Chapter 12

 

 

“Mr. Henry, how are you?”

Simon shook hands with his former grandfather-in-law. Despite his divorce from Toya, he and Henry had always been on good terms. Still, he was puzzled at the reason for this visit.

“Sit down. Nola, could you get Mr. Henry some coffee please?”

Simon was thrown off by Henry’s sudden appearance or he would never have assumed that Nola would fetch coffee. She was firm in what she would and would not do. Yet she wanted to linger because she was just as curious to learn more.

“Certainly. How’s Miz Cecile?” Nola beamed at the older man as she prepared two cups for them from the pot on Simon’s credenza. “You tell her I said hello.” She hovered near the door after handing them both a mug of fresh dark-roast coffee.

“I sure will,” Henry replied. He dipped his head to her in a slight bow.

Nola walked back into the room. “Sure y’all don’t need anything else?”

Simon eyed her. “No thank you.” He gave a silent signal to leave.

Nola’s mouth turned down with disappointment. “All right.” The door closed softly behind her.

“So, how have you been?” Simon sat in the chair beside Henry rather than behind his desk.

“Good. Can’t complain. And you?”

“Very well, thank you.” Simon felt a rush of contentment. Things were perfect in his view, in fact.

Henry studied him for a few moments. “Son, what I’m about to say might make you throw me out of here.”

Simon smiled. “I can’t think of any reason why I’d do that, Mr. Henry. Even when I was married to Toya, we got along pretty well.”

“Yes, but I know my granddaughter’s ability to stretch the patience of a saint.” Henry fixed him with his well-known sober stare. “I’m talking about all this business with the Dalcour girl.”

Simon tensed. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Son, it’s your father and grandfather’s place to give you advice on your personal life. But I have to say getting involved with that Dalcour girl is–”

“Stop right there, Mr. Henry. My personal life is not open for discussion,” Simon said, cutting him off.

A few seconds of heavy silence followed.

“Fine, I didn’t mean to offend. But I’ve known that family longer than you, son. They’ve got some serious problems. Maybe it’s not her fault who her grandfather was, or her father.” Henry waved a hand.

“I don’t think I want to hear it.” Simon put down his coffee mug. Suddenly his taste for anything was gone.

“I’ve never known you to be this closed-minded, son. Before you judge me, listen to what I have to say.” Henry leaned forward.

“I have a closed mind? You sit here, condemning a young woman, based on fifty-year-old events. You don’t even know Rae or her family.” Simon tried to contain his temper.

“Oh, I know enough, believe me. You do know she was... involved with Darcy at one time. There was always talk about her back in those days.” Henry wore a grimace. “Her grandfather was the same way.”

“Don’t say any more, Mr. Henry.” Simon could feel the pressure building. In a few moments he might say something very ugly to this man he’d known all his life. “Is there any other reason for this visit?” He stood up.

Henry rose to face him. “I thought we knew each other well enough that you would listen to reason. But at least consider the business aspects for our families. That property is important to both our companies, Simon. To sacrifice real economic development for a juke joint is crazy. Think of our community.”

“The Dalcours have a right to decide whether to sell their property.”

“She’s being stubborn out of spite.” Henry put a hand on Simon’s arm. “Since you’re close to the girl, talk to her. Maybe there is some advantage to your being on good terms with them. I want that property.”

Simon moved away from him. “I’m not going to use my relationship with Rae to change her mind.”

“I was young once, Simon. I know how it is to be single and carefree. After your fling is over, that property will still be vital.” Henry persisted in pressing home his logic.

“You’ve made one too many assumptions. What happens between Rae and I is private.” Simon spoke louder as he went on.

“Don’t be a fool!” Henry shot back in a taut voice. “You’re from one of the oldest families in this parish. The Dalcours are descended from field hands. You have a duty to the St. Cyrs and, yes, to the Jove family.”

“That’s nineteenth-century nonsense.” Simon lowered his voice when a cautious knock sounded on the office door. “No wonder Toya thinks the way she does. This obsession with family background is disgusting.”

Nola opened the door just enough to stick her head in. She peered from Simon to Henry. “Everything all right?”

Simon turned around and went to stand behind his desk. He started gathering up a stack of blueprints. “Goodbye, Mr. Henry.”

“We’ll discuss this again, Simon.” The older man held himself stiff, his face etched with deep lines.

Simon returned Henry’s fierce gaze with one of equal resolution. “No, we won’t.”

Henry stalked out of the office without returning Nola’s goodbye. She flinched when the outer door slammed.

“Oo-wee, things got loud in here. Mr. Henry not too happy about something.” Nola looked at Simon expectantly.

Simon threw down his ink pen. “Pompous bag of wind!”

“Yeah, who does he think he is?” Nola threw a glare in the direction Henry had gone. “Think their you-know-what don’t stink.”

“The man is caught up in the past.” Simon wanted to do more than throw something. The veiled insults to Rae made him furious.

“Uh-huh. Just cause his slutty first wife took off. Course he was jealous and mean.” Nola spoke in a confidential manner, even though they were alone. “But then she liked to roam, as the old folks say.”

“Now is that nice?” Simon scolded. Still, he could not help but be amused.

“I’m reporting facts.” Nola shrugged. “Anyway, don’t let him get you upset. Most of the town loves how Rae’s bringing folks in to spend money.”

“The dance hall is a big success.”

Simon had to agree. There had been an increase in the number of people strolling around downtown during the past weekend. He was sure more than a few were either headed for Rockin’ Good Times or on their way out. The few shop owners that opened did a brisk business.

“My friend, Darlene, has an antique store on Front Street. She’s so happy that she’s ready to fight anybody who says a word against Rae. But it looks like she isn’t the only one.” Nola’s arched eyebrows went even higher.

“She’s pretty special.” Simon wore a faint smile. His anger at Henry’s words was fading. “I’m sorry I had to get into an argument with Mr. Henry. I can understand his bitterness even after all this time, but he was out of line.”

“Well, forget him. Let him stay back in the old days while the rest of us enjoy all the good stuff happening now.” Nola gave him the thumbs-up and left.

Simon sighed. He knew she was right. The present was too wonderful, the future too bright, to let anything or anyone spoil it. He was soon so immersed in his next task – preparing to bid to build low-rent housing for the elderly – that he forgot Henry.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Rae never felt so good lugging a weighty bag. The receipts from the dance hall gave her a healthy cash flow. Though the crowds over the last two weeks never matched the opening weekend, she hadn’t expected they would. But the coming summer months looked quite promising. She chatted amiably with the bank teller who handled her deposit.

Leaving the bank, she stopped by several shops to network with other small-business owners. Three black female entrepreneurs had suggested they get together monthly to share ideas and problems. Rae was thrilled for the chance to make new friends. Marcelle had joined them for the first meeting since she was self-employed as a bookkeeper.

As Rae came out of Darlene’s antique shop, she collided with Henry, stomping down the sidewalk.

“Oh excuse me,” she said. Noticing the pinched look on his face, she asked, “You okay?”

“Seems you have a talent for getting in the way,” Henry snarled.

Rae squinted at him. “Good morning to you, too.”

This was closer than she had ever been to the man. Rae studied the expensive white shirt of soft knit cotton and olive green pants. Even in casual dress, Henry Jove looked as though he were on his way to a corporate boardroom. Rae did not feel intimidated in the least by the hostile look stamped on his nut-brown face.

“Young woman, you’ve always been too clever for your own good. That dance hall will only lead to a lot of drunken idiots falling into the bayou.” Henry brushed off his pants as though contact with Rae had soiled them.

“You mean your relatives from out of town are coming in soon?” Rae knew her response was childish, but he had opened the old wound of being an outcast.

“Very funny. You won’t be laughing when folks realize that hole in the wall is costing them tax money.” Henry glared at her.

“What?” Rae put both hands on her hips.

“We’ll need more sheriff deputies to round up the drunks, more ambulances to scrape them off the highway, and more trash collection,” Henry sneered at her.

Rae resisted the urge to slap the superior look from his face. “Get out of my way.”

“You won’t stand between us and industrial development for long, girl. That property should have been sold to Simon.”

“Simon and I have an understanding. And it’s none of your business,” Rae shot back.

“Darcy and Simon had plans for that property that could have meant hundreds of jobs for black people. But you were too selfish and ignorant to see it.” Henry grew more incensed with each passing moment.

“That’s a stretch. Operating a recreational area wouldn’t have meant hundreds of jobs,” Rae said.

“Simon didn’t tell you? That was just for the short-term. Most of the property was eventually going to be part of a new plant.” Henry nodded with satisfaction when Rae looked stunned. “Darcy was going to make it happen.”

Rae recovered. “Darcy? So he lied to Simon. You forget that I know your grandson. Nice try.” She turned to leave.

“I’m not finished, young woman.” Henry blocked her way.

“Look, your first wife preferred other men. Is that my fault? Maybe she was screwing my grandfather. It’s been fifty years, for crying out loud. Get over it!” Rae threw the words at him like well-aimed arrows.

“Shut your dirty mouth, swamp trash!” Henry balled both his fists, his face twisted.

“Grandfather, what is she doing to you?” Toya had crossed the street from a fancy women’s boutique.

“Vincent Dalcour was a lying, no-good–” Henry stumbled back against the wall of the storefront, clutching his left arm.

Rae did not like the ashen cast to his skin. “Take it easy. You look like you need a doctor.”

“Grandfather, come over here.” Toya led him to a wooden bench. She patted Henry’s hand and accused Rae at the same time, “Now see what you’ve done?”

“Mr. Henry, getting worked up over old grudges isn’t good for you at your age.” Rae was concerned. He did not look good at all. “Let’s call a truce. I mean, we both said some nasty things that we shouldn’t have–”

“Speak for yourself,” Henry said. He seemed to be gathering his strength. “I told the truth.”

“Just go away,” Toya put in.

“No problem. By the way, I’ve hired a detective to find out what really happened to my grandfather. I can take the truth. Can you?”

Rae made it a point to stroll away without hurrying. She looked back to see them walking slowly down the street. A few people offered to help. She could hear Henry insisting he was fine. Any concern she’d felt for the stubborn man was gone.

“It’s true what they say. Success is the best revenge.” Rae wore a grim smile as she threw one last glance at the pair.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Rae was so busy with the dance hall that she had not thought about the investigation for days. She was inundated with all the details of running a business. Even with able assistance from Garrett, there was still so much she had to do herself. When LaMar called, she felt a flutter of excitement mixed with anxiety. He gave her a few details, but was reluctant to say more until they met. That he suggested her brothers be present was even more intriguing.

The next day they were all sitting in Rae’s living room. LaMar wanted to get right down to business after the introductions had been made.

“LaMar has done a great job so far.” Rae looked at him expectantly. “But he’s playing the part of the mysterious private eye.” She raised an eyebrow.

“Some news should be given in person.” LaMar glanced at them all. “I’ve traced your grandfather to Uruguay, I think.”

“Uruguay?” Andrew blinked at him. “What the hell would he be goin’ there for?”

“Wait a minute now. What do you mean, you think?” Neville asked.

“Is he there now? What does he look like? Is Estelle with him?” Rae shot out the questions. Her mind raced ahead, trying to figure out how she could leave the dance hall and travel to this exotic place.

“Hold up, one at a time. Let me start at the beginning. I found old records that show a couple got passports to travel there and bought passage on a freighter. They were to work off part of the cost.”

Neville frowned. “But why didn’t the authorities know he was wanted?”

“Somehow all this slipped through the cracks. Maybe they never considered they would try to leave the country. Or they could have paid hush money.” LaMar shrugged. “Anyway, nothing indicates they didn’t go on the ship.”

“But nothing to prove they did,” Rae put in. This all seemed too farfetched. She had a feeling something was wrong.

“No, that’s why I said I think that’s where they went.” LaMar looked at Neville, who nodded.

“But, why Uruguay?” Andrew scratched his head. “I mean what would Pawpaw Vincent know about any place farther than Houston?”

“Maybe he paid more attention in school to geography than you did, Andy,” Neville quipped. “Lots of black folks left, goin’ to other countries for better opportunities. Don’t forget what it was like back then for us.”

“Right,” LaMar added. “Quite a few Latin American countries had economic booms in the early twentieth century. Uruguay was quite prosperous until the late sixties. Black people left America to settle there and in the Caribbean.”

“Doesn’t feel right,” Rae said.

“That’s what I’m sayin’,” Andrew added. “Somethin’ strange about all this.”

“The other thing is this – they could have gotten off in another country; Brazil, for one. If so, it would take a lot of looking with little chance of finding them.” LaMar sat back and looked at all three.

Neville grunted. “In other words, a lot of money.”

“So we gotta decide if we can afford it and how bad we want to find them.” Rae drummed her fingertips on the arm of the sofa.

Neville shook his head. “Rae, I know you wanna keep your promise to Daddy. But you all ready invested several hundred dollars. You got the dance hall that needs tending.”

“The cash flow so far is good.” Rae reviewed all the options.

Neville frowned. “But you got big expenses, remember?”

“You went over the books with me. We’re pulling in a nice profit.” Rae sat forward. She was ready to debate continuing the search.

Neville rubbed his chin. “I know but...”

“Hey, I paid you back a nice chunk all ready.” Rae tapped his arm.

“It ain’t about that,” Neville replied. “I knew the first few days that I’d be gettin’ my investment back. You don’t have to rush.”

“Trisha slipped up and told me about the second mortgage, Neville. I made her go down and make a big payment on that loan.” Rae wagged a forefinger at him. “Within the next few months, I want it all paid off.”

“Doggone it, that woman can never tell a lie.” Neville looked sheepish.

“Thanks for wanting to help, big brother.” Rae kissed his cheek.

“I told Daddy I’d make sure you both stayed straight. Ain’t had much success with that one.” Neville pointed to Andrew with a wry smile.

“Watch out now.” Andrew gave him a playful swat on the shoulder. “So what we gonna do?”

Rae looked at Neville, then Andrew. “I really want to keep looking. But to be practical, let’s set a time and money limit.”

Neville thought for a few seconds. “Okay, sounds reasonable.”

With guidance from LaMar on the cost and probable timeframe, they decided that he should continue for at least another six weeks. They negotiated a flat fee, which included LaMar taking a trip to Uruguay or whichever South American country seemed most promising.

“We might be close to finding out what happened. I just have a feeling...” LaMar lifted a shoulder. “I can’t explain it.”

“Yeah, just like for some reason it doesn’t feel right that Pawpaw would go away like that. Daddy and Tante Ina said he was crazy about his children.” Rae tried to explain the tinge of uncertainty in her gut. “And he’d played around with other women before Estelle.”

“Don’t forget the money,” Neville said with a somber expression. “The money went with ‘em.”

“Then at least we can put all these questions to rest,” Rae sighed. “Either way, I’d like to know if he’s alive. I want to meet him.”

“And her, too,” Andrew added. “Wouldn’t that be something? To be able to get it straight from the horse’s mouth.” He gazed at his brother and sister.

“The plane couldn’t get me there fast enough,” Rae said. Goosebumps rose on her arms at the thought of it.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Who the hell do you think you are, boy?” Henry yelled at Darcy. “I built Jove Enterprises into a multi-million-dollar operation before you were out of diapers.”

“Grandfather, calm down. You haven’t been feeling well.” Toya hovered next to his chair.

They were in Henry’s spacious den. A golf match played out on the big-screen television in one corner. Cecile waved out the housekeeper and closed the door.

“Henry, if you won’t see Dr. Picard, you should at least get some rest.” Cecile tried to plump a pillow behind his back.

“Get away from me, woman!” Henry threw it onto the floor. “I don’t need you pawing at me all the time.”

Cecile drew back, her face pale. “I just thought–”

“Then don’t think. I end up worse off every time you do,” Henry snarled.

They stared at each other in silence for a few moments.

Darcy cleared his throat. “Pantheon needed an answer, Grandfather. They wouldn’t wait around forever to know exactly what to expect from us.” He spoke in a measured tone.

“Don’t talk to me as if I’m senile.” Henry turned his wrath back on Darcy. “I have to hear what’s going on in my own company second-hand at a damn Chamber of Commerce luncheon.”

“Calm down. I’m sure Darcy knows what he’s doing.” Toya tried to soothe Henry. She glanced at her brother out of the corner of her eye.

“Be quiet, Toya. Darcy, tell me everything.” Henry glowered at him.

“Pantheon was not happy about the change. It was touch and go for a while.” Darcy looked pleased with himself. “But I did my homework. I bought old man Trahan’s property. He died last month. After I found his son in Atlanta, he was happy to sell at a good price.”

“Lloyd Trahan sold his family’s property that easily? I don’t believe it.” Henry fixed Darcy with a discerning gaze. “What else did you throw in besides money?”

Darcy stuck out his chest. “I made a few phone calls, so his industrial pipe company will get some of Pantheon’s contracts.”

“Good thinking,” Henry admitted, grudgingly. “But there’s something else…”

“Yes, er, there will have to be some dredging along Bayou Pigeon,” Darcy said.

Henry sat forward. “Haven’t I told you plainly how I feel about that?”

Darcy lost his confident look at the gathering storm in his grandfather’s eyes. “Studies show it won’t affect the water flow. At least look at the reports, Grandfather.”

Henry was silent while the others seemed to hold their breath. “All right, I’ll take a look.”

Darcy looked relieved. “Great. The deal would certainly fall through without making barge traffic possible. And we need to build a road through a section of our land near Bayou Latte to–”

“What?” Henry’s head jerked up.

“Those woods about seven miles down, between Bayou Latte and Valcour Landing. With the change, we’ll need a road to the back of the plant for delivery from the barges.” Darcy wore a look of confusion at the effect of his words.

“No, no, no, dammit!” Henry rose from the chair, his eyes wide with rage. “T-that’s prime hunting land. I won’t have it disturbed,” he shouted.

Darcy stared at him in shock. “A road in that location is critical. We started two days ago.”

“Then you can just stop.” Henry advanced toward him. “Did you hear me?”

Darcy’s expression hardened. “No.”

“What did you say, boy?” Henry asked in a raspy voice.

“It’s time you really retired. I’m going to take full control of the company and I’ll make the decisions. I’m CEO now.”

Henry raised a clenched fist. “Stay away from that property. I-I’ll have you thrown out of my office! My company–”

Henry swayed in a wide arc, his eyes glassy.

Toya jumped up to grab him on his right-hand side while Darcy moved quickly to his left. Cecile let out a squeal of distress. The left side of Henry’s mouth twisted sideways. He slumped down onto Toya, knocking her to the floor.

“Call an ambulance! Oh, lord, Henry! Henry!” Cecile wailed.

 

 

* * *

 

 

Rae leaned against Simon. “I thought he was going to hit me.”

They were sat in his condo, sipping wine.

“Yeah, well, he’s not too happy with me either.” Simon wore a look of sympathy. “I never realized he was still so angry. You’d think it all happened last week.”

“Henry Jove has taken carrying a grudge to a whole new level, cher. The man is a little scary with this obsession. Estelle must have put some kinda voodoo love spell on my man,” Rae said.

“Let’s forget about him and everyone else. For the first night in weeks I don’t have to share you with a hungry, thirsty crowd.” Simon hugged her to him. “I just want us to concentrate on each other.”

Rae pressed her mouth against his, her tongue tasting his sweetness. “Hmm-mm, you got it,” she mumbled.

She strained against him, relishing the feel of his hands on her breasts. Fire raced through her pelvis. A week had passed since they had made love. In short order, both shed their clothes quickly and lay down on the thick carpet. Simon pulled her on top, astride him in one motion.

Rae felt an urgency; she did not want to go slow. Simon responded with the same intensity. Rae moved up and down fast, her hips pumping as he gripped her waist. He came with a loud cry, his body arched, lifting her high. The sensation of him growing even harder inside her brought the sharp, sweet pain of her orgasm. Rae gasped for air as she gently rolled to lie beside him.

“Whew! That was so good,” she panted, and then sighed as a whisper of chilly air from the vent above washed over them.

“What got into you?” Simon’s chest rose and fell rapidly.

“You,” Rae said with a giggle. She stretched. “Good thing this carpet is so soft.”

“Come here.” Simon grabbed at her.

Rae wiggled away. “No, I wanna cool off first. Then we’ll take another ride.

“Better get my Wheaties,” Simon said with a soft moan.

Simon retrieved a pair of pajamas. Rae put on the shirt and he the pants. They listened to a variety of music on his compact disc player, from hip-hop to Mississippi Delta blues. They were so settled in for a cozy night of intimacy that the ringing of the telephone was a jarring intrusion.

“Ignore it,” Simon mumbled. He rested his head against Rae’s neck as they snuggled on the sofa. The answering machine clicked on, with Simon’s voice prompting the caller to leave a message.

“Simon, Grandfather is very sick. We’re at the hospital and he is in intensive care,” Toya rasped in a tearful voice. “Please come. The doctor said he might not make it. Simon, please,” she sobbed. Then there was a click as she hung up.

Simon and Rae sat stunned by the news for a moment, and then he stood up. “I have to go. You understand, don’t you?”

The sweet mood they’d shared was gone. She sat up. “Yeah, sure.”

As Simon took a quick shower and dressed, Rae thought about her last encounter with Henry Jove. He had always seemed so powerful, so in control. Of course, he was only human like everyone else. It would be sad if he died just when LaMar was on the verge of finding out the truth about Pawpaw Vincent and Estelle, especially as it might turn out that Henry had been right all along.

Rae went into the bathroom, showered and dressed quickly while Simon waited. Afterwards, they walked out of the house together and Rae got into her car.

Simon leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I’ll call you later, babe.”

“Okay.”

Only moments ago the night had been magical; a velvet comforter that wrapped them in love. Now there was an ominous feel to the blanket of darkness surrounding the rural highway as Rae drove home. The descending sense of gloom puzzled her. Though she felt sorry for Henry Jove, despite his harsh words, there was something else. A palpable shift in the atmosphere seemed to signal dire events. Perhaps digging into the past had released some kind of negative energy. Rae tried to shake off her morose musings.

Later, at home, unable to sleep, she stared at the television most of the night without really seeing it.