The private reception hall at the Jefferson Hotel in downtown Richmond was the location for the reception for Jeffrey Daniel Harrison. The elite society turned out in full force to be one of the first to have bragging rights on supporting the candidate they all believed would eventually become President of the United States. The whispers about this long anticipated event were echoing throughout the room as guest after guest continued to arrive. The original invitation count had been for fifty of the wealthiest members of the Richmond Metropolitan area, however, it was clear that the number in the room was far greater.
After leaving the house earlier in the day, JD had done everything he could to keep his mind on the case. If he stopped for one moment and thought about the way he left things, he knew he would give in and call Tracy to apologize. And that he could not do. It was his job, his duty, his mission to keep her safe. With all that was taking place in the City for the next twenty-four hours, all precautions had to be taken. He knew she did not understand the depths of what was happening around her, but he did. The stance he took was necessary to keep her safe. The day didn’t necessarily get any better. The most distressing problem being Jonas Gary had given them the slip. Luckily, he had shown up on the surveillance cameras near Tucker’s home. From there, they were able to place a tracking device on his vehicle and place a team on him. Absolute was on the weapons, but had to kill a gang member that had tried to steal one of the guns from the truck. They had to take time to dispose of the body. These were the types of mishaps they could not afford. JD took a moment and placed a conference call to all the leads on the case just to re-emphasizes the small window of opportunity they had to bring Munford down and maintain order.
Now, he had to convince his brother-in-law to make a deal with him, and until last night, he had no idea how he was going to do that. Sitting in the warden’s conference room, JD was armed and ready to counter point Al until he gave in. Brian and Samuel stood on the outside of the room, positioned at each entrance to ensure no interruptions. The door opened and Al walked in.
He smiled at his brother-in-law and extended his hand. “I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
“How are you Al?”
“I’m good. You know, as well as can be expected. How are Tracy and the children?”
“They’re good,” JD smiled and gave him his phone to look at the pictures. He allowed a few minutes for Al to enjoy the pictures.
“The baby looks just like Tracy, especially her eyes.” Al looked up and grinned, “Man, you better have your shotgun ready.”
“I’m polishing it off now,” the two laughed.
A moment later, Al handed the phone back to him. “Thank you man, I appreciate you sharing that with me.”
“I brought something else with me Al.” He pushed the folder he had across the table.
Al stopped it’s progress with his hands and looked up perplexed. “What’s this?”
“Take a look,” he said as his phone chimed. “I need to take this call.”
Al opened the file. The first page read, The United States Government in conjunction with the Commonwealth of Virginia offers the following conditions of pardon for Albert H. Day. He looked up at JD, but his back was to him. Al continued to read.
JD finished his call, relieved to know the children were secure at James complex and Tracy was on her way to the event. He reclaimed his seat, just as Al looked up again. Both men leaned back in their chairs, it was time to negotiate.
“Here’s the short of it. Anything you can give us to solidify our case against Munford will fulfill the initial requirement of the pardon. The second condition is something you are already doing. We are taking your concept and putting it in place to work for us with you leading the way.” JD sat up and placed his arms on the table. “Al, I’m tired of looking over my shoulder. I’m tired of telling my wife no, because the things she wants to do may jeopardize her life. I don’t want my children to grow up in a protected bubble, unable to enjoy the very things children should. Three years ago I was shot in the court room, by thugs that were controlled by Munford. During that same time, my wife, your sister was brutally beaten within an inch of her life, by members of a gang controlled by Munford. Last week, my wife took our children to the park and a man from Munford’s team approached her. Sat right on the bench next to her. Every night since that happened I’ve closed my eyes thinking what could have happened. Those are my reasons for making this offer. Everyone of them is incredibly selfish; I will be the first to admit that. I’m trying to take this man down by the book and I believe you have information that could help me. But, either way, legal or not, Munford is going to stop being a threat to my family.”
Al stared intently at the man sitting before him. The man really had no idea just how much Munford had interfered in his life. For ten years, he had held the key to JD’s future, wondering when the time was right to reveal all that he knew. He wondered when JD would be ready to hear the truth. For ten years, he had made sure the man and his family was watched over. Never, in his wildest imagination had he anticipated that the man would marry his baby sister or turn the tables by looking out for him. There was one more question he had to ask before he made his decision. “Why are you making me this offer? You have enough to take Munford down, or you wouldn’t be going forward with the case. So, why the offer?”
JD sat back and exhaled. “Al you have been helping people since you were sixteen years old. It may not have been in the conventional way, but you’ve been looking out for others most of your life. You could have made your mark in the streets with the same mantra of every other thug, I got mine,—you get yours. But you didn’t. You gave people the opportunity to get what they needed from the streets and go legit. I can’t be mad at that. Your gang didn’t have me pulling out body bags left and right. You kept it as clean as you could in the street. You looked out for people, now it’s time for someone to look out for you.”
Al chuckled to himself. “Not to mention if you pull this off you will get mad love from my sister for life.”
“Well, yeah, there is that,” JD smiled. “Al, even if Tracy was not in the scenario, I would still make the offer.”
Al shook his head. “I don’t know if I can work for the feds.”
JD stood, “That’s part of the deal. Now, this next card I’m going to play is dirty. I’ll admit that up front.” JD pulled a picture from his pocket and pushed it across the table at Al. “Your daughter is hurting and she needs you, just like Tracy did when she was her age. It’s time for you to take care of her.”
Al picked up the picture, closed his eyes, and shook his head. “What in the hell did she do to her hair?” He sat the picture on top of the folder and looked up at JD. “That was cold.”
“By any means necessary—any means necessary. I have to go. My wife is waiting for me to make an appearance at a fundraiser. She is already pissed at me, because I banned her from going out.”
“You’re joking right,” Al laughed.
“Hell no, I’m not joking. She went to the projects to get your daughter and your niece last night with nobody on her. Hell yeah I told her she could not leave the house.” JD laughed. “Sounds funny when you say it out loud.” He exhaled. “Al, Munford is dangerous and wants to harm my family. I need to put him away permanently.” JD extended his hand. “Get in touch when you are ready.”
“I don’t snitch JD.”
“I know, but you make things right. That’s all I’m asking you to do here—make things right.” With that, JD walked out the door.
♡♡♡♡
Ashley sat at the table with her husband and in-laws, with Cynthia, who was forbidden to attend the function, although her agency was hosting, on the telephone hammering away for blow by blow details. “Has she entered yet?” Cynthia asked.
“For the third time, no, she has not,” Ashley answered losing all patience with her friend. “Roz has done a wonderful job with the set-up Cynthia. You would be impressed.”
“Damn, I wish I was there.”
“Well, you’re not, so stop complaining.”
“There is no stage, right?”
“No, stage, just a ballroom filled with people with money. The double doors from the hallway opened and Tracy walked in. A hush came over the room and then suddenly exploded with applause. “Damn, she did it. She stunned them to silence,” Ashley yelled over the noise.
“You are taping this aren’t you?”
“Yes, yes, yes. Cynthia, she is stunning.” Ashley said, then turned to her sister-in-law Nicole. “The dress is prefect on her. You are amazing when it comes to shopping, I’m keeping you.”
Tracy entered the room in a cream silk halter form fitting gown with gold rope that tied at the neck. It flowed tightly around the bodice, and over the hips, then flared at her mid-thigh. The back was open down to the waist with the gold rope trimming the outside. She looked like a roman goddess, with her hair up, gold single strand earrings dangling and one thick gold bracelet. Tracy stepped up to the microphone that stood in the middle of the room. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for such a warm welcome. This evening we embark on a journey—a journey that will influence our futures and the futures of our children for years to come. Leading that journey is a man of integrity, a man of wisdom, a man of strength. That man has sent me here to empty your pockets.” The crowd burst into laughter as Tracy stood center stage and smiled. “I’m so happy to know you are open to that concept.” She looked around the room as laughter continued. “I have been granted the pleasure of getting to know each of you personally tonight. Once my husband arrives, it will be my honor to introduce him to you. Until then, my dance card is open. Let the music began.” People surrounded Tracy before the first note was played.
“Cynthia, her entrance was flawless. She was confident, elegant, and so poised. My goodness I can’t believe she pulled it off. I have to call you back.” Ashley hung up the cell phone and turned to her husband. “May I have this dance?”
“By all means,” James replied in his deep velvet voice. “I’m afraid this is the only dance you may get tonight. I have to work the room.”
“Well, by the looks of things, Tracy gave you a good start.”
“That she did,” James replied as he twirled Ashley around. “She amazes the hell out of me every time she is given a challenge.”
“Tracy is and always will be extraordinarily amazing.”
Applause erupted as Gavin and Carolyn entered the room. The first couple moved about graciously greeting people as a few held their breath to see what would happen when Tracy and Carolyn came face to face. To Ashley’s surprise, it was Carolyn that paved the way for the rest of the evening. In a style that only Carolyn could exhibit, she pulled a photographer with her and cleared the area to allow pictures of her and Tracy together to be taken. The two posed for picture after picture. They even took a few with Senator Roth. The moment quieted the naysayers. Carolyn then took Tracy by the hand and literally began introducing her to people in the crowd. When she felt the time was right, Carolyn stepped out of the limelight leaving Tracy to handle things from then on. Before JD arrived, James had collected close to five million dollars in campaign contributions and the evening had just started.
Pearl walked over and whispered in Tracy’s ear. Tracy excused herself from the couple she was speaking with and returned to the microphone. “Hello everyone. I am so happy to see you are enjoying the evening and I do apologize for the interruption. However, I believe it is time for me to introduce you to the next Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. My husband, Jeffrey Daniel Harrison.”
JD entered the room and was immediately met with applause and hands extended to greet him. The crowd was more than he’d expected as he made his way through to the center of the room. It took him a good ten minutes to reach the microphone and he found himself speechless. He looked at the crowd, then back to his wife. He stepped up to the microphone and smiled. The crowd applauded. “Thank you. Thank you all for coming out this evening to help us make this journey.” He stopped and looked back at Tracy. “Excuse me for just one moment.” He took his wife into his arms and thoroughly kissed her as applause exploded around them. When he ended the kiss, he whispered in her ear. “I’m so sorry.” She opened her eyes and smiled up at him. His world was right again. He took her hand and they stood at the microphone together. “You have to forgive me, but I have a beautiful wife and whenever I get the opportunity I like to kiss her.” The crowd went crazy. After his brief speech, JD had to leave and Tracy was left to complete the evening.
Tracy stood near the window overlooking the scenic James River with a glass of wine she had been nursing most of the evening. JD’s departure left her to listen as one guest’s wife attempted to discuss the latest fashion. Giving the appropriate nod and a smile here and there kept the woman talking. It had been a long day, not to mention the night before. But if this was the way she had to help her husband, she would suffer through.
“Tracy, you were wonderful tonight.” Stanley Covington smiled and kissed her cheek.
Saved, at least temporarily, she eagerly replied. “Thank you Stanley. It’s nice of you to say.” He looked at the woman and smiled, “May I steal her away for a moment.” He took her elbow and walked away from the women. “I have someone I want you to meet. Mattie,” he called out.
The slim brunette turned and smiled. “Stanley,” she took his hand and kissed his cheek. “You are as handsome as always.”
He smiled back, “Charm will get you everywhere with me, Mattie Gresham.”
“I know,” She smiled, “Hello Tracy.”
“You two have met. Good.”
“Yes we have. You did well tonight Tracy.”
“Well. Hell, she knocked it out of the box tonight Mattie. She had the folks eating out of her hand. Mattie, I want you to talk Tracy into doing more of these events.” There was a flash of surprise that appeared in her eyes and just as quick, the smile returned. “It will be my pleasure.”
“I’ll leave you two to talk,” Stanley said as he walked away.
Mattie watched as he walked away then turned back to Tracy, “Well, it appears I have my work cut out for me.”
“If you would excuse me, I think I’ll go anywhere but here.”
“Actually, I have a question for you.” Ignoring the fact that Tracy was about to say something, Mattie continued. “Before you become an issue, I want you to consider what is best for Jeffrey’s future. He’s destined for great things. Not just being a husband or father. Jeffrey is a highly intelligent, charming, and caring man. The way he makes people feel just by being in his presence is remarkable. He makes them believe that they can be better, that this state can be better and this country can be better. And he is the only person that can make it all happen. Don’t try to make him an ordinary man. He’s more and I think you recognize that. And that makes you a little afraid of losing him. That’s why you’ve created the needy wife syndrome. But for a man as driven and determined as Jeffrey, that will only push him further away. He needs a wife that is self-sufficient and as committed to his future as he is. Are you that wife Tracy or are you here to deter him from doing what he was put here to do?”
She was so stunned at the woman’s audacity that it took her a moment to respond. Taking a step closer to the woman Tracy placed her drink on the table. “When you speak to me, refer to me as Mrs. Harrison. When you speak of my husband, refer to him as Mr. Attorney General or Mr. Harrison. Don’t you ever presume that you have the authority or position in life to question me on anything, much less my husband.” Her voice began to raise an octave or two without her realizing it. “In fact, it would be best if you never have anything to say to me…..”
“Ladies,” the very concerned smiling Carolyn Roth-Roberts said as she approached the two, “let’s lower our voices.” She looked around the room at a few curious faces and waved. “Madison you’ve done it again. You have said something you had no business saying. Whatever it was, I suggest you take your leave at this moment. Her presence is needed. Yours is not.”
Mattie glared at the two women. The truth of the matter was Munford is after JD because of his wife. If it weren’t for her family connection, she would not be working against a man that was the best person to run this country. That’s what she did not like about this woman, she was bad for JD and bad for this country. She took a calming breath. Too much was happening all at once and her patience was short. Doors were closing in on her and she needed an escape. Losing her temper was not the answer. She had to clear her mind if she was going to keep her brother out of jail. “Carolyn you should have stuck to your guns and stayed with JD. If that hurts your feelings Mrs. Harrison, I’m sorry. I’m on the outside looking in. My mind is not fogged with emotions. Like it or not, you are his weakness. I’m trying to be his strength. You were good tonight, but what happens when the opposition attacks. How are you going to stand up to them when you can’t even stand up to me?” Mattie said her piece, turned and walked out of the room.
“Keep smiling Tracy,” Carolyn said. “Do not let them see you crack.” She turned and faced the woman she considered her nemesis. “Wherever you go to draw the strength to continuously beat me at this game, you need to bring it to the surface and keep it there. Mattie is right on some things, but very wrong on one. You are not JD’s weakness. You are his strength.”
Gavin walked over. “Is everything all right over here?”
Carolyn looked up at her husband and smiled. “I’m getting damn good at this big sister thing.” Tracy laughed when she really wanted to cry.
James and Ashley joined them. “I think it’s okay to call it a night,” Ashley stated as she placed her hand through Tracy’s bent arm.
Tracy smiled and scanned the few remaining people. “There’s a few more people, I need to speak with.”
Carolyn smiled, “I’ll join you.”
“So will I,” Ashley added and the women went off.
James and Gavin stood together watching the women. “Is it my imagination, or do I see Tracy, Carolyn, and Ashley working together?” James asked. “A year ago I had to keep my Ashley from murdering Carolyn.”
“Miracles happen every day.” Gavin replied. “My wife talked about giving me babies today.”
“Carolyn?” James asked surprised at the notion. Gavin nodded his head. “I wonder what JD’s miracle will be?”
Gavin watched as Tracy received another check from a guest. She handed the check to Carolyn and continued to talk with the donor. He pointed towards the women, “I think we are seeing it develop before our eyes.”
James watched and smiled. “The butterfly is emerging from her cocoon.”
♡♡♡♡
JD sat in the conference room of his office listening to the progress of the night. Each of the suspects had been taken without incident and all, with the exception of Jonas Gary had agreed to testify. However, none of them had anything on Munford, their only contact was through Gary. “And Gary isn’t talking,” JD stated after the reports were completed.
“He has requested to speak directly with you,” Rossie advised.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea JD,” Calvin interjected. “I don’t want this man to think he has us by the balls by giving in to his demands.”
“He knows we have Al. We may not need his testimony to take Munford out.” JD stated.
“Maybe he knows Al Day doesn’t have what you need. He may know what Al knows and know it’s not enough to take Munford out.” Rossie added.
“That’s a lot of unknowns,” JD chuckled.
Rossie smiled, “But, here’s something I do know. The man has something that will seal this case.”
“Why do you say that?” JD asked.
Rossie sat up and exhaled. “Mr. H. you’ve interrogated people. You were one of the best. There is a certain instinct that you get when a suspect has what you need. I get it with Gary. But, I’m young. This is my first big case. I could be wrong. I say you sit with him. Give him five minutes. That’s enough time for you to assess things.” He sat back.
JD looked to Calvin, who shrugged his shoulders, “It can’t hurt to check him out.”
Turing to Rossie, JD nodded his head, “You’re going to be good at this.”
Rossie’s smile widened. “Thanks Mr. H.”
“Alright.” JD stood. “Let’s go have a conversation with Mr. Jonas Gary.”
The door opened to the room where Gary was being held and JD walked in. “Mr. Gary welcome to our facility. I take it you are being treated well.”
Jonas was seated at a table with two chairs. He had a cup of coffee and an unfinished danish in front of him. “This is a nice place you have here. Definitely an improvement from our place. I could work here you know.” JD smiled as he stood towering over the man. “Ah, the famous JD Harrison smile. I bet you used that charm to get your wife. I met her you know. Beautiful woman with a smile that could light up a room.”
The man was trying to get into his head and JD knew it. “That’s why you are here Mr. Gary. You got a little to close too my wife. That made you a person of interest for me.”
“I can understand that wives are sacred, aren’t they.”
JD put his hands into his pocket and continued to look down at the man. “My wife is.”
“I’m glad you understand that.” Jonas stated. “I haven’t seen my wife in a few days and I need you to rectify that situation for me.”
“Why would I do that?”
“I’m here because I have something you need and you have something I want.”
“Mr. Gary we’ve had a very productive night. I have four officers ready to testify against you on a number of infractions. I know what you want from me. I can’t imagine what I would need from you.”
“I would think a taped conversation would rule out hearsay.”
JD never flinched or showed any expression of interest although inside he knew Munford on tape would put a nail in the coffin. He smirked. “I have taped conversations of several people Mr. Gary.” JD looked at his watch. “It seems your time is running short. See, I agreed to give you five minutes of my time tonight. But I’m afraid that’s all I have and you have one minute left. I suggest you use it wisely.”
“Short and sweet it is. I want my wife and immunity and I will give you Chief Wilbert T. Munford on a platter.”
JD placed his hands on the table and leaned over close to Jonas. “I have Chief Wilbert T. Munford and I have you on a platter,” he grinned. “Your problem is you don’t have a wife. You have a young woman you kidnapped from her family and have held hostage for ten years.” JD stood. “I’m afraid your time is up Mr. Gary.”
He turned to open the door and Jonas spoke. “I think you have time to hear a conversation ordering a hit on your wife and children.”
JD froze, but did not allow his heart pumping furiously to show. He turned back to Jonas and smirked. “Goodnight Mr. Gary.”
As soon as JD was out of the room, Calvin and Rossie met him in the hallway. Calvin handed JD the phone. “I have Brian on the line.”
“Brian, where are my wife and children?”
“Here with me. We are en route to the house.”
“Don’t let them out of your sight Brian.”
“I would die before I let anything happen to your family.”
“I would prefer that not happen.”
“Me too. There are still a lot of ladies that haven’t had a taste of your boy.”
JD smiled, hung up the phone, and gave it back to Calvin. “Do you believe him?”
Calvin nodded, “He’s too cocky not to have something.”
“I’m not giving him the woman.”
“Just make him think you are.” Rossie suggested. “If nothing else it will buy us time.”
JD motioned to the agents in the hallway. “No one in or out of that room and no calls.”
JD pulled out his cell and called Brian back. “Have Tucker call me.” He hung up the phone, “All right. Let’s buy some time.”
♡♡♡♡
Mattie sat in her car wondering what direction to take. Should she play with the devil or trust the system. The revelation, at the staff meeting, was of a sting operation in progress that might take Munford down. If that happens where will that leave her, or her brother. “Damn him.” She screamed. For a brief minute, she thought of using the information to bargain with Munford. Tell him about the take down in exchange for her brother’s record. But if they took Munford out, she and her brother might be in the clear. Making the decision, Mattie started her car and drove off. A goodnight’s sleep and things might look better in the morning.
♡♡♡♡
Munford was at his desk when his secretary knocked. “I’m calling it a night, how about you?”
Glancing at the clock, he smiled. “It’s after eight. Go on home Lily. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight Chief.”
“Night Lily.”
Munford stood to stretch. He walked over to the window and looked out over the city. Night had fallen and the skyline lights streaked the City. He loved the City, from the South of the James River to the North and soon, very soon he would be in control as Mayor. Within the hour, payment from the deal should be deposited and his financial worries would be over.
“Evening Chief.”
Munford swung around with his gun drawn, no one was there. Scanning the room, as he moved around the desk, he saw nothing that would have caused a sound. But he wasn’t crazy, he heard someone call his name. Munford moved back to his desk. He pushed the button that would alert officers that something was wrong. Nothing happened. He pushed the button again.
“Oh, sorry, I cut that off.”
Munford looked up to see a man standing, no, more like reclining against the armoire in his office. The man was at least six-five, dressed in a suit and tie with Italian leather shoes. He held his weapon on the man. “Who in the hell are you?”
“Me? I’ve been given the pleasure of escorting you to the Attorney General’s office. In essence, I’m your babysitter. Would you really shoot me with that? I mean, we just met. I haven’t pissed you off yet.”
Before Munford could respond, the gun was kicked out of his hand and the door to his office swung open. Several men in black suits walked in. They immediately pulled their weapons and pointed at him. “Drop your weapon Sir.” One man shouted.
“What the hell are you doing? This is my office. He is the intruder.” Munford pointed to the man who was now sitting on the sofa near the door.
“Chief Munford, drop your weapon now.” The man repeated the demand.
Munford secured his weapon. “You want to explain why in the hell you have entered my office.”
“Chief Munford, you are being taken into custody. Would you come with us please?”
“Hell no. Not until someone tells me what this is all about.”
“Okay, we tried it your way. I’m giving you the option of walking out with dignity or I will carry you out.”
“Do you know who you are talking to?”
“A dead man if you don’t shut up.” The man took Munford’s arm and began walking towards the door. Munford jerked his arm, but the man did not let go. “Do that again and I don’t care what Harrison say’s I will kill you.”
“Harrison? What does he have to do with this?”
The man did not answer. He turned to the men in the office. “Secure all files and the office.”
As they walked out of the building, there were a few officers on the night shift that stopped and watched as the Chief was escorted out of the building.
Ten minutes later Munford was escorted into the basement of the State Attorney’s building and placed in an interrogation room. On his way, a door in the hallway was open and he could see Jonas Gary sitting at a table inside. The door was closed before an expression could be registered.
Once inside the room Munford continued with the same indignant behavior he’d demonstrated at his office. “I want answers and I want them now. Heads are going to roll for this.”
The man with the deadly eyes was losing his patience when the door opened. “Thank God you are here.” He shook Samuel’s hand. “I swear I was about to kill him.”
“Thank you for the restraint lil brother.” Samuel smiled.
Munford looked between the two men, “Lassiter. I’ll have your ass for this if someone doesn’t tell me what in the hell is going on.”
“I’ll be happy to Chief,” JD said as he walked through the door.
“Harrison, what is the meaning of this?”
“Chief Wilbert T. Munford you are being indicted on several felony charges but my favorite is misconduct of office.”
“Have you lost your damn mind Harrison? You don’t have the authority to remove me from office. What proof do you have?” Munford took steps toward JD. Samuel and Joshua impeded his progress. “I have rights.”
“Can I just shoot him and take him out of his misery?”
Samuel looked at his little brother and shook his head. “No.”
“The yelling is getting on my nerves,” Joshua stated as he leaned against the wall.
JD only shook his head and continued. “Chief Munford, your passport has been revoked, your bank accounts have all been frozen, and you are officially hereby relieved of duty. Against my better judgment when we finish here you will be released on your own recognizance until you are scheduled to appear in court. At this point I suggest you get a good attorney.” The men turned to walk out of the door.
“Harrison, I don’t know what you think you have, but you’d better know what you are doing.”
JD turned and inhaled. “I know exactly what I’m doing Munford. I’m going to let you sit here for a while and think about all that I might be up to.”
Samuel and JD walked out the door leaving Absolute in the room alone with Munford.