Streets of Gold - A Michael Jackson Story

Chapter 55 - A Blackmailer Named V

Michael

Monday March 7th, 1988 - Manhattan, New York City

"I have to do this, Greg," I say as I zip up my suitcase. "If there's been no sign of her here, then she's gone home. I have to find her and make sure she's okay."

"You do what you gotta do," he says before standing up. "I'll handle things with the team. Don't worry about it."

"I'm trusting you on this one," I start. "Rehearsals go on as normal with Sheryl standing in for Tatiana. And please - not a single living soul can find out the real reason why she was fired."

"I got you, man."

"I can't believe I let it get this far," I say regretfully, struggling to gather the energy for this trip.

"Mike, you're allowed to be human," he starts. "It's clear to me that you still love Yonela, and I'm damn sure she still loves you too, otherwise she wouldn't have been here in the first place."

"Man, what if I don't find her?"

"How are you gonna focus on making things right if you keep beating yourself up so hard? Quit the negativity, man. Stop stressing. She's okay, and you're gonna find her."

I draw in a deep breath and hold it a moment before exhaling slowly. Greg can really be a miracle therapist when I need him to be, and he's not even trying.

"Thanks, man," I say to him.

"Don't miss your flight," he says back. We share our handshake and a brotherly embrace. "See you later, bro."

"Stay safe, man."

We come away after a moment, then I wheel my suitcase out the door before Bill escorts me downstairs.

* * *

Monday March 7th, 1988 - Encino, Los Angeles

While flying I made a call to Neverland security, who informed me that Yonela was there yesterday, but didn't stay for longer than two hours and didn't say where she was going when she left. As soon as we landed, Bill drove me straight there so I could drop off my bags, then I gave him the rest of the day off. After a frantic search to double check that she really wasn't there, I hopped into my car and started making my way to the family home. It's very dark out by the time I reach the gates of Hayvenhurst, but I don't see Yonela's car anywhere as I drive towards the main house. Maybe she's parked out back, or she asked someone to bring her over. Maybe she asked one of the girls to pick her up.

God, I hope she's here.

I park in my usual spot and shut the engine off before hurrying to the front door and opening it.

"Yonela?" I call out, shutting the door again behind me. "Miya? Baby, are you here?"

Hearing no response, I head to the living room to see who's home and if they know where she could be. I stop in my tracks when I catch sight of the last person I expect to see here.

"Tatiana?"

"Hi, Michael."

It takes everything in me to not cuss her off and kick her out of my family home. Somehow, though, I manage to keep my temper in check.

"What are you doing here?"

"I needed to see you," she starts as Mother comes inside with a tray of coffee and cookies.

"Good evening, Mother," I greet her politely.

"Hello, dear," she says, setting the tray down. "I tried to call you as soon as Tatiana arrived. She says she has something very important to tell you."