"I have told you everything, Nick."
"I don’t think so. You’re lying about something, or at best you’re not tellin’ me everything."
"Can’t you just listen to what I say without trying to read something into it? But no, you have to analyze every word I say? Can’t you stop being a detective for awhile? Can’t you just hold me?" She moved closer to me and put her head on my shoulder. I felt her heart pounding along with her hand on my chest. I wanted to say something, but nothing came to mind so I put my arm around her. After awhile she fell asleep. I sat there holding her for awhile.
Suddenly she jerked away from my embrace and grabbed a pillow from the couch. Maybe she can’t stand to be held either.
While she was asleep I searched the house. After I searched the bedroom I took the sheet off the bed. When I turned around, I was startled to see her silhouette leaning against the door. The light from the hall seemed to cling to each curve of her body. "Are you lookin’ for something, Nick?"
"I was just getting something to cover you with." I held up the sheet. "You were asleep," I said as she walked toward me.
"I was. But I’m awake now." She stopped in front of me. I thought about trying to kiss her. "I don’t think we’ll need this." She took the sheet out of my hand and let it drop to the floor. I could feel the warmth of her body. She looked up at me and exhaled. "Besides, it’s time we start back to the city."
* * *
Chapter Twelve
I looked at Wanda. Her head was back and her eyes were closed. She had stopped taking notes awhile ago. "Wanda."
"I’m still awake." Wanda answered without opening her eyes. "Where did Rocky go in Soundview?"
"He stopped at a house on Buckner Blvd. I don’t know what he went there for, he was only inside for two minutes."
"Where’d he go then?"
"Back to his spot. I followed him there and talked to him."
"Did you find out anything?" Wanda yawned.
"You know, we can stop for awhile if you want to, Wanda. I can tell you’re exhausted."
"I’m all right, Nick, really. I just need a quick shower and a cup of coffee and I’ll be all right. So why don’t you make another pot of coffee while I take a shower."
"Okay, Wanda."
"And, Nick."
"Yes, Wanda."
"Please don’t leave."
"Yes, Wanda."
"All right now. I’m trusting you."
While Wanda showered, I made a fresh pot of coffee. While it was brewing I wandered around the house. It was fabulous. "I guess it ain’t just drug dealers who know how to live." It was just a house in the old neighborhood that Wanda had restored in grand style. Sometimes I used to wonder what my life would have been like if I hadn’t cut out. Not that I regret the choice I made. The way things were, I didn’t want to live like that, but I wonder. Would I be in jail or dead? Or would I be as fortunate as my friends and grow old and respectable in the game?
I was starting to feel a little tired myself, so I poured myself a cup of coffee. I went back into the living room and stared out the large picture window. Wanda returned to the living room and stood next to me. She looked at me and put her arms around me. Maybe I had that, ‘I need a hug’ look on my face. "What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"Just thinkin’ about the way things turned out."
"What do you mean?"
"You, Wanda. All this. You’re a successful lawyer. You’re all so respectable now. Black and Bobby married. Shit, Bobby’s a father."
"He’s a good father too. You should talk to him."
I chose to ignore her comment.