Chapter Five

Miguel used the telephone in the hospital waiting room to call Morgan Funeral Home, arranging with them to retrieve Phillip's remains. Rosa sat with Laura and Glenda.

"My God, what they must be going through." Laura softly said. "I don't know what I would do if something happened to one of my children."

Glenda sat shaking her head. "Me either, Laura. They must be devastated."

Rosa looked up with tears in her eyes. "They adored little Pepito. He was their pride and joy." She paused when she heard the doors open and saw Johnnie and Alma approaching them.

Johnnie and Alma both looked as if they had been through the ringer. Johnnie held Alma close as she sobbed pitifully into her chest. Johnnie's eyes were glazed over; she looked lost and out of touch. Rosa walked over to them and took Alma to hold her. Laura rushed over to hold Johnnie.

"He's gone. He's really gone." Johnnie whispered as tears spilled down her cheeks. Laura had her in a bear hug, but Johnnie broke free and ran outside.

She rushed through the doors out into the rain that was steadily falling. Her body trembled with rage. The silence of the outdoors was broken when Johnnie released a wail of mourning that could be heard for blocks. She then fell to her knees, with her hands lying loosely in her lap.

Glenda, Laura and Miguel soon followed, and saw Johnnie just as she fell face first onto the sidewalk. They rushed over to her and lifted her from the wet pavement. Mike and Tracy pulled up in front of the struggling group. They immediately knew that young Phillip did not survive the accident.

Tracy got out of the car, and scooped Johnnie up into his arms. He placed her in the car, while Mike took an umbrella inside to get Alma and Rosa.

Inside the waiting area, Rosa held Alma as she cried. She stroked Alma's hair in an attempt to sooth her. She whispered to her in Spanish.

Mike walked over to them and quietly ushered them from the waiting room. He put Alma in his car, while Miguel took Rosa over to the truck.

They rode home in silence. Mike and Tracy were in the front and Johnnie and Alma in the back. Johnnie quietly cried, while Alma wept into her chest.

When they got home, Alma went into Phillip's room. She lay across his bed and continued crying

Laura took Johnnie into her bedroom and helped her change out of the wet clothes. She ordered Johnnie into the shower.

Phillip ran into Johnnie and Alma's bedroom to wake them. Alma was on her back with the sheet covering her. Johnnie was on her stomach, the sheet coming up to her waist and her hair splayed over her shoulders. He stood at the foot of their bed. Putting his stuffed Dipsy under his arm, he climbed on the bed and crawled up Johnnie's body, onto her back.

"Mama, up." Phillip squealed. "Play, Mama."

Johnnie grunted in her exhaustion. It had only been a couple of hours since she and Alma ushered in the sunrise with resounding orgasms. "Too early, Champ. Go back to bed."

"No erdy, Mama. Elmo on." He said. "Up!"

'Elmo? What time is it?' Johnnie asked herself. She looked over to the nightstand and what used to be the alarm clock. It was no longer functioning. "Champ, go over to the dresser and get my watch."

He slid off her back, and walked over to the dresser. Johnnie quickly slipped on her t-shirt, and then pulled the sheet up over Alma. She took the watch from small hands and looked to see that it was a little after nine. Johnnie then looked at her son who was watching her. "Champ, Mama has to get ready for work." She said.

Phillip's face told how disappointed he was. He thought that she was going to be home, since she was still in bed.

"C'mere Champ." She said as she held her arms open to him. He ran and jumped on the bed.

"What?" Alma asked. Her voice was laden with sleep.

"Nothing, baby. Go back to sleep." Johnnie whispered. She turned her attention back to Phillip. "How 'bout we get us some cereal and let Mami sleep?" Phillip happily nodded his head. "Go on into the living room and wait for me. I'll be right there."

Johnnie sat pillows on the floor for Phillip to sit on. She sat beside him and pulled the coffee table, which held their cereal bowls, close to them. They watched Sesame Street together.



Johnnie stood motionless under the warm water. She began to come back to herself and was able to shower properly. When she finished, she dressed in the sweats and t-shirt that Laura had laid out for her. After dressing she sat on the edge of the bed and mourned for her son.

After what seemed like an eternity of crying, Johnnie was unable to shed any more tears. She heard a knock on the door. "Come in." She rasped.

Pizo poked his head in, his eyes red from crying. "Johnnie, I just heard and rushed over here. Is it okay if I come in?"

She looked at her longtime friend and former partner. "Yeah, come on in." She patted the bed for him to take a seat.

"I can't believe Champ is gone, J." He said sobbing.

"Me either, Pizo." She softly said. "My son is gone; taken from me. What are we gonna do now?" She paused. "I should have died that time, Pizo. If I had then Alma and I wouldn't be going through this."

"J, don't look at it that way." He told her. "If you had died, then you wouldn't have known the love of your precious son who adored you. Alma would have never become your wife. Her life would have been empty without you and Champ." He paused and placed a hand on her already burdened shoulder. "You have both experienced unconditional love. The love a child has for his parents. That feeling will never die."

Johnnie sat and digested what Pizo had told her. "Thanks, Pizo." She said as she placed her hand over his. "I need to talk to Alma."

Johnnie found Alma laying in a fetal position on Phillip's bed. She was weeping softly. Johnnie walked over to the bed and sat on the edge, and softly touched Alma on her shoulder. "Honey, look at me." She whispered.

Alma turned over and looked at her. Her eyes were red and swollen from crying. "Johnnie, what are we going to do?" She asked, her voice hoarse from screaming. "Our baby is dead, and it is all my fault."

Johnnie cupped her face. "Alma, it is not your fault. It was a terrible accident."

Alma sat up. "If I hadn't put him down, he would still be alive. You must hate me." She rasped as her throat constricted.

"You can't possibly think that I blame you." Johnnie whispered. "If there is any fault, it is with me. The reporters would not have been waiting for you if they weren't after me."

Alma shook her head and began to speak. "But beloved if I had........."

Johnnie lovingly placed her fingers on Alma's lips. "This is not your fault." She paused. "Champ was with us for only a short time, but in that time was a lifetime of love. Our love brought him forth, and his love for us made us grow." She pulled Alma into a warm embrace. "We have to remember the joy that he brought to us."

Rosa Glenda and Pizo were sitting at the kitchen table. Tears streaked Rosa's face as she clasped her hands tightly. "My little Pepito. What will we do without him?" She asked aloud to no one in particular. "I will ask God to strengthen us." She stood and walked over to the stove. "I know what it is to lose a child. My son died by his own hand, but this is too much."

"It will take time, Rosa. We will heal eventually." Pizo said.

Rosa looked up at the doorway and saw Johnnie standing there. "Johnnie, please sit down. Is there anything that I can get for you?"

Johnnie took a seat. "No, nothing. Thank you."

"Do you think Alma is hungry?" Rosa asked, hoping to find something to do.

"Probably not, Rosa." She told her. "Maybe you should go and talk to your daughter. She needs you now."

"Alright." Rosa softly said.

While Johnnie was talking with Pizo, Glenda and Miguel, they were startled by Alma's screams. They ran into Phillip's bedroom to find Alma kneeling on the floor screaming and speaking Spanish. Johnnie helped her up and lifted her, as Alma wrapped her legs around Johnnie's waist. Johnnie then walked into their bedroom. She laid Alma on the bed, and then lay next to her. She wrapped her arms around Alma and held her close.

Johnnie was going through her own personal hell, but she realized that she had to be strong for Alma. Where will I get the strength I need for the both of us? She wondered. She kissed Alma's forehead as her sobs subsided.

Alma felt secure in Johnnie's arms. She suddenly remembered what she had to tell Johnnie. How can I tell her now? What are we going to do? She asked herself.





The next morning, Annie and Myra came over to offer condolences and to help out. The condition that they found their friends in was heartbreaking. Alma was not responding to anyone, and Johnnie was lost. She was helpless in reaching Alma.

Johnnie asked Annie to make phone calls to friends and family members that had not heard about the accident. While Annie was making the calls, Johnnie turned on the TV and saw the report about her son. Tears welled in her eyes and her body began to tremble with rage. She could feel herself losing it, so she went down to the basement and took her frustrations out on her gym equipment.



"Ballantine is to blame for this." Johnnie angrily hissed as she punched the heavy bag. "My son wouldn't be dead if it weren't for him." She pounded on the bag continuously until she could feel the stuffing falling down around her feet. Her face was streaked with a mixture of sweat and tears. Johnnie's hair was matted to her face, neck and shoulders. Unable to cope any more, she slid down to the floor and wept.

Annie could hear Johnnie's sobs. She began to chant for the Spirits to help her friend see her way through this.

Alma remained despondent all day. She didn't eat or drink anything, nor did she speak. She was unable to go with Johnnie down to the funeral home to make Phillip's arrangements. Annie offered to go, but Johnnie decided that she would go alone.





"This is a dark day for our profession." Reporter Karen Grace muttered to herself as the director told her and the co-anchor that they were clear.

"What was that, Karen?" Bill Thorne, her co-anchor, asked.

"I don't know about you, but I feel a certain responsibility for the death of the Martinez boy." She sighed.

"We weren't the reporters there, Karen. It is not our fault." He told her nonchalantly. "It was an unfortunate accident."

"It could have very easily been one of us at that mob scene." Karen spat. "I heard how they frightened that poor little boy. They made him run into the street."

"His mother should have had better control over him. Even better, she could have just kept driving." He retorted.

Karen looked at him as if he had grown another head. "Are you telling me that you think his mother is to blame?"

Bill was a little agitated and the stance that Karen was taking. "It certainly wasn't the members of the press that were there. How could you even think that?" He demanded.

Karen glared at him. She could feel her facade slipping and realized she had to rein her temper. She pulled off the earpiece and walked out of the studio.



After making the arrangements, Johnnie stopped at a bar called Leather and Lace. She took a seat at the bar and ordered Absolut and cranberry juice. After she drank it, she ordered an Absolut straight up. A raven-haired woman sat next to her and ordered a Scotch, no ice. The woman was dressed in a faded pair of Levi's and a black t-shirt that revealed well-developed arms. She looked over at Johnnie.

Johnnie could feel eyes upon her. She looked over into a pair of jade eyes. "What do you want?" She growled.

The woman held her gaze. "Nothing. You just look like you could use a friend right now." She responded in a deep contralto voice.

Johnnie's eerie chuckle rumbled deep within her chest. "You don't know the half lady." She drank the vodka in one gulp, the ordered another.

"You wanna talk about it?" The woman asked.

"You are wasting your time. I'm married." Johnnie snapped.

The woman laughed heartily. "I know you are married, Johnnie." She paused, taking on a more somber tone. "I also know what you have lost, and I am so sorry." She paused again. "The help you seek is not at the bottom of that glass."

Johnnie looked cautiously at the woman. "You know who I am?"

"Yeah, and I know what happened to your son." She said.

"Do I know you?" Johnnie demanded, trying to question the sense of familiarity this woman held.

The woman swallowed her drink. "Yes and no." She told her. How many of those have you had?" She asked pointing to Johnnie's glass.

Johnnie swallowed the drink in one gulp. "I don't have time for riddles, and I don't have time for guessing games." Johnnie angrily spat. She paid her tab and stood up. She was dizzy, because she failed to remember that she had not eaten all day. Getting her bearings as best she could, she turned and staggered a little as she walked out of the bar.

Johnnie made it outside, the sun had just set. She fumbled in her pocket for her keys and struggled to unlock her door. She heard someone walking up behind her.

"You shouldn't be driving. Let me take you home." The woman said. "My truck is right over there."

Johnnie looked at the woman through alcohol-hazed eyes. "I have a gun and I know how to use it, so don't try anything funny." She slurred.

The woman laughed. "I know you have a gun. Don't worry, you aren't my type."

"I don't know where she is, Pizo." Annie said. "She should have been back a couple of hours ago. The funeral director called and said to bring what Phillip would be wearing to them in the morning."





"Why didn't someone go with her?" He demanded.

"You know how Johnnie is. She said no and she meant it." Annie told him. "I didn't want to add to her stress by arguing with her."

Pizo sighed. "I know, Annie. You were right."

The doorbell rang, and Annie went over to open it. She was surprised to see a tipsy Johnnie being held up by an unknown woman.

"I found her at Leather and Lace. She was tossing her drinks back like water." The woman said.

Annie took Johnnie from the woman. "Would you like to come in?" She asked.

"No, I have to be going." She answered. "Just wanted to make sure she got home ok." She paused as she reached in her pocket. "Her truck is still at the L and L. Here are her keys."

Pizo walked over to the door. He thought the woman looked familiar. "Thank you for looking out for our friend."

"No problem" She said then flashed a brilliant smile. "Good night." With that she walked away.

"Night, friend." Johnnie slurred. "Nice ponytail."

Annie shook her head. "Come on Red Owl. Let's get you to the bed."

Annie took Johnnie to the bedroom and laid her across the bed. Alma looked up and saw her wife nearly unconscious. She walked over to the bed and sat next to Johnnie. She ran her fingers across a furrowed brow, the down a noble cheek. Alma laid next to Johnnie and placed her head on her chest...

Alma had been pacing back and forth for nearly an hour, anxious for Johnnie to get home. When she heard Johnnie's car pull into the driveway, she ran over to the sofa and sat down.

"Hey, baby." Johnnie said as she entered the house. She walked over to Alma and kissed her.

"Hi, Querida. How was your day?" Alma asked.

"Long and tiring." Johnnie said. "I'm gonna take a shower."

Alma smiled. "Ok, baby." She paused. "There is a box on your pillow. Open it when you get a chance." She told her, knowing that the kid in Johnnie would make her open it before she did anything else.

Johnnie smiled and went into the bedroom. A slender box was lying on her pillow. She grinned like a kid at Christmas as she tore the box open. She looked curiously at the contents, taking out the white stick that had a plus sign on it.

Alma could hear Johnnie as she tore open the box. She snickered as she imagined the look on Johnnie's face. It was quiet for a minute and then Alma suddenly heard a loud thud. Rushing into the bedroom she saw Johnnie laying on her back, in a state of unconsciousness with a stupid grin on her face.

Alma remembered that moment, and a small smile formed on her face. She listened to Johnnie's heartbeat, and fell into a short but peaceful sleep.

"Are they ok?" Pizo asked as Annie came back into the living room.

"They are sleeping." She said. "How they are inside is too hard to tell."

Pizo looked at his watch, and realized that he was late for dinner. "Diana is at home. We're gonna grab a bit to eat, then we will be back." He said, and then looked toward the bedroom. "I don't know how they are holding it together as well as they are."

Myra stood at the door leading to the backyard watching Annie as she called upon the Spirits for Johnnie and Alma. She looked as Annie made offerings to the four winds. Myra sent up her own silent prayer for her friends. "What they must be going through. God, please help them. They are good people." She whispered.

Johnnie was awakened by what felt like a feather brushing across her forehead. She remained still for a moment as she felt a wet area soaking into the middle of her chest. She looked down at the dark head that was lying between her breasts and realized that it was Alma. Her tears had seeped through Johnnie's t-shirt. Johnnie wrapped her arms around Alma, and she felt a wave of peacefulness wash over her. "We will get through this. I promise, Alma." She whispered as she kissed the top of Alma's head.



Chapter Six



Tori and Ceecee arrived the day before Phillip's funeral. Johnnie invited them to stay with her and Alma, instead of going to a hotel. It was a good decision because Alma was becoming more sullen and withdrawn. She would only answer questions directed to her, and would keep her response to a minimum. Johnnie felt as if she were losing Alma too. Ceecee and Alma were close, and Johnnie knew that Ceecee could help pull Alma from the dark place that she seemed to be falling into.

Ceecee had convinced Alma to join her outside for a little sun. They sat on the patio and Ceecee coaxed Alma into eating a small salad. Ceecee studied Alma as she picked at her food. She noticed that her usual full face was a little thin and drawn. Dark circles encompassed eyes that were full of pain and sorrow. Her heart ached for Alma. The loss of a child is devastating, and she could only imagine the torment that Alma was going through. She also noticed something else about Alma. It was something that she had only seen once before.

"Alma, I have noticed something." Ceecee said softly. "Is there something that you haven't told Johnnie?"

Alma placed her hands in her lap and took great interest in her fingers. "I don't know what are you talking about." She nervously responded.

The way Alma responded, Ceecee knew that her suspicions were true. "Why haven't you told Johnnie?" She asked as she moved closer to the now tearful Alma.

"How can I tell her now?" She asked, looking up into Ceecee's eyes.

Ceecee took Alma's hands into her own. "You aren't going to..........."

Alma stopped her in mid sentence. "No, I would never do that."

After releasing a sigh of relief, Ceecee continued. "You have to tell her. You won't be able to keep this from her for long, Alma."

"I know." She whispered. "I know."



Johnnie was packing a bag with the things that she wanted Phillip to be buried with. She held his stuffed Dipsy doll, putting it to her nose to take in her son's scent. Her heart felt as if it were going to split in two. She picked up his tribal feather, and placed it and his medicine bag that the Shaman gave to Phillip into the case. "Two Feathers," she whispered as tears fell from her eyes, "take care of my son until we are reunited." She closed the bag, and then she and Tori left for the mortuary.

The next morning, it was nearing the time for the funeral. Johnnie walked into the bedroom and found Alma staring out the window.

"Alma, baby it is time to get ready." Johnnie whispered. Alma said nothing. "Come on, honey. We have to get ready." Still there was no response.

Johnnie went into the bathroom and ran a tub of water. She then returned to the bedroom and lifted Alma, carrying her into the bathroom. Johnnie removed Alma's robe, and placed her carefully in the tub. She washed her hair and then gave her a bath. Alma sat in silence as Johnnie bathed her. Johnnie whispered words of love and encouragement. Alma was lulled into a feeling of peace as she listened to Johnnie's voice. She was able to assist Johnnie as she lifted her from the tub. Johnnie dried her off and helped her get dressed. Johnnie showered while Ceecee helped Alma with her hair.

"Johnnie wake up." Alma whispered as she shook Johnnie's shoulder.

"Huh, what is it? Is it time?" Johnnie groggily asked.

"No, Querida. I am hungry." Alma chuckled, rubbing her enormous belly.

Johnnie sat up. "Ok, baby. What do you want?"

"I want a peanut butter, pickle and sardine sandwich." She said.

Johnnie grimaced. "Baby, that is nasty. Are you sure?"

"Yes. That is what I want." She said. "Don't forget the milk."

Johnnie trudged into the kitchen and made Alma's late night snack. When she returned to the bedroom, Alma happily took the food and devoured it. Johnnie watched as Alma ate the sandwich like she was eating a steak. Johnnie could feel the bile rising in her throat as she raced toward the bathroom to throw up.

Johnnie was shaken from her reverie when she heard Annie tell her that it was time. She walked out of the bedroom and saw that family and friends had gathered there to leave for the services together.



They walked out to the limos that the mortuary had provided. Alma was shaky so Johnnie put a steadying arm around her and helped her into the car. Johnnie got in next to her. The tears began to flow from Johnnie's eyes. She tried but could not control them. Alma looked over to her, and saw her red-rimmed eyes. She took Johnnie's hand into hers. Johnnie looked at her and they both found the comfort that they needed. Alma leaned over and kissed Johnnie on the cheek.

Upon arrival at the cemetery, both Johnnie and Alma were shocked to see so many people waiting. Members of the police force were there, along with Alma's former co-workers. Johnnie's associates and their families were waiting, along with some of her clients. There was also a contingent of Cherokee from Johnnie's tribe dressed in ceremonial attire. The outpouring of love and respect that they came to pay to them touched them both.

After the family was seated, the priest from Rosa's parish said a few words. A Cherokee Elder that chanted blessings upon the Phillip's spirit and the loved ones who remained behind followed him.

Annie stood and walked to the head of the coffin. She sang a song of mourning, and was joined by Johnnie and the other Cherokee that were present.

"I would like to recite a poem that I take comfort in." Annie said. "I hope that this will give comfort to Little Bear's family in this time of sorrow." She began to recite the poem 'Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep'.

"Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep."

Johnnie and Alma felt a sense of calm wash over them as a gentle breeze swayed the trees that stood tall around them. On the breeze, it was as if they could hear a child's gentle laughter. Alma looked up at Johnnie and smiled as she wiped the tears from her face.

Before the committal, Phillip's coffin was opened. Those that wished to say farewell were allowed to do so. Johnnie and Alma were the last ones to see him before the coffin was to be sealed. They walked up arm in arm, holding on to each other for strength. Alma leaned in to kiss him goodbye. She touched his hair and his cheek.

"Te amo, mijo." She tearfully whispered.

Johnnie adjusted his stuffed Dipsy, then his medicine bag and eagle feather. "Goodbye Champ. I love you." She whispered. She pulled the shroud up to his neck to cover him, and then she closed the coffin. The funeral director gave Johnnie the key to seal the coffin. As she turned the handle her knees began to buckle, and in a flash Pizo was there to hold her up.



"Alex, I don't think this is a good idea." Jonas said.

"Why not?" Ballantine asked. "We have come to pay our respects to the bereaved." He sarcastically said.

Jonas looked at Ballantine with disgust. He could not believe that he aligned himself with a man who was this cold and calculating.

"Here they come now." Ballantine said, nearly leaping from the car. The few reporters that he had asked to join him quickly followed.

Johnnie, Alma and the other mourners were meet by Ballantine and members of the press. The crowd began to grumble at his presence.

"I have come in behalf of the city of Wilmington to offer our deepest sympathies for the loss of your son." Ballantine announced.

Johnnie glared at him. Her rage was rekindled. "How dare you come here!" She angrily spat. "It is because of you and your lies that my son is in his grave."

"I understand you pain." He said, but before he could continue a battle cry came from within Johnnie and she had him by his throat.

Her grip was tight as they both fell to the ground, with Johnnie landing on top of him. His air supply was being cut off. He was turning colors and a vein was bulging in his forehead.

"I'm going to kill you. You are a dead man, Ballantine. Do you hear me?" Johnnie furiously spat as she tightened her grip.

Alma was screaming, pleading with Johnnie to release him, while Pizo and Tori struggled to pull her off of the mayor. The photographers were having a field day taking pictures. Miguel and Ceecee rushed Alma off the car, while Pizo called for Annie to help get Johnnie.

Annie walked over to the enraged Johnnie and easily pulled her hands from around Ballantine's neck. "Enough, Red Owl." She told her. "He is not worth it."

Johnnie was wild eyed as she tried to focus in on Annie's voice. Annie lifted her off of the gasping mayor and helped her to the car.

Jonas helped a gasping and sputtering Ballantine from the ground. Pizo walked over to them and looked the mayor in his eyes.

"You are one sick, sadistic son of a bitch. Do you know that?" He spat. "You had better stay away from her. She may just kill you next time."

Ballantine and Peters were looked at with disgust and contempt.

When Johnnie finally made it to the car, she saw Alma violently throwing up. She rushed over to her and Ceecee.

"What's wrong with her?" Johnnie asked as she wrapped her arm around Alma's waist.

"It's her nerves." Ceecee told her. "This is just too much for her to handle."

Johnnie couldn't help but feel bad for the role she played in causing Alma pain. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to upset you like this."

Alma finally straightened up and was able to look at Johnnie. "Do not worry about me. I am fine." She whispered. "I just want to go home."

Johnnie embraced her. "Ok, baby. Let's go home."

The house was full of people offering condolences after the funeral. Johnnie and Alma talked with everyone and thanked him or her for coming. Johnnie began to get a little unnerved with all the people around, so she went down into the basement. She pulled off her jacket and walked behind the bar to make herself a drink. By the time Pizo and Tori found her, Johnnie had a couple under her belt.

"J, are you ok?" Pizo asked, taking the glass from her hand.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She paused. "Did Alma send you guys down here for me?"

"No, Johnnie. She's pretty busy with all those people upstairs." Tori said.

Johnnie sighed. "I couldn't take it anymore. I had to get away."

"I understand, J." Pizo told her as he grasped her shoulder. "You coming back up?"

"Yeah, just give me a minute." She said.

"Ok." Pizo said, and then he and Tori went back upstairs.

"Get it together, Green." Johnnie whispered. She picked up her jacket and went back upstairs. She made it as far as the kitchen. When she saw all the people that were still there, she turned and eased out the back door.

Alma began to ask where Johnnie was. Pizo looked at his watch and thought that Johnnie should be upstairs by now. He was on his way to the basement when he looked out the window and saw that Johnnie's Navigator was missing. "Damn it, J, where have you gone?"

Johnnie drove downtown to the liquor store that she frequented. "Hey, Sal." She greeted him.

Sal was the owner of the liquor store. He was well acquainted with Johnnie and Pizo. "Hello detective. I am surprised to see you here today."

"Yeah, I know." She sadly said. "I came to get a bottle of the usual."

He patted Johnnie's hand. "A fifth of Absolut coming up."

When he returned with the bottle, she paid and then left. She walked to the park where she and Alma took Phillip to play.

"Johnnie, you have a call on line three." Laura said over the intercom.

"Thanks, Laura." She said, and then she picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Mama, mama, mama." The little voice said.

"Who is this?" Johnnie asked.

Alma put the phone to her ear. "Hello?"

"Alma?" Johnnie asked. "What's going on?"

Alma laughed. "Your son wanted to call and say hello."

"That was Champ?" Johnnie asked as a tear ran down her cheek.

"Mama, mama, mama!" He squealed.



Johnnie tearfully stirred from her memory. "Ballantine, you took my son away from me." She slurred. "Time for you to pay up." She walked back downtown towards City Hall, holding the half empty bottle of vodka by her side.



"Where could she have gone?" Alma frantically asked, Pizo.

"I have no idea, Alma. I'm going out to try and find her." He said.

"I'm coming with you." Tori told him.

Johnnie stood in front of City Hall. It was dark and there were lights on in Ballantine's office. She went inside and took the elevator to his office. She noticed that no one was there, and staggered toward his office.

Ballantine was dictating notes on his micro-cassette recorder, when he heard his office door open. "What are you doing here, Green." He asked, his voice still raspy from her earlier attack on him.

"I just came to get one last look at you on your throne." She slurred.

His voice began to shake as he became nervous. "What do you mean?"

She flopped down into a chair. "Your life is over, Alex. May I call you Alex?" She flippantly asked.

"You're drunk, Green. Get the hell out of my office." He ordered.

"I told you that you were a dead man, Ballantine." She took a drink from the bottle and slammed it down on his desk. She held on to it as she put her other hand on the heavy marble ashtray and pulled herself up from the chair. She shakily stood.

Ballantine really began to fear for his life. He had a very drunk and very pissed former police officer in his office. "What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to kill you like I said I would." She said.

"No, Please don't." He begged.

She walked around his desk, and reached for her shoulder holster. Suddenly she realized that she wasn't wearing it. At the same time Ballantine realized it too, and took the opportunity to rush her. Johnnie landed on her back with Ballantine astride her. Her lip was split when his shoulder hit it.

"Now, you filthy dyke, who's got the upper hand now?" He yelled, as he attempted to grasp her throat.

"Not you, asshole." She hissed through clinched teeth. She grabbed his testicles, making him cry out in pain, and then she punched him in his nose. His blood splattered on her shirt, jacket and face. He rolled over from on top of her in sheer agony. She got up on her hands and knees and hovered over him. "I could never figure out why you felt you were so self righteous." She told him. "I know now."

"What are you talking about, psycho?" He asked, through the pain.

"You are a sick fuck, do you know that?" She spat.

"You're crazy. Get out of here before I call the police." He groaned.

Johnnie crawled around to the other side of Ballantine. "I know why you always go to New York. Unlike you, you sick bastard, I have proof." She paused as a feral grin formed on her face. "I hear you like chicken."

"Wh-what are you talking about?" He nervously asked.

"I have all the proof I need to destroy you, Alex. It's the end of the world, as you know it. How many lives have you destroyed? How many cops did you run off the force, Ballantine?" She angrily demanded. "You tired to ruin my reputation, but instead you ruin my life by taking my son away from me. Well, your reign of terror is over. I'm going to the press in the morning with my proof, and your stint as mayor will be over."

Ballantine sat up. Johnnie stood over him. "Can't we discuss this?" He tearfully asked. "I have a wife and kids."

"You didn't care about my wife and son when started this campaign against me, did you?" She demanded. "I buried my son today because of you, so no, I don't give a fat baby's ass about your family. Enjoy your last night as mayor." She turned and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Ballantine crawled over to his desk and pulled himself up into his chair. He began to cry, burying his face in his hands. He heard the door to his office open again. "Leave me be, Green. Just leave me be."



Johnnie was staggering in the street when Pizo and Tori finally found her. Her had blood on it and her hair was hanging loosely around her shoulders.

"J, what happened to you? Whose blood is this?" Pizo asked.

Tori examined Johnnie and saw that her lip was split. "Her lip's busted. It must be hers."

"Tori, is that you?" She asked, breathing heavily into Tori's face.

"Damn, buddy, what in the fuck have you been drinking? Tori asked as she fanned the fumes away from her nose.

"The usual, a little of this, a little of that." She said laughing.

"Most likely vodka." Pizo said.

"Well whoever said that vodka didn't stink told a damned lie. That breath is kicking like Bruce Lee." Tori said, grimaced.

"Let's get the happy drunk home. Alma is probably beside herself with worry." Pizo said.

Alma ran to the door when she heard Pizo's car pull up. She froze in place when she saw Pizo and Tori carrying Johnnie up to the house.

Johnnie opened her eyes and looked into the red-rimmed eyes of her wife. "Hey baby. Sorry I'm late." She slurred.

Pizo and Tori stood Johnnie on her feet. Alma walked over to them, and saw the blood on Johnnie's shirt and her split lip.

She cupped Johnnie's face in her hands. "What happened, beloved? Are you ok?"

"I'm fine, baby. Just drunk is all." She slurred.

"Can you help me get her to bed, please?" Alma asked.



Mayor Ballantine's secretary entered the office at her usual time. She put on a pot of coffee, and picked up his bag of croissants to take them into his office. She opened the blinds and turned to walk over to his desk when she saw his feet from behind his desk. She walked around his desk to discover his bloody body lying on the floor. She screamed, and then Jonas Peters ran in. He gasped in horror, and then called the police.



Chapter 7



Johnnie was between sleep and wakefulness. Her head was pounding and her bladder was screaming bloody murder. She knew that she would have to get up soon, or risk sleeping in a puddle. Alma walked around the room, slamming dresser drawers and cursing in Spanish. She was furious with Johnnie for leaving her alone to deal with all their visitors, but even more furious for worrying her half to death with not knowing where she was.

"Oh God, what time is it?" Johnnie rasped, her throat sore from all the alcohol she consumed.

"Daytime." Alma hissed.

"Please don't shout." Johnnie whispered as she slowly sat up. She suddenly felt the bile rising in her throat, and she raced to the bathroom, barely making it to pray to the porcelain god.

Estupida, Alma thought as she leaned against the bathroom door to make sure Johnnie didn't collapse. That's just what you deserve, drinking like that. You should know better.

After emptying first her stomach and then her bladder, Johnnie crawled over to the sink and pulled herself up. "God, I look worse than I feel." She said as she splashed water on her face and rinsed out her mouth. "Alma, shoot me and put me out of my misery."

Alma huffed and walked away from the bathroom door, mumbling in Spanish.

Johnnie could hear her, and understood every word she said. I have got to fix this. She walked out into the bedroom and stood in front of Alma. She tried to touch her cheek, but Alma recoiled from her touch.

"Baby, I'm sorry I left you like I did." Johnnie softy said.

"You're sorry?" Alma snapped. "How could you do that to me? I needed you."

Johnnie was stung by those words. She had let Alma down and felt terrible about it. "I'm sorry that I wasn't here for you. I needed to be alone, baby." She paused. "It felt like everything was closing in on me and I couldn't handle it."

Alma glared at her. "You weren't alone, were you?" She hissed. "You had your alcohol to keep you company."

"Alma, I… I don't know what to say." Johnnie said as she lowered her head in shame.

"I didn't think that you would." Alma said. She pushed past her and walked out of the room.





Pizo and his partner Drew were on the scene at Ballantine's office. The CSU was dusting for prints while Drew questioned the mayor's secretary and Pizo questioned Peters.

"So, this is how you and the secretary found the mayor's body? Was anything moved or touched? Is anything missing or out of place?" Pizo inquired.

"No, nothing," Peters answered. He took another look around the office, and noticed something. "Wait, the bottle of liquor on his desk doesn't belong there."

Pizo looked toward the desk. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because Mayor Ballantine didn't drink." Peters told him.

"Hey, fellas, dust that bottle for prints." Pizo ordered the CSU investigators.

Drew walked over to Pizo. "The CSU thinks that the marble ashtray could be the murder weapon. It's been bagged and tagged."

"Good." Pizo said.

Tori and Ceecee had prepared breakfast for their hosts. They were at the table eating in uncomfortable silence; all but Johnnie, whose stomach could not take any food. Instead, she just had coffee. Tori and Ceecee engaged in small talk, hoping Alma and Johnnie would join in, but both nothing.

"Thanks for the breakfast, guys. It looked delicious, sorry I couldn't enjoy it." Johnnie said. "I need some air." She stood and walked out onto the patio.

Tori looked at Alma, then out at Johnnie. "I'm gonna go and talk to her."

"Hey, woman, how are you feeling?" Tori asked as she took the seat across from Johnnie.

"Like shit, and to make matters worse, Alma is pissed at me." Johnnie sighed.

"I can see that." Tori said. "She was out of her mind with worry, Johnnie. She didn't know where you were or what you were doing."

"She told me that she needed me. I wasn't here for her, and I feel awful about it." Johnnie told her, holding her head in her hands. "I just had to get out of here. I couldn't stand it."

"Johnnie, she thought that you were going to leave her." Tori revealed.

Johnnie's eyes snapped up to meet hers. "I would never leave her. She's my life. She's all I have left in this world."

"Don't tell me, Johnnie. Tell your wife. You two need to talk about a lot of things." Tori advised.

Johnnie slowly walked into the bedroom. Alma was sitting at the foot of the bed. She walked over and sat down beside her. "Alma, we need to talk."

Alma lowered her head. "Alright." She whispered.

Johnnie took Alma's hands into her own. "Baby, I am really sorry about last night. I didn't mean to hurt you, but I was going crazy here."

"Why?" Alma tearfully asked. "Do you hate me that much?"

Johnnie couldn't believe what she was hearing. "No, no baby. I don't hate you. I could never hate you." She assured her, cupping her lover's cheek with a gentle hand. "Alma, I was watching you yesterday. The more I looked at you, the more I saw Phillip. He looked so much like you. It tore me up inside, and I had to leave."

Alma looked into her eyes, and could see the pain. "I'm sorry beloved." She paused. "Are you going to run away from me every time you think of Phillip? Are you going to shut me out?"

A soft smile came to Johnnie's lips. She touched Alma's cheek. "I will be looking at you even more, especially when I think of him."

Alma smiled. It was the first time since Phillip's death that she was able to smile.

"I've missed that smile." Johnnie whispered as she leaned in for a kiss. "I love you, Alma."

Alma touched her forehead to Johnnie's. "I love you too, Querida."

"Petrillo, get in here." Captain Hill ordered.

Pizo rushed into the captain's office. "What is it, Cap?"

"We have an ID on the prints found on the liquor bottle in Ballantine's office." He told him.

"Well, whose are they?" He asked.

Seriousness washed over Hill's face. "Johnnie's prints were on the bottle, the desk, and on the murder weapon."

Pizo sat down in the chair. "No, that can't be. Johnnie would never…" He paused. He remembered that Johnnie's shirt and face had blood on it.

"We have to go and talk to her." The captain said.



Johnnie, Alma Ceecee and Tori were watching "The View" when it was interrupted by a news bulletin. The reporter announced that the mayor had been found in his office murdered.

"Hey, isn't that the guy that was at the funeral yesterday?" Ceecee asked.

"Yeah, that's him." Johnnie said coldly.

The doorbell rang before any more questions could be asked. Alma went to answer it. She saw it was Pizo, Captain Hill, and someone she had never met. "Pizo, what are you doing here?"

"Hi, Alma. Is Johnnie in?" He asked.

Alma became concerned when she saw how serious Pizo looked. "Yeah, she's here. Come in."

Johnnie looked at the three men as they stood in her living room. "What's going on, fellas?"

"Johnnie, can you remember where you were last night?" Pizo asked.

Johnnie tried to think back. "I really can't remember. I know I stopped by the liquor store, and then I walked to the park. After that, I can't remember."

"She doesn't remember us bringing her home last night." Tori added.

"What were you drinking, J?" Pizo asked.

"You know I only drink Absolut." She said. "Why?"

"Do you remember going to the mayor's office last night?" Drew demanded harshly.

"I told you I don't remember anything after the park." She growled, making Drew to back off.

"J, your prints were found in his office." Pizo said.

"She was there the other day." Alma said. "Don't you remember you called me to get her to come home?"

"There was a bottle of Absolut found in his office with your prints on it, J." Pizo told her.

Johnnie was shocked. "I don't remember being there, Pizo. I swear it."

"Johnnie, I'm sorry, but we are going to have to take you in for questioning." Captain Hill stated.

"No!" Alma screamed. "She had nothing to do with this."

Johnnie stood up and walked over to her. "Baby, calm down. We're gonna get this cleared up." She embraced her. "It's gonna be ok."

"I can't lose you, Johnnie. Not now, not ever." Alma cried.

Johnnie held her tight. "Don't cry baby. You'll see; I'll be home in time for dinner." She tried to sound convincing, but she knew that what she was saying wasn't true. She looked to Tori and Ceecee. "Can you guys stay with her?"

"Sure, Johnnie." They both agreed.

Johnnie released Alma and turned to the men. "How do you guys want to do this?"

Drew reached for his cuffs, but Pizo stilled his hand. "Just get your jacket, J." He looked to the captain, and he agreed.

"We need the clothes you were wearing last night, Johnnie." The captain said.

"I'll get them." Tori told him.

Pizo took the clothes that Tori had bagged for him.

Johnnie grabbed her jacket, kissed Alma, and left with them.

Alma was near hysterics when Rosa and Miguel arrived. Ceecee had called them right after Johnnie left.

Alma sat in a chair and rocked. She held herself as tears flowed freely from her red-rimmed eyes. "What am I going to do? I have already lost Phillip. I can't loose her, too. I need her with me. I won't be able to live without her."

Tori kneeled in front of her. "Alma, it's going to be ok. We all know Johnnie didn't do this. She was too drunk. She couldn't even put herself to bed."

"Why do they think she had anything to do with it?" Miguel asked. "Is it because she attacked him at the funeral?"

"They have proof that Johnnie was in his office last night." Ceecee said.

Alma stood up. "I want to go down there."

"I'll take you." Tori said.



"Let's go over this again, J." Pizo said. "You remember buying the vodka and going to the park, but after that you draw a blank?"

Johnnie rubbed her forehead. She was exhausted, saying the same things over and over. "I told you, I don't remember. I was drunk, don't you get it?" She angrily asked. "You saw the shape that I was in. Hell you could tell me more about last night than I could." She stood up and paced around the room. "I just can't remember."

Pizo sighed heavily. "J, I know this is hard for you, but we have to do this. Your prints were all over his office. They were on that bottle of vodka, and on the murder weapon." He looked at her; he felt his heart breaking because his best friend was in the middle of this. "We have got to piece this thing together, Johnnie. If not, then they are going to lock you up."

"Pizo, I just buried my son. I can't think straight." She yelled.

"All the more reason to get this shit straightened out. Everyone saw you attack him at the cemetery. They all heard you tell him that you were going to kill him." Pizo said.

Johnnie turned to him and slammed her hands against the table. "That bastard was show boating at my son's funeral. His lies are why my son is dead." She angrily spat. "Am I sorry that the son of a bitch is dead? Hell no, I'm not. I'm telling you I had nothing to do with it."

"Why were you at his office, J?" Pizo asked, his voice heavy with concern. "What happened between you two?"

Johnnie dejectedly sat down. "I don't know."

Jonas Peters burst into Captain Hill's office. "I hear you have the animal that murdered the mayor. So, has she been arrested yet?" He demanded.

Hill glared at him. He then began to wonder why Peters was in such a rush to get Johnnie arrested. "You're just like Ballantine. Why do you hate her so much?"

"Why are you dragging you feet about this, Hill? Is it because she was a cop?" He angrily asked.

Hill stood up and leaned over his desk. "I am not dragging my feet." He yelled. "Green was more than just a cop. She was the most highly decorated officer on the force. She dedicated her life to being an exemplary officer."

"That may be, but she is also the prime suspect in the murder of Alexander Ballantine." He paused and leaned over Hill's desk so that they were face to face. "Do your job, Hill, or I will see that you are replaced with someone who will." He said in a menacing tone.

"Is that a threat?" Hill demanded.

"No, it is a promise." He answered, and then he turned and walked out.



District Attorney Madeline Marshall was standing outside the interrogation room watching and listening to Pizo and Johnnie. Maddie, with her sky blue eyes watching every detail of the proceedings in the room, paced back and forth. She pushed blonde strands away from her face and spun around when Captain Hill approached.

"Has she remembered anything?" He asked, eyes and voice hopeful.

"No. She can't remember even being in his office." She told him. "Unfortunately, evidence links her to the scene of the crime."

"Damn it, Johnnie." He said softly, and then he tapped on the window for Pizo to come out.

Pizo looked up, and then sighed heavily. "I'll be right back, J."

Johnnie grabbed him by his arm. "Pizo, I want you to do me one favor."

"Name it, J." He sadly said.

"Do what you have to do, Pizo." She told him. "Just do your job, partner."

They both knew what would be happening next. Pizo walked out of the room. Johnnie sat down and sighed. What happened? What did I do? Is it possible, did I kill him? She questioned herself.

Pizo walked back into the room, along with Captain Hill. Johnnie stood up and faced them. Pizo looked at her; his eyes were full of tears. "Johnetta Green, you are under arrest for the murder of Alexander Ballantine." He said as his voice cracked. "You have the right to remain silent. If you…"

The D.A. watched as Pizo read Johnnie her rights. She fought to keep her own tears from flowing.

Maddie, sweating furiously, sat astride an equally sweaty Johnnie. Johnnie's hands grasped Maddie's hips, pulling her down onto her with force.

"Oh baby." Maddie rasped. "I'm coming, now."

"Yes." Johnnie hissed, as she thrust her hips full force, driving the dildo deeper inside a quivering Maddie. "Come for me baby."

"Oh God!" Maddie exclaimed.

She shook herself back into the present. Ten years could not erase the memory of Johnnie's touch. "What am I going to do now?" She whispered to herself.

Johnnie walked out of the interrogation room with Pizo and Captain Hill. She looked over to her left and saw Maddie. She was stunned. They had not been this close to each other in years. She looked into Maddie's eyes. "It's been a long time. How have you been, Maddie?"

Maddie could no longer hold back her tears. "I'm fine, Johnnie." She paused. "I'm sorry it is under these circumstances." She looked longingly at Johnnie.

"Yeah, well me too." Johnnie said. "So you will be prosecuting this one, huh?"

Maddie cleared her throat. "Yes." She said sadly.

Johnnie grimaced. "That's just great."

"J." Pizo gently said. "We need to go to booking."

Johnnie acknowledged him with a nod of her head.

As they walked through the squad room, Alma and Tori walked in. Alma ran over to Johnnie. "What's going on, Querida?" She asked in a panic.

"I've been arrested, baby." She told her as she touched her cheek. "I won't be home for dinner."

Alma began to cry hysterically while Tori flew into a rage. "What the fuck is going on here?" Tori demanded. "You know she didn't do it."

Johnnie touched Tori on her shoulder. "I need for you to calm down, Tori. You have to take care of Alma for me."

"Johnnie, this is bullshit." Tori yelled. She turned her attention to Captain Hill. "They just lost their son. Isn't there anything you can do?"

Captain Hill was sympathetic, but he knew he had to follow procedure. "There's nothing I can do. My hands are tied."

Alma moved closer to Johnnie. "I love you, baby." She tearfully said. "I am going to get you out of here as soon as possible."

Johnnie took her into her arms. "It's going to be ok, honey. I love you, too." She kissed her. "C'mon Pizo, let's get this over with."

Maddie stood off in a corner. She watched how Johnnie and Alma were with each other, and remembered how Johnnie was with her. Why did you leave me, Johnnie? Maddie shook off the feeling and walked out.

After Johnnie was booked, she was taken to jail. Alma sobbed hysterically as they took Johnnie away. Pizo walked over to Tori and Alma.

"Johnnie won't be arraigned until tomorrow, so you both need to go home." Pizo said.

"We can't get her out now?" Alma demanded. "She can't stay in jail, Pizo. She can't."

"Alma, I am going to do everything that I can to clear her." He solemnly said. "I know Johnnie couldn't have done this. Johnnie is my best friend. As furious as she was with Ballantine, she couldn't have done anything this heinous."

"I know she didn't do it." Alma declared.

"Go home and get prepared to get her out." He told them. "We will get to the bottom of this."



Maddie cried all the way to her apartment. How can I prosecute the woman I once loved? Who am I kidding, the woman I still love. She thought.

After taking a shower, Maddie put on her robe and went to the hall closet. She pulled out a box that was pushed all the way in the back. She took the box over to the sofa, then went into the kitchen and brought back a bottle of wine and a glass. When she opened the box, there was a record album on top. She took it out of the box and saw that it was Johnnie's favorite, 'The Best of Minnie Ripperton.' Being an avid collector of albums, she took the record over to the stereo and put it on.

Johnnie stood in the kitchen preparing dinner. Minnie Ripperton played softly in the background. Johnnie was singing along, when Maddie walked into the kitchen. She had just gotten in and heard Johnnie harmonizing with Minnie. She should be a singer instead of a cop. She thought as she watched Johnnie move around in the kitchen.

Johnnie noticed Maddie staring at her. "Hey you," She smiled. "How long have you been there?"

Maddie walked over to Johnnie and embraced her. "Long enough to hear my baby's beautiful voice."

Johnnie kissed her forehead. "Dinner should be ready in a couple of minutes."

"I need a shower. Would you like to join me?" Maddie seductively asked.

Johnnie gave her a knowing look. "Give me a couple of minutes."

The high note Minnie Ripperton hit brought Maddie back to the present. Her head was a little fuzzy from the half bottle of wine that she consumed. She lay back on the sofa. Try as she might, she couldn't fight off the memories of Johnnie and their lovemaking. Her hands moved inside her robe, brushing lightly against already engorged nipples. She teased them, imagining her hands were Johnnie's. As her hands slid across her stomach, she moaned when they reached her throbbing clit. "Oh, Johnnie." She whispered as her fingers teased her swollen bud.

She placed two fingers inside her throbbing aching wet folds, gently thrusting her hips up to meet them. She remembered how Johnnie would stroke her. Her thrust increased in speed and intensity. Maddie could feel the fire in her body begging for release. Her hips buckled wildly as she reached orgasm. "Oh yes, Johnnie, yes." She screamed.





Ceecee had prepared dinner and was trying to convince Alma to eat. "Alma you've hardly eaten a thing all day. This is not good for you, or for the baby."

Alma sighed. "I know. I just can't eat anything right now." She paused. "I'm worried about Johnnie being in that place."

Ceecee sat across from her and placed her hand over Alma's. "I know you are sweetheart, but you have got to eat something." She looked Alma in her eyes. "Have you figured out how you are going to tell Johnnie about the baby?"

"Mami, we havin' a baby?" Phillip asked.

"Si, mijo. We are going to have a baby. You will have a little brother or sister." She said. "Do you remember what you are supposed to say to Mama?"

"I formember, Mami. I say we havin' a baby." He proudly told her.

Alma ruffled the boy's hair. "That's right, mijo. Say it just like that."

"Phillip was going to tell her." She sadly said, feeling a sob rising in her throat. "He was going to tell her when he gave her the CD he picked out for her." Alma began to cry. So did Ceecee.

When the doorbell rang, Tori answered it. It was Laura and Tracy.

"Come on in. Ceecee's in the kitchen with Alma trying to get her to eat something." Tori said.

"Thanks." The both said as they came in.

"We just found out what happened." Tracy said. "Is there anything we can do? Does Alma need anything?"

"Just help us with Alma until we can get Johnnie home. She is a nervous wreck." Tori told them.

"I can imagine." Laura said softly.



Chapter 8



Jonas Peters was on the phone with one of Ballantine's New York benefactors.

"Alex has been killed." Peters told him.

"We are aware of that." The man coldly told him. "Maybe it is for the best. He was becoming a liability, and his hypocrisy was catching up with him." He paused. "That would have been bad for us, bad for business."

"I tried to warn him." Peters said. "He would not listen to me. Alex really wanted to get Green."

"Well, that is not a concern of ours now. We have an even bigger problem. That Green woman will have to be eliminated. From what my sources tell me, she has information linking Ballantine to us." He said.

"I have already made arrangements, sir." Peters said. "Tomorrow morning, Ms. Green will no longer be a problem."

"Good, Peters." The man said. "You are a valuable asset. Ballantine was a stupid man for not listening to your advice."

Peters smiled broadly. "Thank you, sir."



Johnnie had been processed, and was in her cell. She thought of Alma and what she must be going through. I am so sorry, baby. I fucked up royally.

She was pulled from her musings when the jailer brought in an inmate. "You have company, Green." She told her. "You girls play nice."

Johnnie sat up. The inmate was a Caucasian woman in her early forties. She had red hair and looked very intimidating. If it had been anyone else, she would have been afraid. Johnnie, on the other hand, looked at her and dismissed her presence. She lay back down on her bunk.

"Hey, I'm Mary. What's your name?" She asked as she walked over to the bunks.

Johnnie propped herself up on her elbow. "I'm Johnnie."

"What you in here for?" She asked.

Johnnie looked her in her eye. "Murder."

"Damn. I'm locked up for assault a police officer." She paused. "Did you do it?"

"Nope." Johnnie told her. She lay back down on the bunk. "We won't have any problems, will we?"

Mary lifted her hands in a peaceful gesture. "No officer. We won't."



"Will the defendant please rise?" The judge asked.

Johnnie and her attorney stood up. Johnnie turned toward the jury box.

"We, the jury, find Johnetta Green guilty of murder in the first degree." The foreman announced.

Gasps were heard throughout the courtroom. Alma was in tears.

The judge looked a Johnnie with contempt. "I will not prolong sentencing." He paused. "I hereby sentence you to death by lethal injection. May God have mercy on your soul."

"No!" Alma screamed as she sat up in bed. She was shaking and sweat poured off of her. The sheets were soaked. "My God, please protect her. Please do not take her away from me."



Johnnie lay on her bunk. Her thoughts were of Alma. She closed her eyes and tried to go to sleep.

After a while, Johnnie felt Mary shifting on her bunk above her. She opened her eyes to slits and saw Mary as she slid from her bunk to the floor. Mary reached for something under her pillow, and came back with a shank. She leaned over Johnnie and was preparing to stab her when Johnnie punched her in her forehead. The blow sent Mary reeling backwards, causing her to drop the shank. Johnnie leaped from her bunk and kicked the shank out of reach. She then began to kick Mary.

The fight awakened the other inmates. Johnnie was now straddled over Mary, furiously punching her in her face. Mary struggled and was able to hit Johnnie in her side, causing her to fall over. Mary stood, but Johnnie pulled her leg from under her, making her fall and hit her head against the bars. All the noise from the inmates alerted the guards. Johnnie stood over her and picked her up. She slammed her against the bars.

"Why are you trying to kill me?" Johnnie growled. "I haven't done anything to you."

The guards came in and separated them. "What in the hell is going on here?" One guard demanded.

"This bitch was trying to kill me." Johnnie yelled. "I thought she was searched."

The other guard grabbed Johnnie by the arm. "Come on, Green. You are going into solitary."

When they arrived at solitary, the guard opened the cell, and took Johnnie in. "I think you will be safer in here." She whispered.

"Thanks." Johnnie said. Her rage began to subside and she began wondering why Mary had attacked her.



Pizo arrived early that morning, being called the previous night and notified of the events that took place.

"J, are you alright?" Pizo asked as he touched her shoulder.

Johnnie was a little sore from the punch she received in her side. She winced from the pain. "Yeah, I'm fine." She assured him.

"What beef does this woman have with you?" He asked.

"I have never seen her before. I have no idea why she would try to kill me, other than the fact she hates cops." She said.

"J, that doesn't sound logical. There must be something else." He paused. "You were attacked with a shank. How did she get it in past the search?"

Johnnie sighed. "I don't know and I can't concern myself with it right now. All I want to do is get out of here and clear my name." She looked directly into Pizo's eyes. "As angry as I was with Ballantine, I know I didn't kill him."

"I believe you, J." He assured her.

"Have you talked with Alma? Do you know if she has gotten me a lawyer yet?" She asked.

Pizo smiled. "It looks like one of your clients has volunteered to take your case. Bob Wooten himself will be your lawyer."

Johnnie chuckled. "Bob, eh? Well, well, I must be important to him. He hasn't handled any cases here in years. He usually defends big shots."

"Well partner, you have one of the best. No stone will be left unturned with him on the job." He said.

Johnnie showered and put on a fresh orange jumpsuit. She met with Bob in the room set aside for attorneys to confer with their clients.

Bob extended his hand. "How are you holding up, Johnnie?" He asked, deeply concerned.

Johnnie shook his hand. "Aside from being attacked last night, I'm holding up as best I can." She said.

"As soon as I heard, I called Alma and offered my services." He said as he opened his briefcase.

"I really appreciate it." She said and paused for a long moment. "Bob, I didn't do it."

He smiled at her. "I know you didn't Johnnie, and we are going to prove it." He paused. "Now as for this attack on you, we are going to find out why."

"I don't know why she attacked me." She said. "I've never seen her before in my life."

"Well, if she is not an enemy, we have got to figure what or maybe even who was behind this." He adamantly said.



Johnnie's arraignment hearing was scheduled for 10 am. She arrived at the courthouse still dressed in 'jailhouse orange'. Alma, Tori, Ceecee, Annie and Pizo were seated behind the defense table. The deputies brought Johnnie in and seated her at the table. She stood only a few feet away from her. Johnnie turned to Alma and winked. Alma smiled back at her.

Maddie was situated at the prosecutor's table. She watched as Johnnie walked in. He knees became weak so she sat down.

Alma noticed how Maddie watched Johnnie and her eyes narrowd. She leaned over to Tori. "What is her problem? Why is she looking at Johnnie like that?"

"I have no idea, Alma." She said. Thinking Annie might have an idea, she turned to her. "What's up with that D.A.? Why is she looking at Johnnie like that?"

Annie moved closer. "A little over ten years ago, she and Johnnie were lovers." She whispered. "Johnnie has gotten over her, but it looks like she still has a thing for Johnnie."

"Get the fuck outta here." Tori said, shocked at what she just heard. "You have got to give me the details later."

Bob Wooten walked in, barely making it past the media blockade outside. He nodded to Alma, and then sat next to Johnnie. "Are you ready, Johnnie?" He asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be." She stated.

"All rise." The bailiff said. "Court is now in session. The Honorable Henry Walters, presiding."

Judge Walters walked in and took his seat on the bench. "You may be seated. Call the first case."

"The State of North Carolina vs. Johnetta Green." The bailiff announced. Both parties stood as the bailiff read the charges.

"How do you plead, Ms. Green?" The judge asked.

"Not guilty, Your Honor." Johnnie said calmly.

He looked toward the prosecution. "Any recommendations, counselor?" He asked.

"The people request no bail, Your Honor." Maddie regrettably said. She knew that if she handled this case with kid gloves that it would create trouble for Johnnie.

Bob interrupted. "Your Honor, Ms. Green is a well respected member of the community. She is also a highly decorated retired member of this city's police department. She has ties to the community and is not a flight risk."

"Your Honor, Ms. Green has been charged with a capital crime. We shouldn't subject the public to such a potential danger." Maddie stated.

Alma seethed and Tori and the rest watched in disbelief.

"Ms. Green is innocent until proven guilty." Bob said, outraged. "Your Honor, I'd also like to add that Ms. Green is in imminent danger. She was attacked last night and nearly killed in her sleep."

Gasps could be heard in the courtroom. Even Maddie was taken aback.

The judge grimaced. "In light of this information, bail is set at one million dollars. Let's move on, next case please."

Tori told Johnnie that she would be out by lunch, as Alma watched the deputies take her away.



Chapter 9

Johnnie paced back and forth in her cell. She knew that she could count on Tori to work quickly on raising her bail. Cash bond, I can't fucking believe it. That judge acted as if I were some low life criminal. She thought to herself. You are accused of murder, idiot. What do you expect? Johnnie looked at her hands; they were large, strong and capable of inflicting serious damage. Did I kill him? Am I capable of murder? She questioned herself.

The guard interrupted any further musings. "You have a visitor, Green. I think it's your attorney."

Johnnie was puzzled. Why would Bob want to see me now? She wondered.

When Johnnie entered the room for attorney and client conferences, she was stunned to find Maddie waiting for her. "What are you doing here?" She politely asked. "Do I need my attorney?"

Maddie smiled. "No, I just wanted to see if you were ok?" She paused. "I had no idea that you would be attacked. I am so sorry."

Johnnie looked at Maddie suspiciously. What is she up to? What does she want? "Things like that happen in jail all the time. I'm ok, I handled it."

Maddie appraised Johnnie, taking in her features and well-developed body. She is even more gorgeous now, than when we were together. She walked over to Johnnie, and looked into her eyes. "I'm sure you did. Are you really ok?"

"I'll be just fine as soon as Alma gets me out of here." She said. "Now Maddie, tell me why you are really here."

"I just had to see you, my Ebony Queen." She lustfully whispered as she placed her hand on Johnnie's bicep.

What the fuck… Johnnie took a step back. "I haven't been that in over ten years, Maddie. That was a decision that you made for the both of us."

"It was the worst mistake I ever made." Maddie said as she moved closer, invading Johnnie's space. "Johnnie, I have missed you terribly. Being so close to you has stirred something in me." She moved to embrace her, but Johnnie blocked her arms.

"Don't do this, Maddie. It's over. It's been over for a long time. I have moved on, and I think you should, too." Johnnie softly said.

"I've never gotten you out of my system, Johnnie. I want us to get back together. We belong together, don't you see?" Maddie told her, desperation growing in her voice.

Johnnie was stunned. "Maddie, I'm married now. I love Alma with all my heart and soul. I couldn't live without her, nor would I even try."

"You used to feel that way about me. Remember, Johnnie?" Maddie asked.

"I'm not trying to hurt you." Johnnie said, her voice more firm. "What we had is over. I've never loved anyone the way I love Alma."

Maddie's eyes filled with tears. "Johnnie, you don't mean that. You loved me, too."

"I did love you, Maddie. Did being the operative word. I have grown, and Alma has taught me about love on a higher plain. I never really even knew what love was until she came into my life." Johnnie said.

"What about what we shared?" Maddie asked, her voice pleading. "I've grown too, Johnnie. I want you back."

Johnnie became impatient with her. "It's over, Maddie. I would never take you back. Alma is my life, and I will never leave her."

Maddie became furious. "You're still the selfish bitch you always were." She angrily spat. "How could I humiliate myself by begging? You're probably on your way to death row anyway. Alma can have you. She deserves you."

Johnnie grabbed her by the arm. "You don't know Alma, so don't talk about her." She growled through clenched teeth. Maddie snatched her arm out of Johnnie's grasp and took a step back. Johnnie continued her tirade. "It wasn't me who ruined us, it was you. You and your ambition, only caring about what was important to you. You never committed to us, and I thank God for that. I am happier now than I could possibly be with you or anyone else."

"Fine." Maddie hissed. "I hope that you will be happy loving her from behind bars."

"You'd better go before I do something stupid." Johnnie ordered.

"What? Are you going to kill me, too?" Maddie defiantly asked.

"Fuck you, Maddie." Johnnie hissed through clenched teeth.

Maddie gave her a feral grin as she headed toward the door. "By the way, they don't allow conjugal visits in North Carolina. I wonder how long it will take that hot blooded little chica of yours to find herself someone new."

Realizing that it was Maddie's way of finishing an argument, Johnnie never even blinked. "If I am locked up, my love for Alma will never diminish, nor hers for me. Now get out."

Maddie tossed her hair and walked out. When she got to her car, she began to cry. If I can't have you, Alma won't either. I'll see to that.



Tori worked quickly to transfer funds from Johnnie's various accounts into the account at her local bank. She and Alma drove to the bank to get a cashier's check to post Johnnie's bond.

This is such a mess, Querida. Alma thought. Her brows furrowed as a dark thought entered her mind. Could she have possibly killed him? She was angry enough, and she nearly succeeded at the cemetery. She quickly shook that thought off. Johnnie would never take a life. She is not like that.

"Green, your wife's here. She's posting your bail." The guard said. "Here are your clothes."

Johnnie looked up at the guard; it was the one that put her in solitary. "Thanks." Johnnie said. "For everything you've done."

The guard smiled. "It was nothing. I only did my job."

Johnnie smiled as she stood up. "You did more than your job. You may have saved my life." She looked at the guard's nametag. "Thanks, Barnes."

Ms. Barnes blushed. "You're welcome. Good luck with the case." She turned and left the cell, locking the door behind her.

Alma breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Johnnie walking toward her and Tori. She ran and leaped into Johnnie's arms.

Johnnie grimaced a little due to her sore ribs. She held her tightly and kissed her. "I missed you, baby."

Alma's eyes were filled with tears. "Oh, Querida, I have missed you, too." She cupped Johnnie's face as soon as she put her down. "Are you ok? Did that bad woman hurt you?"

Johnnie chuckled. "I'm fine, baby." She looked to Tori. "Thank you for getting me out as quickly as you did."

Tori smiled at her. "Just made a couple of fund transfers. Wasn't hard at all."

Johnnie touched Alma's cheek. "Don't worry about the money, baby. We'll get it back, I promise."

"The money means nothing to me, Johnnie." Alma whispered. "I want you. I want to grow old with you, my love."

Johnnie smiled at her, and held her chin. "You will. Till death do us part, remember?"

Tears flowed slowly down Alma's cheeks. She kissed Johnnie's fingers and whispered, "Till death do us part."



When they arrived at the house, Johnnie looked around expectantly. Her heart sank when she remembered that Phillip wasn't going to come running around the corner.

Alma could see the loss and sorrow in Johnnie's eyes. "It's empty without him. I know how you feel, Johnnie. I miss him, too." She whispered, caressing her arm and shoulder.

Johnnie wrapped her arms around Alma. "I don't know how I could get through this without you, baby." She kissed her forehead and walked down the hall and into Phillip's bedroom, sitting down on his bed. Johnnie held her head and began to cry.

Alma sat beside Johnnie and held her as they both cried. When they finished Alma looked around the bedroom. "Let's leave things the way they are for right now."

Johnnie nodded her head in agreement. "I was thinking the same thing."

Alma noticed how tired Johnnie looked. "Perhaps you should take a nap, beloved. You look exhausted."

Johnnie sighed. "I didn't get much sleep last night."

Alma gave her a half-hearted smile. "I know, and we will discuss it when you wake up." She kissed her and sent her to bed.

Johnnie was walking downtown, when she noticed a little boy dressed in buckskins running toward her. When he got closer, she saw that it was Phillip. "Champ!" She cried out. "Come to Mama, son."

Phillip waved and turned toward City Hall. Johnnie took off in hot pursuit behind him.

"Champ, where are you going?" She asked. "Come to Mama."

He ran inside, with Johnnie right on his heels. It was not well lit, and a mist covered the floor. She suddenly felt a small hand slip into hers. She looked down and saw that it was Phillip. She smiled at him.

"C'mon, Mama. Let's go see." He told her as he pulled her toward the elevators.

Johnnie went with him. She noticed the smell of alcohol as they walked. They went inside the elevator, and it stopped on the third floor. The doors opened and they were near Ballantine's office. When they stepped out, she saw herself staggering into his office. "What's going on here?"

"Mama, see in you head. Look Mama, look." Phillip instructed, as he pulled her to the doorway.

Johnnie watched herself and Ballantine, as they argued then fought. "So that's where the blood came from." She said. She saw herself stagger out of his office, with him still alive.

Phillip looked up at her. "See, Mama, you no did bad ting."

"Thank you, Champ." She whispered as tears fell from her eyes. "You've helped Mama." Johnnie then saw her father standing at the end of the hallway, with his bow and quiver and a smaller version in his hand.

"I go now, Mama. Paw-paw take me hunting." He said as he slipped his hand out of hers.

"No, Champ, don't go." She hoarsely whispered.

"Kiss Mami for me." He told her. "Oh, Mami has 'prize for you."

"Champ, wait." Johnnie yelled.

"Bye Mama." He said, smiling and waving as he faded away.

Johnnie woke from her dream, crying and yelling Phillip's name. Alma, Ceecee and Tori all ran in to see what was going on. Johnnie was sobbing into her hands.

"Querida, what's wrong?" Alma asked frantically as she sat on the bed and took Johnnie into her arms.

"Champ, Alma, it was Champ." Johnnie said as she tried to calm down. "He guided me to the truth about that night in Ballantine's office."

"What are you talking about, Johnnie?" Tori asked.

Alma stroked Johnnie's face as Johnnie told them of the dream. "I was there, but I didn't kill him. I was going to expose him for what he really was." She said.

"What are you talking about?" Alma asked.

"I was going to expose him. Why would I kill him if I were going to destroy him? Killing would be too good for that freak. I was going to make him suffer for what he did to me and my family." Johnnie acknowledged.

"Is that why Bobby came to see you?" Tori asked.

"Yeah. He had the proof I needed to expose him." She said, and then turned her attention back to Alma. "Baby, Champ said something else, too."

"What was it, beloved?" Alma asked.

"He told me that you had a surprise for me." She said. "What is it?"

Alma was stunned. She looked up her eyes locked with Ceecee's, looking like a deer caught in headlights. Alma looked back a Johnnie. "I, um, Johnnie there is something that I need to tell you, but I just don't know how."

Johnnie became a little worried at the tone and demeanor that Alma had taken. "Baby, whatever it is, you can tell me."

Alma stood up and walked over to the dresser. She began to play with her hands, wringing then nervously. Johnnie got up off the bed and walked over to stand behind her. "Alma, what is it, baby?"

"You see it's like this, Querida. On the day that Phillip died, we had gone out. I had a doctor's appointment, and then we went shopping." She quickly said.

"Hold up, Alma. You went to the doctor? Are you ill, what's wrong?" Johnnie asked in a panic, turning Alma around to face her.

Alma looked shyly up at her. "It's nothing like that, beloved. I am fine."

"Well what is it, then?" Johnnie asked.

Alma began to stutter. "Johnnie? I…I'm…"

"Alma, tell me." Johnnie begged as fear still held a steady grip on her heart. I can't lose her, too.

"We're having a baby. I'm pregnant." Alma whispered.

Johnnie could barely make out her words. "Say again."

"I'm pregnant." Alma said a little louder.

Tori looked to Ceecee. "Pregnant?" She mouthed. Ceecee nodded her head. She took Tori's hand and led her out of the bedroom to give Johnnie and Alma some privacy.

Alma's words stunned Johnnie into silence.

"This is killing me, baby." Johnnie said, unable to hide her frustration.

"I know it is." Alma said. "But the doctor told us that there is a possibility that we would have to keep trying."

Johnnie sighed. "I remember. We have attempted this four times already." She held up the test stick, examining it closely. "We did do it right, didn't we?"

"Yes, Querida. We did it right." Alma sighed. She knew that Johnnie had little patience when she was excited about something. "I tell you what; from now on I will go and have the procedure alone. That way you will be surprised and not drive me up the wall when the test is negative. "

Johnnie pouted. "But, baby, I want to be there with you."

Alma held up her hand in protest. "Beloved, you make me crazy with all the questions and the pacing. It will be a lovely surprise when I tell you that we are pregnant."

Johnnie realized that she could be a pain sometimes. "Okay, baby. If you are sure."

Alma smiled. "I am." She kissed her tall wife and embraced her.

Johnnie held her tightly. "Alma?"

"Yes, Querida?" Alma asked.

"Can we do it like this all the time?" Johnnie inquired.

Alma smiled. "What, I surprise you when I am pregnant?"

"Yes." Johnnie gave in response.

Alma looked up at her. She saw the childlike grin that was on Johnnie's face and couldn't hold back her chuckle. "Of course we can, my love."

"Did you hear what I said?" Alma asked her. Please don't be angry with me.

Johnnie's breathing began to speed up as a smile formed on her face. "I love you, Alma." She said as she rubbed Alma's shoulders. "Why did you wait to tell me?"

Alma lowered her head and sighed heavily. "With all that was going on, I didn't think that you would want another baby right now."

"Alma, look at me." Johnnie said softly. "I love you. The fact that you wanted to surprise me is wonderful."

"Johnnie?" Alma started to interrupt but was halted by Johnnie's finger on her lips.

"I know, baby. I would have loved for Champ to be here, too." Johnnie said. Her voice began to quaver at the thought of her lost son. "He would have been a great big brother." Johnnie could no longer hold the tears that welled up in her eyes.

"Oh, baby." Alma said as Johnnie collapsed in her arms and cried. She led them over to their bed and leaned back, pulling Johnnie's head onto her chest. She stroked Johnnie's head as her body shook with sobs. Alma allowed her tears to fall silently as they both drifted off to sleep.



After a light dinner prepared by Tori, Johnnie made a phone call to Laura.

"Hi, Laura, it's me." Johnnie said.

Laura smiled broadly. "Hey, Johnnie. How are you?"

"I'm ok. Laura, I hate to interrupt your evening, but I need a favor." Johnnie softly said.

"Name it, Johnnie. What do you need?" Laura asked.

"We need to have an emergency brainstorming session tonight. Could you call Tracy, Mike and Glen and have them meet with us here tonight?" Johnnie requested.

Laura quickly agreed. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes." Johnnie said. "There is a manila envelope on my desk. Could you stop by the office on your way here and bring it with you?"

"Sure, Johnnie." She said, and then hung up.

Johnnie placed the phone back on its cradle. There is no way in hell I'm gonna be locked away from my wife and child.



Continued in Part 3