Misty (25 page)

“It would be nice to see a little bit of Hawaii before we go back home.”

“You can see Hawaii some other time. We need to get back to Philly so you can put the money away in a safe place,” Brick said with authority as he buttoned the crisp white shirt Misty had bought him. Dressed in a well-cut, black suit, Brick tied his neck tie and then stood back and checked out his reflection in the mirror. “Do I look like an experienced bodyguard?” he inquired, fixing his face in a serious expression.

“Yeah, you'll pass for one,” Misty said in a disinterested tone. In reality, she was practically drooling. Brick looked so delicious in the expensive suit that was accessorized with a shiny, nine-millimeter handgun stuck in the back of his pants, she was so worked up, she would have dropped down to her knees and deep-throated him at the snap of his fingers.

The combination of suit, tie, and gun was entirely too much sexy. It was a damn shame that Brick didn't realize how much he still loved and needed her, and it was Misty's responsibility to show him the error of his ways—in due time.

They were meant to be together, but there was no point in rushing the inevitable. She had no doubt that Brick still loved her; he was simply having a hard time adjusting to the drastic changes in her appearance, and her new abilities made him nervous. Including him in her money-making venture was a perfect way to keep him close as well as to keep him dependent. Once he became accustomed to having long paper, he wouldn't want to return to living from paycheck to paycheck. It was only a matter of time before she got her man back. In the meantime, she'd train David to treat her in the worshipful manner that Brick used to.

•  •  •

The house, a ten-acre estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was unlike anything Misty had ever seen. With palm trees swaying serenely and colorful exotic gardens that added to the tropical paradise atmosphere, the landscape surrounding the home was as breathtaking as the ocean view. Inside, the home had a Middle Eastern vibe, from the architectural designs to the collection of Islamic art.

A pretty young woman, obviously a native of the island, who was dressed in a maid's uniform, escorted Misty, Brick, and Gavin from the foyer, through the courtyard, and then into the living room with its sweeping views of the lush grounds and the ocean.

The opulence of Jeffrey's Hawaiian retreat infuriated Misty. No single person needed a vacation home as lavish as this one. The place was large enough to house at least five families, and yet (according to an online article) Jeffrey Backus lived here alone, leaving the place empty for long stretches of time.

If Misty owned a house like this, every room would be thoroughly lived in, and she wouldn't abandon it to roam around the world. Some people had no business having tons of money.

Misty checked the time and began to sulk when she realized that she, Brick, and Gavin had been waiting for over an hour for Jeffrey Backus to grace them with his presence. When he finally entered the room, Misty's eyes shot from his tanned face, thick silver hair and eyebrows, down to the dark gloves he wore to hide his affliction. He was a hefty man with a commanding presence.

Gavin jumped to his feet. “How are you, Mr. Backus? I'm Gavin Stallings. We've spoken on the phone several times, and I must say, it's very nice to meet you in person. I believe you've played golf with my uncle, Clark Stallings,” Gavin said, clearly kissing up to the billionaire.

Backus brushed past Gavin, giving him only a curt head nod. Being a self-made man, he probably disapproved of trust fund kids who never had to work for anything.

“You must be Misty,” Backus said, approaching her and reaching for her hand. She gave him a weak handshake, grateful that the fabric didn't allow their palms to touch. She wasn't there to give him a reading, and since he didn't think highly enough of her to send his personal luxury jet, she didn't want to give him any bonuses. Admittedly, she was envious of his gorgeous home and angry that he'd kept her waiting. Backus would have to be put in his place for treating her like an underling.

“You're a tiny little thing. Not at all the way I pictured you,” Backus quipped, giving her a wide grin that probably charmed most people. Misty wasn't charmed and didn't crack a smile. He needed her more than she needed him, and she declined being sociable as punishment for having to travel for ten hours in a cramped, economy airplane.

“Yes, I'm Misty,” she replied without a trace of a friendly smile. She nodded toward Brick. “That's my bodyguard, Brick, and you've already met Gavin.”

“What happened to the nurse who was listed as part of your entourage?”

Misty shrugged. “When I saw how small the plane was, I decided to leave her behind,” she lied. In reality, she didn't feel like being bothered with Ms. Peabody.

Backus didn't react to the insult. “Why do you need a bodyguard? Surely you don't expect to get mugged while visiting my home.” Shaking his head in amusement, he took a seat in a plush and roomy, dark blue chair. “Well, let's get down to the business of healing,” he said with a smirk, clearly doubting that Misty had the ability to cure his infirmity.

“That's not what we agreed to. I have to get paid in cash before I lay hands on you.”

“That's not a problem, but suppose you're unable to cure my condition?”

“Don't worry; I can heal you,” she said with confidence.

Backus rose from his seat and plodded across the room toward a library that took up an entire wall. He removed six or seven large, leather-bound books from the middle shelf, revealing a wall safe that was hidden behind the books.

Misty wondered if the two duffle bags and the briefcase they'd brought along would be enough to store the stacks upon stacks of bound bills that Backus removed from the safe. The money covered the surface of a table and numerous piles were arranged on the floor.

Carrying a duffle bag, Brick took steps toward the money. Gavin stood still, looking uncomfortable and unhappy.

“Let's leave the cash in plain sight until Misty works her magic on my hands,” Backus said, halting Brick's movement.

“That's fair enough,” Misty said, shooting Brick a look that signaled him to back up. She nodded toward the dark blue chair.
“Have a seat, Mr. Backus, and let me have a look at your hands.”

“Aren't you going to burn incense and launch into an ancient chant to set the mood?” He gave a loud belly laugh.

“I didn't know you were a comedian, Mr. Backus. Let me assure you, there's no hocus pocus stuff; I'm simply gonna lay hands on you and you'll be healed.”

Backus tugged on the fingers of the glove on his right hand. “Okay, let's have a go at it.” From his tone, it was obvious he was skeptical about her abilities, but in his eyes Misty saw a glimmer of hope.

Several feet away, Gavin gasped when Backus exposed a hand that was unbelievably misshapen, lumpy, and crooked. Brick averted his eyes, looking down at his glossy shoes.

Misty placed her palm on top of Backus's afflicted hand and closed her eyes. The moment her hand began to tingle, she knew the healing had begun. She kept her hand in place until the sensation subsided.

“My hand feels different,” Backus said in an awed whisper.

“Let's see how it looks,” Misty said as she removed her hand from his.

“My God! This is unbelievable.” Backus balled and unballed his fist, and spread his fingers that were no longer bent and deformed from the effects of arthritis.

“Amazing,” Gavin blurted from the other side of the room.

Excited, Backus yanked the glove from his left hand and extended his arm. “Here you, go. Fix this one, too.”

“Hold up, mister. Don't get greedy, now,” Misty said with a hand on her hip. “I didn't agree to heal both your hands. You're gonna have to cough up some more money for your left hand.” She narrowed an eye at Gavin, who had made the arrangements.

“That's exactly what I told Mr. Backus,” Gavin said in his own defense.

“Money's not an object. I'll have another million in cash, first thing tomorrow.”

“Sorry, I have to get back to Philly. You can make an appointment with Gavin.”

“Can't you wait one more day?” he pleaded. “I'll pay you an extra two million if you delay your trip until tomorrow.”

Brick let out a whistle when he heard Backus's substantial offer.

“I have another client tomorrow; I can't stay,” Misty said with finality.

“You do?” Gavin blurted.

She didn't actually have another client booked, but Backus didn't need to know that. “Yes, I do.” She frowned at Gavin for asking her a stupid question. She motioned for Brick to start loading up the money.

“I can fly to Philadelphia in a day or so if that will speed up the process.” Backus had a pleading look in his eyes as he continually caressed his newly healed hand with the deformed one.

“Gavin and I have to look at my schedule; he'll be in touch with you.”

“I suppose I'll have to be patient,” Backus said with a mixture of irritation and disappointment. He turned his attention to Gavin. “Do you have my personal number?”

“No, I only have your assistant's number.”

“Take down my number, Mr. Stallings,” Backus said, suddenly treating Gavin with respect.

Misty unzipped the second duffle bag after Brick filled the first. “By the way, Mr. Backus…”

“Yes?” he asked, wearing a hopeful expression.

“The next time I travel all the way to Hawaii, I hope you'll make sure I travel in style. That little-ass plane was insulting.”

“I apologize. Insulting you wasn't my intention. I'll be sure to send my own private jet. It's a flying palace; you'll love it.” He flashed another charming smile. “Can't you trust that I'm a man of my word and I'll make sure you get paid? What's the point in flying all the way back home when you can conduct the procedure right now?”

“I can't do it.”

“Why not?” Backus's eyebrows were pulled together as if tremendously perplexed by Misty's stubbornness. He shot an awkward glance toward Gavin, as if he expected him to intervene and talk sense into Misty. Gavin cleared his throat nervously and avoided eye contact with Backus.

“No offense, but I don't trust you or anyone else when it comes to money,” Misty said with a shrug.

“I'll give you five million in cash. First thing tomorrow,” he offered in a controlled voice, but with a desperate look in his eyes.

“Make an appointment with Gavin, and next time we meet, don't make me wait a whole damn hour,” she said with a sneer. She grasped the handle of the duffle bag and handed it to Gavin. “Let's go, guys.”

Misty exited with her head held high, ecstatic to have put the smug billionaire in his place. He'd think twice before coming at her with a snobbish attitude.

On the way to the waiting limo, Misty stopped walking, looked at her right hand and grimaced as she wiped her hand against the fabric of her dress. “Do you have any hand sanitizer, Gavin?”

“No, I don't.” Gavin shook his head with a puzzled look on his face.

“What about you, Brick?”

Brick scowled. “I don't carry hand sanitizer around with me.”

“Did y'all see that man's nasty, fucked-up, disgusting hands? If y'all gonna be making money off of me touching and laying hands on muthafuckas, the least you can do is to keep some goddamn disinfectant nearby.”

I
t took a lot of persuading for Thomasina to allow Brick to take Little Baron out for the day, and she only relented after he slid her five hundred dollars.

“How you can afford to give me extra money?” she questioned with an arched eyebrow.

“I hit the number. Uh, not the Pennsylvania Lottery, I play the street numbers,” he quickly clarified, not wanting Thomasina to get the bright idea to go after any money she considered to be a hidden asset.

“How much did you win?”

Brick gave her a look that told her to mind her business. “So, can I spend the day with my boy outside your home or what?”

“All right,” she said with a sigh. Regulating Brick's visits with his son was the only control she had over him. Brick didn't intend to put up with Thomasina's unwillingness to co-parent much longer. They were in the middle of a divorce, and she and her attorney were calling all the shots, but now that Brick had some extra cash, he could finally pay an attorney to speak up for his rights and get him joint custody so he could have regular visits with his son that didn't involve Thomasina watching him like a hawk.

He hoisted his son up in his arms. “You ready to head out, man?”

“Yeah, Daddy,” Little Baron said enthusiastically.

“We'll be back in a couple hours,” Brick told Thomasina. Thomasina looked like she wanted to be invited along, but that was out of the question. Brick wanted to enjoy his time with his son, not be questioned and accused like a captured terrorist. He could picture Thomasina grilling him about what Misty was up to and whether or not they planned to get married. She didn't know he and Misty had split up, and she didn't need to know.