Savages in the Garden

Chapter 1

Dr. Adam Spencer removed his gloves and tossed them into the garbage. He looked at his watch. Ten more minutes… His shift was almost over. He looked up and saw Lynn. She was a gorgeous nurse that he had enjoyed the company of on more than one occasion.

Working the night shift now gorgeous? Is that why I haven’t seen you lately?

You’ve got my number. If you were really looking for me, you could have called. She smiled her most flirty smile.

But you know that I don’t call.

Riiight. She brushed off his excuse. So how’ve you been?

Too busy. He leaned close enough to feel her heat. Wanna get together tomorrow?

I can’t tomorrow, but I can tonight.

I wish that I could, but I have a function tonight.

Ooooo, really? Well, I don’t remember being invited.

Baby, you know that you’re my first choice, but you’re working.

Lynn rolled her eyes.

Besides, my folks wanted me to take an old friend of the family. But baby, you know that I would love to have you on my arm…and then on something else. He winked.

Mmmm. That could be nice. Maybe we…

A man slowly carrying a limp form down the hall interrupted their conversation. Somebody, please….my wife needs help. Please! The man voice was frantic.

Adam ran to the man and carefully took the woman into his arms. With the man in tow, he raced towards an open trauma room. What happened?

We…we were in a car accident. Somebody hit us on her side of the car.

What’s your wife’s name? Adam asked as he gently laid her on the trauma table.

Wendy…Wendy Bailey…Is she going to be ok? Her husband asked as he followed Adam into the trauma room.

We’re going to do everything we can. Please stand out of the way…Is she pregnant? It was obvious to Adam that she was, but he still had to ask.

Yes.

How far along is she?

Twenty-seven weeks.

Adam began his initial assessment. He had already noticed the blood running from her mouth, nose, eyes, and blood on her dress when he took her into his arms.

Wendy’s husband had done everything wrong. He became so overcome with panic for his wife’s safety after the accident that he left the scene instead of waiting for the paramedics. Once he arrived at the hospital, he pulled her out of the car without supporting her neck.

Adam checked her carotid pulse. She had none. Start compressions. Get a crash cart in here! He yelled.

What…what’s happening? Oh God, please…

Adam strategically placed the paddles on Wendy’s chest and yelled for the team to stand clear of the table.

We need IV access! Intubate her NOW! He looked at the monitor. She’s not responding….Clear! He shocked her again. No response.

Do we have an airway?

Yes.

IV access?

She’s so volume depleted that we can’t get an IV going.

Do it! She’s still not responding.

Please…don’t let her die!

Clear! Adam shocked her a third time and she still didn’t respond.

The nurse stopped compression so that Adam could check the artery. No pulse. Start the compression again.

Mr. Bailey was crying…You gotta save her.

Adam grabbed the ultrasound’s Doppler transducer. He put it on her belly to find a fetal heart beat. He could see the fetus but couldn’t hear a heartbeat or see any blood flow. He did however, see a noticeable pool of blood between the uterine wall and the placenta.

Adam checked her carotid once again, still no pulse and her temperature was noticeably cooler. He reached for the otoscope and checked her pupils. No reaction…

Adam walked to the end of the bed where Mr. Bailey was on the edge of hysteria. Mr. Bailey, we’ve been trying to resuscitate her for some time but we haven’t been able to get a pulse. Do you want us to stop or continue?

You can’t stop….she’s my wife!

Mr. Bailey, we’ll do everything we can, but it doesn’t look good. Nurse Gooding, take Mr. Bailey to the lounge.

What about the baby? Can you save him?

We checked for a heartbeat and didn’t find one. Our first concern is for your wife.

The man breaks down as he’s lead out of the trauma bay.

As soon as the husband was out of the room, Adam turned to the team and said, Time of death: 18:20. He took off his gloves and threw them down on the floor. Wait ten minutes, then tell him she’s dead. If he asks to speak to me, tell him that I am with another patient and get him the Chaplain. He walked out of the room and dashed towards the doctor’s lounge. He’d had the foresight to bring his tuxedo in anticipation of a time challenge.

He showered quickly, but kept thinking about the woman and child that he couldn’t save. As a trauma surgeon, he was accustomed to death, but he never got used to losing pregnant women because it was not only the loss of two lives but also the loss of the family’s next generation. He took each one hard. He dressed and made his way quickly to his car. He put the top down. The night air felt good and helped chase away the ghosts he left on the trauma room table.

He raced towards Nicole’s townhouse. Adam had been dating Nicole on and off for about six months. She was a beautiful woman but irritating woman. Still, she looked good on his arm and she was fabulous in bed. He pulled up in front of her townhouse and jumped out of the car. He ran to the door where she was obviously already waiting.

You’re late. She said.

I had a patient come in at the last minute. He kissed her and put his hand in the small of her back to lead her to the car.

You have to put the top up. I don’t want the wind to mess my hair up.

Neither Adam’s patience nor compassion was very high tonight. Deal with it. And he drove towards the hotel.

Chapter 2

The gala was fabulous. Eden’s most important people were there in all of their finery. They enjoyed an evening of elegant food and fine wine. Adam, with a few of the other men indulged in fine cigars and scotch; lots of scotch. His father, Mayor William Spencer was being honored tonight. It was just one more accolade in a series of many. Adam wasn’t happy for his father. He really didn’t care about any of his awards. Tonight, Adam was preoccupied and restless. Could his preoccupation have been with Kathryn, the beautiful redhead he had kissed in the hallway just moments before? More than likely it was not restlessness at all but was instead a smoldering anger that was burning towards Nicole because she had told him just before they walked through the ballroom door that she was pregnant.

Adam stood at the podium, took a deep breath and began, Tonight, we take great pride in honoring William Walker Spencer. He was born right here in Eden. Like his father, William was one of just a few African Americans of his day to attend Harvard Law School. After graduation, he could have gone anywhere but he chose to come home and become an Associate with Wilson, Endecott, Parsons, and of course now, Spencer Law Firm. Eventually becoming a full partner. William has been a mover and a shaker in the community throughout his career…

As he spoke, Adam scanned the room and paused only briefly to take in Kathryn’s beauty before continuing his scan and soaking in the stares and smiles of the many women in the room that he had bedded over the years.

…Mayor Spencer has received several community leadership and service recognition awards and has appeared on many Eden television and radio newscasts throughout his career. He has sat on and held offices on numerous boards and has been recognized as a national leader and spokesman for racial equity…

His gaze finally stopped on Nicole. Her piercing stare exposed her anger and disgust with him. She had the audacity to challenge him which simultaneously infuriated and titillated him.

…Last year, he was named Eden’s Most Influential Citizen by the News and Record. In addition to all of William’s awards, he has the greatest privilege of all, that of being my father.

Applause and approving polite laughter erupted as he concluded, It is with great pride that I introduce to you, Mayor William Walker Spencer.

William stood, buttoned his tuxedo jacket and leaned over to kiss his wife, Corinne on the cheek. He waved and made eye contact with the many networking partners he had grown to know over the years.

As his father made his way to the podium, Adam wondered why he was with Nicole. What was it about her that kept him coming back? She knew that his affinity for white women would eventually pull him away from her once again, yet she stayed. Why? Once at the podium, William hugged his son then turned to address the audience.

Thank you! Thank you all very much. It is an honor and a privilege that I stand before you tonight. There are so many people here to whom I owe great debts of gratitude. Firstly, I want to thank God for blessing me with a wonderful family. Many of you know my beautiful wife Corinne. Corinne, stand up so that everyone can get a better look at you. He motioned to Adam, And my son, Adam, who introduced me this evening."

I had a very fortunate upbringing. Our needs were always met. My father who was the first Black lawyer in Georgia to make senior partner in a White law firm, always said to whom much is given, much is required. and Lord knows that’s true. Over the years I have been required to give my wife a wonderful home on the lake and a summer retreat at the coast, if you know what I mean.

The audience reacted with chuckles and some ‘Amens’. Corinne shifted her eyes downward and smiled meekly and Adam feigned laughter.

Really though, the hard work has been worth it all. As a young man, I was given the opportunity to follow in my father’s footsteps and to become the second generation in our family to attend Harvard. I was encouraged to follow my dreams and to make a difference in the Black community. I was and still am compelled by the words of W.E.B. DuBois which I quote, There is in this world no such force as the force of a person determined to rise. The human soul cannot be permanently chained. Everyone here tonight shares the force of persons determined to rise and as a result I encourage each of you to lift up your less fortunate brothers and sisters and to live exemplary lives that not only encourage, but also model compassion, caring, and success. It is only through your commitment to change that we will narrow and eventually eliminate the chasm of economic disparity between Blacks and Whites.

Lastly, I urge each of you to count your blessings. Laugh each day; find joy in your journey, and find something to be enthusiastic about each and every day. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, Nothing great could be accomplished without enthusiasm. Keep your dreams alive in spite of the problems you may encounter. Hold fast to the spirit and force of a soul determined to rise. Thank you, thank you very much.

Adam stood with the crowd and embraced his father. William leaned in and whispered in Adam’s ear. I told you not to bring that trash here.

She’s pregnant. Adam pulled away and turned to walk to their table. He could feel the heat of his father's angry stare as they walked. Adam smiled as he looked at his father and kissed Nicole defiantly.

Adam leaned down and whispered into Nicole’s ear. Let's go. She took her clutch and wrapped her pashmina around her shoulders.

Adam, where are you going? You can’t go now. I need you to meet and greet. His father said.

Nicole’s not feeling well, are you?

Nicole knew the right answer. No, I’m feeling somewhat ill.

She asked that I take her home. She rose and they slowly made their way through the throng. Finally outside, Adam's step quickened - fueled by anger towards his father's control, anger towards Nicole's thoughtlessness, and anger at himself for being caught in both of their snares. He snapped at the valet to hurry with the car. He and Nicole waited in awkward silence. ‘How could she do this to me? She knows that I don't want children. Damned gold digger.’

They drove in silence. Adam focused on the road and on getting Nicole out of his car as quickly as was possible. ‘That bitch!’ he thought as he accelerated down the highway. The more he thought about her actions, the angrier he became. ‘How dare she spring this on me!’

After fuming for twenty-five minutes of the forty minute drive, he could take no more and turned towards Nicole and spat, Why the hell did you wait until tonight? Why did you wait until we were pulling up to the valet to tell me? You just couldn't wait, could you? I cannot believe that you are so selfish! he snarled.

Selfish? Selfish! You’re the one who disrespected me by kissing that whore in the corridor! You’re the one that treats me like I'm not good enough. You're the one that steps out, not me. And you say that I'm selfish. Have you lost your mind?

Don't you dare take an attitude with me! Who do you think you are? You would be no one without me. You simple, little…

Nicole’s hands and manicured nails connected with the side of Adam’s face as her rage shrieked in her voice. Simple what? Simple WHAT?! Bitch? Is that what you were going to say? Oh, no, you didn’t just think about calling ME a bitch! She continued assailing him and his anger rose as blood dripped into his eye. Trying to gain control of the situation, he back handed Nicole. Shock and fear overcame her as she slumped back into her seat and began to cry.

Shut up, Nicole!

Nicole rubbed her cheek and her rage quietened to a whimper. How could you do this to me again? You promised that you wouldn’t do it again. You promised.

Floods of conflicting emotions came over Adam. He felt strangely strong and in control yet filled with guilt over his act of violence. Intentionally softening his voice, he weighed his options and answered, Nicole, you made me hit you. You were attacking me and would have caused an accident if I hadn’t stopped you. I’m sorry, but do you understand where I am coming from?

Still softly weeping, Nicole thought back on her life. He was right, she did deserve it. Her father had always told her that she was a trouble maker. When he beat her, she knew that it was because of something that she had done. Adam was right, she could have caused an accident.

I’m…I’m sorry.

"It’s okay. I forgive you. Just don’t ever do anything like that again. Do you understand me?

Yes, I understand.

Look at me, Nicole. He slowed his speed and glanced at her. We need to talk about this pregnancy. How can I be sure that this is my child?

Adam! I haven’t been with anyone else! She cried out.

Nicole, we haven’t been exclusive. You know that you have seen other men.

No, no I haven’t. You are the only one. She cupped her face with her hands and openly wept. I haven’t been with anyone else, please believe me.

I wish that I could be sure.

Have you thought about what you’re going to do?

What do you mean, what am I going to do?

You know. Are you going to have an abortion?

No! I’m having our baby and you are going to do right by me. You understand?

Nicole, it can’t be mine.

Of course it's yours!

I won’t be trapped like this. It won’t work. You are going to have to make some hard decisions here. I told you that I didn’t want children. This is your problem, not mine.

The rest of the drive was made in silence. Adam felt oddly invincible. He had power over Nicole and he liked it. He knew how to handle her and he used this to his advantage. She was an attractive, well-educated woman. She looked good on his arm and could definitely help him advance his career. He had learned over the months that he could completely control her and in time, he thought she would certainly allow and possibly even encourage his trysts with other women. Time would tell. He drove on, content and self-assured.

Chapter 3

William made his way around the room, shaking hands and giving praise to his many well wishers. His goal was to speak to his most influential constituents. Howard Connors made the Union vote possible. William repaid him with influence over city contracts for his construction company. Howard was neither well-educated, nor well heeled, but he was a necessary pawn in William’s larger political plan.

Howard, my friend! It is so good to see you and your lovely wife. Thank you for coming. He said as he shook Howard’s calloused hand. Corinne, come say hello to Howard and Tonya. She complied and made small talk with the two as William made his way to the next constituent on his radar screen. After a moment, she hugged and kissed the two with promises of dinner soon.

Corinne was beautiful and the essence of elegance. Tonight, she wore a form-fitting emerald green gown with a plunging neckline, an empire waist, a gold beaded bodice and a slit that came to her left mid-thigh. The dress was partnered with a mink stole, a gold beaded clutch and peau de sois sandals that had been dyed to match the dress. She seemed to float as she made her way to her husband and Elizabeth Bradshaw.

Elizabeth was a native New Yorker, an influential attorney, and the state’s spokeswoman for LGBT. Her public support of William was pivotal in his attaining such a large number of Gay and Lesbian votes. People feared her power. She liked it and fed on their fears and weaknesses.

Elizabeth had a commanding presence. She was tall, thin, stately, and disarmingly beautiful. Her jaw was squared and strong. Her skin was alabaster and her eyes were almost violet which were piercing against her skin and coal black hair. People often commented that she resembled Betty Page. She took that to mean that her beauty was timeless.

At 5’10", Elizabeth towered over most women. When she added her customary four inch heels, she was at eye level or taller than most of the men she knew. She felt that it gave her a distinct advantage in the courtroom and no one could refute her record. Tonight her commanding presence was no exception. She wore a stunning black, form-fitting, one shoulder evening gown with a red bodice and a back slit that was cut to mid-thigh. Every man there wanted her and every woman there envied her beauty and elegance. Corinne couldn’t help but think that her dress made her look like a black widow ready to devour her prey.

She leaned down and wrapped her arms around Corinne and kissed her on the cheek. Corinne reciprocated with a smile. She was drawn to the feminine strength and power that Elizabeth exuded.

Corinne, darling, how are you? It has been far too long since we’ve seen each other! You’ve been naughty for not calling me. she said laughingly in her thick New York accent. You must be so proud of William. She said with a raised eyebrow.

Oh, yes, yes I am very proud. I have been meaning to call, but you know how summer is. It’s the busy time of year for my charitable organizations.

Well then I’ll forgive you as long as you promise to call me next week to get onto my calendar for lunch.

Absolutely!

Before the month is over.

Corinne smiled as she turned and slipped her arm into her husband’s. He walked her towards the Harper Brothers. She was not fond of them. They were ruthless and had a reputation for wielding their influence for their own personal gain. Corinne felt that if her husband wasn’t careful, these men could prove detrimental to his political aspirations.

William; Corinne. The four made their way towards each other.

Jon; Stephen. It is wonderful to see you here tonight. As always, thank you for your support.

We wouldn’t miss it for anything, William. Speaking of not missing a thing, we need to get together and talk, soon. I need something from you William. Jon said as he put his hand on William’s back and lead him away from Corinne and Stephen.

Corinne, you look ravishing tonight.

Thank you, Stephen. That is very kind of you to say. How have you been doing?

Commitments have been keeping me from the things that I love to do most. What’s your excuse, m’dear?

The summer months are always so busy for me. I am on the boards of a number of charities, you know, and our fundraising is in full swing. You understand how that goes. Will you excuse me, please? Corinne smiled and made her way towards William who was just finishing up with Jon Harper.

…Absolutely, I can make that happen very soon, Jon. William said with a wink and a smile.

William put his hand in the small of Corinne’s back and led her towards someone whom she had not previously met. As they walked, he leaned towards her and whispered, Corinne, there is someone here that I want you to meet. Be polite to him and don’t embarrass me. He could prove to be very important to my political future…Edward!"

William! What a night. You must be on top of the world.

It has been a whirlwind! laughed William. Edward, this is my wife, Corinne.

William, I have to say that you weren’t lying when you told me that she was beautiful! Hello, Corinne. He took her hand into his and kissed it. My name is Edward, Edward Tanner.

Good evening, Edward. It is a pleasure to meet you.

The pleasure is all mine.

His smile was disarming. Corinne felt a flash of heat and blushed. Tell me about yourself, Edward.

There’ll be plenty of time for that later. William laughed. Edward, let’s get together next week. Have your office call mine tomorrow to set up an appointment.

I’ll do that.

William and Corinne slowly made their way out of the banquet room and towards the valet. Well into the drive home, William glared at Corinne and accused her of embarrassing him. Damn, Corinne, do you know how foolish you looked tonight? You practically threw yourself at Edward!

I…I didn’t mean to appear that way…

I swear, do I have to worry about your behavior every time we go out in public? When are you going to start acting like the city’s first lady instead of like some horny teenager?

Corinne became very quiet and looked down at her cupped hands for the rest of the ride home.

Chapter 4

Adam walked into his apartment and closed the door. He loosened his bow tie and kicked off his shoes. What a night. He was still riding the high of his conquest over Nicole and of his defiance to his father. Celebrating, Adam smiled as he listened to the ice cubes spill into the tumbler. He flared his nostrils to catch the heady aroma as the scotch enveloped the ice. He savored the first sip as it danced over his tongue.

Adam took his drink, picked up his shoes, and made his way through the stylish apartment and into the immaculate master closet. He removed his jacket, hung it neatly on a hanger, brushed the lapel, and replaced the hanger on the rod with the jacket facing in the same direction as every other jacket and shirt. Adam then removed his braces, rolled them meticulously and placed them in their designated drawer. Next he emptied his pants’ pockets, removed his slacks, and hung them by the cuffs. He then carefully removed each onyx/platinum cufflink and stud that had once belonged to his grandfather, and placed them into his handcrafted valet chest. Once cedar shoe trees replaced his feet in his patent leather loafers they were returned to their appropriate shoe cubby. Finally he removed his shirt, t-shirt, socks, and jockeys and tossed them into the hamper.

He put on his plush robe and thought about drawing a hot bath. He deserved a soak after tonight. Only one thing would make it better – that delicious little number, Kathryn. He was off of work tomorrow, so he smiled and picked up his cell phone and dialed the number she had conveniently programmed into his phone.

Kathryn? Hi, it's Adam. I know that it’s late, but I would really like to see you tonight. Why don’t you come over? he suggested confidently. She responded positively so he gave her his address. Okay, I’ll see you in about half an hour.

Adam took those thirty minutes to light candles, open a bottle of red wine to air, put on some mood music, and to draw a steaming bubble bath. He knew that he would have Kathryn tonight. She was too eager to come over. What a slut.

There was a soft rap at the door. Adam opened it and made no attempt to close his robe as he greeted Kathryn. He smiled, put his hand on the nape of her neck and pulled her face to his and explored