The Stalker Chronicles by Electa Rome Parks Read Free Book Online Page B

honest, she had been a great friend over the years; I couldn’t deny that. I was sure she had heard of Michael’s suicide by now. Poor baby. But to my credit, I did contact her. I sent her a text to be exact, to let her know I was leaving L.A. and would be in touch with her soon. I left out the part about first completing my master plan in Houston. She didn’t need to know all that, because Leeda was a worrywart and loved to stay all up in my business.
    Tomorrow I planned to purchase a new cell phone with a new phone number, which I’d use until my plan was carried out. It shouldn’t take too long. Only then would Leeda hear from me again. Not a day sooner.
    I smiled as I slowly pulled off, because I was now ready to set the wheels in motion. Xavier had no idea what he was in store for.

Chapter 9
    Dre’
    Holding up my empty glass, I caught the bartender’s attention. “Give me another round, man.”
    As the twenty-something African American male mixed my Bacardi and Coke, I turned and surveyed the enormous room. It was eye-catching with its sleek, clean, and sexy modern design. The usual crowd was not out in force this evening, unlike two Fridays ago, when it was standing room only. I assumed many of the regular patrons had made plans to attend the Maxwell and Jill Scott concert, which was the talk of the town.
    I reached for my drink, which the bartender had placed in front of me, on a white napkin, and took a big gulp. This workweek had been a killer, and I needed a weekend break, preferably with a fine female companion, to recoup. However, I noticed the few women at the bar were coupled up, and as I glanced around, no one in particular caught my eye, anyway. I realized the evening was still young, and I intended to hang out a bit longer.
    I pulled out my cell, dialed the familiar digits, and listened to it ring a couple of times.
    â€œHello.”
    â€œWhat’s up, man?” I asked.
    â€œNothing much. What you getting into tonight?”
    â€œI’m here at the spot.”
    â€œYou getting started early, aren’t you?” Xavier asked.
    â€œMan, it’s the weekend, and it couldn’t have come any sooner. I’ve told you that all of us normal, ordinary people aren’t fortunate enough to work from home and pen tall tales.” I laughed good-humoredly, taking another gulp of my drink and relishing the mellow mood it was putting me in. My job was a high-pressure one, and at times like this, I simply needed to relax and regroup.
    â€œDre’, you know you are closing million-dollar deals and bringing home big-ass commission checks. Who are you fooling? That shit makes your dick hard, and you wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
    â€œWhat can I say?” I laughed again. “Your pretty young thing still got you hemmed up?”
    Xavier chuckled. “No, I put her on a plane last night, but I think she is still a little pissed.”
    â€œWhy? I figured she would leave with a big smile on her face.”
    â€œDre’, you stupid man.” He laughed.
    â€œI’m just glad you came to your senses and are getting back out there.”
    â€œI was never gone, man. Besides, I fooled around with Bailey out in L.A. She was something to do, and hanging with her made the time go by quicker.”
    â€œYou could have fooled me, because when you first came back to Houston, I was worried about your ass for a minute.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œBecause you were all hemmed in at your house, acting like you were afraid to venture outside and be seen in public.”
    There was a telling silence.
    â€œYou there?” I asked.
    â€œYeah, I’m here. There may be some truth to that. I was in a bad place. There is no doubt about that.”
    â€œDamn, man. Forget about that psycho once and for all.”
    â€œIt’s not as easy as it sounds, but I’m coming out of it. Better days are ahead. I can feel it.”
    â€œOn