The Promise

Chapter 16

We awoke early the next morning. We played lovingly in the early morning light before the time brought Sadie back to reality. We showered quickly. Well, as quickly as two people who weren't done exploring each other could. The City Kitchen needed to be opened, so I tamped down on my passion. We dressed in yesterday's clothes and headed out looking for a cab. Tammy tried to stop us as the front doors opened, but her warning came too late.

A small cheer went up, cameras flashed, and reporters armed with microphones ran toward us. The Leach had been busy. We smiled and waved as we tried desperately to break away. Finally, I stopped and grabbed Sadie's hand. The crowd quieted down.

"For twelve years the City Kitchen has never missed a day," I said, raising our hands, "please, we're late." Some of the reporters stepped back, others did not. Police broke through the throng and I couldn't be happier to see them. They led us to an unmarked vehicle and made sure we got out of there. I watched the reporters packing up to follow. No, fame did not sit well with me.

There were two reporters at the City Kitchen. Luckily, the main force was still en route. The cameras and questions were more cordial since they didn't have to fight with anyone. We were cordial in return and answered some easy questions. A well-dressed man in an expensive long coat was standing by the door as we approached. He was older but had an air of sophistication that offset it with confidence.

"Ms. Milstead," the man bowed his head slightly, "I wonder if I might have a word with you and Mr. Thaxton." I moved forward. I didn't like the way he carried himself. Way too authoritative.

"And you are?" Sadie asked from behind me. This was her place and she reeked the same confidence back at the man. The man smiled contritely.

"I would prefer we spoke inside," he nodded to the reporters. "I suspect it would cause a scene neither of us could afford out here." I knew exactly who he was. He wasn't hiding behind lawyers this time.

"I believe this is Mr. Abernathy," I said quietly. Sadie clenched her teeth and unlocked the door.

"Thank you," Abernathy said as he entered following Sadie. She moved quickly into the dining room, and turned, wearing a less than friendly expression.

"You're trying to ruin me," Sadie said. You could almost smell the poison in the air. I moved again to position myself slightly between the two. I wasn't sure who I was protecting anymore. Sadie looked like she might go for his eyes.

"Actually," Abernathy said calmly "I was trying to make you cave. I would have never taken it too far. I must admit, I didn't expect the retaliation." I was about ready to hold him down and let Sadie scratch his eyes out. He shook his head and held up his hands when he saw our anger brewing.

"I'm done," Abernathy said, trying to cool us down, "to me, business is life." He looked around the dining room. "I see you two have a different view."

"Why?" Sadie asked with her anger still at the forefront.

"Simple answer. You thwarted my rezoning." Abernathy shrugged his shoulders. "It's the equivalent of throwing down a gauntlet. I fought back." He chuckled. "I just completely underestimated you. The amount of support you two gathered is impressive."

"You could have sent your lawyer to concede," I said with disdain. I wasn't sure why he was here. I worried this was just another play.

"I am here to grovel, Mr. Thaxton." Abernathy was smiling as he spoke. He found the situation humorous. "You two have me by the balls. I wouldn't blame you if you decided to finish me off, but I have learned my lesson. I apologize." He bowed to Sadie whose expression changed to one of bewilderment.

"We haven't touched you." My confusion was apparent. "You've had us jumping through hoops the whole time." Abernathy laughed and had to cover his mouth to squelch it.

"It's your friends who have been thrusting the knives." Abernathy seemed generally surprised at our ignorance. "I have thirteen company vehicles in impound lots due to questionable parking violations, and three of my larger construction projects have had their permits revoked due to fire hazard concerns. At this rate, I will be out of business by the end of the quarter. I won't even tell you what the mayor's office thinks of me right now." Sadie was trying to hide a smile.

"Look, I wouldn't blame you if you buried me." Abernathy had lost his smile. "I'm wealthy. I'll survive. I have people who work for me who aren't rich. I would rather not hand out pink slips, not to mention having to tell my wife why." He looked at me. "She thinks you're something special. God only knows why," he said, shaking his head. Sadie let out a suppressed chuckle. I just cringed.

"Apology accepted, " Sadie said. The loss of jobs would have hurt her more than Abernathy.

"Good," Abernathy said. "I sent the deed to the adjoining property with a transfer agreement to a Sarah Ferguson. If you agree to the donation, you will control the block. Consider it atonement."

"And a tax write-off, " I said gruffly.

"There is that." Abernathy was smiling again. "Or, I could sell it to another developer."

"No!" both Sadie and I said at the same time.

"Then it's settled, you call off the dogs and I make sure you stay open." Abernathy turned to go, then stopped and turned back. "The mayor won't be in office forever, you could have worse friends than me." He was offering more than an olive branch. He was offering long-term stability. I looked at Sadie and she shrugged her shoulders to defer to me. Abernathy was one hell of an enemy – I suspected he was one hell of a friend also.

"This doesn't mean I like you," I said as I walked toward the door. Abernathy smiled and followed me out. I had a feeling he always came out smelling like roses. The full press corps had caught up with us, and cameras were flashing as we exited. Microphones were shoved in my face and I answered a few simple questions. I put up my hands to stall more – I was surprised when it worked. I pulled Abernathy next to me.

"Mr. Abernathy has just generously donated the property adjoining the City Kitchen." I was getting a little better at this. "This ensures the long-term viability of the Kitchen. I can't tell you how much his donation means to us and the people we feed. Truly a remarkable gift from the heart." The microphones shifted to Abernathy and he humbly answered questions. He was much better at it than I. He tied himself to the Kitchen's survival and guaranteed it all in public. Definitely a better friend than enemy.

I snuck away as soon as I could. Sadie was busy starting prep. I jumped in and another day began. I brought down all the chairs and realigned the tables. Last night's cleanup crew didn't quite grasp Sadie's anal tendencies. There were a couple of spots on the tables, which Sadie seemed to spot from the kitchen. She looked like she meant to toss me a rag, then thought better and brought it out. She put it in my hand and then kissed me hard. I had to admit, it was better than a rag toss. She smiled and headed back into the kitchen, silent and very confident I knew what to do with the towel. I did.

"You know you're going to have to sing for them," Sadie said when I pulled a box of lettuce out of the walk in. I knew she meant the police officers and firefighters. "I know you did it for me, but they went above and beyond." I opened the box and started unloading heads. I've sung twice, I could do it once more.

"If you're there, I will sing to you," I reasoned, "they can listen if they want." I loved making Sadie laugh.

"You have such a lovely voice. You should share it." Sadie moved toward me.

"Is it okay with you if I don't?" I asked honestly. She answered by kissing me again. Then she made me wash my hands. She had a way of making bossy seem so sexy.