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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781468557244 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | AuthorHouse |
| Publication date: | 03/14/2012 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| File size: | 452 KB |
Read an Excerpt
Lost but Not Forgotten
By Sheria Freeman
AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2012 Sheria FreemanAll right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4685-5673-5
Chapter One
Their First Encounter
Marlisa is a beautiful woman, whom he had to meet. Marcus told himself he was not ready to settle down, but there was something about her that made his heart ship a beat. Within the first month of his moving to Jacksonville, FL he has seen her nearly 10 times by now. He could never find the nerve or courage to walk up to her and introduce himself. Marcus is 5"11 with a smooth dark complexion. He works out 2 to 3 hours a day to keep his body and six pack in perfect shape. He keeps up with current fashion by having his curly locks close cut and his face clean shaved. Which a lot of women say brings out his almond-shaped piercing green eyes. Some say he looks like someone you would see in the soap operas, but he has the hardest time meeting women. He's a private investigator by trade, single by choice! The thought of settling down never really crossed his mind, but ever since he has set eyes on her. However, because of certain circumstances he's been having second thoughts. His profession is the only thing that makes him continue to feel this way. He has a very dangerous job and would not want his profession to interfere with his relationship. In his mind both of these commitments would be both night and day priorities. Now on the other hand Marlisa is 5" 6.5 she has a tiny waist, thick hips and an ass that most women envy. Although, in the summer months she keeps her hair tied up, Marcus can only imagine the length and its true color. He's gotten considerably close to her to notice her eyes, are a brilliant shade of green. Unlike, his complexion, her skin tone is remarkably lighter; she may even be a mixed race. When she reaches the door of Nelly's (a local bar) to leave she notices it's still raining outside. Marcus gets up right after her, he's holding up an umbrella and offers to walk her to her car. She thanked him for being so polite, as they walked towards her car; she suddenly noticed a midnight blue Lexus with its lights still on parked just a row behind her. She insisted they must return to let the individual know their car lights were left on in the mist of everything. Marcus said, "There's no need to the car belongs to me". I tell you I'm having the worse day imaginable to man. Why do you say that? That question already forgotten she offers to drive him to his car and stay until he gets it started, but he had no such luck. She asked do you have anyone you can call or do you need a ride home? He responded no unfortunately I am new in town and I don't know anyone. Well you know me now. Well would you like a ride? Where's home? The Adams Mark Hotel downtown, you know it? You're kidding right? No, why would I be? Being that I'm into Real Estate a lot of my clients live there until they find their dream house. Most just end up having one built, or at least one they can afford. Amongst all the confusion I never asked your name. Oh I'm sorry how rude of me. I'm Marlisa Fairchild, and I'm Marcus Jones. It's a pleasure to meet you Ms. Fairchild. No please I insist you call me Marlisa. Well now that we have gotten the introductions out the way, I'd like to tell you I've only been in Jacksonville a little over a month. I moved here from Atlanta, Ga. And I haven't found a place yet. So what brings you here? I'm here because of my job and life, amongst other things. Oh I see, well Marcus were just going to have to change all that as you know I'm in real estate and I just so happen to be a broker. I can help you find a house if you would like. I also own a couple of houses myself if that helps. Your properties, Yes my properties is that a problem? No not at all. But I have a question for you, would you consider yourself a handy man? I'd like to think so why? I could use a strong man around the house such as you. Are you interested? That will all depend on what I should be interested in. Well I have a considerably large house in Queens Harbor off of Atlantic Blvd. I live there alone. The house I live in has 9 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. It needs some outside work done to the yard, furniture moved etc. I would let you have one of the extra rooms plus complete access to everything, such as meals the pool in exchange for your help. I was planning on hiring someone. I just haven't been able to find someone I can trust. Well how do you know you can trust me? I consider myself a good judge of character when it comes to people. That's if you don't mind helping out a poor little old lady like me. Just allow me to gather my things and then we can go. Well let me help you. You don't have to do that. I know I don't but if I do we can leave faster. I've had such a long day I'm tired and all I want to do is take a long hot bath and get into my bed. And plus just because I'm a female doesn't make me helpless and fragile. Fine, then it's settled I'll help you gather your things. On the ride home, he asked what brought you to Nelly's in the first place. My job, I told you I was into real estate I was meeting with a client. I just so happen to meet a lot of my clients there. Hey we're finally here. His mouth dropped like a child's would after getting a bag full of candy. What a beautiful home you have. I designed it myself but my brothers built it for me. Oh I see, so is there anything else you'd like to tell me about yourself? No not now but enough about me, you go and get settled in, you can have any room in the house except this one. I'll meet you upstairs in about an hour: dinner should be ready by then. Why upstairs, because that's where the kitchen is located, okay now I see. He spent what little time he had unpacking and getting used to the idea of living with a complete stranger. When an hour or so passed him by he went upstairs and sat patiently at the table while she served them dinner. After she took her seat, Marcus gave thanks. So tell me a little about yourself Marcus. What would you like to know? Everything and anything you're willing to share with me. Well I was born on January 29, 1980 in Atlanta, Ga. My parents were Mrs. Lennett and Phillip Jones. I've heard those names before: I'm sorry go ahead, finish what you were saying. How could you they both died in a car accident years ago January 29, 1980 to be exact. The day you were born? Yes the day I was born. I'm sorry to hear that. My father had internal bleeding and my mother was brain dead, she was 7 ½ months pregnant with me. They took me by c-section I was 3 lbs. 7 oz. after being hospitalize for 2 ½ months I was put into foster care. I had a very troubled life. I've been in and out of homes ever since I could remember. Then one day I was finally adopted by a single woman who later died of cancer 5 years later. So back to foster care I went at the age of 13. Do you have any idea how hard that could be on a child? That's when I made a promise to myself no matter how hard it would be I'd make something of myself. I went to college. After I graduated, I got my degree in criminal justice, went on to law school, became a lawyer, and now I'm a private investigator. What made you decide to become a P.I.? After trying to do some research on my parents death, and always hitting a dead end each time I figured I'd put some of my skills to good use. It's like they never existed, so something has to be wrong, and I aim to find out just what that is. I felt with my proper training collecting enough data I could uncover the truth whatever that is. Now that I'm a little more experienced than before I think I can do this. I'm going to clear the table: you can have a seat in the living room I'll be there in a minute. Here please let me help you it's the least I can do since you cooked and all. They both cleared the table and washed the dishes and headed for the living room. He poured them a glass of champagne and they continued their conversation where they left off. Marlisa, I have to be honest with you and I won't beat around the bush it's not my style. I've been in FL all of a month and I've seen you several times. I wanted to approach you but didn't for fear you would reject me. If it wasn't for the rain I would never have approached you and I wouldn't be pouring my heart out to you now. You're an extremely beautiful young lady, but I can't help but wonder why you always wear that thing over your head. The phone rings, that's her cue to get up. I'll see you in the morning Marcus good night. She goes to answer the phone to find her grandfather on the other end. Did you make contact? Yes I did we'll talk about it later good night. Oh Marcus, by the way, breakfast is served at 8 Sharpe so don't be late. Before you go to bed do you mind me asking are you seeing anyone special? Marcus, you should know better. Women don't kiss and tell. You will find everything you need in the bedroom, if you need me I'll be in my room. She leaned over and placed a soft kiss over his lips and said good night again.
Chapter Two
Marlisa Story
He woke up early to prepare her breakfast. He cooked a steak omelet with tomatoes, mushrooms, topped with cheese, wheat toast, and a cup of hot coffee. He set the table and awaited her arrival. As he was reaching into the refrigerator for the orange juice, he didn't have to turn around to know she was there. He could feel her presence. He closed the refrigerator door to find her standing only inches away from him. She had on a black slip dress cut off just before the knees, and for the first time he saw her complete beauty. Mere words couldn't even begin to describe how gorgeous she looked. Her hair came to the middle of her back, it was a golden brown then and only then he knew she was fully a beautiful black woman, just very light skinned. He's never seen a woman with such extreme beauty. Why have you suddenly decided to wear your hair down? You wanted to know what I looked like and I wanted you to truly have a good view. So, what do you think? For the first time in my life I'm speechless, at a complete loss for words. He pulled her chair out and waited for her to take her seat before he took his own. He held her hands in his and said the grace. They both ate in complete silence. When they were finished he asked well, if breakfast is at 8 sharp then what time is lunch and dinner? Lunch is at 1:30 and dinner anytime between 6:00 and 7:00 it all depends on my busy schedule. They cleared the table, washed dishes and took a seat on the patio. So I told you about me, how bout you tell me about you. Well I was born October 10, 1982 in Queens New York to Darryl and Patricia Fairchild. I'm the youngest of 4 children. My brother's names are Darryl Jr., Chris, and Donovan. I moved to FL to go to Edward Waters College. After I graduated I decided to get into real estate. What did you go to school for? It's funny you should ask. Why is that? Business was my major and Criminal Justice was my minor. Well, after I left Edward Waters I then started to get more into real estate, and have been doing it ever since. I actually love it. I still do jobs with Criminal Justice when I'm needed. You'd actually be amazed as to whom you meet in real estate. So, Marlisa do you mind if we take a walk and talk? No not at all. Just let me go grab my shoes then we can go. Take your time I'm not going anywhere. For the first time in years Marcus felt so relaxed at ease even. They both walked hand in hand. She made him feel so alive and complete. There's something about her and he just can't put his hand on it but he knew he'd figure it out eventually. It's as if he's known her all his life. But he knew that couldn't be at all possible; he's never even been to New York. Marcus, I have to go to Miami. I have some property there I must attend to. How about I go with you? I'm sorry you can't, I must go alone. He thinks to himself, she sends me mixed signals. One minute she makes me think she's interested then the next she doesn't. Women are so confusing. That's just why I'm a single man now. It's easier that way, no heartaches, pain, or disappointments. I'll be back in a few days or so. You could stay here and see if you can find any leads on what really happened to your parents. What's that supposed to mean? Didn't you say you believe there's more to the story than meets the eye? Yes I did but what does it matter to you? Why do you care what I find out you don't even know me. Maybe my moving in here was a big mistake. What's wrong with you Marcus, why are you acting like such an ass? Before I told you I had to go to Miami you were so cool. But now I don't know what to think of you. Is it because I'm going to Miami and you can't go the reason you're acting this way? What does it matter to you? It doesn't she shot back, I hope you'll be here when I return. I really enjoy your company when you're not in a foul mood. Let me at least take you to get your car before I go. Thanks but you've done enough for me already. I'll just catch a cab. It's no trouble Marcus really. Will you at least call me while you're there? Sure I will, what are you going to do while I'm gone? Take care of a few things. When she reached Miami and got settled she phoned her contact. She purchased this property a year earlier. She then called Marcus but didn't get an answer, she was upset. I should have just let him come with me. What if he's not there when I return? Then this last year would all be for nothing. She says to herself, Marlisa you worked too damn hard to get him what if you lose him? Why was he acting that way to begin with? I bet he's interested in me as much as I am in him and he thinks I came to meet someone. Yes I bet that's what it is. I could see why he got angry with me now. I believe if I felt the same way I would have gotten angry as well. She tried the house again. He finally answered, good it's you Marlisa your just the person I needed to speak to. I called earlier I didn't get an answer. That's because I was out. So what did you have to ask me? Do you mind if I have company? I thought I should ask you first since it's your house. Fine whatever. He sure didn't waste no time did he. She's furious right now. How dare he bring another bitch into my home? The nerve of him, he wouldn't dare. So how's your trip? Its fine I have to go now Marcus I have a very early day tomorrow. The whole time Marcus had never intended on bringing another woman into her home. That was just his way of seeing where her head was. He wanted to know if she felt the same way for him as he did for her. His suspicion was confirmed. He now realizes she couldn't possibly be in Miami with another man. But will this change anything between them since she thinks he's with another woman? She's pacing the floor he wouldn't dare bring another woman into my home, would he? He better hope for his sake he wouldn't because I'll kill him. Look at you acting as if he's your man or something. You haven't even been with him yet. That's okay I'll still kill him. The next morning she met with Brian Norris on the beach by her house. They talked, exchanged notes and she then kissed him on the cheek. God, what's happening to me? She starts to confide in Brian. I've known Marcus all my life really, but only have recently gotten acquainted in the last two weeks. And already I'm ready to jump in bed with him. What does that make me? This is the man of my dreams, literally. I go to bed with thoughts of him and wake up thinking of him. He occupies all my thoughts. This can't at all be good. Can it? Sure it can, Mo Mo it's called love. You've loved him your whole life sweetheart and you always will. He has no idea I planned the whole thing right down to us meeting that day and me turning on his car lights. Everything was planned me leaving my umbrella, inviting him into my home the whole nine yards, all me. You think that's bad, when he finds out what I really do for a living he's sure to hate me. He doesn't know I know more about his life then he does. Like for intense the reason why his parents names sound so familiar I'm trained to do a job and my job is to protect him at all costs. I'm also here to help him find out what really happened to his parents 25 years ago. What will he do when he finds out in fact it was 13 years ago not 25? His mother and father weren't killed in a car accident but it was staged as if they were. They were 18 and 19 years old, the children of the most powerful people in New York. Yes his dad and mom are very much alive at 43 and 45 there being protected by many people. There are many people who want them dead but the question is why? We do know they want everything they fought hard for. Marcus was in foster care but only because if anyone knew he even existed he'd be a target as well. He's the air to both Lincoln and Washington fortune. Marlisa you must keep at what you're doing, Brian said. I feel you've grown to care for him and I can understand why. But you must wait; keep your feelings on hold for the time being. His life depends on it. If you don't we'll lose everything and so will Marcus. He could even lose his life. You need to take things slow give him ideas and make sure you have his back when it really counts. Don't let your guard down not even for a minute. Keep him safe and if you need me I'm only a phone call away. I know, she replies. We'll be in touch but until next time take care of yourself and Marcus. When he finds out his true identity, what will he do? That's what I'm concerned about the most. His mother raised him till he was 13 he doesn't know that the guy she called her boyfriend was in fact his father. They disappeared for 8 years so no one knew what they looked like. At least no one knows he exists. Luckily she never looked pregnant. But who told them that Marcus and Lisa were alive? If it weren't for our family their identity would have been discovered a lot sooner. Mo Mo again, whatever you do don't let your guard down. She went back inside and placed a phone call to her family. She told them everything that was going on and let them know she was headed back to Jacksonville later that evening. Darryl told her, please be careful. When he finds out just who you are everything could be lost for you. Is that a chance your willing to take Marisa? I'll do whatever it takes to make him safe even if it means I could never have him. You've loved him for over 16 years and he's only seen you from a distance, until now. Be careful my sweet angel. I will daddy, I love you. I'll call you as soon as I get home later tonight. She called Marcus to tell him she'd be home tonight instead of tomorrow.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Lost but Not Forgotten by Sheria Freeman Copyright © 2012 by Sheria Freeman. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Prologue....................ixChapter 1 Their First Encounter....................1
Chapter 2 Marlisa Story....................7
Chapter 3 The First Clue....................13
Chapter 4 The Beginning....................17
Chapter 5 The Middle....................23
Chapter 6 The Party....................29
Chapter 7 The Beach house....................31
Chapter 8 Her Return Home....................33
Chapter 9....................37
Chapter 10 The Fall down the Stairs August 31, 2005....................39
Chapter 11....................43
Chapter 12 Her Letter to Marcus....................47
Chapter 13....................49
Chapter 14 Arianna....................53
Chapter 15 Marlisa's Return to the Hospital....................57
Chapter 16 The News about the Baby and Finally Her Answer to His Question....................61
Chapter 17 The Birthday Celebration....................65
Chapter 18....................69
Chapter 19 Putting their life together....................73
Chapter 20 January 12, 2006 8:30 P.M....................79
Chapter 21 The Lie....................83
Chapter 22....................85
Chapter 23 Marcus 26th Birthday party....................87
Chapter 24 The Whereabouts of Mr. Mitchell....................93
Chapter 25 The Birth of the Twins May 12, 2006....................97