Deadly Love Read online

  "Oh, hey, Elaine! You're here early tonight." The overnight daycare director, Doris, looked at her watch in surprise.

  "Yea, Marsha, let me go early tonight. Is Austin sleeping?" Bobbie asked, causing Doris to shake her head 'no' rapidly.

  "He's been running up the walls since he woke up from his nap earlier today at 12. He's in the playroom with the older kids." Doris stepped aside, letting Bobbie in.

  The women walked through the living area, which was just as cluttered with toys as the yard and made their way past the kitchen into a small, screened-in outside area. Bobbie beamed as she noticed Emilio sitting in the lap of a little girl about five or six, surrounded by toys and mini books. This little playa. "Austin, your mommy's here," Doris called, gaining his attention. As soon as his eyes landed on Bobbie, he tried to wiggle from the little girl's lap. Bobbie stepped over and picked him, rubbing her chilly nose against his warm cheek.

  Milio squealed and cupped his cheek, making Bobbie laugh.

  "Goodnight, Doris." Bobbie waved before pivoting around and making her way back toward the front.

  Stopping at the stand a few inches from the door, she flipped opened the sign-in/out book that sat on top and wrote the time, date, and her signature, then grabbed Emilio's diaper bag from under the stand, where it laid with many other diaper and bookbags. "You ready to go home, man?" Bobbie tickled Milio's cheek with her finger as she opened the door.

  Walking out, she closed the door behind herself and ventured toward her bike. It had a special seat attached for Milio that she ordered online. Since many of the streets were so narrow, a lot of people rode bikes in substitute of cars. There were still many cars but not as many as you'd see on the mainland. Making sure the bike was steady, Bobbie sat Emilio in the seat and began buckling him up securely. She pulled the shade down over his seat a little and smiled at her dumpling as his green eyes focused intently on the gleaming streetlights above. Once she was done, she lifted the kickstand with the front of her foot and flung her leg over the bike as she hung the diaper bag over the handlebars, then took off home.

  Bobbie hit the breaks softly as she pulled into the yard of her upstairs bungalow. Getting off the bike cautiously, Bobbie held it tight as she undid Milio's straps and lifted him out with one arm. She grabbed the diaper bag and made her way up the side stairs to her door. She pulled her keys from her pocket and unlocked the door, pushing it open with her foot. As soon as she entered, Bobbie flipped the switch, causing light to illuminate the small living area. She closed the door, locked it, then slid her shoes off. Stepping over to the couch, she sat Emilio down in front of it.

  He quickly grabbed on to the edge and pulled himself up as he mumbled 'Ma, Ma', drool trailing down his caramel-colored chin. Bobbie pulled off her backpack and unzipped it, taking out the food she had packed down at Larry's. She sat the food and backpack down and pivoted, making her way toward her kitchen. Without switching on the light, Bobbie went to her silverware drawer and pulled out a spoon. Shutting the drawer, she stepped over to the fridge and pulled out a bottled water and Gerber juice pack for the baby. Making her way back into the living area, Bobbie plopped down and opened up her take out plate. She began eating her steak and shrimp tacos, feeding Emilio the extra side of mashed potatoes she had got specifically for him.

  In between eating, Bobbie reached for the remote, turning the tv to the local news. Emilio cruised over to the fire truck that sat on the table and began banging it against the hardwood.

  "Emilio," Bobbie called, holding out a spoonful of potatoes, causing her chunky thighed infant to waddle back over to her.

  After his mother stuffed the warm mushy goodness into his mouth, Emilio shuffled right back over to his truck. Bobbie shook her head and reached for her water. She took a swig, then set it down and grabbed Emilio's juice pouch, and opened it. Bobbie put it back on the table and got comfortable on the couch as her baby screamed and banged to his content. Through Emilio's banging and the news anchor's voice, Bobbie ended up falling asleep. She was jolted awake by a loud crackle, sending her flying from the couch. She stood in the middle of her living area, hands out as she looked around frantically.

  She spotted Milio knocked out on the floor with his juice pouch next to him, and his fire truck discarded under the table. The thunderous crackling went off again, and Bobbie ran to the sliding doors that led to her small balcony. Relief hit her when she saw the clouded, dreary night skin, glad it was only an incoming storm and not what her tired thoughts initially believed. Reversing into the house, she locked the sliding doors and went and scooped Emilio up from the floor, carrying him to his room. Bobbie pulled off his clothing, changed his diaper, and then put him in some warm jammies. She kissed his forehead and walked over to his windows, making sure they were secure. She fixed the curtains and took one more look at Milio before leaving his room and heading back to the living area to straighten up. She trashed her takeout tray, the plastic bag it came in, and Milio's juice pack and put away his fire truck.

  Once she was done, she checked the living room windows and the front door until she was sure they were secure before pouring herself a glass of wine. Bobbie situated herself on the couch and reached for the remote, channel surfing until she found something to catch her interest. She settled on a rerun of 'South Park', sipping on her chilled, white wine. Bobbie was enjoying her drink, and Cartman's off-color jokes when it hit...that overwhelming feeling of loneliness. She had no idea where it came from or why it sat atop her chest like a brick. And most of all, she didn't know why it confused her. She had Emilio. He was there, right in the next room and within easy reach, and yet, she was still lonely.

  Bobbie mingled with her co-workers and locals day in and day out, but the lonesomeness was still there. No matter how many people she surrounded herself with or how much time she spent with her child, she still felt isolated within herself. Even though she wouldn't admit it, she knew why. But Bobbie knew feeling this way was 100x better than actually admitting why she felt this way. Because if she did, she'd have to admit… Emilio's light crying interrupted her thoughts, and she quickly stood to go tend to him.

  ***

  Hip hop music boomed through Larry's Crab&Steak hut as Alissa, David Gomez's daughter, celebrated her 18th birthday. David had decided on their 'Under the moonlight' theme for Alissa, one of Larry's lesser-used themes. He also, to Bobbie's surprise, rented the entire hut out strictly for his daughter's party. Bobbie had planned dozens of parties at Larry's, for both kids and adults, and this was the first time a patron had rented out the whole hut for the night. They got lots of wedding receptions because both side decks were spacious and had phenomenal views, but even they never rented the hut out until 3am. That alone was the first indicator David had money. The second was when he ordered Larry's entire menu for the party.

  The third was when he and his family arrived earlier tonight. They pulled into the lot in a Porsche topped with a huge bow. Alissa was driving, of course. And the fourth and final give away that he not only had money but also might have attained his riches through a few illegal 'extracurricular activities', was his guests. Yes, his guests. Bobbie had spent a year with him, and if that taught her anything, it was how to spot a high profile drug dealer. These dealers didn't look nor behave like the typical dealer. These men exuded power, whether they were surrounded by their crew or not.

  They dressed a certain way, tailor-made suits, and expensive shoes. The cars they drove, most recent models of Porsches and Mercedes-Benz's. The air around them literally screamed, 'Fuck with me, and you'll be six feet under'. And that was the profile of literally every man in the room. Bobbie found herself yet again in a situation dealing with crime lords and had no control over it. There was no way she could have known Gomez, and his 'friends' were most likely on the opposite side of the law since someone's voice isn't indicative of their profession. She was thinking of staying about 30 more minutes then making up some lie to Marsha and David about Emilio being sick and dip the fuck ou
t.

  Being around these types of people scared her deeply. Bobbie was currently collecting dirty plates from the guests' table as she thought up her escape. A tap fell on her shoulder, and she raised a brow, turning slowly. She saw Alissa and automatically smiled.

  "Is there something I can get you, Ms. Gomez?" Bobbie asked politely.

  "Oh, no! I just wanted to say you guys did an amazing job, I absolutely love the decorations. And the food is exactly like I remember when I was a little girl. Thank you so much, Elaine." Alissa beamed then pulled Bobbie into an unexpected, tight hug.

  Bobbie's eyes went wide as she tried to breathe through the restricting hug.

  "I, uh, you're welcome, Alissa. I'm glad we here at Larry's hut could make your big 1-8 special." Bobbie grunted out.

  Alissa let her go and threw her another big smile before bouncing off toward her friends. Bobbie sighed in amusement and shook her head as she went back to collecting plates.

  "I'm sorry if Alissa almost choked you back there, Ms. Stone. She's just pleased with how everything turned out." Bobbie looked up to see Mr. Gomez watching her from a few feet away.

  He was a very handsome man, with his thick salt and pepper hair, his neatly trimmed goatee and his custom-made suit.

  "That's what I'm here for, sir." Bobbie nodded.

  "We used to vacation in Marathon all the time when she was a small child, but ever since we moved to New York, our trips have become less frequent. Since my business trip here fell on the same weekend as Alissa's birthday, I decided why not bring her down. She loved this place as a child, and it was the first spot on her birthday to-do list." David explained, eyes trailing to his daughter.

  "That's really thoughtful, sir," Bobbie replied, trying her best to sound interested.

  All she wanted to do was pick up the remaining plates on the table and hurry back to the kitchen, especially with the way David was eyeing her. It wasn't a malicious stare, but more like an analyzing stare. Bobbie threw him an uncomfortable smile, hoping he got the hint, and Gomez only chuckled.

  "I'm sorry if I'm staring a bit too hard, Ms. Stone, but I believe we've met before, yet I just can't place you." David relayed, eyes squinted a little as he continued to gaze at her.

  "No, I don't believe so, Mr. Gomez," Bobbie said quickly as she hurriedly lifted her dish bin.

  She was about to shit her pants, literally and figuratively. If Gomez was claiming to remember her, he might be right, seeing as how her husband had no qualms about showing her off at parties and functions hosted by his fellow drug dealers after they got married.

  "I'm very sure, Ms. Stone. Have you ever vacationed in Ecuador?" Bobbie's soul chucked up the deuces and left her body at David's comment.

  "Um, no, I've never been outside the country, Mr. Gomez. But if you'll excuse me, I have to go put these in the washer, and then we'll get ready to bring the cake out." Bobbie excused herself before David could reply, making a b-line for the kitchen.

  She dumped the dishes in the washer, then slammed the side door shut, causing the machine to rumble to life. Bobbie huffed as she leaned against the washer, her heart thumping a mile a minute. She had to get the hell out of here and now! If she spent any more time around Gomez, he might start connecting dots and finally realize where he knew her from. But the kicker out of all of this was, Bobbie couldn't recall ever seeing or being introduced to Gomez during the duration of her 'marriage' to that man. Undoing her black apron hastily, Bobbie decided she'd deal with the backlash from Marsha later, but now she had to go. She was making her way toward the employee lockers when a voice halted her. A voice she had only heard twice but knew too well.

  "Well, well, well. If it isn't Bobbie Smith, or should I call you Elaine Stone?" The voice laughed lightly.

  Bobbie inhaled sharply, her heart pounding against her ribcage. Turning as if in slow motion, her eyes fixed on the person the voice belonged to, and her lungs instantly gave out at the sight.

  "Now, now. Don't look so frightened to see me, Bobbie. You're lucky it's me and not my cousin." Andres flashed her a charming smile yet, Bobbie still stared at him, terror gripping her completely.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Andres smiled as he eyed Bobbie, his Auburn colored eyes twinkling with amusement at her fear. If anything, he was the least of her worries. He looked her up and down, taking in her weight loss and new short hair.

  "The Bobbie I knew a year ago was stunning, but this Bobbie," Andres inched toward her, and Bobbie took a cautious step back, making him chuckle.

  "This Bobbie is quite delectable looking. Looks like the kid did you good. Speaking of kids, how's mi primo pequeño?" He questioned, causing Bobbie to swallow hard.

  "Why? If your criminally insane cousin sent you here to get me and Emilio, you can forget it. I'll fight to the death this time, Andres…. I mean it." She inched her chin up, praying this small act of defiance showed Andres that she wasn't scared of him, even though she felt like she was about to shit bricks.

  Andres peered at the brown-skinned woman, letting his amusement fade.

  He could see it…the fear in her face. Her shaking hands. The way her chest rose and fell from her rapid breathing. She truly thought he was here to take her back to Agostino… His cousin didn't even know he was in the Florida Keys.

  "I'm not here to bring you or the baby back, Bobbie. I'm actually here to celebrate one of my associate's kids and mingle a little before my flight back to Colombia tomorrow. Agostino doesn't even know where I am right now." Andres clarified in a serious tone.

  Bobbie stared at him in stunned silence, his admission too much to take in. Andres was here for... Gomez? This tidbit only fueled her need to get the fuck out of Larry's more.

  "Since you're not here to draw me back, you don't mind if I get the fuck out of dodge?" Bobbie questioned as she threw her apron near the regular sink.

  "Aren't you working?" Andres pointed at her dark grey 'Welcome To Larry's' shirt.

  "Yes, but seeing as Gomez is claiming to remember me, I'm trying to slip out before he starts connecting pieces, and word gets back to Ago-..." Bobbie stopped herself as the name started to spill out, her mouth frowning up as if she had tasted something disgusting.

  "Before word gets back to Agostino, and he comes looking for you?" Andres finished for her after a moment.

  Bobbie nodded, and Andres gazed at her thoughtfully for a few seconds.

  "Go. I'll see how much Gomez remembers about you, and don't worry, I'll keep it subtle. I'll stop by later and give you the rundown." Bobbie nodded at Andres' reply and began making her way toward the back exit.

  Something in her brain clicked just as she reached for the handle, and she looked over her shoulder at Andres.

  "You know where I live?" Bobbie questioned with wide eyes.

  "Calm down, Bobbie. I've known where you've been for quite some time now. I'm actually happy that we ran into each other because I've got a lot to relay." Andres threw her a lazy smile.

  Bobbie didn't know whether to trust him, but something deep inside her told her Andres was being honest. Sighing in frustration, she shook her head okay and pulled the back door open and disappeared into the night.

  Hours later, Bobbie was pacing her living room as nerves wrecked her body. Emilio was playing on the floor nearby, surrounded by toys as Hulu played old, 1980's reruns of 'Sesame Street'. After Bobbie had made a run for it, she had texted Marsha that Milio was sick and had to leave unexpectedly and apologized for not telling her upfront. Once Bobbie had her cover story in place, she went and picked up her son. Now...she was waiting for Andres to pop up. She rubbed her hands together nervously as she walked the room. Bert and Ernie began singing on TV, and Milio started clapping. Bobbie paused, watching her baby with soft eyes.

  What if Andres was lying? Bobbie would be putting Emilio at risk by letting him in her home. But...if what he said about knowing where she was all this time was true, then Andres would have appeared months ago. A knock at her door pulled her from
her thoughts, and she turned, going to check it. Peeping through the peephole, Bobbie saw it was Andres. She inhaled sharply, calming herself, then unlocked the door and opened it. Andres smiled widely as Bobbie let him in.

  He stepped into the home and began looking around. The house was decorated in a blue and light grey beach theme and was nice and tidy. His eyes fell on Emilio, and he froze. Bobbie went on high alert as Andres started to move toward her baby slowly, his eyes squinted as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing. He neared the infant and stooped down, catching Emilio's attention. The one-year-old stared up at him in curiosity, and Andres chuckled.

  "Te pareces a tu padre." He told the small child as he reached out to touch him.

  Bobbie rushed over and swooped the baby up quickly, leaving both Emilio and Andres surprised. Andres straightened from his place on the floor, a frown marring his handsome features.

  "Bobbie...I'd never hurt him. He's my family, a part of my family that hasn't been tainted by this lifestyle. He reminded of Agostino when he was-..." Andres began to explain, but Bobbie stopped him.