CHAPTER FORTY-TWO



LAVERE’ STOOD AT the window savoring the warmth of his home and the peace in his homeland. The aftermath of the unrest created the perfect opportunity for him and his brother to travel the land and speak openly with their citizens. The very things he was crusading for with his family were foremost in the citizens’ minds. It took their military a few days to stop and capture the resistors. Those who surrendered peacefully were granted an audience with the princes to voice their concerns. It was those concerns that the last few days were used to address.

What seemed to cause the once peaceful protest to escalate was the information received of his plan to marry an American and bring her in to lead the change. Several stated, if he was marrying for love, the woman would be accepted as his princess. But to bring someone into their country, who was not committed to their cause to lead them was not acceptable. Others simply expressed their discontent in being continuously oppressed, with no change in sight. Unrest is never a good thing; too many lives could be affected and lost. LaVere’ chose to look at the positive only and use the negative to avoid future occurrences. The positive was clear. The King now understood the people of the land are willing to sacrifice their lives for equality. He agreed to allow his brother to institute changes within their educational system. Aswan, who is next in line for the throne, was impressed with the planning and execution of the unrest. As a clear sign of the change to come, he placed several leaders from the rebels in the military training program.

His father and brother had made concessions to control the issues in his homeland. Now LaVere’ had to make the same sacrifice. The problem for him was simple; he never went back on his word. If Cynthia was not willing to release him from his pledge to marry her, then he would honor his commitment, but would not take her to Emure. The talk he had with a group of women who supported the rebels played over in his mind. It never occurred to him just how deeply the citizens of the land cared about the well-being of each of the royal family members, even though they disagreed on politics. Each expressed a desire for the members to be happy. The women explained, when you marry someone for love, the devotion is deep. When difficult times come the one you love will fight harder for your cause than you will. If there is no love, the person will disappear at the very moment you need her most. They stated it was admirable of him to make such a sacrifice, but not necessary. They had plenty of daughters available and willing to be at his side, at which time they proceeded to provide pictures of each of them. Instead of providing an escape from the group of women that held him captive, Aswan participated in the selection of several daughters for him to court.

LaVere’ smiled at the memory and stepped away from the window. He was taking his seat when Edmond walked in with Cynthia closely in tow. She ran by him right into LaVere’s arms.

“Cynthia Thornton to see your Highness,” he stated with a smile in his eyes.

He returned the hug, “Thank you, Edmond.”

Once Edmond left the room LaVere’ kissed the cheek of the woman who clung to him. “I’m fine,” he reassured her. He held her at arm’s length, “See, I’m in one piece,” he said smiling.

“I was so worried about you LaVere’. I spoke with James and he told me what was happening in Emure. Are your family members okay? How are Zsa Zsa and Nasheema? Were they hurt?”

“Shh,” he attempted to stop the questioning. “Everyone is fine.”

She exhaled with relief then punched him in the stomach. He pretended to frown but smiled instead. “I’m furious with you for not contacting me for almost a week. You don’t do that to someone you care about.”

“Will you accept my apology?” he asked sincerely.

“I will consider it, if you accept mine.”

“Yours? You have no reason to apologize.”

She placed her purse on his desk and removed her jacket and gloves. “I’m afraid I do,” she exhaled. Standing in front of the huge picture window with the snow now falling, LaVere’ looked to be the prince he truly was. Dark, tall and handsome was an understatement when describing him. But he wasn’t Samuel. She sighed and began explaining. “While you were away I decided I can’t marry you. You are a wonderful man and you do deserve me.”

“Thank you,” he raised an eyebrow.

“Well you do, but you also deserve love. I care about you deeply, but I’m not in love with you. I thought I could settle, but after this week I realized what I would be giving up. With all you have offered me, the jewels, the gowns, the lifestyle, it doesn’t equal the joy true love brings.”

“I see. I take it you and Samuel Lassiter have stopped running from each other.”

She took a step back and glared at him, “How did you know about Samuel?”

“I’m sure you can figure that out.”

“Jamal. That little …..”

He grabbed her hands and held them. “Hey, don’t worry about him, he’s unimportant now. Tell me about Samuel.”

With warmth that reached the very core of her soul, she proudly told him about Samuel. Afterward LaVere’ hugged her, he was genuinely happy for her. “Samuel is a very lucky man to have you. I’m very fortunate as well. You have made what I had to do easy. Because of the situation in my homeland I to had to call off the pending marriage. It was going to be difficult because I respect and care for you very deeply. If it would have harmed your reputation in any way I would have honored my commitment. As life would have it, I now have the honor of calling you my friend. I must say, love apparently agrees with you. If it was at all possible you are more beautiful than you were before.”

“You were going to break up with me?”

“Not without asking your permission first.”

Cynthia tilted her head to the side, “You are such a prince. Some woman is going to be very lucky one day.”

“As Samuel is today.”

“You know I owe all of this to you. It was the way you treated me that made me realize that I was worthy of being a princess. I never thought a man would want me at his side for public viewing. I was always the one they kept secret. Samuel knows and accepts who I am and so does his family.”

“You are worthy of that and so much more. I’m glad you decided not to settle for just me.”

“A fine African Prince, you mean. A girl could do worse you know.” She reached into her purse and pulled out the keys to the Mercedes. “I have to return these to you.”

He closed her hands around them, “No, that was my gift to you. If Samuel does not mind, please keep it as a sign of our friendship.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. But I believe I will return the private jet I ordered for you.”

Cynthia’s mouth dropped open surprised. “A private jet?”

“Yes.”

“Wait a minute, let me reconsider this.” She thought for a moment then smiled. “No, I think I’ll keep Samuel.”

LaVere’ pulled her into his arms and kissed her cheek, “You are a special woman Cynthia Thornton.”

“So are you,” she hugged him tightly. “Thank you for understanding.”

Outside on the terrace, Jamal stood watching the scene fuming. LaVere’ had released him of his duties to be returned to his homeland in disgrace over this common woman. The anger radiated through the very core of him. There was no way in hell he was going to allow the heifer to reign over him or his people. Whether they deserved it or not it was clear he had handled this situation for his Prince, his King, and his country. The woman had to be stopped.

* * *

Brian sat in the office working as the snow began to fall heavier. Magna, his second in command knocked on the opened door, “I think it would be wise to send the staff home before things get worse. You have any problem with that?”

He turned and looked out the window. “It looks like we are going to have some accumulation. No problem. Are you leaving too?”

“Not until later. I have the notes from Sanchez and the Munford case. It’s some interesting information there. Did you know Munford was connected to Al Day?”

Brian looked up. Then he remembered the meeting a few years ago with JD and Al. Al’s right-hand man Tuck gave him a folder with information on Gavin and Munford. Al mentioned they were dirty, but did not offer any further information. “It had been mentioned before. Contact Calvin Johnson in the AG’s office, they have an investigation brewing over there. You might want to confer on that case.” His cell phone chimed. He looked at it and recognized the number. “I have to take this. After you talk to Calvin, go home.”

“Aye Aye Captain,” she saluted.

“Hey, what’s going on?” He said into the cell phone.

“Hey. You know I love you right,” Cynthia declared.

Smiling he sat back in his chair, “Yeah I know you do, although you treat me like crap.”

“That’s because you are always riding my back about something.”

“Probably due to your bad judgment.”

“You’re right.”

Silence ensued. “Did you say I was right?”

“Yes, but you were wrong about Gavin. He was good for me. If it wasn’t for him, I would have been blind to what Samuel was offering.”

Hearing the happiness in her voice was all the assurance Brian needed. “Have you talked to LaVere’?”

“Yes, I’m leaving his house now. He was such a prince about all of this. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for him. I believe he is truly happy for Samuel and me.”

“I’m happy I can finally get a break. With Samuel around, I don’t have to spend every waking hour trying to keep you out of trouble.”

“You will always be the first person I call to get me out of trouble.”

“Yeah, thanks a lot.”

“I have to check on Rosaline and the crew. You know today is a busy day for us. I just wanted to let you know I love you.”

“It’s about time you recognize my value. Be careful out there, the weather is getting bad.”

“Okay, mother hen. I’ll talk to you later.”

Cynthia closed her cell and placed it on the console between the seats. Brian was right the snow was coming down a little heavier. But before she pulled off she needed to tell Samuel. The smile that lit her face at the thought of the man could warm a family of five for a year it was so bright. She dialed the number as an unexplainable peace settled over her. A higher power has decided she was worthy of love after all. She sent up a silent thank you as the voice she had come to love vibrated through. “Hello, You,” she blushed as she placed her head on the headrest.

“Hello, Beautiful. Where are you?”

“I’m just leaving LaVere’s.”

“How did it go?”

“Very well. I think both of us knew what we were about to do was not good for either of us. He is a prince in every since of the word and I’m glad I had the chance to get to know him.” She hesitated then added. “I hope he finds someone that will love and appreciate all he has to offer.”

There was a melancholy sound to her voice. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she relied dismissing the unhappy feelings for LaVere’.

“That you are,” Samuel replied with a low growl.

“Save that for later tonight,” she teased in response.

“Tonight? How long are you going to be?”

Laughing she replied as she turned the key in the ignition. “My plan was to stop by to see how the decorating is going on some of my clients’ homes before going home. That way once we get started, there will be no interruptions.”

“It’s best that you handle your business now. Once I get my hands on you, you will not have the strength or inclination to do anything but lay your beautiful body in my arms.”

Closing her eyes against the images his comments were stirring. She quietly whispered, “Promises, promises.”

“No Beautiful, fact. See you soon,” Samuel replied and disconnected the call.

Cynthia exhaled as she hit the off button to the phone. She put her seatbelt on and pulled off towards Route 301 which was about two miles up the road. Halfway up the snow-covered road, she admired the wooded area with snow covering the trees. It was picturesque, giving it the Christmas feel. If she had her phone she would capture the scene and share it with the girls. Her thoughts went to her friends, Ashley, Rosaline, and Tracy. Telling them about Samuel is going to blow their minds. For the first time in their relationship, she has a man that loves her and wants a future with her. “And I love him back,” she said aloud, “God it feels good to say that.”

In the flash of a moment, the car hit something in the road causing a thump and the car to swerve. Instinctively she slammed on the brakes causing the car to go into a skid on the slippery road. Trying to remember what she was supposed to do during a skid she turned the wheel in the direction of the skid only to go barreling down the embankment. Colliding with several trees the airbag dispensed blocking any view and her ability to steer the wheel. The car collided with something and bounced backward onto its side, then there was blackness.

Jamal stepped out from the other side of the road, looked over the embankment, and smiled. “Better than I imagined.” He picked up the simple garden tool that he used to wreak havoc, turned it over, and pushed the snow around to cover the vehicle tracks. Turning back in the direction from which he came he walked back across the road covering his tracks. Once he was across the road he picked of the garden rake, put it over his shoulder, and walked back to his vehicle whistling a happy tune.

Samuel was just pulling into his building as he answered a call from Brian. “Have you talked with Cynthia?”

“A few hours ago. She mentioned meeting up with Rosaline. Why?”

“No one has been able to reach her for the last hour.”

Samuel looked at his watch, it was almost two. He spoke to her before noon; she should have been back in Richmond over an hour ago. “I’ll call you back.” He hung up and dialed her number. When there was no answer he called Joshua. “I need you to locate Cynthia. Her last known location was Prince LaVere’ Ashro’s home in Hanover around noon.”

“Hold on.” He came back to the line. “What is she driving?”

“CLK350.”

“That has GPS capability,” hold on.

“Her GPS service was deactivated at the beginning of the month. Her car is located in Richmond.”

“Check under Prince Ashro.”

“Hold on,” Joshua came back to the line. “The signal is showing in Hanover approximately two miles from the house.”

“Thanks, I’ll get back with you.” Why would her car still be in Hanover? Putting his SUV in reverse he then dialed Brian. “The car is still on Prince Astor’s property in Hanover. I’m heading out there.”

“Hold on,” Brian said a bit concerned. He walked over to LaVere’, who was in the room talking to JD and James. “Excuse me. LaVere’, may I have a moment?”

“Of course,” he replied and stepped out into the hallway.

“We are trying to locate Cynthia. Have you spoken with her?”

“Not since she left my home around noon. Is there a problem?”

“No one has been able to reach her in a while. The GPS on the vehicle she was driving is showing a signal about two miles from your house.”

“There is only one road leading onto the property and I just used it to get here. Her car was not there.”

Shaking his head, “Something’s not right. “Where are you?” Brian spoke into the telephone.

“I-95 North, I’ll be at his place in twenty minutes.” Samuel hung up the telephone.

By this time JD, James, and Calvin joined the conversation. “What’s happening Brian?” JD asked.

“I’m not sure, but I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

“Details Brian,” LaVere’ commanded.

“We’ll talk on the way to your place.”

“You need backup?” JD and James asked.

The thought of the Attorney General being in the same room with an angry Samuel and an unpredictable Joshua was not ideal in Brian’s opinion. “No JD. You stay here with James. Samuel is en route. Let’s go LaVere’.”

On the way down, LaVere’ called his driver Edmond to meet them at the door. Looking at his watch, Brian exhaled. It was now after three in the afternoon. It would be dark in two hours and temperatures would be dropping. If Cynthia was in the element it could be a deadly situation.

“You are very concerned with this situation. Is there more to it then you have stated?” LaVere’ questioned.

“Yes,” was all Brian replied as he dialed Samuel’s number. “Are you onsite?”

“Pulling off the highway now. Joshua is onsite.”

“Has he found anything?”

“Negative. What’s your ETA?”

“Twenty minutes. I have LaVere’ with me. You have pre-eminence on his property.”

“Ask him if anyone is on site.”

“Only my secretary Jamal,” LaVere’ answered

“I got that,” Samuel replied. “I’m on site. I’ll get back with you.”