I nodded in understanding and leaned back against the wall as Darrell backed away. I felt the cool concrete began to chill my hot blood. So other than giving her some time, what do you suggest ?
Start by putting her door back up. Second, make her a list of what is expected, she’s clueless as to how things work here. Thirdly, allow her room to breath ; she enjoys baking, so let her help Mahalia in the kitchen, show her the gym, let her spend time reading in the garden. Fourthly, find out what she likes to do and set up some time for you two to spend a few hours or a day or two away from here. Take her out for her favorite food, a movie, dancing,
I held up my hand for him to stop talking. So basically your saying not only give her some time, but trust her, give her some freedom, and ask her out ?
Darrell quirked his lips up, Exactly.
I sighed, A bullet would have been simpler.
Darrell’s face fell, That can be arranged. But seeing as how you couldn’t do it the first time, I’ll go call Victoria. I do believe she has expressed an interest in personally seeing to,
I stood and rushed Darrell. Grabbing him by his throat, I shoved him into the closest wall.
Well, I guess we have our answer, he wheezed out. My hold on his neck loosened.
Darrell’s deep chuckle sounded behind me as I left the gym and made my way to my room. I needed a shower and I needed sleep.
I nodded to Paul and Samuel as I stopped by Lea’s room once more. I pulled back the sheet and looked over her sleeping form.
I let the fabric fall back into place and spoke quietly to the two men. Have Henderson put a solid door up after she wakes. I want a keyed lock with copies for the four of you, myself, Darrell, and of course Lea. I want to be informed of any potential threats or issues involving or concerning her as soon as they happen. And if anyone makes a move to harm her, they are to be subdued and taken to interrogation for me to deal with. Understood ?
Yes Boss.
I nodded, I’ll be sleeping in. Let Lewis and Leon know what is expected.
The two guards nodded as I stepped down to my room. I grabbed some clean sweats and boxers and headed for the shower attached to my room. I let the water steam over my body, hoping it would wash away the doubts that swirled within my mind.
* * * * * * * * *
I woke with a start, bright light blinding me as glanced around my room.
The dream of Miguel’s men torturing Lea had been too realistic.
I swung my legs off the side of the bed and picked up my Rolex and sighed as I looked at the time, eleven twenty eight. I pushed off the bed and made my way to my closet. I pulled out a pair of dark jeans, a black tee, and threw them on before pulling on my boots and riding jacket and heading toward the kitchen.
I stopped and spoke to Henderson and Roger as they worked to install a set of mahogany doors onto Lea’s room.
Here’s the keys you asked for, Boss. Henderson tossed me an envelope and tilted his head in my direction, That girl is something.
I watched Henderson closely as I questioned him, What makes you say that ?
He let a grin set on his weathered face. At first she was excited that she was going to get the doors back up, but then she started going on a spill about how if you thought that you could buy her off with some privacy, you were sadly mistaken.
I crumpled the envelope in my hands and took a breath. She was clearly not going to make this easy.
I left the two guys working and walked into the kitchen as Mahalia was clearing the last of the dishes from brunch. She straightened up and smoothed down her apron.
Mr. Stephens, would you like me to make you a plate ?
Yes, Mahalia. Thank you. I looked toward the kitchen doors. Is Lea around ?
No, Sir. She looked exhausted this morning, so I sent her to go rest. She said that she would be in the gardens reading if I needed her for anything.
I studied the gentle woman as she loaded the serving cart. Mahalia, may I ask you a question ?
Mahalia glanced around the dining room nervously and tucked a strand of graying hair behind her ear. Normally I wouldn’t ask permission to speak to one of my employees, but I needed the woman’s advice.
Um, yes, Sir.
How did you and Henry meet ?
A light blush fell across Mahalia cheeks.
Oh, our parents worked for your grandfather. Henry’s parents worked here, and mine worked at the house in Sydney. Mahalia smiled softly as she spoke, her eyes sparkling at the memory. Mr. Stephens would host an annual appreciation ball for his most dedicated employees. It was, of course hosted here.
My mother was so excited when she got the invitation that she made arrangements to take off work so that her and I could get fitted for new dresses. When we landed here in the States a few days before the festivities, her and my father fit right in, but I didn’t. Because my father was white and my mother was black, I was laughed at and targeted by the other kids and they made it their mission to make my visit here hell.
Mahalia’s eyes started to glisten and her soft smile disappeared as she continued.
The night before the ball, I found a note on my bed saying that I had a secret admirer and he wanted to meet me at the Northeastern Arbor. I was skeptical and showed the note to my mother. But she, being a hopeless romantic, gave me a hug and told me I should go. When I got there, I sat on the bench to wait. However, instead of a secret admirer, four of the girls that had been tormenting me walked out of the rose bushes with buckets in their hands. Before I could even stand to run, I was covered in white paint. As they laughed, they told me that now I looked like I belonged.
Mahalia looked me over and took a deep breath.
I don’t know how long I stayed sitting there, crying and wishing I could be someone I wasn’t before I felt someone wipe the tears away and brush my paint soaked hair from my face. When I looked up, Henry’s kind eyes met mine. He placed a soft kiss on my forehead before carrying me into the guest house, ignoring the wet paint that stained his bare skin and clothes. He ran me a bath, and as I cleaned up, he brought me one of his shirts that was three sizes too big and a pair of his pajama bottoms that had to be pinned in place. Once I got out of the bath and dressed, he took my hand and pulled me into his arms. That’s where I’ve stayed every night since.
Mahalia wiped a tear from her face as she met my eyes and smiled.
I was silent for a moment before asking, So you two didn’t, um, date ?
Mahalia nodded as she answered. Actually we did, Sir. Even though we knew that we were meant for each other, and laid together every night, Henry still courted me.
And how did he do that ?
I was absolutely confused on how to court a woman. I had never had the need to ask one to go out with me, much less show one that I had feelings for her. All I had to do was figure out what I wanted done for the night and choose one of the women that I knew could take care of that particular need.
Well, Sir. First, Henry would tell me everyday how lovely or beautiful I looked, even if I was sick or covered in soot or flour. And he would do simple things, such as leaving me a note on my cart letting me know he missed me. He would pick a rose from the garden and give it to me at dinner. When we had free time, he would ask me to meet him for lunch by the fountain, or we would go to the park and just walk for hours as he asked about my life in Sydney and what my dreams were. Once a month he would arrange for a night on the town ; a movie, dancing, theater, or an opera, and dinner.
Mahalia stopped and looked me over, a small gleam making it’s way into her eyes. This is about Ms. Lea, isn’t it ?
I swallowed roughly and nodded.
So the rumors are true, Sir ? The ones about you having feelings for her ?