Craigslist Lover Page 10

  “I promise you’ll pay for every fucking time you touched my sister,” he hollered. “I swear!” He kicked the door, mentally thanking Margaret for informing him. He dug in his pocket for his cell, and dialed. “Brandon, I need a favor. I need you to use your connections with the cops and find out anything you can on my sister McKenzie and her husband, Wayne O’Sullivan. Can they look up warrants in other states?”

  “Yes. Dude, what happened? Angela said you had to leave unexpectedly. Is everything okay?”

  “It will be.” Shawn got back in his car and started it. “I’m heading down to the police station. If you find anything out, call me.”

  “You know I will.”

  Shawn drove off with one thing in mind: finding his sister.

  Chapter Thirteen

  McKenzie woke up early as she always did, and went about her morning ritual in the bathroom. Toby wasn’t on the sofa. She wondered if he’d gone back to work. She was startled when she came out and Toby was there, fixing a cup of coffee. He was staring out the window with his hands against the kitchen sink. He seemed miles away.

  Where had the coffee maker come from? She’d searched all his cabinets looking for one.

  “Good morning.”

  “Hey, good morning, beautiful.” He turned and handed her a cup of fresh brew. “You said your day doesn’t start off without a cup of coffee. Five creamers and six spoons of sugar. Right?”

  He’d barely said three words to her since she’d involuntary become his house guest, so their conversation, even if it was small talk, was a marked improvement.

  “You remembered.” she inhaled the aroma, and then took a sip, savoring her favorite morning drink. “Mmm… so good.” She took another long sip.

  “I don’t want an angry black woman living with me.” He chuckled, making her smile.

  She rolled her eyes and smirked. He obviously didn’t mean any harm with his statement. “We communicated more through texts than we’ve done in the last three days.” McKenzie placed the cup down on the table. “I miss chatting with you, and your corny jokes.”

  Toby cracked his neck, and finally looked into her eyes. “Because every fucking time I see your bruised face, I want to go and finish what I started with your lowlife of a husband, and I figured you needed some space.”

  “This is your home,” she whispered. “I hope Caleb and I aren’t in your way. I’ve been looking in the classifieds for a job and an apartment. I saved up some money. It should be enough for a deposit and first month’s rent, and I owe you for the things you bought us.”

  “You don’t owe me shit.” Toby stared at her. “You don’t have to leave anytime soon. I know this isn’t up to what you’re used to. But I hope it’s comfortable.”

  McKenzie cocked her eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “You lived in a mini-mansion with fancy cars, and, well, I live here,” he pointed out, opening a paper bag.

  “And…home is where the heart is.” She was a little hurt at his statement. “I’m not that person.”

  “I know.” He combed his fingers through his blond hair. “Then why are you in such a hurry to leave?”

  “Because I don’t want to impose myself on you. I’ve put you in the middle of my mess, and I shouldn’t have.” She leaned against the wall.

  “You’re not imposing on me. Sweetheart, I defended a friend, and if I had to, I would do it all over again. I would.” He handed her an egg and cheese muffin.

  “Thanks.” McKenzie opened the wrapper. “I need to find myself. I don’t want to be dependent on anyone.”

  “You can start right here.” Toby sat. “What about that job you were offered a few months ago?”

  McKenzie hadn’t given Mrs. Ferdinand’s offer a second thought after Wayne had shut it down. But was she willing to work with a woman that was married to her soon-to-be ex-boss?

  “Don’t let him control your decision.” He took a bite of his breakfast. “They must have thought you were good at your job. He has a protective order against him. He can’t come within ten feet of you.”

  Toby was right.

  “What’s the worst they can say?” He winked. “Take a chance, beautiful. You might be surprised at the outcome, and if you insist, I’ll help you find an apartment.”

  McKenzie touched his fingers, and her heart started to race. “I’m so thankful for you. Who would’ve thought that a personal ad would have given me my best friend?” She meant it. Toby had become her confidant.

  He placed his hand over hers. “You’ve become so much more…” Toby picked up a box and gave it to her. “No one will ever invade your privacy on my watch.”

  McKenzie smiled as she opened a new cell phone.

  “It’s a pre-paid.”

  She stood, and gave him a hug. “Thank you. I have to call my brother.” McKenzie didn’t want to bother Tee to use his cell. She opened the box, and pulled out her new gadget. “I’m going to step out.”

  “Before you go…” He smirked. “What’s the difference between snowmen and snowladies?” Toby’s eyes wrinkled at the corners as he laughed at his own stupid joke.

  McKenzie shrugged her shoulders. “What?”

  “Snowballs!” He slapped the table, and she shook her head.

  This was what she’d been missing: the real Tee/Toby. McKenzie slipped on the house shoes she’d purchased at the dollar store, and called Shawn.

  “Hello.”

  “Shawn—”

  “McKenzie, you’re okay.”

  “I’m more than okay. I’m finally free from his clutches.”

  “Why didn’t you tell us what that man was doing to you? Why did I have to hear it from other sources?”

  “I was ashamed of myself.” She opened the door and stepped outside, onto the tiny porch. “I never in a million years thought I would be the victim I became. I was a prisoner in my own house.” Her eyes filled with tears. “It wasn’t until he pointed a gun at me and Caleb did I open my eyes.”

  “McKenzie…” Shawn whispered. “My heart hurts that my baby sister has gone through this horrifying ordeal. Wayne painted himself as perfect husband. When I banged on your front door demanding answers, he said that you had been kidnapped by some white man. The same guy that fucked him up and robbed him.”

  “Wait—you’re here, and he said what?” McKenzie raised her voice. Oh God, she prayed Toby wasn’t going to get in trouble. “Tee didn’t rob his ass. He gave him a taste of his own medicine, which I couldn’t give.”

  “Your neighbor Margaret told me that she would hear the yelling and hollering coming from your house. She said she wanted to say something, but her husband told her not to get involved. Margaret also said she saw you the day we spoke. She said your face was bloody and you left with a man in a red truck. The police came by because Wayne filed assault charges against the guy.”

  “He filed charges against Tee?” Her heart raced. “Did she tell them she saw anything?”

  “Calm down, baby girl,” he said. “Margaret told them she didn’t see anything that day, but she did mention all the times she saw you with a black eye or battered. Margaret helped your case. She even mentioned that maybe it was you that beat his ass up.” He chuckled. “They don’t have a lead on your friend, so don’t worry, sis. Margaret is overjoyed that you finally got out.”

  McKenzie knew exactly who her brother was talking about. Her neighbor would wave to her every day as she walked to the park and she could see the concern in the woman’s eyes, especially when McKenzie wore sunglasses.

  “Tell whoever Tee is, thank you. Yes, I’m in town. I went down to the police station and they said Wayne hadn’t filed any missing or kidnapping report. They mentioned you had filed for a restraining order?”

  “I did,” she made it known. “And I filed for divorce online last night. I’m mailing out the documents this morning.” McKenzie closed her eyes, and chuckled to herself. “She was finally free to do whatever she wanted. If she didn’t feel like cooking, then she didn’t have to. No more living in fear of getting beaten for no fucking reason.

  “Praise God!” Shawn added. “Where are you? I want to see you.”

  “I’ll come see you.” She glanced at the other trailers in the lot, and a few of the neighbors just stared at her like they’d never seen a black person before. “See you later.”

  An older, tall, skinny black man came out of his home, and looked her way. His eyebrow rose, and he walked over. “Who are you?”

  She cocked her eyebrow, too. “Who are you?” McKenzie asked with a tad of attitude.

  “I’m Albert.” He chewed on a toothpick. “I’m just not used to seeing black folks in this community.”

  “You’re black,” she reminded him.

  “And proud of it. Me and my wife are the only ones in this park,” he proudly stated.

  She chuckled. “Well, you have company.”

  “I didn’t know lil’ Toby was into swirling,” Albert informed her. “You don’t fit his liking.”

  “And what is that?” She was curious to know.

  “Blonde, brunette, and…” he rubbed his skin. “Caucasian.”

  “There’s a first time for everything,” Toby said, pushing the door open to reveal Caleb smiling in his arms. “Albert, why are you messing with my guest?” He sat next to McKenzie.

  “Damn, you done gone and had a mix baby.” Albert stared at Caleb and then at Toby. McKenzie could see how he’d assumed that. Caleb was of olive complexion, but his hair was curly and his eyes were a hint lighter than hers.

  “Albert, go back home, and stop being so fucking nosy.” Toby played with Caleb.

  “You shouldn’t cuss in front of the boy,” Albert said, going back to his home.

  “He’s right. I’
ll watch my language.” Toby leaned back in his chair. “You can use my truck to go see your brother.”

  McKenzie hoped he didn’t think she was embarrassed about him, or his home, but Shawn could come off strong if you didn’t know him. “He said to tell you thank you for handling something he was on his way to take care of.”

  “He’s welcome.”

  ***

  McKenzie squealed as soon as she saw her brother enter the restaurant. She stood and ran right into his open arms, like she used to when they were kids and she hadn’t seen him for the summer because he had gone to basketball camp.

  “I’m so glad to see you.” Shawn wrapped his brotherly arms around her, making her feel at home. He leaned back, staring at the barely there bruise on her cheek. Her eye was still red from the impact of Wayne’s punch. He caressed her cheek with his fingers. “If I could kill him and get away with it. I would.”

  “I’m fine.” McKenzie placed her hand over his. “I’m alive, my limbs are still functional. Come on, let’s sit. Caleb’s sleeping.”

  “This isn’t the time to be funny.” Shawn followed her over to the table. He picked up the baby and gave him a kiss on both cheeks. As they sat facing each other, she could see how her brother had aged. He had a sprinkle of gray in his hair and now he looked more like their father. It was great seeing her sibling holding her son.

  “I’m not trying to be funny. It’s the truth.” McKenzie shrugged her shoulders. “I’m breathing, and I’m blessed.”

  “How can you be so positive after what he’s done?” Shawn placed Caleb over his shoulder and rubbed his back.

  “I don’t know any other way. Don’t get me wrong, there were days I wanted to give up, end my own life, and then I would remember mom saying, on days when things were rough, that this too shall pass. It took me years for my situation to pass, but it’s in the process of being over. I’m free from the shackles that held me.”

  Shawn stared at her. “Why didn’t you tell us? He could’ve really hurt you, and my nephew.”

  “I was embarrassed about the woman I had become, and I was afraid of what Wayne would do. His threats were real. I called his bluff a few times, and he proved me wrong.” McKenzie leaned back in her chair. “Like I told mom and dad last night, I was ashamed of what they would think of me. I didn’t want to hear ‘you know better than to let a man hit you’, or ‘I raised you to be independent’. I didn’t set out to be dependent on anyone. Wayne made sure I had no other choice.”

  Shawn held her hand. “I’m sorry that you didn’t feel comfortable enough to tell your family the truth. From this point on, I hope you know you can tell me anything, without judgment.”

  “I do…”

  “Now who is the guy that busted Wayne’s ass?”

  “A friend.” McKenzie’s lips curled up in a grin as she thought about Toby.

  “A friend, huh?” Shawn cocked a brow as he grabbed his wallet, pulled out an envelope containing cash, and placed it in her hand. “Here. Where are you staying?”

  “With said friend.” She chuckled, looking at her brother. It was the same look he used to give her when he found out she liked a boy.

  “Do you think that’s wise?”

  McKenzie stopped him from continuing. “I don’t need it, thank you.” She pushed the envelope back his way. “He’s just a friend, Shawn, at least for now. I like him, but I’m not getting out of a relationship to get into another. I’m putting myself first. Toby has been there for me when I had no one, not to fault you or our parents; however, he is who I confided in.” She looked over the menu. “I cried for help, and he came banging down the doors.”

  “Toby. What kind of name is that?” Shawn laughed, then stopped himself. “Oh God, he’s white, isn’t he?”

  “Yep, a country white boy.” She chuckled again.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Toby sat outside on his porch, sipping on a bottle of beer, as Eric strolled up. He was grilling a couple of steaks for dinner, and he’d invited his cousin over. Toby wanted to get McKenzie’s mind off her troubles. She’d left a few hours ago to meet her brother. He couldn’t help feeling like she was embarrassed of him after overhearing her conversation. Why hadn’t she told her brother where she was staying? Maybe the man wasn’t fond of white folks.

  “Why didn’t you mention that she was black?” Eric picked up a beer from the cooler outside. “I was surprised when she popped out of the bathroom. And now, I called you the last two days in a row, and no answer.”

  “I didn’t tell you her race because I never asked her.” Toby took another gulp. “I assumed she was blonde, blue eyes.”

  “You made an ass of yourself.” Eric sat. “You knew her race when you picked me up. Was she stunned when she saw you?”

  “Yep. Her lip dropped when she answered the door and a big, white country boy was standing there.” Toby leaned back, placing his feet up on the small table.

  Eric laughed. “You handled it, though. She seems okay.”

  “She’s not.” He watched the kids playing around the homes.

  “I like her,” his cousin said, matter-of-factly. “She’s funny.”

  “I like her, too.”

  “Nah, dude, you more than like that girl. I saw the way you two talked and gave each other goo-goo eyes. Like you’ve known each other since childhood.”

  Toby watched Albert come out of his house.

  “Do you think she’s going back to that scumbag?”

  He clenched his jaw. “Nah. She won’t.” Toby prayed she wouldn’t. McKenzie deserved so much more. He would move mountains to make her happy.

  “Hope not. Here comes trouble,” Eric said, looking at Albert as he came up with a six-pack of beer.

  “Hey!” He waved, and placed his drinks in the cooler. “How’s your new family?” Everyone in the neighborhood was close.

  “What’s he talking about?” Eric placed his bottle on the ground.

  “Kenzie,” Toby replied. “He thinks we have something going on. Were just friends. They are doing wonderfully, thanks for asking,” he said sarcastically.

  “Just friends.” Eric laughed.

  “What do you know about raising a black boy in these times?” Albert sat in the empty chair. “What are you going to tell him when he is profiled for the color of his skin?” He grabbed a beer, and twisted the cap off, staring at Toby for an answer that he didn’t have.

  He never had to think about being black, and the consequences of being with an African American. Toby swallowed his drink. “I can’t tell him something I know nothing about, but I can try to understand it.”

  “You will never understand what’s it’s like living as a black man,” Albert said with conviction. “You’re privileged since the day you were born.”

  “Privilege!” Toby raised his voice. “Do you see where I was born and raised? This isn’t the life of luxury Albert,” he said, offended. “I will never know how it is to be you, and you will never know how it fucking is to be me!” Toby stood. “When I met McKenzie, I didn’t know the fucking color of her skin. I fell for her heart.” he stormed into his house.

  But Albert was right: he was in over his head with McKenzie.

  ***

  “What did he mean, he didn’t know she was black?” Albert took a long gulp of his beer.

  “It’s none of your fucking business,” Eric finally spoke out. “You have no right to question him,” he pointed at the door as McKenzie drove up and parked in front of the porch and jumped out, waving. “McKenzie is the only one that should have that type of conversation with my cousin.”

  She strolled up with her son in her arms. “What conversation?”

  “Go ahead, Albert. Ask her?” Eric placed his hands behind his head.

  “I asked your boy, does he know how to raise a black boy? How would he explain the ins and outs of being of color?”

  McKenzie glared at the older man. “Why would he have to explain anything to my son, when my son has me?” She walked inside without saying another word.

  Eric chuckled. “I really like her.”

  ***

  McKenzie placed Caleb in the playpen, and went back out to the truck to get the bags of clothes she’d purchased at the thrift shop a few miles down the road. From inside, Caleb burst out crying. Eric went to stand up, but McKenzie stopped him. “Crying won’t hurt him. It’s good for his lungs” She strolled up with the bags.