All I Want Is Forever Read online

  “So that’s why he’s in town,” Talia said in an undertone.

  “What?” Pete blinked at her curiously.

  “Nothing, nothing,” Talia said quickly.

  Derrick worked as an investigator for the Pointe Coupee Parish District Attorney. He’d been with that office for at least six years. Pete described how they’d contacted him. Talia didn’t listen. All she could think of was Derrick’s collusion in Monette’s latest plot. The last thing Talia needed was Monette messing with her life again. Derrick had a misplaced need to rescue women in distress. In this case the woman in question had a long rap sheet, a drug problem, and enjoyed using people until their lives were ruined. Talia clenched both hands into fists.

  “Damn him!” Talia whispered.

  Chapter 2

  The words “new clients” had gotten the attention of her colleagues. All were young, ambitious, and loved jumping into new assignments. Jasmine’s hazelnut eyes sparkled with interest. Eileen stopped in the middle of teasing Bill and leaned both elbows on the table.

  “Defense attorneys usually fight whatever the other two want,” Jasmine put in. “Strange bedfellows as the old saying goes.”

  “Yeah, what’s up with that?” Eileen looked at Pete.

  “They’re interested in changing mandatory drug-sentencing laws, but for very different reasons,” Pete said. “District attorneys want to ease prison crowding and clogged court dockets. The defense attorneys feel the law targets minorities and is therefore discriminatory.”

  “Touchy issue. President Bush certainly doesn’t want to be accused of being soft on drug dealers.” Bill rubbed his jaw.

  “Neither does Congress,” Eileen added.

  “Long shot,” Jasmine said tersely.

  While Pete continued talking, Talia’s mind spun with the new information. Derrick knew more about her mother’s push to get out of prison than he’d let on.

  Monette had been arrested with over a kilo of high-grade cocaine six months after that awful night. Talia had been in the courtroom as they read the sentence. While her maternal aunts wailed at the forty-year sentence, Talia showed no emotion. In truth she’d been numb for six months. Still she restrained herself from showing how she really felt, that Monette was finally getting what she deserved.

  Jasmine leaned over to her. “Girlfriend, you look like someone just put a big fat bug on your salad plate and asked you to taste it. Tell me what’s going on,” she said quietly.

  Talia massaged her temples. “I’ve got a headache. Nothing a couple of Advil won’t cure.”

  She’d grown as close to Jasmine as she had to anyone in her life. Yet there was a part of Talia no one could share. Not in this new and improved life of hers. Derrick had ridden into town like a Creole cowboy dragging trouble with him.

  “So that’s about it. Okay, Marchand. This is right up your alley.” Pete swung his chair to face her. “And I’m sure Jasmine is eager to lend you a hand.”

  “You know it,” Jasmine said promptly.

  “What?” Talia said sharply. “I’ve got my hands full, Pete. Besides, I don’t care if scumbag drug dealers rot in prison.” She could not keep the bitterness from her tone.

  Her stomach twisted as she fought the darkness that threatened to swallow her up. Sometimes at two in the morning she still had nightmares from her childhood. Except these dreams were based in reality. Suddenly she would be five years old again and shivering in the cold on a filthy mattress. Talia’s hand shook as she massaged her temples again.

  “Hey, babe. It’s okay.” Eileen poured her a glass of cold grapefruit juice. “Drink up.”

  Talia glanced around to find them gazing at her in surprise. “Sorry,” she said in a strangled voice, and took a long drink.

  “If you feel so strongly about the issue, then I’ll hand it off to someone else.”

  Pete stared at her hard. Despite what most people thought they knew about Gallagher and Associates, their boss was moderate in his political views. He liked to think of himself as a commonsense conservative, not slavish to the party line. In fact he infuriated many conservatives by landing too far left for their tastes on certain issues. Which explained their eclectic client list. Talia knew what he was thinking.

  “I should keep an open mind until I hear all the facts. Well, I know them already.”

  “Really? Read this first. I made copies for everyone.” Pete liked his top staff to know about every assignment. He believed it made them a better team. “Look at those examples and tell me if you feel the same.”

  Jasmine flipped open the first page of the blue folder. She tapped a forefinger on the photocopy of a newspaper article. “I read about this kid. She gets hooked up with the wrong boyfriend in college. When he gets caught with drugs, he rolls on her. Result?”

  “Here we go,” Bill muttered as he rolled his eyes. “She gets to rant about men and conservatives.”

  “Even better, conservative men,” Eileen said with a grin.

  “He gets off with a slap on the wrist and she gets a life sentence for drug and gun smuggling.” Jasmine slapped the table hard. “Low-down dog!”

  “Excuse me, but little Miss Debutante knew he was dealing on the side.” Talia held up a hand to stop Jasmine’s protest. “I’ll save my tears this time, okay?”

  “She shouldn’t serve a life sentence for being young and stupid.” Jasmine leaned forward. “Most of these cases involve poor, minority kids.”

  Talia glanced away from the intense young woman’s gaze. Mama Rose had said the same thing about Monette time after time. “Go to it then. Save all those little idiots from themselves.”

  Pete sat straight and looked Talia in the eye. “Certainly Jasmine will help on this one. But it’s you they want, Talia. The DA from your hometown specifically mentioned your reputation.”

  A nasty suspicion took root as Talia drummed her fingers on the leather chair’s arm. “I don’t know the man,” she said in a curt tone.

  “He knows you or at least your work,” Pete replied. He flipped through the report. “And he wants help dealing with the state legislature as well.”

  “Louisiana isn’t known for being liberal on law and order issues. The legislature defeated a bill just this year to reduce sentences for several nonviolent crimes.” Talia frowned.

  “Is that right?” Pete propped both elbows on the table.

  Talia nodded. “In fact, this is a reversal of their position. But then it might make sense.”

  “How’s that?” Eileen asked.

  “A number of legislators, even some hard cases, have said building more jails isn’t the answer.” Talia lifted a shoulder. “I have to say they surprised me with that one.”

  “Lock ’em up, and let ’em rot? Is that really how you feel?” Jasmine asked.

  “No, but—” Talia cleared her throat. “Look, maybe this young woman needs a break.”

  “She’s one of many,” Jasmine said.

  “I’m really busy. Besides, Jas here is damn good. She can handle it.” Talia smiled at her.

  “Hell yeah I can.” Jasmine nodded. “But you know Louisiana politics and all the nuances.”

  “I haven’t lived there in over ten years.” Talia tapped a forefinger on the smooth surface of the conference table.

  “But you’ve obviously kept up on what’s happening in the state,” Pete said. “Jasmine is right on target. That kind of insight is invaluable.”

  Talia pressed her lips together too late. Nice going, big mouth! She was backed into a corner. Her colleagues would wonder if she continued to fight on this one.

  “Fine,” Talia said with a tight smile.

  The others went on talking about the weekend. Talia spun her favorite Cross pen in a circle. She couldn’t wait to see Derrick. He would get a piece of her mind for the neat little setup he had engineered.

  Derrick stood in the foyer of the Chinese restaurant. He glanced several times at his watch. Relax. You’re early. Still, a knot of tension in his neck
muscles wouldn’t listen to logic. She’d run from him before. Maybe she wouldn’t show.

  They’d grown up and not seen each other in more than five years. The last time was in the hospital when Miss Rose suffered a mild heart attack. He hadn’t expected to see her. Derrick shook his head. Not true. He’d known eventually they would meet if he kept going to visit Miss Rose. Talia would never have stayed away knowing her foster mother was ill. She hadn’t been happy to see him then either. Or was she? Maybe the warm spark in her beautiful brown eyes when she first saw him was all in his mind. In any event she kept her distance then just as she wanted to now. Not that he intended to rekindle a teenage flame.

  “I’m here,” Talia said over his shoulder.

  Derrick started at the soft, sensuous voice and turned quickly. Talia gazed up at him. Fire started at the base of his spine when he looked into her eyes. The lovely girl was now a heart-stopping gorgeous woman of thirty. At five-foot-six, the top of her head just reached his chin. She wore dark red lipstick that made her mouth look succulent and delicious.

  Talia wore a lipstick red silk shirt tucked into a matching short skirt. The soft fabric draped her lush curves to perfection. A large printed scarf was draped over her right shoulder. Her thick dark bronze hair was swept up into a French twist. Derrick had a flash of slowly taking it loose until it draped her naked shoulders. Pure, simple lust seized him. He took a step close to her and brushed his mouth against hers. Talia gave a tiny gasp, but didn’t move away. She stared into his eyes as though looking for the answer to some critical question.

  Derrick blinked hard, unable to take his eyes from her. “You look fantastic.” He swept both hands out.

  “I-I’m a little late, sorry,” she murmured.

  “I hadn’t noticed.” Derrick lifted a hand to touch her hair. He stopped when Talia tilted her head away slightly.

  The headwaiter, ready and efficient, moved up with a smile. “Table for two?”

  She cleared her throat. “By the way, that’s not your shade. Let’s go to our table.”

  Derrick took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped lipstick from his mouth. “Right.”

  “Nonsmoking,” Talia said to the headwaiter.

  Derrick watched her stroll with her head up, hips swaying. Men turned to look despite being with dates. Though obviously surprised by his kiss, she had quickly regained her poise. He burned in a way that told him he’d have trouble sleeping later. He was a fool stuck in an adolescent dream, he told himself.

  “Is this okay?” The thin man looked at Derrick expectantly. He gestured to a table set against the wall.

  “Sure,” he managed to get out.

  They sat down and ordered drinks when their waitress arrived. Talia asked for merlot while he ordered a glass of Chinese beer. Once the woman was gone, they avoided looking at each other for several moments.

  “It’s been a long time,” Talia said finally.

  “Over five years,” he replied.

  “Yes.” Talia gave a slight nod.

  “And here we are.” Derrick glanced at her.

  She gazed at him steadily, both eyebrows raised. They were the same dark, communicative frames above her eyes. He recognized the expression from their childhood days. She was about to pounce.

  “Not by accident either.”

  “Your boss told you.” Derrick sat back as though to dodge her first jab.

  “Didn’t think I’d go back to the office I suppose.”

  “No I—”

  “When were you planning to tell me? And I’m sure this has something to do with that bit of news you shared about Monette.” Talia stabbed a forefinger at him.

  “Only indirectly.” Derrick broke off when the waitress arrived with their drinks.

  “Ready to order?” The young woman smiled at them.

  Talia ordered chicken with broccoli and Derrick ordered Szechuan beef. The waitress darted off. Seconds later Talia scowled at him.

  “You might try telling me the truth,” Talia snapped.

  “I’ve always been real with you, Talia.” Derrick squinted at her. “Name one time I lied.”

  She lowered her hand. “You’re right. It’s just…” Her voice trailed off and she took a sip of wine.

  “You think I’m trying to mess up your well-ordered world.” Derrick shook his head slowly. “I only want the best for you. I tried to protect you back then and—”

  “You don’t have to say it.” Talia drew in a shaky breath.

  At that moment the confident, bold woman dissolved. Talia closed her eyes briefly, then opened them and took another sip of wine. Her smooth skin seemed pale with dread as though a ghost had sat down next to her. In a way that was exactly what he represented, a haunting reminder of something she’d buried long ago. Talia put down the wineglass and clasped her hands together. She seemed to pull inward to protect herself. He ached to take her in his arms, to caress away the fear.

  “No one will hurt you if I can help it. That includes me, Talia. I wouldn’t have come under other circumstances.” Derrick clenched one hand to dull the pain. “I know how you feel.”

  Talia didn’t speak for several seconds. Her expression softened when she looked at him again. “Sorry. Guess I haven’t dealt with my issues very well.”

  Derrick smiled. “Hey, we go back a long way. Don’t worry about speaking your mind to me. You never did.”

  “My mouth used to get me in all kinds of trouble.” Her full lips lifted, a tantalizing hint of a smile.

  His heart turned over at the sight. Derrick leaned close to her. “Got you out of a lot of trouble, too. Remember that time I almost got caught stealing Mr. Boudreaux’s figs? He came out with that old gun loaded with buckshot.”

  “Oh yeah,” Talia said. She tilted her head to one side. “You and that undesirable element you hung around with almost got shot that day.”

  Derrick grinned at her. “Poor old guy went crazy trying to keep us out of his fig trees. You popped out from the bushes with that wide-eyed innocent expression and charmed his socks off. Amazing the way he just swallowed that tale you told.”

  “You mean about the swarm of squirrels? Mr. Boudreaux’s lightbulb was short a few watts, you know.”

  Derrick threw back his head and laughed hard. Talia laughed with him after a second. They were wiping their eyes by the time the waitress appeared with their food. The tension between them vanished. As they ate, they shared other funny stories of childhood exploits.

  “Man, I never realized how bad we were until now,” Derrick said. “We were always into something.”

  “Forget that ‘we’ stuff. You were always into something, Derrick Guillory.” Talia poked his arm.

  “Now that brings back painful memories. Mama would call my full name when I was in big trouble.” He winced.

  “How is your mama?” Talia’s voice dropped to a gentle timbre.

  “Pretty good. She’s in one of those subsidized housing developments. She seems to really like it.” Derrick stared at his plate without seeing the food on it.

  “You’ve taken good care of her.” Talia leaned across the table to make her point.

  Derrick took her hand. “Thanks.”

  “For what?” Talia looked uneasy, yet she didn’t pull away.

  “You always stuck by me when things got tough. Actually we stuck by each other.” Derrick searched her face.

  Talia removed her hand and picked up her wineglass. “Who else was going to save your butt?” Her tone was light as she looked away.

  “Most people said I’d end up in prison like my father. But not you.”

  “I know what it’s like to be judged based on your parents,” Talia said softly. “Even more reason that I owe you an apology.”

  “I should have given you warning that I was in town instead of showing up like that.”

  “It’s okay, Derrick. I’m glad you came.”

  Derrick felt a rush that left him feeling dazed. Until that moment he hadn’t realized
how much she meant to him. He was ridiculously happy at the simple statement.

  “I fought being assigned the mandatory-sentencing thing. I shouldn’t base my work decisions on a bumpy childhood. Talking to you helped me work through that.” Talia sat straight.

  His spirits fell a notch. “Glad I could help.”

  “I did a lot to escape those days, but I left behind pleasant memories, too.” Talia looked at him with emotion in her eyes. “Thanks for bringing them back.”

  When he took her hand again she seemed at ease. “Then the trip was worth it. Except—”

  “I know, the real reason you’re here.”

  “I’m sorry, Talia.”

  Derrick was more than sorry. He wanted to kick himself for waiting so long to visit Talia. Visions of a happy reunion flashed in his head. Now he had to bring news that was sure to upset her. She’d turn away from him for good. Still, he’d grown up and out of that schoolboy love thing, right? He’d moved on. Regret bit into him when her expression hardened.

  “It’s not you. It’s Monette, but then it’s always Monette!” she said bitterly. “What is she up to?”

  “Like I said, she’s trying to get out of prison on parole. But this time it’s different. I hear she might have a chance.” Derrick pushed his half empty plate aside.

  “Got some rich old guy to bribe somebody?” Talia retorted.

  “No, she has great legal representation. A project out of the Tulane Law Center is helping her. Professor James Rand and a group of law students take on select cases of inmates,” Derrick said.

  “So Monette has been able to con them. No surprise. She’s that good.”

  “These people aren’t gullible, Talia. You deal with lawyers.”

  “They’re professional cynics,” Talia said.

  He nodded. “Professor Rand and his students thoroughly check out each story. I’m talking months of research, interviewing people involved and reading the trial transcripts.”

  “So they’re taking on Monette’s case because?” Talia’s eyes held a spark of interest.

  “Her court-appointed lawyer did a poor job from what I understand.”