Thin Ice 5 - Checkmate (7 page)

She and Angel were big girls now and made life a lot easier for Tamiya who was busy chasing their 2 year old brother around the house most days.

“
I’m going to Chi-Town and get my son,” Pirate said flatly. “If she wants to come back, fine, but I ain’t leaving without my seed.”

Creeper gave his understanding and again told him to simply let him know when they were leaving.

With that much settled the two men pushed the thoughts and plans aside and began to enjoy the barbeque. Pirate received a text, moments later and frowned deeply, rising, and heading inside Creeper’s house for some privacy.

“
Yeah, wassup Gyp,” he threw out greeting their old friend.

“
I got an address for you,” he told Pirate.

The man smiled slightly and asked Gyp to repeat it. Grabbing a pen from the counter in front of him, Pirate wrote down the information on the small pad beside the pen. Thanking him again he disconnected, folded the paper and put it into his pocket, turning to go back outside.

“
So what’s up,” Creeper asked, standing right in front of him as he turned around.

“
Got the address,” Pirate returned.

Creeper nodded and again asked him when he wanted to make the run.

“
We can leave in a couple days, Monday night,” he told Creeper. “Gyp is gonna meet us there,” he added as Creeper smiled broadly.

It would be good to see their old friend, and with him there, they knew they had someone else they could trust watching their back.

*****

Timing it just right, Carlita stepped into the hallway bumping directly into Tariq as he returned from the restroom, spilling the drink in her hand.

“
Excuse me, I’m sorry,” Tariq apologized, catching her as she lost her balance.

“
No, it’s my fault,” Carlita told him, smiling back as she gathered herself.

“
Let me at least replace your drink,” he offered politely.

Carlita smiled and told him okay. Tariq took the woman in, remarking to himself how attractive she was. There was something very familiar about her, but he couldn’t put his finger on the what. She was medium height, about 5’5” he guessed. Soft pecan coloring, wavy shoulder length black hair, with big expressive brown eyes and dimples; her body didn’t leave anything to be desired either he thought once more taking in the firm mounds on her chest, nipples peeking thru. Tariq followed the curve of her waist to the proportioned hips and butt the black wrap dress was hugging at the moment. Her legs were silky sexy in the 3-inch jade green stilettos she wore, matching the like colored accessories.

“
What are you drinking,” he asked as they arrived at the bar.

“
Tequila,” Carlita replied simply.

Tariq chuckled. “You don’t look like you can handle something quite that hard,” he joked.

She smiled again and Tariq had to stop the thoughts taking hold in his mind.

“
I normally add a little coke and lime to it,” she told him as Tariq nodded slightly and ordered what she asked for.

“
Here you are,” he told her as the drink was delivered.

“
Thank you,” she replied, taking the glass from him, their hands touching.

Tariq was shocked by the electricity that passed through him from that one simple gesture.

“
I’m Carlita, by the way,” she told him amiably.

Tariq gathered himself, reeling his thoughts in once more, and gave her his name.

“
Would you like to sit down,” he asked as his mind screamed that he was still very much married.

“
Yes, that would be nice,” Carlita replied as he smiled and stepped aside allowing her to lead the way.

She put a little extra on her walk, knowing he was checking her out. Arriving at the table Tariq pulled out the chair for her and Carlita sat down, crossing her legs. She saw him slyly look her over once more as he took his seat. Smiling as they conversed and she sipped her drink, Carlita thought how nicely her evening had come together.

*****

Kaitlyn was absolutely not looking forward to seeing Ian this morning. The flight had been smooth and Tajdra slept the entire time. She’d awakened a short time ago and been fed and changed. The same car that waited for them upon arrival was now taking them to the address Ian had supplied. Taking a deep breath Kaitlyn tried to stay her nerves. She had a lot going on in her mind and everything was threatening to overtake her at once. Needing something to do for a moment, she pulled out her cell and called Tae checking on Tejdra. Tariq was coming to get the baby later, but Tae had volunteered to keep her until they handled their business, knowing well how the game went. Tae assured her the baby was fine, she and Aidan were playing and having a good time together. Kaitlyn smiled hearing the report, glad Tae and Shell’s son was close enough in age to provide Tejdra company. Disconnecting she turned her attention back to Tajdra. The baby was watching the trees and scenery as the car whizzed past them, smiling intermittently at sights she saw.

The ride went on for another fifteen or twenty minutes before the car slowed and turned onto a private road.
Figures,
Kaitlyn thought of the isolated location. Ian had always been one for extreme privacy so she expected as much. They rounded a curve and she had to catch her breath. The house was absolutely magnificent, almost majestic in fact. Under any other circumstances Kaitlyn was sure she would have been excited to arrive, but not today. They drove up the two mile long roadway, finally stopping in front of the huge mansion in the circular drive. The front door opened and she expected to see Ian emerge, but instead Carver emerged and headed to the car’s passenger door. Kaitlyn got out and followed him to the other side where he opened the door allowing her to take Tajdra from her car seat. The baby looked the bodyguard over questioningly but didn’t cry, still encompassed in her mother’s arms. The driver emerged and opened the trunk, removing their luggage. Carver told Kaitlyn to follow him as he turned and headed inside.

Walking into the house, Kaitlyn again got the feeling of majesty taking in the opulence of the foyer with the huge chandelier suspended above them. The intricate Italian marbled floor beneath her feet complimented the art and sculpture present where they stood.

“
Ice is in the great room,” Carver told her kindly, turning and once again leading the way.

Kaitlyn took another deep breath and followed, arriving moments later at the mahogany French doors. Carver knocked lightly and waited for Ian to acknowledge him before opening the door and motioning Kaitlyn forward. Willing her feet to move, she walked into the room, taking in the antique Victorian furnishings, the black a perfect companion for the cream, teal, and soft lavender also encompassed. Turning her attention finally to the man standing to her immediate left, Kaitlyn’s eyes met his own.

“
Hello KiKi,” Ian greeted her calmly, his demeanor strictly business.

“
Hello Ice,” Kaitlyn returned curtly.

“
This is Ananda,” he told her as Kaitlyn took in the young woman dressed in the nurse uniform.

“
Ananda is the nanny I’ve hired to help me with Tajdra when she visits,” he said smoothly, reading the fury on Kaitlyn’s face.

“
She’s a bit young isn’t she,” Kaitlyn replied.

She had her own ideas of the real reason Ian hired the attractive woman, but didn’t voice them.

“
She’s very well qualified I assure you KiKi,” Ian once again returned calmly.

“
Hmph,” Kaitlyn said simply, dismissing the woman and returning her attention to Ian.

“
May I,” he asked finally walking up to her, looking directly at the baby who was in turn studying him as well. Grudgingly Kaitlyn handed Tajdra to him as Ian smiled and took her in his arms.

“
Hi beautiful,” Ian greeted the baby who was still giving him a curious look.

Fearfully she turned to Kaitlyn, who forced a smile and told the baby it was okay. Tajdra seeming to understand turned back to Ian again as he walked to the couch and sat down, removing her sweater, bouncing her on his knee.

“
You are an absolute doll,” he told her as Tajdra finally smiled at him.

“
You have teeth,” Ian chuckled, seeing the 6 pegs protruding from her gums.

“
She’s 9 months now,” he asked, looking up at Kaitlyn again.

“
Yes,” she replied simply.

Deciding to test the water, Kaitlyn stepped out of Tajdra’s line of sight. The baby didn’t react, still curiously discovering the man playing with her now. Letting twenty minutes pass, Kaitlyn decided she would leave Tajdra with Ian and return to the hotel. She didn’t want him telling the judge she hadn’t let him spend time with his daughter alone like the order was given. Ian instructed the driver to take Kaitlyn to the hotel after she garnered his attention and he gave Ananda the baby. She gave him the baby’s bags, feeding schedule, likes and dislikes before preparing to leave.

“
I’ll be back for her at noon tomorrow,” she told him evenly.

Ian looked her directly in the eye, replying that was fine.

“
Ice,” Kaitlyn began, wanting her curiosity appeased.

“
Yes,” he replied.

“
How did you find out,” she asked and waited for an answer.

Ian smiled slightly but said nothing, opening the front door and waiting for her to leave. Kaitlyn sighed deeply, frustrated that she didn’t get an answer, and walked to the waiting car, eyes closed as she rode pondering the situation and viable solutions all the way back to her hotel.

*****

Tariq glanced at his watch and noticed it was getting late. He needed to head over to the warehouse for a meeting, then pick up Tejdra from Tae.

“
It was really nice meeting you Carlita,” Tariq told her, rising to leave. “I have another appointment, so I’m going to have to leave you now.”

She smiled graciously and told him she understood.

“
I’m leaving myself, so I can walk out with you if you want,” Carlita offered.

Tariq told her that would be fine as the two left the club together. Jacoury had been observing the couple most of the evening after he arrived. He could see the sparks and just hoped Tariq didn’t do anything he would regret. Dismissing it, he headed out for the meeting as well, leaving from the backdoor instead of the front.

“
Am I going to see you ever again,” Carlita asked calmly, looking Tariq in the eye.

He sighed lightly, carefully weighing his answer.

“
Things are complicated,” he told her honestly.

Grunting slightly Carlita addressed him again. “You’re with someone,” she prodded.

Tariq told her he was married and things weren’t good right now.

“
So you need a friend,” she threw back without hesitation.

“
I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” Tariq returned as Carlita chuckled slightly.

“
I don’t bite Tariq, and I’m a damned good listener,” she told him, well aware of his carnal attraction to her. “No strings, whenever you’re done talking, you’re done,” she threw in to sweeten the deal.

Tariq did need someone to talk too. Someone who wasn’t in the immediate circle, who didn’t know the players personally and could just let him talk, give him unbiased advice.

“
Give me your number,” he told her finally as Carlita readily supplied what he’d requested.

“
I’ll call you soon,” Tariq told her, hugging her slightly and kissing her cheek.

Carlita smiled demurely and told him she was looking forward to it. Getting into his car, Tariq backed out as she waved slightly and watched his taillights as they left. The smile she’d been wearing vanished, replaced by the cold, dead, nothing that shone in her eyes as Carlita climbed into her own car, started it and headed out into the night.

7

Jaleesa was about at her wits end with the whole bait and switch she was playing with Jacoury. So far he hadn’t been suspicious of her nights out to play Bingo and Keno, but she knew it was only a matter of time before he started asking questions. She felt trapped with no way out. Kai was making her life even more miserable than usual with his surprise calls and demands to see her. Tonight was one of those. Thankfully Jacoury had a meeting already and Sam had asked to keep Dre, so she was able to accommodate his request. Jaleesa was visibly shaking as she sat inside the small Italian restaurant, close to the back out of immediate view of the front door and away from any windows. She could only imagine what he had in mind for her next. It was as if he derived some unnatural pleasure from watching her squirm.

“
Hi,” Kai greeted her smoothly, startling her from the thoughts and causing her to jump.

“
Oh, hi, I didn’t see you,” Jaleesa replied nervously.

“
You were in deep thought,” Kai replied, looking her over and smiling slightly. “You look nice,” he remarked, liking very much the cerulean blue sundress she wore.

Jaleesa thanked him for the compliment remaining quiet as the server appeared at their table and Kai ordered for them both. Their salads arrived moments later and they began to eat.
Dammit, why won’t he just say what’s on his mind,
Jaleesa thought as she added more dressing to her salad. She hated how Kai kept them in this fantasy he’d somehow constructed of a normal couple, simply dating.