Déjà Vu Read Free Page A

the motels that dotted Eastern Boulevard. She was disappointed that her brothers weren’t around for her release. She realized the importance of their jobs—her brother Edward, the attorney, and brother Michael, the doctor, but thought they should have been there for her, although she suspected they were putting distance between her and their prominent images.
    Several cars passed by and the occupants tooted their horns. Angelica frowned and turned her back, hoping the cab would get there soon. The blast of the horn made her curse, but she was happy when she looked up and saw the cab sign on top of the car.
    The ride took less than fifteen minutes as the cab hurried down Eastern Boulevard. Angelica paid her fare and entered the motel.
    Angelica tossed her belongings on a chair and fell down on the double bed. She looked up at the ceiling as her mind went into overdrive. This place was a far cry from her fabulous home outside of Fayetteville, and this certainly wasn’t the welcome she had hoped to receive.
    Images of Margo bombarded her head—the adoring friend, the angry friend, and the forgiving friend. Without notice, an image of Ms. Macy replaced Margo. Ms. Macy was watching her with eagle eyes, like Angelica was a prize Ms. Macy was trying towin. Angelica felt Ms. Macy’s breath on her, whispering in her ear about what she’d like to do to her. Angelica shook the vision from her mind, but before Ms. Macy disappeared the man in braids appeared, looking between her and Ms. Macy. And then Ms. Macy was gone, and the man in braids stood over her with a sawed-off shotgun.
    Angelica sat up quickly. She held her chest as she tried to catch her breath. Sweat poured from her face as she tried to shake the image that was so real to her. The man in braids scared her, and suddenly the thought of being in the room by herself made her feel unsafe.
    The phone nearly fell as Angelica reached out to grab it. Her hand shook violently, and she clasped the other one over it to calm the shakes. She dialed her brother’s law office and was about to hang up on the fourth ring when she heard a voice say, “Thompson, Smart and Fisher.”
    “Yes, is Edward Thompson in? This is his sister, Angelica Barnes.”
    “Ohh, ahh, yes, Ms. Barnes. Just a minute.”
    Angelica hated waiting, but she had no choice. Before long, she heard a familiar voice at the other end.
    “Hey, Sis. You out?”
    “Thank you for nothing, Edward.”
    “Don’t be that way, Sis.”
    “You act as if I murdered someone, chopped their body to pieces, and stuffed it in a refrigerator in someone’s basement.”
    “I know it’s not as grim as that but, Angelica, you’ve done some awful things. I get tired of carrying you. You are this great big burden on my shoulder that I need to lighten.”
    “Where’s my money? I won’t need you, Edward, once you give me my money. Consider your burden gone… forever !!”
    “Look, the money is locked up in trusts.”
    “Then write me a check…a cashier’s check. You knew I would be getting out today and would need a place to stay and a little something to get on my feet. But I guess you and Michael call yourselves fixing my behind. I got news for you; Little Sister ain’t playing no games. Give me what is due me, and you two don’t have to worry about me ruining your images that nobody cares about.”
    “Come on, Angelica. I didn’t mean to sound so harsh. I love you, Sis, and I want what’s best for you.”
    “What does that mean, Edward?”
    “Look, why don’t you come to D.C. for a while—find yourself?”
    “A minute ago, you said I was some kind of burden.”
    “That was tactless of me. You still mad because I lost your case?”
    “Edward, I did the crime and I served the time. It is water under the bridge now. I’m ready to start fresh—a new beginning. The sins of the past are behind me. I try so hard to be this person everyone would love, but somehow I screw things up. Why couldn’t I have been like