Shadow of Death (7 page)

A few minutes passed and Cheryl responded with a text. In it, she sent her address and suggested that he come over so they could talk.

Troy looked at the message with disbelief. How stupid did she think he was?

T
roy wound up at a different motel from the one he'd woke up in this morning. He had nowhere to go and no one to confide in. He thought about going to his ex-partner's home, but didn't want to drag him in the middle of it. He also thought about calling his best friend, Elvin, who lived in Chicago and was fully aware of the situation with Cheryl. Elvin had been through so much in the last couple of years that Troy didn't want to burden him by sharing bad news. As a last resort, Troy had even considered reaching out to Robert. However, the close relationship between their wives made that a horrific idea. All it would take was for Robert to tell Lisa that he called, Lisa to tell Natalie, and Natalie to wonder why he'd contacted Robert when he was working a triple homicide. It would lead to a whole bunch of questions that he could not answer. Monday morning, this would be all over. First, he'd head over to the FBI office, then he'd go get tested for sexually transmitted infections. By Monday evening, he hoped to be making love to his wife.

While lying in bed staring at the ceiling, Troy was worried that he'd left his family vulnerable by being gone. Unable to put his mind at ease, he left the motel and drove back and forth between his home and Corrine's apartment, looking for suspicious activity. He called them both to “check in” and make sure everyone was okay. He also apologized to Natalie about having to run out on her. “Just admit it…you didn't like my outfit,” she teased.

“Babe, that couldn't be further from the truth. Red is starting to become my favorite color, too.”

Convinced that Cheryl wasn't on the prowl tonight, Troy went back to his room where he lay awake until morning.

Sunday was relatively quiet. Not long after Natalie and the twins had gotten home from church, Corrine dropped Nate off. Troy wanted nothing more than to spend another day actively engaged with his family, but he had to continue the ruse of having a big case and his actions needed to reflect such. Thus, he barricaded himself in the basement to “work.” Natalie knew how he was when he was concentrating on a case, so she didn't disturb him. Troy remained downstairs until he was certain that she was asleep.

Thankfully, Troy didn't hear from Cheryl that day either. The only text he received was from Will stating that he'd gotten Troy's message and asking if Troy would meet him sometime during the week to talk about
“some shady stuff that's been going down.”
Though his interest was piqued, Troy never replied. Whatever Will had gotten involved in, Troy wanted to stay out of it. Will had lied about being at the gym Friday. Obviously, he'd been doing something that he didn't want to share with Troy. It was probably for the best as Troy had his own issues. He'd let narcotics handle Will.

•  •  •

Natalie awoke Monday morning to a note on the pillow next to her from Troy stating that he headed out early to run some “detective errands,” as he called them.
Great!
This meant that she'd have to take Ebony and Ean with her when she dropped Nate off at pre-school. It would have been so much easier to leave them there with Troy as she was accustomed to doing most times. Occasionally, he did have to leave early and she understood that though a little advance notice would have been nice.

Natalie was concerned about the effect that this recent case was having on him. Troy hadn't been himself all weekend. He'd seemed edgy, more so than he normally was when he was working a case. She didn't know how he dealt with murder on a day-to-day basis. His job seemed too depressing for her. But, Troy was a problem-solver and took great pleasure in helping to bring closure from a justice standpoint to those who'd suffered traumatic losses. Troy felt like his work contributed to their family's safety and for that, she couldn't be mad at him. She appreciated his protectiveness of them. Though sometimes it could be a little overbearing, she knew it was coming from a good place.

Troy's motivation to work hard and not give up is one of the things she both loved and resented about her husband. Natalie had put on a good front Saturday night when he had to run out, but the truth was, the timing sucked! Oh, how she'd wanted, no
needed,
to be with her husband. They were pretty active, in general, but things were always a little trickier when Nate was present. She wasn't sure how long they could keep explaining the noise in their bedroom as “wrestling” now that their son was getting older. With him gone Saturday night, the atmosphere had been perfect and then Troy was called to work. After he left, Natalie changed into regular night clothes and watched a ridiculous number of hours of
Law & Order
reruns. No matter the time of day, the show always seemed to be playing on at least one cable network.

Natalie sighed to herself, reminiscing about what could have been Saturday night, as she hurried to wake Nate and get the twins ready. Getting herself and her babies dressed in the morning simply to take Nate and come back seemed like it was more effort than it was worth. She wished she could be like a few of the younger parents and arrive at the pre-school in pajamas and head scarves, but her model-mentality would not allow it, not even on her worst days. Ebony and Ean always looked nice as well. This mama made sure that her babies weren't out in public with dirty diapers, onesies, or filthy bibs smelling of dried food and milk. Consequently, it took her over an hour to make sure everyone was dressed and ready for what was only a ten-minute ride to and from Nate's pre-school.

No time for a proper breakfast, Natalie gave Nate a cereal bar to eat on the way. He only ate half of it. If Natalie didn't remember to get the other half when she got home, it would eventually end up crushed in the upholstery, on the floor, or finding a permanent resting place in the back window sill until Troy fussed at her about cleaning out the car. If only she could keep the back seat of her vehicle as neat as she tried to keep their personal appearances!

As they walked into the pre-school building, Nate held Ebony's hand while Natalie grabbed hold of Ean's. As usual, the staff
oohed
and
ahhed
over the twins who, like their brother, enjoyed attention. Natalie wondered how long it would be before they stopped sharing the spotlight and each demanded center stage for themselves. Before leaving, Natalie gave Nate a big hug and kiss as was her custom whenever he was receptive to it. He was increasingly becoming a “big boy” and sometimes his actions indicated that he could do without the affection because he would wave “bye” and keep it moving. Natalie knew her mommy moments would get fewer and further between as he got older, so she took advantage of every moment while she could. She'd just gotten Ean and Ebony into their car seats and was about to slide into the driver's seat when she heard someone call her name. “Yes,” she said turning to see a petite, brown-skinned woman standing a several feet behind her.

“I'm not sure if you remember me. I'm Cheryl Hunter, a friend of your husband's.”

“Oh, hey, Cheryl! I didn't recognize you at first.” Cheryl, who was at least five inches or more shorter than Natalie, looked much different from the last time Natalie had seen her when they were in Houston about a year and a half ago for a funeral. Cheryl's hair, which was cut in a short style then, now hung to the middle of her back. It had to be a weave because no amount of biotin or conditioner could produce such miraculous results in that amount of time. “What are you doing here? Do you have a child enrolled here as well?”

“No, I wish. I was hoping to catch you and ask if we can go grab a cup of coffee or tea. I need to speak with you.”

“Now is not a good time. They haven't eaten breakfast.” She nodded toward the back seat, hoping Cheryl didn't glance long enough to get a good look at the mess. “I need to get them home before reality sets in for them. Trust me; you won't want to be around me if I have two hungry one-year-olds on my hands.”

“Well, how about we go to breakfast.
Please
…it'll be my treat. What I have to say is important.”

Natalie would forever be grateful for how helpful Cheryl had been when Troy was working on the Bible Butcher case, and even when Troy was trying to help solve the disappearance and murder of Elvin's sister. Natalie glanced in the back at Ebony and Ean who were communicating to each other in their special language. They seemed content for the moment and Natalie could easily get them something to eat at the restaurant. Besides, Cheryl looked like she was in desperate need of a shoulder, so Natalie said, “Sure.”

Natalie followed Cheryl in an almond-colored sedan for several miles until they ended up at SuperChef's in Gahanna, a small Black-owned restaurant chain that first opened in Louisville, KY. Later, the best friends and co-owners decided to expand to their hometown of Columbus. Natalie first heard about SuperChef's from Aneetra whom she'd met there one morning before work. Soon after, their Wings and Waffles dish became one of her favorite breakfast meals and she was ecstatic when Cheryl picked the location.

Though she wasn't really hungry, Natalie ordered her usual. When it came, she got extra plates and gave Ebony and Ean each a quarter of her waffle and put her chicken in a “to go” box. Cheryl didn't order anything. After making sure her babies were content, Natalie said to Cheryl, “So, what do you need to speak with me about?”

“How are things between you and Troy?”

Taken aback by the question, Natalie looked at her without giving a response.

“I'm sorry. I don't mean to overstep my boundaries, but Troy and I have been friends for a very long time and I'm worried about him. When we were together Friday night, he was stressing about some things.”

“I didn't know the FBI had been called in on the triple homicide case. Yes, I agree that the case does have him stressed. But then again, it's Troy. He stresses about every case.”

Cheryl's smile was too wide for a discussion about murder. Natalie focused in on the small dimple in the middle of her chin that sunk in even further when she grinned. “So, he told you about the case, huh?”

“Yep. It kept him busy all weekend. It must be pretty serious if the feds are involved. I'm not sure what you think I can do to help. Troy sometimes talks about his cases with me, but it's not like he shares all the details.” And even if he did, Natalie wouldn't be foolish enough to tell this chick. For Cheryl to come to her meant that there was some territorial conflict happening between the FBI and the police department. Whatever information Cheryl had about the case was apparently all that Troy had wanted her to know.

This time it was Cheryl who neglected to respond. She still had that stupid grin on her face, which was starting to become irritating. “Not trying to be rude, but I don't understand why you needed to speak with me. If you're concerned about Troy, he's okay. Like I said, he stresses about every case. That's what he does, but he handles business. He's not in jeopardy of any nervous breakdowns if that's what you're thinking.”

“I'm curious; by any chance, have you seen any news reports about this triple homicide case he's working?”

Natalie thought about it for a moment. “No.”

“You don't find it strange that something so big hasn't made it to the headlines?”

“Honestly, I'm not one who faithfully watches the news. It's too depressing.” The last time Natalie had watched the news was Friday evening when she checked to make sure her husband hadn't been killed or injured in a fatal car crash when he didn't come home on time. There was nothing on about the homicides then, but that wasn't abnormal. Sometimes there was a lag between new cases and news reports. The twins were making a mess and Natalie had not brought a spare change of clothes or their diaper bag with her as she'd anticipated going home immediately after taking Nate to school. Her patience with Cheryl's twenty questions was wearing thin. “I'm going to have to get going so I can get them home and cleaned up. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

“Natalie, I have to tell you something that will be very difficult for you to hear. I want to remind you that we are in a public place and your children are with you.” Cheryl looked at the twins. “For their sakes, I suggest that you control your reaction.”

Natalie couldn't explain why she was getting upset. Was it Cheryl's tone, her demeanor, or both? As much as possible, Natalie tried to overlook the sometimes terse way that those in law enforcement spoke. She understood that, when talking to those suspected of crimes, one wouldn't necessarily pepper his/her speech with courtesy, but Cheryl's harsh tone and her smug demeanor were out of line. Even Troy knew better than to speak to Natalie in certain ways; and Cheryl was about to learn. “This was a bad idea. I don't know if it's me or if we're not gellin' right now, but something's off. We can try this again another day with a little advance notice.” Natalie was about to grab her children's plate when Cheryl's next words halted her actions. “What did you say?”

“You heard me correctly. I said that Troy and I have been having an affair. We dated a long time ago when he was in college. We reconnected a couple of years ago when working on the Bible Butcher case, and we've been involved ever since.”

Natalie had never considered herself to be a violent person. Besides the time she punched Corey Daniels in second grade for cutting in front of her in line and then saying “yo mama” when she told him to go to the back, she'd never been in a fight. That wasn't her style. Back in the day she did everything she could to avoid physical altercations with wives and girlfriends of her former lovers. She would talk a lot of trash, but when it came to risking getting her face scratched up and her hair pulled out over a man, it wasn't worth it. Yet, it currently took every ounce of Holy Ghost power Natalie had not to snatch Miss Weavalicious by the hair and knock that stupid look off her face. “I don't know what kind of game you're playing, but the gig is over. I know my husband very well. He loves me and our children too much to jeopardize our family for you.” Natalie's insides burned with fire. She wished she could storm out of there. Not so easy to do with little ones who were joyfully making a mess with their food.