Dark Clouds Suspense: Twins Apart, Twins Within

By Rody Ro

I dedicate this book to my beloved daughter with Anita Jackson, the late Anita Marie Acosta Jackson. Baby girl, you still light up all of our lives. Your parents, grandparents, family members, and friends all miss you. But you are not forsaken or forgotten, because you are a gentle spirit in our hearts, souls, and minds. Your memory is always with us. Baby girl, your spirit lifts us all. Baby girl, known by family as Neet Neet, youre still Mommys pleasure and Daddys treasureour angel. You are loving and precious, and your memory is unforgettable, along with your lifes accomplishments.

God, watch over our daughter. In Jesuss name, amen. May she rest in peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491767450

Rody Ro

Rody Ro was born in New York City’s Harlem Hospital in 1950 and began his writing career in 1977. He enjoys the simple things in life like playing pool, watching movies, playing chess and computer games, and of course, writing.

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Copyright © 2015 Rody Ro.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead or historical events is purely coincidental. The contents of this book contain hard-core language, mystery, suspense, evil, drama, and explosive, provocative material. This book is for mature audiences and is not recommended for children.

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ISBN: 978-1-4917-6744-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-6746-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4917-6745-0 (e)

iUniverse rev. date: 06/03/2015

CONTENTS

Acknowledgments

Author’s Note

Part 1

Part 2

About the Author

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I want to take this time to express my love and say thanks for my family, Anita Ann Jackson and our children—Claudia, Douglas, Curtis, and baby girl Anita Marie, known as Neet Neet. I love family and relatives, in-laws, and friends including my spiritual family. Love you now, later, always. Big shout-outs to Big Tim, Jessie, and family; my barber, Wopo Freshh, and comrade S. G; and my good friends Ural, Lisa, and their son Tre.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

T hese three characters did six-year prison sentences. Two were convicted unjustly and one was guilty as charged. They are Horace Mitchell CJ, Bow Watson, and Chantal Baker.

PART 1

I t appears that the moon is following us; but what about the clouds, do they follow us as well? There’s one family, in particular, who should know—for dark clouds have been pursuing them relentlessly and, seemingly, trying to absorb them within. This is the on going saga of the Watson family, comprised of five members: Gerald, otherwise known as Jerry, his wife, Gloria, their identical twin boys, Earl and Carl, and their eldest son, Gerald, Jr. They appear to be an ordinary family of African-American descent, dealing with life’s daily struggles in attempt to maintain stability. However, irreconcilable trials and tribulations have led them to relocate to New York City, after residing in Stamford, Connecticut for eight years. They’ve arrived with hopes of a better future—only to discover that life here is just as complex.

Jerry, who is fifty-years-old, born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland is the bread—winner for his family. He has a diligent nature, believing that a ‘real man’ should work habitually hard to financially support his loved ones.

He instills this value upon his sons, encouraging them to be assiduous, as well. He’s labored thirty-two years consecutively and is currently gainfully employed as an auto mechanic, approximately ten miles from the family’s inner city apartment. He loves his wife dearly, whom he met at a wedding reception of his best friend twenty-five years ago. He makes every effort to provide her with the finer things in life and respects her decision-making, knowing she has the family’s best interest at heart.

Gloria, who is five years younger than her husband, has a laid-back personality. She plays a major part in holding the family together. Taking great pride in her role as a mother and wife, she’s sincerely content with up keeping the house and nurturing her three sons, who bear a striking resemblance to their father—his handsome genes are quite dominant. Staying home on most occasions, she’s dedicated to loving and making her family happy.

Her loyalty is to her husband, whom she supports in his endeavors and regards as her best friend.

Earl, the oldest identical twin by two minutes, which he never lets his twin forget, is eighteen years of age, and is affectionately nick named Bow. He is caring, strong minded, and very responsible—much like his father. He thinks it’s cool to be a twin, especially identical. He gets a kick out of people’s reactions to him and Carl, and is amused when people mistake him for his twin.

The younger twin, Carl, is nick named Skittles because he favors the candy and is frequently seen with at least two packs. He is pretty much laid back and subtle, as is his mother; however, when his back is up against the wall, he comes out swinging. He is fond of having a twin and values their bond as a life long one. He especially enjoys hanging out with Bow at the YMCA, where they both work. He even respects Bow as the older brother, even if only by two minutes.

The eldest son, Gerald, Jr., is nick named Bubbles, quite contrary to his nature; in fact, there is nothing bubbly about him at all. He’s been working with his father at the auto shop ever since he got fired from a second job, due to violent outrages with several customers. Being the eldest, he is expected to lead by example for the twins, but instead, he’s considered eerie and gloomy, and regarded as the black sheep of the family. He causes a lot of conflict and confusion and is very often the cause of distress for those who encounter him. He is usually bitter and keeps to himself, hardly ever smiling. He resents people who exhibit positive spirits or have a joyful nature. Bubbles is often preoccupied and overwhelmed, locked and sealed inside an ugly nightmare of depression.

He has a bad attitude in general; he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about a damn thing! Overwhelmed by his natural born pure evil spirit, everything and everybody pisses him off.

If he could have it his way, he would shit on the entire world. Even in death, he’d choose to be buried in doggy style so the whole world could kiss his black ass for the last time!

The Watson’s apartment is located in a poor section of a crowded community, where mostly African-American, Latino, and West Indian families reside. They struggle to keep their heads above water and deal with the daily hassles of violence and drug addictions. There is plenty of unhappiness to go around and a long stretch of hardships, heartaches, and hard luck. There are poor housing conditions, inadequate schools, and stale food at high cost. The politicians pretty much disregard these poor ethnic groups except during an election. They consistently make promises, which they never intend to keep; in fact, the thing they are notorious for is not keeping their promises. This leads the people to adopt the phrase WE, THE PEOPLE, HEREBY DECLARE YOU DO WHAT YOU PROMISED US!

Back in the days, when the boys were younger, Bubbles was left in charge to keep a watchful eye on things, including the twins who caught holy hell! Bubbles tormented and whipped them every opportunity he got.

It was their unfortunate consequence of being too young to defend themselves at the time. Bubbles, three years their senior, was sixteen and quite bigger and broader in size. However, as the twins approached adolescence, they had a growth spurt that appeared to happen overnight.

Once the twins caught up to Bubbles in physique, they could almost pass for triplets.

One summer’s evening, while Jerry was hard at work, Bubbles and his mother got into a heated dispute, due to Bubbles’ assumption that it was alright for his female companions to spend nights over, as he pleased. His mother protested and stood her grounds firmly. She was opposed to the very idea of it, though she was willing to compromise, agreeing to allow Bubbles to have company—but the thought of females spending the night was completely out of the question. She kept repeating herself, saying No! No! It’s not gonna happen in this house, not under this roof! Her last words on the subject were No Bubbles, your father and I won’t allow it! She argued on … and what kind of example would that be for your brothers? Bubbles momentarily lost control, as he did when things didn’t go his way. He raised his hand with the intent to strike his mother, to show her who was boss. Nonetheless, raising his hand was all the chance he got—before he knew what hit him, the twins were all over him, whipping his natural black ass with fists of fury. They beat him down real good and proper, like he stole something—hoping to rebuke the devil! Ever since that day, Bubbles reaped a new found prospective regarding the twins. They’d earned his respect; though he despised their audacity to avenge him.

He realized they were no longer the little boys he used to bully. He knew that from that day forward, he’d have to use a whole new strategy when dealing with them. He had to get on top of his game, for Bow and Skittles, now seventeen and less fearful of his maliciousness, fought as one, doubling their size and strength and giving them both the physical advantage over most situations. They took great pride in that day they’d attacked and beaten their big brother’s ass, bringing him down to size as he pleaded and cried out for mercy. They never forgot that violent encounter with Bubbles. They also knew, without a doubt, that he’d never forget it either and that they should never underestimate him. Bubbles was known for getting revenge on anyone at anytime. He had an elephant’s memory when it came to who made his ‘shit list’ and his vendettas were life long. Bubbles felt that his negative connotation and explosive behavior toward his mother was no big deal. After all, he had no real intention of hurting her; it was done just to intimidate her. Never mind the golden rule—thou shall not disrespect one’s mother. Bubbles’ version of the bible was quite different from most people. In his bible, God was an outlaw, Jesus Christ a put down, and the devil was his only friend—one can see why he lived by strange principals and no rules or morals.

One evening, as Bow exited the cleaners, a very attractive young lady on her way in caught his attention; he was instantly mesmerized by her angelic presence. As Bow held the door open for her, he complimented her on her beauty and asked her name. She blushed momentarily, smiling, obviously fond of him as well. She told him her name—Laquetta Flowers. Her aura was filled with style and grace. To top it off, she had a body that seemed to have a mind of its own. He patiently waited for her, feeling butterflies in the pit of his stomach. He reflected back to middle school when he had his first crush. When she was done, they continued to chat as they walked down St. James Avenue. She was extremely sociable and they clicked—like they’d known one another for years.

They exchanged numbers and have been inseparable ever since.

It wasn’t hard to understand why Bow fell madly in love with Laquetta. They’d been dating, exclusively, for almost three months and he desperately wanted the family to meet her. Subsequently, Laquetta captured everyone’s heart; the entire Watson family enjoyed her company.

Upon meeting Skittles, Laquetta assured them both that, although they were identical, she could distinguish the two—they would not be able to fool her; she had more experience with twins than they could imagine. Her pleasurable nature had a positive effect on people—even mean-spirited Bubbles appeared to be uplifted by her presence. He became an entirely different person, as he showed some charm and a personality that no one in his family thought he could ever possess. It was as if he’d developed into some new refined human, but from where?

God only knew. It was surprising because it happened so suddenly. Yes, the image of Bubbles’ old junk yard dog attitude and mean polecat’s disposition vanished. His brand new personality was overwhelmingly impressive.

His parents and brothers were overjoyed with his newly pleasant mood, though the idea that the demon seed in Bubbles had left his soul forever was unbelievable.

Unfortunately, there was another negative attitude brewing in the midst; Skittles was exhibiting signs of envy. Whenever Laquetta was around, it drove Skittles into a silent rage. He was sick and tired of all the fuss the family made over her and it was driving him plain nuts!

Bubbles was the only family member who was perceptive to Skittles’ silent resentment; after all, resentment was his forte. The situation was all too simple for him, having been disgruntled his entire life. Bubbles knew Skittles’ negative attitude stemmed from Laquetta coming between him and Bow. Skittles withheld his true feelings about her—he was at odds with himself. He appeared to like her at first, until he noticed that his twin brother was drifting more and more out of his life. Their relationship was dissolving and quickly fading away. They didn’t spend much time with one other anymore. The things they had in common didn’t seem to matter at all—it was all about Laquetta. For the past months, it was all Bow talked about. Oh God! It made him sick. "Laquetta this …

Laquetta that … Fuck that bitch! Skittles muttered to himself. If only she knew how much I hate her!"

Bubbles, on the other hand, had everyone fooled into believing he had turned over a new leaf. The Watson family yearned to believe that there was some kind of amazing grace—that deep down inside, a certain individual’s rotten ass soul could be reformed. No such luck for Bubbles; he was the same old ugly, mean-hearted, deceitful person he always was.

It was Laquetta’s constant presence, month after month, that made it so easy to fool everyone in the midst of the enchantments going on in the Watson’s home. The family had dropped their guard on Bubbles, buying his new lease on life crap, giving him just the trust he needed to be the scheming demon he so loved to be. He let just enough time elapse to make the twins think that he forget about them. Meanwhile, a gem of retaliation had been simmering and was now ready to be served—It was time for revenge. He’d kept his ‘shit list’ up-to-date and checked it twice, always knew who was naughty or nice. He figured no one hurt him and got away without feeling his fury. Bow and Skittles were sure going to pay for that ass whipping he received on that fine summer’s