All I Want Is Forever (27 page)

“Monkey Muggs!”

Talia climbed over boxes and shoved aside an old coat rack. Cracked blue vinyl flaked away in several places as she picked it up. She sat down on the trunk. The fragile old metal clasp popped apart and broke when she opened the case. Inside were bittersweet memories from her childhood. Here were things that
had given her some small measure of comfort. Talia stared at the stuffed toy chimpanzee on top. Monkey Muggs, modeled after the puppet character on a Baton Rouge kiddie show, had been her favorite toy. With a sigh, she cradled him the way she'd done at age five.

“I see you found that stuffed bunny.” Derrick stood in the doorway with both hands in the pockets of his black jeans.

Talia held up the toy. “Monkey Muggs. Mr. Muggs to you.”

“'Scuse me. Can I intrude on the moment?” His full lips curved up in the hint of a smile.

“Come on in. M and I have the rest of our lives together.” Talia gave Monkey Muggs another squeeze, then perched him carefully on a broken chair next to her.

“Lucky monkey,” Derrick said softly as he walked toward her.

Talia pretended not to hear. “So what are you doing here? I thought you intended to avoid me at all costs.”

“I started to,” he answered. He took a seat on the cane rocker.

She looked at him. “Honest answer.”

Derrick nodded. “Something we've always had between us. The real deal, right?”

Talia looked away from him. She sorted through the open case without really seeing any of the items. “Right. So what changed your mind?”

“Two reasons. First, Mama Rose called and ordered me over here to help you.”

“I'm going to have a serious talk with that lady!” Talia glanced at the stairs with a frown and back at him. “You said there were two reasons.”

“I figured staying close would keep you out of trouble. You just might get the crazy idea to threaten Barron.” Derrick tilted the chair back.

“I don't need a baby-sitter these days,” Talia retorted.

“I'm not so sure.” Derrick picked up Monkey Muggs and shook him until he seemed to dance.

“Funny guy. Don't worry about me.” Talia coughed when a puff of stale air mixed with dust wafted up from the case.

“Can't do that. Worrying about you is a habit with me,” Derrick said. He stood, cleared a pile of old curtains from a table, and held out a hand. “Let me help.”

Talia gazed up into his eyes. She read her life in the coffee brown gaze. Derrick had held out his hand to her in the same way years before. He hadn't let her down since that day. She might question his method, but never his motive. Strong arms, a sincere heart, and deep passion wrapped up in his fine muscular frame made him one hell of a man. Her body felt as though warm honey had been poured down her back. She touched her fingertips to his palm. The tingle became an electric shock strong enough to curl her toes. He grasped her hand and gently pulled her up. Talia held her breath when he circled her in an embrace. Like a slow-motion romance scene from a movie, his sensuous lips parted as his face moved closer to hers.

“I love you more than I can say. I'd better show you, since I'm not so good with words,” he whispered.

“Derrick,” she whispered back.

“Yes?” He brushed his lips across hers once while staring into her eyes.

“I don't know if we…What I mean is…”

Talia lost her train of thought when he nuzzled her earlobe, nipping it tenderly. He proceeded to kiss the nape of her neck. Pushing her long hair back, his mouth grazed her skin, making a circle like a necklace of fire. Indeed she felt scorched all over when his large
hands stroked her lower back. She gasped when he stopped short of touching her bottom.

“Sorry, you were trying to tell me something.” His deep voice was muffled since he continued pressing his mouth against her throat.

Talia tipped her head back and closed her eyes. “We've talked about our…differences,” she finished weakly.

“Umm-humm.” Derrick kissed the hollow of her throat.

She moaned at the sensation, trembling when his hold on her started to tighten. Somehow, she summoned up the strength to push away from him. “No. We can't pretend.”

He brushed his long fingers through her hair. With a sigh he let both arms fall to his sides. “You're right, of course.”

“We've discussed this from all angles.” Talia stepped back from him and cleared her throat. “Nothing's changed.”

“Maybe not. But I have one last point to make.” Derrick wore a solemn expression.

Talia gazed at his full mouth, the strong jaw, and the way the soft curls of hair on his head resembled fine lamb's wool. She took him in as though imprinting the vision on her brain. They might not see each other for a long time, if ever again. Was that a good-bye in his eyes? Talia steeled herself for the big blow.

“Go ahead.”

“I don't want to be without you. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you with me.” Derrick let out a long breath when she continued to stare at him. “I know what you're thinking.”

“Do you?” Talia put a hand to her chest. Her heart hammered like a drum.

“I'm a rescuer, and I take stupid chances. Once we have a family, I'll be more careful.” Derrick paced the floor as he spoke.

“Wait a minute. I missed the engagement and we're already out of the delivery room!” Talia's mouth hung open.

He seemed not to hear her. “I can't stand to see people kicked when they're already down, you know that. I can't promise to change overnight. You see what I'm saying?” Derrick stopped pacing for a moment then started again.

“Well, I guess. I mean…, well, yeah…” Talia's voice trailed off. She felt dazed.

“Okay, so I can't just stop being who I am. We both have to compromise, Talia.” Derrick faced her. “Do you want to live without me?”

Talia blinked as though he'd given her a hard shake. He had. One simple yet profound question that led to others. Did she want to continue running from the past? If she stopped running, how would she handle the memories, the pain that went with them?

“We should deal with the past, our past, together. I'll be stronger with you by my side, and so will you. What do you say?” he asked.

“I'm not sure how to stop running, Derrick,” she whispered.

“I don't have all the answers either, baby.” He reached out to her.

She stood gazing at him for several seconds. “Let's not make any decisions right now. All I can think about is Barron and what he's trying to do to Monette.”

He nodded slowly and lowered his arms. “Fair enough. Just don't run from me again. Will you promise?”

“Yes.” Talia swallowed hard and fought for control.
“The best thing is to sort through everything and try to make sense out of it.”

“Together,” he said, a glint of hope in his dark gaze.

She could only nod in response. Talia wanted to feel hope, but she couldn't lie to him. Fear ruled instead. The light in his eyes dimmed, and he turned away. They sorted through more dusty boxes in silence.

“Nothing.” Talia fell against the cushioned sofa back in surrender. “Dust, a few dead bugs, and a lot of frustration. Three hours of searching.”

Mama Rose came into the den. “You look good together!” She beamed at them.

Derrick smiled back. He sat on the floor nearby, surrounded by old notebooks and papers. “Yeah, we do make a cute couple.”

“I cooked a pot of gumbo just the way you like it, cher. Lots of shrimp and sausage. The hush puppies are coming right up.” Mama Rose wiped her hands on the floral apron tied around her middle.

“Hmm, nothing better. Can I take some home to mama?” Derrick stretched his legs out with a small grunt, then stood.

“Sure you can. I haven't see her in months. You ought to bring her by.” Mama Rose was in full swing to take care of the world.

“Sounds like a winner. She needs to get out more and—”

“Excuse me,” Talia broke in. “May I remind you that we haven't taken care of business here.”

“We've still got a lot of stuff to look through, baby.” Derrick looked down at the floor. “A lot.”

“Lord have mercy. I had no idea what was in that attic.” Mama Rose threaded her way through four piles of items on the floor.

“Me either,” Talia grumbled. “Look at it. A fire hazard and not much else.”

“Don't be discouraged, sugar.” Mama Rose sat down in a large chair. “Here, I'll help.”

“Don't waste your time. We won't find anything.” Talia stared at the ceiling with a morose expression. “Of course, there is another option.”

“Don't start.” Derrick's eyes narrowed when he looked at her.

Mama Rose glanced at Talia then at Derrick. “What is she talking about?”

“A real dumb idea that isn't worth repeating. If we don't find anything here or in Monette's old stuff—”

“We won't,” Talia said.

Derrick continued in a level tone. “And if we don't, then Jim will go on with his defense.”

“Just tell me this ‘real dumb' idea anyway.” Mama Rose sat back in an attentive pose.

“I—” Talia began.

“She was going to take a chance and have Barron go after her,” Derrick said quickly. “Which doesn't make a lot of sense.”

“Talia Marchand, you've got to be kidding! Do you want to get yourself killed? That does it, you're going back to Washington, D.C., on the next plane.”

“I agree,” Derrick chimed in.

“Alright, alright. Don't jump all over me. Geez!” Talia pursed her lips.

“I'm glad that's settled.” Mama Rose gasped. “My
food! Lord, have mercy.” She dumped the stack of old papers from her lap and hurried out.

Derrick continued searching through boxes. Talia sorted through an old accordion file Mama Rose had found. The only sound came from the kitchen. Pots clattered, and the radio in the kitchen played gospel music, with Mama Rose humming along. Talia stole sideways glances at Derrick. He wore a serious expression, like a man on a mission.

He sifted through documents methodically. Every few seconds he would pause, scan an item, and put it aside. Talia had never seen this side of him, the investigator. Derrick and Mama Rose would do everything in their power to make it easy for her. Monette joined in to relieve her of any major responsibility, too. All she had to do was make a minor contribution. Talia thought about the plane ticket confirmation she'd gotten via e-mail that morning. Her schedule change completed, she would leave in five days. She sighed and stared at the assortment of old memories in her hands. Just go back to a normal life, climbing her way up the career ladder, dining with equally ambitious pals twice a week, and taking trendy vacations.
Nice and neat.

“You've done a lot to help Jim. Not to mention all the work on mandatory-sentencing laws.” Derrick seemed to be on the same wavelength.

She looked up to find him gazing at her. “Yeah.” Had she done enough?

 

Two days later, more searching, and they were no closer to finding answers. Talia watched the news with dread. Barron growled at a group of reporters.

“No one will find evidence to support her bizarre allegations because it doesn't exist. This is a fairy tale cooked up by a drug dealer and addict in a desperate
attempt to avoid what she deserves, a long prison sentence.” Barron barked out the words. “That's all I have to say,” he snarled when reporters tossed more questions.

“Damn.” Talia pushed the
MUTE
button on the remote when the female news anchor went to another story. Feeling stifled by the four walls, she decided to get out for a while. She found her sunglasses and went onto the front porch.

A chilly October breeze blew. Blue skies and bright sunshine did nothing to improve her mood. She doubted anything could. Talia went down the steps and started walking. Before she got to the path behind Mama Rose's house, Derrick drove up. He parked in the driveway and joined her.

“Hey. All packed and ready to go?” He fell in step with her when she started walking again.

“Yes.” Talia breathed in deeply and exhaled. “Somebody's got a fire going. So familiar, the smell of burning wood, cut grass, fish, and muddy water all mixed up.”

“Phew! No place stinks like home.” Derrick grinned.

“Yeah, but where is home?” Talia said. “Sorry. I don't deserve to whine. I got what I wanted.”

“No easy choices for us. We're doing the best we can.”

They went on without speaking for several minutes. He grabbed a handful of plants as they went deeper into a small wooded area. Talia watched him. His long-legged stride was the same. He braided the long wild grass stalks the way he had as a boy. They might have been walking back in time.

“Still so vibrant,” Talia said. She followed his gaze across still-green trees. “When I tell people how warm it stays right into January they shake their heads.”

“I kind of like the snow myself. It sparkles in the
sunshine, like a blanket of magic. Anyway, there's lots of green where you live. Nice parks.” Derrick waved his newly fashioned rope. “And D.C. is the center of action.”

“Uh-huh.”

They came to a small bayou. Three men sat on the far bank with fishing poles. The wind caused ripples on the water. One man reached into a cooler and passed cans to the other two. Their voices drifted over the water, muffled by distance.

“They won't catch much—too windy, and the water seems kinda high.” Derrick stood with his legs apart slapping the grass against one thigh.

“Not the point though. They're enjoying the day.” Talia walked to the water's edge. “Brothers sticking together. Doesn't matter if everything turns out perfect. Life isn't perfect.”

“Maybe they're not brothers,” Derrick said as he walked to her. They stood side by side without touching. “Could be three pals playing hooky from work.”

“Brothers by blood or some other bond, it's the same.” Talia stared at the men. “Being connected is important.”

“Yes it is. We're so much alike, Talia. I always dreamed of having a stable, loving family.”

They stared at each other. Talia longed to tell him their dreams could come true. She was tempted to take him in her arms. She wanted to feel his strong body, drink in every bit of consolation he offered so willingly. Derrick's expression was open and inviting. Only a step to him would ease her loneliness. Instead she turned away. The real world wasn't filled with happy, neat endings like an old romantic movie.

“I need to stand by Monette and stand up to Barron. Let me finish,” Talia said when Derrick started to protest. “I don't expect to fix our relationship like in
some made-for-television family movie. Fact is, I doubt we'll ever be close. But I have to admire her. She's got her own kind of courage. No. I guess I'm tired of running.”

“You picked the wrong time to stop.” Derrick dropped her hand.

“Will you listen before I get the full lecture?” Talia said.

“Okay. This I've gotta hear. Explain to me how doing something totally insane in an already surreal scenario makes sense.”

“Thanks for keeping an open mind.” Talia arched her eyebrows.

“You're welcome. Go on.” Derrick crossed his arms.

“We both know Earl Glasper was scum. Not that being scum is a capital offense, but Monette was defending herself.”

“So far we agree.”

Talia sighed. “That night just summed up all the reasons I wanted to get away from her forever. But I was with her then, and I should be with her now.”

“I doubt they'll find Earl's body. I can only guess what she did, but Monette found a way to hide him for good.” Derrick pursed his lips.

“She was in a real tight spot. Whom would she call?” Talia squinted as though the action would help her see answers. “Monette had the district attorney panting after her like a dog in heat. He had the power to get things done in this parish. Barron had to have helped her, Derrick. Even if he did it through other people and kept his hands clean.”

“All was forgiven in a few moments? Not him.”

“A nice revenge though. He got her later,” Talia said.

“Why not let her go down for murder right then? Doesn't add up.” Derrick shook his head slowly.

“Maybe Earl was a problem he needed to just disap
pear. A murder investigation might uncover some inconvenient facts about their relationship.” Talia spread her arms out. “Huh?”

“I looked at his old files for hours on end. I'd say some of Barron's cases smelled. Earl was the informant on more than half.” Derrick stared at the countryside, but his thoughts were obviously not on the scenery.

“And he probably knew enough about the other half to make Barron and Jerome Hines pretty uncomfortable.”

“Good reasoning.” Derrick looked at her again. “But there's no proof.”

“Maybe Jim could get the hearing delayed?”

“Not again. I asked. To make matters worse, Hines is going to be there. Kelsey says Larry insisted. His presence will really add credibility to Barron's account.”

“Which brings me back to my earlier point. Barron and Hines are the weakest links.” Talia lifted her chin. “I was with Monette during those years. I saw the folks she was hanging with back in the day.”

“You don't
know
anything. Look what happened to Hines when Barron thought he would talk.” Derrick's dark eyes flashed. “No!”

“The hearing is Monday. I'm going show up and have a little talk with Jerome Hines. I found some old hotel receipts, slips of paper Monette made notes about meeting up with Jerry. I can guess enough details to make him talk.” Talia wore a tight smile.

“Please don't tell me you want to wear a hidden microphone. Even if I agreed to do it, and I won't, Hines wouldn't be so stupid.”

“His back is against the wall. He's got nowhere to turn and no one to trust, not even his dear wife. I'll use the element of surprise. Neither one of them is expecting a long-lost kid to show up.” Talia looked at him hard. “Are you going to help me or not?”

 

The large conference room in the prison administration building was packed. A contingent representing the Louisiana Victims' Rights coalition occupied two front rows. Their leader, a tall woman with black hair, wore an earnest expression. She gave comments to a reporter hovering at her shoulder. Talia gazed around the room. The guards hadn't brought Monette in yet. Three of the six parole board members sat at a long table. Folding metals chairs were set up in five rows for the audience. Another smaller table faced the parole board members. This was obviously for those who would address the board.

“I can't believe I let you talk me into this,” Derrick muttered. He scrutinized everyone assembled like a well-seasoned security man. “I don't like it.”

“Nothing will happen here. If I play it right, Hines will talk. You sure this thing will pick up his voice?”

Talia shifted the strap on her navy blue leather shoulder purse. A small microphone that resembled a designer emblem was attached to an outside flap. Derrick wore a pair of sunglasses with amber-colored lenses. A small receiver was hidden in the frame behind one ear. The wire appeared to be trendy cord attached to the eyeglasses.

“Yes. Remember you have to wait until the board quiets everybody down. Then—”

“Will you relax? I know the drill. I'll hang around out here and catch Hines before he goes in. They're going to review three other inmates before they get to Monette's case,” Talia said. Oddly enough she felt composed.

“Yeah. I thought they'd change the agenda because of the interest in Monette's case, put her first.” Derrick turned to the side as he spoke in a low monotone. “Maybe they're hoping the reporters will get bored and leave.”

“Not much chance of that.”

Derrick glanced at her curiously before he looked away again. “You look pretty cool considering. Acting like you've done this kinda thing before. You keeping something from me about your
real
job in D.C.?”

“What?” Talia whispered. Three prison employees studied her for several moments as they walked by. “Hi,” she said to them in a normal tone. They nodded back and kept going.

“Could be you're working for the CIA or something.” Derrick's handsome face was impassive. Yet there was a teasing lilt to his voice.

“Oh sure. And Monette's thinking about entering a convent.” Talia checked her wristwatch. “I'm going out to be on the safe side.”

Derrick didn't answer. He walked away and found an empty seat. No one around them seemed to notice they'd been quietly talking. After a few moments he took a small notebook and pen from his pocket. Dressed in a long-sleeved gray shirt and black chinos, he looked like just another reporter. Talia strolled out into the hallway. She pretended to study notes on a pad.