Chapter 15: The Enemy Within…

LOUISA'S POV

I glanced at the paper once more. 5th street. Coffee shop. But I've been sitting here for literally an hour and half. Maybe this person had other motives. Shit! Why didn't I think of that? What if they were only interested in airing me out to Lisa? What did it matter anyway? That sister of mine should be aware that I'm interested in her downfall only. I looked out of the window again. There was no sign of anyone. So, I took yet another sip of the black coffee I had ordered. Why hadn't I discovered this spot all these years? They made coffee the way it should be; not those things we get served at the office. And that's because of Lisa's incompetence! If she couldn’t see to the smallest thing as good coffee , what good was she anyway? I was tapped out of my reverie as the door bell tingled again. This place was so old-fashioned, yet so up-to-date. I guess they wanted to retain the architectural heritage. Wait. That's a familiar face. It's Becky Lyn. Why's she craning her neck that much? I hope she doesn't see me and rush off to tell Lisa. I focus solely on my cup.

Oh God! Tell me she's not advancing steadily towards me. Why does she have that smug smile, like we've ever done business before? What was this chick up to?

“Hi, Louisa. It's me, Becky Lyn. We were supposed to meet today - I don't know if you made a mental note." 

“We were?" 

She nodded calmly and her face set into that business mode. I felt like someone had played a dirty game. I had to quickly tell her off. I didn't want the mystery caller to come here and find her.

“I'm expecting someone; I don't know if you mind." 

I watched her face unfold her amusement.

“What? Did I say something wrong?" 

She finally let out a gentle laugh, waving her hand and shaking her head to tell me no.

“It's just… it's just funny how unsuspecting you are, Louisa”, she stated after she had recovered from the short bout of laughter. Maybe it ended too soon because I wasn't looking amused at all. "This is the coffee shop on the 5th street, and it's like way past 3 pm. It's almost four.” She looked up at me and then placed her hand on her chest in that mea culpa manner. “I'm sorry I'm late. I got caught up with a little extra work. I can make up for that by paying for your coffee if you want." 

What insolence! Pay for my coffee? Coffee is the least of things I should worry about being unable to provide for myself! Maybe this Becky girl was just getting ahead of herself.

“That's not necessary", I waved her off in a cold, dismissive tone. “I'm not here for coffee, Becky. I spoke with a man - M.A.N - man over the phone last night. And that was a strange number.”

I watched her eyes light up. I'm sure she was feeling quite conceited now. If you have a freaking idea about what I just asked you, spill it; instead of acting like you have the whole world at your feet. The smile on her face broadened.

"That was me the whole time. I just used the magic voice feature; that's nothing much. I used my other number.”

I relaxed into my chair. Finally, this was getting somewhere. I regained my high-handed standing along with my composure.

"So… what do you know about my sister? You said you were interested in bringing her down along with me." On second thought, what could she really offer me? Where's she headed with this? “What's in this?" 

She looked around cautiously and dipped her hand into her bag. She took out a large yellow envelope. She tapped her finger tips on it.

“This is it: proof of every claim that you can raise and hold against your sister, if you must really kick her out of the picture." 

Really, this was so little, and yet a lot for me. How could one large yellow envelope contain everything it takes to bring Lisa down? Did Becky Lyn actually mean this, or is she playing on my intelligence?

“Everything?" 

“Yeah. You might need to take that home with you. They're top secret documents. No one must see them, and they must not get out of your hands." She looked around like she was being watched. “I'll be leaving now, Louisa. You can call me on that number if you have any more questions." 

Before I could say any other thing, she was already on the curb. I looked the envelope over and decided against opening it there in the coffee shop. I'll do that at home. I downed the remaining coffee and picked up my purse and the envelope. I left a twenty dollar bill on the table. Practically, the day was well-spent, and over for me.

\~~~~~~~~~~

LISA'S POV 

I couldn't sleep all through the night. I was merely a housewife now, with nothing to my name - exactly nothing. Apart from a family that doesn't want me, and a husband whose loyalty I could question over and over again. A twelve-year-old son just pops out of nowhere into being! How did he expect me to take that? I couldn't and still can't stand the sight of him. I locked myself in the second bedroom. I had buried my feelings for Andre because I had seen how hard Leo had tried to be a husband. We had gone through his past from the beginning together; I had helped him heal. And this is how he repays me?! Is there any way that I could have Andre's baby back? There has to be something - anything - I can do to get back at him for this.

I threw back the sheets and unlocked the door. To my greatest surprise, Leo was nodding off right at the doorway. His tear-stained face seemed very tired. I could barely get this view on any regular day. He couldn't even be this vulnerable when he was fully alert. I wanted to reach out and touch his face affectionately.

“What are you doing here?" I asked in a threatening manner, surprised at the sudden change in my disposition. Leo was startled awake. He seemed quite disappointed that I had seen him in such state. “Why aren't you off to work?" 

He managed to pull himself up to his feet with whatever was left of his dignity.

“Look, Lisa, it isn't what it seems." 

“As always. That's what all of you say!" Maybe that came out a bit too harsh.

On second thought, I can't agree with my remark being too harsh. It really didn't warrant that slap he threw across my face. I shrieked with everything in me. On impulse, he rushed forward and held me, trying to shush me. I fought free from the bear hug, and locked myself in the bedroom once more. That was very uncalled for. 

He remained outside the room, knocking, calling my name, pleading and apologizing. Two wrongs don't make a right, aye? He could sit out there and sleep with his tear-stained face. I didn't care whatever happened to anyone these days! I wasn't sure how much I could trust them all - except Becky. I should see her, and tell her about this abuse. This first time means that there'll be another time. Louisa will finally laugh to her fill.