A risky affair, p.6
A Risky Affair, page 6
“You’re still a child.” Frank grinned.
“I beg to differ.” LT raised an eyebrow.
“You would.” Regan smiled. “You mentioned her for a reason.”
Phire nodded her head. “I did. I think she would be a good candidate to head the panel. Under the circumstances the lead of the panel Frank suggested, will have to be in a position to recognize the dog whistles of racism.” She sat forward. “The members of P.I.E. have been at this for years. They have perfected their training of people to have them strategically placed. Make no mistake, we were lucky. No disrespect to you, Nate, but it was the arrogance of a few of their members that opened the door to their conspiracy. We did not uncover or discover it. They are good and they have a plan that is being executed across this country as we speak. Richmond is fortunate we have an opportunity to clean up our police department in hopes of turning P.I.E.’s plan around. Other cities do not have a clue that this is happening. The members of the panel have to be told what they are up against.”
“She doesn’t pull any punches, does she?” Nate glanced in LT’s direction.
LT exhaled. “No, she does not. Sapphire tells you what you need to hear. Not what you want to hear.” He sat up. “Give me the proposal on the organization of the panel. I will review it and have a response before our next meeting. At which time we will have a plan of action on how to move forward with RPD.”
“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.” Phire stood, as did the others.
“Does she call you Mr. Mayor at home too?” Nate asked with a chuckle.
“Grown folks business, son. Grown folks business,” Frank laughed.
Regan laughed. “How are the wedding plans coming along?”
“I’ll put it this way.” LT shook his head. “Planning to eliminate the criminal element of downtown Richmond is easier.”
Phire smiled. “I will not argue with him on that point. Trying to appease everyone involved and those who will be in attendance is challenging.”
“I do not envy you on that,” Nate stated.
“Oh, I think I do,” Regan argued as she packed up her things. “The thought of having family and friends around when you take that vow committing one to the other is comforting.”
“Why?” Nate asked.
“Well, you know the people in attendance are there to support you through thick and thin.”
“What about the ones hoping you fall on your face?” Nate responded.
“If you are stupid enough to invite people to your wedding who wish you harm, then you get what you deserve,” she huffed. “Are you planning to invite your arch enemies to your wedding?”
“No, I’m not planning on having a wedding,” Nate adamantly denied.
“We all say that, son. Usually right before the woman who is meant for us takes us down.” Frank laughed as he patted Nate’s shoulder. “Come on, Nate. Let me get you out of here before you put another foot in your mouth.”
“Yes, please do,” Regan laughed as she shook her head. “Men.”
“Don’t put all of us in that,” Grant defended as he held the door open for Regan. “I happen to be a happily married man. See you at City Hall, LT.”
“Have a good day,” Phire said as the door closed.
“Interesting conversation at the end.” LT took Phire’s hand as he led her into the house. “Inviting your arch enemies to your wedding is not a particularly good idea.”
“I knew you were going to pick up on that,” Phire sighed. “Why are you including Lawrence and Lauren as your enemies?”
“Because they are, Sapphire,” LT stated. “The only people those two are for are Lauren and Lawrence. Hell, they don’t even include their mother in their little two person click. I know you mean well, however, take my feelings into consideration on this matter.” He stopped then gazed down into her eyes. “For me, Gia, Owen, Madeline, Selma, Payton and Ryder are enough of my siblings to cheer us on.” He kissed her forehead.
“I’m proud of you.” Phire held on to him a minute longer.
“Why?”
“You remembered all their names.”
“It took a minute.” LT laughed. “Where are you off to now?”
“I’m having lunch with one of the people you just told me to forget.” Phire grinned. “No worries, if Lauren and Lawrence don’t want to come the hell with them. I’m still going to marry your fine ass anyway.”
Chapter 10
The moment Phire and Opal drove between the brick pillars of the entrance to Mulberry Landing, they knew it was not the place for them. The long driveway lead to the walkway of a building that resembled the great house, on an historical plantation, with large trees lining the property and the James River as its backdrop.
“This looks a lot like your house,” Phire said dressed in a navy A-line suit with three-inch heels. Her hair was up in a sophisticated ponytail, with a gold necklace and matching earrings accessorizing her look. Opal was dressed similarly in a turquoise blazer and skirt set. Both looked as if they had walked off of a fashion magazine. However, that did not negate the looks slowly turning in their direction as they walked into the building.
“It looks like my house because our property and this land were once owned by the same slave master back in the day,” Opal said as she glanced around the foyer. “A portion to the west of this property is connected to ours. In fact, we own most of it.”
“Good afternoon.” A brunette with her hair in a unique style assessed them with an inquisitive glare. “May I help you?”
“Yes,” Opal spoke before Phire could. “We are here for lunch. What do you have available?”
The woman’s face relaxed noticeably. She actually smiled as she lied. “I’m sorry we only serve by reservation.”
“Understandable,” Opal replied. “We have one.”
The woman’s face changed again to disbelief. “You do?”
“Yes, we do,” Opal replied in the same mocking tone as the woman.
“Do you have a card on file with us?”
“I do,” Opal replied.
“We are here….” Opal put up her hand to quiet Phire, stopping her from completing her sentence.
The woman looked from Opal to Phire then back to Opal. “May I have a name please?” The agitation could be heard in the woman’s voice.
“Hutchinson,” Opal stated with a knowing smile.
The woman’s head came up slowly from the ledger she was perusing. She cleared her throat, then stammered as she attempted to speak. “Mrs. Hutchinson?” As the name was spoken several heads turned their way. Another woman who was behind the lectern, whispered to another then stood. One woman hurried towards the back.
“Elizabeth, I will handle this.” The woman gracefully stepped in front of Elizabeth, who had not given her name, effectively pushing her to the background. “Mrs. Hutchinson, my name is Sarah, welcome to Mulberry Landing. The Family Parlor will be ready momentarily. Would you like a refreshment while you wait?”
“I am rather parched.” Opal nodded. “Thank you. We would love one.”
“Elizabeth, a sweet tea for Mrs. Hutchinson and her guest.” Sarah reached under the lectern. “Here is what we have on the menu today. If you desire something that is not on the list, let me know and I will have it taken care of.”
Opal took the menu, opened it there and shared it with Phire.
“What the hell is happening?” Phire whispered.
“Hold that thought,” Opal replied then looked up from the menu. “Sarah, can you tell me, has Lauren Trent arrived yet?”
“You’re meeting Lauren?”
They way Sarah asked the question caused Opal and Phire to stare at her. “Yes. Is there a problem?”
“No…no, ma’am. Umm, she has arrived. She is seated on the patio,” Sarah provided.
The woman who had walked to the back returned and whispered in Sarah’s ear. Sarah nodded. “The Family Parlor is ready.”
“Perfect. Would you ask her to join us?”
“In the parlor?” Sarah almost shouted.
Opal stepped closer to the woman. “Is there something I should know about Ms. Trent?”
The woman hesitated, then replied, “No, ma’am. I’ll seat you now.”
“All right.” Opal nodded then glanced at Phire as she followed Sarah. “She’ll seat us now.”
Phire and Opal touched fingertips then blew on them. “You are too hot to handle,” Phire teased.
The Family Parlor was located at the back of the house. They were shown through French doors that led to an enclosed back porch area with unobstructed views of the river and Opal’s home in the distance. There were tables and chairs to dine, but also a sofa, and chairs to sit in and relax.
The women were seated. The place setting on the table was for two. A pitcher of iced tea was in the center next to a beautiful bouquet of fresh cut flowers. A third place setting was quickly added.
“I will be handling your visit personally,” Sarah informed them. “Whatever you need I will be right inside the door.”
“Thank you, Sarah,” Opal replied. “We will wait for Ms. Trent before ordering. May we have a moment with the menu?”
“Of course.” Sarah hesitated as if wanting to say something, but then stepped back inside the doorway closing the doors behind her.
Phire looked up. “You want to tell me what in the hell is going on here?”
“As quiet as it is kept the Hutchinsons are part owners of this fine restricted establishment. When Grant’s grandfather battled over the land, he had a survey done to establish his property. At the completion it was determined this building was on his property. The owner of Mulberry Landing is leasing it from Grandfather Hutchinson.”
“Get the hell out of dodge,” Phire exclaimed.
“The minute you told me Lauren wanted to meet you here, I knew she was up to something. There was no way you were coming here alone.”
The doors opened. Phire looked up to see Lauren standing in the doorway.
“Why are you here?” she asked in an aggravated tone.
“Hello, Lauren.” Phire stood. “This is my sister Opal. You met her at the fundraiser. I hope you don’t mind. I asked her to join us.”
Lauren walked over to the table then waited. Phire stared at her, glanced at Opal then back to Lauren. “Is something wrong?”
“Aren’t you going to pull my chair out for me?” Lauren looked at Phire expectantly.
“No, is there something wrong with your hands?” Opal asked. “A chair is fairly easy to maneuver around.”
“It’s called manners. A school of etiquette would have taught you that,” Lauren replied to Opal.
“Allow me to get that for you, Ms. Trent.” Sarah rushed over.
“You will do no such thing, Sarah,” Opal ordered. “I am certain Ms. Trent knows how to sit in a chair.”
“Sarah,” Lauren hissed. “My usual, please.”
“Yes, Ms. Trent.” Sarah glanced at Opal as she hurried out of the area.
Lauren took a seat then crossed her legs. “These are the types of things I was afraid of. You have to understand the higher society you are becoming a part of, Sapphire. The Mayor is going to be invited to events around people you could not imagine. You are going to need my guidance to help you fit in properly.”
“Lauren—-” Opal started to speak, but Phire stopped her.
“I’m curious what kind of people you are referring to?”
“Oh for goodness sakes, he’s a mayor. He will be in the presence of governors, not just here, but possibly in other states as well. Dignitaries from other countries, hell if he’s connected he could be in the presence of the President one day.” She exhaled. “You will need to be prepared for this life you are ascending to.”
“Hmm.” Phire glanced at Opal.
Opal smiled while raising an eyebrow. “He could be in the presence of the President,” she mocked the woman.
Sarah returned with a drink for Lauren. She placed the drink in front of her on the table, then glanced at Opal. “Are you ready to order now?”
“Yes.” Opal nodded. “I’ll have your Caesar salad with fresh fruit.”
“Impressive.” Lauren sat back. “I thought you people only ordered fried chicken and hamburgers.”
Sarah cleared her throat, then glanced at Phire. “What would you like?”
“I’ll have the same.” Phire placed the menu she was holding in Sarah’s hand.
“Ms. Trent?” Sarah waited.
“I’ll have the salmon, roasted potatoes and the mixed vegetables,” Lauren replied.
When it appeared she was not going to say any more, Sarah began to walk away.
“Thank you, Sarah.” Opal smiled at the woman. “Lauren, let me tell you something…”
“Nope,” Phire stopped her. “This is my business to handle.”
“Is there a problem?” Lauren glared at Opal.
“Yes, there is.” Opal stood. “However, you are here to meet with my sister. I’m going to step out to give you two a moment.”
Phire took a drink of her tea as she waited until they were alone.
“Your sister and her attitude are going to bring you down.” Lauren shook her head. “LT is not going to go any further with that kind of sister-girl mentality around. I hope your mother raised you better.”
“Don’t talk about my mother,” Phire warned. “Why did you want to meet with me, Lauren?” Lauren seemed a little shaken by her directness.
“I thought it would be an opportunity to get to know a little more about you and LT.”
“Bullshit.” Phire glared at the woman. “You don’t want to know LT and you damn sure don’t want to know me. You have a motive.”
“Yes, I do.” Lauren raised her nose up in the air. “Did you think we were just going to sit back and let you and the other bastards drain our inheritance? It can’t be a surprise that we would want to know exactly what your fiancé wants from us.”
“Nothing,” Phire replied. “There is nothing that you have that LT wants or needs to complete his life.”
“Then why is he pushing those bastards to sue us?” she hissed.
Phire exhaled, slowly took a drink of her tea then closed her eyes. LT was right. There was no hope in connecting with this one. “Your father is their father. What was left to you should be shared with Gia, Madeline, Selma, Payton, Ryder, Owen and LT as the law sees fit. Fortunately for you and Lawrence, LT, nor Gia want anything from your father’s estate. I would think splitting it seven ways instead of nine would give you some relief.”
“Our parents worked for their money. Why should we split it with anyone? My father was married to my mother when we were conceived. We are his legal heirs.”
“Your mother inherited from your grandparents. Your father married her because of that wealth. And while Trent was married to your mother, it did not stop him from conceiving children with other women.”
“Which my mother paid handsomely for their inconvenience. Look, you are young. You don’t understand the sacrifice one has to make for their family. My mother did what she did to protect her family. And that is the bottom line here. The legacy of the family will be protected. My brother and I are not going to pay another dime to people outside of our family unit. Especially people like LT,” Lauren hissed.
“Inconvenience?” Phire shook her head then stood. She turned her back on Lauren to look over the river. This woman did not know the meaning of family or sacrifice. Nor did she have the good sense to watch words around people like her. Since meeting LT, she had been able to control her reactions to some people. However, she was not that far removed from wanting to snatch that superior attitude of Lauren’s and toss it and her into the James River. She gathered herself then turned back to Lauren. “Your father took advantage of his employees’ bodies, impregnating them. To make matters worse your mother compounded the insult by paying them off as if they were nothing more than whores. I cannot help but notice of all the women your mother paid off, she did not compensate Dorothy Palmer. Your father killed her at your mother’s insistence. I can only surmise that was due to the color of her skin.”
“That was a moment of bad judgment to lay down with a dark woman. The others had families my father had to continue to work with. They were in some ways a part of acceptable society. LT’s mother was not. She was just a common worker. Those who were deserving were paid well.” Lauren smirked. “That is all in the past. What I want to know is are there any more whores you plan to pull out of the wood works?”
“LT was right. Of all the siblings your father sired you and Lawrence are the two with the least amount of integrity. To think I came here hoping to invite you and Lawrence to our wedding. I now accept LT’s position that it is best that we be thankful for Gia and the other siblings being there to support us. And let me put you on notice. LT and I will use all the resources available to us to ensure each of the siblings get their share of Lawrence Trent’s estate. As far as you and Lawrence are concerned, you can both go straight to hell.”
Lauren stood pushing her chair back. “You do not want to go against me, Sapphire. You have no idea what I am capable of.”
Phire laughed, “Funny, I was about to say the exact same thing to you. I’d rather show you. However, this is not the place or the time. Leave while you are still breathing.”
Lauren released a cynical laugh. “You do not dismiss me, you little hood rat. This is my territory.”
“That’s where you are wrong.” Phire motioned for Opal. “You see we have come full circle. The kings and queens of Africa have returned to their rightful place in this country. When your ancestors came to our homeland to steal us from our families and loved ones, you brought us here thinking we would never ascend to be above any of you. Well, take a look around, Lauren. We have corporations, and own property now. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is the last time you will be welcomed on these grounds you think are your territory. Opal,” Phire called out.
Opal walked back out to the table. “Did you put this heifer in her place?”
