Precious Stones by Darrien Lee Read Free Book Online

face a room full of people right now, so you have two choices, sweetheart. Clear everyone out so Michael can come home and relax, or you can go ahead with the party, and Michael and I can check into the Ritz-Carlton for the night and see you tomorrow.”
    â€œTomorrow? Let me speak to him,” Teresa demanded.
    Malcolm covered the telephone with his hand and whispered, “Don’t let her bully you.”
    Michael smiled and said, “Hello, Aunt Teresa.”
    â€œMichael, we’re so glad you’re home safe. Malcolm tells me you’re a little apprehensive about coming to the house. Sweetheart, if you need time to yourself, I will tell everyone to leave. You’ve been through so much. You need to be around your family right now.”
    â€œIt’s okay. Go ahead with your dinner party. I’ll be fine at the hotel, and I’ll send Uncle Malcolm home to you so he can help you entertain. Okay?”
    â€œDarling, I don’t think you need to be alone right now,” Teresa replied.
    â€œTo be honest, Auntie, that’s exactly what I need,” he answered. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I just need some time to readjust. I’ll see you tomorrow. Okay?”
    â€œOnly if you assure me that you’ll call us to come get you if you have a change of heart. I love you, Michael, and my heart is heavy that you had to go through that horrible ordeal.”
    â€œSo do I, Auntie. I love you.”
    Tears welled up in his aunt’s eyes. Michael was her deceased sister’s only child, and she loved him like he was her own son.
    â€œIf you need anything, and I mean anything, you give me or your uncle a call. Do you hear me?”
    Michael ran his hand across the medals on his military jacket and said, “Yes, ma’am.”
    He handed the cell phone back to his uncle, who tucked it back into his pocket.
    â€œThe Ritz-Carlton it is,” Michael announced with a smile.
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    The limo pulled up to entrance of the Ritz-Carlton, and Malcolm and Michael exited the vehicle and entered the lobby.
    At the counter, Malcolm asked, “Do you want a suite?”
    Michael looked at the beautiful young woman behind the counter and said, “No, sir. I just want a room, nothing fancy.”
    The desk clerk said, “All of our rooms are upscale, sir, but if you like, I can assign you to our least expensive room.”
    â€œAre you sure?” the judge asked. “I want you to be comfortable.”
    Michael wrapped his arm around his uncle’s shoulders and said, “I know, but I don’t need a suite, just a hot bath and a soft bed.”
    Malcolm handed the desk clerk his credit card and told her that his nephew was welcome to charge whatever he needed to the room.
    The clerk handed Michael the key to his room and said, “Enjoy your stay, sir.”
    Michael and his uncle headed toward the elevator.
    â€œUnc, you don’t have to come upstairs with me. I’m sure Aunt Teresa is anxious for you to join her and your guests.”
    â€œAre you sure you don’t want me to stay with you?” Malcolm asked one more time, just to be sure he wasn’t abandoning his nephew in a time of need.
    â€œI’m sure,” Michael reassured his uncle as he pushed the button for the elevator and stepped inside it.
    The judge was still a little apprehensive about leaving Michael alone, so he said a short prayer of peace for him, returned to the limo, and left it in God’s hands.

Chapter Four
    Keilah and Ramsey had gotten comfortable with Malachi at the house. To keep him occupied, they made sure they gave him more tasks to do for them. His task for this day was to supervise the carpet cleaners and go purchase everything on Sabrinia’s shopping list for Thanksgiving dinner.
    Keilah walked into Ramsey’s office with a handful of files and said, “If Malachi calls me one more time, I’m going to lose it.”
    Ramsey leaned