In the Dark

By Kareem A. Khalis

John Long is a twenty-six-year-old man suspicious of his fiances loyalty. He hires a private detective to snoop on her whereabouts and discovers that she is unfaithful: Ebony is cheating on him with his coworker. Feeling discouraged and downhearted, John meets seventeen-year-old Stacy William at a bus stop. She lifts his spirit and helps him out of his depression. In turn, he charms her out of her chastity belt. Stacy falls deeply in love with him. But John is coming out of a bad breakup and realizes he is not looking for love and sets his eyes on Stacys friend, Lisa Smith. He juggles both of them for months until Lisa gets pregnant and blames it on John. Stacy is totally in the dark about her friends deception until it came to light.

In the Dark is a riveting novel about love, deceit, and murder. It is a page turner that will keep you cussing, guessing, and fulfilled until at the end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Aug 14, 2012
• ISBN: 9781466950115

Book preview

1

IN JANUARY OF ’95, I was in an emotional wreck. There was a disturbing rumor floating around the security department that my fiancée, Ebony, was having an affair with my coworker. I couldn’t fathom her cheating. We were supposed to get married in June. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt and tried to brush it off as gossip. Ebony and I had known each other over a period of five years, but the gossipmongers wouldn’t let the back-fence talk die. I confronted Ebony one evening around the dinner table.

What’s this I hear about you and Doug?

She shrugged. Y’all don’t have anything better to do than stand around gossiping like women. There’s nothing going on between me and Doug.

Oh, so it’s not true, huh?

No, it’s not. Who are you going to believe, me or that rumor you’re talking about?

Well… ah… I don’t believe you would mess with my best friend. He comes over and watches the games with me.

Well, forget about it then. I’m not cheating on you. I’m surprised you ask me something like that. Don’t you trust me?

I don’t know.

Are you cheating on me?

No, I don’t think it’s necessary.

I believe you are. They say people who accuse someone else of cheating are doing it themselves. Anyway, I’m through with it. You’ve hurt my feelings.

I wasn’t quite convinced Ebony was telling me the truth and hired a private investigator to follow her around. However, I hoped he didn’t find her doing wrong. But I needed to find out if she was lying. It was something I wanted to clear up before we tied the knot.

As soon as the private investigator reported back to me, I was knocked off my feet. He had photos of her and Doug leaving the motel in an embrace. Time stood still as I was in shock, thinking, This is what I get for loving her. I left her in disgrace with only the clothes on my back and moved in with my grandmother.

As the days exchanged places, I hadn’t heard from Ebony. Finally, she called one day, begging me for forgiveness. It was hard to turn her down. I still had feelings for her. But I had to stand my ground. Doug had come to my house many times to drink beer and watch the games. Never did I think he was there to see my lady. Shit, I wasn’t going to forgive her. She made a fool out of me.

John, I’m sorry.

Yeah, you’re sorry you got caught. Out of all the guys out there, you had to go with a friend of mine.

I said I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?

Hell, nah, I ain’t forgiving shit! And don’t call me anymore!

I slammed the phone down. Hell, I didn’t want to talk to her. What she had done was unforgivable. I wasn’t about to give in to her tearful apology. She had fucked up, and as far as I was concerned, she could kiss my ass goodbye. I had to face Doug every day, and that wasn’t a pleasant feeling. I had to look at him sideways. I’ve heard everything happens for a reason. If that was the case, I found out who she was before I married her. She was caught red-handed, and there was no way she could get out of it. I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone else. I knew it would take time for me to get over her. If it had been anybody I didn’t know, I might have been able to forgive and forget.

One Sunday, in late January, Ebony showed up at my grandmother’s house without notice. I was somewhat happy to see her. I hadn’t seen her the whole month. But I pretended I wasn’t happy. She was fidgety and made very little eye contact when I let her inside.

Hi, she said, walking over to the sofa. It’s nice and warm in here. Is grandma home?

No.

She doesn’t know anything about this, does she?

No.

Good. I just want this between you and me, okay?

Okay.

Ebony took off her coat and sat down. She was looking and smelling good. She always liked to dress well. I could feel my defense weakening. The moral grounds that I was standing on began to shake. I hadn’t had any in a month. I could feel an erection growing, but I wasn’t going to do it. It would give her false hope that we were going to get back together, and I didn’t want to give her that impression.

What are you doing, watching TV?

Uh-huh, I mumbled.

John, have you been thinking over what I asked you?

No.

I’m sorry, I… ah… you don’t want to talk this over?

No. I ain’t got anything to talk to you about.

She sighed deeply. You have the rights to feel the way you do. I did you wrong.

I asked you plain and simple what was between you and that dude. I glanced at her. And you flat-out lied to me.

I know. I’m sorry. You stopped taking me anywhere anymore, and it seemed our feelings were going stale. But it was stupid of me for doing it. She started whimpering. Will you forgive me, please?

That ain’t no excuse.

I hate myself for doing that, and I swear to God I never will hurt you again. I love you.

I can’t forget what you did to me. It was a blow to my manhood. If you wanted me to take you out, why didn’t you ask me to?

I did. But you kept telling me you were tired. I got tired of sitting in this house watching television.

Why did you have to go out with somebody I worked with? That dude sat in my house every weekend. Hell, I’m thinking he’s here to watch the games, but he was really here to see your ass. You made me look like a fool. I’m sorry. I can’t see myself forgiving you for doing me like that. I just can’t. I’m sorry.

I said I was sorry, she cried. I don’t know why I did that. Forgive me please. I only did that one time, and I felt so badly about it I told him not to come by anymore.

He didn’t want you! He just wanted something to brag about. I gazed around at her angrily. Do you know he was talking about how he had got you? Do you know how that made me feel?

She sniffed mucus back inside her nostrils, shuffling in her seat, and fell silent. Finally, she folded over on her lap. I couldn’t believe she was expecting me to turn the other cheek whether it was one time or not. It hurt the hell out of me when she said that. If I went back to her, it wouldn’t be the same as it once was. I would never let her live it down. It might even turn to spousal abuse. I didn’t want to resort to something like that. It was best for me to lick my wounds and move on.

Dammit, how could you fuck up like that? Are you crazy?

You don’t have to yell at me, John. I already feel like I’m losing my mind.

I scrambled off the couch. You are crazy! I tell you what! I exclaimed. Get the fuck out of here, right now!

Stop yelling, please!

Shut the fuck up, goddammit! You better be glad that’s all I’m doing, yelling at your ass! I should be knocking the fuck out of you!

Ebony rose up from her lap. I’m sorry, she said in a choppy voice. I don’t know what else to say. It was a mistake. Maybe I deserve to be knocked in the head.

Mistake my ass. I paced in front of her. You know right from wrong. You ain’t no child. I’ve never cheated on you since we’ve been together.

Well, what can I do to make you forgive me?

Give me my ring back and stay the hell away from me. That’s what you can do. Shit, I can hardly sleep or go to work over that shit you pulled on me.

I’m sorry.

Is that all you can say? I said irritably. Go on and get out of here before I get violent with you crazy ass.

She sat there in silence, gazing at me through watery eyes. She was looking cute in her short purple sweater dress. It was hugging every curve of her shapely body. Sex did cross my mind several times while she was there. But I fought the feeling. I couldn’t see myself screwing her behind that dude.

Are you seeing somebody else, John?

It’s none of your business who I’m seeing now. Why?

I just ask.

Well, don’t worry about it.

She let out a deep sigh as she stood up. What time do you think your grandmother is coming back?

Why?

I thought maybe you wanted to… ah…

That ain’t going to happen. I’m not that hard up. Go back to your little dick friend and give him some.

That’s all right. You’re just trying to hurt my feelings, she said, reaching for her coat. I know you’re seeing somebody.

It’s none of your damn business who I’m seeing! I ushered her toward the door. Oh, give me my ring. I almost forgot.

You ain’t getting this ring back, she said, wrangling away from me. You can forget about that.

We’ll see, I answered, closing the door.

Throughout February, Ebony kept calling and asking for forgiveness. She even pleaded with my grandmother to help in getting us back together. There were times I wanted to go see her, but I decided to hold firm to my decision and find me another girl. I had to even the score and fuck me somebody before I would consider having sex with her again.

As I was on my way home from work one day, I saw a young lady that made my heart sing. Just one look at her salved my troubled mind. She was standing at the bus stop, chatting with her friend. I noticed once in a while she and her friend were glancing at me. They were fully developed and could easily pose in a Jet centerfold. I knew it was a crime to deal with a minor. But as fine as they were, it was worth the risk. I knew it was the answer to my heartache. I’d never felt that good since my breakup.

Unexpectedly, she walked over to me. Hi, she said. Excuse me. You look familiar to me.

I do?

I was telling my friend that you looked familiar to me.

Oh. So that’s why you were looking at me, huh?

Yes.

I thought you wanted to give me your phone number.

No. But seriously, what is your name?

John Long. I was just kidding about that phone number.

She smiled and turned to leave. That’s all right.

Wait a minute. I didn’t get your name.

Stacy Williams. She paused, fidgeting in place.

I like that name. It fits you to a tee.

Thanks. She smiled. Okay, I’m sorry to have bothered you, John. I guess I’ll get back over here and wait on this slow bus.

Stacy was so pretty I didn’t want her to leave. She was well proportioned and had smooth peanut butter brown skin. As she stood prancing, I knew what I wanted to say. But my tongue was tied, amazed over her cuteness.

You ain’t bothering me. I can use some company.

I know. This bus is running slow today. Usually, I would be home about now.

Why don’t you call your friend over?

She shrugged her shoulders and looked at me peculiarly. I don’t know about that, she said. She probably won’t come.

What’s her name?

Lisa.

Call her. She keeps looking over here.

Stacy gestured her to come over, and Lisa shook her head.

I told you she probably wouldn’t come. She’s waiting for me to come back.

You all kind of look alike, you know that?

Most people think we’re sisters. We act like sisters. We’ve known each other all our lives. Let me go. I’m standing here talking to you like I know you.

It feels like I know you. You don’t feel threatened, do you?

No. I was just joking, she said, laughing. You look like a nice guy.

Oh yeah, I think I’m nice. But I’m kinda shy talking to pretty women.

How old are you?

I cleared my throat and leaned against the bus shelter, crossing my ankle. I didn’t know whether to lie to her or tell her the truth. My real age would probably drive her away, and I liked her too much to let her get away. She was a real diva. Her hair was pulled back into a long ponytail with curly bangs draped over her forehead. She had light brown eyes, well-shaped lips, and a very nice tush. I wasn’t about to tell her my age and jeopardize my chances.

How old am I?

Yes.

Twenty. How old are you?

Seventeen, but I’ll be eighteen this year.

Is my age a problem?

No. I guess not.

Do you have a boyfriend?

No.

What are you doing this weekend?

Nothing.

You want to go to the mall and window-shop?

She laughed. Window-shop?

Yeah, I want to get to know you better if you don’t mind. I am a very good guy. You don’t have anything to worry about.

I don’t know about that.

We could have dinner. You know. Stuff like that.

My mother probably won’t approve of me going. I could go, but I’ll have to take my friend.

That’s okay. She can go.

Let me think it over. I’ll let you know. Okay, I better go before my friend thinks I’ve abandoned her. It was nice meeting you, John.

How do I know I’ll see you again?

I’ll be here tomorrow.

How will I know? I might miss you. Why don’t you give me your number in case we miss each other?

Hold on. I’ll be back.

Are you sure you’re coming back?

Uh-huh. She nodded, walking off. I’ll be back. I’m just going to run over here and tell Lisa I’m going to stand over here.

Damn, if she comes back, I know my chances are good. Uh uh uh, she is a fine young thing. She is ideal to get even with Ebony. I got her attention. All I have to do is take it slow. She is the kind of girl that deserves my respect if I’m lucky. I sure hope I can make her my girl.

Finally, Stacy came back. Okay, I’m back, she said, placing her book bag on the asphalt. I asked Lisa if she wanted to come over and join us, but she said she was all right. Okay, where were we?

I asked you for your number.

Oh… I… ah… don’t know about that.

You know. It’s just in case we miss each other at the bus stop. I’m not trying to rush you into a relationship or anything. But I’ll promise you I will not call until you give me permission to.

John, if I give you my number, you know you’re going to call without my permission, right? Tell the truth.

I do need a phone pal. I do get a little lonely not having a girlfriend. For some reason, I can’t find a good girlfriend.

You got something to write it on? She asked. Oh, that’s all right. I think I got something. I wouldn’t be doing this if I felt uncomfortable around you. You’ve been respectful to me, and I like that about you. Maybe we can go to the mall this weekend. I asked Lisa if she has anything to do, and she said she didn’t. So if she doesn’t change her mind, I guess we can have lunch.

After we exchanged phone numbers, the bus came. She had definitely made my day. I could move on and cut my connection with Ebony. Stacy made me feel so full of life that I believed it was love at first sight.

  2

STACY AND I went to the mall that weekend. It was hard for me to be with two chattering teenagers on an outing. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise to Stacy before I was interrupted by Lisa. She was quite annoying. It was like she was jealous of Stacy being with me. I was frustrated with her behavior and didn’t know what to make out of it. When we got home that evening, Stacy called.

I want to thank you for the wonderful time you gave me today. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you.

I’m glad you did.

You didn’t have fun?

Your friend was awful. She messed up everything. Why didn’t you leave her at home?

That’s the only way I could go. My mother is kind of strict. She doesn’t allow me to go anywhere alone. She still thinks I am a little girl.

Why was she so bothersome?

I don’t know.

Well, I didn’t get a chance to tell you what I wanted to.

Tell me now.

I wanted to tell you how you make me feel. But—

How do you feel about me?

I want to look in your eyes when I tell you. We’ll have to be alone when I tell you.

Well, I don’t know how that’s going to happen. I told you my mother still thinks I am a little girl. I can’t go anywhere without Lisa being my chaperone.

She has to keep an eye on you, huh?

I guess so.

I courted Stacy over the phone and at the bus stop every day in March. I wanted it badly, but I was going to take my time and slowly walk her down. She truly was an inspiration to me. She was taking my mind off Ebony. I was happy I’d gained her trust, and we were talking as if we were already intimate. It was time for me to take things another step further. I’d laid out the groundwork, and all I had to do was to build toward my goal.

I hadn’t heard from Stacy in a few days. Because of her mother’s strictness, she’d asked me not to call. I was getting worried, waiting for her to call.

Ebony hadn’t given up. She called me every single day of the week when I got home from work. I wasn’t calling her, and she still couldn’t get the message. When the phone rang when I came home Friday, I thought it was Stacy and raced to answer it.

Hello, Stacy, I—

Who did you call me?

I let out a sigh. What do you want, Ebony?

I want to know who Stacy is. That’s what I want.

You got your nerves. Why are you so concerned?

She gave a long pause. Oh god, she whispered. Here you go again. I thought we were going to work everything out?

I don’t have to answer to you anymore. My pride is so damaged. What can I do with a woman anyway? I’m still down in the dumps.

Why don’t you come over here? I’ll take you out of the dumps.

You know, I might just do that. What do you have on?

Just my panties and robe, she said lively. The color you liked to see me in.

Okay, come and get me.

When I hung up, I could see her moving around in those tight purple panties with her housecoat flying open. She’d raised my testosterones level so high I started sweating. I could hardly wait until she got there. It seemed time stopped. I hadn’t had any in over two months. She needed some too. I hope I wasn’t sending her the wrong message. She wanted me back, but I hadn’t gotten over what she had done.

I heard a faint sound of a car horn and looked out the window. She’d finally arrived. I threw on my coat, rushing out to the car. She was thrilled to death as she drove off in her ’94 silver Chrysler New Yorker.

You work hard today? she asked.

Yeah. I nodded. What about you?

Ebony was an accountant and had a damn good job. She wasn’t any hood rat by any means. She was pretty, smart, and built like a runway model. I was impressed with her managing the bills, but I couldn’t get over the wrong decision she’d made.

I’m still going through a little depression. But my day went fairly well.

Have you seen my old friend lately?

Don’t bring that shit up, John. I just told you I was depressed. No, I haven’t seen him, and I don’t wanna see him either. I called him and cussed his ass out.

What did you cuss him out for? It wasn’t his entire fault. You got to share some of the blame.

I know, but I thought about what you told me. You say he was saying terrible things behind my back, and I didn’t like that. Now let it drop. I’m getting mad all over again. Why do you want to bring that up anyway? You know you are going to get mad too. You ain’t trying to do that, are you?

No. I was just checking.

Well, you can stop checking and don’t bring him up anymore. I’ve prayed on it and asked God to forgive me. And I know if God can forgive me, I know you can.

I don’t know. It’s hard for me to put it behind me.

Pray on it.

I don’t know why I brought that up. She was right. I did get a little hot under the collar. I wasn’t in any position to talk about that. I was still salty over the matter. But I was going to let it slide tonight. I had to take care of business, and there was no room to be pissed in a time like this. It was something I had to put on the back burner and let it rest for tonight."

Okay, baby, I’ll pray on it.

That’s the first time you’ve called me baby in a while. You want to stop and get something to eat? I haven’t cooked anything.

Nah, I ate already. Why are you driving so slowly?

The way these fools out here are driving, I don’t want to tear my car up. You want me to pull over and let you drive?

That’s all right. Go on.

When we finally made it to her building, my dick was bone hard. It seemed the trip