In Your Arms

Marcus and Yvonne argued about what to do well into the evening. Marcus was convinced that talking to Paris and returning the bag was the only way. Yvonne, on the other hand, hated that plan. She just wanted to get away.

“I say we see the passport guy and go to Africa.” She felt like she was talking to a brick wall. Then it hit her. “You’re right. Going back to LA is the only way out of this.” Yvonne opened a new pack of Bensons and walked to the window.

“Good. I’m glad you finally see that.” Marcus reached for the bottle on the nightstand and poured a drink. He took a sip. “We’ll catch a flight and be in LA first thing tomorrow morning.

Yvonne sat on the bed and took the drink from Marcus in exchange for her cigarette. “We’ll do it your way Marcus.” Yvonne yawned and lay down on the bed. Marcus gave back her cigarette. “We’ll never be safe until we settle things with Paris.” She curled into the fetal position. “And then it will be over.”

Phase 3

The next morning, Marcus called Janice and told her where he was going then he and Yvonne set out for California. Yvonne insisted they fly into San Francisco, catch a flight to Santa Barbara and drive down the 101 into LA. They checked into the Wyndham Hotel at the Airport. As soon as they got to the room, Yvonne called and left a message for Paris to call her message service.

“Paris, this is Yvonne. I want to meet you somewhere tomorrow to return those items to you. And hopefully this will end our relationship without any further need for outside intervention.”

She checked every half-hour to see if he returned her call. Hours dragged on. With nothing to do they occupied themselves ordering room service and watching movies until it was almost 2:00. Marcus had fallen asleep hours earlier, but Yvonne kept up her thirty-minute vigil.

At 2:30 Yvonne called again and got the message she’d been waiting for.

“Yvonne, it’s good to hear your voice again. It’s late and I’m tired. Be at my house in El Segundo at eleven.”

“I don’t think so.”

Yvonne called him back and left a message that Marcus would meet him at Bruce’s Place, a Bar and Grill on West Grand at eleven and he would give him the bag.

“One more thing, Paris. Come alone.”

She started to wake up Marcus, but he looked so peaceful she didn’t want to bother him. Yvonne turned off the lights and lay down next to Marcus. He stretched and put his arm around her. She smiled and went to sleep.

At 10:00 the next morning they left the Wyndham to meet Paris. As Yvonne drove, she gave Marcus a description of Paris.

“You can’t miss him.” She dropped him off on Main Street and West Grand, about a block from Bruce’s Place. Marcus got out.

“Wish me luck.”

“Good luck, Marcus. I’ll pick you up here when it’s over.” Marcus started to walk away. Yvonne got out of the car. “Marcus!” He turned around and walked back. “You know you’ve slept with me for the last three nights?”

“Yeah, and I haven’t even kissed you.” Marcus said as he leaned against the car.

“No, you haven’t.” She kissed him on the cheek then gently on the lips.

“I love you, Yvonne.”

“I love you too, Marcus. When all this is over, I’ll show you just how much.”

“See you, Yvonne.”

“See yah, Marcus.”

Marcus walked down the street and entered Bruce’s Place. He went into the bathroom and took the garbage bag out of the trashcan. He placed the bag in it and replaced the garbage bag. Then he took a seat in the back so he could see the door.

He checked his watch. It was 11:00. He tapped anxiously on the table. His tapping reminded him of the sound of Yvonne’s heels clicking against the tile that first night at the store. He looked up and Paris stood before him. Yvonne’s description of Paris was dead on target. He was dressed in a dull gray suit white shirt opened at the collar, black Ray Bans and wet look hair.

“Marcus, I take it. Yvonne used to speak of you all the time. You wouldn’t mind standing up and opening your coat, would you?”

“I’m unarmed.” Marcus said as he did as he was asked then sat down.

“May I sit?” Paris asked.

“By all means. Let’s get this over with.”