Looking For Trouble Read Online Free PDF

a good portion of Nedine during their drive across town.
    â€œHere we go,” John said as he rang the bell. The grand door slowly opened and an imposing figure consumed the entire space.
    â€œHe’s here, Henny!” Isaiah Small smiled as he called out behind him. “And he’s got company with him, so set another place at the table.”
    The phrase “like father, like son” was coined especially for men like Isaiah and John. They were both tall, with broad shoulders and hands the size of baseball mitts. They shared the same intense brown eyes, which could bore holes through their targets. Their deep baritones sounded as though their voices boomed from the heavens above, and their striking, coal black skin resembled polished iron. The only difference between the two men was the visible signs of aging, which had sneaked up quietly on Isaiah’s face and body. His hair was snow white, his skin had begun to wrinkle, and his back was not as straight as it had been a year ago.
    Isaiah welcomed his son into the house as Madeline glared at John. It was obvious by the look on Isaiah’s face, and by the way he’d announced her presence, that John hadn’t told his parents he was bringing his girlfriend home for a visit.
    John avoided Madeline’s stare as they entered the beautifully furnished living room.
    â€œYour mother’ll be out directly,” Isaiah said to John. He looked at his son and waited.
    â€œExcuse my manners,” John said, clearing his throat. He smiled as he reached for Madeline’s hand and held it in his, knowing that gesture would defrost her chill. “Pop, this is Madeline King.”
    Aside from John’s good looks, one of the things about him that women couldn’t resist was his dazzling charm, and Madeline was no exception. John knew the simple show of holding her hand and saying her name in a way that made her tingle would erase the full-on annoyance she’d shown just seconds ago.
    â€œIt’s mighty nice to meet you,” Isaiah said with a smile.
    â€œLikewise.” Madeline nodded in return.
    Just then, Henrietta Small walked into the room. She was proof positive that the Smalls were a family of giants. At five feet eleven inches in stocking feet, she towered above most men. And like her husband and son, her broad shoulders and commanding presence dominated any space she entered. Her thick body was erect, and her skin was the same chocolate brown complexion as Madeline’s, and just as smooth despite being twice the younger woman’s age. Henrietta walked up to John and wrapped her strong arms around her youngest child. “It’s so good to see you, baby!”
    â€œGood to see you, too, Mama,” John said, rocking back and forth in his mother’s tight embrace.
    â€œWell, who do we have here?” Henrietta asked as she slowly released her son.
    â€œMama, this is Madeline King.” John smiled and motioned to his side. “Madeline, this is my mother.”
    The two women greeted each other with a cordial handshake and friendly smiles. Their exchange was nothing short of the Southern hospitality that John was accustomed to seeing his mother extend to strangers; but even so, he could tell that something wasn’t quite right.
    Mama doesn’t like Madeline, John thought. He watched his mother closely as she nodded and grinned, engaging Madeline in polite conversation as they headed toward the kitchen. John stood to the side and observed the two women even more. Sure enough, no matter how hard Henrietta tried to be pleasant, tried to appear mannerly, and tried to put forth valiant efforts of courtesy, her eyes confirmed what John’s gut had already told him. And his gut was never wrong. Not only does Mama not like Madeline, she can’t stand her. Damn!

Chapter 5
    A lexandria sat cross-legged on her couch as she sipped from her cup of lukewarm lemongrass tea. It was a bright and sunny