Crime of Passion (Marcus Douglas 1)

“Where are you?”

“I'm at the Residence Inn.”

“Why, Marcus?”

“Just wanted to get away from the phone. It was ringing off the hook,” Marcus lied.

“It wouldn't have anything to do with Randa, would it? The only reason I ask is that she called for you first thing this morning.”

“It has nothing to do with Randa,” Marcus lied again. “Which reminds me; is Ms. Tiffanie Powers, Attorney At Law, in this morning.”

“Yes she is. You wanna speak to her?”

“No, just tell her she's fired.”

“Excuse me?”

“Tell her that her services are no longer required. Turn all her work over to Simon.”

“Are you serious? You're firing Tiffanie.”

“I haven't decided yet.”

“Now I know your lying. This is about Randa.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because when I told her that you weren't in, she asked to speak to Tiffanie.”

“Nevermind, Janise. I'll handle it myself.”

“You're the boss.” Janise laughed. “Enjoy your vacation.”

“Bye, Janise.”

Marcus got up and laid out a suit to wear. He paused a moment to think about what Carmen would be wearing. And how she'd look in it. He could think of worse ways to spend his vacation. Marcus smiled and headed for the shower. If he was going to be there for a while he would have to stop at the house to pick up some more clothes. He stopped in his tracks.

No. I'm not gonna hide from Randa. I need to face her. Get it over with. She would keep coming until I do. I'm going home.

Marcus shaved, showered, and got dressed. He packed

up his suitcase and checked out of the room. On the way to the Marriott he thought about what Garrett said. Model or not she was just people, no better no worse. In spite of his nervousness, Marcus had enjoyed being with her the night before.

Would she even be interested in a guy like me? Maybe if I just relaxed, maybe she'd take more than a professional interest in me. Nah, she probably doesn't even date Black men.

Marcus arrived at the Marriott at five minutes until noon to pick up Carmen. He went into the lobby, heading for the desk. Much to his surprise, sitting in the lobby waiting patiently was Carmen, and she looked incredible.

Carmen woke up at six, just as she did every morning. Before too long she was dressed in sweats and heading for the hotel gym and the tread mill. Two and a half miles later she returned to her room. Carmen called room service to order breakfast, a cup of coffee, and half a grapefruit. While she ate she flipped through the paper, only to find herself on page three. It was a picture of her standing next to Izella Hawkins.

The caption read; Assistant District Attorney Hawkins promises justice in the Ferguson case.

Once she was finished eating Carmen gave some thought to what she would wear. She wanted to be stunning, without being over dressed. She wanted to look her best when she confronted Roland. Carmen wasn't entirely convinced of his innocence. And she wanted to look her best for Marcus. She wasn't about to pretend that she didn't find him attractive.

Maybe if he wasn't so stiff, Marcus might be a welcome change.

Carmen shrugged it off and paddled her way to the shower, dressed and headed for the lobby.

When she saw him coming, Carmen stood up and started walking toward him. She was wearing a red Douglas Hobbs dress that complemented her features.