Karma

By Tracilyn George

Karma's entrance into the world was far from conventional. Because of this, her parents mistreated her mercilessly. It wasn't until she met Edmund Barrett, a handsome Irish actor, her life took a turn for the better.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Clydesdale Books
• Release date: Oct 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215906873

Book preview

1

Adrian Campbell stood six feet even with long ebony hair and coffee-colored eyes. His dark skin tone showed signs of wear, aging him more than his twenty-five years. Adding to his ominous persona was the constant scowl upon his face.

In contrast, at five feet two inches, his wife, Lilith, looked feeble next to her towering husband. Her copper-colored hair framed her ivory skin, which made her appearance even paler.  

Her blue eyes showed little emotion. Those who saw Lilith witnessed a hollow shell; a shell that had been years in the making.

Adrian’s dark brown eyes turned black as he glared at the newborn sleeping in her bassinet. His dark skin tone was beet red with rage. The fair-haired girl turned out to be a bitter disappointment.

He and his wife did not take risks to end up with a daughter. The couple had counted on having a boy with dark features like Adrian.  

What the hell are we supposed to do with that? Lilith asked in disgust as she pointed to the infant. Her cornflower blue eyes stared through the glass at the baby she had a few hours prior.

Her husband scowled as he shrugged. I have no idea, Adrian replied, his voice seething. All I know is we can’t send it back.

Lilith cursed both her husband and her child. Why did she allow herself to get into this situation? How was Adrian able to talk her into doing what they did?

Don’t blame me for this, he responded. You went along with it from the beginning and I don’t recall you objecting to the plan."

Lilith shot an evil look in her husband’s direction. How dare he say such a thing to her! He knew full well she had second thoughts and tried to talk him out of it.  

It doesn’t matter now, he seethed. We did it and now we’re stuck with the consequences.

We can always leave it on the doorstep. They were the ones who cheated us out of a son.

Adrian pondered the idea for a moment. I doubt very much they’d see having a girl as any kind of punishment. If anything, they’d see it as a reward. Well, we can’t reward them for their bad behavior.

His entire body trembled with resentment and anger. He shook his head. No, he continued. We’ll keep the little piece of shit. We may be able to use it our advantage."

In what way? Lilith asked. How can it be any of any use to us?

Adrian smirked. We may be able to make money off it. Maybe from the one responsible for this fiasco. I’ll have to give it some thought first. I have to figure out the best way to make the most of it.

Lilith didn’t push the subject. The less she knew, the better off she was.

2

Edmund Barrett sat quietly in his dressing room. He preferred to socialize as little as possible with his game show co-stars. 

The panelists of Right or Wrong did not realize he was the reason the show had been a success for so long. Edmund understood when to turn on the charm and connect with the audience.

Other than a handful of people, he had no friends, and he preferred it that way. People irritated him and he had no patience for their idiosyncrasies.

He muttered under his breath as he heard the call to the stage. If it wasn’t for the money, Edmund wouldn’t be doing the show.

Why weren’t you out here sooner? asked Jeannine Thompson. There’s a pretty little girl in the audience who wanted to me you. His blue eyes squinted, glaring at his co-star.

Don’t be like that, she told him. Just go say hi to her. She’s the little strawberry blonde in the first row.

Edmund turned towards the audience. His eyes instantly focused on the eight-year-old, smiling shyly. Something about her softened his mood. He strolled over and knelt before her. Hello, darlin’. What ‘s your name?

Karma, she replied. He raised an eyebrow. Edmund had never heard such an unusual name. He wondered how she came about having it.

My parents said it was karma I existed. I don’t know why they said that. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you, I’m going to marry you when I grow up.

For the first time in years, Edmund smiled with genuine joy. Really? I think you can do better than an old crank like me.

The girl turned red, giggling. Her green eyes sparkled. You’re not a crank, she said. You just need someone who truly loves you.

Her last statement caught him off-guard. He could feel his icy heart melt a little. He sensed young Karma understood things most adults couldn’t. Edmund began feeling the girl had a bright future ahead of her. She definitely deserved better than the likes of him.

Jeannine grinned as he took his seat at the panelists’ desk. Oh, Eddie Barrett, I do believe that little girl done stole your heart.

Edmund turned dark red. Well, I don’t know about that, he replied, chuckling. Although I am flattered, she said she was going to marry me when she grows up.

I think she meant when you grew up, Ronnie Parker piped in. The movie producer couldn’t keep himself from rubbing the actor the wrong way. Plus, I think she’s too good for you.

Edmund’s reputation in Hollywood was not the best. Those who worked with him often complained of his bad attitude and unwillingness to compromise. The panel felt the shift in Edmund’s personality. They hoped whatever spell the child put on him would stick.

When the host, Phil Greene, walked on to the set, he immediately focused on Edmund. Phil gave him a roguish grin. So, I heard you had a proposal of marriage. When ‘s the wedding?

In about 10 years, Edmund replied, his blue eyes twinkling.  

Waiting on you to grow up, is she? Phil questioned.

That’s what I said, Ronnie told him. The audience roared with laughter.

Edmund turned to Karma and winked. That’s what she advised me, he replied, smiling. But, she’s willing to wait.

Do you know what she told me? Jeannine added. That little one is going to be a doctor. She wants to be a pediatrician, just like my husband.

Phil looked at the girl in amazement. Brains and beauty, huh? That’s a dangerous combination. I think you’re too good for this doofus.

That’s what I said, Ronnie repeated. She can do a lot better.

When Phil saw Karma becoming uncomfortable with the playful banter, he put a quick stop to it. Let’s get on with the game, he suggested.

3

Francisco grew up in Combarro, Spain. As the only son of Enrique and Blanca Rodriguez, his parents and older sisters treated him as a gift from God.  

The boy never lacked in love and affection. His parents, although strict, doted upon their six children. Frank appreciated the morals Enrique and Blanca instilled in him as well as the teachings of the Catholic Church.  

He loved attending Sunday school and hearing the stories from the Bible. He loved imagining how his life might have been if he had lived during those times.  

You must stop living in this fantasy land of yours, his mother scolded. It won’t lead you anywhere. You must focus on finding work to put food on the table.  

His father agreed. "Yes, my boy. Childhood play acting is one thing, but not as a career.  

I know we have little to offer in our little village, but you will do okay as a fisherman. The Rodriguezes have gotten by for generations as fishermen." 

But I don’t want to just get by, Papa. I want to do more with my life than just fish. It’s an honorable profession, Papa. I just can’t do it.  

Enrique’s look of disappointment broke Frank’s heart. He never wanted to hurt his parents. He longed to do something big with his life and make them proud.  

We will always be proud of you, Blanca assured him. "All we ask is for you to be sensible about things.  

It’s almost impossible to be a movie star, even if you just worked here in Spain. Please, my darling son, think about what you want to do. I can’t spend the rest of my life worrying about you.  

Frank gave his mother a peck on the cheek, promising her he’d be fine. When he turned eighteen, he set sail for the United States in his quest to fulfill his dream.  

Despite outward appearances, Frank had misgivings about moving to America. He feigned confidence to prevent adding to his parents’ nervousness. He knew if he did, it would increase to his own mounting stress.  

Frank arrived at Ellis Island still in awe upon seeing the Statue of Liberty as she stood proudly in New York Harbor, shining her light to those coming to her shores. Frank understood he had a difficult road ahead of him, but he thrived on working hard and proving himself worthy.  

He took whatever job he could to make ends meet. He enjoyed his time as a busboy; it offered him the opportunity to meet influential people in the entertainment industry. After three years, a talent scout spotted him and offered him a walk-on part in an off-Broadway play. Frank accepted the job without hesitation.  

The small part led him to other talent agents noticing him and getting bigger roles. He wrote to his parents each week; updating them on his progress.  

While they still had worries about his decision to be an actor, they voiced their delight in his accomplishments. They accepted their son following his heart. He breathed easier knowing his parents gave him their blessing.  

Frank moved to Los Angeles in 1945 to pursue a movie career. His time in the theater provided him with an impressive resume.  

He arrived in Hollywood at the right time. The Latin Lover craze had the public demanding for more swarthy actors and Frank fit the bill. At six feet one inch with dark features and a broad chest, women swooned for him.  

Francisco Rodriguez enjoyed his status as a matinee idol and the perks that went along with it. He had his choice of beautiful women and invitations to exclusive clubs.  

Until he saw a billboard featuring a stunning redhead, he realized he wanted more than just a quick fling. The woman’s blue eyes entranced him and he knew he’d be with for the rest of his life.

4

The sound of the phone ringing woke Patrick from a deep sleep. Calls in the middle of the night meant only one thing; a murder had occurred somewhere in Los Angeles.  

Rodriguez! boomed the voice on the other end of the line. There’s been a body found near the Circus Club. We need you to investigate.  

Patrick recognized the club as a hangout for the gay and lesbian community. The detective lost count of how many times they had called him to break up disturbances at the bar as a beat cop. The skirmishes were often between straight and gay clientele feeling as if the other party had wronged them.  

In the early days, very few of the brawls ended up in death. Ten years later, murders had increased in the area by a significant number.  

Even though Patrick wasn’t homosexual, he understood the plight of the non-heterosexual group. He treated all parties concerned with compassion and thoughtfulness, which resulted in resolving issues with few arrests. Now he had to make his way to another senseless homicide.  

He let a breath of exasperation as he walked to one of the police officers on scene. What do we have, Brooks? he asked, his face emotionless. The officer explained the victim was approximately 22 years of age, killed by a shot to the head. Any ID?  Sergeant Brooks shook his head.  

Nada, he replied. Whoever shot him made sure we couldn’t give the young man a name.   

Patrick nodded in agreement. Or notify his next of kin. Do we have any witnesses?  The officer pointed toward a small group hovering near the club entrance. Thank you, Brooks.  

He strolled to the half-dozen men and women waiting with nervous energy. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I appreciate your sticking around to talk to us. What can you tell me about the guy who killed this young man?  

Each witness gave him the same description. The gunman was an older white male, about 45 to 50 years of age, with brown eyes and gray hair. He stood approximately six feet tall with a stocky build. Have any of you seen this man before?  

All, but one shook their heads no. Twenty-three-year-old Simon Johnson stated he saw the man at the Sugar Shack a couple weeks prior. What made him stand out to you?  

Simon took a deep breath. All of us at the Shack noticed how he was trying to act gay.  

Acting gay?  Young Simon nodded. He explained gays and lesbians could sense whether or not someone was straight. The mysterious older man seemed to try too hard to fit in with the crowd.  

He was being too gay? Is that really a thing?  Patrick didn’t think anyone could be too gay.  

Oh, you can’t. But, this guy though; he gave off a bad vibe. Those of us who spoke with him knew he was a fake.  

Patrick took notes as he continued to interrogate the witness. Did this man give you a name or a number?  

He did. Just a first name, though. He told me his name was Joseph, but he went by Dre. We asked why, but he wouldn’t give us a reason. The phone number he gave me turned out to be a phony.  

Patrick twisted his mouth, his gut telling him the young man was holding something back. If you thought this Dre fellow was not the real deal, why take his number?   

Simon shrugged. I found him sexy despite the act. My preference is older men. Most of them have their act together.  

Can anyone tell me what led to the murder of this young man?  

Julie, a twenty-one-year-old blonde, blue-eyed woman, answered the question. This guy, Dre, had been pestering people all night, making a nuisance of himself. A couple hours after he came in, he was a drunken mess and trying to pick fights with everyone.

At first, we thought he was just hitting on all the guys, but it turned out he had been calling them all kinds of names. Most of them just walked away except for the dead dude. He didn’t like Dre’s attitude and being aggressive.  

Aggressive how?  

"Dre kept poking the victim’s chest, spewing all kinds of