Page 60 of A Trial of the Heart
“Ms. Robinson is no longer with us.”
I gasped. “Oh no. When did she pass?”I asked, sitting behind my desk.
“I didn’t say she died.” The person spoke roughly.
It was crazy how my mind instantly went to her not being alive anymore. “My apologies. Do you happen to know a way I could reach her?”
The lady on the phone sighed. “I do. However, that isn’t information I can give out.”
After finding out that Rashad dated Arthur’s daughter, it was imperative I spoke to Anita because it was something she knew and hadn’t told me.
“It’s very important… almost like a life-or-death situation.” I exaggerated.
The sound of the phone rustling paired with low annoyed grunts came from the receiver.
“You can reach her at 757-389-2388.” Her voice was just above a whisper. Seconds later, I was met with a dial tone. She had hung up.
Pressing the button to silence the noise, I let out a low sigh before saying a silent prayer. I really needed Anita to open up to me because something was terribly wrong with the case. Seeing that picture of Rashad and Lauryn put a lot of why Rashad’s case seemed off into perspective. Lauryn was a biracial woman that came from one of the multiple affairs that Arthur tried his best to hide. Arthur was ashamed of Lauryn, but secretly, he spoiled her rotten, even at her grown age. One time when I was in the office after hours, I overheard him and Lauryn talking. Neither of them knew I was there, but Arthur had said some vile shit. He loved Lauryn but not enough for the world to know it. He’d never admit it, but his pale ass loved the chocolate but didn’t feel we upheld the image he imagined. The situation was very complex.
Taking my chances, I picked up the office phone and called Anita’s number, hoping she’d answer and agree to talk to me.
“Hello?” she answered on the first ring, sounding exhausted.
I cleared my throat “This is Shiloh Monroe. I w?—”
“Didn’t I tell you not to contact me again?”
I heard the phone rattling. “No, wait. Please, don’t hang up,” I begged. There was silence between us. I almost thought she had hung up until realizing I never heard a dial tone. “I know you asked me not to contact you again, and I’m truly sorry. I am. It’s just… I really need to speak with you. Someone’s life as they know it is on the line.”
“What does that have to do with me?”
What exactly did it have to do with her? I wasn’t sure, but I needed to find out.
“It may not, but I’d like the opportunity to meet with you again so I could ask a few questions.” The line was silent once again. “Please?” I would beg if I had to.
“I will meet you one last time. However, if you don’t have what you’re looking for after this, you’re out of luck. If you contact me again, I will press charges for harassment.”
Hearing her agree to meet me caused a smile, but the last part of her statement forced it to drop fast.
“Understood.”
“Come to 987 Parks Ave and come alone.”
I couldn’t even say thank you before the call was disconnected.There are some weird and disrespectful people in the world,I thought, leaning back in my chair. I truly hoped that after meeting with Anita for a second time I’d have the answers to this mixed-up puzzle.
“Come in.” I spoke in an already annoyed tone because I knew it was either Arthur or William.
I wasn’t in the mood for either of them. The door swung open, and Isla appeared. I sighed softly, grateful I didn’t have to deal with the other two when I was trying to get out the office.
“Hey. You okay?” I asked with a raised brow. Her expression was off putting.
Isla walked further into my office, her heels tapping the floor lightly with each step. “Girl, do you have a tampon? My cycle decided to show its ass early, and I can’t leave the office at the moment.”
I smiled. “Girl, yes.” I pulled the bottom drawer to my desk open. “Here you go.”
“Lifesaver.” She did a happy dance.
“You want to grab lunch in a bit?”
