A Dish Served Cold

By D.K. Williams

Chris has got it all: a successful business, a loving wife, and full custody of his son. But one day temptation proves too much for his wife Kendra, and she succumbs. Embarking on a torrid affair with Trey, her best friend's lover, Kendra is caught in two minds: she loves Chris deeply, but the sexual fulfilment she gets from Trey is impossible to resist. A chance encounter between the two leaves Trey comatose and Chris imprisoned, assuming he is defending Kendra's dignity. Before he is released, everything he holds dear is swept away, bringing in a cold determination within Chris to take revenge on all those who have destroyed his life.   Will they be made to pay for their selfishness and destruction? And what will be the cost to Chris himself? A Dish Served Cold provides a powerful contemporary exploration of the perennial topics of justice and revenge, providing a searching exploration of the human soul and the passions that animate it.  

• Language: English
• Publisher: D.K. Williams
• Release date: Aug 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201406660

Book preview

This book is dedicated to my son:

There are no words to describe how much I love you.

You are my life.

A Dish Served Cold

Prologue

He blacked out...

When he finally came to, three men were pulling him off another man. Blood covered his hands and shirt, but it wasn’t his own. His eyes were wild, glued to the man unconscious on the pavement. The man’s face was unrecognizable. Blood poured from the man’s nose, mouth, and numerous lacerations. With every blow, his head slammed the pavement, producing puddles of thick liquid, oozing from a large gash in the back of his head.

He was still livid. All he could see was the man’s hands on his wife, pushing her against her car. She dropped her keys and purse when the man turned her around with a frightened look on her face. He was parked 30 yards away when he spotted her. Thinking he would surprise her when the man came out of nowhere and attacked her. Within seconds his fist introduced itself to the attacker’s jaw as he gave him the business. That’s when everything went black.

He turned to his wife to see if she was okay. The look of shock and confusion distorted her beautiful features. She was speechless. He calmed down immediately.

Let me go, he ordered the men still holding him, and embraced his wife. She was trembling with fright. Babe, it’s going to be alright. I am here now, he consoled her as he pulled her head to his chest, shrouding her from the gruesome scene. She remained silent, as if her vocal cords had decided to take a vacation, paralyzed with fear.

Sirens filled the air as four police cruisers pulled into the parking lot. They jumped out of their vehicles; guns drawn. Freeze! they yelled.

He raised his blood-stained hands as they advanced towards him. Don’t shoot. Let me explain... he began to say before he was tackled to the ground. He gave no resistance. They turned him over and cuffed his wrists.

You have the right to remain silent..., they said as they read him his rights. He did just that.

Chapter 1

Today was the day, Chris thought, as he jumped out of bed and headed for the shower. He was excited and nervous at the same time. The only way the day could be ruined is if she didn’t show up.

There’s no time for negativity on a beautiful day like this, he told himself, letting the hot water drain all the pessimistic thoughts from his mind. Humming in an upbeat tone, Chris shaved, brushed his teeth, and went into his walk-in closet with his towel around his waist. Everything had to be perfect. He looked over his wardrobe, trying to decide on a casual or professional look. He opted for professional. He pulled out one of his blue suits and laid it on the bed. After moisturizing his skin with lotion, he sprayed a couple shots of Aqua Di Gio, then got dressed in front of the full-length mirror.

At 29 years old, Chris was well put together. He was 5’9, 180 pounds, with short wavy hair, a caramel brown complexion with eyes a shade lighter than his skin tone. His muscular, lean build was complemented with broad shoulders and a back that curved down in a V-shape, thanks to years of Muay Thai training. Satisfied with what he saw, Chris gave himself a couple more sprays of cologne, grabbed his keys and was out the door.

Kendra moaned loudly as her alarm clock woke her. She hit the snooze button and rolled over. The other side of her bed was cold. It had been years since she had a steady relationship, and the loneliness was really taking a toll on her motivation to get out of bed.

Well...you do have bills to pay and another mouth to feed, she thought to herself. Kim had to be at school in thirty minutes. Kendra got up and took a quick shower. After putting on her scrubs, she brushed her hair back into a ponytail and went into the kitchen. Kim, her nine-year-old daughter, was at the table eating a bowl of Fruit Loops.

Good morning Mommy! she said, slurping the last of the milk in her bowl.

Hey sweetheart, you ready to go?

Yeah. Kim placed her bowl in the dishwasher, grabbed her backpack and headed for the car. After locating her purse and keys, Kendra followed.

Roosevelt Elementary School was a ten-minute drive from Kendra’s house. Traffic was a little heavy with the morning school run and commuters. Thankfully, Kendra did not have to be at work for another hour.

Did you make sure you had all your homework ready to turn in? Kendra asked.

Yes, and I’m ready for my math test today.

Good. After a few minutes they pulled up to the front of the school. Have a good day sweetheart...and good luck! Kendra yelled as Kim jumped out of the car and ran to her friends.

Every morning, after dropping Kim off at school, Kendra had a ritual of getting breakfast at her favorite bistro. Out of all the places she’s been to, Eric’s Bistro had the best ham, egg and cheese croissants. When she pulled up in front of the parking lot, the line was already out the door. Good thing I have time to spare, she sighed and parked the car.

Chris sat patiently at the small table for two, sipping on his white chocolate mocha. The bistro was busy this morning, which could possibly work out in his favor.

Is this seat taken? a middle-aged man asked. He was dressed casual in a polo shirt and jeans.

I’m sorry. I am waiting for someone, Chris informed him. As the man walked off, Chris looked around to see all the chairs occupied, and started to regret what he had said. He was tempted to call him back when he spotted her. Sweat started to seep out from under his arms, but he tried to keep it cool. Her caramel complexion was smooth and even as honey. Her facial features were symmetrical, with a small nose, full ribbing lips and almond-shaped hazel green eyes. Her pink scrubs could not conceal her wide hips that naturally swayed with every step. She was undeniably sexy......to say the least. Every morning Chris saw her, she seemed upbeat, but today was different; he sensed a hint of melancholy. He felt the need to comfort her. As she walked up to the counter to order, Chris pictured how soft her skin would feel against his. The moisture of her lips pressed lightly against his own. He made a vow that today was the day and he was not going to let this opportunity passed him by. She got her order and looked around for an empty seat.

Excuse me, Chris said. She turned around to face him. I see that you were looking around for a seat. There is one open at my table. Would you like to join me? he asked.

She looked at him for a moment, then gave him a smile. Sure, why not.

He led her to the table he was sitting at and pulled out the chair for her to sit in.

Thank you, she said as she sat down.

My name is Chris by the way.

It’s a pleasure to meet you Chris. My name is Kendra, she said, holding out her hand. He grabbed it, fighting the urge to kiss it. It was soft and gentle to the touch.

The pleasure is all mine. Chris took a sip of his mocha. I have a confession to make.

Kendra looked up from her breakfast with curiosity.

When I saw you, I felt something that I have not felt in a long time. I felt nervous.

Her face went from curious to confused. I don’t understand.

The only reason I would feel nervous in this way is because there’s something special about you that most people would not pay attention to. Chris could see Kendra’s face starting to flush, but he couldn’t stop until he got everything off his mind. I have been coming here regularly for a while and I see you quite often. I get the same feeling every time you step into my presence. I was hoping that I would be blessed with your presence today, because I was tired of just seeing you from afar and not having the courage to spark a conversation with you. If you are willing, I would like to get the opportunity to get to know you, to go beyond a casual glance and finally figure out what makes you special in my eyes, Chris said, looking directly into her eyes to see her reaction to his direct approach.

Kendra took a sip of her coffee to give her a moment to digest what he’d just said. How do you know I am not already spoken for? she challenged him, even though she was flattered. She looked Chris over, and couldn’t deny to herself that she was impressed. He dressed professional, was very articulate and had bedroom brown eyes that, if you looked into them long enough, could make you believe the clear blue sky was really red.

I pay attention to things most men take for granted. For example, I see you in here every morning in your work clothes. That tells me you are loyal when something or someone is good to you. You do not have on a ring, and if you were married, you would wear it with pride. You have a natural glow about you, not from the benefit of a relationship, but from the joy you get out of life. I say either a child or your career choice. But if a person was to look closer, they would be able to sense a bit of loneliness...like today. That tells me you are either single and waiting for the right one to come along, or you in fact are spoken for, but not really feeling complete in that relationship. If either is correct, then your past relationships were possibly filled with men that never understood the real value of a woman such as yourself. They treated you like cubic zirconia, not knowing that they actually had a rare diamond, one they could never put a price on.

Chris took a quick sip of his coffee before continuing. If you don’t mind, I would like to be transparent with you – another first. From the first moment I saw you, you shine so bright that it blinded me from seeing anyone else in the room. I knew at once a rare diamond had entered my presence and my soul almost jumped out of my body from excitement. I was too nervous to approach you, from fear of rejection and the fear of you not being the person inside that I observed on the outside. I really had only your physical appearance to go on. So, I backed out that first day, hoping to see you again. For weeks I would stop by and order, just to be in your presence. I hope that is not weird, and I promise it never went beyond this bistro. You captivated me and I needed to know more, so I observed. When I felt sufficiently confident that my analysis was correct, I decided to take a leap of faith, and here we are. It was just a coincidence about the seating arrangements today. Please say something so I do not seem completely crazy. I know I gave you a mouthful, Chris said, holding his breath in anticipation.

A beautiful Colgate smile with perfect white teeth formed, naturally casting an ambient glow around her gorgeous face. I don’t know what to say......I’m speechless. Never has anyone approached me in this manner, she thought. He hit the nail on the head. Kendra was both flattered and embarrassed. This was the first person to verbally express his views of her with a sense of passion and sincerity. Even though she got no undertone of perverseness, she could not help but wonder what he was like in bed. His breakdown of her relationships put her inner insecurities on the spot. She knew her self-worth and the effect she had on the opposite sex – as well as her own. In her rational mind, the right one was just around the corner.

Thank you for the compliment. That really made my day. To answer some of your questions, I am not in a relationship at this time, and I would consider myself a loyal person. I find joy in life from my career and my daughter Kim. I love my job. I am a registered nurse with a passion for helping people in need. What do you do? Kendra asked.

I am the owner of Illusion Arts, he said with pride.

What is that? Like a magician store?

Chris laughed. No, it is actually an art company. But instead of describing what I do, it would be better to show you.

And how will you do that? she asked.

Chris took another sip of this coffee, which was lukewarm and sweet. Well......I would like to invite you to spend the evening with me so we can get to know each other. I know you have a busy schedule, so here. Chris handed her a business card with his cell phone number on it. Call me if you would like to get together.

Okay, Kendra said as she put the card in her purse. She looked at her watch. Crap, I have to be at work in 15 minutes, she said in a panic. She downed her drink and put her croissant back in the bag.

Let me walk you out, Chris offered. They both stood up to leave. After you, he said as he followed her to her car.

He could see that her walk had changed since she entered the bistro. Her hips swayed a little more with confidence, knowing he was watching. They walked up to a gray Acura Integra. If you decide not to use my number, I want to thank you for the time you allowed me to spend with you. I know now that you are exactly what I hoped you would be, he told her.

Thank you again for this morning. Let’s just say keep your phone close. With that, Kendra got into her car and drove off.

Chris smile to himself for his small triumph. That......I will do, he said to himself and walked to his car.

Chapter 2

Sarah was at home with her two daughters Alisha and Cynthia. Mark, her three-month-old son, was sleeping in his crib in her room. It was Friday. Her favorite day of the week. Her plans were to drop off the girls at her mother’s house, pick up her man and chill for the rest of the night. Mark was going to be picked up by his dad and spend the weekend with him.

At 5’3, 140 pounds, with measurements 36-24-46, her pants hugged her wide hips just like she wanted. Her boyfriend was going to love it. They had only been together for a couple of months, and she was in love. Last week Sarah had his name tattooed on her lower back. She knew Rico was rough around the edges and was prone to violence, but that was one of the attributes she loved most. They both were ready to pop off at a moment’s notice. Once she approved of herself in the mirror, Sarah changed Mark’s diaper, put him in his car seat and headed down the hall to her daughter’s room.

Are you ready to go to Grandma’s house?

Yeah Mommy. Can we spend the night again? -year-old Alisha asked as she hugged her favorite teddy bear.

If Grandma says it’s ok. Sarah already planned to make that happen anyways. Once the kids settled in the 2003 Toyota Camry, Sarah made the 20-minute drive across town to her mother’s house.

Ms. Cruz lived in a cozy home off Pershing and Michigan Avenue, a quiet area where people walked their dogs, small children played in the front yards, and community watch stickers were posted on every window. Sarah parked behind her 2010 Hyundai Elantra and popped the trunk. Alisha and Cynthia ran into the house, made a left and headed straight to the kitchen, where the delicious aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies saturated the home.

Grandma! both girls screamed as they rushed their grandma, bear-hugging each leg.

Ms. Cruz laughed at the warm greeting and told the girls to sit at the table so she could take the cookies out of the oven. After putting the girl’s overnight bags in their room, Sarah entered the kitchen with Mark and pulled her mother aside while the girls dipped their cookies into small cups of milk.

I have to go. The girls have been begging to spend the night, but I told them I would have to check with you first, Sarah said.

You know they can.

Thank you.

Is that my grandson? Ms. Cruz asked as she picked up Mark from the car seat. His little hands reached out to touch her face and gave her a toothless smile.

Mom, I have to get going, Sarah pleaded.

Ok, ok... Ms. Cruz gave Mark a kiss on the cheek and put him back in the car seat. One of the things Sarah loved most about her mother was that she never asked a lot of questions. If she needed anything and mentioned the kids, her mom was all for it. Sarah kissed the girl’s goodbye and was out the door.

Rico, Sarah’s boyfriend, was talking on the phone when Sarah pulled up in front of his apartment complex.

Here she comes now. I will talk to you later, Rico said to the person on the other line. After taking a couple more drags from his cigarette, he flicked the rest and got into the car. What the hell took you so long? he asked with a hint of annoyance as he looked in the back seat to see Mark.

I just dropped Alisha and Cynthia off with my mom, so we can have the weekend to ourselves, Sarah replied.

What about your son?

Chris is going to pick him up later.

The thought of seeing Chris left a sour taste in Rico’s mouth. Most of the people he knew had little to no relationship with their kid’s parent. Sarah and Chris were different. Rico believed Chris wanted Sarah back, and that’s why he has not moved on, even though both of them denied it. Sarah, on the other hand, was grateful to have an understanding with Chris, but would never let Rico know for fear of another fight.

Whatever...stop by my boy’s house so I can pick up something.

Excitement and anticipation filled Sarah. Anytime Rico went to his ‘boys’ house, she knew they were going to get high. Since being with Rico, Sarah had been experimenting with different types of drugs, cocaine being her drug of choice. It allowed her to let loose, giving her a sense of freedom from life’s problems. When they arrived at her place thirty minutes later, Sarah sashayed to the kitchen to start making something to eat for her and Rico.

Rico watched her ass jiggle in her pants and grabbed the bulge between his legs. He took a seat in the living room, pulled the coffee table close, and dumped the bag of white powder on top of it. Separating it into lines, he snorted two and laid back, taking in the rush as his nose burned. Sarah set a plate with two sandwiches on the table, then walked over to turn on some music. Rico, feeling the effects of the drug, eyed Sarah’s body.

I bet she used to do this for Chris, he thought as anger started to make his pulse quicken. This was one of the negative side effects cocaine had on Rico. Paranoia and jealousy would manifest itself and pull out some of his inner-most thoughts. I bet she’s still fucking with one of her baby daddies. As Rico struggled to keep his anger in check, Sarah came over and sat next to him. Grabbing one of the sandwiches, she offered him the