Wild Sweet Love by Beverly Jenkins

Chapter 9

Teresa awakened the next morning to dark clouds and the sound of raindrops hitting the windows. Her thoughts slid back to last night and her body echoed with the remembering. Madison had a touch as magical as a shaman’s and the double barrel orgasms he’d wrung from her were vivid proof of his skill. She could only imagine the heights he would have taken her to had he been prepared to complete their tryst. Shaking her head at her shamelessness, she placed the blame for her outrageous musings at Madison’s door, then left the bed to wash up and head downstairs to breakfast.

When Teresa walked by the parlor on her way to the dining room, she saw a White man she’d never seen before sitting and talking with Mrs. Nance. Not wanting to disturb them, she tried to tiptoe by without being seen, but upon hearing Mrs. Nance call her name, she stuck her head in the door. “Yes, ma’am?”

“Teresa, this is Mr. Singleton from the state’s Prison Board.”

She nodded his way. “Good morning.” She hoped her inner wariness wasn’t reflected in her tone. She supposed she shouldn’t be surprised by the visitor’s presence, Mrs. Nance had warned her that a person from the board might come around to check on her progress. That he might be here because the board wanted to reverse her release was the first thing that came to mind, though. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she waited for him to speak.

“Come in and take a seat,” he said.

The gray-haired man’s chilly blue eyes revealed nothing. Casting a quick glance at Mrs. Nance, she took a seat.

“I’m here to evaluate your progress,” he stated. “How are you and Mrs. Nance faring?”

“Fine. At least I think so.”

She looked to Molly, who said, “I’m pleased to have Teresa here.”

The man was writing on some papers. He asked gruffly, “No inappropriate behavior or language?”

Molly replied, “No.”

“Any problems with morals?”

“None.”

“Liquor?” His eyes speared Teresa.

“No.”

“Has she had any contact with people you’d consider bad influences?”

“No.”

He continued writing, then looked up and fixed his gaze on Teresa again. “Being treated well?”

“Yes, sir. Very well.”

“What kind of things are you learning that’ll keep you from turning back to crime?”

Teresa was glad she had an answer. “I can sew now. I also know how to run a household and use modern appliances. Mrs. Nance lets me read the morning newspaper to her, so I know what’s going on in the world. I attend church at Mother Bethel, and volunteer there too.” It was impossible for her to tell if her answers met with his approval or not.

“You know that any trouble will send you back.”

She nodded. “The warden warned me the day I was released.”

“Make sure you remember.” Gathering up his papers, he stood. “Thank you, Mrs. Nance.”

“I’ll show you to the door.”

Before exiting, he sent Teresa one last chilling look, then followed Mrs. Nance out of the room.

When Molly returned, Teresa drawled, “That was fun. Got the feeling that if I hadn’t rattled off all that stuff you made me learn, I’d be on my way back.”

“He was rather brusque.”

“Knowing he’s the one looking over my shoulder will definitely keep me on the straight and narrow.” She could still feel his cold stare.

“Whatever it takes, dear. I told you all that lady stuff would come in handy.”

Teresa agreed up to a point. She still thought learning to arrange flowers was a waste of time, but Mrs. Nance had insisted on her mastering that art as well. “How often do you think he’s going to come around?”

“In the past, the parole board agents used to come every two weeks, but now they are so overworked and underpaid, we may see him again in a month’s time or never see him again.”

“I vote for the latter.”

“Don’t much blame you, but either way, your rehabilitation is coming along just fine. You’re well on your way to becoming a lady.”

Teresa wasn’t sure she liked hearing that, but she appreciated the praise.

“I was praying you weren’t wearing your leathers when I heard you in the hall. Had you not been properly dressed he might have held that against you.”

Teresa blessed her skirt for the very first time. “Then I’m glad I was too. Not because of me but because I wouldn’t want my actions to reflect badly on you for anything in the world.”

“I appreciate that, Teresa.”

“You’re welcome.”

Thunder boomed outside. It had been raining since last night.

“Doesn’t look like there’ll be any riding this morning,” Mrs. Nance said.

“I know.” Teresa was disappointed. She’d been looking forward to saddling up Hannibal. “Maybe tomorrow. Have you eaten?”

“No. I was just getting my coffee when Mr. Singleton arrived. Shall we go into the dining room?”

A thought occurred to Teresa then. What happened to her drawers last night after Madison removed them? She didn’t remember having them on, or in hand when she went to bed last night. Dios! Are they still outside!

“Are you all right, dear?”

Teresa’s attention snapped back to Mrs. Nance. “Um, yes, ma’am. I was daydreaming somewhere again, I guess.”

“You sure? You looked ill for a moment.”

“I’m fine.”

Mrs. Nance didn’t appear convinced but didn’t press the matter.

Following her to the dining room, Teresa looked out of the windows at the pouring rain and prayed she’d have a chance to go out and search the area by the gazebo before someone else found them.

Last night, Madison had driven halfway home when he remembered that Teresa’s drawers had been left on the ground in the gazebo. Turning the buggy around, he’d quickly driven back to retrieve them. Now, with his morning cup of coffee in hand, he glanced over at them folded neatly on the fireplace mantel in his bedroom. What a woman. Just thinking back made his manhood rise, and neither it nor he could wait to take her fully.

Banishing thoughts of her and her tempting loveliness for a moment, he swung his mind back to another interesting encounter he’d had last night. A few hours after his return home, Ben had stopped by. Accompanying him had been a young woman he’d introduced as Charlotte Richards—Dawson Richards’s wife and the mother of his children. Madison had been surprised to say the least. Ben learned of the woman’s existence through contacts he had in New Orleans. Madison had hoped the feelers Ben said he would put out on Richards would produce fruit, but he never imagined anything as damning as a wife and children, especially not a wife and children Richards had deserted. According to her story, before being approached in New Orleans by Ben’s friends, she’d no idea where her husband was residing or if he was even alive. He’d left Louisiana two and a half years ago to look for work, promised to write, give her his location as soon as he settled, and send money for her and his children. She never heard from him again.

Madison took a sip of his coffee while the rain continued to come down outside and shook his head over Richards’s shabby treatment of his family. While his wife and children were struggling to make ends meet, Richards was in Philadelphia getting fat on bribes and living in a mansion like a Medici prince.

Getting up, he walked to the window and looked out at the gray day. With his blessing, Ben planned to arrange legal representation for Richards’s wife. She’d come north with her marriage certificate and the certificates that documented the births of the Richards children so there would be no question as to the validity of her claim. As far as Madison could tell, Dawson Richards had two choices. He could pay Charlotte to go away and remain silent, but considering how furious the woman had been upon hearing how her husband now made his living, Richards would be lucky to have carfare left when she finished suing him for abandonment. Or the ward boss could opt for the second choice—meet her in court and risk airing his dirty laundry for the whole city to see. Madison smiled. Either way, Richards was damned. The Republican Party certainly wasn’t going to applaud when news of Charlotte’s existence came to light. Hopefully, they’d toss him over for someone with a cleaner reputation.

To set that process in motion, Madison gave Ben the name of an old friend who could duplicate Charlotte’s documents. The man had served time for forgery. Although he had gone to jail and paid his debt to society, he could be counted on to produce quality copies of whatever one needed. Even better, he was discreet.

As soon as the copies were completed and the originals placed in a bank vault Ben kept downtown, Madison planned to mail one set of documents to the party and the other to the local newspapers.

Madison set his cup down and stepped onto the balcony. The spray of the rain brushed his face, but it was a warm muggy day and the rain was warm as well. The arsonist they were hunting hadn’t been found yet, but the search was ongoing. With all of the merchants in the area asking questions, and with his and Ben’s people doing the same, Madison knew it wouldn’t be long now, unless the person had left town. At the last meeting of the association, the members had voted to offer a reward to anyone who came forward with information that led to an arrest. He hoped that would up the pressure.

In the meantime, he could do nothing but wait, wait, and think of Teresa. He went back inside, left the door open to catch the breeze, and walked to his closet to get dressed and start the second day of his holiday from work.

As he made final adjustments to his tie in the mirror, his attention strayed to Teresa’s folded drawers lying so innocently on his mantel. Grinning at the prospect of returning them to her for a most sensual price, he gave his short-cut hair a quick brushing then left the house.

He didn’t get far. Standing by his carriage under an umbrella held by a drenched but ape-sized underling in a shabby coat was Dawson Richards. “’Morning, Nance.”

From under his own umbrella Madison returned the greeting, adding, “What can I do for you, Richards?”

The ward boss flashed his predator smile. “I’m growing impatient with your continued refusals to support the party.”

“And?”

“So, I’ve decided to push you a bit.”

Madison waited silently.

“What would your bank customers say if they knew one of the country’s most violent criminals was within a hand’s reach of their hard-earned deposits?”

Madison held his temper in check. “And this violent criminal would be whom?”

“Don’t play ignorant, Nance, it’s beneath both of us. You know that there’s little going on in the ward that escapes me. And if something does, I have friends downtown to alert me.”

“So, what are you proposing?” Madison had no intentions of capitulating, and how Richards found out about Teresa didn’t matter now that the cat was out of the bag. What did matter was that Madison didn’t care if every bank customer on his ledgers withdrew their funds. No way would he lend his name or influence to further Richards’s corrupt ambitions.

“I’m proposing that you come out in support of me for City Council and I’ll keep quiet about Miss July. I assume that was her with you at Watson’s.”

“Assume whatever you like, Richards, but the answer is still no. You’ll have to excuse me. I’m late.”

The ape with the umbrella made a move to step forward, but the pistol suddenly in Madison’s hand and aimed at his large chest made the big man blink, then stop.

“Are you going to let me pass or do I shoot your boss?”

Richards’s eyes widened with alarm, then he calmed himself. “You wouldn’t shoot me on a public street.”

“You sure of that?” Madison waited. The gun never wavered.

Richards saw the calm purpose in Madison’s eyes and he growled. “Let him pass.”

“Thank you.”

“This isn’t the end, Nance,” Richards threatened. “I’m sure the newspapers will be interested in knowing there’s a criminal in their midst.”

Madison thought about Charlotte Richards. “I’m sure they will.”

Without a further word, he got into his carriage and directed his horse up the street without looking back.

When Madison had been an adolescent, Harold and Daphne Carter moved to the Thirtieth Ward, where the residents were far removed both socially and economically from their racial brethren in the Fifth and Seventh wards. The houses there were grander, and not interspersed with political clubs, loitering men, or gaming houses. These were the homes of what researcher W.E.B. Dubois called the race’s “Talented Tenth.”

Madison left his horse and buggy at the curb and went to the door. The Carters’ blond maid, a recent Swedish immigrant, ushered him in and directed him to the parlor while she went to get her employers. Madison had asked her to announce him to both Carter and his wife. Only because of his father’s ties to Harold had Madison come, otherwise he wouldn’t have cared beans about Paula and Dawson Richards, but the men had been friends, and Madison saw it as his duty to share what he’d learned about Richards’s Louisiana past.

The Carters entered the parlor with the hard-eyed Paula in tow. He stood out of respect and shook Mr. Carter’s hand while the ladies took seats.

Harold, gray-haired and thin, asked, “What brings you here, Madison? Though it’s always good to see you.”

“I’ve come about Dawson Richards being out with Paula.”

“Dawson is a fine man,” Paula stated haughtily.

“He’s also married.”

Daphne Carter, wearing yet another too snug gown, shouted, “What!”

“I’ve met her and seen her marriage certificate.”

Paula snapped, “You’re lying. You’re just trying to stir the pot. You don’t want me, but you don’t want anyone else to have me either.”

“That’s not true.”

Harold said to his niece, “Now, Paula—”

Daphne didn’t look as if she believed Madison either. “Dawson is one of the most prominent men in Philadelphia. If he was married, the papers would have said so.”

“In a few days they probably will.”

“I refuse to believe it,” she snapped. “This is nothing more than sour grapes on your part, Madison Nance.”

He ignored her tirade and directed his words to her husband. “Because you were my father’s friend, I felt it was my duty to tell you the truth. If you choose not to believe me, that’s your choice, but I’ve met my obligation. I’ll leave you all to your day. Thank you for seeing me.”

Madison made his departure and walked back out into the rain. He figured Paula would run and tell Richards about his visit first thing, and that suited him just fine. On the heels of the encounter by the bank, he was certain Richards thought he had him by the short hairs, but the ward boss now had problems of his own.

By late morning it had stopped raining and Teresa was walking around the parlor, balancing a book on her head. It was one of the items on Mrs. Nance’s list. She wanted Teresa to not only talk like a lady but to walk like a lady as well. Teresa, on the other hand, liked her walk just the way it was, but in order not to hurt the woman’s feelings, she played along.

Molly asked, “Can you waltz, Teresa?”

Teresa turned her head so quickly the book plummeted to the floor. She stooped to pick it up. “No, ma’am.”

“We must get you some lessons. If you’re going to be the belle of the ball this autumn, you have to be prepared.”

“Belle of what ball?”

“Many of the associations have their anniversaries and fund-raising balls in the fall, and it will be good practice for you to attend a few of them.”

“Why? There’s no call for waltzing where I hail from.”

“Who says you have to go back out West? You may find a compelling reason to stay here in Philadelphia.”

Teresa shook her head. “That won’t happen.”

“You sound so sure.”

“I am. There’s too much noise and too many people. You can’t see the sky for the buildings. There are no tortillas or mescal. You can only ride horses outside the city. I won’t be staying. That’s a promise.”

“Oh.”

Teresa heard her dejected tone and sighed in response. “I’m not trying to hurt your feelings. You’re one of the best things that’s ever happened to me, but my life is on the other side of the Mississippi, and that’s where I’ll be heading soon as I’m allowed. I’m sorry.”

“You have no reason to apologize. I was just hoping…

Teresa saw the melancholy smile. “I was born under an open sky. Plan to be buried that way. I’m okay with not being able to rob trains anymore, but if I stay here, I’ll shrivel up and die.”

Molly nodded solemnly. “I understand. I won’t broach that subject again, but I will not give up on sanding down those rough edges of yours. You are a beautiful, smart woman, and you should have the poise and grace to go with it.”

“If you say so.”

“I do,” Molly stated firmly. “So, place that volume on your head. Shoulders back. Begin.”

Teresa resumed her walk around the parlor. When the door pull sounded, she said, “I’ll get it.” With the book perfectly balanced, she walked very gingerly to the door. Bending slowly, she grasped the cut glass knob and opened the door.

Madison took one look at the book on her head and said softly, “I’m told you’re missing a pair of drawers.”

Teresa’s book hit the floor. Retrieving it, she cut him a look. “You are incorrigible, do you know that? And yes, I am missing those drawers. Do you have them?” She had never asked a man if he had her drawers in his possession, and it made her feel strangely heady inside.

“I got halfway home last night and suddenly remembered where you’d left them.”

“Where I left them.”

“Yes, you.”

His eyes were working her over something fierce. Seeing him made the day seem suddenly brighter, and as he continued to hold her gaze, last night came back in all its lusty glory. The memory made her nipples tighten in response, just as he’d boasted they would. “So, do you know where they are?”

“On the mantel in my bedroom.”

Her knees went weak, and as if he knew that, his mustache lifted teasingly. “Figured better there than in the grass by the gazebo. I can’t imagine how you’d explain their presence to Emma or my mother.”

Teresa couldn’t either.

Molly walked out to the foyer then, and upon seeing her son, a smile crossed her face. “Why, Madison. Hello.”

“Hello, Mother. How are you?” He prayed she hadn’t heard anything.

“Fine. Come on in. I was just telling Teresa about the fall balls.”

Madison saw Teresa roll her eyes in response. “Are you planning on attending?” he asked her.

“Your mother thinks I am, so I guess the answer is yes.”

“Do you need an escort?”

Molly said, “Why, that’s a fabulous idea, thank you, Madison.”

Teresa noted that she hadn’t agreed to have him as an escort, but thought the idea a good one too.

They all went to the parlor and took seats.

Molly said to Madison, “How’s the day been so far?”

He shrugged. “I stopped by to see the Carters.”

“Whatever for?”

“Dawson Richards is squiring Paula Wade around town.”

“Is Daphne that desperate to find the girl a husband that she’d entertain that scoundrel as a candidate?”

“Apparently, but after learning Richards is married, she may change her mind.”

“Married?” a shocked Molly said. “To whom?”

He took a few moments to tell her the story.

When he finished Molly shook her head. “What a dastardly deed. Three children, too? Now that’s going to feed the gossip mills. Maybe the scandal will make him resign.”

“I’m hoping so. He’s been involved in some pretty shady doings around town recently, and it would be nice if he could be brought down.”

Teresa asked, “What exactly does he do?”

Molly replied, “Besides supporting the criminal element, not much.”

Madison smiled at his mother’s assessment. “He’s a ward boss for the Republicans, which means he’s responsible for getting the vote out on election day.”

Molly said, “By bribing and bringing in wagons filled with people who don’t live in the ward. In some of the poorer areas he and his hooligans buy votes with dollars, whiskey, and even cigars.”

“Is that legal?”

“Of course not, but it’s how politics are conducted these days, no matter the race, party, or city for that matter.”

Madison further explained, “The few civil jobs available to us are only given to those who are loyal to the party. Granted, some of the men are qualified, but they sold their souls to obtain the positions.”

Molly added, “No one minds any member of the race getting ahead, but we do mind the criminal element that tags along.”

“Meaning?” Teresa asked.

Molly said, “Most of the loiterers you see in the doorways and in front of the political clubs are on the party’s payroll. When there’s no election, they have no money, so they commit crimes. But as soon as one of them is arrested, their bosses—like Richards—come down and immediately post their bail. Few if any are ever convicted.”

“And this is the man who was at the restaurant yesterday?” Teresa asked Madison. “The one who wanted us to come to his dance?”

“Yes.”

Teresa knew he was a snake, but now had an idea of just how low to the ground he slithered.

Molly shook her head. “And apparently he’s calling on Paula Wade. I hope Harold will put his foot down. I don’t like Daphne at all, but Harold is another matter. He and Reynolds were best friends. I’d hate to have him gossiped about.”

“Which is why I went to tell them about Richards’ wife,” Madison said.

“How did they respond?” Molly asked.

“Not well. Paula accused me of not wanting any other man to have her.”

“She’s as silly as she is pretentious,” Molly declared. “I hope that aunt of hers will come to her senses, but I wouldn’t count on it. Are you still on holiday?”

“I am. All week.”

“Good, because tomorrow Emma and I are going to Cleveland to see my cousin Willa. We’ll return Saturday evening. I spoke to the parole board representative this morning. Teresa’s not allowed to leave the state, but Mr. Singleton said as long as Teresa is monitored by someone trustworthy, he saw no reason why I can’t go for a visit.”

Teresa stared. Mrs. Nance hadn’t mentioned making a side deal.

Madison made her back up. “The parole board agent came by? Why?” He assumed the board hadn’t decided to rescind Teresa’s parole, otherwise his mother would be upset.

“Yes. A Mr. Singleton. He came over to make sure Teresa was still on her rehabilitation path. He wasn’t very friendly, but after she relayed all of the things she’s accomplished, he seemed satisfied and left.”

Madison was confused. “What things?”

“Things like sewing,” Teresa said, “volunteering at the church. I left out the table setting and flower arranging.”

He was pleasantly surprised.

His mother said, “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how refined she’s becoming.”

Madison had to admit he’d been too busy being bowled over by her beauty and her kisses to pay much attention to the results of his mother’s tutoring. He supposed he was in danger of losing the five eagles riding on their bet, but he didn’t really care.

“Now, Madison, if you have other plans this week, I can delay my visit. I just thought that with you being off it would be the perfect time for me to visit for a few days.”

Madison was holding Teresa’s eyes. “No. No plans.” He got the distinct impression that his mother was playing matchmaker.

She turned Teresa’s way. “You don’t mind Madison looking in on you while I’m gone?”

“No, ma’am.” Teresa sensed Molly was starting to name her grandchildren again. Apparently, they were going to have to revisit the subject. However, her leaving for Cleveland would allow her and Madison a good two and a half days to take care of the business they weren’t able to complete last night. His heated gaze said he’d come to the same conclusion, and her nipples tightened in response once more.

“Then it’s settled,” a pleased Molly pronounced. “Madison, if you could get us to the station in time for the eight o clock train, that would be wonderful.”

“I’ll be here.”

His mother smiled and stood. “I’m going to tell Emma to start packing, and I’m heading upstairs to do the same. Do me one last favor?” she said to her son.

“What is it?”

“Give Teresa waltzing lessons while I’m away. It’s on her list of things to learn.”

Teresa folded her arms. Her silent response spoke volumes.

Madison saw her reaction and smiled. “With pleasure.”

Molly left them to take care of her preparations for the trip, and once they were alone, Teresa asked him, “Is it just me, or is your mother trying to hitch us together?”

“I think she’s playing matchmaker too.”

“We both know that isn’t going to happen, correct?”

“Correct.”

“I don’t need any ties, and neither do you. Just as soon as my parole is over I’m heading west.”

The idea of her leaving disturbed him, especially if he was destined to never see her again, but he knew any attempts to talk her into staying would be fruitless. “With that understanding, what would you like to do tomorrow?”

“Other than go riding at the Constantines’, I’ve no idea. How about you decide.”

“Okay.” What he wanted most was to take her home and spend the next three days initiating her fully into what she called “that passion thing.” After last night’s vivid sample, he was finding it difficult to keep from dragging her to him and kissing her until she whispered “Dios.” Pleased that he’d have her all to himself, he waggled his eyebrows playfully. “I’m sure I can come up with something entertaining for us to do.”

“I’m sure you can.”

In their eyes were embers of last’s night’s heated tryst. Teresa could still feel his kisses on her skin, and Madison’s memory lingered on the beguiling sight of her half naked in the moonlight.

“You’re making me warm looking at me that way.”

“Good,” he told her, his eyes glittering with desire. “Until Mother returns from her trip, making you warm is going to be one of my major goals.”

Teresa’s eyes closed in response to his sensual boast. “You’re real good at this passion thing.”

“Yes I am.”

“Modest too.” Her blood was racing and the warmth was slowly spreading through her senses.

Emma entered the parlor then. “Teresa, there’s a man at the back door. Says he’s from a newspaper in Kansas. Wants to talk to you.”

Shaking off her Madison-induced spell, Teresa asked with confusion, “From Kansas?”

“That’s what he said.”

She looked to Madison. He shrugged.

“Okay,” she said. “I’ll bite.”

She threw Madison a puzzled look before she left the room, but he threw her a bold wink in response, making her warm all over again.