I Never Knew the Beginning

By Darrell Richmond

Tonya, a prosecutor, works for a very large, prestigious law firm. She meets this distinctive gentleman who has a very mysterious demeanor that possesses dark secrets. Her intuition tells her that there's more than meets the eye. Tonya falls in love with Viandre. Just when she thinks she knows all about him, suddenly her life spirals out of control and affects those around her.

The unimaginable starts to happen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781684569168

Book preview

SECRETS OF THE UNKNOWN

I never knew, never once saw it coming until the depths of my soul was filled with total darkness. Nowhere to run, nowhere to go, nowhere to hide. Never could have envisioned the unimaginable of death.

THE LAW FIRM

Another glorious day here in the city of Los Angeles, California, the capital of many options—or should I say, the Golden State. My morning routine consists of yoga, which allows me to relax and stay focused based on the challenges and issues that arise due to my highly stressful occupation. It’s not easy being a high-profile prosecutor in the Los Angeles area, handling hard-core criminals. Criminals such as rapists, serial killers, and murders. After a morning of yoga, I also jog throughout the neighborhood in a two-mile radius, or sometimes in the park based on my mood, concentrating on my even strides as I enjoy the sound of smooth jazz from the earpiece of my iPod. This gives me a feeling of rejuvenation and motivation.

My name is Tonya Wannamaker, a single, young, independent, professional female, as you can see a prosecutor. I live in a high-rise building near the Miracle Mile. This luxurious penthouse has an unbelievable view that overlooks the valley, a beautiful view of downtown Los Angeles and vivid surrounding mountain range.

Although I’m only thirty-five years of age, I must admit I enjoy the finest things that life has to offer. I get an adrenaline rush driving on Pacific Coast Highway in my SL500 Mercedes while the top is down and the wind blows through my hair. I enjoy exquisite foods in most prime-rated restaurants throughout the country. I have many associates; however, I have very few select friends. I refrain from chaos from both male and female gender. I’d rather have a man companion because they have a tendency to listen tentatively and I can confide with my most intimate secrets.

My career demands a lot of my time, whereas I really don’t have a social life. Occasionally I find myself pondering as to which direction my life is heading. Constantly I wonder about my personal life, about developing a serious relationship. As I sit here in my office, trying to stay focus on work, my thoughts are randomly being invaded or sometime distracted. I wonder, Will I ever have a family of my own, being married to a wonderful man and taking on the role of a wife and yes a mother? Is this what I truly desire, or is this a figment of my imagination? I’m constantly rationalizing as to whether or not I’d rather remain single and die a lonely, old soul. Suddenly the thoughts vanish when the phone on my desk rang.

Yes, Lisa, I replied.

Ms. Wannamaker, just a reminder that you have a one o’clock appointment this afternoon with your dentist.

Lisa, could you call the dentist’s office and reschedule my appointment two weeks from today approximately the same time? I’ll be busy trying to wrap up the Washington case.

Yes, Ms. Wannamaker, I will call them momentarily.

And, Lisa, I need you to pull a file of the triple homicide case.

Are you talking about the Rodger case?

Yes, Lisa.

How soon do you need the Rodger files?

As soon as possible, no later than tomorrow.

Will do, Ms. Wannamaker.

Thank you, Lisa.

My secretary by the name of Lisa Sharp have been with the law firm for at least five years. Lisa is a little younger than I, approximately in her late twenties, married to a police officer, and has two beautiful girls. I admire Lisa because of her persona, personality, and professionalism. She’s always so pleasant and kind.

I never had to remind Lisa of any of her responsibilities. Her job performance is constantly exceeding and always above average. Lisa possesses high organizational skills and very detail oriented. I was reviewing the Washington case, a pathological killer who raped and murdered a fifteen-year-old girl. During the course of the trial, he didn’t show any remorse. My team presented the supporting facts very well. There were key witnesses who actually saw the alleged killer roaming in the neighborhood near the crime scene. DNA revealed evidence against the killer. Traces of natural excretion was left on the victim’s body. We felt very confident that this ruthless killer would be given the maximum sentencing of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The day was moving rather quickly. I had some follow-up calls to make and case studies to file. So much to finish in so little time. It was as if I lost track of time.

Another incoming call.

This is Ms. Wannamaker. How may I help you?

Good afternoon, Ms. Tonya.

Hello, Dallas, and good afternoon to you.

How are you doing this afternoon, and did you have an exciting weekend?

I’m feeling fine, Dallas, and my weekend wasn’t exciting but busy as usual.

Let me guess, you were busy working, busy working, my friend. Sarcastic response.

Tonya, my dear, hopefully one day less work and more play, you know like dating, romance, fun, and excitement.

Well, Dallas, maybe one day, I really don’t have time for pleasure in my life at this point, just trying to stay focus on my career.

I know, Tonya, but I suggest that you make time for fun in your life speaking as a friend and partner of this fantastic and exciting law firm. You know, Tonya, there’s a good man out there for you if you’re willing to give it a try. All men are not the same, like me for instance. He smiled. Besides, my friend, you’re a pretty good prosecutor, no need to prove yourself any further.

I appreciate your kind words, Dallas, and you might be correct, I’ll take your advice under consideration. Your fiancée is very fortunate to have you as a companion. You possess quite a few excellent qualifications of which I’d like in a man. Tonya smiled.

What a nice thing to say. So what did you do this weekend? Pretty much stayed home and did some work around the house on Saturday. Sunday Janice and I drove to the beach, did some shopping, and dined at the pier.

That’s sound like a pleasant weekend, how is Janice doing?

Wonderful, thanks for asking.

You’re welcome, Dallas. By the way, court is scheduled for tomorrow morning. The jurors have deliberated and are in agreement for the Washington case.

Yes, I heard the news, Samantha and I will meet you over at the court building first thing in the morning for the verdict.

Will do, Dallas, until then, I’ll see you and Samantha tomorrow morning. I’ll talk to you soon.

And the phone disconnected.

Dallas White is one of my partners here at the law firm, least to say very attractive and has all the qualifications that every woman would like in a man. Dallas is about six feet tall, blond hair, blue eyes, muscular, and forty years of age. He has a high-profile career, also engaged to a beautiful woman by the name of Janice Young. Dallas and I became close friends about six years ago when we began our practice here at this prestigious company. He’s a person who can be trusted with personal secrets. Janice is completely open about our relationship and is not threatened by any infidelity. I must admit, he adores Janice, and the trust that they’ve developed is quite remarkable. This would be the type of relationship I’d anticipate with my soul mate once I decided to have a man become part of my life.

After a long busy day here at the office, I figured it was time to wrap things up. Lisa walked into the office.

Ms. Wannamaker, may I be of any assistance before I head home?

No, thanks, Lisa, I’m leaving as well, have a nice evening, enjoy the family.

Likewise, Ms. Wannamaker.

Oh, Lisa, I have court tomorrow morning. I should be in the office before noon depending on the verdict.

Okay, Ms. Wannamaker, see you tomorrow and good night.

Good night, Lisa.

Time was winding down, and the sun was setting as I stared out the window. I decided to shut down the computer, grab my personal belongings, and head for the door. The office was quiet at this point, no phones ringing, no elevator music, nor communication among the paralegals. Some attorneys were occupied in their offices as I slowly walked toward the elevator, meditating on my thoughts and the conversation between Dallas and me this afternoon. Perhaps Dallas was correct about my personal life. Right about everything. I may be a little indecisive. I must give it some more thought.

I exited the elevator and walk toward my car still pondering on my thoughts. I grabbed the keys from my briefcase and got into my car. It was time for some music to help ease the thoughts. My fingers turned the switch on Pandora, and the sound of beautiful jazz surrounded the atmosphere of my automobile. I pressed the ignition button to start the engine and went for the exit sign of the building. I knew I had to run some errands on the way home. First, I paid some bills. Second, I stopped by the market to pick up some red wine. Andretti Merlot is one of my favorite. Finally, I stopped by PF Chang for some Chinese cuisine to have for dinner take out of course. Chinese and red wine will be the perfect meal for this evening.

I drove into the high-rise building of my penthouse. I took hold of my dinner and a couple of items I purchased from the store and proceeded to the elevator. Great to be home, I thought to myself, quiet and peaceful. I lit a candle, turned on the stereo, selecting a soft sound of jazz playing smoothly throughout the house. I grabbed a goblet from the bar and poured myself an exquisite glass of wine that was chilled in the wine cooler. I reached for a dinner platter from the cabinetry and silverware that I pulled from the kitchen drawer as I sat down to eat dinner. What more could a single woman ask for? My most inner thoughts knew that there was something missing in my life. I couldn’t let this get the best of my evening.

I sat and enjoyed my dinner and wine. The music was so lovely and romantic. I felt like I was drifting far away into space. Snap out of it, Tonya. My conscious brought me back to reality. I rinsed the used glass and silverware and stored them in the dishwasher. It began its cycle of cleaning. It was time for a hot, soothing bath. As I lay in the bath of bubbles, the most inner thoughts crept slowly back into my mind. A man, lover, husband, and companion. Loneliness cluttered my mind and thoughts. The depths of my heart were beginning to ache. Suddenly I had to grasp my thoughts as I quickly opened my eyes realizing I was merely dreaming.

I reached for a towel, slowly dried my body, and threw on my sleeping attire. I went to turn the lights off in front of the penthouse, and suddenly, a dark mist or a large object flew by the window. I began to shake uncontrollably as I was startled by this occurrence.

Okay, I thought to myself, I must be tired or imagining things. Perhaps my mind was playing tricks with me. I knew it was time for some shut-eye. I turned down the lights and the stereo and headed for bed. I lay there restless gazing at the ceiling as my body was extremely fatigue. My eyes began to shut as I drifted off into a deep sleep. After hours of the night passes by, my eyes opened gradually to the sound of the alarm clock, grasping my attention at five thirty in the morning. I reached for the snooze button to shut off the sound of the alarm.

It’s Tuesday morning as I was dreading to remove myself from the comfort of my bed. I lay there quietly, cuddled in the warmth of my sheets. Again the alarm clock began to disturb the quietness throughout the bedroom. I once again reached for the alarm to shut it off. It was time for me to begin my morning yoga and jog before I headed off to court, reminding myself that court was scheduled this morning at eight o’clock. I got out of bed and went to the restroom to freshen up. I grabbed my sweats, started my yoga, and off I went.

The sun was starting to rise as I arrived in my apartment from the morning run. I jumped into the shower, letting the hot water hit my body with a deep massage. I felt so rejuvenated. I was ready to concur the world. I took hold of a towel and dried myself, moisturized my body with my lilac-based European cream. I finished applying my makeup with a touch of my vanilla-flavored lip gloss. I slipped on my Chanel silk blouse and double-breast pantsuit and accentuated with some gold accessories. I went to the kitchen and grabbed a breakfast bar from the canister. Now pressing for time.

I grabbed the keys from the key rack, and out the door I went. As I drove into the parking garage of the court building, I noticed Dallas and Samantha were standing there waiting for me. I parked the car, reached for my briefcase, and joined my partners.

Good morning, Dallas and Samantha.

"Good morning to you, Tonya, as Dallas and Sam replied.

"We’ll did you sleep peacefully last night. I slept like a baby, Dallas. You’re looking gorgeous this morning as usual. Well, thank you, Dallas, you don’t look so bad yourself, isn’t that right Samantha. You’re absolutely right Tonya, he’s truly easy on the eyes as all the women says. All right, ladies, you’re both making me blush. Dallas blushing no way (Samantha), I never once saw you blush. You never saw me blush, come on Sam, you’re kidding me right.

No, Dallas, never. They all laughed.

You’ve never seen him blush before, Sam?

Well, maybe I have, Tonya, but don’t let him fool you, Samantha replied.

I work next to him. Remember he’s surrounded by majority of women on our floor. Ever since Dallas and I became friends, he has always been very candid, Tonya thought to herself.

Well, Tonya, I saw his face become bloodshot red.

Sam began to smile.

I couldn’t even imagine, Tonya replied.

Come on, ladies, stop the nonsense. Let’s make our way into the court building, court is about to resume in ten minutes. Focus, focus, ladies.

As we walked into the courtroom, the alleged suspect was accompanied by his attorney, seated quietly near the victim’s family and friends. The news reporters and the twelve selective jurors were in the distant array. The alleged suspect was sitting there with no sense of remorse to his alleged actions, constantly grinning with a distant look on his face.

What a psychopath, I thought to myself. Any person who murders and rapes a fifteen-year-old girl is mentally deranged. Suddenly there was an outburst from one of the family members. The bailiff was trying to maintain order in the courtroom before the judge entered the sanction. The courtroom became very quiet after the upsurge. There wasn’t a single sound to be heard. The suspect hadn’t moved from his initial position. It was as though he was in a trance. As the judge entered the courtroom, the bailiff announced that everyone must stand until the judge had been seated.

The judge began to observe the courtroom. He first glanced over to the DA’s side of the courtroom and then glanced over to the prosecutors and the alleged suspect. The judge asked both attorneys if there were any closing statements. Both attorneys responded, No, your honor.

He proceeded to glance over at the jurors and questioned, Has the juror reached a verdict? The lead juror stood and replied, Yes, we have, your honor. The bailiff walked over to the lead juror and reached