Ebony Angel Read online

  “What you doing taking the train?”

  “Stop, Trae,” Ebony interrupted, as she unpacked the third sack of groceries.

  Trae chewed on his inner jaw. A spark ignited his eyes. He reached into his parka pocket and pulled out a CD. “Guess what I have?” He placed the CD in the boom box on the counter. Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” filled the kitchen.

  Ebony’s face lit up. “You finally cut my oldies disc.”

  “Sure thang.” He pulled her close, dancing and singing softly.

  Feeling jealousy stirring, Richard longed to knock the stupid grin off Trae’s face.

  Ebony calmly pulled away. “I need to finish putting these groceries away. Thanks for the music.”

  “Come on. One dance.” He tried to kiss the back of her neck, but she moved.

  “Stop or leave,” she warned. “How many times must we go through this?” She turned the player off.

  The disgust on Trae’s face brought a smile to Richard’s. Trae reached into his pocket again, this time pulling out a form and a pen.

  Richard shook his head and wondered what his bag of tricks had yielded this time.

  “Sign here.” Trae handed Ebony the pen. She signed on the document without reading a word, then continued putting groceries away.

  Richard couldn’t believe his eyes.

  With a triumphant smirk, Trae leaned against the counter. “When we goin’ out, Ebony?”

  “Have you seen the weather report, Richard?” Ebony asked.

  He frowned. “There’s supposed to be another snow storm the day after tomorrow.”

  Her lips tipped up at the corners, and devilment danced in her eyes. “So there was nothing about hell freezing over?” She winked.

  “Checkmate!” Richard laughed.

  Trae quickly stepped forward, setting off Richard’s danger alert. “That shit ain’t funny.” Trae grabbed Ebony’s arm. Richard hopped out of his chair.

  Trae released her, then trained his enraged green eyes on Richard. “Oh, you stupid enough to think you can take me, Opie? This ain’t Mayberry. I’ll light yo’ ass up. This here is my woman.”

  Ebony stood between the two. “It’s time for you to leave, Trae,” she said through clinched teeth.

  “You pickin’ this limp-dicked mother over the father of your child. Hell naw!”

  Richard began to intercede, but Ebony cut him off. “First, I am not your woman. Second, I know you think you are the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but you are not my master. Third…”

  Their verbal sparring allowed Richard to get a closer look at Trae, who had fine-textured hair, the same as Crystal’s. Involvement with Ebony means dealing with Trae, thought Richard.

  “…And you may run the streets, but this is my turf—”

  “Ebony, stop,” Trae interrupted.

  “No, you stop! I’m sick of this.” She turned away, bumping into Richard.

  Richard wanted to hold her, tell her everything would be all right, but he wasn’t sure they would be. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to deal with Trae, or why she didn’t take Crystal and run.

  She lowered her head into her hands, massaging her temples. “I’m tired of this.”

  Trae mouthed an expletive, then turned Ebony to face him. His gruff manner gone as he caressed her face. “You’re cheating.” He pressed her head to his shoulder.

  Richard could now see Trae would never hurt Ebony. He loved her. He presumed they had Crystal as teens and were making the best of the situation.

  “All’s fair in love and war,” she murmured.

  “Okay, you win. I’ll back off.”

  She hugged him tightly. “Thanks, Trae.”

  “Lookie here, Smoke. You gonna hang around my girls, you gotta deal with me.” He released Ebony. “I won’t interfere in y’all’s game, but Crystal’s my daughter. You hear what I’m sayin’?”

  “I hear you,” Richard answered, bracing himself for another surprise from Trae’s bag of tricks.

  Trae then pulled out a wad of hundreds from his inner coat pocket. “Don’t have your nose stuck in them books all day.” He counted out a thousand. “Take Crystal shoe-shopping and buy yourself a little somethin’.” He nodded toward Richard. “And get Smoke a real coat while you’re out.”

  “What are you talking about?” Ebony asked.

  “They said some white dude was walkin’ around in a trench coat this morning without a hat or anything. The only reason he wasn’t jacked was they knew he must be crazy.”

  “Great. First my car is stolen, now everyone thinks I’m a lunatic. Why do you and Skeet call me Smoke?”

  “Oh, lawd, Ebony, you better school this boy if he’s gonna hang around here. I gotta go.” He handed her the money. “I’ll be out of town for a few days. I’ll be back in time for you to braid my hair.”

  She tossed the money in a drawer. “Be safe, Trae.”

  The two men nodded at each other as Trae left. Richard knew he hadn’t seen the last of Trae.

  Gripped by apprehension, Ebony leaned against the bar that divided the kitchen from the dining room. “I’ll understand if you don’t call me once I get you home safely.” She chewed her bottom lip. “I have a lot of extra baggage.” She fidgeted, shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

  He wasn’t one to cut and run at the first sign of trouble. Anything worth having was worth fighting for. He held her soft hands. “I lost your phone number.” He pulled her close, savoring their first embrace. “People may think I’m crazy now, but I was ready to walk up the streets yelling your name.”

  “You’re lying.”

  She rested her head on his shoulder, and he knew he would never let her go. “Yeah, I’m lying. But what were the chances of us meeting—again? You saving me—again? And Nonno would disown me if I don’t at least give it a try.” He could feel her smiling on his shoulder. “Note to self: Keep Ebony and Nonno separated.”

  “You’re a mess.”

  “They say I’m just like him.”

  “I love Trae,” she said as if she were trying to convince herself. “He’s a good father, but I’m not in love with him. I don’t want what he has to offer.”

  He just saw her take money from the man, but he felt there was more to the story, that things couldn’t be as they appeared. Since she obviously wasn’t ready to open up completely, he would give her time to learn she could trust him, confide in him. “Yeah, I know,” he whispered. “He’s Crystal’s father. I wouldn’t expect any less.”

  “It’s not just Crystal,” she continued. “Trae’s loyal, protective, loving,” she hunched her shoulders, “and a jerk. But he’s my friend. We grew up out there.” She motioned toward the window. “After my dad died, Trae helped me survive. I can’t just abandon him.”

  He cut his portion of the sandwich in half, then they went into the living room and sat on the couch together. He knew Trae’s wad of cash wasn’t from a traditional nine to five. Instead of peppering her with questions, he decided to let her to tell all in her own time.

  “After Dad died, Trae was the only one around for me. Our first winter alone, Mom had to choose between starving or freezing. I told Trae about our situation. He gave me the money. I tricked Mom into thinking I’d earned it running errands for the corner store. He taught me how to survive on the streets.”

  Marissa had blamed Dan for her husband’s murder, so refused to allow him to help pay their expenses or have any contact. At the same time she fought to win over her drug addiction. It looked shaky for a while, but she came out triumphant, then worked two minimum wage paying jobs to keep a roof over Ebony’s head and save for beauty school.

  “How old were you when your father passed?”

  “I was twelve. Trae was fourteen, and not involved in the drug trade, but was a mean poker player. He taught me, and we made a few hundred every week easily. We basically became the man and woman of the house since Mom was having issues of her own and always gone.”

  He gasped. “She let h
im move in?”

  “At first Mom was too drugged out to realize what was happening, then she was hardly ever home and always exhausted. I was scared and alone, so I never asked. I just moved him in. And no, we weren’t having sex. I was only twelve.”

  “You would be shocked at what some twelve-year-olds do.” He winked, trying to lighten the mood. “So why aren’t you and Trae married?”

  “The cards could lead to so much more. In my teens I grew away from the street life, but Trae embraced it. But I’ll always have his back, and he’ll always have mine. I owe him.”

  He would have preferred to hear her say she tolerated Trae for the sake of their child, yet still respected her honesty and loyalty. “Thanks for explaining. Now I understand why he’s so protective.”

  The doorbell rang. “I’ll be right back.”

  He took a bite of the turkey sub to ease his hunger headache.

  “Come in, Stam. Sit on the couch with Richard.”

  Richard hoped she wouldn’t have allowed the strange man into her home if he weren’t there. He took another bite of his sub. Stam stared at the sub.

  “You want mine?” she asked, holding out her piece.

  “N-no, Miss E-ebony. I just ain’t ate all day.”

  “I’ll be right back.” She went into the kitchen.

  “You the guy who g-got his car st-stole?”

  “I’m afraid so.” He thought it odd Stam would ask a stranger for a quarter, but wouldn’t accept a free sandwich from an acquaintance.

  “You Miss Ebony’s friend?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Stam eyed him from head to toe. “You work for Dan?”

  “Why does everyone think I work for Dan?”

  Ebony returned with a ham and cheese sandwich wrapped in a paper towel on a plate and handed it to Stam. “So what did you find out?” She sat in the recliner.

  “Thank you, Miss Ebony. Th-them Collins boys t-took his car for a joy ride, then b-burned it out. It’s in the alley behind Lockwood, r-right off Ferdinand.” He stuffed half of the sandwich into his mouth, practically choking himself. “This is good.”

  “Is it drivable?” Richard asked.

  “N-nope,” Stam said, spitting out food as he spoke. “They burnt it out.”

  “You mean they literally torched my car?”

  “These k-kids these days some bad-assed kids.” He finished his sandwich.

  Ebony took the plate from Stam. “Thanks for the information. Do you have ten you can loan me, Smoke?”

  “Sure.” Glad he had broken his fifty and she had Stam thinking she was broke, Richard handed her ten dollars.

  “I can’t take your money, Miss Ebony. I told D-dan I’d do this for free.”

  “I guess you better not tell him.” She stuffed the money into his hand. “Do you want a cream soda for the road?”

  “I’m gonna have to pass.” He stood. “Thanks for the dinner.” He bowed slightly and left.

  Ebony sat on the couch next to Richard. “Thanks for the loan. I’ll pay you back after I braid a few heads on Saturday.”

  “No need. What’s Stam’s story, and why does he call you Miss?”

  “He calls me Miss as his sign of respect. He’s a good man, just down on his luck. Last summer his wife lost her battle with breast cancer, and he hasn’t been the same since. He went into a depression and eventually was fired from his job. Now he pretty much roams the streets begging. I’m just glad he didn’t start drugs or drinking. He’ll make it. He just needs time to grieve. I’ve already made Dan promise to give him a job.”

  “What are you, some sort of guardian angel or something?” he teased.

  “Silly.”

  “Seriously, though, I think it’s great. You don’t find many compassionate people these days.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Why am I being called Smoke, and why does everyone think I work for Dan?” He finished the last bite of the sandwich as she explained.

  “I think there’s some sort of unwritten rule that says males of playa age can’t use their real names.”

  Sarcasm noted, he asked, “But why Smoke?”

  She lightly brushed her hand along his five o’clock shadow, sending his mind to places it shouldn’t venture. At least not with her mother in the next room.

  “Because your smoky blue eyes are the first thing Skeet noticed about you. Besides your being white,” she added. “Would you rather him call you Whitey?”

  They both laughed. “I like Smoke,” he said. “What about Dan?”

  “Wait until you meet him. You’ll see. He must have seen Stam out on the street since Stam didn’t want to accept payment. He’ll be here soon.” The doorknob turned. “Speak of the devil.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Dan stepped into the flat, shaking off his trench-style cashmere coat. “It’s cold as hell out there.” He kicked off his Italian leather tap-toe shoes and placed them on the rack. “What the?” He picked up one of Richard’s oxfords. “You ruined $400 shoes. Didn’t your mama teach you to walk around the puddle?”

  Richard flashed a lopsided, sheepish grin.

  “Hello, Dan.” Ebony hugged Dan, then introduced him to Richard.

  “Did the cops show yet?”

  “No, sir, but Stam said the Collins boys stole and torched my car.” Richard immediately saw the family resemblance. Dan was at least 6’5” and dark–skinned. He also carried his size well. He resembled an older, more sophisticated version of Skeet.

  “You didn’t pay him, did you?”

  Richard could swear he saw a halo appear above Ebony’s head when she said, “I’m broke.”

  “Like you would tell me. Did she pay him, Richard?”

  “Nope.”

  “Good. This girl thinks she can save the world.”

  “Can you float me a loan until I can braid a few heads? Crystal needs a new pair of shoes.”

  Richard hoped his confusion didn’t show on his face. He glanced toward the kitchen where she’d left the money Trae had given her, wondering what she intended to do with it.

  “Where’s my baby sister?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his money clip.

  “I’m praying she’s on the phone with Oscar. Don’t interrupt her.” She picked up her sandwich.

  Dan took the small piece from her in exchange for a few hundred dollars. “I’m starving. Call me out when the cops arrive.” He walked into Marissa’s room with the last piece of Ebony’s sandwich.

  It occurred to Richard that Ebony hadn’t eaten a bite, though he knew she must be starving. Instead, she had allowed everyone to take from her. In the midst of a prolific moment, he wondered if this symbolized how others took advantage of her charitable heart.

  “Dammit, Dan!” Marissa screamed. “What if I was naked?” Dan closed the door.

  Ebony laughed. “She hates it when he does that.”

  “What does Dan do for a living?”

  “I guess you could say he was one of the original gangstas. He gave up the drug life years ago and turned his life around. Now he’s an entrepreneur, real estate mostly. He’s an icon around here.” She paused. “Well maybe not an icon, but he’s my hero.” She rubbed her belly. “He’s one of the business connections I was talking about.” The doorbell rang. “This house is entirely too busy.” She answered the door and let in the police.

  Dan chastised them for taking so long and also for the initial desk officer telling Richard to file a report at the station. He stood watch until the report was finished and the police left. “I’ll be ready to leave in a few minutes, Richard. I’ll drop you home.”

  “I’ll take him,” Ebony volunteered.

  * * *

  Richard stood in front of a spotless black sports utility vehicle. “You and your mom have the only two clean cars in the city.”

  Ebony handed him the keys, motioning across the street at the lookout. “Trae has the fellas keep them clean and the walk shoveled. All I do is toss out salt. I’ve told them a mil
lion times it isn’t necessary, but they ignore me. Some battles just aren’t worth the fight.”

  Apprehension had replaced the cheer in her tone. In an attempt to lighten her mood and figure out just who “the fellas” were, he said, “Trae is overprotective. I know this isn’t the best neighborhood, but I don’t think he needs to have undercover security posted outside your house.”

  Ebony’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. Shoulders hunched, she bit her bottom lip. “They aren’t here just for me. Let’s get in the truck. I’m cold.”

  Richard rounded the truck and hopped in. “Nice license plate.” It read EBONY1.

  “Thank you.” She looked down and away. “I need to tell you about Trae and Skeet,” she said softly but clearly.

  “Go for it.” He started the engine and turned on the heat. He had prepared himself for the worst, but still didn’t look forward to her full disclosures. “You only have six hundred miles on this. Is it new?” he asked, stalling.

  “Dan gave it to me for my birthday last year. He always gives me humongous gifts.”

  “When was your birthday, last month?”

  “August. I just hate driving.”

  The man from across the street unnerved Richard. “You really don’t have very many white folks around here do you? I think Trae should give him a raise. He’s staring so hard he could tell you the number of whiskers on my five o’clock shadow.”

  “He’s one of Trae’s lookouts.” She explained what a lookout does, and that Trae was responsible for the drug trafficking on the west side and a few neighboring suburbs.

  She seemed terrified, sitting there fidgeting with her new gloves. He pulled the SUV away from the curb. He felt Ebony watching him as he drove, but he couldn’t speak, not yet. He needed time to absorb what she had said, sort through his feelings and decide if he wanted to be associated with anyone who had drug ties; no matter how indirect.

  He didn’t want to punish Ebony for Trae’s wrongdoing, but why would she allow him around her child? He knew firsthand what happened when parents didn’t protect their children. He smoothed his hand over his mouth. At a loss, he sighed.

  Nonno’s grin appeared in his mind’s eye. He knew what Nonno would do. He could see the part of his grandfather in himself saying it was time to stir up trouble. He felt strength in knowing he was so much like Nonno, his hero.