Tucker stood in the visitor’s room early in the morning, waiting for Al to appear. This was the first time he was concerned about Al’s reaction to a decision he’d made. The last three days with Juliana in his home, made him want more. He wanted her in the worse way. It was clear she had things she needed to work through, but on the second day when he actually heard her laugh, the sound clutched at his heart and he found himself doing anything to hear the sound again.
“Hey man, did you hear me?”
Tuck turned to see Al standing there looking expectantly at him. Extending his hand he laughed. “No man. Did you say something?”
“Nothing important. What’s on your mind?” Al asked, wondering what had his right hand man so off point. Tuck would never be caught off guard
The two friends took a seat as they normally did, but this time moments went by and Tuck did not speak, nor did he look at Turk in the eyes. Turk chuckled at the bashful look on Tuck’s face and took pity on him. “It must be a woman.” Tuck looked up and the two laughed heartily. Tuck shook his head at the thought of how well Turk knew him. “It had to happen sooner or later,” Turk laughed. “So who is she?”
Tuck placed his elbow on his knees and relaxed. “Of all the sister’s in the world, it had to be someone with issues. Man, I think she got me.”
Turk took the same position as Tuck, but his voice was filled with concern for his friend. “She’s in the life?”
“No. Nothing like that.” Tuck exhaled, as did Turk, but he didn’t say anything. Now was the time for him to listen. “Thompson requested our help watching the house of Munford’s new lead man. We needed eyes and ears in the house so I charmed his wife into letting me in.” Tucker hung his head, “Man I think I fell in love with the woman the moment she opened the door.” He exhaled and continued. “The neighbor must have seen me go in and told her husband. He walked in and backhanded her. I was cool for a minute, but when she was on the floor and he began kicking her, I couldn’t let it happen. I went in, told him to leave, and then took her out of the house.” He looked up at Turk, “And I’m not giving her back.”
Turk sat back stretched out his legs, crossed them at the ankle, and folded his arms across his chest. He leveled a look at Tucker that would have made most grown men run. “Why didn’t you kill him?”
Tuck’s lips curved slightly at the end. “We don’t kill unless someone is trying to kill us.”
Turk nodded his head in agreement. “That’s right, but you have a situation on your hands. First, you can’t keep a woman against her will.” Tuck motioned to speak, but Turk held up his hand to stop him. “Second, you pulled a weapon on a police officer. That makes you a target.” Turk sat forward, “If that’s not enough, you now have a bigger problem.” Tucker looked him in the eyes. “I’m in here and can’t be your best man.”
The two men eased into a knowing smile, and stared at each other with understanding. “You know that can be rectified at any moment,” Tucker laughed. He shook his head, “There’s more. Turns out, they are not married. The man kidnapped her on her eighteenth birthday. The man made contact with Thompson by approaching Tracy.” Turk’s eyes narrowed, but Tuck continued. “Now, in exchange for information on Munford, he wants her back. I’m not giving her back.”
Turk smiled at his friend. This was a man that watched his mother beaten within an inch of her life by a man. There was no way Tucker would turn the woman back over to an abusive situation. “Did Harrison agree to the exchange?”
“Not as far as I know.”
“Does he have what he needs to take Munford down?”
Shaking his head, Tucker exhaled, “I’m not sure man. But I do know there is some serious action going on at his office. A good number of DOJ officers checked into a few hotels downtown and are reporting directly to him. Word on the street is some weapons are running through the city. The Eagles are handling the transportation.”
“Munford has lost his damn mind thinking he can run weapons. Is Lassiter in town?”
“The brother?” Tucker asked and Al nodded. “Haven’t seen him, but that doesn’t mean he’s not here. You will only see him, if he wants to be seen.”
Turk took a moment and thought. “It must have drove Harrison crazy to know the enemy made contact with Tracy.”
“I’m sure it did.” He looked at Turk. “Do you think he’s ready?”
Turk raised his eyebrows and sighed in resignation, “It may be time. Give me a day to think on it. In the mean time, keep an eye on the weapons. Make sure they leave the state. We’ve worked too hard to keep our people alive and prosperous, for them to lose their lives over greed. It may be time to end Munford’s reign.” He stood to end the visit. Reaching out he gave Tucker a pound and shoulder bump. “You’ve divested everything—you are totally out?”
“Yeah,” Tucker replied as they stood toe to toe.
“Good. What’s her name?” Turk asked.
“Juliana,” Tuck replied with a smile.
“Juliana. Nice name.” Hands still gripped tightly together like brothers, Turk held Tucker’s gaze. “You have to return Juliana to her family. If you love someone, you have to let them go. It has to be her decision to return. You have to give her a reason to make no other decision but to come back. Do it right, and she will be yours for life.” Turk turned and walked out of the room.
Tucker stood and watched as he walked away. The man lived his life helping other people, maybe not in the traditional sense, but certainly in the humane sense. There were families in the Richmond and Norfolk, Virginia area that were living a good life because of Al “Turk” Day. To Tucker’s way of thinking, it was time for Al to live that life.
♡♡♡♡
It had been a full week for Carolyn and she had not taken one drink. As she looked in the mirror, she liked what reflected back. Life wasn’t back to normal. Her father was still married to the woman of ill repute, so that hadn’t changed. Tracy was still her half-sister, so the media kept reminding her, so that hadn’t changed. However, the way she was looking at her life had. Gavin walked out of the closet with his tie hanging lose around his neck. He reached out, wrapped his hands around her waist, and pulled her back against his chest. Pushing her hair aside with his chin, he kissed her neck. “Good Morning” he said as he caught her eyes in the mirror. Carolyn starred at the reflection and for the first time in a while, she saw happiness in both of their eyes. “You have put up with so much from me. How do you do it and keep smiling?”
Gavin’s eyes never waivered, “With love. You, like this, is all I’ve ever wanted.”
Carolyn held his eyes and knew he was in love with her and she certainly loved him. She just had a hard time showing it. She covered his arms with her hands. “Don’t ever give up on me. I’m going to get it right.”
“Carolyn,” he rolled his eyes upward, “if I haven’t given up on you through your fiascos with JD, Holt and now your father, believe me, I’m hopeless. I’m not going anywhere.” He kissed her cheek. “What do you have planned for the day?” He asked as he pulled away.
“I’m repairing some damage.”
“Oh really,” he smiled as he continued to dress. “With who?”
“The ladies of the ton. I’m meeting with the wives of some contributors to open a few doors for Tracy.”
Gavin froze in place. “You’re doing what?”
Carolyn had walked into her closet on the other side of the room, while they talked. “We have the private fundraiser tomorrow with Stanley Covington’s group. Most of those women are not going to accept Tracy into the fold. I’m going to open a few doors.” She said as she walked back into the room. Gavin had taken a seat on the bed, watching and listening to his wife. This was the Carolyn he knew she could be. “I think Mattie Grisham is up to something, so I need to make sure she is operating within her boundaries and keeping her hands off JD. You know how she loves a man with power.” Carolyn sat on the bed and began to pull on a silk stocking, then hooked it to a garter belt. “I know JD is not looking, but Tracy is and the last thing she needs is to be distracted.” Still not noticing her husband, who had now taken off his shirt and tie, she put on the other silk stocking then stood before the mirror in her camisole, boy shorts, garter belt, and stockings. Turning to see the view from the back, she smiled with satisfaction, then walked back into the closet. “She has to be sharp and on point with these women.” She walked back into the room with a navy blue power suit in her hand. “Everyone knows, if you get the wives attention, the men will fol…..” Gavin reached out, grabbed her by the waist, and was on top of her completely naked before she could finish the sentence. His tongue thrust into her open mouth before the scream could escape from the surprised seizure of her body. The other hand moved the boy shorts to the side giving him open access to her body. With one powerful thrust, his engorged member slid right in. They both moaned at the invasion. The suit fell from her hands onto the floor as she reached around his neck to keep his lips in place and wrapped her legs around his waist to push him further in.
The need to show her just how much love was flowing through his body for her at the moment was ludicrous. A bomb could hit the mansion and he would not have been able to stop. His lips moved from her lips to her neck as he pumped into her with a force so strong it moved the bed. His hands moved down to her thighs. His fingers massaged them and positioned them so that her knees rested on his shoulder. She cried out as he pushed deeper and hit that spot. The one that made her scream his name and beg him not to stop. And he didn’t. He filled her time and time again until he felt her begin to contract around him and her voice peaked higher. He whispered in her ear, “I will always love you Carolyn—always,” he said just as a million pieces of light exploded behind her eyes. Her inner walls pulled at him and pulled at him, but he didn’t want to let go—he didn’t want the moment to end. Until he heard her call out his name, “Gavin.” Only then did he drive into her one last time and allow all his love to flow freely and relentlessly into her body. The two held each other, neither willing to let go first. Suddenly, a chuckle began to rise from Carolyn’s throat. Gavin opened his eyes and looked down at his wife with a smile. Tears fell down her cheeks and he wiped them away with his thumbs. She eased her legs from his shoulder as he adjusted his body over her.
“I could stay like this for the rest of my life and be happy.” He said.
Carolyn smiled at her husband. “I wish we could, but we have work to do.” She pushed him onto his back without breaking contact, and then straddled him. Gavin placed his hands on her hips and admired the beauty of his wife. She rubbed her hands across his chest. “I have to get you elected to the Senate.” Her fingers trailed over his nipples and his member swelled inside of her at the touch. Their eyes met and held. He raised his legs to support her as she laid back and began to move her body in a circular motion as she held her hair high on her head. “But, first, I’m going to give you some babies.” She closed her eyes, slid down his shaft, and began to draw the life from him.
♡♡♡♡
It was the day before the fundraiser and Tracy’s nerves were getting the best of her. The women she had to hobnob with did not particularly care for her. To make matters worse, Tracy hated talking in front of people. This campaign was much more high profile than the last one, so taking a back seat was not an option. As the wife of a candidate for Governor, she had to take a leading role, especially at fundraising. The last big event she’d done was successful primarily due to the efforts of Ashley’s mother-in-law, Gwendolyn Brooks. The contacts that woman had were unbelievable. Even the First Lady had attended the event. This time Tracy wanted to accomplish a victory on her own. She would definitely invite the Brooks, more for emotional support than financial, but she would not ask for any assistance with getting the right people in the room. According to Mattie, Stanley Covington would ensure the right people attended. Madeline Gresham, Tracy sat at her desk and wondered how in the heck she was going to deal with the woman. There was something about the woman that Tracy did not like and definitely did not trust. “So what do you do?” She asked aloud, but was really talking to herself. Picking up the telephone, she called her mother. If there was anyone that knew how to handle a woman like Mattie, it was Lena Washington-Roth.
“Hello mother,” Tracy said as she sat back in her chair.
“Hello daughter. Are you talking to me now?” Lena asked as she took a seat in her family room.
“I haven’t decided yet. But I need your help?”
“Well at least you’re honest. I always liked that about you. What do you need?”
“There seems to be a woman on the campaign that keeps pushing her way next to Jeffrey. How do I stop it?”
Lena thought for a moment. “Hum, Is JD oblivious to her?”
“Completely.”
“Men usually are,” Lena rolled her eyes. “Well, if it was me I’d tell her little ass off and keep it moving.”
“I can’t do that mother. She is a valued member of the campaign.”
“So are you. You have to establish your position here girl. Stop sitting back as if you work for them. It is the other way around. She works for you. It’s time to let her know that if it comes to a choice between you and her, girlfriend would be out of a job. Is she going to be at the fundraiser tomorrow?”
“Of course,” Tracy grunted.
“I’ll check things out and give you a better answer tomorrow. In the meantime, you make sure you bring your “A” game. You know what I mean?”
“Alright mother.”
“Have you talked to your step-sister?” Lena asked putting emphasize on the p.
Tracy had to laugh, “Not since the press conference. Have you?”
“We don’t talk honey, we growl at each other. Both of us are still trying to stake our claim to John.”
“Hey, I’m staying out of that mess. I have enough going on in my life.”
Lena grew serious for a moment. “John mentioned the incident in the park. Tracy, you know JD and I don’t see eye to eye on anything. But when it comes to you and the children’s safety I agree with him one hundred percent. You need to stay close to the house until this case is resolved. I don’t want you or my grandbabies to get hurt. You understand?”
“Are you worried about me?” Tracy asked teasingly.
“Girl, I’m too gorgeous to worry. Worry doesn’t do nothing but put wrinkles on your face.”
“It’s good to know your priorities are in order. I’ll talk to you later mother.” Tracy smiled as she looked down at the phone.
“Nice to see you smiling for a change,” Brian said from the doorway.
“Hey.” Tracy stood and hugged him. “What are you doing here? Where’s Ryan?”
“We have a few twenty-four hour days coming up and I gave her today off.”
“Are you sure that’s all there is too it? I want Ryan with me.”
He shrugged his shoulder, “She’s feeling a little bad about what happened and needs to regroup. She’ll be here in the morning.” He looked around, “Is Pearl here yet?”
“Oh, so you’re here to see Pearl,” Tracy gave a knowing smile.
“Man, why is it every time I look you have your hands on my wife?” JD asked as he walked into the kitchen and kissed Tracy. Brian stepped away. “Morning babe.”
“You’re the one always leaving her in my hands,” Brian winked at Tracy.
“For protection only, remember that,” JD replied as he poured a cup of coffee. “What’s on your agenda today?” He asked Tracy.
“Preparing for tomorrow. Ashley is coming over with outfits for me to try on and Pearl is coming over with questions and conversations for me to practice.”
JD sat at the table and watched as Brian continuously piled his plate with food. He and Tracy laughed at the sight. “You have enough B?” JD joked.
Placing his plate on the table, Brian went back to the stove to get another biscuit. “I’m straight now,” he said and took a seat.
“Jeffrey, do you think I could take the children over to your mother’s house today?”
JD and Brian looked at each other. “We are short on security,” Brian hissed.
“It may be better if mommy comes over here,” JD added. “I’ll give her call later, okay babe.”
“Okay,” Tracy replied as she watched both men pretend everything was cool. The doorbell sounded. She looked up at the clock; it was barely seven-thirty in the morning. “Who could that be this early?”
“Good morning JD. I am so sorry to bother you at home, but I just could not wait to share this with you.” Mattie stated as she walked into the kitchen with Mrs. Gordon behind her with a frown on her face.
“Ms. Gresham to see Mr. Harrison” she hissed out.
Tracy tried not to laugh at the woman’s exasperated frown. “Thank you Mrs. Gordon.”
“Good morning Mattie,” JD said as he stood and wiped his mouth with his napkin.
“I have the results of the poll we took after the press conference and oh my God you are not going to believe this,” she screeched out with a perky voice. “They are so good.”
“Really?” JD replied as he took the envelope from her hands. “Let’s go into the office and take a look at them.”
Tracy watched as the two walked out of the kitchen towards Jeffrey’s office. Mattie’s hand resting on his back a little too comfortably for her liking. It was a moment before Tracy realized Brian had spoken. She turned, “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I said, I guess she didn’t see anyone else at the table.”
“I guess she didn’t,” Tracy mused. “Would it be disrespectful, if I put her out of the house?”
Brian sat back, “You want some help?”
Tracy smiled at him. “My knight in shining armor. Always there to help.”
“Always.” Brian emphasized.
“You know, I think Ms. Gresham is one of those things I am going to have to handle on my own.”
“You go girl,” Brian said and continued to eat.
A few minutes later, JD and Mattie emerged from the office. “Tracy,” he called out as he entered the kitchen. “Mattie has offered to stay and help you with your prep work. Isn’t that wonderful.”
Tracy turned to see Mattie standing at the end of the table next to Jeffrey with a diabolical grin. “Just peachy,” Tracy replied as he kissed her goodbye. “Samuel is out front. We’ll be riding in together for the next few weeks.”
The statement took Tracy’s mind from Mattie for a moment as she looked up at her husband. “Be safe Jeffrey.”
He held her in his arms for a moment longer. “I will.” Then he was gone.
Brian sat at the table looking from one woman to the other.
Feeling an awkward moment, Mattie extended her hand. “Mattie Gresham,” she said to Brian.
Brian stood, but did not take her hand. “Oh, I know who you are.” He looked over at Tracy. “Handle your business.” He nodded and walked out the patio door.
“Well, that was rude of him,” Mattie stated looking at his back.
“Mattie, we need to establish some boundaries. If I need your assistance, I will ask for it. It was clear, very clear, that last time we tried to work together it was not a good match.”
“You see the polls show something different. And JD feels I could contribute to polishing you up a bit.”
Tracy tilted her head, “Really?”
“Yes, Tracy. That’s why I’m here. Are we working out of his office? If so, I’ll just take a seat in there until you are ready.” Mattie turned to walk away.
“Mattie,” Tracy called out, then walked toward her, and stopped just in front of Jeffrey’s office, which was only a few feet from the front door. “You work on Jeffrey’s campaign. You don’t belong at his office or in his home.”
“JD wants me here.”
“But I don’t,” Tracy raised her eyebrow and held the woman’s gaze.
Mattie finally blinked, “Fine, I’ll just tell JD you didn’t want my help.” She turned and walked out of the front door.
“You do that.” Tracy said and slammed the door behind her.
Damn, Mattie thought as she sat in her car. “So close.” She shook her head. She would just have to find another way to get into JD’s office.
♡♡♡♡
The conference room at the AG’s office was a buzz. There wasn’t an empty seat, or walk way anywhere to be found. The large number of agents, from the Department of Justice, were needed to assist with the order once Munford was relieved. Some were needed to review files on current cases. Then Rossie needed a crew to help with the interrogation of officers. Unfortunately, what JD did not know was just how many officers were involved with illegal activity along with Munford and Gary.
“It is imperative, gentlemen and ladies, that the citizens of Richmond know that justice is at the forefront of our actions and that law and order will prevail. If the mission is not clear to everyone in this room, now is the time to ask questions.” JD stood in the conference room that now held approximately fifty Assistant Attorney Generals and twenty agents.
“Mr. Attorney General, have all the precinct commanders been cleared?
“Yes. There are four precincts. None have been linked to illegal activities. However, Munford does have at least one lieutenant in each. Our plan is to take each of them and Detective Jonas Gary, who they report, to out of contact first.”
“Won’t Munford know we have taken them out?”
“Not if we execute the plan precisely as written. Deputy Attorney General Johnson will break-down phase one of the operation. Calvin.”
JD took a seat as Calvin explained the plan. “Timing is of the essence. As we speak, we know each target’s location. They will not be aware, but their cell phones will be disabled. Here’s why the take down must be swift. If any of them has an untraceable cell and are able to use it, our plan may be in jeopardy. Precisely at six o’clock p.m., our first targets will be taken and brought directly to the basement of this facility. Team one, headed up by Rossie, will handle the interrogation. Simultaneously, the weapons will be seized by Federal officers, along with the suspects who were hired to transport the weapons.”
“Phase two, will commence exactly two hours later,” JD took over. “Team one, has one hour to extract the information on the number of officers that may be involved. Team two, headed up by Samuel Lassiter, will have one hour to obtain the location of each suspect and take them into custody. Each precinct commander will be escorted to this building, and advised along with the acting Chief of Police, of our actions. Phase three, will be the press conference.” JD paused and looked around. “People, we are sworn officers of justice. The public has placed a trust in us. When that trust is broken, the punishment must be swift and uncompromising. It must leave a clear message that we will not tolerate illegal actions from those we have entrusted to serve and protect our citizens. As you all can see by the timetable, there is no room for error. A mistake could be fatal to one of you. I want to shake each of your hands on the other side of this operation. Everyone has their assignment. Take a look at the clock on that wall.” All heads turned to the clock. “Synchronize your watches now. Everyone is to contact their lead every hour from now on. If you are five minutes late, we will assume your position has been compromised and act accordingly. Are there any questions?” JD looked over the room at the committed faces. He could feel the adrenaline flowing in the room. “Succeed or fail people, we will be the talk of the town, twenty-four hours from now. Good luck to each of you.”
♡♡♡♡
Sitting in her office at campaign headquarters, Mattie suddenly noticed people scurrying around, she looked up to see what was causing the disturbance. To her surprise, it was the Governor and Carolyn. She would address her as the First Lady when she started to act like it again. Mattie stood in her doorway and watched as staffers, got autographs, and pictures with the first couple. The two women’s eyes met, as Carolyn turned to respond to the receptionist. She poised for the picture then said something to Gavin. He looked up and waved at Mattie. Waving back, Mattie smiled until Gavin turned to walk into James’ office. To her further surprise, Carolyn walked in her direction. She had to admit, Carolyn was impeccably dress in navy blue, looking like her old self again, only there was something more. The closer she got, the more apparent it was that Carolyn had a damn twinkle in her eyes. “Why Carolyn, if I wasn’t mistaken, I could swear you were glowing.”
“I’ll take that in the vain way you meant it. How are you Mattie?”
Mattie was a little thrown. “What no sharp come back. Just a how are you Mattie? You must have conquered something. Do tell.”
“Just my own demons Mattie. What about you?”
“Me? I don’t have any demons to conquer.”
“Don’t you?” Carolyn asked. “How’s your brother?”
A shocked Mattie glared at Carolyn just as Gavin called her. Carolyn turned, “Be right there darling,” she answered then turned back to Mattie. “We all have our demons to conquer. When you need help, call me.”
Stunned speechless, Mattie quickly closed her door after Carolyn left. Could she know about her brother? Even worse, could she know about Munford? A knock sounded at Mattie’s door. “Come in,” she managed to answer.
“Mattie, Mr. Brooks wants you in his office, now.” The receptionist said and walked away.
“Oh shit.” Mattie began hyperventilating. “Calm the hell down.” She took a deep breath then let it out. “There is no way they could know.” Standing up straight, she took another calming breath and walked into James office.
“Mattie,” James said as she entered the office, “JD is on his way over. Certain events will have an impact on the campaign. He wants all of his advisors in the conference room in fifteen minutes. From the sound of things you may want to cancel any plans you have for this evening.”
A relieved Mattie just stared at him for a moment. Then replied, “I don’t have any plans.”
“Good, it’s going to be a long night.”