“Mrs. Roth, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are here to see the Senator.” The maid indicated.
Lena sat at the table in the kitchen of the mini mansion she lived in with her husband. They would be celebrating their third year of marriage in six months. However, their recent houseguest was putting that in jeopardy. Her step-daughter Carolyn Roth-Roberts had caused havoc in their marriage from the start. But the last year was the worst. First, it was the revelation that John, her husband, knew he was the father of her child before she did. Sounds crazy, but it’s the truth. Over the years, she wondered how different her life and her daughter, Tracy’s, lives would have been if she had known that, a one night stand with a young Senator John Roth had resulted in a child. Would she have married Billy Washington, the man she thought was Tracy’s father? Would her daughter Joan still be alive, since she technically died at his hands? Would her son Turk have turned to the streets when he could no longer deal with the drama at home? The answers to those questions would never be known, but she was not one to dwell on the past. She lived her life to the fullest and she made no excuses for that. However, she was concerned about the effect all of this was having on Tracy. She hadn’t been the best mother in the world and she had her reasons for that. Now, all she only wanted was to help Tracy as much as she could from this point on. “Thank you. Would you show them back here?”
At fifty eight, Lena Roth could easily pass for a forty-five. She was an attractive slim woman that still turned heads when she stepped out. Having to deal with Carolyn in her house might change that.
“Hello mother.”
Lena turned to see her daughter and her daughter’s husband walking into the kitchen. She and JD might have their differences, but there was one thing for certain, he made Tracy happy. “Hello Tracy. You are absolutely glowing. Hello JD.”
If she and her mother had a different type of relationship, she would tell her the glow was the result of several hours of good loving from her husband. However, they were not the normal mother and daughter team. Lena had her life and Tracy had hers. Until a few years ago, Tracy did not have a relationship with her mother. Once Tracy was married, they made more of an effort to build a plausible relationship. Then last year with the revelation that Senator Roth was her father and her mother had not known it, things had become somewhat strained again. “Thank you.” She placed her purse on the table.
JD walked up behind her and placed his hand around her waist. “Hello Lena. We’re here to see how Carolyn is doing.”
Lena never moved from her seat at the table as she replied. “She is upstairs in her old room being catered to by her father. Some things never change.” She picked up her cup and sipped her coffee. “How are the babies Tracy?”
“They’re fine. Thank you for asking.”
She looked past the couple to see Brian, who she knew was security and another woman standing behind them. “Traveling with security?” she questioned.
“There are some things going on,” JD stated.
“I see. Is my daughter safe around you?”
“She’s safer around me then she ever was with you.”
“That’s enough you two,” Tracy scolded. “Mother this is Ryan Williams my personal security agent. Ryan my mother Lena Washing---- I’m sorry Roth.”
“Mrs. Roth,” Ryan spoke.
Lena nodded. “Brian I see you are still sniffing around.”
“Good to see you too Mrs. Roth.”
“This is going to be a family discussion and I don’t think anyone will harm them in this house. So you two can leave.”
“They’re staying.” JD responded. “Where’s the Senator?”
“Right behind you.” John said as he extended his hand. “Hey JD, Tracy. Are you two straight?” he asked referring to the incident of the night before.
The two smiled at each other thinking about the activities of the night before. “We’re good.” JD replied as he kissed his wife’s temple.
“How’s Carolyn?” Tracy asked.
“I’ve seen her better, but she looks good. She’ll be down in a few minutes. I called Gavin. He’s cutting the trip short and is on his way home. JD he said something about needing a secure area to talk to you. The library is secure.” JD nodded as John looked at Tracy. “Thank you for all you did yesterday. It may have been the intervention we needed to get her life back on track.”
Tracy wasn’t sure where her feelings were with him, so she simply nodded and turned to JD. “We’ve decided to follow Carolyn’s lead on this situation.”
“What about you. Are you able to move forward?”
Looking back at the Senator, she replied. “I am. My only question is will Carolyn be ready for a press conference in three days.”
“I’ll be ready.”
Everyone turned and looked at the doorway. Carolyn looked around the room at the people her father had lectured her about the night before. It was the first time in her life her father threatened to disown her completely. “You are walking around as if some did something to you when in all actuality you have been ridiculing everyone that gets in the way of what you want.” He walked over to the window in her old bedroom and looked out over the gardens below. “The blame for your behavior to your husband and Tracy is not completely your fault. Lord knows I spoiled you rotten. And until now, I could forgive you anything. But now,” he turned to face her, “you have shown me just how much like your mother you are. I didn’t like the selfishness and total disregard for her husband she portrayed and I don’t like it in you.” He walked over to the door then opened it to walk out. Without turning around he said, “Gavin is a good man. He loves you. Don’t cause his love for you to dissipate like your mother did with me. Tracy did you a huge favor with her little innocent intervention. You could learn a lot from your little sister.”
Looking around the room, the memory of her father’s words haunted her. She never wanted to be like her mother. With all that she had accomplished with her life, Carolyn finally understood, she would never earn her mother’s love. Hell, Tracy cared more for her in that one day, then her mother had all of her life. Tracy. It seemed all of her woes centered around her non-acceptance of this woman that was now her little sister. She exhaled. Once Gavin told her “you can’t continue to live life the same way and expect a different outcome.” Maybe a change was due. She pushed her hair back from her face and nervously smoothed down her skirt. It’s time to change her life.
Carolyn was not quite her well put together self, but it was a hundred percent better than how she looked yesterday. “Damn, you clean up pretty good.” Ryan smirked.
Tracy turned and frowned at her. Ryan raised an eyebrow and shrugged her shoulders. Brian cleared his throat. “We will be doing surveillance on the outside. Let’s go Ryan.”
“Is that the beast that struck me?”
“That’s the person that helped us subdue you, yes,” Tracy replied. “But she is right, you do look nice.”
Carolyn smirked. “I have you beat even on my worst days.”
Tracy smiled, “It’s good to have you back Carolyn.”
“Why don’t we take this to the family room where everyone can take a seat and be comfortable,” Lena suggested walking out of the room not waiting for anyone to reply.
As they all gathered, and received refreshments, Lena looked around to see who would get the ball rolling. Since no one started, she did. “I understand there is to be a press conference JD. Who do you want involved and to what extent?”
“Before we start there, I think there are some things that need to be said,” Carolyn stood. “Daddy, I owe you an apology for my behavior. I am sorry for the worry I caused you over the last year. I am not sorry for the things I said for it was what I felt. Tracy in my heart I know this was not your doing. You are as much of a victim as I am in all of this, but I’m used to taking my frustrations out on you so that probably will not change. JD, well I’m still pissed at you. Lena, I don’t like you and I probably never will.” She stopped and exhaled, “I feel so much better.”
“I’m not very fond of you either my dear. However, I do love your father and will make an attempt to put up with you. But don’t push your luck.”
Tracy ducked her head trying to suppress a laugh, while JD cleared his throat. “Well, Carolyn, I’m not clear at this time why you are pissed with me, however, it’s not important. If you stay out of my marriage, we can survive.”
“Look, I realize we will never be this one big happy family, but all I’m asking is that we do nothing that could be detrimental to any other person.” Senator Roth stated. “If we start there, I think the rest may be a little easier.”
“I agree,” Gavin said as he walked through the doorway.
“Gavin,” Carolyn stood and went directly into her husband’s arms.
“What happened to your face?” he asked as he kissed his wife.
“Tracy did it.”
Gavin looked over at Tracy and frowned, “Tracy?”
“I did not hit her Gavin, but I did have someone else subdue her.”
The question was still very evident on Gavin’s face as JD stood and shook his hand, “Welcome home,” he joked.
“Thank you, I think,” he frowned and looked down at Carolyn. “Anyone wants to tell me what’s going on?”
JD and Senator Roth both exclaimed, “Don’t ask,” and laughed.
The tension in the room seemed to diminish a little. “Here’s where we are now,” Senator Roth began. “JD has made a decision to run for Governor. We believe it should be our camp that releases the information regarding my relationship to Tracy.”
Gavin looked at JD. “I agree with both decisions. You know you have whatever support I can give. When is the press conference?”
“Three days from now,” JD replied.
“If Carolyn is okay with that,” Tracy added.
Carolyn looked up at the woman she was supposed to despise, but she was slowly creeping up on her. It was hard not to appreciate what Tracy tried to do to help her yesterday. If they had any type of a decent relationship, she would be patting her on the back, laughing at the way Tracy pulled her out of her house, although she did not appreciate the bruise on her face. “There is no way I’m going out in public with my face like this.”
“You can hardly see the bruise and in three days it will be nothing. Now that the decision is made we need to move forward,” JD asserted.
Tracy touched his arm. “It’s really Carolyn’s decision if she is comfortable enough to stand in front of the camera. Actually,” she looked at JD, “I’m not comfortable with the press, I could use the extra days to prepare.”
JD looked at his wife’s twinkling eyes and knew what she was up to. He reached out and rubbed her shoulder, “Okay babe we can move out a week if you need. We’ll get Pearl to work with you again.”
Carolyn, who was sitting wrapped in Gavin’s arms in the chair, sat up. Tracy was not going to have the opportunity to outdo her. “I can be ready in three days. Go ahead and schedule it for noon.”
“I don’t know Carolyn. It may be better if we wait,” JD insisted.
“Go ahead and schedule it JD. Carolyn will be ready and she’ll do us proud.” Gavin smiled down at his wife, then looked up at JD. Lena laughed and shook her head. Tracy won that round.
“All right I have my people working on the speech. I’ll make the announcement, but all of you need to be ready for questions from the press. Senator Roth looked at his daughter. “Carolyn there can be nothing negative said even if questions come up regarding your past relationship with JD. JD you are going to be hit with the questions regarding your sleeping with sisters. I hope you are ready.”
“I’ll handle it. What about you babe? Are you going to be able to handle those questions?”
“It happened prior to us meeting. I didn’t know either of you during that time and I certainly did not know Carolyn was my sister. So frankly, I have no thoughts on the matter. However, if it was happening now, I might have a thing or two to say.”
“Just know they are going to dig deeper. We are all going to have to monitor our responses.” Gavin stated.
“It may be a good idea for Tracy and I to make a statement showing some sort of unity prior to the conference ending. It may eliminate some uncomfortable questions.” Carolyn sat up, “In fact, we probably should make it a point to do some appearances together.”
JD and Lena looked at Carolyn wondering what she was up to. “I don’t know if we should push the issue,” Lena stated.
“I don’t recall anyone asking you,” Carolyn replied.
“No one asked me to whip your ass either but I’ll be happy to do it.” Lena said as she stood.
“Well, okay. This lasted longer than I thought it would.” Gavin stated as he stood. “JD we need to talk. Senator we will leave you with, um… your women.” Gavin smiled. JD looked down at Tracy as he stood. She smiled and he walked off with Gavin.
Senator Roth stood in the middle of the room with Carolyn standing on one side of him and Lena on the other. He looked from one to the other, and then looked at Tracy. His plea for help was answered. “Carolyn may I have a moment of your time?” she asked.
Carolyn reluctantly relinquished her stance by her father and followed Tracy into the foyer.
“I wanted a moment just to make sure you forgive me for what happened. It was my intent to try to help.”
Carolyn waved her hand as if dismissing the statement. She stood with her back to Tracy then turned back. “You are nothing like your mother.”
“I know. She is a beautiful woman. I can only hope I look as good as she does when I get to be her age.”
"No you are not beautiful. You are worse—you are radiant. And it generates from within. Every time you smile all the love that is within you shines. That's what caught JD. The love and passion the two of you share is what will keep him. Don't be foolish and allow this family squabble to come between you. So he didn't tell you about Daddy. He did it to protect you from me."
"Do I need to be protected from you Carolyn?" Tracy asked.
"Hell yes! You still do need to be protected from me and others just like me. What you don't get is, in this political environment, we will do anything to get into power. In JD's case, he used this cover up to protect you, not to gain power. He scored on two fronts. He saved you from my wrath and he will gain the respect and admiration from thousands of women voters that are in awe of the man who loves his wife and openly shows it." She looked at the woman who took her dreams away. "Take this as the only sisterly advice you will ever get from me. Give JD a pass on this one--he deserves it. Then take the time to work with Pearl Lassiter to get you ready for this campaign. And whatever you do, don’t show any fear. The moment the press senses that you are afraid of them, they will come after you like rabid animals." She hesitated, “Look, you and I will never be sister or friends. So let’s acknowledge that up front. With that on the table, there are a few ground rules. Neither of us will do anything that will hamper our husbands campaigns. And no more taking me out of my home against my will.”
“Okay,” Tracy nodded. “As for you, no more drinking and I mean not even a glass of wine. And no more pictures.”
“I’m done with the drinking. I’m too good looking to be a drunk. And don’t know anything about any pictures so I can’t agree on that.”
Tracy narrowed her eyes at Carolyn. “You haven’t been sending me pictures of JD and his political advisor?”
Carolyn frowned and shook her head, “No.” She watched the look of disbelief and confusion showed on Tracy’s face. “How are you getting these pictures?”
“Through my work email.”
“That could be a problem if they get into the wrong hands. Have you asked JD about them?”
“No, because I thought they were coming from you and I didn’t want to add fuel to the fire.”
“Who is his advisor?” Carolyn asked.
“Mattie something or other.”
“Madison Gresham?”
“Yes, that’s it. Do you know her?”
Carolyn exhaled, “Yes, I know her. Here’s a word of caution. Keep an eye on her. JD is a sucker for women in distress. And from what I understand she’s going through some things with her brother.”
“How is having an affair with my husband going to help with her brother?”
With a wave of her hand, she dismissed Tracy’s question. “JD is not going to have an affair with anyone. So let that go. But there are going to be women all over him and you might as well get used to it. He is tall, dark, and handsome, and has power to boot. Women are going to come out of the woodworks after him. I know, I was one of them. The only thing you can do on that front is to believe and trust in your man.”
Tracy smiled at the woman who had been a thorn in her side longer than she could say. “Don’t go getting all mushy on me. This advice is a onetime thing. After the campaign, the gloves go back on.”
♡♡♡♡
Gavin and JD sat in the library on a conference call with the US Attorney General’s Office. “The President believes Absolute would be helpful in your investigation of Munford. Apparently, he has a connection to Munford and some weapons flowing through Virginia. He could follow the weapons to ensure they never reach the intended target. He’s in your area and will make contact,” the US Attorney General stated. JD knew Absolute was a code name for Joshua Lassiter, a CIA operative and Samuel’s brother. Where there was Absolute, there were dead bodies. “In the meantime, you have to get the evidence needed to remove Munford from office, by any means necessary. I’ve received the package from your office and this is going to cause issues with a number of cases. However, that cannot deter us from the mission. If this man has elevated to moving weapons, I want him out instantaneously.”
“There may be someone that could expedite Munford’s removal, but we may have to make an offer,” Gavin stated.
“Is it someone we have in custody and what kind of offer are we talking about?”
Gavin hesitated and looked up at JD who sat in the chair in front of the desk. “Mr. Attorney General a few years back I prosecuted a young man and placed him in federal prison under an assumed name.”
“Your brother-in-law, Al Day.”
“Yes. The reason it was handled that way was because of some information he gave me. The information was what initiated the investigation on Munford. I believe he knows more, but is not the type of person to turn on anyone.”
“But he gave you this information?”
“Yes, but at the time he used it for leverage to get protection for his sister, who is now my wife.”
“Mr. Attorney General, I believe Day will give this information to JD in his own time.” Gavin interrupted, “However, if we could make it worth his while to give it to us now, it would go a long way at getting Munford out of office.”
“We are trading one criminal for another. Which is more dangerous to society on a whole?”
“We’ll defer to your judgment on that. I’ll have JD prepare and send you a proposal to your office. Your decision will be final.”
“Fair enough. Harrison, this is going to make your campaign vulnerable. If we take Munford down, it will result in some convictions being over turned and it could be looked at as you’re being soft on crime. If we make an offer to get your brother-in-law an early release or pardon, it’s going to be looked at as you’re being soft on crime. I hope your campaign can take this kind of hit and still win. If not, the President is not going to be happy.”
“I’m sure the President wants the public servant that is abusing his position removed regardless of the impact on my campaign.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. The President is very aware of who you are and what you mean to the future of this party. He will care, so much so that, as soon as I receive your proposal, in the next forty-eight hours, I’m taking it to him for approval before we proceed. If there is nothing else gentlemen, I’ll take my leave. Good job, Harrison, Gavin.”
When the call was disconnected, the two sat there for a moment taking in all that had transpired. “Can you pull it together in 48 hours?
“I don’t have a choice. I’ll start on it right away.”
“Have someone in your office handle it. You have a press conference, or have you forgotten.”
“Not at all, but for once, I’m not the person on the hot seat.”
“You didn’t mention Al gave you information on me too.” Gavin stated as he looked at JD.
“That was irrelevant.” The two stared at each other. “You gave Al a way to be released early. Did you do that for me or Tracy?”
“Both.” He exhaled, then smiled, “Do you realize, we are brothers-in-law?”
“Interesting, isn’t it? How do we help our wives through this?” JD asked.
Shaking his head, Gavin simply said, “I don’t know. But, I’m buying a hard hat for protection. And suggest you do the same.” The two men laughed.
♡♡♡♡
Brian turned as he heard the door behind him open. Tracy stepped out closing her jacket around her body. The March wind was still a little chilly. He smiled knowing the conversation must have been a trying affair. “Are we one big happy family now?”
Returning his smile, she exhaled, held her head up to the sky and asked, “Why me?”
Brian laughed.
“It’s not funny,” she pushed him with her elbow then leaned against the car with him.
Ryan, who stood on the other side of the door, shook her head. “Ms. H, you know I have your back. Just give me the word and I’ll take her out.”
“That won’t be necessary Ryan, but thanks for the offer.”
The door opened again. JD walked out and put his arms around Tracy. “We ready to go home?”
“Definitely, “she replied as she circled his waist and kissed his cheek. “How was the meeting?”
He would give anything to be free to tell her about the conversation with the AG, but doing so might get her hopes up. So, he smiled and hugged her. “It was a good meeting. I’m going to be busy for the next few days and you may have to handle things for me with the press conference. Can you handle that?” he asked looking down into her eyes.
“I’ll call Pearl as soon as we get home.”
JD reached around opening the back door to the vehicle and Tracy got in. He looked up at Brian, “Who do we have watching Munford?”
“Williams.”
Nodding his head, JD thought for a moment then replied. “We may need Samuel on Munford things are going to get dangerous.”
Brian opened the front door of the car, then stopped and looked back at JD. “Absolute coming to town?”
“I’m afraid so,” JD replied as he got into the backseat of the car.
“Oh hell. I’ll alert the morgues to make sure they order extra body bags.”
♡♡♡♡
Chief Munford stood in the center of his office in downtown Richmond pacing nervously, waiting for the telephone to ring. He was expecting two calls that would ensure things were in place for his next move. The five hundred thousand in commission was sitting in an undisclosed location waiting to be moved. Payment was contingent on a timely delivery and there was no way, he would allow anything to interfere with collecting that money. The telephone finally rang. “What in the hell took you so long to get back with me?” he angrily barked into the telephone.
“We could spend time discussing that or I can tell you what I have so far. Which do you prefer?”
He hated smart-ass women. Regardless of what you had on them, they always had a lethal mouth, but he knew the remedy. “It better be good or your brother will face twenty years in jail.” The phone line was silent. “I’m waiting.”
“In an hour I’ll be in the house. I’ll take a look around and check out the security layout.”
Munford thought for a moment. “Harrison is not going to have anything lying around. You will have to search the house. Start with his office, then check his bedroom.”
“How do you propose I do that without getting caught?”
“That’s not my problem. I expect a report tonight.” He disconnected the call. Finally, he had access to Harrison’s home. Things were looking up. The next call did not come until a few hours later, but it was just as rewarding. “Talk to me.”
“Delivery arrangements are in place. All we need is your drivers.”
“And payment.”
“Half will be placed in your off-shore account when the keys are picked up. Once you have authorization of the deposit, the road trip will begin. The balance will be deposited upon delivery.”
“Good, good. Make the call.”
“The call will be made when I receive confirmation of a fifty thousand deposit into my account.”
Munford squirmed. Gary had been heading up his operations for a year now. This was the first time he requested payment up front. “The agreement was you get paid when I do.”
“It’s insurance for my legal fund. Besides, my next bit of information will make your day.”
Now, his interest was piqued. “What do you have?”
“Guess who’s’ inside the Harrison house?”
“I don’t have time for guessing games. Who?”
“Donnell Williams’ sister.”
“Ryan? What in the hell is she doing there?”
“Good question, but since you are not into guessing, I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.”
“The fifty thousand will be deposited.”
“Good. Here’s what I think. I don’t see Ryan and Tracy Harrison running in the same social circle. We know Ryan was hanging with Day’s people.”
“She was their go to person until last year.”
“Is it possible they have her watching Day’s sister’s back?”
“With her background, I don’t see Harrison knowingly allowing Ryan in his home.” He nodded. “This could be useful information. See if we have anything outstanding on her. If we do, pull her in. Let’s see what we can find out.”
Munford’s mind began to work overtime as he processed the information he received. Ryan Williams had never been arrested for anything and did not have a record. But she had been suspected in several disappearances of gang members. In fact, she was the lead suspect in a shooting that took place last year at Gavin Roberts’ mistress’ home. He was close to getting what he needed then, but Al Day interfered. That bastard had been a thorn in his side since he was sixteen years old. Munford rubbed his aching knees, remembering the gunshots that caused the injury. “If all goes well, he could eliminate Al Day and Harrison at the same time. Just for the hell of it, he’d throw in Tracy Harrison.”