ODDS OF LOVE : SEASON ELEVEN

Episode 72

" You found what outside the house! ," Nigel said on the phone to his husband as he was in the downstairs cafeteria at the hospital buying another cup of tea. He needed the jolt of caffeine. He really had not slept much the night before because he was worrying about this case of Faith's and the fact that his sister was pregnant by Richard's son and the new job offer of vp at his father's company. Morning had come way to soon for him and his liking. " Did you call the police? ," he asked as he sat down at a back table and lowered his voice a little bit more.

Richard sighed. " I found a noose in our front yard. Along with a ridiculous note calling me a race traitor of all things. They want me to drop the case. And yes I called the police. They came. They asked questions. They took pictures. They shrugged. They left. I don't expect much to come of it unless they get something useable off our security cameras. "

Nigel drummed his fingers on the table top. " I'm glad that the kids didn't see it. Especially Richie and Tanisha. Do you think they know two of our children are African American? The children aren't in danger are they? "

Richard fell silent. Then he spoke again. " I hope not but I am going to instruct them to come immediately home from school and not to engage with anyone that resembles a stranger. I'm going to mention this to Gerald as well. I want security upped at the school. He made a request for the services of Gaines Investigation and the board is in the middle of contract negotiations with Dom Gaines and Eric Fletcher. To start three very discreet security personnel will be stationed at the school. " He paused again. " And I want you to be careful as well. I want you to consider....."

" I'm not carrying a gun, Richard. I don't like guns. "

" I wasn't going to mention guns. I was only going to say please consider your general safety as you go to the restaurant and other places. Go to that company of your father's in what it is now, three weeks? But now that you mention it ...... a small gun might not be a big issue.... Even Lyle and Angel are carrying guns now. It's a dangerous world. "

" Yes. And guns won't make it any safer. What is the American obsession with firearms? "

Richard ignored a topic he didn't have a good response to. And never would with his husband. " I'm not giving up the case. Jeremiah and Amanda will run with it as first and second chair but I will be there to offer support in anyway I can. After all this is Faith. She saved our lives with Lonnie Hawkins. It's the least I owe her. "

Nigel sighed and stared down at the cooling tea. He knew Richard was right. But all of a sudden he had a terrible feeling that all hell was about to break out with them caught in the middle of it. " I know you won't give up the case. I don't want you to. We can't run from ignorance. We have to stand and fight it. And Faith is getting a raw deal. I ... I just want you to be careful. Please. "

Richard murmured ," I'll be as careful as an anal retentive forty three year old tax lawyer can possibly be. I love you. How is Glory and Dad ? "

" I love you too. She's in surgery. Your father is quiet. Too quiet. He's worrying me. So is Alfred but he has Gerald. Why didn't you tell me Gerald was gay ? Or is bi like you? Oh , and Glory's daughter is a bitch. "

" Takes one to know one ," said an amused feminine voice from beside him.

He looked up and sighed deeply again as he stared at Dodie Angeletti.

" Hang up the phone. We need to talk. "