E-Book, Englisch, 352 Seiten
ISBN: 979-835090313-3
Verlag: BookBaby
Format: EPUB
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)
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Chapter One
The Countdown Begins
“It looks like people coming together, united by forces they don’t understand,” Sage Kennedy said, staring at the huge painting hanging on the wall of the La Toussaint Art Gallery. “Baby, it’s about an uprising. Maybe in a small country or island. See, the hoes and picks are their weapons; they’re about to fight against their oppressors,” Ramion Sandidge said. Sage narrowed her green eyes at Ramion Sandidge, amazed that his interpretation was so different from hers. “But the expressions on their faces are hopeful.” Pointing, Sage said, “Look at that woman, the lady with her eyes closed. She’s relieved that there’s going to be peace. She’s trying to connect with something spiritual.” Ramion smiled, revealing a showcase of white teeth and a cleft chin, was enjoying their debate, a welcome change from courtroom arguments as an attorney. “I think she’s scowling. She’s tired and defeated,” Ramion said, scrutinizing the texturized painting of islanders standing in a field with a majestic waterfall in the background. “Look at the picture on the other wall,” Ramion said, indicating a similar painting on the other side of the spacious gallery. “It’s by the same artist.” Turning back to Sage, he said smugly. His wavy hair was trimmed neatly and precisely with a razor-sharp part on one side. “The theme is a revolution.” “It’s not a revolution. See, they’re holding something in their hands.” Chuckling, Sage said, “They’re waving voter registration cards.” Ramion laughed and bent down to kiss the most strikingly attractive woman he had ever seen. Sage was an exotic combination of amber skin, curly black hair, and olive-green eyes. Tawny Toussaint, the owner of the art gallery, overheard Sage’s remark. “Girl, you can’t get your mind off the election, can you?” “What can I say? The election is in three weeks. I’m a bundle of nerves. I shouldn’t even be here,” Sage said. “It’s been crazy-wicked.” “Relax, girlfriend. I’m glad you weren’t badly hurt by that bomb! Still no word on who did it?” “Nothing,” Sage said. “I try not to think about it.” “Well, Cameron Hudson is going to win in spite of the bombing,” Tawny said with the earnest enthusiasm she showered on the artists she represented. “Baker is holding a narrow lead,” Sage said, her heavy eyebrows drawn together in a worried expression. “So? It can change tomorrow. You know, politics is like art. Everyone has his or her own perception. Think of yourself as an artist who painted Cameron’s image. Election Day will be the debut of your artist’s work. The votes are the bids people make on the paintings,” said Tawny. “The person with the highest bid wins.” “That’s an interesting analogy, Tawny,” Ramion said. “I never quite thought about it like that,” Sage said, her voice husky with hope. “What are you wearing?” Ramion asked Tawny. “You look like a…” “Lamppost,” Tawny said, giggling about her black jumpsuit and funky high-top black and-white hat. “I can’t paint a damn thing, Ramion, so my creative expression comes through in my funky fashion style. I heard you all talking about Medu’s painting. Believe me, it’s not that deep… Ah, here he is now,” Tawny said, waving her hand in a beckoning motion toward the man who’d just entered the room. The artist approached with a friendly smile and a nod of greeting at Sage and Ramion. “Medu, I’d like you to meet my friends, Sage Kennedy and Ramion Sandidge.” Medu shook Ramion’s hand and turned to greet Sage. “Delighted,” he said, his melodious accent revealing his Haitian heritage. “So, you like this one?” “They were just discussing it. They think it’s about a revolution,” Tawny said with a conspiratorial laugh. Medu joined Tawny’s laughter, stroking his tightly curled beard that covered half his face. “It’s a celebration…a holiday that we take midday.” “I certainly didn’t see that,” Ramion said, glancing at the painting with a new perspective. “I don’t think many people do. I love listening to peoples’ interpretations of my work,” Medu said. “I like tapping into people’s emotions.” “That’s what I love about this business,” Tawny said. “I’m not an artist, but it’s fun to watch people’s reactions.” She hosted openings that went beyond the meet-the-artist-and have-some-wine receptions. Located in the Virginia-Highland area in a turn-of-the century house, her openings were real events bordering on theater or performance art. “These two paintings always spark controversy. Either a person sees…” Medu’s sentence was cut off when a pair of lips grazed his. He responded to the succulent pleasure of Edwinna Williamson’s provocative kiss. “Hello, baby,” Edwinna purred to Medu. Her cinnamon-brown face glowed with regal pride that bordered on arrogance. Not a trace of embarrassment showed in her deep-set eyes and sly smile. “Hey,” Medu said with an embarrassed smile. “Everyone, this is Edwinna Williamson.” “We all know each other,” Edwinna said. “Hello, Tawny. Sage.” With a provocative grin, she said, “I know Ramion very well,” staring deeply into Ramion’s eyes. “Ah, that Ramion. I didn’t make the connection. You two were once together. But we’ve changed partners. It’s a good thing we’re not friends, eh, Ramion?” Medu said, laughing lightly. “Medu is most direct,” Tawny said with an uncomfortable giggle. “We’re all adults,” Medu said, casually shrugging his shoulders. “Daddy tells me that you’re leaving us,” Edwinna said to Ramion. Surprised that Edwinna had learned so quickly of his conversation with her father only hours before, Ramion stepped closer to Sage as if to protect her from Edwinna’s revelation. He saw the bewildered look pass through Sage’s eyes, then disappear as it was replaced by an expression of curious interest. “News travels fast,” Ramion said, hoping that Sage wouldn’t be angry that he hadn’t told her about resigning from the law firm founded by Edwinna’s father. Under Edwin Williamson’s tutelage, Ramion had gone from junior attorney to senior partner in five years. His resignation would take him from the empowered embrace of Edwin to the unchartered waters of a career with a well-established, thriving law firm but lacked the level of influence and power that Edwinna Williamson’s law firmed wielded. The prospect still unnerved him. “I’m surprised. You never expressed interest in working for a bigger firm,” Edwinna said, reprovingly. “I never shared that information with you,” Ramion responded. “I guess congratulations are in order,” Tawny said, sensing the negative vibes in the air. “Thanks, Tawny,” Ramion said. Noticing the crowd converging at the receptionist’s desk, Tawny said, “Excuse me, folks. I’ve got some people to greet.” As she walked away, she added, “Help yourself to the food. Thanks for coming.” Medu filled the awkward silence that followed Tawny’s departure. “Sage and Ramion were discussing this painting. Ramion thought it was about a political uprising and Sage…” Not interested in hearing Sage’s opinions, Edwinna interrupted, “Ramion would think that. He’s extremely focused. And politics are very much on his mind.” “Given that the election is in two weeks, I think it’s on a lot of people’s minds,” Sage said. “And that bombing,” Medu said. “Sage darling, you’re very fortunate you weren’t seriously hurt.” Edwinna ignored Medu’s comment and turned the topic back to Ramion. “Speaking of politics, Ramion has big plans to run for the house of representative. Or have you changed your mind about that too?” she asked, expressing remnants of anger for the way Ramion had ended their relationship over ten months ago. She’d always known that he didn’t love her, but she had intended to change his feelings. Edwinna despised Sage for robbing her of the opportunity to stake a claim on Ramion’s heart. “I wish you well,” Medu said before Ramion could answer. “In my country, politics is savoir faire. My father was a government official. That’s why some of my paintings have a political undertone, but in a much broader sense. I try to show how politics affects the common man.” “In some countries, disagreeing with the government can be risky,” Sage said. “Indeed,” Medu said. “That’s why I say America is the greatest country on earth.” “And the pursuit of the all-American dream,” Ramion said. “Ahh…I won’t comment on that,” Medu said. “But I must say,...
