Page 30 of Javier

“I’m going.” Daphne waved a dismissive hand at him.

“How ‘bout I fly you in?”

Daphne shook her head. “No. I’ll ride behind or next to someone. It’ll be fun. Memphis, before you leave, please stop by my house. I have something for you. Your dad contacted me late last year. I had no idea he was dying. I believe he meant you to have what he sent me.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Daphne or Nana, that’s what my other grandchildren call me.”

Memphis came to her feet and walked to Daphne. She leaned over and gathered the petite woman into her arms. It felt so right. “Yes, Nana,” she said softly, grinning from ear-to-ear, her heart full.

* * *

Javier brushed a stray lock from her face and kissed her again. “You packed the journals?”

“I did. I’ll read them soon.” Pops had sent his and Lindy’s journals to Daphne for safekeeping with explicit instructions to give them to his daughter, along with the sealed letter. His note to Daphne was short, indicating she would know when the time was right.

“Call me every so often.”

“You have my location.” She teased. “I might be listening to the radio.”

“I’ll sing to you.”

“You will?”

“Well, I’d try. I’d probably sound more like a frog.” He chuckled, his white teeth and dimples flashing.

Since his talk with Daphne, a vulnerable and romantic Javier was surfacing. She had seen signs before, but now it was freed. Memphis loved it.

“I’d rather hear your voice, Jav. I need your strength.”

He hugged her tightly. “I already miss you, baby.” And released her. “I can’t touch you without burning.” He admitted, sounding winded.

She laughed, somewhat breathlessly. “I have the same problem. We’ll see each other in a few days. Do you really think Nana” —she delighted in saying that, and smiled— “will be okay riding for days?”

“She’s wants to do this. Mom will never stop chewing my ass if she doesn’t ride with us. She’s hearty and healthy. Active. Hell, she’s still doing alterations and creating clothes for the snotty bitches in the Cliffs. She kayaks. Walks miles daily. Reads incessantly. Rides her bike around. Gardens and takes care of her property. She painted her fucking house last year. She plays Bunco and Euchre every week. I think she’s busier than me.”

“Mm-mm. I don’t think so.” They were outside Cabrera’s, where they had first met. Unable to resist, she ran her hand over the fly of his cargo shorts and pushed up on her toes, running her tongue along the shell of his ear, unfastening the shorts, and easing her hand in. “Sweets, I’d love one for the road. Please.” She whimpered, beginning to ride him.

“Woman. You’re going to fuck me to death.” Javier teased, hoisting Memphis over his shoulder, and carrying her to the outdoor shower where he stripped both of them in record time.

“Uh …, reminder. It takes two, sir.”

“The Torch is pleasantly refreshing when you’re hot. We’re gonna burn, baby.” He turned on the shower and pulled her under it with him, devouring her mouth with his.

Memphis got on the road an hour later, sated. She liked to get behind the wheel early in the morning, so this first eight-hour leg of her trip, leaving just before noon, would drag. The GTO’s ragtop was folded down and her soaking wet hair was braided and secured under a colorful scarf.

* * *

Ahush filled the Wake as Daphne entered and made her way to stand in the center of the tables. Tiny, she stood erect and confident, and turned slowly, her dark gaze connecting with every single man and woman in the room.

“Thanks for coming on a Sunday evening when the Wake is closed for business and many of you are preparing for the week ahead. You're probably wondering why you've been asked to be here and at such short notice, with urgency. It’s very simple. One of our own needs us.

“We’re a tight-knit community here in the Narrows. We are more than just neighbors. We are family. Generations of people who have been considered socially and culturally inferior by many who live across the river.”

There was a chorus of affirmations and a lot of nodding. Javier, leaning against the rear wall, was among them.

“Over thirty years ago, all of you here tonight thirsted for and in some way participated pursuing justice for my daughter. All of us in the room knowwhy.” Her gaze landed on Rose. “We are beyond grateful for your survival and are in awe of your strength and willingness to share your story. I love you, honey.”

---