Dangerous Ground

DANGEROUS GROUND

By

Stephanie Jean Smith

Published by Stephanie Jean Smith at Smashwords

@ Copyright June 2010, All Rights Reserved

This book is for mature audiences only it contains violence and some explicit sex.

Chapter 1

Eleanor Freeman left the Cheesecake Factory with a slice of strawberry cheesecake for her husband. Avery asked for so little that she didn’t mind making a special stop on the way home to get his favorite dessert. Eleanor got in her car and drove south on Michigan Avenue. Rush hour traffic in Chicago was a nightmare, but she couldn’t think of any other city she'd want to live.

Eleanor had the strangest feeling that she was being watched as she made a left turn onto Chicago Avenue. She checked her rearview mirror; a red truck had been following her for the last two blocks. Her imagination was getting the best of her, at this time of the day most people were headed in the same direction.

Eleanor turned left onto Lake Shore Drive, and gave a sigh of relief when she checked her rearview mirror again and saw no sign of the red truck. Eleanor began to relax and enjoy the music on her stereo as she felt the fresh breeze from Lake Michigan. Life was great; she just received a promotion at her job and tomorrow was her four year wedding anniversary.

Eleanor turned up the volume of her stereo when one of her favorite Al Jarreau tunes came on. She was tapping her fingers on the steering wheel and singing along when she saw a red truck pull up alongside her car. Eleanor turned to look at the driver of the truck. Her mouth fell open, and her face froze with fear, the driver of the red truck was Marcus Dupree, her ex-husband.

Eleanor looked down at the speedometer; she was already doing sixty-five. She looked over at the red truck again, this time her ex-husband had a gun in his hand, and he was aiming it at her. Eleanor had two choices, should could try ramming the car in front of her or she could take her chances with Lake Michigan.

The car in front of her began to go faster and so did she. Eleanor was scared if Marcus was out of prison and that meant one thing, he's here to kill her. Marcus was sent to prison five years ago for killing her son. Eleanor was sitting in the courtroom when he was sentenced. As the guard led him out of the courtroom, Marcus swore that as soon as he got out he would kill her and anyone else who help to destroy his son.

Eleanor was making some progress when her back window shattered. She crouched down at the steering wheel and moved in front of a few more cars. If she didn’t get off of Lake Shore Drive she would be dead, Marcus would surely see to that. Eleanor was in the middle lane and tried to go into the left lane when the red truck moved up blocking her escape. She maneuvered into the right hand lane; however, Marcus was able to move into the middle lane.

Marcus raised his gun once again, but this time he didn’t miss. He watched with satisfaction as the shots firing from his gun found their target. Eleanor’s car crashed into the vehicle in front of her, sending both cars over the ramp. The other vehicle landed on the sandy embankment while Eleanor’s car flipped two times before landing in Lake Michigan. Eleanor felt the cold waves of Lake Michigan as it engulfed her car. At that moment, she knew her life was over, and she prayed that Loretta would be all right.

***

The accident was featured on every Chicago news Channel; however, Marcus preferred WGN. Marcus took off his hat and threw it across the room as he grabbed the remote and turned up the volume on the television. He liked seeing his work highlighted on the nightly news; it made him feel like a real pro.

He could still feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. There was nothing like a good old fashion murder to make one feel alive and energetic. Eleanor’s death wasn’t as satisfying as he would have liked. Marcus grabbed a beer and sat down on the bed. He wanted to look into Eleanor’s face and watch life ebb out of her eyes as he strangled her.

It had taken him a couple of weeks to track Eleanor to Chicago, but it was well worth the wait. She was his wife, and she betrayed him when she ran off with his son. His son would be alive today if it hadn't been for Eleanor and Loretta Brown.

Marcus yawned as he checked his watch; he needed to get some sleep. He had an early flight to Omaha tomorrow morning. Loretta Brown was the last person on his list, and he would make her pay for the role she played in the destruction of his son.

***

Chapter 2

Loretta had a hard time getting up on Monday morning. She spent the weekend thinking about Xavier. Loretta should have told Xavier that she loved him earlier on in their relationship. Instead, she wasted so much time showing him how independent she was and how she didn’t need a man. Now, Xavier is marrying some faceless woman she hasn’t met yet.

Loretta got out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. She ran her fingers through her hair before putting on a shower cap. Loretta did a thorough inspection of her face, she didn’t look too shoddy. She had a couple of circles under eyes, but Loretta could conceal that easily enough with makeup.

Loretta took off her shapeless night gown and hung it on the door as she got into the shower. Loretta stood in the shower, and her mind wander off six months ago when she first met Xavier Johnson. They were attending a charity benefit for the United Way when Loretta spotted Xavier across the room.

He had on the traditional black tuxedo, but the way he filled it out made every other man in the room look pitiful in comparison. Loretta stood across the room cataloging his features. Xavier’s complexion was dark chocolate, his skin seemed to be smooth as silk, and he has the most beautiful eyes that Loretta had ever seen. She was too far away to see their color, but they were large and slightly tilted.

As if he sensed her scrutiny, Xavier turned around and gave Loretta the once over before returning to his conversation with the buxom brunette who had been hanging on his arm for the last twenty minutes.

Later that evening Carter Wells, the director of the King Center introduced Loretta to Xavier. Carter had somehow managed to talk Xavier into becoming the head coach for the King Center. Loretta looked into Xavier’s golden brown eyes, and she was lost forever.

They became fast friends, Loretta saw Xavier quite often, sometimes twice a week. Every now and then, Loretta felt that Xavier wanted to be more than friends, but he never pushed her in that way. Loretta was content to be his friend, and she didn’t realize until it was too late how much she loved him.

She lathered up her favorite soap and thoroughly washed her body. As the hot water from the shower beat down on her body and rinsed the suds away, Loretta considered the two options she had. She could wish Xavier the best, or she could become a bitter woman who was too stupid to grab onto the brass ring when it was staring her in the face.

Loretta wondered why Xavier didn’t tell her that he was actually dating someone else. She got out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her body and secured it in a knot before she brushed her teeth. Loretta had a heavy schedule this week, and she could not afford to waste time dwelling on lost opportunities. Loretta just hoped that Xavier’s fiancée would make him happy.

***

When Loretta arrived at work, her mind was set on her presentation for the Board of Directors. Her clothes designer made a navy suit for the occasion. Loretta told Mindy that she wanted something conservative. What Mindy provided was the complete opposite.

Loretta didn’t know what kind of material it was, but it felt good on her body and made the suit look magnificent. The jacket was collarless, and the sleeves had cuffs on them. The buttons on the front and sleeves were the same color as the suit. However, they were a shade darker and trimmed in gold.

The skirt was an A line style; however, it had more give to it than regular A line skirts. Loretta’s only complaint about the skirt was that it ended just above her knees. Mindy always told her that she had fantastic legs, but Loretta knew that they were skinny and unappealing. Mindy may be an amateur, but her creations were in high demand.

As Loretta was gathering her files for the presentation, she heard a knock on the door. Come in. The words barely came out of Loretta’s mouth before the door was flung open.

Sorry Loretta, I was just wondering if you needed me to do anything for you, Emelina said. She knew how serious this proposal was to Loretta, it was their biggest account. If successful, they would get more diverse projects from South Central’s affiliates.

Well, I expect grand things to come from this presentation. I want you and Clifford to keep your schedule open this afternoon because we’re going to have a late lunch at Expression’s restaurant.

***

The presentation went off without a hitch. The Board was pleased with the new ads and commercials. She was grateful that the presentation and question and answer session didn’t take more than an hour. Loretta’s thoughts were centered on the grilled chicken sandwich she had been dreaming about since ten o’clock this morning.

Loretta got her purse out of her desk; she was on her way out of her office when Myer Lang walked in. Hello Myer is there anything I can do for you?

Loretta I just wanted to congratulate you on a job well done. It looks as if you’ve pulled off another brilliant marketing strategy. I’d like to take you to lunch today, to celebrate.

I’m sorry Myer; I’m taking Emelina and Clifford to lunch today. Maybe we can schedule lunch some other time.

I’ll look forward to it.

Loretta didn’t stir until Myer left her office. She had no intention of ever going to lunch with that bastard. Myer Lang had made her life hell since she joined the bank as assistant director of marketing four years ago. When her manager retired, she was offered the job of director of marketing. Myer told her on various occasions that she wasn’t his first choice. Loretta accepted the position and made it her personal objective to be the most successful director of marketing the bank has ever known.

Loretta met Emelina and Clifford on the first floor. She tried to get herself in a better frame of mind. This was a joyous occasion, and Myer Lang wasn’t going to ruin it for her. When they arrived at Expression’s, it was crowded as usual. They were regulars at the restaurant and the server automatically seated them in the front corner window. Loretta ordered her long awaited grilled chicken sandwich. Her assistants went for the traditional lunches. Clifford had a bacon cheeseburger while Emelina had the Fried chicken, and mash potatoes and gravy.

They were about to order dessert, when Loretta saw Xavier seated across the room. She didn’t get a good look at the woman who was with him; only the back of her head. The last thing she wanted to do was meet Xavier’s fiancée. Are you two ready to leave? Loretta said as she pulled her purse up on her shoulder.

Don’t you want to have dessert? Emelina was feeling put out. Her main reason for going to Expression’s for its wide range of desserts.

Sure, why don’t you order your dessert to go, while I go to the restroom? Loretta was halfway to the restroom when she heard Xavier call her name.

Hello Loretta, I thought that was you. I couldn’t let you leave without introducing you to a friend of mine. Annette, I would like you to meet Loretta Brown.

Annette had short auburn hair in a style that was unknown to Omaha hair salons. Her clothes were immaculate, and her jewelry would have put Borsheims to shame. Her skin was flawless, and her makeup was perfect.

Loretta thought that she would hate Xavier’s fiancée on sight, but as she looked into Annette’s gray eyes, the only thing she saw was warmth and friendliness. Loretta was ashamed of her on behavior and tried to be social.

It’s nice to meet you Annette.

The pleasure is all mine, Xavier has told me so many incredible things about you. We’ll have to have you over for dinner sometime after our honeymoon.

Annette was a charming lady, and Loretta knew she would make Xavier a good wife. I would like that. If you’ll excuse me, I must be going.

Loretta practically ran to the ladies’ room. She stood and looked at herself in the mirror, for some reason she didn’t look the same. Loretta looked like a woman who lost her best friend.

***

Xavier’s plan to make Loretta notice him as a man and not just a friend was backfiring. After meeting Annette, Loretta probably thought she was his fiancée.

What’s wrong Xavier, didn’t you enjoy your lunch?

Annette lunch was great, next time we have to get Donald to join us.

Donald is working overtime to make sure that nothing intrudes on our wedding plans. Annette got into her car and blew a kiss to Xavier.

Xavier waved to Annette and was headed towards his own car when he saw Loretta get into her car with two people he didn’t recognize. She waved to him, but it was half hearted at best. Xavier sighed to himself, how did everything get so complicated so fast? He had to find a way out of this hole he dug for himself.

***

Chapter 3

Loretta tried to focus on work after lunch, but the only thing she could see was the image of Xavier and his ladylove. She realized that everything she and Xavier shared would come to an end. She smiled for the first time that day, maybe it was time for her to re-enter the dating scene. Loretta called up an old college buddy and invited him to dinner Friday night.

Friday evening came in a hurry, Loretta got home from work around after five thirty. Carl said he would be by to pick her up at seven o’clock. That gave her an hour and a half to get ready. She went to the answering machine to check for messages; no one had called, so she went upstairs to get ready for her date with Carl.

Loretta decided to do something different with her hair tonight. She thought as she took the hairpins out of her hair. Loretta got her curling iron out of her closet and plugged it in. She would put a loose curl in her hair, just enough to make it wavy.

Loretta had a red dress she was saving for a special occasion. Maybe she shouldn't date another man when her heart longed for Xavier. Loretta expected an enjoyable evening out with a friend and nothing more. Loretta knew she made an error in judgment by telling Cookie about her date. Cookie tried to talk her out of dating Carl; she felt that Loretta was using Carl to get over Xavier.

Loretta didn’t bother to tell Cookie she was way off base. There is no way that Carl can replace Xavier in her heart. She checked her appearance in the mirror; Loretta had to admit to herself that she looked good. Loretta heard the doorbell as she was making some finishing touches to her makeup.

Loretta grabbed a handbag that matched her dress as she hurried to greet Carl. She was a little out of breath when she opened the front door. Carl was almost as tall as Xavier, but he didn’t have Xavier’s athletic build. He looked the same way he did in college, except for the beard and mustache. His hair was beginning to recede, but he was still a handsome man.

Carl came in and handed the box to Loretta. Hello Loretta, you’re looking good this evening, Carl said as he kissed her on the cheek.

Loretta opened the box, inside were a dozen long stemmed red roses. Oh Carl they’re beautiful. Let me find a vase to put them in. Loretta fluttered around her kitchen trying to find a vase large enough to hold the roses.

The roses can wait until you get home. The night is young, and I have reservations for seven-thirty. We had better go, or we’ll be late.

***

Carl took Loretta to the White Horse restaurant on 16th Street in the downtown area. Loretta preceded Carl down the spiral staircase that led to an elegant dining setting done in hues of Burgundy. A couple of feet away from the staircase stood a black baby grand piano. The guy playing the piano could have been more than nineteen. Loretta recognized the Irving Berlin song he was playing, but she couldn’t remember the title.

The hostess seated them in a secluded area in the corner of the room. Loretta had second thoughts the evening with Carl. The White Horse was an intimate and romantic place for lovers. She hoped that Carl didn’t get the wrong idea by her dinner invitation.

They talked about old times and some scrapes they used to get into. Loretta always liked Carl; she knew even in college that they could never have an intimate relationship. When she looked at Carl she didn’t see a potential lover, she saw a big kid she used to have a lot of fun with. How’s your daughter doing?

Carl smiled at the mention of his daughter. Tanya is great; she’ll be entering junior high in the fall.

You’re kidding, the last time I saw her, she was just a little girl. Loretta could still picture the cute little girl with the two missing front teeth. At that moment, the waiter came by to take their order. Most of the items on the menu were foreign to Loretta. She finally decided on the Salmon. While she was studying the menu, Carl ordered champagne for the occasion.

Yes, Tanya’s at that stage where she could really use a woman’s influence.

Loretta’s imagination ran wild; surely Carl didn’t view her as a possible candidate for matrimony. Are you thinking of getting married again?

I got a lady in mind, but we’ve got some problems we need to work through. I mean, I know she has feelings for me, but when she and Tanya get together she treats me as if I don’t exist.

How could a woman not notice you? You’re tall, dark, and handsome. I saw several women checking you out as we came in the restaurant.

So, you think I’m talk, dark, and handsome, huh. If you feel that way why didn’t you let me know before I met Sharon? Carl’s voice grew deep and husky. You may not know this, but I’ve always considered you as the one who got away. Carl said as he covered Loretta’s hands with his.

"Please Carl, let’s not even go there. First of all, you