Marcus: the Secret Place

By Patricia A. Stokes

Marcus the Secret Place, the story of a grandmothers never-ending search for her grandson whom everyone believes dead. Her dedication in every area of life leads her to be successful in many ventures, this same dedication takes her to Africa in search of Marcus.Paige Wellingtons children had gone to Africa as missionaries when their only child, Marcus was two years old. They were killed in an ambush on the way to Ethiopia and the authorities found no survivors and no traces of a child having been with the caravan. Paige is devastated but continues to harbor the hope that he is alive. She finally, after ten years announces to her family that she is returning to Africa to search for Marcus. Will she succeed in her adventure?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 10, 2008
• ISBN: 9781465324221

Patricia A. Stokes

Patricia Ann Stokes (Mema) is a 66 year old grandmother who lives in New Haven, Connecticut. She retired from Yale University in 1995 after 35 years of service. She moved to Florida for a short time and decided that New Haven was her home for all seasons. She moved back in 2002 and she started to write. Her passion is books, which she reads at least three a week, when she is not writing. In books she envisions that she can travel to Napa Valley and imagine tasting the wine; living on a ranch and sees herself stalking the stalls; racing around in a field of lavender and seeing “The Color Purple.” Patricia has two daughters. The youngest daughter resides in Florida with her two children. The oldest resides in New Haven with her husband of nineteen years. This is a book of fiction and her first attempt at writing. For one who never thought she could write, one day she sat down at a laptop and before she knew anything she had written twenty (20) pages. This book is the result. Patricia enjoyed writing it and hopes you enjoy reading it. You can e-mail her with your comments at [e-mail].

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE BEGINNING

Paige Wellington was a daughter first, a wife—widow now, a mother, three times, she was a grandmother. You could not tell she was, not by grandmother visits, or grandchildren visits. She had one grandchild. Where that grandchild was now, she did not know. He was either with God or somewhere, not knowing who he really is. She could handle him being with God, she could not, nor would she ever handle him being all alone out in this world, not knowing from whom and where he came from.

She sat looking out of the window on this cloudy day. Her house was nestled below East Rock in New Haven, Connecticut. She could see the snow capped mountains. Snow had come early this year; normally it would start to snow sometime in November, before or after Thanksgiving. The first snow was in the middle of October and it had snowed at least three times already. She looked at the clouds rolling in and thought it looked like it was going to snow again. She knew it was going to be a long winter, they were still into the fall season and the snow had started already. Normally she never complained about the weather. Whatever God decided to do on any given day was fine with her. She was satisfied with that aspect of her life

She turned her head to look at the clouds rolling in and saw an image that reminded her of her grandson. What happened to you son, are you dead or alive she said out loud to no one in particular knowing full well that she was alone and had been for some time now.

The last time she saw him he was on his way to Africa. He was two years old. Of course, she begged her daughter to leave the baby with her for the two years they were going to be gone. She will never forget her words to her. Mom, I will not leave my only child with you. I know you love him but he is my child and I don’t want to leave him for two years, try not to worry about us or him, we will be fine.

Paige did not have any problems with Missionaries, going to a foreign country to help do God’s work, but taking her two-year-old grandson of to a foreign country was insane. He could catch some kind of disease. Her daughter was very stubborn. It has been ten year’s now. She just couldn’t believe Francine and Marcus have been gone that long, but she still wondered what happened to Marcus, Jr. His body was never recovered, he just disappeared. The authorities said one of the tribes roaming the countryside, killing innocent people and stealing everything they could get their hands on, probably kidnapped him.

Paige said, Why can’t I let this go, I keep re-living this repeatedly. Maybe I should concentrate on my other children and getting on with my life. The only grandchild I had and I have no idea where he is. I know in my heart he is not dead as the authorities surmised. This business about Marcus is making me crazy and restless, something keeps nagging at me and I know just what that something is. My determination to return to Africa to find Marcus. Paige was very strong-minded, determined and willful, yet she could not understand why she let her children talk her into not going back to Africa to look for Marcus. Maybe it is the grief of losing Francine and Marcus and not knowing if Marcus, Jr. was dead or alive. She knew in her heart that he was still alive. Yet, here it was ten years and she still had not returned. I have worked and made a lot of money. I have the resources to do what I intended to do then. It is time to do the inevitable; Monica and Jerome will have to live with it. They will probably debate it with me, but this time I will win. Annabelle can take care of the company while I’m gone, I know she will not give me a hard time, she knows what is in my heart. I have discussed it with her many times, yet she never said not to do it. Even volunteered to go with me, if only to keep me company and on track. I will call and ask for a visa application, get my passport renewed, and the first of the year, hopefully I will be in Africa, searching and inquiring about Marcus. Nothing may come of it, but at least in my heart and mind, I will feel that I did not give up and I can put this to rest." She hadn’t realized she was talking to herself until she heard her own voice, she stopped and looked around and thought, ‘I am slowly going mad. It is time to get off my butt and do something, before I do go completely mad.’

Paige Wellington was born in Greenville, South Carolina but left there at the age of three with her mother and father and two sisters. Her siblings were a few year’s older. They settled in New Haven, Connecticut where she attends school. After graduating from high school

Paige got up from the window seat and headed to the kitchen to make her some breakfast. As she stepped into the kitchen, the phone started to ring. When she reached for the phone, the doorbell started to chime. She picked up the phone, said hello, could you hold a minute my doorbell is ringing. She started to the door, glanced at the clock; it was 8:10 a.m. Who the hell is playing on my phone and ringing my doorbell this time of morning, especially on a Saturday? She continued to the door and glanced out of the window, her son Jerome’s Lexus was parked in the extra space reserved for her condominium. Now what is wrong? she thought. She opened the door and told Jerome to come in. Went back to the phone in the kitchen and asked, Who is this?

It’s only me momma. Why do you sound so irritated this morning ma? asked her daughter Monica.

I’m not irritated, the phone rings, the doorbell rings at 8:10 in the morning, how am I supposed to sound, Monica?

Well, who was at the door, mom?

Your brother Jerome, Monica.

What does he want Ma?

I have no idea, I’m talking to you right now Monica, what do you want? She could hear Monica breathing hard through the phone. For some reason that girl always seem to annoy her to no end.

Why do I have to want something when I call you Ma?

Monica, I haven’t heard from you in two months and we live in the same town, why would I not think you want something?

I didn’t call to argue with you ma, just wanted to see how you’re doing.

I’m doing fine Monica; I will call you back after I talk to your brother, bye.

Wait momma, don’t hang up. It was too late, Paige had already hung up the phone and Monica could hear the click on the other end.

Damn! She may be my mother, but she can really rattle my cage sometimes.

Who are you talking to Monica?

Monica looked up and her husband Sam was standing at the top of the stairs all dressed up in his casual clothes. I called mom to see how she was doing and she sounded upset about something. Maybe she just gets that sound when I call. Where are you going this early, on a Saturday morning?

She knew he did not have to go to work. He made it a point to work Monday through Friday. After all, he was the sole owner of his own business, designing web sites for individual corporate companies. After hitting the three million mark, he made a promise to himself and God that he did not intend to work that hard ever again. That was five year’s ago and several million dollars over the three million.

Sam started down the stairs saying, I’m going to meet some of the guy’s at the club, have breakfast and then go back to the club and hit some golf balls. Monica looked at him and thought ‘does he really think I’m that stupid. We had a snow storm two days ago and unless God performed a miracle overnight that snow was still on the ground’. She casually walked to the front door opened it and looked outside. ‘No, God did not perform a miracle last night, not with the snow at least. In addition, if he had any sense and Monica was sure he did, He would have been sleeping like the rest of us. But oh, tomorrow is Sunday, His day of rest, we certainly will not let Him rest any other day.’ She turned around to say something to him and decided not to. ‘He is a grown man and I do not have time to be running around behind a grown ass man. However, he had better know what is good for him. Mess with me and he will have to break that promise to himself and God because I will have the money, house and anything else I deem fit. Maybe I will let him keep his Mercedes; he can sell it, and get a hooptie to job hunt or start building his business all over again. I may not get along with my mother, but she did not raise a fool’.

Sam started for the door and said, I’ll be back around 4 o’clock.

You come back when you feel like it Sam, you’re grown. Just remember, don’t bring anything in here that you didn’t take with you.

What do you mean by that statement Monica? asked Sam.

What part of that statement do you not understand, Sam? It means just what I said… you don’t want me to repeat myself, now do you?

Sam stalked out and slammed the door.

CHAPTER 2

Monica was no slouch herself when it came to finances. She had not worked when she and Sam got married. They were fresh out of college. He graduated from Morehouse and she graduated from Spellman. They met while attending a seminar in art history.

Sam admired her for her mind and intellect. He could talk to her regarding any subject; she had a very detailed opinion on any subject in question. Not only that, she was beautiful, with almond shape eyes that were light brown. She was tall with shapely legs. Her hair reached to her shoulders, but was cut with fly away bangs that framed her face. She had a mole on the right corner of her mouth that made you take another look at her when first meeting her. He fell in love instantly. They courted through college and decided to marry as soon as they both graduate. Ten years later she had not changed much. Just a bit richer and a bit smarter. Especially when it came to her marriage.

She decided to stay home and raise her children when she had them. After being married the first two years with no pregnancy forthcoming, she gave up, applied to several law schools, and was accepted at Yale Law School. Sam even agreed to move to New Haven from Atlanta, Georgia to be with her; after all, he could set up shop anywhere. He worked from home, so it was no big deal where they located. She graduated without a hitch, within the top 10% of her class, she now owned her own law firm with four other lawyers working for her. She still wanted children, but was now five years shy of knocking a hole in 40; she was not keen on diaper changing at this stage of the game. She was not trying not to have any children and she figured whatever God had in store for her she would accept and get on with her life. Sam did not want to adopt because he did not want to take care or raise someone else’s child. Figure that out, some men go on ego trips behind shit like that, thought Monica. Monica started to fix coffee and the phone rang. She thought, maybe that’s Mom calling me back. She picked up the phone and, said Hello!

Hi Monica, I promised to call you back, did you want anything important?

No mom, I did call to find out how you’re doing, and you are right I could call more often than I do but with the law firm and Sam’s nonsense I really get bogged down, and I’m sorry. What did Jerome want?

Nothing, he just stopped by on this way out of town on a business trip to Atlanta. See if I needed anything. I do not know why you kid’s think I need anything. I am still able to do for myself, still working at my design firm and still driving. When you get over 50 I guess, you think it is time to take care of your parent. I do not think so, Monica! I intend to go as long as I can and then some. But I do want to talk to you and Jerome about something.

What is it mom?

I’m going to invite you and Jerome over to the house for dinner when he returns from his trip. I am not going to tell you what it is about until that day, so don’t ask me. He will be back on Friday night so dinner will be Saturday at eight. Is that okay with you?

Sure mom, do you want Sam there?

No, Sam is not my child. Therefore, you can leave him at home, or whatever he does on Saturday nights. You know that man of yours does not set right with me, so you can leave his opinionated ass at home. And if he wants to come, tell him I said he’s not invited, this is between me and my children. Do I make myself clear Monica?

Yes mom, I’ll tell him.

Paige hung up the phone, started upstairs to her bedroom, changed her mind, and went into her office. A couple of year’s ago, she decided to make an office at home. She seemed to get more done at home without all of the interruptions she got at the office, especially when working on special projects and contracts for her clients. She opened the safe and pulled out her passport and all of the documentation concerning the death of her daughter and son-in-law.

They had been killed in an ambush in Africa on their way to a remote village in Ethiopia. By the time she received the news, her grandson was non-existent as far as the authorities were concerned. They had not realized that a child was with the caravan until she asked them about her grandson. There was no sign of a child. All of her daughter and son-in-laws papers had vanished and it took the authorities a while to identify them. She stayed in Africa two weeks and then returned home to bury Francine and Marcus. She did not go back as planned, especially after talking to Jerome and Monica. They had convinced her that the authorities were probably right. Marcus, Jr. was probably dead with all the famine and slaughter that had been going on for the last ten years. She realized that that is what has been making her restless and short tempered with everyone. Maybe Monica will understand my shortness with her after I tell her and Jerome what I intend to do.

Paige picked up the phone and dialed her office. The receptionist answered. Paige Wellington Designs, may I help you?

Claudia this is Paige. How are you today?

Just fine Mrs. Wellington. Are you enjoying your weekend off?

Yes, I am Claudia, is Annabelle in this morning? I can’t remember if this is her Saturday off or Raines.

Claudia started to laugh and said, even if it was her Saturday off she would still show up, but this is her Saturday, hold on a minute, I will put her on."

Hey girl, what’s up, said Annabelle. Nothing is up Annabelle, how are you today girl?

Just fine, you don’t sound like yourself Paige, are you alright?

No girlfriend, I need to talk to you as soon as I can. Why don’t I come into town, I’ll buy us lunch.

Sounds fine with me Paige. But are you alright? I can come to your house.

No, lunch will be fine. Besides, I need to get out of the house for a while and we have not had lunch out in a while, and it is long overdue. How does 12:30 sound? I will pick you up and we can drive down to the shore. Would you like seafood? I know how you can overdose on lobster and onion rings, my treat. We’ll make up our minds where to eat once we get there.

Now you know I don’t want to go anywhere but Turks. They have the best onion rings, said Annabelle.

Ok Annabelle, but if you go into cardiac arrest from the fried food don’t blame me.

Well at least you still have your sense of humor, said Annabelle, so I guess your problem is not as serious as you sound."

Don’t pick at me Annabelle; just be ready when I get there.

CHAPTER 3

Paige hung up the phone, leaned back in her chair and thought about all the years she and Annabelle have been friends. What Annabelle called ‘bestest friends.’ She would take care of things for her while she was gone. She knew Annabelle would not discourage her from going to Africa to look for her grandson. Annabelle often talked to her about the incident and she certainly would not be surprised when she told her that she was going. She would not even have to tell her the reason. Paige looked at the clock on the desk, it was 11:15. She thought to herself, ‘What a morning! Big decisions made today, wonder what tomorrow will bring.’ She rushed upstairs to shower and dress for her lunch with Annabelle. When she stepped from the shower, she walked to the closet to decide which dress to wear and thought, this is Saturday, I think I will wear my Armani pantsuit; I bought that suit three months ago and have yet to wear it. It is about time. It is casual and will be quite comfortable with my alligator flats and Louis Vuitton handbag. She decided to let her braids hang down; she usually wore her thick shoulder length hair in a French twist, because it was too heavy to manage any other way. What a blessing to have my hair braided instead of going to the hairdresser every week. Now all I have to do is wash it and let it dry. Paige was five feet, nine inches tall, and shapely, very dark with smooth skin, eyes the color of amber like her grandmothers. She looked at her watch and decided it was time to pick up Annabelle and have that serious talk with her. She went downstairs, picked up her car keys off the kitchen table when the phone started to ring. She let it ring until the answering machine picked up and it was Monica. She reached for it and changed her mind, thinking to herself she probably just wants to complain about that man she married. I’ll talk to her when I get back from lunch. She turned to leave the house but could hear Monica calling momma if you’re there pick up the phone, please!"

She had to drive only three miles to her office so she took her time. As she was driving by the country club she spotted Sam’s car turning into the parking lot of the club. She started to blow the horn and wave but decided not to when she saw he had someone with him. She slowed her car down and watched him park his car. He got out and started around to the passenger side as the door swung open a stunning white woman emerged. He kissed her on the cheek and they proceeded to walk into the club. I wonder what that is all about! I know Sam is a player but he is getting very bold bringing his woman, especially a white woman to the same club where he and Monica have membership, thought Paige. Paige said to know one in particular that boy has gone beyond bold; he’s got more nerve then a brass ass monkey. However, this is one mother-in-law who is going to mind her own business and Monica needs to handle her own business. I know she has to know that Sam is tipping out on her. Paige continued to drive and she thought about Monica and wondered why she put up with Sam’s whoring around. It was not as if she was stuck at home taking care of a house full of kid’s. She had her own career and did not need this stress in her life. On the other hand, maybe she just did not care anymore. She was sure Monica heard the rumors about Sam and his other women; she just seemed to ignore all the talk. Maybe she is the kind that has to see it with her own eyes. And as far as I am concerned she is right, why lean on someone else’s gossip. She had to know and see everything for herself. God knows I have been there and done that. And I at least waited until I had proof and was positive about my husbands whoring around. She is more like me than I thought. I need to talk to that girl, at least find out if she is happy, which I am sure she is not. I will not mention seeing Sam today.

As Paige was pulling into the parking space in front of the building of Wellington Designs, she could see Annabelle standing inside the front door talking to Raine. God, I hope he does not see me. However, knowing Annabelle she probably already told him she was waiting for me to pick her up. As she was thinking this, Raine looked up. Oh, God… here he comes with Annabelle. Paige rolled the passenger side window down on her Jag as Raine was opening the door for Annabelle. Paige thought to herself, I must say Raine looks cool in his Geoffrey Bean double-breasted suit. It was not that she knew men’s clothes that well, but Annabelle told her he had bought the suit for their first date. Annabelle had been trying to get her to go out with Raine, but she refused to acknowledge that he had a thing for her. She just refused to go out with a man 10 years her junior and that was that. However, he does keeps trying! The brother is fine, but he is just too young. How many times has he asked me out and I keep saying no. My name is not Stella, but he is definitely a Winston.

Hello Paige, said Raine. How are you today?"

Just fine Raine and you?

I’m ok, but I would be doing a lot better if you would decide to have dinner with me. No strings attached, just dinner.

I’ll think about it and let you know on Monday Raine, but I’m not going to make any promises. Are you ready Annabelle?

Raine closed the door after Annabelle slipped into the front seat. Paige noticed the look she gave her as she was getting in the car, rolling her eyes at her as if to say, now why can’t you go to dinner with the brother! See you on Monday Raine, said Annabelle. I should be back in about 2 hours. If you need me call my cell phone.

As they were pulling out of the parking space Annabelle turned to look at him walking back to the building and said That is one fine hulk of a man Paige, can’t you see that he is crazy about you and you won’t give him any play, what is wrong with you? Annabelle, I told you before, he is too young for me. Get a grip!"

I would like to get a good grip on him if you know what I mean, said Annabelle. They both looked at each other and burst into squeals of laughter.

"By the