Sex and Lies

“I’m serious,” she said. “And I have been allowed to recruit someone and I want that someone to be you.”

“Ma, what in the world are you talking about?” Savannah put the last bag in the car and got in behind the wheel. She put on her designer sunglasses and pulled off.

“Just listen. Four years ago I met a woman in my exercise class, Dina Fleming. She told me about this group of women who are hired to perform a variety of jobs—mostly surveillance but sometimes it’s more involved. It could be anything from posing as a girlfriend to getting hired at a business to find out about illegal practices.”

Savannah turned to her mother in disbelief, peering at her over the top of her shades.

“I’ve done several jobs myself,” she said with pride.

“Are you kidding me?”

“No. Remember the big scandal about the child-care agency about a year ago?”

Savannah frowned as she tried to remember. “Sort of, why?”

“I worked that case.”

Savannah tossed her head back and laughed. “Stop playing.”

“I’m very serious. There are about thirty women who are part of the Cartel—in the New York chapter. For those outside of the circle they believe we are no more than a group of women who sell skin-care and body products. No one ever suspects us, that’s why we’re so successful at what we do.”

Maybe her mother was getting senile, Savannah thought as she drove and listened to the absurd story. She’d seen her mother’s case of bath and beauty products hundreds of times. Now she expected her to think it was all part of some elite organization?

“Do you really expect me to believe this? Is this some gimmick to recruit me to sell something?”

“I promise you it’s not. I presented your credentials to the board and they want to meet you.”

“Credentials?”

“The fact that you work for a law firm and are familiar with the law, attorneys and the court system, we believe you could be a major asset to the organization.”

Her head was spinning. This was nonsense, but she figured the least she could do was humor her mother. “Mom, I’m sure you really believe all this and if it will make you feel better I’ll meet your friends.” She patted her mother’s thigh.

Claudia pushed her daughter’s hand away. “Don’t patronize me! I’m not some blithering idiot. And you should know better.” She folded her arms in a huff. “If I’d thought for a minute that you would react this way I would have never opened my mouth.”

Savannah stole a glance at her mother and could tell by the hard set of her mouth and the deep furrow between her brows that she was dead serious.

“I’m sorry if I offended you, Mom, but you have to admit this all sounds crazy.”

“I know, I thought the same thing. But it’s real, very real. So are you interested?”

“Intrigued, for sure.”

“Good.” Her expression brightened. “I’ll set everything up.”

And she did. Savannah met with Dina and Leslie and was grilled as if she were applying for a job with the CIA. Then they did a background check and when everything came back clear she began her training which lasted for six months.

TLC was a secret society of highly skilled women who were hired to perform covert operations at the behest of scorned wives, jealous husbands, business executives, government agencies and families in dispute over inheritances. It came into being more than a decade earlier, having started in Langley, VirgiMia—home to secrets and lies. What began as a small investigative firm headed by Jean Wallington, slowly mushroomed into TLC with branches all across the country.

Savannah was ready for her very first assignment and she hoped that tonight would be the night.

“I want to begin by congratulating Tina and Marilyn for the excellent job they did with the redlining that was happening on Long Island,” Leslie said. “As a result of their hard work, the real-estate agency that was discriminating against single women home owners and black families has been closed and the owners are facing jail time.”

A cheer followed by applause filled the room.

“Brenda Levin has been promoted to level two for her hard work in recruiting the most new members in the past year.”

More applause.

“Tonight I want you all to give a warm welcome to three new recruits. When I call your names will you please stand? Margaret Jacobs, Mi Lin Chan and Denise Walker.”

The ladies stood, smiled and waved at their fellow Cartel members to shouts of “Welcome aboard.”

Leslie waited until the room quieted. She scanned the room. “As you know from the monthly newsletter that comes with your supplies, we have several cases that need our attention. The board has reviewed the experience, skills and personal backgrounds of each of you and we’ve made our selections.” Leslie cleared her throat and tucked several strands of her blond hair behind her ear. She opened a leather folder and pulled out a piece of paper. The room hushed.

“Serena Hamilton, Justine Parker and Savannah Fields.”

The collected held breath was released. Savannah clutched her mother’s hand, animation sparkling in her eyes.

“Each of you ladies will receive your instructions before you leave tonight. Of course, after reading what is required of you, you have the option to decline the assignment. Should you decide to take the assignment you will be provided with whatever support the Cartel can provide. Congratulations, ladies, and with that this portion of the meeting is adjourned. Feel free to enjoy the food and drinks and would Serena, Justine and Savannah stop in the office before you leave.” Leslie stepped away from the podium and chatter filled the room.

“Congratulations, Savannah,” Melonie, one of the early members of the Cartel said. “This is your first assignment, right?”

“Yes, it is.” Savannah was giddy with excitement. Her mind was running in a million directions at once trying to imagine what her assignment would be.

Melonie touched Savannah’s shoulder. “Well, if you need anything let me know, but you have a pro in the family,” she added, looking with admiration at Claudia. “So I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Savannah drew in a long breath. “That I do.”

They chatted for a few minutes more and Savannah continued to get words of encouragement and support from her sister members.

Claudia yawned. “Sorry,” she said. “Long day.”

Savannah looked at her watch and gasped in alarm. It was nine forty-five. She’d promised Blake she would meet him at the restaurant at ten and she still had to meet with Leslie to get her assignment.

“I really have to go. I have a dinner date with my husband.”

“Go, girl, go,” Melonie said.

“Let me check in with Leslie. Mom, I’ll call you tomorrow.” She kissed her mother’s cheek, said her goodbyes and hurried to the main office which was down the hallway from the ballroom.

When she got to the office, Justine was just coming out. “Good luck,” she murmured as she passed Savannah.

“Thanks, you, too.”

Savannah stepped up to the closed door and knocked lightly.

“Come in,” came the voice on the other side of the door.

Savannah turned the knob and stepped inside. For an instant her step faltered. It wasn’t Leslie as she’d expected but the head honcho in charge.

“Savannah.” Jean Wallington beamed as if she’d run into a long-lost friend. “Come in. Have a seat.”

Jean Wallington rarely made an appearance. She was so high up the chain of command that you needed oxygen to hang out with her. Word had it that she was a former CIA operative who’d specialized in covert opts. Having had her fill with the old boys’ club she, over time, began recruiting for her own organization. Jean firmly believed that women had just as much, if not more, skill in the field of undercover operations, primarily because no one ever suspected a woman. But mostly because women understood people. Women had instincts and they were rarely wrong. Jean banked on those instincts of her team to get the jobs done. She was never wrong.

Savannah flashed a nervous smile and sat in the high back Queen Ann chair opposite Jean. Jean folded her hands on top of the cherrywood desk.

“I’ve been watching you for a while, Savannah,” Jean began, “and I’m very impressed by what I’ve seen.”

“Thank you.”

Jean flipped open a thin manila file folder and quickly glanced over it before sweeping her thin pink-framed glasses from her sharp nose, displaying the most intense green eyes Savannah had ever seen. They were the color of jade.

“When we make our selections, we do it very carefully. We take many factors into account—length of membership, who you were recruited by, your education, profession and how you did during training. Most important we look at what we call the unobvious skills or attributes in our members.” Jean waved her glasses toward Savannah. “In your case we discovered that you have an innate quality with people. People are drawn to you, Savannah, and for this assignment that’s exactly what we need—that, combined with your legal background. We feel you are the perfect member to handle this job.”

Savannah had no idea that she was viewed that way. She was thrilled to know it yet a bit unsettled to realize that she’d been watched that closely without her knowledge. Damn, they were good.

“Your assignment will be to gather evidence on The Montgomery Enterprises. It has been brought to our attention that the corporation has been laundering money in addition to working with substandard products in the development of their housing projects and some corporate structures. We’re confident that the confirmation we’re seeking is buried in their legal documents. They have some of the best lawyers in the country on their payroll.” She took a larger manila envelope from the file and handed it over to Savannah. “All of the information you need is inside. The information on those pages will begin to dissolve within fifteen minutes of opening the envelope and exposing it to the air. Memorize it. The tools that you need will be delivered to you in your next TLC shipment by courier.”

Savannah nodded. The name Montgomery gave her an itch that she couldn’t quite scratch. It was so familiar but she wasn’t sure why. She held the envelope to her chest. Her racing heart thumped making the envelope vibrate like a tuning fork.

“Any questions?”

“How much time do I have?”

“Three weeks.”

Savannah’s deep brown eyes widened a fraction.

“Of course, you will have the full support of TLC.”

“Any reason for the short window?”

“Yes, The Montgomery Enterprises is set to break ground on a new development by the end of the month. We need the information irrefutably verified before then.”

Montgomery…breaking ground. It couldn’t be.

“If there’s nothing else.” Jean stood and Savannah realized for the first time just how tall Jean actually was. She had to be at least five-eleven, Savannah guesstimated. She got up, took the envelope still clutched to her chest and stuck out her hand. “Thank you for the opportunity, Jean.”

“I expect great things from all of our Cartel members,” she said, shaking Savannah’s hand with a death grip, her green eyes boring into Savannah’s.

“I won’t disappoint you.”

“I know.”

Savannah drew in a short breath and lifted her chin an inch in acceptance.

With her first assignment plastered to the front of her suit jacket by a damp hand, Savannah bobbed and weaved her way out of the brownstone, accepting heartfelt congratulations along the way. Once outside she gulped in the night air then sprinted down the street to her car. It was already ten-twenty. She got in the car and immediately called Blake on her cell phone.

“Baby, I’m so sorry,” she said the instant his voice came on the phone.

“No worries, sugar. I ran into Mac and we were having a drink at the bar. How much longer will you be?”

“At least fifteen minutes.”

“See you when you get here.”

“Love you,” Savannah said, truly meaning it.

“Back at ya. Drive safe.”

She flipped the phone closed and put the car in gear. Her husband was the best. Damn she was lucky.

At least up to that point.

Chapter 4

T he Cabaret restaurant and lounge was located on the upper Eastside of Manhattan on Park Avenue and 52nd Street. Blake and Savannah had stumbled upon this jewel during the first year of their marriage when they were still exploring each other and the city that they loved. The Cabaret became “their place” and they celebrated every event worth celebrating there.

The food was exquisite, though pricey, but it was the atmosphere that drew them back time and again. It had just the right amount of dim lighting with mirrors in strategic places, candle votives on the intimate tables tucked throughout the space. And every night there was a great jazz performance.

“So how’s married life, my man?” Mac asked as he swallowed what remained of his vodka on the rocks.

Blake grinned. “Couldn’t be better. I love it.”

“Get out. You, Mr. Permanent Bachelor.” Mac chuckled.

Blake lowered his head, his grin broadening. “Yeah, I didn’t figure marriage was for me, but when I met Savannah…” He shook his head in wonder. “All the others paled in comparison to her.”

“I can’t believe it. I have women still asking me about ‘your friend, um, Blake,’” he said in a really bad falsetto.

They laughed at Mac’s bad imitation of a female voice.

“I’m off the market, man.” Blake took a swig of his drink. “What about you, ever going to settle down?”

“Why?” He signaled the waiter for another drink. “I firmly believe that men were not created to be with one woman. Why do you think they outnumber us?”

Blake cut his eyes in Mac’s direction and snorted a laugh. “Maybe because we drop dead sooner from trying to keep up with so many women.”

“But what a way to go!”

They clinked glasses.

“Other than women how’re things going on The Street?”

Mac, whose real name was Fred McDonald, worked on Wall Street. They were both Moorehouse grads, but Blake had gone on to study architecture at MIT. After graduation, Mac went to work buying and selling.

“Crazy man. The work is grueling but the rewards are worth it. Just bought my second house out in Montclair, New Jersey.”

“Congratulations! But what are you going to do with two homes?”

“The brownstone in Harlem is strictly an investment property. The one in Jersey is where I’ll live.”

“You plan to commute into New York every day? The traffic is horrific.”

“Naw, I have enough stress to deal with at work. I’ll be using mass transit.”

Blake nodded. “Good move.”

“What’s going on with you?”

“Just landed a major development deal.”

“Yeah, which one?” He angled his body on the stool toward Blake.

“Can’t really talk about it right now. The ink is still drying. But I will say that it will put me on the map for good.”

Mac slapped him on the back. “I always knew you would hit the big-time.”

“That’s what Savannah and I are celebrating tonight.” He brought his glass to his mouth and took a slow swallow.

“It’ll be good to see Savannah again. We all have to get together sometime. You and Savannah and me and whomever I’m so inclined to be with at the moment.” He chuckled.

Blake shook his head. “One of these days the right woman is gonna come along and you will be toast.”

“Like you were toast…” Savannah whispered in Blake’s ear. She pecked him on the cheek. “Sorry I’m late.”

Blake swiveled around on the stool and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Hey, baby.” His gaze danced over her face still amazed that this woman was all his. He tenderly kissed her mouth.

“Hey, get a room,” Mac jokingly cut in.

“Don’t hate,” Savannah teased, stepping out of her husband’s arms. She came around her husband and hugged Mac. “Good to see you.” She patted his arm. “Still on the prowl?” she asked, referring to his notorious womanizing.

“Like the old saying goes, can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

Blake slid off the stool and turned to Mac. “Let’s get together soon. It’s been a long time.”

Mac stuck out his hand which Blake shook. “Definitely. Give me a call anytime. All of my numbers are the same.”

“I will,” Blake said.

“Good seeing you, Savannah,” Mac said.

“You, too,” Savannah replied.

Blake slid his arm around her waist. “Our table is waiting. Let me tell the hostess you’re here.”

They walked to the front of the restaurant. The hostess approached.

“My party has arrived,” Blake said.

“Great. Right this way.” She took two menus from the holder and led them to their table. “Your server will be with you shortly. Can I get you something to drink in the meantime?”

Blake held up his glass. “I’m good.” He turned to Savannah.

“Hmm, I’ll have a diet cola with a twist of lemon.”

“Your server will be right here with your drink and to take your orders. Have a good evening.”

Blake turned his full attention to his wife. “You have that gleam in your eyes. Something exciting happen at work or at your meeting?”

Savannah inwardly flinched. “Nothing out of the ordinary. I’m buzzed about you!” She reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “Tell me everything—or at least as much as you can,” she said.

“Well, all systems are go on the development. The entire project has been kept under wraps for months, as you know. There’s been so much speculation about who was going to get the contract, if all the money would come through in time and if the City Council would approve it.” He blew out a breath. “It’s been an uphill battle the entire time. The surrounding community has been against it from the beginning.” The light in his eyes slowly dimmed. He looked at his wife. “Some folks are going to lose their homes.”

Savannah heard the sadness in his voice. “But when the project is done, it will be better than before,” she said, hoping to lift some of the weight off his shoulders. “And this project is going to provide jobs for thousands, especially minorities.”

The corner of his lush mouth curved up in a grin. “You sound like the Mayor’s press secretary.”

She waved off his comment with a light chuckle. “I don’t mean to sound like the poster child for redevelopment, but it will ultimately improve the area, bring in jobs and housing. Isn’t the city planning to provide relocation support to anyone who becomes displaced?”

“That’s what we’ve been told.”

“Then stop worrying. Enjoy your fifteen minutes of fame and put up the best damned development that this town has seen in decades.”

“That’s why I love you.”

She lowered her lids and looked at him coyly. “And why is that?”

“’Cause you always know how to make me feel good in and out of bed,” he said.

Her voice dropped to a husky whisper. “We all have our skills.” She puckered her lips and blew him a kiss.

“Are you ready to order?”

Two pairs of eyes rose to meet those of the waitress.

“We’re not hungry,” they said in unison.

Blake sliced a look at his wife. “You can bring the check for the drinks.”

Blake and Savannah tumbled through the door of their Harlem town house, giggling and groping like teenagers. The entire drive home Blake had kept one hand on the wheel and the other buried between his wife’s thighs. If there weren’t so many bright street lights on their block they would have made love right there in the front seat of the car. But being the respectable couple that they thought themselves to be, it wouldn’t look good to get caught by one of the members of the block patrol.

Savannah kicked the door shut and tugged at Blake’s shirt. Two white buttons went dancing across the sparkling hardwood floor. His tie dangled at an angle from around his neck. Blake grabbed the hem of her skirt and hitched it up around her hips. Mouths and tongues sought out any inch of exposed flesh as they tore off clothes en route to the bedroom.

Savannah and Blake tumbled onto the king-size bed, she pinned snuggly beneath his hard body.

“This is all I could think about all day,” he murmured in her ear before nibbling her lobe.

“Show me exactly what you were thinking about,” she whispered back.

The sublime pleasure that Blake evoked in her body hadn’t waned a bit in the years of their marriage. If anything her lust and passion for him seemed to have escalated with time. He knew every one of her buttons and he expertly pressed them all until she was feverish with need.

His fingertips were featherlight as they glided and caressed her hot flesh. His mouth teased and taunted the slope of her neck, inching downward to the rise of her breasts before taking a tight nipple into his mouth and laving it with his tongue.

Savannah moaned, a sound that was filled with urgency, but Blake took his time—the scenic route as he called it—and continued to chart new territory. He slipped his hand between her parted thighs and flicked his finger back and forth across her swollen bud until her entire body trembled.

Blake reluctantly left the tenderness of her breasts and eased down toward her fluttering stomach, letting his tongue dance around her navel.

Savannah’s hips instinctively moved in a slow undulating fashion. Please escaped from her lips on a rush of hot breath.

“This what you want?” he uttered just as his tongue slid across the pulse of her bud.

Savannah cried out and gripped the sheets in tight fists. Her pelvis jutted upward and Blake grabbed her behind and pulled her fully toward his eager mouth. He suckled and teased until he knew from her tortured mewls and the shuddering of her body that she was ready to explode into a million tiny pieces. He pushed her thighs farther apart then up and over his shoulders.

Hot tears squeezed out of her eyes as she was suddenly filled with the rock hardness of her husband. He moved into her by degrees giving them both a chance to savor those first moments of unity.

“Oh,” he groaned deep in his throat. “You’re so hot…so wet.” He pushed in farther and she squeezed around him while rotating her hips.

Savannah reached down between them and found his heavy, seed-filled sac and gently massaged it. Blake plunged deep inside her until there was nowhere else to go but in and out on a maddening quest to reach heaven.

Their paced picked up in unison. Savannah swore she heard ringing in her ears, every nerve ending in her body was charged. Her head swam. And then Blake did that thing he always did. He moved inside her in a circle and hit that spot.

Lights erupted. Her entire body stiffened for several seconds as if electrified. Then her insides, with a mind of their own, violently contracted and released around his stiff member. It felt as if he were growing inside her as he approached his own climax which set off another wave of contractions that spread up her belly and out to her limbs to explode in her brain.

She opened her mouth to scream out her pleasure, but all sound was trapped in her throat as her climax spun out of control. Blake rode her faster and faster, the words coming from his lips incomprehensible. He pulled her so close to his wet body that not even air separated them as he pushed and pushed and pushed. He buried his head into the valley of her neck barely muffling the growl of release that jettisoned from him into her.

Maybe this time, Savannah silently prayed as she clung to her husband, concentration on draining him of every ounce of his fertile seed, keeping her hips high in the air. Maybe this time. She felt him pulse and jerk inside her. She wrapped her legs tightly around him and used her hand to press him against her opening, not allowing even a drop to escape.

“I love you so much,” Blake whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. His body convulsed one last time before all his weight eased down on her, pinning her to the damp sheets.