“Yeah daddy, we all do,” Gary said.
“Look, I know your grandmother ain't easy to live with, but give it time. Your mother and I need some time to work this out.”
As Garrett drove he thought about that point, some time to work this out, but just how much time was Paven going to need? That, after all these years, he couldn't answer. Their relationship began when they were both in the ninth grade and continued into college. While the two were in their sophomore year at the University of Georgia, Paven got pregnant with Aleana. They were soon married and Garrett quit school to support his new family. He worked any job he could, until he received an offer to join the Atlanta Police Department.
After Aleana was born, Paven went back to college. She was four months pregnant with Gary when she received her degree in chemistry. Now with two young children, Paven didn't want strangers raising their children. She wanted to stay home for a few years to give them a good foundation. Garrett agreed, ain't nothin' worse than bad children, and that's where it began. Garrett took the first of many second jobs.
How could I have let things get this far?
Garrett loved Paven; almost from the day they met. Sure he had been unfaithful from time to time over the years, but they never meant anything to him. Although it may have been a contributing factor, that wasn't what this was about. I took Paven for granted. I was sure she'd always be there. What he wanted now was his family back.
Since he d
idn't have to think about going home to be with his family, Garrett did what came natural. Work. So, as promised, he freed up some time from his case to go talk to Porsche Temple. It turned out to be an interesting afternoon. One that he was looking forward to sharing with Marcus. He pulled in the driveway, parked, and approached the house admiring the gold Mercedes in the driveway. Garrett rang the bell, wondering whose car it was.
“Garrett, come on in,” Marcus said, stepping aside to let him in.
“What's up, Marcus. I wanted to tell you about my afternoon with Porsche Temple, but I see you have company.”
“No, I want to hear what she had to say,” Marcus said excitedly.
“I do, too,” Carmen said coming out of the kitchen.
“Ms. Taylor, I wasn't expecting to see you,” Garrett said and bowed at the waist. “You're looking especially radiant today.”
“Hello, Garrett. And its time you started calling me Carmen.”
“Okay, Carmen, I see we've upgraded our mode of transportation.”
“It was my sister’s car.”
“Her brother in-law gave it to her,” Marcus said quietly.
“I wish somebody would give me a 500 Benz,” Garrett threw in, making his way to the living room.
“What did Porsche Temple have to say for herself?” Marcus asked. Garrett looked at Carmen, somewhat disappointed that since she was there he would have to tell the story without all the colorful details.
“I rang the bell at Porsche Temple's house around three this afternoon. When nobody answered the door, I rang the bell again. This time, somebody opened the door.”
“Yes?” Simone asked through the barred screen door.
“Good afternoon. My name is Garrett Mason. I'm a private investigator.” Garrett held his card onto the door for Simone to see.
“And?” Simone replied, looking and sounding unimpressed.
“I'd like to speak to Porsche Temple. Is she here?” When Simone didn't answer, Garrett said, “Carmen Taylor asked me to speak to her about the murder of Desireé Ferguson.”
“Okay,” Simone said with a change of attitude. “You can come in.” She put the pistol back in the drawer and unlocked the screen door.
“Thank you.”
“I'm sorry,” Simone said. “But I didn't know who you were.”
“I can understand that. You can't be too careful about who you let in your house. I should have called and let you know I was coming.”
“Don't sweat that now, you in here now,” she smiled. “I'll let Porsche know you're here,” Simone said showing Garrett into the living room. For the next fifteen minutes he occupied himself watching music videos on BET. He was caught off guard when Misty and Chocolate walked in the room. “Hello ladies,” Garrett said.
“Hi,” they both said, while Misty unplugged the CD player. Chocolate went out on the deck by the pool and Misty followed behind her. “Porsche said she'll be down in a minute,” she said as she walked out the room. So now Garrett entertained himself watching Misty and Chocolate. It wasn't too much longer before Porsche Temple came into the living room. “Mr. Mason?”