Something in the water, p.22
Something in the Water, page 22
“Let me show you something that will help you make your decision,” Joellen said as she handed her phone to Billie. “Scroll up.”
Billie tapped the screen to make the image larger, but she recognized the face right away. It was a picture of Dylan and a student she recognized, but didn’t know his name, sharing a needle.
“Dylan has been tested several times and has gone over and above everything required in the diversion program. I don’t believe these are real. People can do anything with AI these days.”
“The judge may take more convincing than just your word. You mentioned an interview in California. Something like this could hinder your move.”
Billie grabbed her purse and said, “This is blackmail. All along I thought Monroe was the snake.”
CHAPTER 40
As the plane circled out over the Pacific for its final descent, Billie gazed in reverence at the familiar coastline, and the bluish-teal water made her smile. She texted her sister to let her know the plane had landed. She had worked hard to fit in, but Ross County just wasn’t for her. This is where she belonged. Her family, memories and network were here. Her mood had been lighter these past few days, once she made the decision to return. Housing was expensive, but Zuri had always rented, and if her mother moved with her, she could afford to buy, probably not in Maxwell Park, but maybe she’d try a condo or townhouse.
She applied for jobs online, and Kelly had gotten her an interview with Love Media. She had already had two virtual interviews. They wanted her to host a weekday show, like her KBLK show, and now she was coming for an in-person meeting to work out the details. They were starting a mature urban satellite channel, called Grown Folks’ Radio, and wanted her to be one of the on-air personalities. Ordinarily she would have been offended to be called “mature,” a nice way to say old, and “urban,” a code word for Black. But she was too anxious to get out of Texas to be worried about labels and stereotyping. Dylan’s diversion would be over, and they could reboot in a familiar place. Maya was throwing Imani a going away party and Billie was able to schedule her meeting to coincide with the party. With only a carry on, she went directly to the BART station, and an hour later, she was at her mother’s door.
“I’m so happy to see you,” her mother said. “I ordered Thai food. Maya is coming over after she shows a house, but we don’t have to wait for her to eat.”
Billie devoured the soup, rice, and spring rolls like someone who hadn’t eaten in days.
“Someone is coming over,” Zuri said while clearing the table. “My fiancé.” Before Billie could comment, Zuri told Billie about the man she’d met online, had been dating almost a year, and planned to marry.
“Why haven’t I heard anything about him and what do you know about him?”
“I figured this relationship would be like the other disasters, so I didn’t say anything. He lives in Los Angeles. He’s retired from the post office and has three adult children. His wife died four years ago and he’s a super sweet guy. We’ve been visiting back and forth but want to make our relationship permanent. I’m moving to LA.”
“You can’t move. Me and the kids may be moving back. Love Media made me an offer and we’re meeting again tomorrow. They even said I don’t have to broadcast from California.”
“I can’t arrange my life around you girls, and you can’t arrange yours around your children. Besides, I thought Kendra was reenlisting.”
“I’m hoping to talk her out of it, and that she’ll go to college.”
“Let her decide,” Zuri said.
“You’re the one who protested against the military industrial complex.”
“These days it’s not only the military involved in defense. Large segments of the economy are interconnected, so you can’t avoid it. The good part is, she’ll meet men with a trade and benefits. Girls outnumber young men in college now, and the ones who are there are burdened with student debt.”
“Seems like an extreme way to find a man, but that’s beside the point. I’m still not sold on this dating thing. It’s probably a scam. You can’t trust those dating apps. They groom you for several months before asking for money. Dating someone is one thing. Getting married is another, and getting married and leaving town is even more risky.”
“I thought you’d be pleased that I’m finally settling down. For a young person, you’re so cautious. Sometimes you have to take a risk,” Zuri said.
“At twenty-one, not sixty-one, Mother.”
“I’ve kissed a lot of frogs to find this prince. Maya has checked everything except his DNA. He’s not wanted or a serial killer. If we lived in the same town, dating would be easier. We’ve done long distance and now we want to be together. I don’t have a house or job, so it’s easier for me to move than for him. He asked me a while ago, but I told him he’d have to put a ring on it. He did, so I’m moving. Please be happy for me. I know this sounds silly, but I want a wedding, a real one, with bridesmaids, tons of flowers, and a reception.”
“But Mom, how can . . .”
“We’ll talk more later, okay? I’ve got a book club meeting this evening. You can come if you like.”
Billie went to the living room and laid back on the couch, trying to absorb the news she’d received. She dozed off and was awakened when Maya came in the door.
“Hey there. I hope there’s some food left.”
“I had planned to get seconds later, but Mom’s news has my stomach in knots,” Billie said. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I figured she could tell you herself. She’s really happy.”
“You’ve met this guy and he’s legit?”
“So far. So good. I ran all the background checks I could find. Not even a parking ticket. I think it’s good for her not to be alone.”
“I suppose, but isn’t she a little old for all this?” Billie said. “A big wedding won’t be cheap.”
“As long as I don’t have to pay for it, I don’t care,” Maya said. “I think it’s kind of cute. If she can find love at her age, that means there’s hope for the rest of us.”
“I think I’ve used up my ‘true love’ quota,” Billie said, wistfully.
“Nonsense. I’ll straighten you and my brother-in-law out when I come for homecoming in a few weeks. I’ve never been to a HBCU game. It sounds like a really good time. Plus, I want to see the palace you and Cole built.”
“You might have to settle for pictures. Hopefully, it will be sold by then.”
“Why would you do that?” Maya asked. “I thought they said you could work from anywhere.”
“I can, but Calderville is not on my ‘anywhere’ list.”
“Starting over is always a financial setback. Maybe you should reconsider,” Maya said.
“Everyone said I should try something new. Been there. Done that. Now I’m ready to get back to civilization. I’ve got a sister with the hook-up. Surely you can find me a deal somewhere.”
“The market here is even crazier than when you left last year, plus interest rates have increased.”
“Then clean out your extra bedroom. I’m leaving Texas as soon as I can.”
* * *
After Billie’s interview, the rest of her trip was for fun. She, Maya, and her mom went to their favorite restaurants, went on a jazz dinner cruise, and stayed up much past Billie’s bedtime.
Billie spent Saturday morning in the hair salon. Aisha may not have been a professional, but Billie had been spoiled having her come to her house to do her hair. It was almost noon when she left the salon, and she seriously considered cutting her hair. This is precious time I could spend doing something else, she thought.
She changed clothes then she and her mother headed to Imani’s celebration. “Your father beat us here,” Zuri said as they parked in her sister’s driveway. “Whenever we went somewhere, we were always the first ones to arrive. Reuben believed in being on time. I’ll give him that.”
“I assume that’s his car,” Billie said, as they parked behind the midnight blue Expedition with the ‘Navy Grandpa’ bumper sticker.
“Aunt Billie, I’m so glad you’re here. I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it from Texas,” Imani said, while giving her aunt a big hug.
“I wouldn’t miss this,” Billie replied, as she handed her niece a gift bag. “Here’s a little something to help you at USC.” She’d given her a book of Maya Angelou poems and a check. The check wasn’t as large as she would’ve liked, but she knew Imani would still be pleased.
“Billie, you look well. Texas agrees with you.”
“Hello Reuben,” she replied.
“And Zuri, you don’t age. It’s good to see you.”
“Thank you,” she replied, as he kissed her cheek. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”
Billie couldn’t remember the last time her parents had been in the same space. She hadn’t expected fireworks, but she hadn’t expected syrupy greetings and flirting either.
“Can you believe them?” Billie had whispered when she had a moment alone with Maya in the kitchen.
“Whatever happened between them, they’ve made peace with it. Mom has someone in her life and Dad and his wife have been together for years. They’ve both moved on, and you should too,” Maya said, as she added lemons and glasses to a tray and pushed it toward her sister. “Take this to the patio.”
Maybe they were this cordial because they hadn’t been married long. I can’t imagine being that chummy with Cole, she thought as she took the tray outside.
Billie had forgotten how nice it was to sit outside without being attacked by swarming insects and killer ants. After being in Calderville, with wall-to-wall blue skies, quiet nights and a faint earthy smell, she noticed that the yards were smaller, the neighbors were closer, the streets were noisier, and tall houses blocked more of the sun. Whenever Cole had complained about having close neighbors, she had dismissed him, but now she understood. Her sister’s house was beautiful with a professionally landscaped yard, decorative pavers and arched, curved windows. But the neighbors in these fancy neighborhoods were only a few feet away. It was almost like being in Lakewood Terrace.
After leaving her sister’s, she met Kelly for cocktails at Gelila’s Place. They caught up on each other’s lives, and Kelly filled her in on Love Media office politics. “As long as I can get out of Texas, I’ll be happy being the coffee girl.” She got home late to find her mother sitting in the kitchen drinking tea.
“Is everything okay?”
“It is now,” Zuri said. “I know you’re grown, but I couldn’t sleep until I knew you were in the house safely.”
Billie kissed her mother’s cheek, then said, “I guess we never stop worrying about our babies.” She and her mother spent the next two hours talking and she didn’t go to bed until after midnight. By the time she headed back to Texas, she was exhausted, but excited and optimistic about moving back home.
CHAPTER 41
Dylan fulfilled his community service by serving as a lifeguard at the community center. He was obligated to do one hundred hours before the end of his diversion and had completed them within three weeks. He did such a good job and there was such a need, the Parks and Recreation Department asked him to return next season.
Today they were returning to court to report on the status of his diversion. It was a formality because the judge already had the paperwork about Dylan’s inpatient treatment, community service, and restitution.
“When we get out of here, I’m treating for lunch,” Dylan said.
“Okay, Mr. Big Spender, you should probably save your money,” Billie said.
“This is the least I can do. I know it’s not much, but I want to show you both how much I appreciate all you’ve done for me. Let’s go to Broadway Diner. They have the best chicken fried steak. I could eat it every day,” he said, while scratching his arm.
“I’ll need a hearty meal to sustain me during our driving lesson,” Cole said, pretending to fan himself.
“Ha. Ha,” Dylan said. “The sun was in my eyes, and I didn’t see that kid on the bike. Next time I’ll be sure to wear sunglasses.” Cole had been taking Dylan practice driving, so he could take his road test when his diversion ended.
Billie’s stomach growled and she scooted her chair to mask the sound. They had been prompt for their nine o’clock court time for what they thought would be a quick proceeding, so she had skipped breakfast. But it was now almost noon. Finally, the judge called Dylan to the bench.
“You have met all diversion program requirements and the charges in the case of Ross County v. Dylan Jordan are dismissed.” Dylan turned around and gave his parents the thumbs up sign.
“However, something has come up since your last court appearance. There’s a warrant for your arrest in California. You are being charged with violation of the Mann Act and statutory rape of Amy Flanery. Based on the charges, you will be extradited to California.”
* * *
“What in the hell?” Cole shouted. “The Mann Act—is that even still a law?”
Billie sat confused and bewildered. The judge’s gavel brought her back to reality, as he ordered Dylan and his attorney into his chambers. Billie, Cole and Monroe followed them, but the bailiff stopped them.
“Please let them come,” Dylan said.
The judge nodded his head and closed the door behind them. “I just learned of this a few hours ago. The young lady died last month, and based on information from their investigation, the district attorney has filed charges.”
“What type of investigation?” Billie asked. “Dylan hasn’t been in California for months.”
“The charges don’t have anything to do with her dying. They go back several months. I wanted to make sure I understood everything before I made the pronouncement, which is why you’ve been here so long. Mr. Jordan, do you understand the charges against you?”
“I can’t believe she’s dead,” Dylan said.
“I’m sorry about her dying,” Cole said. “But we don’t have the luxury of being sentimental. This is serious.”
“It’s like she’s reaching from the grave to take you down with her,” Billie said.
“It’s not her. It’s her parents,” Dylan said. “They said I got her strung out, but she was using when I met her.”
“Do we have their contact information? I’d like to talk to them,” Billie said.
“That’s what you’re not going to do. We need a lawyer,” Cole said, while scrolling through his phone.
“What do we do now?” Cole asked the judge.
“We’ve contacted the Alameda County District Attorney to see how they want to handle this. We’re obligated to hold you for ninety days. If they don’t pick you up within those ninety days, we can let you go.”
“You’re going to hold him in jail? What happened to innocent until proven guilty?” Billie asked.
“You can waive extradition, and voluntarily surrender to the authorities in California. But I may be able to work out another option. We can try to release him on bond. We will require Mr. Jordan to check in with the court weekly, wear an ankle monitor, and not leave the county.”
“I suppose you want him to wear a striped jumpsuit too,” Billie said.
“The other option is for us to talk to Amy’s parents. Prosecuting Dylan won’t bring her back, and I’m sure that’s not what Amy would want,” Billie said.
“Absolutely not,” Cole said. “We’re going to let our lawyer handle this.”
“I agree,” the judge said. “Her parents have no say-so in this matter, and I don’t advise you to speak with any potential witnesses.”
“We need legal advice. What do you suggest?” Cole asked Dylan’s lawyer.
“First suggestion—hire an attorney licensed to practice in California. Unfortunately, I can’t help you.”
Billie let out a heavy sigh, she was anxious to return to California, but not under these circumstances.
CHAPTER 42
The doorbell startled Billie since she never had company. She looked at the camera on her phone and saw that it was Joellen. “What do you want?” she said through the speaker.
“I’d like to talk to you,” Joellen said.
“If you’ve come to talk about your blackmail, do what you want. I’m sure you know what’s going on with Dylan, and I don’t have time for your garbage.”
“I have a proposition for you,” Joellen said. “Can I come in? I know someone in California who can help you.”
Billie took a deep breath, then let her sister-in-law in and led her to the folding chairs in the living room. The furniture had finally come, but Billie hadn’t removed the plastic wrap, since she was hoping to move soon.
“I love this color,” Joellen said. “Where did you order it from?”
Billie gave her a blank stare and didn’t answer.
“Okay, here’s the deal,” Joellen said as she leaned forward. “I don’t practice, but I do have a law degree and know people. I can get someone in the Bay Area to take your case. The Mann Act is always a stretch and is used to prosecute a criminal enterprise. If it’s used to prosecute one person, historically there have been racial overtones. That won’t be hard to prove here, especially since Amy had a history of running away. But that still costs money. You and Cole have contacts, but its best to get someone who specializes.”
“You can recommend someone?” Billie asked.
“Yes. And they’ll do it pro bono. I’ll be tied up this weekend with homecoming, but I can set up a conference call for Monday.”
“And what do you want in return?” Billie asked, crossing her arms. “I know you’re not doing this for the love of your nephew.”
“You do something for me. I do something for you. We both want justice. We just go about it different ways.”
* * *
“I know this is a busy weekend for you, but we need to act quickly. The DA has moved up your son’s extradition date to two weeks,” Joellen’s friend, Attorney Lane said.
“Thank goodness for smart phones. What did we do before we had this technology?” Joellen asked as she adjusted the camera for their FaceTime call.
