A Storm Is Coming Read online

  “Frustrating, awkward, difficult, sad…and so many other emotions. It was a little easier seeing Stephanie since she and I had an opportunity to talk before tonight. But, my mother was my mother. I spoke to her, but she looked right through me.” Her voice softened, “And you know what…I didn’t expect her to speak. At this point, I just hope we can all make it through this wedding without killing each other.”

  He slid his hand up and down her arm, “I’ll be right by your side.”

  She kissed him softly, “I know. And, thank you.”

  Breaking News: In the wake of the Luciano Manchetti murder, The Mayor of Chicago and the Chicago Chief of Police have both released statements tonight revealing that they are resigning their positions effective immediately. According to anonymous sources, the Justice Department has opened a federal probe into the Mayoral’s office and the Chicago Police Department. I also hear these resignations are the first of many.

  “Wow…I knew the Chief of Police was going to resign, but I had no idea the mayor would too.”

  “You mean to tell me that there are some things that Braylee Hinsdale doesn’t know?” Alex gazed into her eyes. “Anyway, how could he not? There was no denying his role in this.”

  “Mmm…yes, but it’s good to know that the interim Chief is pretty eager to find Luciano’s murderer.”

  “Yeah. It seems so…but we’ll see. I’m just pissed they missed Joseph the first time.”

  “Arresting him is still pretty curious to me.”

  “Me too. By the time Detective Jones received the green light for the warrant to arrest him, and they went to his apartment, he’d already cleaned everything out. Someone had to have tipped him off.”

  “How was he able to connect Joseph to the video?”

  “The apartment Luciano was living in had surveillance video of that evening. It was missed earlier in the investigation, but Joseph was on camera entering the building.”

  “They’ll get him.”

  Alexandro had no doubt about that. They would get him. And, if they couldn’t bring him to justice on American soil. He would make sure Joseph Ling received street justice. Him and his family. He’d already set the wheels in motion.

  She bit him on his nipple.

  His eyes widened, “What was that for?”

  “For your secret thoughts. I can tell when you go off the reservation.”

  “You can bite me all you want. But, I’m warning you now…don’t start anything you can’t finish.”

  Braylee purred and ran her hand across his chest, “Oh…I can finish anything I start.” Her head snapped up, “What are they saying? Turn that up?”

  Alex picked up the remote and turned up the volume on the television.

  Broadcaster 1: “And in other news, Manchetti Enterprises whose corporate offices are located here in Chicago, stocks have soared. They have more than tripled over the last couple of days on the information that they’ve developed a breakthrough alternative to Tungsten. A rare mineral that when added to metal makes it the hardest metal on the planet and extremely heat resistant. It’s currently used in military equipment, rockets, light bulbs, cell phones and other electronics. This development would be the equivalent of discovering fire.”

  Broadcaster 2: “Maybe I should go out and buy some of that stock. I don’t see it going down anytime soon.”

  Broadcaster 1: Laughing, “Maybe we all should. We’ll be back after this quick commercial break.”

  Giggling, Braylee laid her head back down on his broad shoulders, “I guess that means I can start accepting checks from you now that you’re flush with all this money again.”

  “Yeah…you still seem to find a lot of humor in forcing me to wire you my retainer.”

  “It was pretty funny. But, that wasn’t about your ability to pay that was about what I thought was your misogynistic attitude.”

  He laughed, “Whatever it was about, you still ended up right where I wanted you…under me and in my bed, screaming my name. So, we all win, and we’re all happy.”

  “So…are you really happy?”

  “Very happy.” Gently running his fingers through her hair, “I’m even happy with your new short haircut. It’s sexy.”

  She quirked a brow looking at him skeptically, “You think it’s sexy? Well, if nothing else…it’s definitely freeing.”

  Alex captured her hand in his and intertwined their fingers, “Yes. You know what else I like?”

  “What else?”

  “You. Here with me…all of the time.” He hesitated, “What if you moved in with me?”

  Braylee sat up so she could see his face more clearly and rested a hand on his chest, “Are you serious?”

  “Very…” He brushed his lips against hers, “I want to wake up to you every morning and fall asleep with you every night.”

  She nervously chewed on the bottom of her lip, “Some people have said that I’m a handful, and you already know I have issues.”

  “Yes, you are a handful, and we both have issues. But, I think we are good together. So…” Alex understood Braylee’s enormous desire to maintain her independence, so he wasn’t exactly sure she was ready to take this step.

  After a moment of holding his heart in her hand, a smile spread across Braylee’s face as she threw her arms around his neck, “Yes.”

  Alex pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her with a passion so intense that she almost forgot her own name.

  Chapter 31

  The Wedding….

  As luck would have it, it was raining. Hard. Sheets upon sheets of rain. Braylee just hoped that wasn’t an omen. As much as she didn’t think Maurice was right for Stephanie, he was her choice, and she hoped that they would live happily ever after.

  She arrived more than an hour earlier than expected. Braylee wanted to check out the final results from all the wedding planner’s hard work.

  Gazing around as she entered the church, Braylee had to admit, that the planner more than earned her fee.

  The church looked like something out of a fairytale…simply amazing. The entrance had been transformed using white muslin that draped from the ceilings softly bunching into an intricate design onto the floor. Crystal chandeliers were somehow incorporated into the drapery. Calla lilies were everywhere.

  As Braylee took a peek into the sanctuary, she was careful not to step on the white runner. She could see that there were standing displays of white calla lilies at the end of each pew. They were connected by more white muslin fabric draped in between them. While she still hadn’t gotten completely over her flower complex, Braylee had to admit that just for today…they were perfect. It brought a smile to her face knowing that after everything that had happened over the last year, Stephanie would still have her dream wedding.

  Alex’s deep voice caught her attention, “Is this a wedding after every woman’s own heart?”

  Braylee smiled, “I’m not sure every woman dreams of a wedding, but I’d imagine this might rank pretty high up there for those who do.”

  “Interesting. I thought…well…do you ever dream of a wedding like this?”

  “Like this? No. If I were ever to consider getting married, it would be much much simpler but hopefully just as beautiful.” Braylee kissed Alex gently on the lips, but he pulled her into a tight embrace and deepened it. She was so incredibly sexy standing there in that form fitting bridesmaid’s dress. Alex couldn’t help himself.

  He left her breathless and incredibly unsteady, “I’d better get back there with the bride. Will you be okay to wait here alone for a while?”

  Alex used his thumb to swipe at her bottom lip, “I think I can manage until you return.” His eyes said more than words ever could. And, right now his eyes were saying he’d like to finish that kiss and a whole lot more.

  *****

  Braylee silently walked into the room that had been reserved for the bride and her bridal party.

  Stephanie sat in front of her vanity in a sweat suit staring at her r
eflection flanked by Francine and Megan.

  A panicked Francine threw her hands up in the air as she happened to glance over to see Braylee walking into the room, “Oh…thank god you’re here Braylee. Can you talk some sense into this girl?”

  Braylee frowned and closed the door behind her. Walking hesitantly closer with questions written all over her face, “What’s going on?”

  Megan spoke, “Stephanie is freaking out because it’s raining outside. She says it’s a bad omen. Can you believe she’s thinking of postponing the wedding?”

  Francine shook her head up and down, “Tell her Braylee! She’ll listen to you. Tell her that’s just an old superstition. Ain’t that many good men out here and Maurice is fine as hell. Any woman would be happy to marry him.” She turned to Stephanie, “You need to stop being ridiculous before somebody else comes along and snaps him up.

  It wasn’t lost on Braylee that Megan and Francine were doing all the talking but Stephanie hadn’t uttered one word. “Ladies, do you think I could talk to Stephanie alone for a few minutes?”

  Megan was more hesitant, “You are going to try to talk some sense into her right? I mean…we all know you don’t like Maurice, but you wouldn’t sabotage her wedding day would you?”

  Braylee had an outer body experience where she imagined slapping Megan upside the head. Once on each cheek. Was she serious? Did she really think that she would spend all this money on this over the top wedding if Maurice was ever a consideration? This was about Stephanie. And, despite their differences Braylee loved Stephanie with all of her heart.

  More firmly Braylee asked for some privacy, “Francine…Megan… please give me a minute with Stephanie.”

  Francine recognized that tone and pulled Megan by her arm out of the room.

  Braylee moved a little closer, taking up the space recently occupied by Francine. “Today is your day. So, why don’t you seem very happy about it? I hope everything turned out the way you wanted.”

  Stephanie pulled her eyes up to meet Braylee’s in the mirror. Her voice was barely a whisper, “It’s raining outside.”

  Braylee moved one of her spiral curls out of her eyes, “Yes it is. But, you and I both know that the weather does not determine a lifetime of happiness.”

  Closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead, Stephanie let out a pent up breath, “Maurice annoys the shit out of me. I don’t know if I can put up with him forever.”

  “Maurice has annoyed the shit out of you for almost six years. Nothing’s changed there. And, I’m pretty sure any long-term relationship is going to have those moments.”

  “It’s not moments Braylee but all the time.”

  “Stephanie, what is this really all about?”

  She was hesitant to respond, “Have you ever noticed how alike Maurice and daddy are? I mean…at least daddy would work the odd job or two until he wasn’t able anymore. But, Maurice, he lacks drive, determination and is fine living with mama and daddy. I want my own house one day. And, what if we have kids? Do I really want Maurice to raise them?”

  Stephanie got up holding her stomach as she walked over to the window. She was nauseous, “I think I’m going to be sick.”

  Braylee followed her over and cradled her into the crook of her arms. “Those are all very good questions. I’m not one to say that love conquers all, but do you love him?”

  “Braylee, you of all people are asking me that question? You’re the one who should be saying what’s love got to do with it?”

  “Look little sister. I’m not silly enough to think that love is all you need. A relationship needs more than that, but love still needs to be part of the foundation. Can you see your life without him?”

  Stephanie didn’t respond.

  Braylee went on, “Look if you love and want a life with Maurice and you think he’s worth it then do it. Walk down that aisle. If you love him but have realized that the life he’s offering you is not what you want…then don’t do it. But, don’t sit up here and talk about the rain; or, compare your marriage to mama’s and daddy’s. Every marriage is different. They had their own brand of crazy and we’ll each have our own.”

  Stephanie laid her head on Braylee’s shoulder and whispered, “Daddy is still in rehab. I know you hate him, but that’s still daddy. I want him to walk me down the aisle when I get married.”

  “I don’t hate daddy. But, our relationship is…complicated. And, there’s nothing wrong with you wanting him to walk you down the aisle.

  Tears started to form in Stephanie’s eyes, “Braylee…I’m sorry about how mama treated you all these years. I saw it. I just always hoped things would get better. But, more than anything, I’m sorry for not being there for you when she hurt you, or even when I hurt you. I’m sorry for allowing you to take care of me…and Maurice. There’s no excuse, but you always seemed so strong and like you could handle anything. I…I…just didn’t realize until last month that you’re not a machine. You’re human, and you feel just like we all do. It also made me realize that it’s time for me to stand on my own two feet.”

  Braylee pressed her lips together to try to keep from crying too.

  Stephanie reached out and wrapped her arms around Braylee’s waist, “You don’t have to be strong all the damn time. It’s okay to cry if you want to.”

  Braylee wiped away a tear, “Mama and me. We’re an interesting pair, huh? Where is she anyway?”

  “Still at the salon getting her hair done.” Stephanie started to giggle and then laugh…a throaty almost uncontrollable laugh.

  Hoping she wasn’t having the nervous breakdown she probably deserved, Braylee couldn’t help but ask, “What’s so funny?”

  It was difficult to speak through their laughter. But, Stephanie somehow managed to get the words out. “Mama’s complex has given me a complex, but we’re here almost two hours early thanks to her and guess who’s going to be late? Don’t you see the irony? And…it’s just another sign.”

  After Braylee thought about it for a second, it was kind of funny. No, it was really funny. As a matter of fact, they looked at each other and laughed hysterically.

  Once the case of the giggles died down a bit, Braylee looked on at her sister proudly, “My goodness, today is the day that my little Stephanie has grown up.”

  “Yeah. I guess.” She sighed, “It’s time to put my big girl panties on and go give Maurice his ring back.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “He’s going to be upset. But, it’s best…for both of us. I’m sure.”

  “You know you’ve got my support.”

  “I know. And, for the record, before I grow up…grow up…I’m going to have one last hurrah and use this honeymoon as a vacation.”

  Braylee swayed back and forth with Stephanie, “Hmmm…where was the honeymoon going to be?”

  “Monte Carlo.”

  “Nice. You know…I’ve never been there. It would be a great place for Alex and me to go and a nice down payment on paying me back for all this money I spent on this wedding.”

  Stephanie pulled back in horror, “Seriously?”

  Braylee laughed, “Well...since you’re all grow’d up and everything.”

  “Damn. Being an adult sucks.”

  Braylee wasn’t really going to take her trip, but it sure was fun to see her expression. Maybe, she’d let her stew about it at least for another hour or two.

  Chapter 32

  Braylee and Lisa were sitting outside a little bistro outside of Buckingham Fountain having lunch. They always had a good time when they were together and this time was no different. Most of the afternoon had been spent catching up and laughing.

  Lisa turned serious, “It’s so good to see you like this.”

  “Like what?”

  “Carefree, fun, and happy. Even with all that hulking security around us. You can still laugh.”

  Braylee sighed, “I know. But, until they catch Joseph, as irritating and inconvenient as they are, they’re necessary.”

  “Th
at new Chief of Police has been doing some real house cleaning. Quite a few officers and paid administration officials have been suspended pending a hearing on their firing. The Police Union is hopping mad about it too.”

  “I love a good union. I’m a card-carrying member of one, but wrong is wrong. Don’t protect people when they are so clearly wrong. The entire organization loses credibility when that happens.”

  “Well, considering all the crap you guys have endured, it’s a wonder you’re still smiling. He’s good for you. I knew he would be.”

  Braylee was grinning from ear to ear, “Well, I do have to admit, he does make me happy. And it feels good to be able to be myself with him warts and all.”

  “Speaking of warts, how’s Stephanie?”

  Braylee laughed, “Hey now…that’s my sister. But, believe it not, she’s working and has just moved into her apartment.”

  “That’s fabulous! I’m still reeling about her calling off the wedding. When you called to tell me, I was in shock. We were all dressed and ready to walk out of the door. It was at that moment, I thought…Stephanie might just be trying to grow up a little.”

  “Hmm…I think all of us have some room to grow. Speaking of which, daddy and I are going to therapy.”

  “Get out! With Dr. Jorgensen?”

  “No. Nate was right. I hadn’t made a whole lot of progress, and I didn’t feel comfortable going to him anymore after the whole flowers…benefit thing. So, we’re going to Dr. Jacqueline Peters.”

  “I haven’t heard of her. Anyway, I was sure you two were going to hook up. Thank god he’s gay.”

  Braylee furrowed her brows, “Who?”

  “Nate.”

  “Why does everybody think that? Nate’s not gay. He’s been in a committed relationship with a woman for almost nine years!”

  Lisa was stunned, “Get oooouuut! Really?”

  “Yes. I’ve met her a few times. Her name is Grace. She travels a lot thank god. Otherwise, I’d probably have to find another assistant.”