His treasure: Chapter 3: A trip to nowhere.
"Give mi di roast chicken and vegetable rice."
"What kind of gravy yuh want on it?"
"Dem going to cook oxtail?"
"Yeh."
"Put some oxtail gravy on it. Hol' on deh ..." A pause. "Cross-buy, yah support Chevon round robin?"
Shane looked up from the stack of files in his hands. He was heading to Superintendent Dacres' office. Sergeant Mark Reynolds was standing beside Sergeant Nichayla Davis. She was writing down Mark's order for Sergeant Crawford's round robin slash birthday party. It was being held that Saturday.
"I may have plans," Shane answered.
"You may have plans: as in you did plan sumn already, or yuh nuh sure?" Nichayla asked. She squinted her eyes as she looked at him. Shane gave her a faint smile. He remembered that for some reason that he wasn't aware of, Dana didn't like her.
"As in I'll see how it goes this Saturday," he replied.
"So ..."
Mark touched her shoulder. She stopped speaking and turned to look at him. He shook his head. Her left eyebrow drifted upwards. She looked at Shane. "Alright, maybe some other time."
Shane nodded and walked towards his superior's office.
When he was out of earshot Nichayla whirled around to look at her colleague. "Is what? Something the problem?"
Mark looked at her like she asked a stupid question. "Shane is engaged to Corporal Campbell, you forgot?"
"What dat have to do with Chevon's birthday party?"
"You're organising it," Marks answered flatly.
"Is mi friend," she responded in an exasperated tone. "Him have to work that day I'm just making things easier for him."
"Shane is aware that you and Constable Campbell have beef. And he's more than your friend."
Nichayla's mouth flew open. "He's cute. I'm just trying to help out."
"Mhmm ..."
"Beef! Is just a likkle misunderstanding." She took a breath. "Suh because I'm doing the party him have a problem with that? Because of her?!"
Mark did not answer.
"Where is Dana--Constable Campbell? For a low ranked officer she ah gwaan too much."
"Lower your voice, Sergeant." She crossed her arms across her chest. "Nickie, don't bother starting something," Sarge Reynolds warned.
"I'm just gonna talk to her, that's all."
"She's not here. She left with Corporal Barracks, Inspector Simpson and Constable Walker. Follow up to a domestic violence case."
"Oh, okay. When she gets back mi need to talk to her. I've been hearing me and her have a disagreement. Mi nuh know nothing about that," she said, her mood darkening. She looked at her manicured finger nails, then glanced at Mark. "I have papers to file, reports to write," she said, her tone filled with frustration.
Mark placed his hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, Nickie, yuh good. It's just a misunderstanding. Okay?" He squeezed her shoulder.
Sergeant Davis nodded and went to her desk.
***
"I've been doing further analysis of the documents Midnight gave you some months back. The information seems legit. I think we can submit them to the DPP's office to aid in their prosecution of Mr Z."
Supe Dacres took out two water bottles from his small cooler and reached across the table to hand one to Sergeant Crosby. "But?" he said, smiling at him.
Shane opened the bottle and took a sip. He closed it. "But I can't shake the fact that this man walked up to us, with no fear and just gave us these documents. He gave them to us and there is not one stitch of evidence that leads back to him, whomever he is," Shane answered, his eyebrows furrowed.
Supe Dacres inclined his head. "Point taken. Do you want to open an investigation on him?"
Sergeant Crosby nodded. "Yes, I want to. I just don't know where to begin," he admitted.
"Begin with what we know of him." Supe Dacres leaned back in his chair. The chair creaked a little. Shane looked at him--perplexed. "We don't know anything about this man," he replied.
"True, but we know someone who does," Supe Dacres answered, a smile on his face.
"You don't mean?" Shane shifted on the chair.
Superintendent Dacres nodded. "Z knows exactly who he is."
Shane shook his head. "He won't cooperate with us unless he gets some leniency in his case or something. It's not worth it. No way that man is getting a reduced sentence for someone who could just be a small fish--"
Supe Dacres lifted his right hand. Shane closed his mouth.
"All I'm saying is poke the bear a little. Ask a few questions and see if he will answer you." Shane let out a sharp breath.
"Also ask around in the streets. You have a contact, right?" Supe Dacres said.
Shane nodded. "I do."
"Well, put him or her to good use."
Shane nodded. "I'll do my best, sir," he said.
"Good," Supe Dacres answered.
"How is the wedding planning going?"
Shane took a large gulp of water, and held the bottle with the cap off. "Actually going well, though I know Dana feels out of her depth, but I try to help with the planning and my sis-in-law has been very helpful. Maybe sometime in November we'll tie the knot."
Supe Dacres leaned forward his eyes focused on Shane's face. "You're serious?"
Shane nodded. "I am," he replied. He swallowed more water.
"Good," Supe Dacres said quietly.
"And Miss Dixon?" Supe Dacres asked.
Shane blinked. "What about her?"
"Is that done?" Supe Dacres asked, his eyes boring into his subordinate.
Shane released a soft breath. "Yes, that's done. Very done."
"I hope so." Supe Dacres looked at a stack of papers he was going to tackle after Sergeant Crosby left the room.
Shane adjusted his posture in the chair. He was curious about something. He cleared his throat. "Supe?"
Superintendent Dacres looked in his direction.
"Miss Dixon, she ... What is her status as an employee here?"
Supe Dacres grunted. "HR terminated her contract. She was inconsistent in fulfilling her duties."
"It's my fault she was inconsistent," Shane said. He was relieved that he wouldn't have to see her at work. At the same time, a part of him was concerned for her. Being a counselling psychologist was who she was, not just a job.
'She's married now, not my problem,' he told himself. But a feeling of worry tugged at his heart. Their last conversation didn't end well.
"True," Supe Dacres said mattter-of-factly. Shane lowered his gaze to the floor.
"They contacted her and offered a reprieve, considering everything. It would however be on a probationary basis," Supe said, clasping his hands together. "She told them she was not looking to renew her contract. They paid her a severance package a few months ago and wished her well."
Shane sat up in the chair. "Okay," was all he could say.
Dacres nodded. His perceptive eyes watched Shane closely. "Are you sure you're completely done with her?"
Shane nodded. "Yeah, I'm done." 'I'm done,' he thought.
Supe Dacres grunted softly. "Give me a progress report on Midnight in two weeks' time.
Shane nodded. "Will do," he replied. He stood to his feet.
Supe Dacres looked up at him. He noted that Shane's shirt fabric looked tight on him as he flexed his arms, and it was drawn taut across his chest and shoulders.
"Back in the gym?"
Shane stared at him, a surprised expression on his face. "Yeah." Is it that obvious? "Is it obvious?" he asked, feeling amused.
Supe Dacres nodded. A polite smile pulled his lips upwards. "It is."
Shane brushed his hand on his trimmed beard. "Getting back into the groove of things."
Dacres nodded. He understood. "All the best with your wedding plans." The smile was still on his face.
"Thank you, sir," Shane replied.
Supe Dacres gave a curt nod. "Okay, you may go. Dismissed."
Shane saluted him, stepped back, turned and reached for the door. He closed it quietly behind him. Supe Dacres stared at the door for thirty seconds then went back to his files.
***
"Moy Moy, tell me again what happened, but speak more slowly so these officers can hear everything you're saying."
The teenager sat on the living room couch of the group home, her body shaking, Her head was benti, her thin shoulders slumped forward. "Where is Miss Melissa? I want to talk to her," Moy Moy said, her voice shaking.
Sergeant Danisha Gray sighed and stood to her feet. She stared at her colleagues who were standing behind the teenager. She gestured with the movement of her head that they should follow her to the kitchen. They complied.
Sergeant Gray looked directly at Constable Walker as she turned around to face her colleagues. "Constable Walker," she began, "It seems we've reached a stalemate."
With eyebrows lifted, Constable Walker asked, "What do you mean?"
"Initially, Amoya was cooperating with us. She told us a little of what happened between her and her uncle. Now, she won't say anything. She is demanding to speak to Dr Dixon. Dr Dixon is a friend of yours, right?"
"Yes, she is," Sudanie replied quietly.
"I heard she was fired?" Sergeant Gray stated.
Dana made a soft but audible sound. Sudanie glanced at her quickly then returned her gaze to Sergeant Gray. She cleared her throat. "It was mutual, but more so on her part not to come back to work."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning." Sudanie moistened her lips. Her tongue swiftly passed over them. "Meaning, she told HR she did not want to come back to work."
Corporal Barracks shifted on his feet. Inspector Simpson stared at a spot on the wall before him, meanwhile Dana looked at Sergeant Gray, a perplexed expression on her face.
"And she's married now. She's now Dr Marx," Sudanie added.
One eyebrow raised, head tilted slightly to the left, Sergeant Gray studied her with a ghost of a smile. "I see," she replied. "Good for her. It's about time." Sudanie heard the sarcasm and bit down on her lip, but Dana wasn't one to let things slide.
"What does that mean?" Constable Dana Campbell asked. Her face and voice were neutral, but tension radiated off her.
"I mean nothing, Constable Campbell," Sergeant Gray answered, her lips twitching almost imperceptibly.
"Okay," Dana said a tight smile curving up her lips. "What are you trying to say?"
Sergeant Gray was about to answered when Inspector Simpson cleared his throat. "To the matter at hand, recommendations for handling this case," he said, his tone indicating he was moving forward.
"I was about to suggest that the JCF ask Dr Dixon to come back on a temporary basis," Sergeant Gray said. "We need to solve this case, so that Amoya can be properly placed in the care of responsible adults."
"What do you want me to do" Sudanie asked, eyes alert.
Sergeant Gray looked at Inspector Simpson and said, "I was suggesting Constable Walker talk to Dr Dixon, and ask if she could come back for a short while to help us with Amoya's case."
"Dr Marx," Dana corrected. "HR may have an issue with her coming back. You can't be suggesting that Dr Marx offer her expertise for free?" Dana asked.
"Constable Campbell, I would never suggest such a thing," Sergeant Gray replied in a crisp tone.
Corporal Barracks crossed his arms, his feet a part. Sudanie glanced at him sideways. "Dr Marx doesn't have to work for the JCF directly. She can be called in as a consultant. She can set her own hours, but use an office space designated to her," Corporal Barracks said, his tone commanding.
Sergeant Gray snapped her head in his direction. She stared at him for a few seconds, her eyes narrowing. She nodded. "That could be considered, yes," she answered.
"That is the better option," Corporal Barracks said quietly, but his voice held such a finality that Sergeant Gray's eyes widened. She composed herself before stepping closer to him. "That is your recommendation, Corporal?" she asked, her eyes focused on him.
He held her gaze. "Yes, Sergeant," he answered.
A faint smile curved her lips. "I like you," she said. Sudanie looked at Dana, who caught her eyes observing her and stared back at her.
"I like your confidence, Corporal," she said. She walked up to him. "Have any kind of military experience, Corporal?" Sergeant Gray asked.
"Cadet Corp, ma'am," Barracks replied.
Sergeant Gray nodded. "I can tell," she answered. "My dad was like that: sharp, decisive." Her mouth formed an open smile. Barracks' face remained neutral. Gray chuckled softly at his non-response. She glanced at Constable Campbell.
"I hear congratulations are in order," Gray said, left eyebrow raised above the other. "Someone finally tamed Chacha Bwoy." Gray made a soft, guttural sound.
She nodded towards Dana. "Congrats." An amused smile appeared on her face, though the edges were too sharp to be genuine. Dana's hands curled into fists. Gray ignored Constable Walker and gave Dana a final nod.
She turned to Inspector Simpson whose eyes were now trained on her. She saluted him. "Permission to be excused, sir. There is another case I need to investigate."
Simpson nodded. "Dismissed," he said.
She smiled politely at him, gave Barracks one final look, and left the room.
"Bitch!" Dana said sharply, her chest heaving
"Shut it down," Inspector Simpson said calmly.
"It's true though," Sudanie replied, folding her arms across her chest. "Everyone knows she was seeing Sergeant Crosby for a short while. The break up was messy."
"That's enough! Control yourselves, ladies," Corporal Barracks commanded. The women snapped to attention.
Simpson sighed. "Your personal views are not needed at this time, Constables. You may not like her, but she has a point. What are we going to do about Moy Moy?"
Sudanie opened her mouth then closed it quickly. "At ease, Constables," Barracks said. He looked at Inspector Simpson who nodded his approval.
The ladies relaxed. Barracks turned to Sudanie. He could see she was visibly shaken up. "Will you be able to get in touch with Lissa?" he asked.
She sighed. "Yeah, she has roaming on her phone. I'll call her when I get home tonight," she answered.
She sighed. "You free for lunch?" she asked, her eyes sad. Barracks was the only person who knew she was seeing Ryan.
He nodded. He dark brown eyes stared at her intently. "Always free for you," he said.
Sudanie smiled at him. She nodded. "I'll bear that in mind," she said quietly. She glanced at her watch.
"Next hour," she asked.
"No problem." He gently brushed his thumb across her arm then released her. She noted that there was something about the way he was staring at her that was different from other times.
He gestured before him, leaning forward--his left hand outstretched. "After you," he said, a smile on his face. The gesture unnerved her a little. She and Claude were like brother and sister, but this moment felt good in way she would not examine. She pushed the thought aside.
Sudanie nodded and walked ahead of him.
***
They sat in the squad car while Simpson and Campbell went to buy lunch. Barracks stretched his feet out and leaned his head back on the seat.
"You're not yourself today," he said. He closed his eyes. Sudanie looked at him.
"Why do you say that?" she asked.
"You're usually more talkative," he said. He adjusted himself trying to get comfortable. They were in the back seat of the squad car. She shrugged her shoulders. The movement made him open his eyes and stare at her.
"I have different sides of my personality," she quipped.
"Is everything okay between you and Stewart?" His focused gaze was a little intimidating. Sudanie turned her head and looked ahead of her.
"We're good," she said.
Barracks' eyes narrowed. "You're sure?" he asked.
She nodded. "He and I are good," she replied.
He laid his head on the back of the seat and closed his eyes. "Good. Because if there's any trouble I'll have a talk with him."
Sudanie snorted. "Stop acting like my older brother," she said in an exasperated tone, but the smile that crept up her lips betrayed her. Barracks turned his head to her and opened his right eye.
"You're more than like a little sister," he said calmly. "You know that."
Sudanie's heart began to beat faster. "What am I to you?" she asked.
He opened the other eye and turned his head to face her fully. "Deep down, you know."
Just then, the front passenger side opened and Dana slid inside the vehicle. She turned and extended her hands to them. "Crispy barbi-fry chicken with curry gravy and white rice for Barracks." Barracks took the plastic bag with his boxed food inside.
"Fish burger and fries, for my lady," Dana smiled at Sudanie. She stretched her hand with the paper bag to her friend.
Sudanie took the bag from her and mumbled, "Thank you."
Barracks looked at the bag in her hand and watched as she removed the fish sandwich covered in an aluminum wrapper to keep it warm.
His jaw tightened. "You don't want more than that?" he asked, observing her body language.
Sudanie shook her head. "This is enough. Not feeling very hungry."
Dana frowned at her. It occurred to her that this was not how 'her Sudanie' behaved. Her friend had a healthy appetite. She could eat her way through a buffet and not gain one ounce of fat.
The curves that many mistook for fat were actually muscle, and Sudanie was very proud of her toned physique. She wasn't hard and sinewy. She made sure to not bulk up too much. Sudanie was always the tall, slender girl, but in the last few years she was focusing more on her strength and endurance training.
Dana was proud of her. She was more of a sporty girl, who preferred to get her exercise through playing football, netball or swimming. But she supported Sudanie on her fitness journey.
Dana caught Barracks' line of sight with a subtle hand movement. He quickly glanced at her. She mouthed, "She okay?"
Barracks shook his head, but said nothing further. He observed as Sudanie bit into the sandwich and ate some fries. Something was wrong.
His eyebrows furrowed into a deep frown. He had stood by and watched her experience disappointment after disappointment where men were concerned. He always liked her, but he wasn't ready. He wanted to secure a house first. A place he and his wife could settle into and start a family.
Now that he had the house, he felt more confident to show her all the things he was holding back inside. Yes, she was courting Ryan, and he respected that, but if that guy was playing games, he wouldn't stand idly by. The brief relationship with Anthony nearly broke her. He regretted not saying anything then. He wouldn't be silent this time.
Claude took Sudanie's hand and placed it on his lap. "Have any plans later?" He clasped her hand in his.
Sudanie looked up at him. Dana stared at them. She went very still, not wanting to break whatever spell had come over Claude.
Sudanie sighed. "As in dinner?"
"Yes, as in dinner date. Are you free? I'm wide open," he said. He looked down at their hands then looked into her eyes.
"I ... no, not tonight. I thought I would spend the time doing laundry and get some sleep afterwards."
"I want to take you somewhere this evening. In exchange, I'll come over and help with laundry this Saturday. Not a problem."
Sudanie paused. She looked into his eyes and wondered if he was serious. He had never framed their time hanging as a date.
"Jeezam Sudie! Just say yes nuh man before Simpson comes back!" Dana blurted out.
Sudanie looked at her friend, her eyes shooting darts. Dana chuckled. "Claude, you'll be paying for the date, right?"
He smiled and kept his eyes on Sudanie while he answered, "Yes, of course. I am a gentleman."
"I'm not going on a date with you, Claude," Sudanie said, slipping her hand out of his grasp. Claude went for her hand and clasped his in hers, tightening his grip. "Why not?" he asked.
She stared at him, her eyes saying, 'You already know why.'
He smiled sheepishly at her. "Consider it a time for us to catch up," he said, his eyes teasing her.
"Bruh, I see you almost every day at work and some weekends," she answered. She tried to tug her hand away, but he held it firmly.
"Not like this," he said softly.
Sudanie's chest tightened as her heart rate jumped. She was aware that his hand was warm against her now clammy skin,
"Whaaat! Claude! Mr Smooth! I like it!" Dana exclaimed. Sudanie glared at her friend. Dana ignored her.
"She'll be ready later. I'll make sure of it!" Dana said, a wide grin on her face.
Sudanie sighed and face palmed herself with her free hand. Claude refused to let go of her left hand. "There's some place I want to take you. I'll bring food. Don't worry."
"What! This sounds better as I'm hearing it. What should she wear? Should she wear casual chic? Or something more formal?" Dana's eyes were shining with mischief.
"Casual chic is good," Claude replied, as he continued to stare at Sudanie. She looked away from him. She was feeling rather hot and flushed. Am I blushing? She was glad she was dark skinned.
"Good. I think she has something for the occasion," Dana beamed. Sudanie gave her a look that would decimate her if it had the power to kill. Dana ignored the death stare.
"Please come out with me. I'll be the perfect gentleman," Claude said. He gently rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand.
Sudanie looked at him. She had known him since the ninth grade. He was always kind with her. They had never really hung out alone. It was always among a group of their high school friends.
She looked into his eyes and saw a vulnerability she hadn't noticed before. Even on the weekends when he came over, Dana was usually there also. Her eyes dropped to his full, pink lips. She had often wondered how it would feel to kiss them. A thrill of desire ran up her spine. She lowered her gaze. She caught a glimpse of his collar bone. He always unbuttoned the top of his shirt when the weather was hot. She blinked and looked away.
Claude noticed she was checking him out. A surge of dopamine flowed through him. He was going to take this chance. He loosened his grip on her a little.
Sudanie looked at his nervous, boyish smile, shook her head and smiled. She realized he was taking a big risk to put himself out there like this. She bent her head and thought about it.
'It's not like I was going anywhere,' she mused. Claude was also her long time friend. She knew she could trust him. She stared at him. "Okay, why not. I'll go with you," she said softly.
"Yes! Finally!" Dana said.
Sudanie rolled her eyes. Claude watched her intently. He wanted to kiss her hand, but he released it.
Sudanie flexed her hand and wriggled her fingers. "I'm sorry," Claude said as he watched her squeeze her hand. She nodded.
"Eat up! Eat up, guys!" Dana said. She was excited and already running through her mind the outfits she remembered seeing in Sudie's wardrobe. 'Aha! There's something she can wear! It will knock him out when he sees her in it!'
She dug into her baked chicken with rice and peas.
Inspector Simpson came back with sodas for the four of them, as well as a cup of chicken foot soup for each of them.
He slipped into the driver's side as Dana helped him distribute the food in his hands.
Sudanie took the cup of soup and opened the lid carefully. She put her sandwich back in the brown paper bag and took a little sip of the soup. Her lips got in contact with a long, thin piece of escallion. She pulled it out and dropped it in the bag that held her sandwich.
She coughed and cleared her throat. Claude looked at her. She took a sip of the pineapple soda from the straw and tried to avoid his eyes. The way he was looking at her was different now, like he was seeing something new: Something precious. She could still feel the grip he had on her hand.
"Okay? The soup's peppery?" he asked.
She nodded and quickly looked out the passenger side window.
***
Had he been too hasty? Maybe he should just bite the bullet and spend tonight with her. And whatever happens between them he would take full responsibility. He had promised her dinner. He still wanted to treat her to dinner. He just felt like he couldn't trust himself. He would probably seduce her. The thought made his pulse spike a little.
He would take his time with her: tease her body until she was trembling with anticipation, and slippery-wet for him. He would make sure she could take all of him. Then he would penetrate her very slowly. He'd make sure she was comfortable. He would build the passion inside her until she exploded for him. Then, after they came down from that high, he would hold her close until she fell asleep.
Ryan closed his eyes and imagined it. If they did make love he would not shun her. Even more so he would be with her. He would marry her soon afterwards. He would love her. He was his father's son. He would honor her.
A tap on the shoulder brought him back to the matter at hand. ACP Grant was briefing them on a mission they were prepping for the past month. They would take action in a few days and his superior was making sure all bases were covered.
He looked to his right and nodded at Sergeant Timothy Blackwood. Sergeant Blackwood nodded in return and refocused his gaze to the front of the room, where ACP Grant was still giving instructions. Ryan took a deep breath and willed his mind to pay attention.
'It's for the best. I am supposed to be waiting. I am a Christian. It's the right thing to do. I'm new here. He looked around at his colleagues who were listening intently, while he was daydreaming A fire stirred in his chest.
'I need to prove myself. I need to focus. Once my head is a little clear I'll reach out to Sudie. She understands me. She knows I care for her.' He comforted himself with these thoughts. He flexed his shoulders and pushed thoughts of her aside, for now.
***
"What about this?" Dana asked pulling out a soft cotton dress that brushed just above her knees. Sudanie squinted at it. She considered it for a minute, then scoffed and said, "No. That looks too datish."
"Datish?" Dana put the dress back and sat on the bed. "News flash, hun. This is a date!" A grin on her face.
Sudanie snorted.
"What is your problem? You don't like men?"
Sudanie had just finished a touch up on her silk press--using an electric hot comb to smooth out her edges.
"Stop the foolishness. They say that about you not me," Sudanie replied, feeling annoyed.
Dana was undaunted. She chuckled a little. "Well, now everyone knows that is not true," she said.
She glanced at her engagement ring and smiled whimsically. She couldn't wait to be Mrs Shane Crosby.
She looked up to see her friend had stopped what she was doing and was watching her silently.
"You're happy?" Sudanie asked.
Dana nodded. "Yeah, I am," she said. "He's not perfect, but he's a good man." As for the thing with Lissa, she would ask him about that later. She glanced at her phone. It was 5:30 pm. Claude said he would come for Sudie at 7 o'clock. She needed to get her ready.
She watched as Sudanie wrapped her hair. Dana went to her. She stood behind her and took the brush from her friend. Carefully brushing the hair around her friend's head, Dana admired the subtle makeup Sudanie had applied. She helped her tie a silk scarf to protect her long, straightened tresses.
"I envy your hair," Dana said smiling. She leaned forward and put her arms around Sudie's shoulders. She kissed her friend's right cheek.
Sudanie squeezed her arm. "Oh come on! Your hair is gorgeous: long and thick for relaxed hair. I could never achieve this length if I relaxed it. It would start falling off." She stared at her through the mirror. "You have changed. I will say that Shane has made you softer, I would never get a hug before you guys dated."
Dana laughed. "What can I say? He brings out the feminine in me."
"I guess he does," Sudanie said smiling.
Dana stared at her friend through the mirror. "Sudie, you're a good woman. You're very pretty. You are smart and very talented. You deserve to be happy."
"I know," Sudanie answered. Her eyes met her friend's gaze. She saw the sincerity in Dana's eyes.
"So why are you fighting this? It's obvious Claude likes you."
Sudanie shook her head. "He's just my friend. A very good friend since high school days."
"Friends can be lovers, Sudie. Look at me and Sarge." Dana straightened up and placed her hands on Sudie's shoulders. "Go on this date--"
"Not a date," Sudanie interrupted.
Dana chuckled. "Go to this place wherever he's taking you, and enjoy the moment with him. He's a good guy." Dana leaned on the vanity and observed her friend's body language. There was something amiss. Something was affecting her friend's mood.
"Are you telling me you've never thought ..? You've never wondered what it would be like with him?" Dana asked.
Sudanie couldn't answer.
Dana slapped her hands together. "So you have?"
Sudanie smiled a little. "A long time ago. It was a silly high school crush."
"He's good looking. Really sexy. Not as muscular as my baby, but he has a nice body."
"It's not about that," Sudanie protested weakly.
"He is a good guy. Besides my brothers, he's the only good guy in my life. I don't want to ruin our friendship--"
"Or it may enhance it," Dana cut in. "Sudie you're 29, and you've never. Are you telling me your body doesn't crave it, you know?"
Sudanie had a flashback of that morning and how her loins throbbed with need. She averted her gaze and stood up. "I'm human," she answered.
"Have you ever wanted sex so bad you felt like you would go crazy?" Dana asked.
"I ..."
"Sometimes when Shane and I are together I get so hot my panties are soaked and I have to beg him to finger me just to help me a little," Dana confessed.
Sudanie eyebrows knotted as she looked at her friend. "Have you guys had sex?"
Dana shook her head. "No, not yet, but I really want to. He does too. We're waiting until we're married. But bwoy it hard!"
"Sometimes down there aches for it, I won't lie," Sudanie admitted, biting her bottom lip.
"What do you do when it gets really bad?"
Sudanie sat on the bed. She took a deep breath, then released it slowly. "I ... Please don't force me to say."
Dana sat beside her. "Hun, if you indulge in self care I won't judge you, okay?"
She reached for Sudie's hand and squeezed gently. Sudanie took a ragged breath and exhaled softly. "Sometimes I touch myself. You happy now?"
Dana smiled at her. "I'm happy you can admit your feelings and needs. But I'm sad because I want you to be happy. What if Claude can be that guy for you? I notice the way he looks at you when you don't see it. Sudie, that man likes you a lot."
"Even if we were to date, I'm a Christian. I can't ... I shouldn't be having sex--"
"I understand that. I'm just saying--"
"No, Dana! Claude is my friend, just my friend. Plus, I'm already ..." Sudanie clamped her mouth shut.
Dana's eyes narrowed. "You're already what?"
"It's nothing," Sudanie answered, turning away from her.
Dana reached for her arm and spun her around. "No," she said firmly. "It's not nothing.
"Forget about it," Sudanie replied, turning her head.
Dana sighed. She stooped down before Sudanie so she could see her friend's eyes. "What is it, Sudz? Talk to me."
Sudanie saw Dana's worried face and caved. She took a deep breath. "I'm already seeing someone," she said quietly. She stared at the floor.
A rushed breath escaped Dana's mouth. She rose to her feet, stepped back to stand at the opposite end of the room. Quietly, she studied her friend for a few seconds. She folded her arms across her chest.
"Who? And why didn't you tell me? I'm your best friend. Aren't I?"
Sudanie sighed. "Yeah, you are. Besides Claude, yes, you are. I'm sorry. I was going to tell you."
"Who?"
"It's Corporal Stewart," Sudanie said softly.
Dana's expression changed from concerned to disbelief. "You're dating Ryan?" she asked, her voice revealing the shock she was feeling.
"You're seeing Corporal Ryan Stewart?" Dana uncrossed her arms.
Sudanie nodded. She bowed her head.
Dana licked her dry lips. "Why keep it a secret? Are you hiding it because of me or because of Lissa?" Sudanie said nothing.
Dana walked over to the bed and knelt before it. She took her index finger and lifted her friend's chin so she could look into her eyes. "Which one, Sudz?
"She'll find out eventually," Dana said gently.
"I know," Sudanie whispered.
"Have you guys done anything?"
Sudanie shook her head. "Just kissed," she replied.
Dana sat on the bed. Sudanie scooted over a little.
Dana looked at her friend. "Is everything okay with you and him? Is he why you've been sulking the whole day today?"
Sudanie closed her eyes."Kind of," she answered.
"Go over," Dana said with a sigh.
Sudanie moved over on the bed. Dana lifted her legs and stretched herself out on the bed beside her.
"Talk to me," Dana said softly. Sudanie opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling.
"He makes me so hot and bothered. I'm tempted to give my virginity to him." She removed her phone from her jeans' pocket and searched for the pics Ryan sent that morning. She handed the phone to Dana.
Dana's gaze lingered at his crotch area. Her eyes widened, eyebrows lifting as she paid attention to his bulge. "He's quite endowed," She gave the phone back to her friend. "Have you seen it?" She would be lying if she said she wasn't curious to know.
Sudanie closed her eyes. "God knows I want to, but no."
"Have you been fantasizing about him?"
Sudanie choked out a strangled laugh.
"Well? Sudie, you're a grown woman. And you can trust me. What you say here remains between us."
Sudanie sighed. "Yes! Yes, I think about him giving it to me really hard!" She squeezed her eyes shut. Her hands curled tight, her finger nails digging into the palms. "Bending me over and me screaming that I want it."
Dana turned to her. "Really?!" she asked excitedly.
"Does he know?" Dana looked at Sudanie's side profile. She could tell her friend was experiencing emotional anguish.
Sudanie shook her head. "No." A soft breath. A groan of frustration. "He's told me he wants me too. But this morning he told me he needed space. He said .... We were supposed to have dinner tonight, but he cancelled. He said he was lusting after me, and if we met tonight ... He said he doesn't trust himself around me."
Dana reached for her hand and squeezed it. "Do you like him?"
Sudanie turned her head to see her friend already staring at her. She nodded.
"Go to him," Dana said simply.
"No, I can't," Sudanie said, shaking her head.
"I don't even know where he lives," Sudanie blurted out.
"That's a simple thing. Mark knows where. I can ask him."
Sudanie sat up, her eyes wide. "No! Deedee, don't you dare!"
"Do you want him?"
"Yes, but ..."
"Go see him. Lay your cards on the table. Let him decide what happens next. Sudz, you're frustrated and it's making you miserable."
"If you guys last the night without doing anything, that's good. And I will thank God with you. But if something happens, let it be. And move forward from there."
"That's bad advice," Sudanie said, chuckling softly.
"Yeah, but you're gonna do it anyway," Dana answered, a cheeky smile on her face.
"How do you know?" Sudanie smiled.
"Cause you're my girl and as long as I've known you, you've never been afraid of a challenge."
She patted Sudie's thigh. "Cancel the date with Claude and go see Ryan."
Sudanie climbed off the bed and took her phone into the bathroom.
Dana's phone vibrated beside her. She took it up and answered. "Hello?"
"Where are you?" came the deep, gravely reply.
She smiled at the familiar voice. "I'm over at Sudie's. Why?"
"I need you," Shane growled.
"Hmm?"
"Yes, baby, I do. Are you coming to me, or should I come for you?"
"What are going to do to me?" Dana asked, sitting up. Her pulse quickened.
"Short of penetrating your tight sweetness, anything you want," Shane said, his voice dipping low.
"I'm coming," she said, jumping off the bed.
"I love you," Shane breathed.
Dana's heart skipped a beat. "I love you too. Soon come." She ended the call and knocked on Sudie's bathroom door.
"Sudz, I have to leave, okay? Shane called so I'm going over to his place."
"Okay," Sudie replied. The door opened and she walked into the bedroom.
"You're going to be naughty with him?" Sudanie asked.
Dana chuckled softly. "It's quite possible."
"I hope you guys don't take too long to get to the altar, " Sudanie said, reaching out to hug her friend."All sorts of whackie things happen when people take too long." Dana squeezed her in her embrace.
"We won't. Don't worry about us, okay? Go see Ryan."
"Thanks for listening," Sudanie said.
"Always," Dana answered.
Dana was heading to the door when, "Oh, almost forgot." She took out her phone and sent a text off to her. "That's Mark's number. Tell him I gave you his number. Ask him for Ryan's address and tell him it should be a secret. Mark loves to chat." Dana laughed.
Sudanie heard the message notification. "Thank you, " she said.
Dana pinched her chin. "Gotta go. Please send a pic of what you're wearing. Okay?"
Sudanie nodded, excitement and nervous energy building inside her. "I will."
"Good," Dana said, then rushed out the door
Sudanie undressed. Taking off the baggy t-shirt and shorts, she looked at herself in the mirror.
She liked the dip of her waist and how her figure flowed into her hips. She was never a very curvy girl, but doing squats with weights helped tremendously to lift and shape her thighs and glutes. She was very happy with the results.
She walked to her closet to take a look at what she had. Her eyes scanned the rows of clothing critically. She wanted to wow him, but she didn't want to look desperate.
Her eyes caught the rich burgundy color of an off-the-shoulder top. Ryan always loved kissing her shoulders. 'He'll probably like this,' she mused. She took it off the wrack with the hanger and laid it on the bed. She decided to go with a pair of blue jeans. Just keep it simple,' she reminded herself. She took a quick breath and started getting dressed.
After reapplying more deodorant and spraying on a new, expensive perfume she recently bought, she stared at herself in the mirror. She sat down and untied the silk scarf. She threw it on the bed behind her.
Carefully, she removed the hair pins holding her locks in the wrap. She took a plastic bristle brush to gently loosen and pull down the tresses. Her lips pursed as she looked at herself in the mirror.
She used a rat tail comb to make a part on the right side on her head. She put it down once she was satisfied the part was straight enough and picked up a wide width comb to run through the hair while using her fingers to tweak and style.
She opened her drawer and put everything back in place, including the hot comb. She sprayed on a generous amount of holding spray, making sure she closed her eyes.
"Now or never, Sudz," she said aloud. She reached for her phone and called Mark.
***
"Hey! Weh yah duh yah?! Yuh never seh yuh did have sumn a duh?" Mark grinned at Ryan who had just walked into their favorite bar.
Ryan sat beside his colleague and friend. He cleared his throat. "Never work out so here I am," he said.
"You want something to drink?" Mark asked.
"Just a beer," Ryan answered.
Mark motioned to the bartender, who came forward. "Give this man his regular," he said, "put it on my tab."
Ryan slapped Mark on his back. "Thanks," he said.
Mark smiled back at him. "Yuh look like yuh need it. Yuh alright?"
Ryan chuckled. "Yes and no," he answered.
"What's wrong?" Mark sobered as he looked at his friend's troubled face.
"Sudie," Ryan said.
The bartender came with the beer Ryan nodded to acknowledge him. He took a sip.
Mark leaned forward, his voice dipping. "Whapm to her?"
"Yuh wouldn't understand," Ryan said, taking another sip of his beer.
"Try me," Mark said, his countenance sharpening.
"I'm dying to ram into her is a shame," Ryan said, his face sullen.
"You want to have sex with her?" Mark stared at his friend, an amused look on his face.
Ryan nodded, flexing his shoulders.
Mark chuckled. "Wah wrong wid dat?"
Ryan took a deep breath. "My faith."
"Oh."
"Mhm." Ryan took another swig of his beer.
"She's so prim and proper. She supposed to have yuh going to church with her every Sunday," Mark said, shaking his head, a smile on his face.
Ryan smiled. "Not really. We go to each other's churches."
"Suh whapm now?"
"I want it and I know she wants it too. But .."
"But?"
"As I said, we're not supposed to."
Mark looked at his mixed alcoholic beverage. He twirled it around slowly in the glass.
"Bredda, mi nuh versed on dem things deh, but mi know seh unfulfilled desire will drive you mad."
Ryan let out a sharp breath and chuckled softly. "I already feel half crazy."
"Yuh like Sudie?"
Ryan glanced in his friend's direction. He nodded. "Very much," he replied.
Mark nodded as he studied him. "My father's generation would have married her already. He was a God-fearing man."
Understanding flickered across Ryan's face. Mark saw it. "Ah! Yuh see it. Mi know yuh know what I am talking about," he said.
"It's too early," Ryan quipped.
"Who seh suh?" Mark asked, turning his upper body towards his friend.
"I ..." Ryan thought about it.
"How long yah deal with her now?"
"About eight months now. Been serious for three months," Ryan said.
"Is she the one or not?" Mark asked.
Ryan hesitated. Mark shook his head.
"When you found out Lissa was pregnant for Shane you still pursued a relationship with her," Mark said, his voice held a hint of humor. "And even after she lost the twins you still wanted to be with her. Rhy, you proposed to that girl."
Mark took a swig of his drink and cleared his throat. "Now I'm gonna say this because I am your bredrin. Plus, as much as mi love tease Sudie, she is a good girl. Listen, you were willing to risk it all for a girl who was still with someone and was carrying his children. You would have risked it for someone who was bound to break your heart, but for Sudie, who as far as I'm concerned is far better than Miss Melissa, you're stalling."
"No, I'm just being careful," Ryan countered, setting his beer down on the counter.
"Okay, you're being careful, but you're also punishing her and yourself," Mark asserted.
"You don't understand," Ryan said angrily, his right hand balling into a fist. He stared at the various bottles of wine on the shelves in front of him.
"Calm, bro." He put a hand on Ryan's shoulder then removed it. "Talk to mi. Weh mi nuh understand?" Mark asked.
Mark's phone vibrated. He removed it from his pants pocket and looked at the screen. It was Sudie calling. Was it fate? Sudie never calls him. He didn't know she had his mobile number.
He answered, but put it face down on the bar counter. If Ryan was too much of a coward to set her free he would. He cared enough for Sudie to do what he was going to do next.
"Answer this question," Mark said.
"What?" Ryan asked, frustration rising.
"If Lissa never tell yuh seh she nuh want deal wid yuh: Would yuh still have been with her, even after yuh hear she tell Shane she want him back?" Mark glanced at the phone.
Ryan shook his head. "It hurt to hear what she said. I would have been upset for days, but yes if she hadn't told me I should move on, I would have eventually forgiven her. I was in love with her."
"Okay." Mark nodded. "And what if she came back now and told you that marrying Jordan was a mistake, and she wanted to be with you? What would you do?"
Ryan picked up his beer and took several sips of the bitter liquid.
"Rhy?" Mark said, his voice having an edge to it.
"In this scenario am I dating Sudie?" Ryan asked. His put the beer down and turned on the bar stool to face his colleague.
"Yes," Mark replied.
"I would advise her work it out with Jordan. He's my best friend I won't violate their relationship."
"What if there was no Jordan. She just went away to clear her head, but came back and said she wanted to be with you?"
Ryan did not respond. His fingers brushed along the lines of the cold bottle.
Mark grimaced. "There's your answer, bro. Let's not even say love. You don't like Sudie enough to make her your first choice."
"I care about Sue," Ryan said softly.
"Yeah, you do. But this craving for sex isn't about her. It's about Lissa. You miss her and you're using Sudie as a substitute."
Ryan shook his head. "Not true," he said, his voice hardening. "I care about her."
"If you truly cared you would tell her to move on. She's a nice young lady. Has a good head on her, but she is not Lissa, is she?
"She doesn't have to be," Ryan countered, a sinking feeling rising in his chest. 'Have I been using her all this time?'
"No, but she isn't who you really want either," Mark said quietly. Ryan bent his head. Mark reached out and patted his shoulder. "You need more time to heal, bro."
"I can't. I can't break up with her. It'll be like I wasted her time."
"So you want to wait until it's more than a year before you admit the shit you've been doing?" Mark was getting irritated now. "It's almost like you promise to take someone to some place nice, but when they get there the place is a wasteland. Nothing nuh deh deh! It's empty, no trees. Nothing. It's a trip to nowhere. A waste of time. That is what you will be doing to Sudie if you continue this relationship."
Ryan sighed. "I don't want to hurt her," he said.
"You'll hurt her more if you don't tell her the truth now." Mark drained his cup. He knocked on the counter twice to indicate to the bartender that he wanted a refill. The young man came over and retrieved his glass.
Mark heard the faint crackling of the phone and a soft click. Sudanie had heard everything. She must have just hung up. He took a deep breath. 'For your own good baby-girl,' he thought.
Ryan heard the sound. "What was that?"
"My phone," Mark answered.
"Your phone?" Ryan looked at him--confused. He leaned forward. "You were on a call? I didn't see you pick up."
Mark shrugged his shoulders.
A chill snaked up Ryan's spine, morphing into something that settled heavy like a ice block on his chest. "Mark, who was on the call?"
***
"Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!" Sudanie was crying. She was even more upset that she was ruining her mascara. Her phone rang. She looked and saw that it was Ryan calling. She declined the call.
'I've been such an idiot? Me and my soft heart! It's my fault. When he said he wasn't ready I should have listened.' She angrily wiped her tears.
"Claude, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I lied." A tear slipped down her face. She betrayed her friend, and for what? For someone who was playing games with her.
There was silence on the line, then, "You were ditching me to see him?" Claude asked, his tone flat, almost robotic.
"I'm sorry," Sudanie replied.
"So what happened?" he asked. His tone was heavy as he tried to control himself.
"I don't want to talk about it," she replied. "All you need to know is that I'm home. I'm not going anywhere."
"Too bad," Claude said, his tone a little terse. "I'm coming for you and we're going to that place I was going to take you."
"Isn't it too late now?" Sudanie eyed her watch. It was 8:30.
"No it's not. You can sleepover at my apartment if we get back late."
"No, I--"
"Sudanie Mariah Walker, I am not taking no for an answer. I'm already heading out the door." He ended the call.
She couldn't allow him to see her like this. She tucked her hair around her head in a hurried wrap and loosely tied the scarf on her head. She took out a cotton swab, put some makeup removing solution on it and wiped off her damaged mascara.
She sucked her teeth and began removing all the makeup. She took out more cotton swabs from a drawer. 'Might as well.' she thought.
By the time she was done, Claude was on her doorstep. She heard him at the door knocking and calling her name. She opened the door and he stepped inside. She went into the bedroom and he followed her. He observed her puffy eyes and reached for her. She was about to pull back when he grabbed her and circled his arms around her.
Sudanie stiffened at first, but when he sighed and started rubbing her back, she relaxed. "Sudie, I'm here for you." After a few minutes, he released her and took her by the hand. He spun her around. She lowered her head. His eyes devoured her perky derriere and firm legs that were obvious in the fitted jeans she was wearing. He admired her cinched waist, and the way her hips flared out made his pulse quicken.
"Sudie, you're gorgeous," he told her. He pulled her to him and brushed the thumb of his right hand on her cheek. Moving very slowly, he lifted both hands to cup her face. He and Sudanie were almost at the same eye level. He was about four inches taller, but now she was wearing heels. He could see right into her eyes. He could see the pain she was hiding. He lifted his head and kissed her brow.
"I wish you would give me a chance," he said softly. He bent his head to kiss her eyelids. She closed her eyes. He kissed her cheeks, and she released a ragged breath. Her whole body was shaking. She turned her head away. She was crying. Claude felt his chest was about to burst open.
"No, Sudie, no. Don't shut me out." He gently guided her face back to his. He lifted her chin with his thumb and index finger. Using his thumb to brush her tears away, he said, "I want to be with you, Sudz,"
"You're my best friend. I can't ..."
Claude smiled at her. "Yeah, and because I am your best friend I know how to love you right," he whispered. He looked at her tear streaked face. He bent his forehead to touch hers. He closed his eyes. "I'm going to kiss you, Sudz."
He lifted her face to his eager lips. Bending forward, he kissed her slowly. While tenderly kissing her lips, he made sure to be patient, waiting for her to make a move. He circled his arms around her, but did not press.
The warmth and security of his arms around her made Sudanie melt. She leaned into him and he increased his onslaught on her senses. Opening his mouth, he groaned and kissed her passionately. Angling his head in a different direction, he deepened the kiss by plunging his tongue in her mouth. A muffled moan slipped from her lips and Claude gripped her harder. Tightening his hold on her, he pressed his body on hers.
He tore his mouth away from hers and trailed fervent kisses along her neck, down to her collar bone and bare shoulders. His kisses burned hot on her skin, igniting a desire inside her she had no words to describe. She gasped, her knees buckling. Claude lifted her in his arms and laid her on the bed. He sat down.
Bending forward, he captured her lips and kissed her with a desperation that took her breath away. Her hand rose to caress the back of his neck. She lost herself in the kiss, matching him with equal fervour. He pulled on her lips, teasing her in a way she never expected. His tongue brushed on her lips, and she moaned softly.
"Sudie," he said with a groan. Claude's breathing was ragged. His heart was beating fast as his eyes roamed her body. He observed the flare of her hips and bit his bottom lip. She eased up on her elbows. Her eyes took in every move he made. He smiled at her.
'She's beautiful,' he mused. He reached for the fabric of her blouse while watching her reaction. She didn't stop him. He pulled down the off-the-shoulder blouse just a half inch to reveal a hint of soft, voluptuous, brown skin.
"You're not wearing a bra," he said, his voice hoarse. He traced his thumb on the gentle swell of her breasts. He saw and felt her body shiver. He watched as her cleavage rose and fell with her erratic breathing, and swallowed hard. He wanted to kiss and caress her breasts. But it was too soon. "Sudie, I want you." He bent forward to gently kiss her lips. He kissed her neck and she shivered. His hand moved to support her neck.
Sudie's head dipped back, her mouth slightly opened. His right hand came up to cradle her head, while his left supported his weight. Her face was a mirror of ecstasy. She laid back in a daze.
"Sudie, you're so sexy." He was tempted to touch her all over, but decided against it.
Claude bent his head. He kissed her exposed chest and sighed. He trailed kisses down to her cleavage, and with soft brushes of his lips he teased her. Her hands came up to tentatively caress his head and neck. She made a sound that was something between a sigh and a moan.
"Hmm, you smell so good," he whispered, looking up at her face. She closed her eyes and bit her bottom lip. Her body arched ever so slightly. Claude's nostrils flared as he thought of her in his bed. 'I'm not letting her go this time,' he told himself.
He kissed the delicate curves of her bosom and listened to her audible breathing. He took a deep breath and sat back. 'No more,' he thought. 'Not yet.' If they had sex he wanted her first time to be special. She had been saving herself for so long, he wanted to be worthy of it.
Looking into her eyes, he smiled at her. "I've been waiting twelve years to do that." His dark eyes smoldered with passion.
She stared at him--surprised. He nodded. "Yeah, since high school," he said. his mouth curved into a charming smile that stole her breath.
Sudanie touched her lips. She couldn't believe he kissed her like that. She was seeing him differently.
There was a knocking at the front door. It persisted, becoming more impatient--insistent.
"It's Ryan," Sudanie said, the hurt visible in her eyes. A fire stirred in Claude's belly. He wasn't going to back down. Not after that kiss.
"You guys had a fight?" he asked, his mood shifting quickly to something more cold and possessive.
She shook her head. "No," she said.
But he could see she was hurting. "Do you want to talk to him?" Claude asked, standing to his feet.
She shook her head. "No, I heard him tell Mark today that if Lissa wanted him back he would give her a chance. I don't want--"
"Claude, no!" Sudanie called after him.
But he had already left the room.
Previous Next
Comments
Post a Comment