The Kings' Conquest

CHAPTER FIVE
SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
AVERA HEART HOSPITAL
The Twentieth-First Century

“Sir Pious,” Sephora mumbled.

Sephora’s mother placed the magazine she was reading down on the table near Sephora’s hospital bed and jumped out her chair.
Sephora slowly opened her eyes. She looked around. She lifted her arm. She saw the intravenous tubing tape to her arm.

“Where is Sir Pious?”
“Sephora, you are in the hospital. You fell and bumped your head at the museum, and you have been out for three days now. Let me go and get the doctor.”

Sephora sniffled the air. She closed her eyes. She remembered dark-brown eyes, and a muscular physique. She lifted her hand and touched her lips.

The faint smell of firewood sailed past her nostrils.
The door opened.

The doctor, followed by her mother, entered.

“Well young lady, welcome back.”

The doctor walked over to the sink and washed his hands. He pulled a paper towel out the dispenser, wiped both hands, and tossed it inside a small trash bin.

The doctor strolled over to Sephora’s bed. He lifted a pen light from out the breast pocket of his white lab jacket and shone the light in each eye.

Sephora’s pupils instantly dilated.

“Very good sign.” He lifted her bed covering and rubbed the tip of the pen light to the bottom of a foot. “Sephora, could you feel that?”
“Yes.”

The doctor duplicated his action with the other foot.

“Could you feel that?”
“Yes.”
“Good. I will order another CAT-Scan. If everything checks out. Young lady, you may be discharged sometime today.”
“Thank you, doctor.”

Someone knocked on the door.

Sephora’s mother walked over to the door and opened it.

Maxine stood at the threshold.

“I see sleeping beauty has finally awaken.”

Maxine walked into Sephora’s hospital room.

“I will go and call your father and tell him the good news.”

Sephora’s mother walked out the hospital room.

“Miss. Rainey, the nurse will be in momentarily to draw some blood.”
“Thank you.”

The doctor walked to the door, opened it, and exited Sephora’s hospital room.

“Maxine, I saw him.”
“Who did you see?”
“King Javiah, and girl he is fine, then again so is his first knight.”
“Sephora, you are not making any sense.”
“I went back in time to 1701.”

Maxine looked at Sephora and waited for the punch line.

“Girl, do I need to call the doctor back in here to order a mental evaluation.”
“Forget you girl.”
“But since you did see that fine king in your dreams. Did you let him fuck you?”
“No, I strongly preferred Sir Pious’ touches.”
“Sir Who?”
“His name was Sir Pious, he was the king’s first knight, and he used a sword like it was an extension of his hand, and Maxine, he made me feel…he captivated my physical senses. I could still feel the memories of him being inside of me.”
“I do not mean to change to subject, but when are you returning to your classroom. Your sub is taking over your classroom and turning it into a military classroom.”
“What you mean is, the substitute teacher keeps the classroom quiet, then yours.
“You lucky you are not well.”
“Or else.”
“I would have to rescind the tickets I came into contact with two tickets to go to the Ebony Fashion show and gala dinner this weekend. And get this. We are exclusive guests of the museum.”
“Why were they given to you?”
“Yours should have been mailed to you.”
 “I guess you’re right.”
“If not, I have two.”

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
SOUTH HARMONY DRIVE
Sephora’s Townhouse
Four Days Later

Sephora unlocked the door to her two-bedroom townhouse. She placed the bundle of mail on a lampstand near the door. She kicked the door close with the back of her foot and tossed her house key on top of the bundle. She ventured into the living room and headed into her dining room. She placed the two bags of groceries on the dining room table. She stepped out of her slingback white sandals.

Sephora walked over to a paneled wall. She turned on her embedded surrounding sound system.
The cool jazz sounds of Miles Davis filled the spacious area. She walked over to her stocked bar, lifted a bottle of Chardonnay, and lifted out the plunder. She set the plunger aside and lifted a wine glass from off a silver serving tray; she poured herself a generous amount and uprooted the bottle.

Sephora walked out the dining room. She strolled over to the table and lifted the bundle of mail. She returned to her living room and sat on the soft leather couch. She placed the glass of wine down on an octagon glass table and sifted through the mail.

“Bill…bill…bill…credit card payment.”

The postage heading of the National Museum of African American History and Culture caught her attention. She silently prayed the letter was offering a heartfelt apologize, and an agreement to pay for her three-day hospital bill. She eagerly opened the envelope and pulled the letter out.

Sephora unfolded the letter and silently read it.

“How dare he accuse me of staging my misfortunate mishap?” She glanced down at the signature on the letter. “Javen King, CEO and Founder. This is…is injustice.”

Her telephone rang. She slammed the letter and envelope down on the table, rose, and walked over to telephone stand. She lifted the telephone receiver from out the cradle and placed it up to her ear.

“Hello.”
“Yes, this is Mr. Livingston.”
“Yes, Mr. Livingston, how are you doing?”
“Fine.”
“How can I help you?”
“I’m calling with some unfortunate news.”

Sephora took a deep breath.

“Go on.”
“I received a call from Mr. King’s attorney; he has denied paying the seven thousand dollars for your hospital stay.”

She glanced over at the letter on the table.

“What are my other options?”
“We can take it to mediations.”
Sephora bit down on her bottom lip.
“No thank you. I guess that trip I was saving up for, will have to wait a little while longer.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Yes sir, however, thank you for the time and consideration.”
“The legs, eyes, and everything else was a sure thing for me.”

Sephora blushed.

“If you ever need any legal advice, a meal to share at my table, please do not hesitate to call.”
“I will keep that in mind, bye now.”
“Take care.”

Sephora replaced the telephone receiver back in the cradle.

“Darn it.”

Her telephone rang.

She lifted the receiver from out the cradle and placed it up to her ear.

“Hello.”
“I assumed you will be at the Spa.”

Sephora touched her salon styled spiral curls.

“I’ve already been.”
“Are you ready for a hot night on the town?”
“I don’t know.”
“What’s up?”
“Girl that museum is trying to weasel their way out of not paying my hospital bill.”
“Are you serious?”
“Do you hear me laughing?”
“I’m sorry; I’ll understand if you want to back out.”
“I spent a fortune on my Vera Wang red pana-swing dress, not to forget the shoes, and my spa bath and colon cleansing; girl, I’m going, but if I run into that Mr. King, I will not be held responsible if I use some uncanny language.”
“Which one? You do speak three.”
“French explicit.”

Both women laughed.

“I will meet you out front.”
“Bad idea, have you ever been to an Ebony Fashion Show?”
“I can’t say that I have.”
“Anyone who is somebody will be there; it’s all about networking, eating, getting drunk, and then letting the games begin.”
“I told you, you watch too much television.”
“Meet me inside the main lobby.”
“All right.”
“They are ready to do my pedicure. I’ll talk to you later.”

Both women hung up their end of the telephone.

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
ARROWHEAD ESTATES

Palos removed his towel from around his mid-section and tossed it on the king size sleigh bed. He was not in the mood to socialize with whining women and listening to their mundane problems; not to exclude the sexual overtures he had to endure throughout the gala his place of employment hosted every year.

Palos walked over to the mirror and lifted a bottle of aftershave. He tilted the bottle and poured a small amount of the liquid contents into both palms; he uprooted the bottle on the dresser. He smacked both cheeks. He looked at his reflection. He felt over the faint scars dominating his entire chest region. He always wondered had he not enlisted in the military would he had led a normal life and not hide behind the vow of celibacy.

His Blackberry vibrated.

Palos turned and walked over to the nightstand. He lifted his Blackberry and slid it open. He placed it up to his ear.

“This is Palos.”

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA
CAMELOT ESTATES

“Don’t forgot to show up early for the meet and greet.”
“Man, you know I hate these galas.”
“If it was not for the beautiful ladies attending, hell, I would leave this event to my most trusted Head Curator.”
“You heard back from that Rainey broad?”
“Not to worry, she will not be bulking my museum, out of a pot-of-gold. What sane person climbs over the fucking robe of a historical display, claim she tripped, and then hit her head?”
“Someone who is con-artist, or just fucking insane.”
“I wonder have she tried that shit at Ralph’s museum. Hopefully, she did, that bastard has been trying to steal patrons from me for years.”
“The National Museum of African American History and Culture will always have foot traffic. Have you spoken to this woman yet about the issue?”
“That is why we have attorneys.”
“Smart move.”

Both men laughed.

“I’ll talk later.”
“Later man.”

Javen and Palos disconnected the call.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE

Javen pulled in the back parking-lot of the museum.
“What the fuck.”
He looked around.

Someone’s vehicle was parked in his assigned reserved parking-lot. He lifted his cell phone from out the cup holder, flipped it open, and pressed the key to the local police department. He placed his cell phone up to his ear.

“District Three, how could I help you?”
“I would like to utilize the services of a towing company. I am the CEO of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and there is a vehicle parked in my reserved parking space.”
“Would you like this vehicle towed sir.”
“I’m not wasting my time calling you, if I didn’t.”
“I will have someone there within twenty minutes.”
“Thank you.”

Javen flipped his cell phone close and dropped it inside the side pocket of his tuxedo jacket. He pulled his vehicle alongside the two-seater Lexus.

“Serves the fuck right.”

He rested his engine, withdrew the key from the ignition, and unsnapped his seatbelt. Javen opened the door of his two-seater BMW and stepped out; he pushed the door close.

A horn honked behind him.

Palos pulled alongside Javen’s BMW. He turned off the ignition and withdrew the key. He opened the door of his Porsche, stepped out, and then pushed the door close.

“It looks like someone pulled into my reserved parking-lot. It’s a shame to have that pricey BMW towed.”
“As you can see some thoughtless bastard parked in mine.”

Both men walked in the direction to the back entrance of the museum.

“Man loosen up; damn you act like you’re going to a fucking guillotine to be beheaded.”
“You know I would like to be anywhere, other than here.”
“How is that celibacy vow working for you?”
“It’s not, but the females out here, are not worth the time seeing my family jewels.”
“Plenty more for this brotha.”

Javen lifted a key from out the side pocket of his Kenneth Cole tuxedo jacket. He inserted it inside the lock, twisted the doorknob, and entered the museum.

Palos followed. He removed the key and tossed it to Javen. Palos glanced down at his Rolex.

“I will be in my office until this gig gets underway.”
“I’ll see you in twenty minutes.”
“Yeah.”

Palos walked in the direction of the back-freight elevator.

Sephora glanced down at her Cartier. She looked out the glassed floor-to-ceiling window.

Guests were starting to compact the Reception Hall of the museum. She looked over at the elevators. She was curious as to see if the Cromwell historical display was still for showing.

“They probably took it down, in fear of getting sued.” She walked in the direction of the elevators. “Damn.”

The elevators were roped off for the gala. She looked over at the royal-blue carpeted stairwell. She crept over to them and quickly hurried up to the third floor. She followed the mounted directional signs to the display halls.

Palos thought he heard someone’s heels echoing on the wooden floors. He placed his ink pen down and scooted his chair back. He walked over to the door and looked out. He pivoted his head in both directions. He caught the back of someone rounding the corner. He ran back to his desk and pulled open the top drawer. He removed his weapon, placed it behind the back of his tuxedo’s pants, and hurried out his office.

Sephora stepped inside the darken room.

“Yes.”

The display was still there.

Sephora  ambulated farther.

The illumining lightening magnified the display.

“It looks even more majestic under the night lights.”

She felt as though she stepped back in time. She looked around and walked up to the red velvet rope; she stepped over it and walked up to the outer edge of the moat. She leaned forward and counted the knights surrounding King Javiah’s Throne.

“Why were they only eleven knights?”

She was sure she counted twelve knights when she first came upon this display.

“Sir Pious, I wish you could hear me; I hope you did not meet your death defending me.”

Palos rounded the corner to the display room and silently entered. He arched his eyebrows, and then blinked.

There was a woman standing in the display talking to herself. He lifted his weapon and crept up behind her.

“Put your hands up and turn around slowly.”

Sephora closed her eyes. “Shit.” She placed her hands over and head and turned around slowly.

“Sir Pious,” she said under her breath.

Sephora looked back at the display, and then turned back around to face the man.

“I said what are you doing up here? This museum is closed for viewing any displays.”

Sephora could not comprehend what the man was uttering.

A strange time and place gripped her sanity.

“Did you hear me? I said if you do not get out that display. I will call the proper authority on you.”

Sephora slowly walked over to the display velvet rope and stepped back over it.

Palos placed his weapon in the side pocket of his black Armani tuxedo suit jacket. He grabbed ahold of Sephora’s arm and assisted her.

“You could have gotten yourself killed.”

“I’m sorry, I did not mean to frighten you with my awkward appearance.”

Sephora reached out and stroked Palos’ cheek. She rubbed her palms down his chest. She looked up into his eyes.

“I thought I would never see you again.”

A crazy broad on the loose, his luck could not be all that bad, could it?

Palos gripped Sephora’s upper arm and inched her back.

“I think you need to leave, and now!”

He released her arm, not before noticing her skin was soft to the touch.

“I’m sorry, once again.”

Sephora walked away from Palos.

Palos looked down at the woman’s rounded derrière, and then down at her toned legs.

“Are you going to be all right?”
“Well of course,” she tossed over her shoulder.

He looked down at the back of her legs once again, and then up to the loose spiral curls kissing her bare back when she walked.

Palos sniffed the air.

God, he has smelled that smell before.

“You smell different.”

Sephora stopped. She closed her eyes to his voice at the endearment.

“Thank you,” she whispered to herself.
“Maybe I should walk you to the elevators so you would not get lost.”

Sephora turned around.

“I would like that.”

Palos walked over and met Sephora near the entrance door.

“I’m sorry, my name is Palos.”
“If you forget about what you just witnessed, you may call me Sephora.”
“Your name is different.”
“Yes, and I detest a faint accent.”
“It’s my Scottish heritage.”
“Umm hum.”

Sephora turned and walked out the display room.
Palos followed her.

Both walked down the silent corridor to the elevators.

Palos pressed in the down button.

“Do you work here?”
“Uhh…no.”
“Good, because this museum is pathetic.”

The elevator doors open.

Both stepped on the elevator. The elevators doors closed.

Palos pressed in the L button.

The elevator gradually descended.

“I’m curious as to know why you would say that.”
“I have my reasons. After today, I will take my business to the museum down the street.”
“I think before tonight is over, I will make you think otherwise.”

The elevator doors slid open.

Both stepped off the elevator.

Sephora pivoted to face Palos.

“It was very nice meeting you, Palos.”

Palos lifted Sephora’s hand and kissed it. He released her hand.

“Now that we have been formally introduced. Could I get you something to drink from the bar?”

Sephora looked up into Palos’ dark-brown eyes.

“Yes, a white wine will do nicely.”
“Promise me not to allow another man to claim your time.”
“I promise.”
“You are very beautiful, Sephora.”

Her heart weakened when he said her name.

“I will be in the Great Hall, hopefully, you will find me.”
“I will send out my Cavalry of Knights if I can’t.”’

She tilted her head to one side at his words.

“I’ll be right back.”

Palos strode away.

“It must be fate.”
“Okay, who was the handsome guy? I thought this night supposed to be about us girls.”

Sephora whirled around.

“You look nice.”
“And girl that red dress is hypnotic to all the men in here. Come on, let’s go and mingle and make some headlines.”

Sephora glanced around.

“To the night and us girls.”

Maxine placed her arm around Sephora’s upper arm and walked to the Reception Hall.

Palos returned to where he assumed Sephora will be waiting. “Shit.”
He glanced around. He saw her and another woman talking to two other men. He hurried through the guests.

No, that bastard did not show his face in this museum Javen thought.

Javen marched in the direction where Sephora and Maxine were talking with his number one nemesis.

“I suppose you slithered out from under your hole.”

Ralph turned around.

“Javen, my boy.”

“Not with the firm knot between my legs, and the twelve-inch shoe size I would like the pleasure of stomping down your throat.”

Ralph cleared his throat.

Sephora turned around at the mention of the name. She peered closer.
King Javiah, it can’t be she thought.

“Do you ladies know Mr. King and my franchise have been battling for attendance since the beginning of time?”
“And according to Forbes, I have beat your establishment hands down since the beginning of time.”
“I’m sorry, did you say Mr. King?”

Javen turned to the gorgeous woman who held his attention.

“Yes.”

Sephora walked up to Javen and smacked him.

“Maybe she didn’t like your private tours or that so-called firm knot between your legs,” Ralph stated, and then walked away.

Maxine and Sephora followed.

Palos walked up to Javen.

“No means no.”
“I do not know that woman, but for a strange reason, I’m not chagrined at her action.”
 “Good, because I need you to step off. I have a strange reason that woman will be the one who gets under my skin.”
“It’s not a bad place to be my friend, but first, you have to reel her in.”
“I have my ways.”

Palos looked across the Reception Hall.

Sephora was in a deep conversation with a man.

Palos walked across the room. He positioned his presence behind Sephora.
There was that sweet smell again.

“Sephora, could we speak in private.”

Maxine and Sephora discontinued talking.

Maxine pivoted to look at the man who intruded upon their conversation.

Wow…wow…wow he was damn handsome Maxine thought.

“Hi, I’m Maxine.” She held her hand out.

Palos lifted it up and kissed it.

“Nice to meet another beautiful woman.”

He dropped her hand and turned to face Sephora.

“Could we speak much later on?”
“I’m here with my friend.”

Her emotions floated while looking up into his dark-brown eyes.

“I will meet you where we first met after this gala.”
“Talk about being persistent.”
“I’m for our union.”

Sephora smiled.

“Oh, here is your glass of white wine.”

He handed it to her.

“Thank you.”
“I’m sure much later.”

Palos winked at her and walked away.

“Girl, where did you meet that good looking dish at.”

Back in another time, I’m so sure of it.

“Back to earth Sephora.”
“I met him just before we met up.”
“He is...smoking hot, I bet he’s endowed with some serious beef.”
“How am I still your friend.”

Javen monitored the two women movements. He placed his glass of whiskey sour on the bar-top surface and walked away from the open bar. He watched the woman wearing the red dress walk over to a painting on the wall within the Reception Hall.
Javen scurried across the room.

Sephora was reading the historical inscription on the plaque next to the painting.

Javen looked up the length of her legs. He lifted a loose spiral curl from off her back and smelled it. He released it and kissed her bare shoulder blade.

“I apologize for whatever unknown reason.”

Sephora turned around.

Is this really happening she thought? The past catching up with the future. Yes, right down to his tall robust and muscular stature, and handsomeness.

“Do you know who I am?”
“A stunning woman wearing a red dress. I would give my last breath to know.”

How about seven thousand dollars she thought.

“Would you have dinner with me tomorrow evening?”
“I...”
“Oh, come on now. You have on my favorite color, and you physical assaulted me, and I would like to know the reason.”
“I do not know you well enough to entrust you with my company.”
“Then get to know me.”

Sephora looked up into his dark-brown eyes.

Javen inched closer and leaned down to whisper in Sephora’s ear, “I would be on my best behavior, and there is this new restaurant that just opened, and I have two VIP passes.”

Javen looked down into Sephora’s light-brown eyes.

“All right, but only dinner.”
“Could I escort you to the fashion show, and from there, a late night dinner?”
“I am here with my friend. And we usually arrive alone and leave alone.”
“Could I see you after this event? Maybe, I could walk you out to your vehicle.”
“I would like that. You may meet me in front of the museum.”

Javen glanced down at his Rolex. He leaned over and kissed her on the lips.

“I’ll see you later on.”

Javen inched back, turned around, and walked away.

“Handsome, available, has money in his pockets and too cheap to pay for my hospital bill.”
“There you are. Sephora, I would like for you to meet, Hakim, and his brother, Gavin.”
“I think we are the luckiest men here tonight,” Hakim’s eyes slid over Sephora.
“Are you ready to go and claim our seats? Remember we are guests of the CEO.”

Sephora leaned over and whispered, “Then what do we do with these two?”

“Dish them once we get inside.”
“Sounds like a plan to me. Wait, change of plans. I do not want to be anywhere near Mr. King.”
“Girl he and that other guy you were speaking to was fine with a capital, F. You do not have to tell him your name, but we are his guests. And girl I seen some fine men heading into that private room.”
“Girl, what am I going to do with you?”
“You know you love me.”
“Come on.”

Sephora and Maxine walked over to the private viewing room.

Two men guarded the door.

“We are special guests of Mr. King.”
“Your names.”
“My name is Sephora, and this is Maxine.”

The security officer looked up and down the printout. He removed the red velvet rope.

“How about I meet you inside.”
“Come on you could do this.”
“I will be out here. I do not feel comfortable. This is your day to shine.”
“Make sure you leave here tonight, alone.”
“I will.”
“Pinky swear.”

Both woman hooked their baby fingers together, and then dropped them.

“If you need me.”
“I know you will be where you can smell money.”
“You know me so well.”
“You better get inside before all the good looking eligible men are taken.”

Maxine walked inside the private viewing room.

Sephora entered the Ballroom and seated herself among the other guests.  

Palos walked into the Ballroom. He pivoted his head in both directions. He smiled and walked over to where Sephora sat.

“Would you like a better view?”

Sephora looked up.
“On top of me, yes I would.”
She closed her eyes.
Did she just speak her thoughts?
“Uh, I mean from the top will be enjoyable.”
“Sometimes on the bottom.”

Sephora blushed behind Palos’ words.

Palos held his hand down to Sephora.

Sephora clasped her hand in his and stood.

Palos escorted Sephora out the Ballroom.


“Wait, I’m sorry; my friend is in the private VIP room.”
“Not to worry, we are not going that far.”
“Where are we going?”
“To make a little history of our own.”
“I admire the way you think.”
“I really like the way you smell. Different is a keeper for me.”
“Are you flirting with me?”
“Have dinner with me tomorrow night, I will show you how much.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. King has already asked me.”
Palos hid his disappointment.
“Are you going to accept his invitation?”
“I’m unsure at the moment.”

Palos firmly held onto Sephora’s hand. He walked her through several guests who were still staggering into the gala.

“I have to speak to my friend, do you mind.”
“Not at all.”

Palos escorted Sephora back into the Ballroom. He walked them over to the VIP entrance door.

“Good evening Mr. Knight,” one of the security guards greeted.

Sephora raised her eyebrows in question.

“I’m a guest here tonight.”

The security officer peered closer.

Palos slightly bobbed his head at Sephora.

“Oh yes sir. You are a guest here tonight.”

 The security officer removed the clasp from the roped entrance and opened the door.

Palos palmed Sephora’s lower back and ushered her inside.

 “Thanks man.”
 “Are you acquainted with those two?”
 “Yes, they are the same security guards who foot patrol a Fencing School I own.”
“I could see that.”
“Excuse me, could see what?”
“You being an expert in the art of using any type of sword.”
“You really are a keeper for me.”

Javen glanced across the private viewing room.

“No, that bastard didn’t step on my toes.”

Javen rose from his table and walked across the private viewing room.

Palos spotted Javen approaching out the corner of his eye. He grabbed ahold of Sephora’s hand and squeezed it.

“I see you have found a beautiful craving.”
 “You know I always did have a fetish for a beautiful woman in a red dress and eyes the color of a light caramel morsel.”
 “Strange, because this beautiful woman has already promised me dinner tomorrow night,” Javen hissed through tightened teeth.
“I’m sorry Mr. King, however, this handsome gentleman did rescue me much earlier, and it is only fair I return my humble graciousness.”
“I guess as my employee, you win.”
“Shit,” Palos hissed under his breath,

Sephora dropped her hand from Palos’ hand and turned to face him.

“I thought you advised me you were not employed here.”
“Ah.”
“You both are pathetic.”

Sephora was gearing to turn away.

“I did not mean to fabricate the truth, but I would really like to get to know you better.”

She looked up into his eyes.

“How long have you used that fabricated truth on women?”
“You are the first.”
“And I will be the last. Goodnight gentlemen.” Sephora turned to face Javen. “There is one more note to add, Mr. King. I will not give up my fight to have you pay for my hospital stay.”
 “Pardon me.”
 “My name is Sephora Rainey.”

 Javen closed his eyes, and then reopened them.

Palos turned to face Javen.

“You know this woman?”
“She’s the woman who…”
“Not the crazy...”

Palos cleared his throat.

“Goodnight gentlemen.”

Sephora turned and walked away from the two.

Both men watched her whisper something to the woman who she came with.

Sephora walked out the private viewing room.

“Damn.” Palos raked his hand back through a river of waves. “That’s the woman who…Shit, it’s ironic; I caught her standing in front of that same damn display. She had already climbed the rope, and I swear she was talking to one of those knight mannequins.”
“Maybe she’s scheming to steal another knight, from out that display.”
“I swear, I know Ralph’s dirty-dealing had something to with that shit.”
“It could have been an inside job.”
“Who would want to steal a replica of a knight?”
“Someone who’s in it for the money.”
“I spent five years and plenty of red tape bullshit to get that display here. And those are rare pieces you have on display here, which I happen to recovery from my great-great-great-grandfather, who was a Duke in his day. Those artifacts and replicas came straight from a castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, which dates to the seventieth century.”
“Now I’m even more intrigue behind that red dress, long legs, and shapely figure.”

Sephora returned to the private viewing room. She made her way over to where Javen and Palos stood.

“You two handsome gentlemen are two for two. Which one of you had my vehicle towed?”

Both men looked from one to the other.

“I parked in the reserved parking space behind this museum, since it was after hours.”
“I will be glad to pay for the towing expenses.”
“But not my hospital bill.”

Javen placed both hands inside the front pockets of his tuxedo pants.

“I’m sure something could be worked out.”
“Not on my watch.”

Sephora turned to walk away.

Palos seized  Sephora’s  hand.
“I would see you home.”
“No thank you.”

Sephora tried to reclaim her hand.

Palos held it tighter.

“I’ll see you tomorrow man.”

Palos escorted Sephora out the private viewing room.

“I know my boy did not just claim some pussy from me.”

He watched both walk out the exit door.

“I guess so.”

Maxine walked up to Javen’s turned back.

“I would like to say thank you for the tickets.”

Javen turned around. His eyes strayed to Maxine’s breast nipple that strained againt the fabric of her attire.

“I’m sure before tonight is over, you could convince me.”
“I may be.”

Javen held his arm out. Maxine looped her arm around his.

Both walked out the private viewing room.

“Are you chilled?”
“A little.”
Palos removed his tuxedo jacket and laid it over Sephora’s shoulders.

“I’m still not speaking to you.”

Palos reached downward and grabbed a hold of Sephora’s palm.
Sephora tried to wiggle it free but was unsuccessful.

“There is this restaurant down the street from here. Would you join me for dinner?”
“I seem to have lost my appetite.”
“Then you could watch me eat.”

Sephora smiled. She really did like to hear his voice.

Palos escorted Sephora through the back door of the museum, and out to the parking- lot. He stopped in front of his vehicle. He dropped his hand from Sephora’s hand, lifted his keyless remote from out his back pants pocket, and then pressed it.

“What exactly is your position here?”
“I’m the Head Curator.”
“So, you’re responsible for suggesting the displays.”
“It’s one of my job descriptions.”

Palos pulled the door open from Sephora.

Sephora got inside his Porsche.

Palos pushed the door close.

Sephora looked at Palos as he walked around the front of the car to the driver side.

You were one smooth handsome brotha Palos, in your old life and in this life no exception she thought.

Palos opened the door, got behind the steering wheel, and then pulled the door close.

“Nice ride.”
“Thank you.”
“I hope so much later on.”

Sephora winked at Palos.
Palos winked back.

He inserted his key inside the ignition, twisted it, and started his vehicle; he pulled out the parking-lot.

Copyright©SKC-2020