear struck deep in his gut. "His name was Jordan?"
Barbara nodded. "Yes," she answered.
"What did the woman look like?" he asked. His throat felt constricted.
"Young one or older?" she asked.
"Older," he said, his heart pounding in his chest.
Hector spoke up: "Maybe thirties or forties. Not too tall, full of shape, light brown skin. Nice looking girl. Cute with thick, pretty, curly hair, big ... "
Shane didn't stay to hear any more, he was already running towards his car.
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