Cotton Club: Bloodlust (Under Construction)!!!! ⚠️

Chapter 7- Part 2

Early the next morning, Janet had to leave...Michael has not yet returned home from last night...It's alright. All I can think about is that wallet I've found. He lied to me. His brother's dead...Now he's avoiding his mom. The chef is up, and I tell him to prepare brunch.

"What's the occasion?" He asks.

"It's a surprise."

Once dressing, like clockwork, there's a knock from downstairs.

She's here.

Knots form in my stomach. I'm so damn nervous. I just hope and pray Michael doesn't arrive anytime soon. I open the door to the mansion. There, Mrs. Jackson stands. She's dressed in a lavish state, sporting her red, fitting suit, with the matching hat.

"Hi, Mrs. Jackson. I apologize for the late invitation."

"It's good to see you again, Isabelle. And no need to apologize. Thank you for calling me."

We walk through the mansion, heading towards the backyard by the patio. A butler approaches us taking Mrs. Jackson's things before leaving us be. The weather is beautiful. The perfect day to have brunch and enjoy the wonderful scenery.

"How did your performance go last night?" She askes as sipping her tea.

"Oh, it-it went great. Thanks for asking."

I had to lie. I couldn't tell her about the fight or how Michael is pissed at me right now for even talking to her. Luckily the Chef comes, and brings us our trays of food. I begin preparing my coffee...The clinging of the fine china and the slight gust of wind are the only sounds present in this moment...

"The food is delicious." Mrs. Jackson comments.

"Yeah, our chef Ralph is the best."

We continue to eat in silence...Really, I don't have much of an appetite. Not after what I found last night. It will break her heart.

"I guess you're wondering why you're here."

My heart is pounding. My hands are shaking. Mrs. Jackson glances at me over the rim of her glasses, as she's nearly frozen in her posture...She slowly sits back in her chair. She releases a huge sigh before lightly dabbing the corners of her mouth.

"It's about Jermaine, isn't it?"

I reach down into my purse...I pull out the wallet, as sliding it across the table. She grabs it...After seconds of pondering, it finally opens. Instantly she cries softly...Her hands covers her mouth.

"W-Where did you find this?" She asks through her tears.

"In the basement last night. I am so sorry, Mrs. Jackson."

Ohhhh, my baby, my baby, my baby....

She sobs as she rocks herself from side to side softly...Her hand placed over her heart gently...I slide my chair towards her before taking her hands into mine.

Her mourning soon comes to an abrupt end. Profound footsteps echo throughout the patio. I glance up, only to see the butler.

"Miss Rayne, Mr. Jackson has arrived. He wants to see you in the den."

"Shit...Okay. Stall please? I'll be there in a minute."

He nods in agreement before walking back inside. I'm so glad he warned me. It would be a mess if he were to know of his mother's presence. For now at least. I stand from my seat, obviously a little on edge.

"You'll wait here?" I ask Mrs. Jackson.

Her expression is blank. She just shakes her head as though thinking of the vilest acts. I lightly touch her shoulder. She looks up at me.