Chapter 48
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
—Romans 11:22
Lawrence and William were in his office discussing the latest problem to present itself: Paris deciding she wanted to adopt Jasmine Noble.
Lawrence knew the truth that Paris thought she knew, but in truth, only knew a part of. Yes, Jasmine Noble was Lawrence’s biological daughter. But not in the way Paris believed it was so.
Paris was convinced Lawrence had had an affair with Jessica Noble. Jessica was dead, as was her husband. And apparently there was no one to take their daughter, Jasmine. Paris didn’t know that Jasmine was adopted, so her conclusion was that Lawrence had gotten Jessica pregnant and kept this secret hidden. Things would have gone on without a snag had the child not needed a transplant. And although someone other than a relative could be a match, Paris apparently wasn’t buying that reasoning.
Lawrence knew that if things escalated and Paris pursued this, it would inevitably come out that Jessica had adopted Jasmine. That would surely bring only more scrutiny to all of this. Lawrence knew it wouldn’t be long before Paris would start putting two and two together. If it ever came out that Gabrielle was the birth mother . . . well, it would definitely be like a glimpse of the full Armageddon to come.
He knew how Gabrielle felt about Jasmine. If she was willing to take him on to save her life, she surely wouldn’t hesitate to do what she needed to do to hold on to her—now that she apparently had her back.
The only option he had was to stop his daughter Paris.
“William, we’re going to have to do something to get my daughter’s attention away from trying to adopt this little girl. If she were to get pregnant with her own child, I’m sure she would abandon this pursuit.”
“I can’t do anything about her getting pregnant now.” William chuckled.
“I know that,” Lawrence said. “I pray she gets pregnant. But if she doesn’t, we’re going to have to find some other way to divert her attention. If she tries to take this child from Gabrielle, then I’ve lost this election for sure.”
“To be candid, you’re already losing this election. You’re thirty points down in the polls. When black folks found out you switched parties and became a Republican and that you’re now spouting off Tea Party talking points, they’re running from you like a man running from killer bees. And those Tea Party rallies with those racist posters being broadcast on television aren’t helping matters.”
“Well, let’s just concentrate on one crisis at a time. You remember that last guy I had you check out for me?”
“You’re talking about Darius Connors?”
“Yes. Him. Well, I need you to put someone on him and keep an eye out on both him and my daughter.”
“Are you sure about this? You know you’re always reminding me that Paris is family . . . that she’s blood.”
“I’m sure. I told Darius that he needed to be careful when he decided he wanted to play in the major league with the big boys. If Paris refuses to heed my warning, then you recall what they used to say when we were growing up.”
William smiled. “A hard head makes for a soft behind.”
“Yeah. She’s grown now. So I can’t control her the way I could when she was more under my thumb. If Paris won’t stop on her own, then I’ll just have to help her. And if she happens to fall on her behind in the process, oh well . . .”
“I’ll get somebody on this pronto!” William left.
Lawrence looked toward the ceiling. “God, help me. God, help us all!”