The view, p.16
The View, page 16
Ross entered Michael’s office and closed the door. Looking at Michael, Ross frowned, because Michael appeared as if he hadn’t slept in days. If it weren’t for the expensive clothing, he would look really unkempt, older even. The weight of the world was on his shoulders, and he appeared on the verge of completely coming undone.
Ross sat in the seat in front of Michael, who clasp his hands together. His bloodshot eyes pierced the investigator, all but begging him to deliver some news. Something. Anything. Good or bad.
“Tell me you have something,” Michael bit out through grimaced lips.
Ross slid the toothpick out of his mouth and slowly shook his head. “Your wife is locked up tighter than Fort Knox. I can’t get a hit on her cell, her vehicle can’t be found, and I can’t even spot her going in and out of work. You sure she didn’t skip town on you? Either that or she’s muthafuckin’ Houdini.”
“Shit!” Michael spat, throwing the charts off his desk. He stood and paced, rubbing his hand across his head. “She just got promoted. There’s no way she’s left, and she ain’t Houdini. You’ve never not been able to find someone for me. She’s got to be getting help from someone.”
Ross looked at him sympathetically. He felt bad for the man. Michael was usually smooth and collected, but leave it to a woman to unhinge even the most put-together brother. Whatever he did to lose her must have been awful, because based on his reaction, she had to be one hell of a woman.
“Look, Michael, I’ll keep searching—”
Michael turned to him and spewed, “For what? The one time I need you, you can’t deliver. Get the fuck out of my office.”
“Whoa! My man, I think you need to calm down—”
“I’m sick of everyone telling me what I should do or am going to do,” he snarled, cutting Ross off. “If you can’t find her, I will. I’m not paying you another red cent. Now, like I said before, get . . . the fuck . . . out.”
Ross understood that Michael’s outburst stemmed from the pain he was obviously feeling. Rather than get into a pissing contest with the man in his own office, Ross decided to do as requested and leave. Standing, he lifted his hands, and then he backed away. “As you wish. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance. Call me if you need me.”
Not bothering to acknowledge him, Michael yanked his leather chair away from his desk and plopped down in it. All he wanted was his wife back. That was it. Nothing in his life meant more. Nothing could go right until she was back home, in his arms, the way she was supposed to be. The way she had vowed to be.
After sliding open his desk drawer, he pulled out the divorce papers and ran his hands across them, then slammed them down on the desk. Holding in his tears, he bent his head down on his knuckles, hoping to find some relief from the pain. He knew he wouldn’t. Relief would come only if Karli walked through that door and told him she was coming home.
A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts at that moment. “What?” he called in an aggravated tone.
The door opened slightly, and his receptionist, Stephanie, peeked inside. “Is everything all right, Attorney Sanders?” she asked, full of concern, having heard part of his outburst all the way out in her area. She stepped inside his office.
“I’m fine. Leave me,” he said, more harshly than he should have.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she nodded. “Yes, sir. If you need anything, buzz me.” With that, she hurried back out and closed the door.
As soon as she left, a ding from his computer alerted him of an important email, letting him know that the universe was determined not to give him a break. He knew he’d have to push back his troubles and refocus on conducting business. Sadly, it was the only thing he had left.
* * *
“Maybe you should take some time off,” Bryson said, and Michael looked up at him. He didn’t even remember Bryson coming in his office or talking to him, he was so far gone.
“Can’t. Work has to be done.”
Bryson stood up and stopped him from signing some paperwork. “You haven’t even read that,” he said, lifting the file from this desk. “At least take a break and go clear your head. I’ll hold down the office here for you.”
Michael nodded and stood up. “Thank you, Bryson,” he said, slipping on his pea coat.
Bryson walked over and patted his shoulder. “It’ll be all right, man. Once things settle, it’ll work out. Just watch and see.”
Michael agreed, although he hardly believed him. Deep on the inside, though, he held on to the fleeting hope that he was right.
Through his misery, he decided it was going to be a bar day; he needed a few stiff drinks. He stopped at his favorite sports bar, found a seat at the bar, and tried to drown his sorrows, and as he finished his second drink, he heard a familiar voice.
“Mike? Big Mike Sanders, is that really you?”
Michael turned to his right and saw his old college buddy Hudson and laughed.
“Hudson Lewis!” He stood slowly as Hudson waved good-bye to the men he’d been with and walked over to him.
They embraced in a one-arm hug and sat down next to each other.
“Oh my fucking God! Mike! It’s been, shit, what? Eight years? I haven’t seen you since we all got together to go on that fellas’ trip to Vegas! How the hell are you?”
Michael laughed, recalling that weekend. It had been hella eventful, and they’d all had more free and loose women than they could shake a stick at. Hudson and Michael had been college roommates for one semester, and he’d loved the fact that this white boy who looked like Brad Pitt had been as cool as any brother around. If you didn’t see his lily-white skin, you’d think he was a born-and-bred black man. Michael hated clichés, but he had to admit that Hudson talked black, acted black, and had a love for black women only.
Hudson’s other distinguishing trait, outside of his appearance, was his money, which was long like a muthafucka, but that was because he was a grinder like his blue-collar father. While his dad still believed in hard work, Hudson nowadays busted his ass to make sure he labored only over how to spend his money. He was a cool dude, he’d been a great friend in college, and he knew how to have a good time, which was one of the reasons why Michael had distanced himself from him. Hudson had been too wild and crazy, and Michael had had to learn how to settle down. It had worked in the end, because, business aside, he never would’ve gotten the opportunity with Karli if he hadn’t settled down.
“Yeah, those were good times,” Michael said sadly.
Hudson nodded. “I can’t believe we lost contact. Why is that?”
Michael laughed. “’Cause your white ass was crazy as hell, that’s why.”
They laughed together.
“I would’ve never been able to get my business off the ground if I’d continued to fool around with you,” Michael added.
Hudson shrugged and laughed. “Touché!” He playfully pushed Michael. “But times change, and people change.”
Michael quickly downed the remainder of his drink. Hudson didn’t know how much that statement resonated with him right now. “I’ll drink another round to that.”
Hudson eyed Michael closely. His old friend looked as if he was seriously going through it. Hudson could tell that he was trying to put up a façade, that something was earnestly wrong. He felt sorry for Michael. He waved over the bartender.
“Give us two shots of . . .” Hudson turned to Michael. “What are you drinking again?” he asked.
“Hennessy,” Michael answered.
“Shit. It’s deep.” Hudson turned back to the bartender. “Two shots of Hennessy,” he said, placing a comforting hand on his friend’s shoulder.
They sat in silence, watching the sports channel, until the bartender returned with their drinks. They touched glasses.
“My dude,” they said in unison and downed the drinks. Then they laughed at the fact they both remembered their old way of toasting.
“So what’s wrong, my friend?” Hudson asked as he sat his shot glass down.
Michael shook his head. “Nothing. Just taking a much-needed break from work.”
Hudson leaned back and scoffed. “You’re really gonna shoot shit to me now? To me? This is Hud. The only time you ever drank anything other than beer in college was when the problem was real.”
Sighing, Michael realized his old friend was right. He’d honestly forgotten how close he and Hudson used to be. Hudson still knew him like the back of his hand, and Michael smiled slightly. Maybe running into Hudson was what he’d needed to lift his spirits, because if anybody could, crazy Hud could.
“Man, forget all that. How’s business?” Michael said, avoiding the question, as Hudson signaled to the bartender to pour another round.
Hudson stretched his arms out. “Straight, baby.”
They both laughed as they fist bumped. Just then Michael noticed Hudson’s Rolex on one wrist and the designer threads he was rocking. Yep, his boy was certified.
“And your business?” Hudson asked.
Michael stretched out his arms. “Straight, baby.” They fist bumped again. “Maybe not as straight as yours, but trust, I’m good.”
“Never a doubt.” Hudson lifted his replenished shot glass.
“So how many women are you knocking down these days?” Michael joked as the liquor started to loosen him up a bit.
“Shit, me? You! You always pulled them! Those chicks went crazy over Mike Sanders.”
Together, they laughed heartily. They loved to poke fun at each other, but they both knew they’d been equal in the “love ’em and leave ’em” game back in their day.
Hudson got serious for a moment. “Actually, my dude, I can’t even lie. I’m not like that anymore. I finally found the one.”
Michael turned to him, wide eyed. “For real?”
Starry eyed, Hudson thought of Karli, and a smile crossed his face. “Yeah, man. I can’t explain it. She’s just . . . She’s it for me. Man, I’m in love. Soon, I plan on making her my wife.”
“Damn! Congratulations! I never thought I’d see the day that Hudson Lewis settled. She’s got to be one helluva woman. And I can tell you’re really happy.”
Hudson smiled at him. “I really am.”
Michael raised his glass. “Let’s toast to it.” They raised their glasses again.
“My dude.”
Hudson noticed the sudden sad expression on Michael’s face. “You wanna tell me what’s wrong now?”
Michael took a long swig of his beer. “It’s just funny how life is. Here you are in love and about to go down the aisle soon . . . And I better get an invite, by the way.”
“No doubt, baby!” Hudson interjected. He and Michael touched knuckles again.
“But you’re going down the aisle, and I’m going out the door. I’m separated,” Michael admitted.
Hudson’s heart sank for his friend. “Damn, man. I see why you’re on a Henny kick. I’m sorry to hear that. Anything I can do?”
Michael shook his head. “Nah, I think her mind is made up. You know what I mean? Can’t do nothing but drink and pray.”
Hudson tapped him. “You know what you need? You need some time with an old friend. My lady has a couple of coworkers who are single and bad. Let’s kick it at my house for old time’s sake, and when she gets home, I’ll have her call up one of them. We’ll all go out for dinner, a little dancing, and maybe you can get a little cut up.” A smile appeared on his face. “Nothing beats getting over old pussy like new pussy,” he joked. They both laughed, even though he was serious.
Michael shook his head. “Nah, man. I can’t do that. I’m just trying to deal.”
“Okay, so forget the cut up. At least come hang out with me, and let’s go out later. Get your mind off it for a little while,” he pleaded as Michael looked at him skeptically. “Come on. It’ll be fun. Not like old times, ’cause I’m a settled man now, but good times. You need a little good in your life right now.”
Michael realized he was buzzed, and decided that it might be a good idea. He did need a release from the agony. He nodded. “All right, man. But I can’t drive.”
“Leave your car. My driver is outside, and he’ll take us. We can get your car later.”
Michael nodded, and they stood up. Hudson paid their tab, and they left the sports bar, laughing and joking about old times.
Chapter 25
As they walked through the front door of Hudson’s mansion, Michael knew his boy was certified. He was worth a small fortune himself, but his boy made that look like a drop in a bucket.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” Hudson said as he closed the door and locked it. “Come with me.”
He ushered Michael into the humongous living room, which had floor-to-ceiling windows affording a fabulous view of his immaculate backyard as well as the city.
“Sit. Let me pour you another drink,” Hudson said.
Michael took his coat off and sat down on the sofa. Hudson poured them both a drink and walked back over to sit beside him. They did their famous toast, and Michael downed the amber liquid in his glass.
“Damn, dude. You’re living hella good. This is nice,” Michael said.
“Fruits of my labor, dude. Only the fruits of my labor. Well, mine, and the new campaign my lady put together has me raking in so much dough, and I didn’t even think that was possible. She’s so freaking awesome, man. Brains and beauty. I swear, I can’t wait for you to meet her.”
“I can’t wait, either. The way she’s got you blushing and bragging, she’s got to be awesome. I swear, man, I’ve never seen you so happy. It’s good to see someone enjoying being in love. It gives me a little hope again.”
“And in love, I am. Never thought that would happen for me, but I must say I’m loving it. I’m loving her!” he shouted excitedly.
Suddenly, they heard the faint sound of a toilet flushing. Hudson paused and placed his glass down.
“The hell?” he asked, looking at his watch. “It’s only three in the afternoon. She shouldn’t be home yet, and the maid doesn’t come back until tomorrow.”
Michael nodded. “Go check it out. I got nine-one-one on standby, if you need it.”
“You better break a bottle and help until they get here.”
They laughed as Hudson got up. He went up the stairs, checked the master bedroom, and was startled to see Karli getting back in bed.
“Jesus, Hudson,” she said, holding her hand to her chest.
He let out a sigh of relief. “I thought someone was in the house.” He quickly noticed her sweaty, flushed face and walked over to her. “What’s wrong, baby? Why are you at home in the middle of the day?” he asked, pulling her close and caressing her face.
“I wasn’t feeling too well. My stomach has been upset. I have something to . . . Wait . . . what are you doing home so early?”
He kissed her forehead. “I actually ran into an old friend of mine from college. I was finished with my meeting, so we talked, and I invited him over for drinks. I was hoping that we all could go out for dinner tonight and maybe you could invite one of your colleagues. He needs a lady friend in his life to get the monkey off his back. But since you’re not feeling well, I’ll just finish hanging with him and reschedule it for another day.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to be the party pooper,” she said apologetically.
He cradled her face. “Are you kidding me? You come first. He and I can hang out anytime. If you’re feeling up to it, though, come down and introduce yourself. He’d love to meet you. I’ve been bragging about you all afternoon.”
She nodded. “Sure. Just give me a moment to freshen up. I don’t want to go down there looking like death, since you’ve been bragging about me.”
Hudson grinned. “You’ll always look beautiful to me. When he leaves, I’m going to take care of you. Make you some soup and snuggle with you. How does that sound?”
“Like heaven.” She kissed him softly and got up to wash her face and put on some clothes.
She changed into black leggings and an oversize sweater and stuck her feet in some black flat shoes before she headed downstairs. She heard Hudson laughing and talking to his friend as she entered the living room.
When Hudson saw her, he stood. “Mike, this is my beautiful lady—”
Michael jumped up. “Karli!” he yelled as his head began swimming.
“Michael?” Karli’s eyes bucked in fear, and another wave of nausea instantly hit her. She lunged for a nearby wastebasket and spewed the contents of her stomach into it. Hudson ran over to her, gave her a napkin from the wet bar, and then turned back to Michael.
“You know her?”
“Know her? What the fuck is this? What kind of games are you two playing?” Michael asked in disbelief.
“Games? What are you talking about?” Hudson asked in confusion.
Karli held on to Hudson for dear life. “Hud . . . Hudson,” she said nervously. “Michael is my . . . he’s my—”
“I’m her fucking husband,” Michael hollered. “That’s my wife. You son of a—”
Before Hudson and Karli could react, Michael charged and punched Hudson clean in the face. Hudson fell on the floor. Karli jumped between them before Michael could continue the beating he was about to issue.
“Michael! Stop it. Please.” She attempted to hold him back as Hudson scrambled off the floor.
He pointed at Hudson. “You knew! You sat in my face and bragged about being with my wife. We were friends. How could you do this to me?”
Hudson shook his head. “What do you mean? I didn’t know anything. Karli’s last name is Fitzgerald. How was I supposed to know that the Michael she was married to was really Michael Sanders?”
“Fitzgerald?” Michael asked, looking back and forth from Hudson to Karli. “So you’re not even using your last name?”
Karli shook her head as the realization of what had happened set in. “No, Hudson knows me by my maiden name from a work project I did before I got married, and the only business cards I had at the time I took on the Lewis Investments account have my maiden name on them. He must’ve thought that Fitzgerald was my married name.”
