Destiny's Chances

By R. L. Johnson

O COMFORTHOUSE….O COMFORTHOUSE….
After suffering the loss of some of their family members, the people of COMFORTHOUSE are forced once again to try and begin anew. With people from their past constantly reappearing in their lives, how can they move on? Things get even more complicated, when something else, other than people reappear from the past. How are they supposed to attempt to live normal lives when they seemed destined for disaster? When will the pain, misery and murder end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781678000356

Book preview

DESTINY’S CHANCES

Third book in the Destiny’s series

Copyright © 2017

ISBN:  978-1-365-96273-8

Dedicated to

My best friend and my husband

Michael Johnson

None of this would have transpired without a push from you.

Destiny’s Chances:  The possibility of something happening during a predetermined course of events

CHAPTER 1

October

The wind blew heavily scattering the brown, orange and yellow leaves over the ground of a city park in Richmond, Virginia.  The city was beautiful in the fall.  It was such a beautiful picturesque scene for something so grim.  A memorial dedication ceremony was being held for one of the most influential lawyers that had lived in the state of Virginia.  The dedicated monument had not yet been unveiled and everyone in attendance stood waiting to see it.  Mona Baggett looked around the park at the number of people that were in attendance.  She almost vomited.  There had to be thousands of people there.  What was so disgusting was that no one was truly there for the actual purpose of the ceremony—they were only there as prying onlookers with no respect for the deceased person that was being honored.  What was more grotesque was the fact that the deceased wife was not there to pay her respects either.  It was shameful and disrespectful of her not to attend.  First, she skips his funeral and now she was ditching his dedication ceremony.  Mona sighed.  Part of her understood her absence but, another part of her couldn’t help but to be angry.

You know, I at least expected Rai to show up for this dedication.  Mona voiced to her friends that were attending with her.

She just may be here but, surely she is not going to allow herself to be seen.  Liza West said.  Liza and Mona had been friends now for a little over a year and a half and she was married to Liza’s brother Sean.

If you were her would you be here?  Honestly?  Elgin West asked Mona and Liza.  Elgin was Liza’s husband.

She’s smart.  So, trust me, she’s not here.  Sean Baggett said.  Sean was Liza’s brother and Mona’s husband.  He was also a police officer. 

May I have everyone’s attention please?  A familiar voice echoed loudly across the park.  They all turned their attention to the podium that had been set up near the covered dedication object.  The person speaking was Bradley Cox.  He had been a friend and colleague of the deceased.  Thank you all for attending the ceremony today for Quincy Weaver.  He said and the crowd exploded in applause.  As you all know, Quincy passed away a couple of months ago.

Isn’t that a nice way to put it?  Sean said sarcastically.  Quincy had been murdered and the details had been kept as quiet as possible by the law firm that he had worked for but, everyone knew that he hadn’t died from natural causes so, to say that he had ‘passed away’ was just another way for them to try to keep the gruesome details a secret.

He would be the first one to thank you for your support and generosity.  Without the support of the DA’s office and the people of Richmond, this small token of acknowledgement of his much-appreciated work would not be possible.  Bradley said.  He turned then and was joined by an older man that they all assumed also worked at the law firm.  They stood on opposite sides of the cover that was over the dedicated object and slowly removed it.  It was a statue of the state of Virginia with a large plaque underneath it that read:  In Memoriam of Quincy Weaver.  It also had in very tiny writing a small biography of Quincy’s success as a lawyer.  There was uproar of applause.

Now, we have something for you all from Quincy himself.  Bradley said as a large screen was wheeled out next to him.  It had to be the biggest screen that Mona had ever seen.  Some hired workers pulled a huge tent around it so that it was shadowed from the sun and could be seen by everyone.  Mona had never seen anything like it.

"Hello My name is Quincy Weaver.  I’m a lawyer in the great state of Virginia.  My goal is to put an end to all sexual offenses against women.  If you have been or are being abused or victimized by someone, I am here to help you out of that situation."  Then, the tape stopped.

This is one of the many commercials that he did for our law firm and it will be aired indefinitely in his honor to remind women that we stand by his mission.  He had a heart of gold.  Brad said.  Let us have a moment of silence.  He said as scenes from Quincy’s extravagant funeral were played on the big screen.  Mona shook her head in dismay.

This is ridiculous.  Elgin voiced.

Mona noticed a woman walking towards them.

She looks like…  She started.

Who?  Sean asked.

That lady she looks… and before Mona could finish her statement, the woman approached her.

Hello my beautiful daughter.  She said to Mona.  Everyone gasped.

Hello mother.  Mona said.

Is this really your mother?  Sean asked.

Yes.  Everyone this is Jesenia Veneable.  Mona introduced.  No one knew what to say.  Where had she been?  Why was she here now?

Raina

Switzerland in October was a little reminiscent of Virginia in the fall.  Raina smiled at that thought.  She looked around the kitchen of her newly purchased home as she drank a cup of coffee.  She would be happy here.  She missed her husband Quincy but, felt that he was watching over her in some way.  Feeling this gave her a sense of peace.  She sat at the table in her kitchen looking out at the trees.  Yes.  It reminded her very much of Virginia and thinking of Virginia made her think of her daughter Isyss.  Instantly she became depressed.  She wished she could have said goodbye to her.  She took a deep breath.  She couldn’t think about any of that.  There was nothing she could do to change it.

Well, there’s only one way to take my mind off of things.  She said to herself.  Shop.  She had found that shopping in Switzerland was very enjoyable.  She grabbed her keys, sipped a little more of her coffee and she was off to shop.

She really didn’t need a lot.  She bought a couple of items but, she ended up doing more browsing than anything.  She spent several hours doing this and then, decided to get something to eat.  She loved the food here. 

After her lunch, she decided that it was probably a good time to head back home.  She was feeling a little better and was ready to relax.  When she got there, she noticed that there was a black car in the driveway.  She walked around the car to see if anyone was inside.  No one was inside.  Surely, they couldn’t be inside the house.  No one knew she was here.  She had been very careful and followed the instructions that Quincy had told her before his death.  She became afraid.  She wished she had some sort of weapon. 

She stood looking at the door of her home.  Should she go in?  It was her house.  She had to go in.  She turned the doorknob and opened it slowly.  She walked into the living room and dropped the bags when she saw the owner of the black car sitting there.  It was Chief Coleson.  What was he doing in Switzerland and how had he found her?  How had he gotten into her house?

Raina.  He simply said in greeting.

What are you doing here?  She asked.  Then, she panicked a little.  She hoped that nothing had happened to Isyss or Mona.  Is everyone back home alright?  How did you find me?  She asked.

Everyone is fine and don’t worry about how I found you.  He said.

How did you get in?

You, my dear, need to invest in an alarm system.  Just because you are not in America don’t mean you don’t need it.  He said.  Raina swallowed hard.  She had to sit down for a few minutes to calm herself.  She wanted to cry.  She was sure this had something to do with Quincy’s death or the people he used to work for.  What did Weaver tell you about the organization he worked for?  He asked.  She knew it.  This was connected. 

Nothing.  He didn’t want me involved.  She said simply.

Well, he caused a lot of problems for me and my people.  That’s why he had to die.  But, things are almost back to normal.  He said. 

Were you a part of that organization?  You can’t be.  You’re a cop and you helped to protect us at COMFORTHOUSE.  She said.  He chuckled at her.

It was always my job to stay as close to people as possible without them knowing.  But, none of that no longer matters.  I’m here to watch you and make sure you never return to the United States.  This is a nice retirement for me.  We can’t be too careful being that we’ve had people in the past not live up to their end of the bargain. 

I can’t believe this.  What if something happens that requires me to go back?  She asked.

You’ll be dead before you can leave the airport.  He said.

This is ridiculous.  Quincy is dead and I don’t know anything.  Why can’t you people just leave me alone?  She asked.  He stood to leave.

As long as you stay in Switzerland, you will be fine.  He said.  Did he really think this made it all alright?  Raina thought.  She would have to live her life knowing that she was being followed and watched.  What were the chances that all she had gone through would continue to haunt her…even in Switzerland?

CHAPTER 2

COMFORTHOUSE

Mona Baggett walked into the COMFORTHOUSE office, where she was temporarily working, thumbing through the huge stack of mail that had just been delivered.  She had met the mailman at the door on her way in.  Not paying attention, she gently bumped into Brooklyn who looked at her distressingly.  This was not the first time her pregnant belly had gotten in the way but, it was becoming a consistent problem.

Mona, you’ve got to pay better attention.  Brooklyn said to her sincerely.  She sighed heavily as she put the pile of mail down on the desk that was now in front of her.  This was getting ridiculous.  She was due any day now and she couldn’t wait to deliver her baby.  Mona loved being pregnant but, only when she was at home with her husband being spoiled and pampered.  Being anywhere else was becoming problematic.

I know Brooklyn.  I’m trying to be as careful as I possibly can until I drop this bun.  She said rubbing her enlarged stomach.  The door to the office opened behind her.  Mona turned to see who had entered.  Her husband Sean had told her that he would be coming by to check on her, shortly after she left their upstairs apartment, minutes prior.  When she turned to face the door, it wasn’t her husband that she saw standing in front of it.  It was her mother.  She was wearing a loose, gray, long sleeved shirt, with a pair of black tights, and black leather boots with lots of scrapes on them.  Mona immediately scowled at her and began to boil inside.  She didn’t want to see her and she didn’t want her here at COMFORTHOUSE.

May I help you?  Brooklyn asked her. 

Yes.  I’m Jesenia Veneable.  I’m here to see Mona.  She said now walking directly over to Mona, just as she’d done in the park the previous day.  Mona backed away from her as she approached.

"Jesenia Veneable?"  Brooklyn asked her, as if he was asking to be sure he’d heard her correctly.  Veneable had been Mona’s maiden name before she married Sean.  He was sure that she was Mona’s mother.  She looked just like her.  He didn’t know much about her but, he did know that she had abandoned Mona, and left her to live in their neighbors, Quincy and Raina’s, guesthouse as a teen.

Brooklyn noticed Mona’s peculiar behavior and thought it would be best to intervene.  Is this a relative of yours Mona?  He asked defensively stepping between them.  He was exceedingly protective of the people at COMFORTHOUSE.  He’d known Mona for a while now, and they had gone through a lot together.  As far as he was concerned, the only family Mona had was right here at COMFORTHOUSE.

I’m her mother.  Jesenia said confirming and slightly frowning at him.  Brooklyn turned away from the tackily dressed woman and looked Mona directly in the eyes.  Mona continued to not say anything.  She seemed to be frozen in place and recognizably angry. 

Mona?  Brooklyn prodded.  Is this woman your mother?  He asked her knowing the answer already. 

Mona?  Sweetie, you and I really need to talk.  Alone.  Jesenia said to her bewildered daughter, while glaring at Brooklyn.  Mona finally looked at her directly and spoke.

"I told you yesterday, when you approached me at the park, that we have absolutely nothing to talk about.  I’m happy and I don’t need you bringing any unnecessary drama into my life.  Go back to the life you wanted so badly.  Mine is just fine here without you."  Mona said.  Brooklyn knew that her words had to sting and he was proud of her for holding her ground.  He knew all too well what it was like to have a selfish mother like Jesenia.

Alright.  I will give you a little time Mama.  But eventually, we will have to talk.  She said with a slight accent.  She reached into the long, ratty bag that was on her shoulder, pulled out a small picture, and handed it to Mona.  Although she was hesitant at first, Mona took the picture from her aggressively.  "When I saw that you were expecting, I thought I’d bring you a picture of yourself when you were a baby."  She said to Mona.  Mona stared at the picture as the room fell totally silent.  Brooklyn walked over and put his arm around Mona in support.

You’ve done that now so…bye.  She said softly and not looking at Jesenia.  The woman stared at her daughter then, looked at Brooklyn.  He was sure she wanted him to leave them alone but instead, Brooklyn just shrugged and pulled Mona closer to him, displaying that he wasn’t going to leave her side.

I think it’s time for you to leave.  He said to her sternly.  Mona didn’t want her here and he didn’t want her upsetting Mona any more than she already had.  Although hesitant for a few seconds, Jesenia finally nodded in understanding.

May I leave my phone number for her so that she can call when she is ready to talk?  Jesenia asked Brooklyn, in reference to Mona.  He looked at Mona for confirmation.  He wasn’t going to take the phone number if she didn’t want it.  She nodded to him.  He left Mona’s side momentarily, to grab a sticky pad, and a pen from his desk and handed it to Jesenia to write her phone number down then, returned to his position by Mona’s side.  I know me being here may not be what you want but, I just wanted to be sure you were alright…you know, with Quincy’s dying and everything.  She said getting teary-eyed.  Mona stared at her then and Brooklyn almost expected her to slap the woman.  Surprisingly, she laughed instead.

That’s hilarious.  Mona said, now with tears in her eyes.  "You wanted to make sure I was alright?  You haven’t called to check up on me in nine year’s.  You have no idea what I have been through or how alone I felt!  When I needed you the most, you were nowhere to be found!  You think Quincy’s death is the worst thing that’s happened to me since you left?  You’re wrong.  Where were you when I had nowhere to go after his house was broken into over a year ago?"  This had been all over the news just as much as his death had been.  Brooklyn thought that it was odd that she had chosen to show up now. 

I know my timing is bad but, I’m here now.  Things have changed for me.  That’s one of the things I need to talk to you about.  I need to explain some things…I don’t have much time…  Jesenia said attempting to justify.

I don’t want an explanation from you.  You are probably just here out of guilt anyway.  You made your choice nine years ago when you left me to fend for myself and thankfully I’m doing just fine.  Mona interrupted and said, just as the COMFORTHOUSE office door swung open again.

What’s going on?  Sean asked entering, seeing Jesenia, and the tears in Mona’s eyes.  He frowned at Jesenia straightaway.  Brooklyn could tell that he recognized her and didn’t seem surprised at all by her presence.  Didn’t she tell you yesterday that she didn’t have anything else to say to you?  He said strictly to her.  Brooklyn would be sure to ask Mona and Sean about the incident that had occurred the day before at the park.  He wished he would have been forewarned about Mona’s mother being in town, so that he would have been better prepared for all of this.  Jesenia swallowed hard as Sean joined Brooklyn standing next to Mona.  She was now sandwiched between the two of them. 

I know you’re her husband but, I’m still her mother, and I need to talk to her about some personal family things.  Jesenia said and Brooklyn knew immediately, that her statement wouldn’t be taken well by neither Sean nor Mona.  It was Sean that spoke.

"You’re right, I am her husband and her family.  Giving birth to her doesn’t make you a mother and leaving her definitely doesn’t make you family any more so, whatever you have to say to her, you may as well say it right here and right now because, if you come back here without her permission again we will be filing a restraining order."  Sean threatened.  Jesenia looked at the three of them.  She seemed to contemplate what Sean had said for a moment.  It was obvious that her feelings were hurt but, she knew that there was nothing she could do about it.

Fine!  She said starting to cry out of frustration.  I wanted to tell you this in private but, since you want to make it difficult, here goes.  She roughly wiped her eyes on the sleeve of the gray shirt she was wearing and you could see the dark marks from the tons of mascara and other makeup that she was wearing on the sleeve.  She looked at them all.  "Raina is…my sister.  She is your Aunt.  She doesn’t know that we are sisters but, that’s why I left you with her—because I knew that she