Jeff grabbed his books, and notebook and stuffed them into the backpack that hung on the back of his wheelchair. He maneuvered himself and his crutches out the door. Even though Paine was small, he needed the chair to get across campus. He reminded himself to concentrate on moving, he was already late. He used powerful shoulders and forearms to control the speed.
He assured himself that he did not need to worry about his mother. For years he’d hoped that Dexter and his mom would get together. He had seen the tender feelings in her eyes when she spoke of his mentor and friend.
The only unknown in the puzzle was Dexter. He was not the kind of man to take advantage of any woman. Come to think of it, women had been notably absent from his life. He had asked him about it once, and Dexter said something about unless a man was able to commit there was no point to it. Just how serious was Dexter about his mom?
For the first time in Jeff’s memory, she was in love. He did not want her to be hurt. She was entitled to some happiness. She had sacrificed so much over the years for him. And the last few years had been rough for both of them.
“Hey, watch it!”
Jeff blinked in surprise, stopping instantly. “Sorry. Are you all right?” His voice was huskier than he would like but the pretty young woman always had that affect on him.
Cora Denton scowled at him. “I know you don’t like me, but it never occurred to me you’d try to run me down.” She stood near the entrance of the library. Her soft dark brown skin was smooth and flawless, her features were small and very feminine. Her slim figure was covered in jeans and dark green sweater. Her brown hair had been styled in a close-cut natural.
“How can you say that?” He frowned as he watched her rub her leg. “It was an accident. I didn’t have my mind on what I was doing. Are you hurt?”
“Not really. Just a little bruised. Geez, don’t worry about it. I’ll remember to keep my distance. You don’t have to run me over to make a point.”
She would have walked away if he hadn’t caught her arm. “I was not trying to hurt you, Cora.”
“Look, Jeff. We both know you don’t like me. Why pretend?” She had felt his angry glance on more than one occasion. No matter what she told herself it still hurt. In spite of his reluctance to have her tag along with him and Cynthia, she still enjoyed his smiles. Why did she have to have a crush on one of her gorgeous roommate’s boyfriends? It didn’t make a lick of sense.
Jeff’s handsome amber tone features were marred by a scowl. He could not take his eyes away from her lovely face. “That’s not true.” He unwittingly smoothed his thumb over her petal soft skin. “Besides, what difference does it make? Cora, you have enough guys chasing after you without me making a fool of myself over you.”
Cora shook her head not believing this conversation. “What are you talking about? We both know you hate it when Cynthia drags me along with the two of you. Evidently, I cramp your style, brother-man.” She jerked her arm away, unaware of the way he flushed with embarrassment.
“Cynthia and I are only friends.” Jeff shrugged, before he admitted, “Her dad helped me when I got myself into a stupid situation.”
“Yeah, she told me. I’m glad you’re okay,” she said softly.
“I’m not exactly okay,” he said, gesturing to the wheelchair and crutches.
“You will be,” she smiled at him.
His breath caught in his throat at her beauty. “You busy on Saturday night? Amistad is playing.” His heart raced with a combination of wild anticipation and dread.
“I’d like that,” she whispered, softly hugging her books close to her small, perky breasts.
Jeff forced himself to look away from their softness. He’s heart hammered with excitement. “I don’t have a car.” He laughed, then said, “I couldn’t drive if I did have one.”
She shrugged. “I have one. I’ll pick you up. Is there a problem with that?”
“Not for me.” He grinned. “Mind if I give you a call this week?”
“Nope. ’Bye,” She surprised him by leaning down and pressing her soft full lips to his cheek, before she whispered, “Took you long enough.” Then she dashed away toward the student union.
Jeff roared with laughter. He didn’t stop until he reached his class.
“Dexter? What’s wrong?” Anthia was breathless from running. He sat at the kitchen table, staring down at the open Sunday morning edition of the newspaper. An untouched steaming coffee mug stood nearby.
He swore heatedly. “I don’t believe this!” He pointed to the headlines.
Puzzled, Anthia read the glaring words plastered in big bold letters on the front page, “Convicted Murderer Who Heads Local Black Youth Center Is Accused Of Sexual Harassment By Female Employee.” Anthia could not believe what she read. “Who could have done such a hateful thing?”
His troubled eyes locked with hers. “I suppose it had to come out eventually. But, damn it, not like this.”
“What are you saying? I know you have not touched anyone at the center.” Anthia was livid. She knew better than anyone that it had taken years before he had finally given in to his desire for her.
“No! I’m talking about the prison thing,” Dexter said in a shocked whisper as he envisioned all that he had worked for dissolving like sand through his fingers. He had struggled to gain the boys respect, something he valued above all else. It was all gone because of a partly true statement.
“Who are they talking about?”
“Reporter is Jason Madison. The woman’s name was not mentioned in the article,” he said tightly.
“I don’t believe this! Why would someone try to ruin your reputation this way?”
Dexter paced the confines of the kitchen, feeling as if the walls were closing in on him. When he slumped against the counter, he snapped, his voice edged with bitterness, “It’s all over. Everything I worked for is over. After this, I won’t have a reputation to salvage. Everything I’ve worked for the last few years is gone.”
Anthia stared at him. Suddenly, her legs were so weak that she had to sit down or fall flat on her face. Sinking into a kitchen chair, she insisted, “You can’t just give up, honey. You have to fight this. It’s a terrible lie!”
He studied her with sad, tired eyes. He fought his need to hold her. “What have I ever done to deserve having you in my life? Not even for a single moment have you doubted my innocence,” his voice cracked from the force of his emotions.
Anthia blinked, astonished. “Why should I doubt your innocence? I know you. I know how you’ve closed yourself off to tender emotions. I know what it took for you to even kiss me that first time. How could I even think that promiscuity is part of your character?”
He signed heavily, “Why would she do this? Why does she want to destroy the little I have left to value in this world?”
“You think it’s Tina, don’t you?”
“Yes,” he said gruffly. “It couldn’t be anyone else. We have less than a handful of woman who actually work or volunteer at the center. I know it wasn’t Mrs. Ramsey, the cleaning woman. And it certainly wasn’t you, baby. It has to be Tina Douglas.”
Anthia shook her head as if trying to clear it. This was not making a bit of sense to her. “Did you have an argument with her?”
“About what? A forgotten telephone message?”
“About her interest in you.”
“Oh that,” he dismissed.
“Obviously, you haven’t taken it seriously, but she clearly has. Why else would she do something so destructive?”
“It is ridiculous! The girl is barely twenty years old. I’m too damn old for her.”
“Apparently, she doesn’t think so. Did she say something to you about her feelings?”
He looked decidedly uncomfortable, when he said, “She was waiting for me after work one night. She was upset because you and I have been seeing so much of each other. She wanted me to know that she was interested in me romantically. I told her as clearly as I could that it was impossible. It was late. I took her home and that was the end of it.”
“Was there anyone else around?”
“No, it was after hours.”
“So it will be your word against hers. Oh, Dex, this is terrible,” she said unhappily brushing her hair out of her face. “Men always seem to come off so unfavorably in these things. So many people almost automatically believe the female.”
“With my past, I don’t even have a leg to stand on. No one will believe me.”
“I believe in you. Our friends are bound to believe in you.” His eyes locked with hers. Then he walked over to her, pulled her up and into his arms. He rocked her, needing her warmth, her assurance as much as she seemed to need him. “It has taken so much hard work to establish that community center and keep it going. I’ll walk away without a backward glance before I let all that be destroyed.”
“No! You love that place and those kids. Why aren’t you fighting mad?”
“I’ve been down this road before, baby. People prefer to believe the worse. After Christine and the baby died, none of our so-called friends supported me,” he said tightly. “You saw for yourself that my own father didn’t believe me. Anthia, without the boys and the community’s respect, I might as well give it up. Hell, I can’t do a thing to make them change their beliefs and follow their hopes and dreams, if the trust is broken. Trust is paramount to what I’m trying to do at the center.”
Anthia vehemently shook her head. “I won’t let you give in to her lies. Her little stunt to gain your attention could send you back to prison. This is no game!” She shuddered at the thought.
Dexter did not need the reminder. He thought of all the new friends he’d made since he’d moved to Detroit. People he respected and valued. Charles Randol had been willing to give an ex-con a chance. In the three years he’d been at the center, Dexter had done nothing to jeopardize that faith. What would Charles think? Would his best friend believe the worst? What could he say? How could he explain something he didn’t understand himself?
How could he fight this? He had no idea how to even start. Hell! He didn’t see how anything positive can come from this. He would be lucky if he had not already lost his job.
“After John Poindexter the founder of the community center died his daughter, Margaret, took control of managing the foundation. She isn’t about to stand back and let everything her father worked for be destroyed. The community center must stay open regardless of the personal cost to any one man,” he insisted.
What was best for the center must come first. For so many of the boys, it was their only link to a better life. The boys were what mattered.
“The truth will come out. You’ll see,” Anthia insisted, running a soothing hand over his chest.
“Always the optimist,” he said, caressing her cheek. “Absolutely. In fact, I think we’ll both feel better after some breakfast. What would you like?”
Food was the last thing he wanted, but he didn’t want her upset anymore than she already was. “Why don’t you get showered and dressed while I make breakfast.”
“Okay,” Anthia brushed her lips against him. Reluctant to leave, she asked “You all right?”
“Yeah,” he shrugged feeling as if his life was once again crumbling around him. Damn it! He had not touched that girl.
Now all he had to do was prove it. What if he lost his job? More importantly, what if he lost Anthia?
Dexter quickly pushed that thought away knowing he was on very shaky ground and couldn’t handle it. Instead, he busied himself looking for the makings of an omelet.
Neither one of them had much of an appetite and were almost grateful for the interruption when the doorbell rang. Anthia and Dexter exchanged a look before she rose to answer it. He was only a few steps behind her.
“Hey, sugar,” Charles Randol filled the doorway, He leaned down to kiss her cheek. At six four he towered over most people, the petite Anthia was no exception. His dark handsome features were set. “Is Dexter here?” Before she could answer he shoved a rolled copy of the newspaper forward. “Have you seen this?”
“Mornin,’ ” Dexter said having heard the other man’s voice. He steeled himself not to so much as flinch as he looked his friend and mentor straight in the eye. “Yeah, we’ve seen it.”
“Well?” The two large men filled the small foyer.
“Well what? Are you asking if I hit on the kid?”
“Hell no! What do you want with that baby when you have a lady like Anthia? What? Do I look stupid?” Charles demanded.
“Never that,” Dexter’s eyes twinkled.
“What did you say to tick the kid off? I assume we are talking about Tina Douglas?”
“Hell, I don’t know anything for sure. From the newspaper article it certainly sounds like her. Who else could it be?” Dexter scowled.
“I wouldn’t put it passed her. That little girl has been after you for months. And what in the hell are we going to do about this mess?”
“Charles, have a seat. Let me take your raincoat.”
“Thanks, Anthia. Diane sends her love. She would have come with me but the baby has a slight temperature and we thought if best if she stay with her,” he said as he handed over the wet coat and dripping umbrella. He settled on the sofa while both Dexter and Anthia shared the loveseat.
“You knew she was interested?” Dexter asked, beginning to feel like a fool. Where was his mind? He hadn’t noticed a thing.
“Everyone knew but you. It was no secret, my man. But I never thought she was vindictive enough to take it this far. How could she play with your life like this?”
Dexter was having difficulty handling his good fortune. He rose and paced in front of the picture window. He didn’t even see the beads of water running down the glass. He was so choked up with emotion that he was close to embarrassing himself. He blinked the tears away. First Anthia’s show of support, now Charles’... it was too much for him to handle easily. He had no comparison.
“Dex?” Anthia said softly stepping in front of him. “Honey,” she said, sliding an arm around his waist. “You all right?”
His eyes locked with hers before he bent and kissed her pretty mouth. “I’m okay,” he said.
Once they were seated side by side, he cleared his throat, then he said, “Before we left for Texas, Tina tried to tell me how she felt. She was upset about my relationship with Anthia.” He swore impatiently, “I really tried not to hurt her feelings. But come on. Not for a moment was I willing to let her believe that I wanted her. It was out of the question. Hell, it had never occurred to me that she wanted a relationship with me. It was crazy.”
“Where did this talk take place? Was there any witness?” Charles asked pointedly.
“No. She was waiting for me after the center closed. She said what she had to say, then I gave her a ride home. That was the end of it. I can’t believe she would go to the police or the newspaper with these lies.”
“She apparently knew she didn’t have a case or she would have pressed charges against you,” Charles said dryly.
“Thank goodness for that,” Anthia whispered.
“What I can’t figure out is how she knew about your past?”
Unable to remain seated a second longer, Dexter paced the length of the fireplace. “It’s certainly not something I would discuss with her. As far as I knew only you, Anthia and Mrs. Poindexter knew my personal history. That was until this hit the fan,” he gestured toward the newspaper resting on the coffee table.
“How could the newspaper print something like that? They have no proof that you ever touched her,” Anthia exclaimed.
“They don’t need proof. All they need is an accusation. The part about my past cannot be disputed, which is more than likely why they went with the story. Like you said before, Anthia, it will come down to her word against mine.”
“This is no lightweight accusation. This affects everyone connected with the center,” Charles hissed impatiently. “It jeopardizes all our goals!”
Dexter swore heatedly. “I know that! Do you want me to quit?”
Charles rose to his own superior height to glare down at his friend. “Don’t be a complete ass. What I want is to see that you are protected and get to the bottom of this mess as quickly as possible. Have you spoken to Quinn?” he asked referring to their mutual friend and prominent attorney Quinn Montgomery.
“No. I’ve been too busy trying to decide what is best for everyone concerned. Man, I’ve even thought about just walking away. I don’t want to do anything that will harm the center. The kids are what matters. The new projects have to go on no matter what,” Dexter sighed wearily.
Although Charles was just as determined as Dexter was that nothing jeopardize their funding, Charles was not about to stand back and let Tina Douglas destroy his friend. Charles said roughly, “If you walk away she wins! Can’t you see that?”
“Sit down, both of you. I’ll make some coffee. You two put your heads together and figure out what needs to be done,” Anthia said before going into the kitchen.
Even though both had reclaimed their seats, they were clearly shaken by this very real threat to the community center.
Charles eyed him thoughtfully before he said, “You’ve invested too many years and comprised your personal safety too often to just walk away from the center.” Charles wasn’t even willing to entertain such a thought. “You’re a good man, Dex. You don’t deserve this.”
Dexter was moved by the other man’s faith in him. Charles Randol was a man he both admired and respected. Charles was a wealthy man who did not have to devote himself or his time to this cause. He did it because it was something he wholeheartedly believed in. The male mentoring program had been his idea from the very beginning. He had put everything that was needed into place. Expanding the center to all parts of the city was another goal that they were determined to find the needed funding for.
“I mean it, man. I won’t let my past overshadow what we’re doing at the center. It isn’t that I don’t appreciate your support because I do.”
The center must remain the number one priority. There was nothing Dexter was more proud of in his life than the work he had done at the center. Even if he left tomorrow, the center would stand alone as his single greatest triumph.
Charles said “Let’s take this one step at a time. When Ms. Poindexter couldn’t reach you at your place, she called me. She wants me to let you know that she’s calling an emergency directors meeting Tuesday morning. She would like you to be there. She also thinks it would be best if you waited until after the meeting before you resume your duties at the center.”
“Okay,” was all Dexter was able to say. His eyes spoke of the anguish he held deep inside.
“We’ll go together.”
“That’s not necessary. I’ve inconvenienced you enough.”
Charles looked at the man who had stood up to him when his marriage had been falling apart and told him the unvarnished truth that he needed to hear. Charles was not about to walk away because this situation was messy. True friends were rare. Dexter was just such a friend. He was not influenced by Charles’ social standing in the community or his personal wealth.
Their friendship was based on mutual respect. It was something they both could count on. Besides, they had been in some tight spots together up against gang members on more than one occasion. Dexter had never failed to stand with him when it came to what they both believed in... the community center.
“I’ll be there.” Charles’ chin jutted stubbornly. “Quinn is due in court tomorrow but he said to tell you he’d be available to talk to you Tuesday afternoon after two.”
Dexter’s brows shot up. “It pays to have friends in high places.” Dexter was choked up. He had no experience with this degree of support and trust. His past had taught him that when he stood up for himself he stood alone. With a history like his, this tremendous show of support from first Anthia, then Charles and now Quinn... it was too much for him to grasp easily.
The doorbell sounded suddenly. Dexter glanced out the front window at the squad car parked out front. He swore heatedly, his face a cold mask of fury.
“I don’t believe this!” Charles was on his feet, his hands balled at his sides.
“What’s wrong?” Anthia looked anxiously from one man to the other.
Dexter was stiff with fury as he reached for the doorknob. “Detroit’s finest. Who else?”
Charles caught her before she could reach Dexter’s side. He shook his head, forcing her to stay where she was. “Let him handle this.”
Dexter faced the two plainclothes officers on the threshold. “Hey, Maxwell,” he acknowledged the man by name. He was a regular volunteer at the community center, which was no doubt how they knew how to find him. Maxwell was aware that he was seeing Anthia.
“Sorry, man. But we’d like to take you down to the station for questioning.”
Dexter didn’t bother to ask why. “I’ll get my coat.”
“You can’t do this! He hasn’t done anything wrong! Tell them, Dex,” Anthia pleaded.
Dexter went to her, whispered close to her ear, “Calm down, baby. The man said questioning, nothing more. They can’t hold me without charges.”
“I’m going with you,” she insisted, glaring at the officers. “You have the wrong man. He hasn’t done anything to that girl. He wouldn’t! He’s not like that!” She struggled not to cry.
Dexter squeezed her hand, kissing her gently. “I want you to say here. You can’t do anything at the police station but wait.”
“Dex is right, Anthia. I’m going with him. Call Quinn. Tell him to meet us at the precinct,” Charles said tightly.
Anthia was trembling all over, but she lifted her chin regally and said to Dexter, “I’ll call right now.” She couldn’t seem to move as she watched Dexter file out along with the others. It was only when the police car and Charles’ car had disappeared down the block that the tears filled her vision.
Forcing herself to inhale deeply, she brushed furiously at her damp cheeks. She didn’t have time for this. She had to get help for Dexter. In her opinion Quinn Montgomery was the best criminal attorney in the country. All she had to do was stop shaking long enough to make the call.