The Cartel ....Part One (standard:drama, 17630 words)
Author: Charlene	Added: Feb 20 2002	Views/Reads: 3347/2634	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Jade, a young woman married to a powerful mafia king finds that her world has been turned upside down when she betrays the man she married. With her options for survival limited, she makes a deadly alliance that will bring her face to face with a dark pa

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a smile to the surface as he takes my left hand and kisses my wedding 
ring.  This is an old custom among the mafia.  It’s a sign of the 
utmost respect for Kevin and me.  I glance your way one last time.  
Your attention is not focused on me but on Kevin.  Your expression has 
changed.  You seem harder now, intense. 

I close my eyes and slide back into the cold leather seats of our limo. 
The drive is surprisingly quiet. The house is quiet and cold.  The 
marble floors, the black sculptures the designer this and designer 
that, is not welcoming, not inviting.  But this is life.  This has been 
my life for the past three years.  My life had not always been this 
way.  There once was great passion between Kevin and I.  He charmed me 
with his ability to make me laugh.  He wanted something other than the 
life he was born into.  He had dreams to be a painter.  He would paint, 
and we would open an art store and sell his paintings.  We wanted a 
modest life, a simple life.  We have a life of anything but. 

Then it happened.  Kevin’s father was murdered in broad daylight on the
steps of the courthouse.  He had bought his freedom by turning states 
evidence against a rival mafia family.  He paid the price of being a 
traitor to the  “way” with his blood.  Kevin turned cold, and hateful 
after that, at times down right evil.  “It’s up to me to make them pay 
for what they did to the Cartel family.  Can’t you understand that?”  
He would say to me.  I never answered, because I couldn’t understand.  
I didn’t even want to try. 

I lay in our king size bed listening to Kevin do security checks on the
two way.  That house was shut up like Fort Knox.  I felt sorry for the 
foolish person who thought he would be able to penetrate the sacred 
walls of Lavender Hill.  That was the name of our estate.  Lavender 
Hill and all the treasures inside including the eight cars, two Olympic 
size pools, tennis courts and 18 hole golf course, was worth an 
estimated 32.3 million dollars.  I would give it all of up in and 
instant for love, happiness and peace of mind. “Thanks baby, you really 
pulled through for me tonight.”  Even when Kevin is being sweet, it 
makes me quake with disgust. “Your welcome “ I said dryly as I reached 
and turned out the light ¨¨ 

“Mrs. Cartel, you have a phone call”.  I was awakened by a female voice
coming over the intercom into our bedroom. “A phone call?  Who is it?” 
“I’m not sure.  He said his name is Damon.” “Damon? I don’t know 
any....” I stopped in mid sentence.  My heart began to pound as my mind 
raced through the events of the previous night.   I look at Kevin’s  
nightstand his keys were gone.  He must be  gone already.  “Oh 
Marguerite I remember, I’ll take the phone call, thank you.” “Ok Mrs. 
Cartel, I will send it through.” I sat up in bed, trying to regain some 
composure.  I jumped as the telephone rang.  “Hello?”  I said in my 
most calm, just waking up tone. “Yeah Jade, this is Damon how are you?” 
“I’m fine.  How did you get this number?  I mean luckily my husband is 
out this morning if he were...” my words were interrupted. “I paid the 
hostess at the restaurant for your number.” “That’s very dangerous.  
I’m surprised she gave it to you.” “I paid her very handsomely, and 
then promised not to give her up if I got caught using it.” “I’m 
impressed.”  I said with a smile.  “Well why did you call?” “I was 
wondering if maybe we could meet for lunch today?” “You know, I would 
love to but I don’t think that would be possible.... you don’t seem to 
understand my...” again my words were gently interrupted. “I know who 
you are, and who your husband is.  I just want to have lunch that’s 
all.  Listen I will be at the Glass House Restaurant at 1:30 if you 
happen to show up maybe we could share a meal.  Ok?” “Ok.”  I said 
reluctantly, and laid the phone down on its base. 

A sudden rush of excitement filled every inch of my body.   An
excitement I hadn’t felt in months.  What am I thinking? I think to 
myself.    “Screw it, I whisper to myself and make mental plans to take 
the BMW.  I’ll just say I have to go get my nails done or something 
boring like that.  I won’t be gone that long.  I’ll make sure I’m back 
before Kevin gets home.  A courageous burst of energy radiates 
throughout my body as a take a shower.  This could be the start of 
something nice, I think to my self.  And rinse that last of the soap 
off my body and hair down the drain. ¨¨ 

As I put the car in reverse and eased it out of the garage, I was
surprised at how easy it was to leave.  Luckily it’s Friday and most of 
the staff has the day off.  The air is warm and the sun bright as I lay 
the top down on the blue convertible BMW.  I loved this car.  Not 
because it was a BMW or that it was convertible.  I loved it because it 
felt normal. The Jag, the Rolls, even the Land Rover felt over done to 
me.  I checked the time on my watch, a quarter till one.  I quickly ran 
through Kevin’s schedule.  I need to be home by 3:00. 

It seemed that luck was on my side.  The traffic on the freeway was
little to none, making it easy to maintain the 75 mph speed I had set 
for myself. I pulled into the underground parking at the restaurant and 
glanced at the clock, 1:20.  Great, I thought.  I won’t be late, but I 
won’t be too early either.  I looked around at my surroundings before 
getting out of the car.  I wasn’t sure what or who I was looking for, 
but I felt better when all I saw was an older couple getting into an 
older model Mercedes. I checked my makeup one last time in the rear 
view mirror.  Took a deep breath and went inside. 

“Hello.”  I say quietly.  You looked up at me.  Your smile is warm and
inviting, your eyes peaceful and caring.  I can’t help to return a shy 
smile of my own. “Please have a seat, you stand and pull out my chair 
for me. “Thanks.”  I reach for my napkin, and lay it nervously in my 
lap. “Can I get you something to drink, before we order?” “Water, 
please.”  You call a waitress over and ask for a glass of water and two 
menus.  She smiles, and walks away.  I cautiously look around the 
restaurant. “Are you ok?”  Your voice startles me. “I’m sorry.  I’m 
just not use to...I mean I’m a little...” “It’s ok.” “I just want you 
to understand.  I mean I know you say that you know who I am and who my 
husband is but you really need to know that...” Your smile catches me 
of guard.  I notice how calm you are, how self-assured you seem to be.  
I’m suddenly intrigued, and relaxed. “So, tell me how a beautiful, 
intelligent, young lady like yourself, ends up the wife of Kevin 
Cartel.”  I smile and look down at my place setting. “You know I really 
love this restaurant.  They have the best salmon salad here.”  I look 
up at you, and you seem to be unaffected by my words.  I can tell your 
still waiting for an answer to your question. The waitress brings two 
menus to the table. Her presence brings relief to me. “We can order 
now.”  I say nervously. “We will have two salmon salads.”  You look at 
me and wink. I smile and take a drink of water.  The waitress smiles at 
me, and she takes the menus from the table.  “Now that we have that out 
of the way, will you answer my question?” “I met Kevin about five years 
ago.  I was working as an administrative assistant to the real estate 
agent that sold him his house.  I was immediately taken with him.  The 
fact that he was older than me just made him even more sexy and 
intriguing.   We became friends, and then one day it just turned into 
love.  He was kind, caring, ...back then.”  I stop, I hear my words and 
I’m surprised at the sadness they carry.  “I didn’t know what his 
family was about until I had fallen head over hills. I justified it by 
saying that Kevin was different.  Kevin wanted a different kind of 
life.  Then his dad was murdered for turning states evidence.”  I stop 
again, as our waitress placed our plates on the table.  I smile and say 
thank you softly. “Will there be anything else?” “No.” You answer her, 
but your eyes are fixed on me. I continue.   “After that, Kevin took 
over the family business.  He’s a lot different now, hard, and cold.  
We no longer talked to each other.  His work began consuming him, 
taking over his entire life.  We would make love, he ‘d get a phone 
call leave and would be gone for days sometimes weeks at a time.  He 
would come home we would argue, fight and then not speak.   Lately 
we’ve been stuck on the not speaking part.   He’s mafia, and being 
mafia comes first, anything  or anyone else is secondary.  What can I 
say?” “Why don’t you leave him?”  Your voice is covered with caring and 
concern.  I smile, “I can’t. I’ve been with him too long.  I know too 
much, I’ve seen too much, heard too much.  He would have me killed 
first.”  I look at you for a reaction.  You just stare at me as if you 
were trying to develop an escape plan.  I look down at my watch,; I 
still have time.  I smile at this new revelation. “I will protect you.” 
 You say quietly, almost at a whisper.  I smile. “Bodyguards I could 
get.  I could really use a friend?”  I look at you, and you smile. 
“When can I see you again?”  I’m surprised by your question.  I hadn’t 
even considered another meeting.  I almost had a heart attack trying to 
get to this one. “I’m not sure.  Give me your phone number and I will 
call you.”  You write your number on the inside of a matchbook, you 
caress my fingers lightly as you hand it to me from across the table.  
Your touch is gently, and very erotic. I smile. “I really need to be 
getting home, Kevin will be there soon.” “Your afraid of him aren’t 
you?” “I have reasons to be. Kevin is a very powerful man.  He has 
cops, lawyers and judges that answer to him and only him.   I wouldn’t 
stand a chance.”   “Has he ever..” You stop in mid sentence, as if you 
did not want to hear the answer.  I place me purse on my shoulder and 
gently say, “No, he’s never hit me.”  A look of relief comes over your 
face.  As I get up from the table, you stand too. As I leave, I lean 
over and whisper in you ear, “now I have another reason for really 
liking this place.”  You smile, and I leave. 

My drive home is upbeat.  I feel a sense of calm at the thought of my
newfound friend.  I push the cd in and the soulful sounds of Alicia 
Key’s A Woman’s Worth fills the air.  I glide all the way home. My 
heart falls and my breathing stops at the sight of Kevin’s Lexus in the 
driveway.   I quickly look at my watch, 3:00 on the dot, he’s home 
early.  Panic immediately sets in. What will I tell him?  Then suddenly 
I take a deep breath.  I turn off the engine.  The sight of his car 
sends me into disgust.  I think about Damon, and smile, suddenly I 
don’t give a damn.  And walk into the house. 

“Davie that just wont cut it!  You check that shit! I don’t want to have
this conversation again, if we do, you will be sorry.”  Kevin is on the 
phone, I quietly, enter the library, and lay my purse on the couch..  
He puts his hand over the receiver, “hey baby,  I thought I told you to 
let me know when your leaving the house?” As I began to speak, he puts 
his hand up to stop me from speaking.  “Look Davie, fuck it, I’ll take 
care of the shit myself! And why don’t you grow a dick!”  I jump as he 
slams the phone down.  “I’m sorry baby?” He takes my face in his hands 
and kisses me on the forehead.  “Now what were you saying?” “Oh, I just 
needed to get some air that’s all.  I didn’t go far.” “Still boo; I 
want you to let me know when you leave the house.  If something ever 
happened to you...well just let me know ok?” “Ok.’ I say softly. “Baby 
I’m going to be leaving on a business trip tomorrow morning.  I’ll be 
gone for about 3 days.” My thoughts immediately turn to Damon.  I smile 
without even knowing it.  “Baby did you hear me?” “Oh yeah, is there 
anything I can do for you?”  I try to sound caring, concerned and 
wifely, but really I could give a damn. “Yeah baby, if you could pack 
my shit. I would do it but I need to handle some things.”    “Ok, 
anything special you want me to pack?”  My voice is upbeat now. “No, I 
trust your taste.” 

He laughed as he picked up the phone.   It was rare to see him in a
playful mood.  It struck me funny, that today of all days, he seemed 
almost loving.    I turned and walked out of the library.   Remembering 
my purse, and the matchbook that was inside I turned to go back and 
retrieve it, but Kevin shut the door just as I reached it.  Damn! I 
thought.  Kevin doesn’t usually go through my purse, but there is 
always a first time for everything.    I decided to forget about it.  
He was dealing with way too much to be concerned about the contents of 
my purse.  I walked across the foyer to the kitchen.  My heart was 
light as I opened the refrigerator and grabbed a coke.   I stood there 
looking out the window at the grounds keeper.  It was funny I had never 
noticed how pretty the grounds were this time of year.  The leaves had 
fallen and covered everything with a golden glow.  I began considering 
my options for the next three days.  How much was I willing to risk?  
How far was I willing to take things with Damon?  Was he even worth the 
danger,  the lying, was he worth the effort?  I wasn’t sure, but I 
wanted to find out. 

I stood amazed at the sight of Kevin’s closet.  Everything was
meticulously folded hung or laid across the dressing stand.   I must 
say that Kevin had excellent taste.  Gucci, Karl Kani, Sean John, Mecca 
the whole nine.  If the brotha couldn’t do anything else, he could 
dress.  I laid his suitcase across the bed and begin to neatly fold his 
shirts and pants making sure not to promote wrinkles. 

The rest of the night seemed to drag on.  We ate diner in our room and
we watched a movie. “Why do you keep looking at the clock?”  Kevin’s 
voice was thick with irritation.  “Are you expecting someone or are you 
going somewhere?”  Now his tone was starting to piss me off. “Neither 
Kevin, I’m tired and I’m going to bed.  You do what you like.” “I 
always do.”  I rolled my eyes and turned over. ¨¨ 

I watched out the bedroom window as the Limo drove down the long winding
drive way. I smiled at my newfound freedom.  Three whole days of bliss 
I thought to myself.   I ran to the library to retrieve the matchbook 
from my purse. “Is there something I can do for you Mrs. Cartel?”  
Marguerite looked puzzled by my demeanor. “Oh, no. Thanks Marguerite.” 
“Well Mr. Cartel told everyone to make sure they were at your disposal 
while he was gone.” “Oh, I see, well that won’t be necessary.   You 
guys can go about your regular day.  As a matter of fact Marguerite, 
tell everyone they can go home today at six.” “Really?”  Her voice 
filled with excitement. “Yeah, I mean it’s only me.  They don’t need to 
hang around.  And don’t worry everyone will get paid for a full day.” 
“Thank you Mrs. Cartel!” “Your welcome Marguerite.”  I hated the idea 
of having maids, butlers, and groundskeepers but I had really grown to 
care about our staff.  They were the closet thing to a family I had.   
They took care of me like a sister or a daughter.  They made our house 
somewhat livable. 

I pulled the matchbook from my purse, and went over to Kevin’s desk.  I
cleared my throat and dialed the number. “Hello?”  Your voice makes me 
smile instantly. “Hi, Damon? This is Jade.  Are you busy?”  I try to 
hide my excitement, and sound casual. “No, I’m glad you called how are 
you?” “I’m good.  Listen what are you doing later, say around 7:30?” 
“Um, nothing, why what’s up?”  Your voice brightens. “Well, Kevin left 
this morning on a business trip.  He will be gone for three days.  I 
told the staff they could go home around six. So I thought maybe you 
would like to come over for a while.”  I hold my breath as I await his 
answer. “I’d love to.  Aren’t you worried about someone seeing me 
there?”  Your voice is low, but I can sense your smile. “No, I will be 
the only one here.  No worries.” “Great.  Give me give you directions.” 
“ Do you know the Cascade Falls area?” “Yes, I have a business partner 
that lives by there.”  In that instant it occurred to me that I didn’t 
know what you did for a living. “Good, then once you enter the Cascade 
Falls area you want to make your first right onto Chandelier Lane.  You 
want to go west until you get to Lightening Arrows Way and make a 
right.  Then you will go up three blocks to Winding Ribbons Drive.  You 
will see our gate to your immediate left.   Push the 0 on the call box 
and I will buzz you in. Once the gate opens, you will drive for about a 
mile to another gate.  Push 0 again, I will buzz you in.  That will 
bring you to my front door.” “Damn you got to go through all that?”  
You laugh.  I begin to laugh too. “You know I’ve never really thought 
about it.  I guess it is a little much. “ “No problem.  I’ll be there 
at 7:30.” “Great.  I’ll see you then.  Bye.” “Bye Jade.” I hang up the 
phone.  I run around Kevin’s desk three times, laughing and skipping 
like a three year old who just got a promise from Santa that she will 
get her favorite doll. I stop suddenly.  Oh shit what will I wear?  I 
walk quickly to the library door and make my way up the stairs.  Dang!  
I stop and go back to the library; I grab the matchbook, and my purse 
and close the doors behind me. 

Standing in my closet I suddenly felt like none of my clothes are good
enough for tonight.  This had to be perfect, special even.  I toy with 
the idea of going shopping, but then I put myself in check.  Girl, get 
a grip.  I tell myself.  Damon is just a friend.  Your married, not to 
mention married to the mob no less.  He’s just coming over as a friend, 
your bud.  You guys are just going to hang, nothing sensual, noting 
sexual just chillin. I decide on my Donna Caron black jumpsuit.  It’s 
casual, and comfortable, and not overstated. 

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven.  The grandfather clock chimed
seven times.  I smile at the thought of your arrival in thirty minutes. 
 I press my lips together to smudge my lipstick. Everything looks 
perfect I do a quick check of My clothes, hair, make up and sent.  Yep 
everything is good to go.  I decide to make My way downstairs so you 
wont have long to wait once you ring the doorbell.   I hear the bell 
letting me know you’ve made it to the first gate.  Nervously I walk to 
the security box and press pass.  I feel my heart pounding as I wait 
for the next chime.   I press pass one last time.  “There’s no turning 
back now” I say to myself as I go to the intercom system and try to put 
some music on so it can be piped in throughout the house.  Looking at 
Kevin’s collection. I realize that there is so much about you that I 
want to know, like what kind of music you like.  I select Babyface’s 
latest, and slide it into the player.  “What If” begins to play.  Just 
then I hear the doorbell.  My heart jumps in my throat.  Nervously I 
walk to the door. “Hey you.”  I say happily. “Hey.”   You smile at me.  
You go to hug me, and I meet you half way.  Your arms feel safe, and I 
linger there. “Come inside.”  I take your hand very naturally and lead 
you into the house.  “Have you eaten yet?” “Yeah.” “Well would you like 
a drink?”  I’m trying to read your expression, and make you as 
comfortable as possible. “Yeah, that would be good.” “Follow me.” I 
smile, and lead you towards the bar. “Is that you?” I turn to see you 
pointing to a huge painting at the top of our winding staircase. “Oh 
that God awful thing. Yeah, it’s me.” “I think it’s gorgeous.”  I smile 
with embarrassment. “When Kevin and I moved into the house, he said 
that, “No home should be without a portrait of the woman that runs it.” 
 So, he painted that picture of me.  It took 6 weeks.  I hate it.  I 
would rip it down, but the damn thing is bolted to the wall.”  We laugh 
as we continue down the hall to the bar.  “So what can I get for you 
sir?” “Oh so your playing bartender now?” “No not really, if you want 
something more complicated than beer or wine, I can’t help ya.”  You 
start to laugh and tell me a glass of wine would be fine. “You know 
yesterday we were talking about me, and I never found out anything 
about you.” “What do you want to know?”  You look at me with a sneaky 
grin. “What do you do?” “I’m a record producer.” I can tell your 
waiting for a certain reaction. “Really?  When I was little I wanted to 
be a singer.” “What happened?” “I think I’m tone deaf.”  We break out 
in uncontrollable laughter.  “But really, I started reading and fell in 
love with reading and writing.” “You like to read huh?” “Yeah.  That 
reminds me, come here I want to show you something.”  I take your hand 
again.  This time our fingers lock, and it feels more familiar.  “This 
is my favorite room of the house.” I open the large oak doors and 
reveal the contents of our library.  “I can stay in here for hours, and 
just loose myself. See this?”  I pull a book from the shelf and rub my 
hand gently across the cover.  “This is a first edition of the Tale 
Tale Heart, by Edgar Allen Poe.” “What’s that?”  You point to a script 
hanging behind a picture frame on the wall.  “That’s Denzel 
Washington’s script from Malcolm X.  It has his notes on it and 
everything.  Look at this, it’s A Mid Summer’s Night’s Dream written in 
Shakespeare’s own hand.” “How did you guys get this stuff?” “Kevin 
hired a team of auction hunters.  They travel the world and go to 
auctions just to bid on stuff like this. “What is that?”  Again you 
point to the wall. “That’s Alfred Hitchcock’s director’s note from 
Psycho.” “That’s kinda tight.” “I know this is the only room that Kevin 
and I have in common and can really share things.” “That includes the 
bedroom?”  You look at me and smile, “Yes, that would include the 
bedroom.  It’s like sleeping with the enemy, but not as bad.”  A sad 
look comes over your face, for a second.  Then you smile at me.  I jump 
at the sound of the telephone ringing. “Can you excuse me please?’ 
“Yeah, go ahead.” 

I hesitate to pick up the phone because I know its Kevin calling. 
“Hello?” “ Hey baby.  How ya doin?” “Hey, I’m good, how was your 
flight?” “Cool.  Getting ready to go and meet this punk ass.  Just 
wanted to check on ya.  How was your day?  Anything special happen? “ 
Looking at you, I smile, and point to the phone.  You smile. “It was 
pretty good, I just hung out at the house.  I let the staff go early, 
it’s just me, I don’t need them here.” “Babe, you know I don’t like you 
being alone.  Are you sure?” “Yeah, I’m sure I can find something to 
keep me busy.”  I look at you and you smile.   I suddenly realize the 
double meaning you could have gotten by what I said, and I turn my back 
towards you, embarrassed by the twist of words.. “Ok baby I better go.  
See you in about two days.” “Ok, bye.”  I hang up the phone quickly 
before you say I love you. “So that was him?” “Yeah, I figured he would 
call.” “You know this house is tight and everything, but it really 
doesn’t seem like you.”  I smile and look down at the marble floors, 
and around at the silk covered walls. “Your right.  Some rooms in this 
house are very much me; like the library and the kitchen.  The rest of 
the rooms are all Kevin.  I really think this house is overdone.  He 
seems to think everything here is a necessity.  This is his palace.  As 
long as he’s happy I guess.” “What about your happiness?  What would 
make you happy?’  You then stand and move closer to me.  Your voice is 
low, and seductive. I feel my heart began to beat faster.  What are we 
doing I think to myself.  This can’t go any further; I can’t risk his 
life or mine.  I move away from you. “Why are you running from me?” 
“I’m not running from you, I just think that we should keep it simple.  
That’s all.” “Is that really what you want?  I mean really?”  You again 
walk closer to me. This time I hear something in your voice I hadn’t 
heard before.  I stare into your eyes as you walk even closer to me.  
I’m not afraid, I’m not nervous.  You gently take my face in your hands 
and kiss me on the lips.  My eyes close and I melt effortlessly in your 
grasp.  Our bodies connect and we began to kiss with a passion rivaled 
only by our now growing expectations.  I’m not sure where this is 
going, but decide in this moment, I will let you lead and I’m willing 
to go anywhere, as long as it’s with you. 

The taste of your mouth is sweeter than anything I ever tasted.  I wrap
myself inside your kiss, and linger there.  I feel your hands; they 
play my body like a well-tuned instrument.  I want to explore these 
feelings with you. I want to drown myself in the weight of your body 
against mine. “I think we should stop.”  You say breathlessly.  I open 
my eyes, and look at you like a wounded animal. “Why?” “I don’t want to 
put you in...I mean your married and...” I look down, trying to slow my 
breathing.  I swallow and my throat begins to hurt, the way it hurts 
before you begin to cry.  I move away from you and try to focus on 
something of Kevin’s to stop myself from crying. “Please understand, 
it’s not that I don’t want to...I just don’t want to put you...” You 
stop when you look at me.  You see the change in my expression.  “I’m 
sorry.” You look away, in frustration. “No, I’m sorry, I understand. I 
just got caught up in the moment I didn’t mean to make you 
uncomfortable.”  You see my reaction, and you pick up your jacket from 
the chair.  “I’m just going to go.”  My mind starts racing back to when 
you arrived and how happy I was. “Jade, I’m leaving ok?” “Yeah, I’ll 
walk you to the door.”  The hall seemed longer and narrower.  The 
portrait of myself seemed even more intrusive, as I opened the door. “I 
really did have a nice time.”  You say softly as you walk out the door. 
“I did to.”   I close the door, unable to watch you drive away.  The 
house seems even more loathsome as I look around.  The weight of my 
loneliness becomes too much to bare, I began to cry uncontrollably, as 
I sit on the cold marble floor. ¨¨ 

I wake to the sound of the grandfather clock.  One, two, three, four,
five, six,.. It’s six in the morning.  The staff will be arriving soon. 
 I had fallen asleep on the floor right there by the door.  I touch my 
face, its sticky and tear stained.  My eyes hurt and are puffy.  I sit 
up and try to gather my thoughts.  The sadness creeps back and my heart 
again feels heavy.  I stand, and look out the stained glass window.  
The sun is starting to rise, and it seems like the day is going to be 
warm and sunny.  I’m unaffected and decide to go upstairs and sleep the 
morning away. 

“Mrs. Cartel, here is your breakfast.”  I open my eyes to see Lydia our
head chef standing there with a sliver platter filled with all of my 
favorites. “You never sleep this late, so I thought maybe you weren’t 
feeling well, or that you didn’t feel like coming down stairs, so I 
brought breakfast up to you.  Eat what you can, and leave the rest.” 
“What time is it?”  Blowing softly into my cup of black coffee. “It’s 
almost 11:00.  Is everything ok?” “Oh yeah, I was feeling kinda of sick 
last night, and I guess, I just needed to sleep it off.”  “Mrs. Cartel, 
I don’t mean to be a busy body, but I overheard Angelina and Rosie 
talking.  And..” She paused as if she needed permission to continue. 
“Go ahead Lydia, what is it?” “Well, they were referring to the guest 
you had here last night.”   How could they have known?   My breathing 
became  intense .  I had sent everyone home early; there was no one 
here.  I remained quiet just to see exactly what she was going to say.  
“Angelina cleaned up the library and she said that there were two 
glasses, and you know they’re young, and they started speculating as to 
who was here and....” I interrupted her. “Lydia, I appreciate what your 
saying, but really there is nothing to it.  I had poured myself a 
drink, and forgot where I had put it, so I went and fixed another one.  
On my way to the library I saw the other one and brought them both to 
the library with me.”  I tried to sound matter of fact about the lie I 
had just created.  “I would appreciate it if you would get things 
straight with the staff.  I really don’t need that kind of aggravation 
if you know what I mean.” “Oh yes, Mrs. Cartel.  I understand 
completely.  I knew it had to be an explanation for it.  I know that 
you would never...” She again stopped mid sentence.   I smiled, and she 
responded with a warm and sincere smile. 

I guess the lie worked.  Lydia closed the door behind her, and I
exhaled.  How could I be so stupid to leave evidence sitting around?  
It occurred to me that the chance of me making another crucial mistake 
with Damon was totally out of the question.  I looked at the food that 
was so caringly prepared for me, and I felt ill.  A shower, that’s what 
I needed a very hot shower.  Maybe I could wash the thoughts of last 
night away.  I doubt it, but I planned to try just the same. 

Brushing my hair, I tried to focus on something other than myself. 
Maybe I would go shopping, or to the museum.  I felt like I needed to 
be around people, the thought of being alone with myself, alone with my 
thoughts disgusted me. 

“Mrs. Cartel, you have a phone call.”  I sighed, and picked up the
phone. “Mrs. Cartel?.” “Yes?” I said not recognizing the voice on the 
other end of the phone.  “This is detective Allen with NYPD .  There 
has been an incident here involving your husband.”  At this point he 
stopped.  My thoughts were trying to catch up to his words.  I was 
trying to brace myself for the worst. “ Mrs. Cartel, are you still 
there?” “Yes, detective. What happened?” “Mrs. Cartel, Kevin suffered a 
gun shot  wound to the stomacht.” “What!  When? “  “He was admitted 
last night, to Mount Holy Oak Hospital. They performed emergency 
surgery it was looking pretty bad but..” “Why in the hell are you just 
now calling me?   Is there someone there with him?” “Mrs. Cartel you 
have to calm down.  There is more, Kevin is going to be fine, they 
believe he is out of the woods, but there are other issues.” “What are 
you talking about?  What other issues?” “Mrs. Cartel, we would like to 
ask you some questions.” I stopped.  I began trying to remember the 
instructions that Kevin had drilled into my head, if this situation 
should ever arise.  Be cautious, never admit to anything, never offer 
information, and above all remain calm, cool and collected. 

This is one of the many reasons Kevin never let me in on his “business”.
 He felt that if I were to ever be questioned it wouldn’t be hard to 
deny or admit to not knowing anything, if I didn’t know anything.  My 
knowledge would make me a liability.   I began to speak. “Why do you 
want to talk to me, ?” “We  would like to get some clarification on 
something’s. “I’m not sure what I will be able to tell you..” “Well 
Mrs. Cartel why don’t you just get here,  at the very least you can be 
here for your husband.” I noticed his tone had become more stern, and 
unyielding.  I decided not to  prolong my hesitation. “Ok, I will get a 
flight out as soon as I can.” “Fine.  Make sure it’s sooner than 
later.” I hung up the phone.  And tried to put my mind around what was 
happening.  I picked up the phone and dialed Paul’s number. 

Paul was Kevin’s attorney.  He was like a brother to Kevin, I on the
other could not stand Paul.  The way he tried to fit in with Kevin and 
his posse made me ill.  He seemed phony more so than most attorneys you 
usually meet.     But Paul was good at his job.  You could depend on 
him in a pinch.   I knew he would know exactly what to do. “Yes may I 
speak to Paul Bishop please?  Tell him its Jade Cartel.” I waited a 
moment, and then Paul’s glossy voice said, “hello Jade”. “Paul hi.  
Listen I just got a call from a detective Allen in New York.  Kevin has 
been shot, and the police would like me to go there and answer some 
questions.” “Oh god Jade is Kevin ok?” “I’m not sure, they operated on 
him last night. Can you come with me?” “I will make all the 
arrangements.  I will call you back with the information.  Stay by your 
phone.  Jade do you know why Kevin was there?” “No.  He never tells me 
stuff like that.  All I know is that he was on the phone talking to 
someone, and he was very upset.  He said something about taking care of 
it himself.  That’s all I know.” “Ok. Well stay quiet on this, until I 
know what’s going on ok?’ “Sure, whatever you say.”  I hung up the 
phone and set down on the bed.  What has he done now?  I thought.  What 
would I tell the staff?  I then felt the rush of guilt flood my body 
like a waterfall cascading down a mountainside.  As I was trying to get 
my groove on with Damon, Kevin was laying somewhere fighting for his 
life.    I started thinking of reasons to justify my actions, there 
were none.  Now, I would have to face Kevin a lot sooner than I had 
expected.  My heart felt uneasy, how would I do this?  The voice 
announcing another phone called, startled me. 

“Mrs. Cartel you have a phone call.” “Thank you.”  I picked up the
phone, before it could ring.  “Hi Paul, what time is our flight?” “It’s 
not Paul.”  “I stopped breathing for a second. “Damon, I’m sorry, I was 
expecting a call from Kevin’s attorney.” “Oh, I can let you go.” “No.”  
I said.  I responded almost before he had got his sentence out.  I’m 
definitely going to hell for this I thought as I smiled at the sound of 
his voice. “I just wanted to call and check on you.  I wanted to make 
sure you were ok.”  “I’m fine, well not really.  Something has happened 
to Kevin and I will be leaving for New York soon.” “Why are you going?  
He’s a big boy, he can take care of himself I’m sure.”  Your tone is 
dry and irritable.” “We have our problems, but I’m still his wife...” 
You interrupt my words, harshly. “You weren’t acting like his wife last 
night.  What do you do, turn it on and off as it suits you?” “Listen, 
I’m not sure what your upset about, but I don’t have time for this 
right now.  I’m sorry that you don’t understand, but I am leaving. I 
never told you that I would not be there for him when he needed me, and 
now he needs me.”  I wait for a response by you.  There is none.  “I 
have to go.  I’m not sure when I will be back. Please try to 
understand.”  My voice trembles; at the thought of you being upset, or 
maybe it trembled because I really did understand why you were upset.  
I had thought the same thing only minutes before your call. “Goodbye 
Damon.” “Bye Jade.”  I’m confused by my emotions as I place the phone 
down.  I close my eyes trying to find a moment of peace.  Little do I 
know that moment will not come for quite some time. ¨¨ The flight to 
New York was long.  Seated next to the window I stayed focused on the 
clouds.  I smiled as I remembered trying to find shapes of things in 
the clouds as a young child.  I longed for the days of childhood, of 
careless abandon.  I was so eager to grow up, fall in love, and become 
someone’s wife.  Things aren’t always the way you picture, dreams don’t 
always come true.  Reality and life’s choices have a way of 
interrupting the best-laid plans, the best of intentions. We made it to 
the hotel that evening.  I  was tired and just wanted to get settled 
in. “Would you like to go get some dinner?”  Paul’s voice  was low.  I 
could tell he was as uncomfortable with the situation we were in as I 
was. “No thanks.  I ‘m just going to settled in and call the hospital 
to check on Kevin.  I will see you in the morning ok?” “Yeah, no 
problem.”  A sense of relief seemed to cover Paul’s face at my 
dismissal of his dinner suggestion.  He smiled and made his way down 
the corridor to his suite. 

I turned on the television in my suite to see if there was anything
being reported on the local news in regards to Kevin’s shooting.  There 
was none.  A sense of relief covered my body like a cold London fog.  
My head was now throbbing like a bass drum. I searched through my purse 
to find the Advil when I noticed the matchbook with Damon’s number.  I 
gently traced his numbers and name with my finger. 

A sense of calm came over me, and I couldn’t help but smile.  I looked
at the clock, 10:03.  It would be around eight in Colorado.  I wanted 
to call him so bad.  I needed to hear his voice.  I picked the phone 
up.  Remembering our last conversation, I placed the phone back on its 
base and stared at it intently.  I decided to throw caution to the wind 
and dialed his number. “Damon speaking.”  His voice made me weak. “Hey, 
I’m sorry for waking you.” “Who’s this?” “Jade.”  I replied, biting my 
bottom lip. “ Maybe I shouldn’t have called.”  I waited for a response. 
“Hey baby I’m sorry about what I said.”  I was surprised by his choice 
of words.  I liked it.  I wanted to bring it to his attention, but 
decided not to. “No, there ‘s no need for you to apologies.  My life is 
crazy to say the least, and I can’t expect you to understand the drama 
at the drop of a hat.” “Baby, listen to me, I ‘ve thought about you all 
night.  I know that this is nonsense.  I mean your married, but I can’t 
help it.  I want you.  I could make you happy.  The life you’re leading 
isn’t for you.”  His words were gentle and flowed like running water.  
I contained myself in every word. “You don’t realize what you’re 
getting yourself into.” “Maybe not, but I do know that I am into you .  
Listen you don’t have to answer me tonight.  Sleep on it, and we can 
talk in tomorrow.” “Ok, goodnight Damon.”  I placed the phone down and 
began to cry. This time they were not tears of sadness or loneliness 
but of release and hopefulness.  That night I slept like a newborn 
babe. 

The morning came swiftly.  I slowly walked to answer the knock on the
door of my suite. “Have you seen this yet?”  Paul brushed passed me, 
and threw the New York Daily Newspaper down on the coffee table.  The 
paper fell open to the front page.  TEENAGE BOY APPREHENDED, IN 
CONECTION WITH  SHOOTING. I sat down and read the article in its 
entirety.  The reporter had really done his homework.  Sighting facts 
from Kevin’s father ‘s shooting and listing names of various associates 
and family members.  I looked at Paul. “How can this hurt Kevin?” “It 
can’t really.  It seems that the shooting was just a botched up 
robbery.  The kid was trying to rob Kevin.  He didn’t know who he was 
fucking with.  I’m sure he does by now.” “It says here that he is being 
held without bond.”  “Lucky for him.”  Paul went over and poured 
himself a drink. “His life isn’t worth spit now.” “He’s just a kid.”  I 
looked at his picture in the paper.  “It says here, he’s eighteen.” “He 
was old enough to pull a gun and try to gank somebody.” “Paul please 
stop trying to color your sentences with slang words, it doesn’t suite 
you.  You come off looking like your trying to hard to be something 
your not.” “What’s that suppose to mean?  What, just because I’m a 
white, middle class and a lawyer, I can’t be hard?” “Kevin, you grew up 
in Aspen Colorado you probably didn’t even see a black person till you 
went to college.  You went to Texas University graduated Hundred and 
nineteen in your class.  The only reason why you and Kevin are boys is 
because he needed a sleazy attorney and you wanted to ball with the big 
boys.  Don’t think for a minute that that makes you hard, down, tight; 
on hit or whatever the hell else you want to call it.  That makes you 
just like everyone else, bought and paid for.” “Where the fuck do you 
get off?  Your just as bought and paid for as all of our asses up in 
here.”  You didn’t have shit before you met Kevin.” “Paul you know what 
the difference between me and your sorry, tired ass is?  I’m not 
disillusioned with all of this shit.” “What the fuck are you talking 
about?” 

I grabbed his right arm.  “Do you think this Rolex is yours?  Do you
think this diamond ring is yours?  Do you think that Benzo parked 
outside is yours?  Well, it’s not.  Every time you buy a car, a house, 
a ring, a watch with the money that Kevin gives you, your shit becomes 
his shit.  You start feigning for it.  You have to get a bigger house, 
a faster car, and so when Kevin says hey man, you got my back, your ass 
is right there.  If you had to leave this behind at this very moment, 
you would curl up in a closet and die.  You’ve defined yourself with 
this shit.  Check yourself Paul. Your reality is actually orchestrated 
by someone else.”  His expression told me my  words had stung his face 
like a paper cut. “Just get dressed so we can go see Kevin.”  He opened 
the door to my suite and walked out without closing it. I closed the 
door behind him.  I turned and focused on the newspaper.  Paul was 
right about one thing.  This kid, whoever he was, was lucky that he was 
in jail.  His days are surely numbered now that he had penetrated the 
sacred walls of the Cartel Family. 

Kevin was sleeping when we entered the room.  He woke at the sound of
our footsteps.  His voice  was weak and soft. “Hey baby.  I was 
wondering when you were going to bring your sexy ass up here.”  I 
smiled. “Who are all these flowers from?”  I looked around at the Red 
Roses, The African Violets, and the other flowers mixed with babies’ 
breath. Oh the nurses gave them to me.  These nurses up here be trippin 
over me babe.  They be comin in my room asking me if I need shit, they 
be riding a brotha’s jock.”  Kevin began to cough uncontrollably.  It 
was apparent he was in severe pain..  Women just seemed to flock to 
Kevin.  It’s never really been a problem with us though.  He never 
disrespected me in that way.  He had his faults, but cheating on me was 
not one of them.  That sin seemed to be all mine. “So how did the 
meeting go with that punk ass detective yesterday?”  The sweetness had 
left Kevin’s voice and I started to see the Kevin that I had known, 
come into play. “It went fine.  Jade answered all of his questions 
exactly the way she should.”  I looked at Paul he didn’t return my 
glance. “Babe I knew you could handle your shit.  I wasn’t even worried 
about it.  So, now on to the mutha fucka that did this shit.  His ass 
belongs to my shit.” “Kevin, I’m going to the nurses station and 
freshen up your water, do you need anything?” “No, baby I ‘m straight.” 
 He smiled and I excused myself from his room.. As I walked down the 
hall I couldn’t decide if I was leaving because I had been trained to 
do so when the topic of business came up, or if it was just the fact 
that they were planning to take revenge out on a kid.  I wanted justice 
to be served, but not by the Cartel family, their brand of justice made 
my blood run cold. “Excuse me, can I get some fresh water please.”  The 
nurse behind the desk continued typing and did not acknowledge my 
presence.  She was an older lady with dark shiny smooth skin. Her hair 
was pulled back in a tight bun at the nape of her neck.  She was a big 
woman.  Her lab coat I snugly around her chest as if it were two sizes 
to small.  I spoke louder and made my words more pronounced this time. 
“I’m sorry, could I get some fresh water please.” “I heard you the 
first time. Her words hit my face like a full force punch. I 
immediately I struck back.  “Is there a problem?” “Well, if you must 
know.  Women like you make me sick.  You give us black women who work 
hard everyday a bad name.   You got these white girls up here thinking 
that all a black women wants is some man that gang bangs, and sell 
drugs to keep us in designer clothes and shoes, and our hair and nails 
done.” “You don’t know me or my husband.  What he does for a living or 
what I choose to do the our money is none of your business.  And 
besides that money that your speaking of, has paid your salary for the 
last three days, and will keep paying your salary until the day he goes 
home.  Therefore I suggest that  you  do your job and get my husband 
some fresh water.  And further more, if you feel that the presence of 
my husband or myself is just a little too much for you and your stomach 
to take, why don’t I do you favor and see if we can’t get you moved to 
a floor that would better suite you and your digestive system.” She 
seemed equally as stunned by my words.  Her eyes big and glazed over 
with unexpressed anger.  “That won’t be necessary.” “I didn’t think it 
would be.”  I smiled and handed her the water container.  She reached 
for it, and walked away mumbling something under her breath.  As I 
waited for her return, I noticed several nurses staring at me.  My 
thoughts of home, and things familiar became and even greater hunger. 
“Here.”  I took the container of water from her hand and turned around 
to walk away.  “You could have said thank you.”  I stopped in mid 
stride and turned to address her words. “Yes, I guess I could have.  My 
manners must be on vacation along with yours.”    I turned around and 
continued down the hall. “Hey baby I thought maybe you had gotten lost 
what happened?” “Oh nothing just a little problem with one of the 
nurses, nothing big.”  I smiled and tried to sound as casual as 
possible. “Babe are you ok, or do I need to handle something?”  Kevin, 
you know me, everything is taken care of, no worries.  Where is Paul?” 
“Oh he had to make a phone call.  Listen babe, I just want to thank 
you.  After you left Paul told me how you held it tight with that 
mutha, I mean detective yesterday.  He said you really had my back..  
And baby I know that you haven’t been happy.  But you always have my 
back.  I know I don’t have to worry about you illin out on me in a 
crisis situation, or even creepin behind my back with another punk.  I 
love you baby.   I don’t want you to worry about the shit that’s gonna 
be going down behind this either, You know that cartel’s have to handle 
it right?” 

“Kevin you know that I would never tell you how to run your business,
and I understand the position that you and family are in right now, but 
Kevin that boy is only eighteen.” “So what the fuck is that suppose to 
mean?  His shit can’t be corrected because he’s a boy?  Well that boy 
was man enough to step to me like a grown ass mutha fucka so to hell 
with him and you too if you can’s get with that baby.”  His words and 
tone were all too familiar with me. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said 
anything.” 

I walked over to Kevin’s window and looked down at the people in the
park., across the street.   At that moment I seemed so far removed from 
them.  I watched as moms watched their kids play,  as doctors and 
nurses took leisurely walks.  Their happiness, the everyday lives seem 
to mock me as I stood and watched from a glass window; an unbreakable 
cage. “How are you feeling this morning Mr. Cartel?”  I turned to see 
Dr. Green enter.  He glanced my way but did not smile.  I assumed the 
news of my earlier confrontation with his nurse had reached him. “I’m 
good, ready to get up outta here though.”  Kevin struggled to sit up 
and shake Dr. Allen’s hand. “Well I’m thinking you should be able to 
leave in about a week or two  I’m sure your healing will go much faster 
when you and your wife are back amongst your own things. “True that 
doc.”  The hidden meaning had escaped Kevin, but I heard his words loud 
and clear, and agreed one hundred and ten percent. Doctor Green did his 
regular check of Kevin’s vitals and told him he would check on him 
later that evening. “Have a good day Mrs. Cartel.”  Dr, Green looked at 
me and spoke his words as if it were and afterthought of politeness. 
“You too.”  I said equally as dry. “Kevin I can’t wait till your better 
and we can go home..  I don’t like this hospital or the people that 
work here.  They seem to be great at their profession but their bed 
side manner needs a little work.”  I heard a whinny tone enter my 
voice.  I stopped speaking at the fear of annoying Kevin and myself. 
“Babe I know it’s been a strain on you, why don’t you go ahead and fly 
back home tonight.     Kevin smiled at me as if he was meeting me for 
the first time, and wanted me to give him my number. “Kevin, I don’t 
mind staying here with you.  Besides you need someone to fight off all 
of these nurses up here.”  I was surprised by my words.  I really 
wasn’t in a playful mood. “Babe that’s what Paul is for.”  Kevin tried 
to laugh but started coughing instead. “See Kevin, really.  I can stay 
here, it’s not a problem.” “Your going to stay here and do what?  Watch 
them take my temperature or blood pressure every hour.  There’s nothing 
you can do for me baby.  Baby, I will be fine. Just go home, and get 
things ready for me.”    I could tell this was not a conversation I was 
going to win.  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to win anyway.  I was ready to 
get back home.  I just didn’t want Kevin to know it.  I hope I had 
seemed sincere. “Fine, I will make flight arrangements for me and Paul 
when I get back to the hotel.”  “No baby just make them for you.  Paul 
is going to stay here with me.  I may need him.”  I could tell by his 
tone, he and Paul had discussed something and I was not going to be let 
in on the conversation. “Whatever Kevin.  I will make arrangements for 
myself.  Paul can walk his ass back to Colorado for all I care.” “Babe 
where is that coming from?”  “ Kevin, I know Paul is your boy and all, 
but Paul gets on my nerves. He...” I stopped because I heard the whine 
come back to my voice.  “Never mind, I’m sorry I guess I’m just tired.  
I’m going to go, I will be back before I leave ok?” Kevin smiled at me, 
and reached out as if he wanted to kiss me.  His actions caught me off 
guard; we very rarely kissed our hellos and goodbyes.   I complied. 

I hate packing.  I thought to myself as I stuffed my underclothing into
the side pockets of my garment bag.  I just wanted to get home, get 
back to my life, and most of all get back to Damon.  I looked around 
the room one more time, before shutting the door behind me.  I always 
leave something.   I thought and closed the door behind me 

“Thank you for flying with United Airlines.  Please note the fasten your
seat belt sign has been turned on.  We will be making our approach to 
the runway on time.  Our arrival time in Colorado Springs  will be 9:30 
as scheduled.  Again,  thank you for flying United.”  I eased hack into 
my seat.  I hated flying alone.  I put my head phones on, closed my 
eyes and tried to let the  soft mellow music, calm me. The rain was a 
pleasant surprise  as I made my way to the doors of the  Colorado 
Springs airport “Hello, Mrs. Cartel.”  Danny our limo driver met me at 
the front entrance . “How was your flight?” “Hey, Danny, it was good.  
Coming back to rain is nice. It was so hot in New York.” The drive home 
was filled with laughter as Danny relayed stories about his twin girls. 
 I smiled as I watched Danny’s eyes light up as he talked about Shayla 
and Shyla as if they were angels given to him by God.  His voice was 
filed with animation and love. I quietly wondered if I would ever have 
the opportunity to have children.  Would I be a good mother, would 
Kevin be a good father? The sound of the rain against the car window 
relaxed me, and the movement of the limo as it turned through the dark 
streets rocked me gently to sleep. “Mrs. Cartel your home.”  I slowly 
open my eyes to familiar surroundings.  “Thanks Danny.” “Let me help 
you to the door Mrs. Cartel.”  Danny opened the door and reached for my 
hand.  He held the umbrella open. “Danny that’s ok. “  I pushed his 
hand holding the umbrella to the side.  The cool rain felt like tiny 
fingers massaging every inch of my tired stress laden body.  I stood 
there for a moment with my eyes closed, as if the rain were washing all 
of the events of the past two days into the dark, cold night sky. The 
house smelled of Jasmine as I opened the door.  I dropped my bags and 
went right for the kitchen.  I reached to turn on the lights but the 
room remained in darkness.  “There must have been a black out due to 
the thunderstorms.”  I thought to myself as I made my way to the 
matched and kerosene lamps we kept on the bookshelf in the foyer for 
this purpose.  I struck the match and lit the Kerosene lamp and stopped 
in my astonishment.  The room was in shambles.  The furniture was 
overturned; papers were strewn about, pieces of glass, marble, and 
ceramic made a maze of destruction on the floor.  I stood statute like 
as I looked at the security monitor on the wall.  I made my way through 
the turmoil and clutter to the phone. The line was dead.   The sounds 
of doors slamming and footsteps made the blood rush to my head.    
There’s someone in the house.  I thought as my heart began to beat 
rapidly.  I immediately blew out the lamp and fell to the floor.  
Crawling, I began to make my way to Kevin’s office.  I knew he had kept 
a gun hidden under his desk chair. If I could just make it there, I 
could defend myself from what was about to happen.  I felt the blood 
pouring from the cuts on my hands and knees as I slowly crawled over 
the broken bits on the floor.  I stopped when I heard the sound of a 
male voice. “Man I’m tellin you the shit aint here.” “Man fuck you.  It 
is here.  Just keep looking.  We aint leaving here till we get that 
shit.”     My mind tried to follow their conversation.  I had no idea 
what they could be looking for.  Who were they, and how did they get 
into the house. My breathing stopped as I recognized a third voice.  
“Yo, man we need to be getting the hell outta here, this aint no joke.” 
 That was Tony.  Tony was Kevin’s personal assistant, why would he be 
doing this?  My fear turned to pure rage.  I stood up without even 
realizing what I had done. “So who do we have here?”  a dark figure 
dressed in black shined a light in my face. “Yo  that’s her man.” 
“Tony, is that you?  What the fuck are you doing?”  My voice was high 
pitched and filled with anger. “Listen, Jade this shit aint about you, 
just sit your ass down.”  “Tony, fuck you.  This is my house, you and 
whoever the hell else is in here, needs to be getting the hell out a 
here.”  I moved toward Tony and felt a sudden burning sensation in my 
stomach.  The pain was intense and made me drop to my knees.  I felt 
the warm sensation of blood overwhelm my shirt. “Yo man what the fuck 
are you doing?”  Tony’s voice was hysterical. “Man she was going to be 
a problem I had to do something.” “Man you shot Kevin’s wife, their 
aint no coming back from this shit.”   The pain seemed to be growing, 
every breath seemed closer to impossible as I laid curled up on the 
floor.  “Jade, just hold on, I’m going to get help.  Stay with me baby 
girl.”  I tried to focus on Tony’s face and voice but it was hard, and 
I was tired, I just wanted to sleep, I wanted to close my eyes and 
sleep. “Yes, I need an ambulance please, please hurry.” “Man what the 
fuck is you doin?  You can’t call an ambulance the police will be comin 
man.”  Tony pushed the guy off, as he reached for Tony’s cell phone. 
“Yes, the address is 18311 Winding Ribbons Drive.  Please hurry a lady 
has been shot in the stomach and it looks pretty bad.”  Tony slammed 
his cell phone shut.  “Baby girl, help will be here soon, don’t worry. 
“Tony man you just fucked us.  We gotta get outta here.”  Tony stood up 
still looking down at my lifeless body. “Hold on baby girl they will be 
here soon.”  I wanted to speak and ask Tony not to leave me but 
couldn’t.  His long frame was gone, and I closed my eyes. ¨¨ 

Damon looked at his watch 9:30.  Jade should have called me by now.  He
took a deep breath has he switched from the movie he was watching to 
the local news.  “A local shooting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kevin 
Cartel has police combing the surrounding areas for suspects.”    The 
reporter’s words tore through Damon’s chest like a bolt of lightening.  
He needed to find out what was going on, what was happening.  His heart 
began racing out of control, and a feeling of helplessness rustled him 
down to his knees.  The Reporter continued talking as Damon, turned the 
volume up. “Earlier this evening a 911 call was placed.  The individual 
reported that a woman, who we now know to be Mrs. Cartel, had been shot 
in the stomach.  Mrs. Cartel has been rushed to St. Vincent’s hospital. 
 Word of her condition at this time has not yet been released.  Mr. 
Cartel is apparently away on business.  The police are still looking 
for the individual that placed the phone call to the emergency 
operator.   Police are asking for any individuals that may have 
information pertaining to this case to contact CSPD immediately.”  
Damon grabbed his car keys and headed for the hospital. ¨¨ 

Kevin and Paul were sitting in Kevin’s hospital room watching tv.  
Kevin had been there for two weeks and was feeling more and more 
restless.  He was glad that Dr. Allen was planning on releasing him in 
the morning.  Kevin hated the hospital but he liked the feel, the look, 
and the taste of New York.  He had even begun thinking about moving 
here. “Naw man, Jade would never move out here.  She hated here.  She 
couldn’t wait to get back to wack ass Colorado.”  Paul laughed as he 
reached for another sip of his coke.  “Well, I don’t know man, I think 
the move would do you both some good.  New people, new surroundings.”  
Kevin smiled and shook his head as he watched Paul stare at the legs of 
his nurse.  The ring of Paul’s cell phone broke the rhythm of their 
playful conversation. “Hello.” “Mr. Bishop?” “Yeah, who this?” “Mr. 
Bishop this is CSPD.  Are you the attorney for Mr. and Mrs. Cartel?” 
“Yes, I am.”  Paul’s voice became serious and professional. “Mrs. 
Cartel has been shot.  She ‘s been taken to ST. Vincent’s.  We were 
unable to locate Mr. Cartel, and well due to our pervious dealings your 
name was the nest on the list of people to call in case of an 
emergency” Paul’s body became stiff and rigid,  “  How is she, I mean 
is she going to be ok?” “Mr. Bishop you need to get here as soon as 
possible.” Paul hung the phone up without saying another word.  “Jade 
‘s been shot.” “What?  What the fuck is going on Paul?”,   Kevin looked 
at Paul as if he were trying to find a path to his next move on Paul’s 
face. “Kevin I have to get back.” Paul stood up and threw his coat over 
his shoulder. “Your getting out of here tomorrow right?” “Yeah, go 
handle this for me, I will be there as soon as I get out this motha.. 
Let me know, keep me posted.” ¨¨ 

There was a horrible pain in my stomach as I became aware of my
surroundings.  I could feel tubes in my nose and arm, my head and 
throat hurt.  I lay there still trying to remember what had happened.  
I couldn’t.   Fear and panic birthed there way into my mind, body and 
soul and I began to cry.   My tears stopped at the sound of his voice.  
“Hey baby girl how are you?”  Paul’s voice was low.  There was a trace 
of emotion in his voice that I had never heard before; it seemed to be 
a trace of sorrow, or maybe guilt, I couldn’t focus enough to decide 
which. “ I can’t remember what happened.  Do you know?”  Paul’s 
expression turned.  His eyes became dark and cold, his voice uncaring 
and void of emotion. “Why are you worried about that shit?” “Why am I 
worried about that shit?  I’m worried about that shit because I’m 
laying here with tubes in my nose arms and ass, and I can’t remember 
what happened to me.  Don’t you think I have a right to know?”  My 
voice cracked.   I hated he fact that I could not yell the way I wanted 
to or slap the shit out of him the way I wanted to.  Instead I lay 
there trying to remember.  “Do you know what happened?  Tell me Paul.”  
Paul turned and looked out the window.  His voice was controlled, is 
words were slow and drawn out.  “You were shot.  Shot in the stomach.  
It seems as though they were looking for something.  And I guess you 
just came home at the wrong time.” “What were they looking for?”  He 
started to pace back and forth like a caged tiger.  He would not look 
in my direction.  He would not answer. I repeated my question, this 
time my voice was louder and bled over with frustration and anger. 
“What were they looking for Paul?” “I don’t know.”  He walked out the 
room. I wasn’t sure what he was hiding but I knew Paul was lying about 
something.  The rules had changed in an instant.  He was now ready to 
put my life on the line, and betray Kevin, and that wasn’t going to 
happen.  My thoughts turned to Kevin, I needed to talk to him, I needed 
to tell him what had happened.  But how Kevin was still in the 
hospital.  A feeling helplessness evaded my body as I laid there in 
complete silence. “Open your mouth and say ah.”  I complied with the 
doctor.  I hated these examinations.  “Well you look a lot better Jade. 
 I think maybe you could go home soon.”  Doctor Anderson smiled at me 
as she listened to my heart. “Thank God.  I’ve been in this hospital 
for three weeks. I’m ready to go home.  I was ready to go home two 
weeks and 6 days ago.”  I suddenly realized how ungrateful I was 
sounding and decided to back up.  “Dr. Anderson, I really do appreciate 
everything you and your staff have done for me since I‘ve been here.  I 
mean I know I haven’t been the best of patience, but you have always 
treated me so kind, even when I didn’t treat you so kindly.” “You’re 
very welcome.  I will get the paper work started and you can leave here 
tomorrow morning.” 

“Baby that’s great.”  Kevin’s voice tore into the room a loud clap of
thunder. “Hello, Mr. Cartel. “  Dr. Anderson extended her hand to shake 
Kevin’s.  They smiled at each other with a sense of familiarity. “Baby, 
I’m so glad your doing better and you can come home soon” “Kevin when 
did you get home?  How are you feeling?  I called the hospital but they 
said you had been released days ago.  There is so much we need to talk 
about.”  .  Kevin looked at me as if he already knew what I wanted to 
say.  He looked at me the way you look at someone that is talking to 
loudly in church.  I then remembered that we were not yet alone and 
regained my composure. “Yes, I’m glad to be going home soon too.  I 
miss all the staff.” “Oh yeah, you know they can’t wait to get you home 
so they can pamper you straight.”  “I don’t need to be pampered Kevin.  
I just need to be around my own things, and people that I know.” Kevin 
smiled and gently kissed my forehead.  His kisses always seemed fake 
when he was trying to be spontaneous. “Well I will let you two spend 
some quality time together.” “Thank you Doctor.”  Kevin extended his 
hand for a handshake. “No problem,.  You take care of this lady.  She’s 
been through a lot.” As soon as the door closed I began recounting my 
story. Baby, baby hold on, calm down, I know.  Paul told me everything. 
 Someone was  trying to rob us an you just coma home at the wrong 
time.” “Is that all he told you?” “Yeah why?” I decided to use caution. 
  “It just seemed like there was more to the story that’s all.” “More 
like what?” “I’m not sure.  It just seemed like Paul was keeping ....” 
I stopped mid sentence.  Something in Kevin’s expression didn’t seem 
right.  A feeling of uneasiness came over me.  I backed up. “I’m 
probably reading more into this than there really is.  I guess I’m 
still shakin up a bit.  Never mind.” “Are you sure?”  Kevin looked at 
me intently. “Yeah, you know me..  I just think its time for me to go 
home that’s all.  I’m tired, I have lots of time on my hands, and you 
know, your mind starts messing with you .  I’m fine though.” “Good. 
Don’t worry baby I got things handled.  But I  gotta go, I just came up 
here to check up on you.  Do you need anything?” “No.  I’m fine Kevin.” 
“Ok then, I will be back in the morning.”  I looked as sincere as I 
could.  I took a deep breath as Kevin closed the door to my hospital 
room behind him.  I turned over and looked out the window.   Something 
was going on.  I was in the middle of a game and I didn’t know who the 
players were.  II trusted Kevin, and I knew  he would never hurt me, 
but something was not right.   My thoughts turned to Damon for a moment 
of  pleasant distraction. I wondered what was Damon doing.  I hadn’t 
talked to him since that terrible night three weeks ago. I wondered how 
much he had heard about my shooting.  I wondered if he even cared. He 
had offered me a way out of this, and now it may be too late to accept 
it. “Hey you.”  I turned and saw an angel standing there with roses in 
his hands.  I smiled and swallowed hard. “How do you do that?” “ Do 
what?”  Damon said coyly. “Just show up or call when I’m thinking about 
you?” “So you were thinking about me huh?”  I giggled like a girl with 
a crush on her history teacher. “Well, maybe just a little.  Those are 
pretty, I assume they are for me.” “Well no.  I met a little hottie 
candy stripper on the elevator.  So I went to the gift shop and bought 
these for her hoping I could get the seven.” “You suck.”  We both 
started laughing.  He ducked as I threw the Kleenex box at him. “Hey 
you threw that just a little too well.  I think your ready to go home.” 
Just then the door opened and my heart stopped beating. “Mrs. Cartel I 
just need to give you’re your morning meds.” I swallowed the pills 
hard.  And smiled at the nurse as she left my room. “You really should 
not be here.  Kevin sould come back any minute, or Paul could come up 
here.  There will be trouble if your caught here.” “You let me worry 
about that.  My friend is in the hospital, and I want to visit her for 
a while.  Will you let me do that?”  His voice was serious but laced 
with a gentle caring tone. Ok.  I am glad to see you.  I haven’t seen 
or heard from you in a while.  How have you been?” “Well I just wanted 
to lay low for a while because of what happened between Damon and I. 
That was crazy.”  My heart raced wildly out of control. “What do you 
mean? What happened between you and Kevin?  When did you see Kevin?”  
Damon stopped and realized what he had done.  He spoke slowly and chose 
his words carefully and sweetly. “Jade, I’m sorry I thought you knew.  
I was sure he  had mentioned it to you.”  “ Mentioned what to me 
Damon?”  I was on the verge of pure panic and my voice was high pitched 
and frantic. “He and I got into a fight in the waiting room, the night 
you got shot.”  “Oh my God!  What happened?” “It’s really my fault.  I 
was sitting at home watching the news and they started talking about 
the shooting.  I just lost it.  I didn’t even think.  I just grabbed my 
keys and drove here to the hospital.  When I got here they told me you 
were in surgery.  Kevin overheard me talking to the nurse.  He asked me 
who I was and I told him I was a friend of yours, he said you didn’t 
have any friends and well the rest is history.”  My mind was going a 
thousand miles a minute as I listened to Damon recount the story.  Why 
hadn’t Kevin mentioned this to me?  Something was wrong. There is no 
way Kevin was going to let this chance meeting slide.  He had something 
planned, and I needed to figure out what it was before it was too late 
for Damon or me. 

Damon stayed with me the entire evening.   We told each other about
family stories;, we watched TV, and listened to the radio.  We also 
just sat in silence.  Just looking at each other as if we were having 
conversations with our minds and not our mouths.  We were listening 
with our hearts and not our ears.   We understood with our souls. It’s 
getting late.  I better be heading home.  Your probably tired of me 
anyway.”  “Damon stood and began to put on his long black leather 
trench coat. “Do you have to leave?  I mean I guess you do.  I just 
wish you could stay a little while longer that’s all.” My voice was 
smeared with sadness, as I looked him in his soft brown eyes.  The fear 
of being caught had given way to the feelings of wanting to be in 
Damon’s presence.  I didn’t care, because I felt safe.  I felt cared 
for. “How about I stay here until you fall asleep?” “I would like 
that.”  I smiled at the sight of him taking his coat off.  He made me 
happy; most of all he made me want a better life.  He made me feel that 
I was worth more than the life I had settled for.  He made me feel that 
someone could really love me because they could see me; they could feel 
me and that I could love someone for those same reasons. “Did I ever 
tell you I could sing?”  Damon’s voice shimmered with pride, and a 
boyish charm. “No.  Can you really?” “Yes, let me prove it to you.  
Scoot over.” “What?  What are you doing?” “Scoot over, I’m going to 
sing you to sleep.”  I looked at him and smiled.  My heart was melting 
and I loved every aching minute of it.  I laughed as Damon squeezed his 
six feet four inch frame into my bed next to me.  He held me like a 
baby holds on to a blanket.  I closed my eyes, and let the sound of his 
voice carry me into my dreams for the evening. 

I awoke to the smell of bacon and the sound of the nurse pulling the
curtains open to my room. “Good morning Mrs. Cartel.  I think your 
going home today.  Eat up, you need all the strength you can get.  
You’ve lost twenty-seven pounds since you’ve been in this place.  You 
stay here much longer and you will be nothing but skin and bones.  Her 
voice had traces of love and kindness.  Her words reminded me of my 
grandmother.  I smiled as I sipped on my coffee. “Do you think you can 
make it to the bathroom by yourself this morning?” “Yes, I can.” “Good 
you get up and get a shower and I will make your bed up.”  Part of me 
wanted to be irritated with her pushiness but as I watched her rushing 
around my room straightening flowers, and magazines, I couldn’t help 
but appreciate her presence. 

As I stood in the bathroom looking at myself in the mirror  I could tell
I had been sick.  The dark circles around my eyes, the gauntness of my 
skin told the whole story of my three-week ordeal.  I needed makeup, 
and I needed it badly. “Mrs. Cartel, you left your gift on the bed.  
Open the door so I can give it to you.  You don’t want this sitting out 
here.  Someone might take it.  I opened the door. “What gift?”  She 
handed me a little black box with a white ribbon.  It was under your 
pillow. “Your husband must have put it there while your were sleeping 
last night.” “Thank you.  I took the box from her hand and closed the 
door.  I stared at it as if it were the post of gold at the end of the 
rainbow.  It had to be from Damon.  He must have placed it there last 
night before he left.  My fingers trembled as I pulled on the white 
stain ribbon to open the box. I lifted the lid to reveal a small gold 
key on a gold chain, and a piece of paper folded inside.  I unfolded 
the paper, it read:  “This is the key to my heart.  Use it when your 
ready, wear it all the time.  Faithfully, Damon.”  I was stunned into 
silence and brought me into a world of hope and expectation. 

It felt good to put on regular clothes.  I was glad to be going home. 
There was a lot for me to do.  I needed to find out what Tony was 
looking for that night, and I needed to know what Kevin was thinking 
about Damon.  The days to come were going to prove to be very important 
to the future of everyone involved.  I knew our lives were about to 
change, and I was ready for the ride, or so I thought. As I opened the 
front door to our home the sound of music bumpin the walls and the 
smell of cigarette smoke greeted me.  I heard Kevin and Paul laughing 
loudly in the living room. 

“Hey baby why didn’t you tell me you were coming home this early I
wanted to come and pick you up.”  Kevin had obviously been drinking and 
was in no condition to drive any one anywhere.  Paul smiled at me as if 
he had just been caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. 
“That’s ok Kevin, I just wanted to get home.” “Baby, Paul and I were 
just talking over something’s but I think we’re pretty much straight.   
Right Paul?” “Yeah man, I’m wit it.  You know I got your back.”  All of 
the sudden Paul looked at me.  I could tell my words from our earlier 
conversation had instantly replayed themselves in his mind. ‘Yo man I 
need to take a piss I will be right back.”  I watched as Paul  left the 
room. “So how long has he been here?”  I looked around the living room 
and notice Paul’s gym bag, shoes, and jackets were lying on the couch. 
“Ah he’s been here for a minute.  But we’ve been working on some 
things.  My thoughts turned to Damon.  I wondered had Damon become 
Kevin’s new quest. “What’s up with this new project you guys are 
working on?”  I walked over to the bar and poured myself a glass of 
orange juice. I was trying to be casual while getting the information 
that I knew Kevin would never give up freely. “No worries baby.  I just 
need to handle mine.”  I smiled and decided not to push.  It wasn’t the 
right time, nor was it the right place. “Well I’m going to go upstairs 
and put my things away.” “No babe let Marguerite or somebody do that 
shit.  That’s what they are paid for.”  “That’s not necessary I can 
handle my bags.”  I turned to walk out the room and my steps were 
interrupted. “Hey babe did you forget something?”  I looked at Kevin.  
He was standing there with his arms open.  I walked towards him.  Each 
step seemed to make my legs tired.  I pressed my body inside of his 
embrace.  Kevin’s breath grazed softly against my ear.  He placed his 
hands on both sides of my face and gently whispered in my ear. “ Your 
boy is mine.” I stepped back and looked into Kevin’s eyes.  They were 
solid and angry.  I was trying to think of what to say, but couldn’t 
concentrate.  My breathing became erratic. “I don’t know what you’re 
talking about.”  My words seemed to sound forced as I tried to calm 
myself.  Kevin smiled at me eerily. “Oh I think you do.  Like I told 
you doctor its now all about you.  It’s all about you.”  Kevin held up 
his glass of Crystal as if to make a toast to me.  His actions made me 
shutter. 

“I’m going upstairs Kevin.  You’ve been drinking and I’m tired.”  I
turned and again made me way out of the room.  I had to call Damon and 
warn him, Damon was in danger and it was my fault.  My thoughts were 
interrupted again by Paul’s voice coming from the library. “Yo man, no 
one is supposed to get hurt.  It’s too late for that sorry shit.  You 
shot his wife. But look he’s willing to overlook that shit if you can 
handle your business on this.  I told him you would be down wit it.  
Man don’t bitch up on me now.  I found you a way out of this shit.  
Just stay there, I will bring the shit to you.  Yeah this punk ass 
bitch is dead.  I’ll holla.”  Paul hung up the phone and cleared his 
throat.  I hurried and continued up the stairs before he saw me.  It 
was now clear to me that Kevin and Paul were in this together.  It was 
also clear that Damon was in danger.   For the first time in our 
marriage I felt fear.  My fear of Kevin and the evil that could so 
easily worm it way into his heart and mind begin to overwhelm me.   I 
needed to find Damon; I needed to talk to him. 

I opened the doors to our bedroom door.    The room was empty except for
the bed that had been stripped down to the bare mattress.  The dresser, 
my night stand, my dressing table all were gone.  I ran over to my 
closets and flung the door open.  All my clothes and shoes were gone. 
“Are you looking for something?”  Kevin’s voice was cold. “Where are my 
things, Kevin?” “Your things?” “Yes Kevin, my clothes, my shoes the 
furniture, the damn sheets on the bed.  Where is everything?” He looked 
around as if he was surprised to see the room bare, and my things gone. 
“Oh now I remember.  There gone.” “Stop acting like an ass, Kevin” He 
grabbed me by the throat and pushed me up against the closet door. He 
moved close to my face. I could smell the alcohol on his breath.  He 
looked me in my eyes and spoke with an evil that penetrated my spine. 
“I trusted you, and you fucked me.I gave you the world and shoved that 
shit back in my face.  I thought you had my back, I thought our shit 
was tight like that, but you decided to creep with another mother 
fucker.” “Kevin you’re hurting me.”  Tears began to well up in my eyes, 
as his grip tightened around my neck. “So if I were to kill you right 
now, you think your boy would come here?”  I didn’t speak.  I could 
feel my heart beating against Kevin’s arm.  “I asked you a question.  
If I killed you right now, do you think your boy would come here?” “I 
don’t know Kevin.” “I guess we will just have to wait and see.”  He let 
go of my throat and I fell to the floor gasping for air.  Kevin bent 
down and ran his hands through my hair.  He gently raised my chin up to 
meet his gaze. “How does it feel to know your sleeping with the enemy?” 
 He pushed me down to the floor, and walked out the room.  He closed 
the door and locked it.  When I heard the key turn I got up and ran to 
the door.  I tried to open it but it was locked. “Kevin, Kevin let me 
out of here.  Unlock this damn door Kevin.  Kevin?  You can’t keep me 
locked in here!” “Oh but I can.”  I heard his footsteps fade down the 
hall.  I looked around the room and begin to cry, what had I done?  I 
thought to myself.  This couldn’t be happening, and yet it was. ¨¨ 

Damon sat his desk finding it hard to concentrate.  Something felt
wrong.  He hadn’t talked to Jade in two days.  His heart ached for her 
voice, her laugh, but,  most of all her touch.  He loved the person he 
was when she was around.   Without her he felt undone.  He new he was 
falling for Jade.  She was like no one he had ever met before.  She 
made him see things about him that he didn’t know was there.  She 
brought out softness to his personality that made him relax.  The sound 
of her voice lifted heaviness from his spirit that had haunted him for 
years. He wanted so badly to trust in what he was feeling but he didn’t 
know how.  He couldn’t find the words that he wanted to say.  Every 
time he tried, things came out wrong.  He wanted to talk to her, but he 
knew he couldn’t call.  He was so sick of this on the down low shit.  
He wanted her and he was going to make plans to take her. ¨¨ 

It had been three days since Kevin had locked me in our bedroom.  All
links to the outside world had been terminated.  The phone, radio and 
TV had been taken out.  The only people I saw were the member of the 
kitchen staff that bought food to me three time a day.  I would try a 
start a conversation but they would just set the tray of food down on 
the floor and leave, as if they were feeding a dog.  My days and nights 
began to blend into each other.  Time had become a cruel joke.  In my 
silence I was force to come to terms with  my life, the choices I had 
made.  Most of all, I became clear about my feelings for Damon. He was 
my knight in shining armor.  He had saved me not only from Kevin and a 
life of unhappiness, but he had saved me from myself.  He had given me 
back a sense of who I was, he had given me back my individuality.  I 
was no longer Kevin’s wife, but now I was Jade.  I no longer thought of 
myself as a part of Kevin but as a whole person standing on  my own.  I 
owed Damon a lot.  I needed so much for him to understand.  I thought 
about ways I could tell him that I loved him.  What would he think?  
Would he care?  Would he believe me?  My questions burned their way 
into my memory.  I needed to get out of this room. Damon was my anchor, 
and I was feeling myself slowly drowning. 

“Well, I thought I would stop by and check on my lovely wife.”  Kevin
stood in front of me; looking down on me with a smirk on his face.  
“Are you lonely?  Do you need some company?”  I picked up the spoon 
from my bowl of soup and started tapping it on the tray.  “You’re not 
going to answer?  Well that’s ok.  I thought I would give you a goodbye 
present.”  He looked at me, his smile turned into a evil stare. “I’m 
going to go get your boy.  I’m going to bring him back here, and we are 
going to have a party.  I’ve always wanted to try a threesome.  I mean 
that is what you wanted right?  You wanted to have your cake and eat it 
to right?  Well now you can.  So here, put this shit on.” Kevin threw a 
black dress at me.  And walked towards the door.  “See you in a minute 
baby.”  He blew me a kiss and closed the door behind him.  The turn of 
key made me scream.  “Fuck you Kevin!”  I started crying.  I had to get 
out of that room.  I frantically ran around trying to find anything 
that would help me.  I ran to the bathroom and pulled out all the 
drawers looking for, hoping for anything that would be my key to 
freedom. ¨¨ 

Damon made his way down the interstate.  His car glided from lane to
lane. He was the only one out, and the freedom to drive fast came 
naturally to him.  He tapped his breaks as his eye caught the 
reflection of headlights in his rear view mirror. The car seemed to be 
gaining speed.  If it were the police they’re lights would be flashing 
by now.  A sense of uneasiness came over Damon.  The Academy exit was 
coming up, He existed off, the car behind him followed suit.  This had 
to be more than a coincidence.  Kevin welcomed the red light that he 
was coming to.  This would give him a chance to get a better look at 
the car that seemed to be following him.  Damon turned around and 
looked at the Lexus symbol on the hood of the car.  It was Kevin’s car, 
but he needed to be sure.  When the light turned green Damon punched 
the gas and shot forward, he then switched lanes and slowed down to an 
almost complete stop.  The Lexus zoomed by, not having time to react to 
Damon’s maneuver. Damon read the plates CARTEL I.  It was Kevin.  Damon 
knew now the drama would begin. I looked at the dress that Kevin had 
given me to wear. Nausea settled in my stomach as I realized I was out 
of options.  In order for me to survive this night, this twisted game 
that Kevin had begun to play.  I had to comply.  Give in to his sick 
fantasy of revenge.  I pulled myself up from the floor and began to 
undress. Damon pulled into a deserted parking lot and turned his car 
ignition off.  His heart pounded with a force  never before felt as he 
watched Kevin’s car pull in front of his. It had come to this, face to 
face yet again.  This time there would be no one around to stop them.  
Damon thought about Jade  and how much he wanted her.  He needed to 
save her from this, from Kevin.  Damon reached for the door handle and 
got out slowly. “What the fuck is up Kevin?”  Damon spread his arms as 
if to taunt Kevin. “What you think this shit is about your ass?”  Kevin 
begin laughing.  “This shit aint about you, it’s about your girly, my 
wife.”  Kevin’s tone became harsh he pronounced his words with a 
sharpness that made Damon uneasy. “Where is she Kevin?” “Well isn’t 
that touching.  Are you worried about her?  Well hey put your mind at 
ease.  She’s back at our house waiting for you.  Waiting for us.  Oh 
yeah.  I even went as far as buying her a little sexy number.  Oh yeah 
its short, black , tight, off the shoulder.  I believe its Christian 
Dior.” “What the fuck are you talking about?”  Damon’s voice trembled 
with worry for Jade. “I will tell you like I told your bitch.  I 
thought maybe you would come back to out house, no scratch that, come 
back to my house, and we could get a group fuck going. See I figure 
that ‘s what Jade wanted in the first place. You, me , the  best of 
both worlds.” “Fuck you Kevin.  I’m not going anywhere with your punk 
ass.!” “Oh well see you really don’t have a choice my brother.”  Just 
then two men stepped out of the back of Kevin’s Land Rover.  They were 
toting machine guns that were pointed right at Damon.  “Are you going 
to play with us nicely or do you need some convincing?” Damon stood 
there.  Looking around at the dark deserted parking lot, he 
contemplated his fate.  He needed to protect Jade, dying here like a 
dog in the street wouldn’t do either of them any good. “Fine, lets get 
this shit over with.” Damon slowly walked over to Kevin.  Damon 
whispered in Kevin’s ear, “You know this shit aint going the way you 
think.” “Man shut the fuck up and get in the car with your punk ass.”  
Kevin pushed Damon into the car by the back of his head. ¨¨ Jade ran to 
the window as she heard Kevin’s car make its way up the winding drive 
way.  Her heart plummeted as she saw Damon exit the Land Rover.    She 
wanted to yell out to him, she wanted to bang on the windows but all 
the windows in the house were double pained flexi glass.  He would not 
have heard her screams of fear or warning, even if she tried. Just then 
the bedroom door opened. “Jade, Mr. Cartel wants you to come downstairs 
now.” I turned to see Marguerite standing there her face 
expressionless. “You called me Jade.  That’s the first time  I’ve  
heard you use my first name since I’ve known you.”  I spoke softly and 
slowly. “Mr. Cartel told us to no longer refer to you as Mrs. Cartel.  
I’m sorry.” “Hey its ok.  Don’t worry about it.  And you know, no 
matter what happens thanks for being a really good friend to me.” 
Marguerite released a small smile as she moved to the side to Let Jade 
pass. “He’s waiting for you downstairs in his office.  Is everything ok 
Mrs. Cartel...I mean...” Marguerite stopped in mid sentence. 
“Everything will be just as it should be in the end Marguerite. That’s 
all I can say.” I slowly made my way down the stairs.  My legs were 
shaking as I placed each foot on the stair.  My breathing became 
intense and I could feel the sweat began to trickle for under my arms.  
My first thought was to run for the door and keep running without 
looking back.  As I stood there staring at the door, I contemplated my 
future if I did run. There would be no moments of peace.  I would 
endure a life of watching my back, looking over my shoulder, constantly 
determining ways to stay one step ahead of Kevin and his need for 
revenge and punishment.  My life would still not be my own. I took a 
deep breath that filled my lungs with air.   As I made me way to the 
door of Kevin’s office I slowly let out my breath with each pains 
taking step. I opened the door slowly.  Kevin was leaning against his 
desk with his arms and legs crossed.  His muscles pushed against the 
knit, chest hugging, black shirt he wore like a glove.  His dark skin 
shined like polished metal, his eyes dark and angry like  a thunderous 
sky at midnight.  His expression was void of emotion.  His stare was 
cold and intense.  He spoke he words with a calculating harshness that 
made my  spine vibrate with fear. “Come in and sit down.”  Kevin 
followed my footsteps with his eyes as I made me way to the chair he 
had positioned in front of him. You know it’s sad it’s come to this.  I 
mean really.  You had everything you could have possibly wanted.  I 
mean look around you.  There are bitches out there that would  kill to 
have half of the lifestyle you had.  So was it worth it? Was he worth 
it?”  Kevin looked at me.  He waited patiently for a response.  I gave 
him none. “You’re not going to answer me?  Well that’s ok.  I figured 
you wouldn’t.  I mean what could you say really.  You’re wrong, there 
is no explaining, is there?” :Kevin I’m not sure what you want me to 
say.  You’ve known for months that  I wasn’t happy.”  He looked at me 
intently.  His eyes gazed over with confusion. “What are you talking 
about?” “Kevin what do you mean, what am I talking about?  You can’t 
possibly think or feel that I ‘ve been happy with our marriage, with 
you?” “You have everything, cars,  money, clothes, people waiting on 
you hand and foot...” “Yeah Kevin I do, but that’s not what I want.  
What good is having cars, if you and I never go places together just to 
be with each other?  What good is having money if it only divides us 
even more?  What ever gave you the idea that this stuff, this house  
was what was going to make me happy?” “You never said no.” “What?  What 
are you talking about, what do you mean I never said no?”  My voice was 
filled with irritation. “You never said no, to the cars, the clothes, 
the jewels.  We would fight, I would  leave, go buy you a tennis 
bracelet, a diamond this, or a diamond that.  I would bring it home to 
you, you would smile, and we would kiss, and sometimes even make love.  
And then things would be fine.  You never once said, “no Kevin, you 
can’t buy your way out of this, you just took it.” His words cut like 
glass. I thought back to all of the times we fought.  He was right.  I 
would take the things he bought.    Why did I do that?  It was easier.  
It was easier to take then stay and fight.   It then occurred to me, 
Paul was right.  I was bought and paid for.  I was wrong. I was very 
much disillusioned. 


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