Just Right: A Something Just Ain't Right Novella Read online

  “Wow, Morgan! How did you do all this?”

  “I had some help,” he said and grinned. “It wasn’t easy though.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “But you’re worth it.”

  I batted my lashes as he gave me a kiss. He took me over to the picnic, which had my favorite meal and a bottle of red wine. We were seated in front of the sun, which was getting ready to set. This was absolutely perfect.

  “You really did think of everything, even the time when the sunset.”

  “I know you love these types of things.”

  “I do, but when they’re with you.”

  Morgan smiled. “Are we about to become one of those couples that we despise?”

  “What, the mushy type?”

  “Yes.”

  “I don’t even think that’s in us to be that way.”

  I didn’t know what to eat first as I picked up a strawberry. We listened to the quartet as I leaned against Morgan. We watched the sunset as he held me.

  “As much as I appreciate this, why are we doing this?”

  Morgan looked at me as I gave him a knowing look. Although I’m enjoying this moment, I think Morgan is up to something, so he should just tell me.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about the candle lit picnic, the string quartet, and the motorcycle ride. Is there something else you need to tell me?”

  Morgan looked ahead as I turned to stare at him.

  “You need to eat before your food gets cold.”

  “I will until you tell me what’s up.”

  “I can’t just plan a romantic dinner for my wife?”

  “Yes, you can, and I was going to let it go, but I can’t. You only do things like this when there’s something wrong. So, spill it.”

  Morgan sighed. “Can we just have a romantic moment between us, first? Then I’ll tell you.”

  I nodded and slowly grabbed a plate of shrimp alfredo. As we were eating, we talked about how our day went and about Kyle’s wedding. I could tell Morgan wanted to change the subject, so whatever he had to tell me was about Kyle.

  I finished eating and sighed. “Does what you have to tell me concerns Kyle?”

  “It does, as well as Travis.”

  “What’s going on?”

  Morgan put down his water and took a deep breath. He began to tell me about what Sergeant Stumper informed him about Travis and Demetria. I shook my head. I knew she couldn’t be trusted.

  “Before you even start, we don’t even know if it’s true. It’s just an accusation.”

  “But it could be. I told you all along that she couldn’t be trusted.”

  “What if it’s not true? She could be a victim in this.”

  “But what if it’s not? Morgan, I made the mistake of trusting too many people too soon. You were the one who pointed that out to me. And why should you let your guard down now for her, because she’s Kyle’s fiancée?”

  “Because we all had to deal with something in our lives and deserved a second change. I admit, I kept my guard up in the past. I still do, but as the saying goes, everyone is proven innocent. Instead of jumping to conclusions we need to find out the facts about Demetria.”

  A light bulb went off in my mind as I stared at Morgan. “Really, Morgan?”

  He stared at me with a confused look. “What?”

  “There’s a reason why you told me this. You want me to talk to Demetria at her bachelorette party!”

  Morgan gave me a knowing glance, which I had to admit was pretty sexy. But I was still pissed that he would do this.

  “I just want you to talk to her, that’s all. What she says is off the record, but at least we’ll know what we’re dealing with.”

  “But I thought you said you couldn’t work on the case?”

  “Just leave that part to me. One way or another, I will be a part of that case.”

  “Morgan, I really think you need to tell Kyle about this. He’s getting married in a few days. He has the right to know.”

  “I will once I get the evidence to back up the accusation.”

  I gave him the side-eye and sighed. “You better be glad you’re my husband.”

  “You know you want to know the truth too.”

  I nodded. “I do. I just don’t want any issues to come up, that’s all.”

  “We’ll worry about that when the time comes. Now that’s out of the way, can we really enjoy our time together? We don’t know when we’ll have this time again.”

  I nodded as I turned my back against Morgan’s chest. He gave me a kiss on the side of my temple and held me closer.

  “Just know that you’re getting some later.” I said.

  Morgan chuckled. “Why, because I planned this evening?”

  “No. Because I love you and because you’re too damn sexy.”

  Morgan turned me around and gave me a kiss. Hopefully things will go smoothly at Demetria’s bachelorette party. I really didn’t want to get into the middle of her latest troubles with the law, but I’ll do it for Morgan.

  ***

  After the incredible time I was having with Morgan, I didn’t want the night to end, but of course we had to go back to our busy lives. Now, it was Friday, the day before Kyle and Demetria’s wedding. With all the preparations, planning, and rehearsals, the wedding was quickly approaching, which made me wonder if I should had talked to Demetria before instead of at her bachelorette party.

  We just finished up the rehearsal dinner and was heading to the party as I nervously wrung my hands together, realizing I needed something to calm my nerves. I don’t know why I was nervous. I guess it has been awhile since I had to fish out information from someone.

  Tamara came up to me and gave me a curious look. “Is everything okay? You seemed out of it during the rehearsal.”

  I glanced at Tamara, wishing I could say something to her about this. I didn’t want to get her involved, mainly because her life was getting back on track as well. She was also terrorized by Travis, so I didn’t want to put her in that position again.

  “Is it about the wedding?”

  I looked across the room at Morgan, who was talking with Kyle and Lamar. He glanced at me, giving me a nod before continuing his conversation.

  “Lamar has been kind of jumpy as well. At first, I thought it was about the promotion, but now, I’m not too sure.”

  I’m sure it’s part of it, but it’s not the reason.” I said.

  “Are you hiding something too?”

  I quickly looked at her before sighing. She has the right to know as well. Besides, she could help with exposing Demetria.

  As I was telling her what Morgan told me, Kyle suddenly appeared. We quickly changed the subject as he gave us a curious glance.

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, everything’s cool. Couldn’t be better,” I quickly answered.

  “Can I talk to you for a second?”

  I stared at Tamara as she gave a slight nod. I followed Kyle outside as I felt the cool breeze from the night sky.

  “Sorry, but this was the only area that wasn’t crowded.”

  “It’s okay. What’s up?” I asked. I leaned my back against the rail while waiting for Kyle to speak.

  “Just needed some fresh air, it was getting a bit stuffy in there.”

  “Are you getting cold feet?” I jokingly asked.

  Kyle gave me a serious look and I tilted my head.

  “It’s not as if I am. I love Demetria, but I feel as if she’s withholding something from me. My mom thinks I should postpone the wedding, just so I’m sure about getting married, but I don’t know. Do you think I’m moving too fast with everything?”

  “Only you would know that, Kyle. You’ve known Demetria for three years. That’s long enough to get to know someone.”

  “Is it really? How do I know if she isn’t lying to me again? Lately, she’s been getting these phone calls that she doesn’t even answer. When I ask her who it is, she
says it’s the wrong number, but she’s getting these calls three to four times a day.

  “Now, she’s leaving the house without an explanation and coming back hours later. I want to confront her, but with the wedding approaching, I didn’t want her to think I was trying to back out. I’m just concerned.”

  “Have you tried talking to her? You won’t know anything until you try.”

  “I’ve tried to bring it up several times, but she’ll change the subject.”

  “So, what do you want me to do?”

  “Did I say I wanted you to do anything?”

  I rolled my eyes and he smirked. “Listen, I just needed someone to talk to. I’m sure whatever it is, it’ll pass.”

  “What if it doesn’t? Do you really want to go into a marriage knowing there’re still secrets?”

  “What are you trying to say? That I should just end it?”

  “I’m not saying to end it. Just give it some time. If postponing the wedding is an option, then just do it.”

  Kyle gave me an unsure glance. “Is there something you know about Demetria? If so, tell me.”

  “What would I know about Demetria?”

  “Because of the looks you’ve been giving every time I mention her name.”

  I sighed. I thought I could get away without saying anything about what Morgan had told me. I might still can.

  “You know how I feel about Demetria. At first, it was because of what happened, but now, I don’t have any issues with her.”

  “Is that true? If so, what did I walk in on between you and Tamara?”

  “What… what do you mean?”

  “Stop, Hales. If something is going on, you would tell me, right?”

  I gave him a hesitant look before flashing a wide smile. “You know I would, Kyle.”

  “Okay, well I better head to my party. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay. Don’t have too much fun, though. I want to see you standing at the altar.”

  Kyle gave a sly smile before going back inside. I put a hand to my forehead, slowly massaging it and sighed, this was tougher than I thought.

  Once all the guests left, Tamara and I headed to the party, unsure of how we would approach Demetria. Kyle already has suspicions about his fiancée, so it’s going to be hard to not reveal what’s really going on.

  I received a text from Morgan, letting me know not to be nervous about talking to Demetria. He does know this is not my first rodeo. I’ll be fine. I hope.

  We pulled up to the Stoney’s Lounge and I saw Demetria standing outside. She waited until we got out before approaching us.

  “Hey girlies! I’m so excited about this party! I don’t know what Leslie has planned, but I know it’ll be fun!”

  Tamara and I looked at each other before walking inside. We went to the nearest table to sit as Demetria tended to her guests.

  “What are you going to do?” Tamara asked.

  “I don’t know yet. Maybe we’ll get a few drinks in her and then she’ll spill.”

  “Let’s hope.”

  We waited for an hour to try and confront Demetria, but she was too busy being the hostess for us to get to her. We talked to Leslie to see if we could get Demetria alone, but that plan didn’t work either. I finally took the initiative to talk to her. She was with a group of friends when I stepped to her.

  “Demetria, can we talk for a sec?”

  She gave a displeased look. “Can’t it wait? I’m in the middle of my bachelorette party.”

  “I don’t think this conversation can wait.”

  She looked concerned as she excused herself and went with me towards the exit. We went outside as Tamara was standing near the door.

  “What’s going on? Why is Tamara here if you only wanted to talk?”

  “Tamara has something to do with this conversation.”

  “Okay, I have a party to host, so what did you want to ask?”

  “I’ll come straight out with it. Are you working with Travis in the recent bank robberies?”

  Demetria looked shocked as I folded my arms across my chest.

  “What are you talking about? I haven’t spoken to Travis since that happened. Besides, I was only working with Sophia at the time, so why would I be associated with him?”

  “Just answer the question. Are you working with Travis now?”

  Demetria shook her head as she leaned against the wall. “How did you even know that Travis has been contacting me?”

  “Don’t worry about that. Now, either you are or you’re not, but based on your expression, you are.”

  Demetria sighed. “You would like that, wouldn’t you? You never liked me after you found out the truth. Even after I saved you from going to prison, you still disliked me.”

  “I did like you at first, until you lied about your identity. You could have got us all killed!”

  “Which, I redeemed myself for! I could have let you get sent off to prison, but because of Kyle, I didn’t.”

  “I thought because you despised your dad?” I asked. I knew that act she has been spewing was phony.

  “It mainly was, but you treated me like dirt even after everything went down. I just wanted the past to be left in the past, but I feel as if I can’t.”

  “Only you can prevent that. Is Travis threatening you?”

  “It’s not Travis, per se. He’s a part of it, but it’s way deeper than him.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Let’s just say your dad was in even more mess than anyone even realized.”

  I gave a strange look, wondering what that meant. “What does my dad have to do with this?”

  Before she could say anything, her phone started ringing. She looked at the caller ID and smiled.

  “Hey, baby! Shouldn’t you be having fun at your party?”

  My phone began beeping, indicating it was a text. I looked at the screen, seeing it was Morgan. I knew my face was pale as I slowly looked at Tamara as she gave a puzzled look.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  I looked at Demetria, who was fighting back tears as she spoke to Kyle.

  “I did this for us! I didn’t want to lie to you, but I didn’t have a choice!”

  My heart went out to Demetria as she was trying to explain. She looked at her phone as the sound of the dial tone was being played. She slowly put her phone into her pocket before staring at me.

  “Are you happy now?! Kyle called off the wedding!”

  I was shocked as Demetria pushed past me and went inside. I glanced at Tamara, who had the same look as I had.

  “What happened?”

  “Morgan was with Kyle when he got a package delivered. It was a video from an anonymous source, showing Demetria at the scene of one of the robberies.”

  “Oh God!” Tamara gasped.

  I looked at the club and sighed. I didn’t think the night would turn out like this, but at least Kyle knew the truth before it was too late.

  Morgan

  I didn’t think tonight would turn out like this. Instead of me trying to find information about Demetria, I’m now trying to figure out how to control Kyle. After he received that anonymous package pointing Demetria out as one of the robbers, I felt everything changed.

  I figured Kyle needed his space, so I let him be alone for a couple of minutes. I was near the entrance trying to wrap my head around everything, when Lamar walked up. He gave a long-winded sigh as I turned to look at him.

  “What are you going to do now?”

  I looked ahead and sighed. “What can I do? I probably could take the video to the station, but how do we know it wasn’t manipulated? Someone could have made it look as if she was there, but wasn’t.”

  “That’s true, but I doubt it. Besides, wouldn’t the station know if the video was manipulated?”

  I sighed. “With our tech crew, that is a high possibility if they didn’t. I guess I’m protecting Kyle instead of trying to uncover the truth.”

  “I think
he’ll appreciate it if you did.”

  I continued to stare at the sky when I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked over and saw Hayley beside me.

  “What are you doing here?”

  “I figured I’ll come and see how everyone was doing. Tam and I was with Demetria when she got the call.”

  “How did she take it?”

  “Not too good. Leslie is with her. I can’t believe Kyle called off the wedding.”

  “I don’t know why that’s so hard to believe. He just found out his fiancée is still lying to him.” Lamar said.

  “I know. I guess this all happened so suddenly. But are you going to take the video to Serge?” Hayley asked me.

  I sighed. I still wasn’t sure if I should.

  “I’m still deciding if I should.”

  I looked over and saw Kyle coming towards us. Hayley went to him and gave him a hug. I glanced at the exchange, wondering if I should be a bit concerned. The two did share a past together, but only because I went MIA for a few months.

  I took a deep breath, knowing I should let go of the past and focus on the present.

  “I didn’t think you would still be here,” Kyle said to me.

  “I wasn’t going to leave you, Kyle. But I need to know if you want to take that video into the station? This could be evidence for the case.”

  “I thought you weren’t working on the case? Will the department disregard it?”

  “I can hand it to the preceding officers on the case. It’s your call on how you want to handle it.”

  I knew it should go to the station, but I wanted Kyle to have the option since it’s in his possession.

  “Take it. If she lied about this, then she could be lying about everything.”

  “You sure, Kyle? If you do, she’ll be heading to jail.” Hayley said.

  “At this point, I don’t care,” he said. He went towards the parking lot and to his car.

  I ran my hand through my hair and sighed, “I guess I’ll take it then.”

  Hayley put a hand on my shoulder and I looked at her. “I think you should wait.”

  I gave a confused look. She’s the one who automatically pinned Demetria with the crimes, so why is she changing her tune now?

  “You heard what Kyle said.”