Brian sat at his desk in the pool house with Donnell trying to figure out why Munford wanted Ryan called in. Nothing they came up with made sense. “Does Munford know Ryan is working for us?” Brian asked as he looked at the computer.
“According to Cole, Gary had been working exclusively for Munford on a number of things. Unfortunately, there are a few others that are under his control. He believes if we could get something on Gary, he would roll on Munford.”
Brian’s cell phone chimed as he asked Donnell, “What do we know about Gary?”
“Not much, he came after I left the force.”
“Thompson,” Brian answered his call.
“We have a situation,” Tucker stated. “We need to meet now.”
Brian stood as he shut his computer down. “Where are you?”
“My place,” Tuck stated and gave his address and hung up the telephone.
Brian looked at the phone. Tucker gave him the address to his house. He looked up at Donnell and shook his head. “Something’s not right. You ride with me.” They both left the office just as Brian’s cell phone chimed again. “Thompson.”
“Boss, Gary is here at the park sitting on the bench with Mrs. H.”
Brian stopped dead in his tracks. “The park by the house?”
“Yeah. You want me to take him out?”
“Where are the children?” Brian asked as he picked up speed walking to the car.
“I have JC—Jasmine is with Tracy.”
“Approach. I’m on my way.”
♡♡♡♡
Tracy was sitting on the bench waiting for Ryan and JC to return from the restroom when a man approached her. “Mrs. Harrison.”
She looked up from feeding Jasmine and smiled. “Yes.”
“You have a beautiful smile.”
“Thank you. Do I know you?”
“No, I’m sure you don’t. I know your brother.”
“You know Turk?” she asked excited to meet someone who knew her brother.
“May I have a seat?”
“Of course you may,” Tracy said as she slid over as the man took a seat.
“Actually I ran into a friend of your brother’s this morning at my house.” There was something in the man’s tone that caused Tracy to now proceed with caution. She looked around, but did not see Ryan and JC. “He took something that belongs to me.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name,” Tracy said as she tightened her hold on Jasmine and prayed the panic did not show on her face.
“That’s because I did not give it,” Officer Gary stated as his smile faded.
Tracy looked around and saw Ryan staring at her talking on the telephone. She stood to place Jasmine in the stroller. “I don’t really know any of my brother’s friends.”
Officer Gary looked up as Ryan approached them.” Before he could stand, the bench was surrounded by Brian, Donnell, and Magna. Because there were other families in the vicinity, they did not pull weapons. But their stance indicated they were ready to take him out if they had to. Ryan took Tracy and the children to the running SUV. Secured them inside and pulled off.
“Officer Gary, we meet again,” Brian stated.
Gary never moved from his position. “It took me a moment to figure out who Donovan Tucker was. Then I had to wonder why he was watching me. Then I remembered, Donovan Tucker was Al Day’s right hand man. If he’s watching me that means he thinks I’m a threat to Tracy Harrison.”
“Are you?”
“Not yet. However, he crossed the line. My possession was taken and I want it returned.”
“I have no idea what you are referring to. If you have an issue with Mr. Tucker, I suggest you take it up with him and stay away from Tracy Harrison or I will have you arrested. I don’t give a damn who you work for.”
Officer Gary stood. “I’ll be granted immunity before you can blink an eye regardless of what I do.”
Brian stepped into Gary’s face, “The woman you sat next to is very dear to me. If anyone thought of harming a hair on her head, they would be dealing with me directly.”
“Be nice Thompson. Your boss may need me soon.” Officer Gary stepped around Brian and walked off.
Brian looked at Donnell. “Stay on him. I want to know where he is every minute of the day. Magna, I want you at the house—seal it. No one in—no one out.” He then pulled out his cell and dialed. “You want to tell me what in the hell is going on?”
Tucker exhaled. “You’ll see when you get here.”
♡♡♡♡
Tracy walked into the house clutching Jasmine to her and with JC’s hand held tightly at her side. Ryan walked in as Tracy took a seat to check her children over once again. “Mrs. Gordon has anyone been to the house?”
“Yes, a police officer stopped by to see Mrs. Harrison. I told him you were in the park. Did he find you?” She asked Tracy.
“Yes, he found us.” Tracy replied as she took the children upstairs.
“Is something wrong,” Mrs. Gordon asked Ryan.
Ryan was busy securing the house. “I’m afraid that wasn’t a friendly officer.”
“Oh my goodness. Did something happen?” Mrs. Gordon asked distraught.
Ryan touched her on the shoulder. “Everything is fine. I think you will need to stay here tonight. Can you do that?”
“Of course I can.”
“Good.” Ryan continued with what she was doing as Mrs. Gordon went upstairs.
Magna walked through the door. “Everyone okay?”
The adrenaline was still rushing through Ryan as she took a seat. “Yes, everyone is okay.”
Magna looked at Ryan. “How did he get that close?”
“I took JC to the restroom.”
“You are not here to babysit. You are here to protect.”
“I know that.”
“Apparently you don’t. Tracy and the baby could be dead right now.”
“Don’t you think I know that? I knew the moment I walked out and saw him on that bench.”
“Are you here to replace me?”
“No. But I’m sure coverage is going to double up on everyone.”
Ryan exhaled then went upstairs to see Tracy. She found her in the master bedroom with both children curled up in the bed. “Mrs. H.”
“Yes Ryan.” Tracy replied without looking away from her children.
“I am so sorry. I should have been there with you.”
“You were helping me Ryan. It wasn’t your fault.”
“Yes it was. My job is to protect you, not help you. I may not return after tonight and I wanted to tell you how much I admire you and your husband.” Ryan turned and walked out of the room.
♡♡♡♡
Brian made it to Tucker’s home in fifteen minutes flat. When he arrived, he had to be buzzed in through a private gate. “I must be in the wrong business.” He said as the gate opened. Pulling into the circular driveway and parked. A man stood at the front door to let him in.
“Mr. Thompson,” the man held out his hand. “Mr. Tucker is waiting for you in his study.”
Brian shook the man’s hand and followed him as he looked around. When he entered the room, he stared at Tucker who stood behind a cherry wood desk. “What in the hell do you do?”
Tucker laughed. “I’m an investment broker, if you must know.”
Brian shook his head as he looked around. “Why?”
“Why do I work for Al? The man has been good to me. I would not be here if it weren’t for him.”
“Damn.” Brian said as he took a seat. “What in the hell have you taken from Gary?”
“His wife.”
Brian’s eyebrows rose. “You took the man’s wife—why?”
“He was beating the crap out of her and I couldn’t sit there and watch it happen.”
“Where is she?”
“Upstairs with my private physician.”
“You have a private physician that makes house calls?”
Tucker laughed and shook his head. “I tell you the man was beating the crap out of his wife, and all you can ask me is about the doc?”
Brian held his hand up. “Man you are catching me off guard. Okay, Okay, you took the man’s wife. He wants’ her back.”
Tucker shook his head, “Nope, he can’t have her back. Any man that puts his hands on or uses his feet to kick a woman deserves a bullet in his head.”
“Is she here on her own will?”
“She is under my protection now.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I didn’t ask her.”
“Are you planning to ask her?”
“No.”
Brian looked at Tucker, who seemed very relaxed as he reclined back in his chair behind the desk, to see if he was serious and decided—he was. “All right man, at the very least, you have to let me see her.”
Tucker thought for a moment, then stood. “I can do that.” Brian followed Tucker out of the room and walked towards the stairs. “No man, this way,” Tucker stated. They walked into what Brian at first thought was a closet, but it turned out to be an elevator. While riding to the third floor Brian could only stare at Tucker in amazement. Tucker leaned against the back panel of the elevator and crossed his legs at the ankle. “Don’t try to figure me out.”
“You are blowing me away here man. All these years you’ve been playing at being a thug.”
“Don’t get it twisted. I am a thug through and through. But, even a thug has to know when to move on. Al and I moved on the day he went in. All we do now is act as peace keepers on the street. Neither of us runs anything anymore. We just keep the peace.”
The elevator door opened and they stepped out on to the third level of the house. “Why keep up the façade?”
“Because your man still needs us in place.” They walked a hallway that resembled the Ritz Carlton in New York, including the plush carpet beneath their feet that felt like you were walking on air. Turning down a corridor, a set of double doors was at the end of the hallway with a man sitting on the outside. “Is the doc still here?” Tucker asked.
“Yes sir,” the man stood and opened the door.
Stepping inside there was a sitting area with a fireplace. Walking through to the next room there was a bed, with beautiful silk linens, and what appeared to be a very small woman in the center, lying under them. A man who, Brian assumed, was the doctor came out of the bathroom with a glass of water in his hand. “How’s our patient doc?” Tucker asked.
“Badly bruised, but she will be fine.” The man replied.
The woman remained on her side looking out of the windows that overlooked the garden and pasture in the distance. Tucker walked over to the other side of the bed and sat down next to her. “Juliana someone is here to see you. His name is Brian Thompson and he is an FBI agent. He needs to make sure you are safe. Will you speak with him?”
Brian was amazed at the softness in Tucker’s voice that he would have never associated with the man. Tucker stood and nodded at Brian to come forward. As Tucker walked by, Brian could only stare at the man in amazement. Tucker shook his head and stepped to the side.
Brian looked down at the woman and knew instantly why Tucker had taken her. Even with the bruise on her face, it was clear she was a vision. Brian inhaled then spoke. “Mrs. Gary, I’ve spoken to your husband. He has asked that Mr. Tucker return you. Do you want to go home?”
“Yes,” Juliana replied.
Brian looked at Tucker who had not changed his stance and remained expressionless at her response. Brian turned back to her. “Would you like for me to take you to your husband?”
“He’s not my husband.”
A frown formed on Brian’s face and Tucker took a step closer to the end of the bed. “Jonas Gary is not your husband?” Brian asked for clarification.
“No. He took me from my home on my eighteenth birthday.” For the first time her eyes moved from the window to Brian’s face. “I want to go home.”
“Where is home Juliana?” Tucker asked.
She looked over at him and a faint smile creased her lips. “Your mother isn’t moving into the neighborhood, is she?”
Tucker returned the smile and shook his head. “No she isn’t.”
The two continued to stare at each other. “You were there for Jonas?”
“We think your” he paused, “we think Jonas is into something pretty bad and I was watching your house.”
“If you arrest Jonas, where will I go?”
“You can stay here until you are ready to go home.”
She turned back to the window. “My parents think I’m dead.”
Brian looked at Tucker, then back to Juliana. “How long have you been gone?”
“Ten years this May.”
“Where are you from Juliana?”
“My name is Juliana Maria St.Clair from Spokane, Washington. I’m the only child of Julian and Maria St.Clair.”
“Would you like for me to contact your parents?” Brian asked.
Tears streamed down the woman’s face. “They may not remember me now.”
Tucker walked over and sat down on the bed. “Juliana, look at me,” he quietly demanded. When the woman complied, he tilted his head and gave her a comforting smile. “Your family will be very happy to know you are alive and well. Trust me.”
The woman eyes never left his. “Men keep taking me. First, Jonas and now you.”
Tucker jaw clenched. “Do you think I would hurt you like Jonas?”
“I don’t know,” she replied and looked away.
Tucker stood and looked at Brian. “Juliana, you will be safe here with Tucker until we contact your family. I’ll come back as soon as I locate them.”
The doctor stepped forward. “It’s important that she rest for a while. You can question her more later.”
Tucker nodded and as the doctor walked around the bed to give her a pill, they stepped out of the room. “Now we know why he wanted her back.” Brian stated. He looked at Tucker. “Can you handle this?”
“I’ll find her parents. But I can’t promise I’ll let her go.”
“Gary took her from her home, abused her, and caged her in. Now, I’m no expert, but, I believe if you help her find her way home, then let her go. When she returns, she will always be yours.” He shrugged his shoulders, “I’m just saying.”
Tucker stared at Brian. “That’s deep for a brother that doesn’t have a woman.”
“Who said I don’t have a woman. I have plenty of women.”
Tucker frowned at him and began walking back towards the elevator. “You’re a little touchy on that subject aren’t you?”
♡♡♡♡
The moment he pulled into the driveway and entered the garage, JD knew something was off. The door closed as Samuel parked outside in the driveway. He walked into the side door of the garage with his weapon pulled. “Stay here for a moment.” Walking over to the door leading into the kitchen he could see Magna leaning against the counter drinking a cup of coffee and Ryan pacing back and forth. He put the weapon away and motioned for JD to get out of the car. “Hmm, I’m not sure we want to go in right now.”
Closing the car door JD walked over, opened the door, and walked in. Everyone stopped and stared up at him. The scene would have been funny if everyone didn’t look so serious. “Good evening everyone,” he said as he placed his keys on the tray. No one replied. JD looked back at Samuel, who shrugged his shoulders. “Did someone get kidnapped today?” He asked with a chuckle. The smile quickly disappeared as he dropped his briefcase and walked briskly by them. “Where are Tracy and the children?” He asked, not really waiting for an answer.
“They’re upstairs Mr. H.” Ryan replied.
Taking the steps, two at a time JD reached the hallway to find Tracy wrapped in Brian’s arms, crying. The sight of Tracy in another man’s arms would have bothered him, if it was anyone but Brian. “What’s going on?”
Tracy turned to see Jeffrey on the steps. She pulled away from Brian, ran over to him throwing her arms around his neck, and cried into the crook of his neck. “Shh babe,” he said as he kissed her cheek and held her close. Looking over his shoulder at Brian, he silently questioned what was happening.
Brian lowered his head. “We’ll talk once you two have a moment.” He walked by them and went downstairs. It had been a long trying day and Brian knew the night was going to be even longer as he walked down the stairs into the kitchen. He stood in the doorway with his arms across his chest and just stared at Ryan. Every instinct in his body wanted to shout and fire her on the spot, but he’d just promised Tracy that he wouldn’t do that.
“Boss, look,” Ryan started.
Brian held up his hand, “Don’t.” he stated then looked at Samuel. “Where are you tonight?”
“I take it, not at home with my wife.”
“No. I need Absolute on Officer Gary like yesterday. If he makes one wrong move, take him out.” Samuel stepped back into the garage to make his call.
Magna placed her cup in the sink. “My vote is she stays.”
“I don’t recall asking,” Brian stated as he stared her down.
Picking up her jacket, Magna smiled. “I know you didn’t. But I want you to remember she saved Cynthia and Samuel’s ass more than once. That coupled with the fact that she can break a piece off in your ass like that.” She snapped her fingers, kissed his cheek, and walked over to Ryan. “Let him have his say. He has to feel like he is in control.”
“I’m standing right here,” Brian said.
Magna turned, smiled, and said, “I know.” She then walked out of the door.
At the sound of the door closing, Ryan looked over at the man that held her fate in his hands. She knew if he told JD that she was staying, that would be that. But if she did not have his support, her short stint on the good side may be over.
Brian was furious that she had allowed someone to get that close to Tracy, but he knew this was a mistake that rookies make. They get too close to their client. Hell, he was too close. Knowing the kind of man he was dealing with now made this situation more dangerous than he had previously thought. Jonas Gary wasn’t just a police officer. He was a dirty cop with violent tendencies. Tracy could be dead. Just the thought still brought chills to his spine. When he was upstairs, holding her was as much of a comfort for him as he hoped it was for her. Now he had to ensure that her life was not put in danger again. He spoke quietly, doing all that was in his power not to let his temper explode. “It is not your job to do Tracy’s bidding. You do not assist in kidnapping her sister, or help her with the children. Your job is to detect and deter danger. Nothing comes before her life, not her feelings, not her happiness, not her sadness. I know how hard it is to put those things aside with a person like Tracy. But it is imperative that we do to save her life. You are new at this and it is hard to separate the personal from the business, but you have to find a way to put what is best for the client first.” He relaxed his stance and put his hands in his pockets. “JD is going to want me to relieve you from Tracy’s detail. I won’t do that because I believe in you. I believe that you can do this job and be good at it. You have thirty days to prove I’m not wrong. You are dismissed.”
Ryan was not an emotional person. Being raised with males taught her to hide her emotions, but this was one time she had to let them show. This man believed in her and she appreciated him telling her so. She walked over, kissed his cheek, and left out the patio door.
He waited until she was gone before he touched his cheek. In his mind, Tucker’s words came back to him. He had women. He just held Tracy in his arms, then was kissed by Magna and Ryan. But none of those women were his. The idea of having someone to call his own had played havoc on his mind for a while now. Especially since all his boys were now settled down. At the moment, he had to get this situation under control. Something was about to hop off. He could feel it in his soul. It was his job to make sure, JD and his family came out of it alive. Samuel walked back into the house. “Anything on Absolute?”
“Yeah, but you are not going to like it.”
“Gary is already a person of interest with the weapons distribution. He is the one making the arrangements, not Munford. Unless JD has more, we can’t get Munford on the weapons.”
“Things got a little more complicated today.”
“How so?”
“There is an issue with Officer Gary.”
“Brian what in the hell happened today,” JD yelled. “Is this the same man that was watching my house? And how in the hell did he get that close to Tracy and my children?”
Both men turned to see JD standing near the stairs with a diaper and Jasmine across his shoulder burping her. The anger in his face and the way he was holding his daughter was a direct contrast to each other. But that was the nature of the man, he could be warm, loving, understanding, but then that, temper could explode with no notice. “JD,” Brian began, “there were one or two issues today.”
“No shit!” JD exclaimed as the door bell sounded.
He turned towards the door as Samuel looked at Brian and smirked, “Saved by the bell.”
“Ha, Ha,” Brian said exasperated.
“Laugh if you want to, but you are the one about to get your ass chewed out.”
“Hey Brian, Samuel,” Calvin called from the doorway. “What’s up?”
Brian walked over and gave Calvin a pound and shoulder bump. “We need to talk,” he whispered.
Calvin nodded, “Alright man.”
“Calvin, introduce Rossie and show him around while I put Jazzy to bed,” JD stated as he started up the steps. He looked over at Brian, “We are not done.”
“I’ll be here,” Brian stated.
Calvin looked at JD’s retreating back then to Brian. “What’s up?”
“Let’s go in the office.”
The men piled into JD’s office as Calvin introduced Rossie. Once seated, Brian began to fill Calvin in on the events of the day. JD walked in and took a seat behind his desk as they talked.
“Based on all that was said, it’s clear that Jonas Gary is the point man. Can we get him to turn?” JD asked clearly with an edge to his voice.
“Possibly,” Brian replied.
“Possibly, what the hell does that mean Brian.”
“Just what the hell I said, possibly.” He stared pointedly at JD. “There’s another piece to this. Tucker took who we thought was Gary’s wife. Gary’s purpose of contacting Tracy was not for Munford’s benefit, but his own. He wanted his wife back.”
JD sat up a little calmer. “Can we do an exchange?’
“That would be reasonable except, she’s not his wife. Turns out, he kidnapped her ten years ago and to complicate things more, Tucker is refusing to give her back.”
“Donovan Tucker? Al’s man?” JD asked.
“Yes and no. It seems Tucker and Al both left the business. When Al went in, he cut all ties with the gang. Their only connection is as peace keepers.”
JD, Calvin, and Rossie all looked at each other. That information was going to make their task a lot easier to accomplish. “If that’s true, making an argument for his release will be easier if he actually has something to take Munford down. That’s the piece we don’t know Mr. H. We don’t know if what Al has will put Munford away. We are only assuming.”
“Synopsis Calvin,” JD asked.
Calvin shook his head, “Man there are too many pieces going on here. The key is Al. What does he have on Munford? We know we can’t take him down on the weapons charge unless Jonas Gary is willing to turn on him. We have a number of cases leading to him on corruption. Without a credible witness, none of them will stick. Munford has a ring of gangs working at his disposal. The only one that has no ties with him is Day’s people. Why?”
“Al has got to have something on him.” JD stated as he sat back thinking. “Munford likes control. He is not the type to let even an ounce of it get away. How did Al manage it?” He looked around the room. “Brian we have to prepare this proposal for the US Attorney General by Wednesday. Is it possible to check out Tucker’s story before then? If Al is really out, he may be willing to turn on Munford. As a back up, get all we can on Officer Gary. If he did kidnap this woman, let’s get her back to her family. We could offer him immunity in exchange for what he has on Munford.”
“I’ll check further into it and let you know,” Brian replied.
“You know,” Samuel spoke. “Munford has been known to act foolishly when he is cornered. Remember last year at the church.” He looked at JD.
Calvin nodded, “That was a stupid move. He had to take a step back and regroup.”
“That’s right,” Samuel agreed. “What do you think he would do if he knew you were coming after him?”
“You mean leak it to him?” JD asked.
“No. I mean make a public statement regarding the investigation.”
Calvin sat forward, “That could be dangerous. Besides, we don’t have enough to put him away.”
“That’s true, but we do have enough to show abuse of office,” Rossie offered.
“The dangerous part concerns me especially after today’s events,” JD looked at Brian.
All eyes went to Brian. “We can handle it.”
The events of the day were still not clear to JD. The only thing he knew was that a man who was a threat to his wife and children had gotten too close for comfort. However, he believed in Brian and knew he would do all he could to protect his family. “Alright. We will work on the proposal. Afterwards you and I will have a sit down.” He said to Brian.
♡♡♡♡
Tracy stretched as the smell of coffee invaded her senses. Reaching over, the area where Jeffrey slept was empty, but still warm. She sat up quickly, hoping he hadn’t left yet, to see him sitting by the door dressed in his shirt and tie.
“Good morning beautiful,” he smiled.
Returning the smile, but seeing Jeffrey sitting near the door dressed, gave her a sinking feeling; she threw back the comforter to get up.
“Stay there,” he said as he walked over to her side of the bed. He stacked the pillows behind her and positioned his arms on the bed on both sides of her. He smiled at her tousled hair and sleepy eyes. “Mrs. Gordon is downstairs with JC. We had breakfast together and I discussed some things with her. When Carolyn told you about your father, I made you a promise that I would not keep anything from you. However, as Attorney General there are things I will not be able to share, even with you.”
“What’s wrong Jeffrey,” Tracy fretted.
He rubbed her arms to ease her concern. “The office is involved in an investigation that may be a little dangerous. The person of interest is someone that is not necessarily fond of your brother or me. I’m afraid they may target you and the children to get information. I’m not sure why he has such an urge to find Turk. As for me, it’s my job to bring him down.”
“Okay,” Tracy mused. “Is that why the man approached me?”
“Yes, and until things calm down, I need you to stay close to home. Brian will be here with you. I explained the situation to Mrs. Gordon and she understands she has to live here until this is over. She said that she has no intention of quitting.”
“What about you?”
“I’m not quitting either,” he smiled to lighten the conversation.
She touched his cheek with her fingers, “I know you’re not. Where are you going to be?”
“I’ll be at work and Samuel will be with me.” The look of concern clouded her eyes. Pulling her into his arms, he tried to calm her fears, “I will not allow anything to happen to you or the children.”
“I know, but I’m worried about you.”
He kissed the top of her ear as his hand smoothly caressed her back, “I’ll be fine.” He pulled back because his body was doing what it always did when he held her, reacting. “There’s more. James called this morning. Immediately after the press conference with Senator Roth, he wants to jump into fund raising. The DNC wants to hold a primary fund raiser next weekend. A meeting with you and some of the wives of major contributors is also scheduled for Saturday. I’ve asked Mattie to be there and help in anyway she can. Only do what you are comfortable with, nothing more. I have all the confidence in the world in you. Remember, for awhile, no going out of the house without protection.”
“I’ll remember.” Tracy lay back on the pillows and sighed. “Running for Governor is going to be different; you know that as well as I. Raising money is going to be a priority. Women play a major role there, you are going to need me, whether I want to or not.”
JD smiled at the look on his wife’s face. “Tracy, I need you beside me in whatever capacity you are comfortable with.”
Sitting back thoughtfully, Tracy considered all Jeffrey had told her. “Who is the person that wants you and Turk and why?” She asked with her eyes looking down at her hands that she was rubbing together.
JD recognized the nervous reaction and covered her hands with his. With his thumb he lifted, her chin until her eyes were looking directly at him. “This is one of those things I can’t tell you.”
“Is this also why you won’t tell me where Turk is?”
“Yes. All of that is my job to worry about, not yours.” He kissed her. “I have to go. I’ll call you later.”
♡♡♡♡
The next twenty-four hours were a blur. JD submitted the proposal to the Attorney General along with the plan on how they wanted to take Munford down. Brian had checked into Tucker’s claim to be clean and found it was true. He also acquired Douglas’ help with Juliana St. Clair. Tucker allowed Karen Holt, who had been through a similar situation to come and talk with Juliana. They also located the woman’s parents, but did not make contact.
The press conference went off without a hitch mainly due to Carolyn and Tracy. The two women answered every question that was hurled at them without hesitation. They had the press eating out of their hands. Now it was a matter of dealing with the backlash of the announcement.
Thursday morning Chief Munford sat in his office enjoying the article in the paper regarding JD Harrison’s wife. “I guess his image isn’t as squeaky clean as we first thought.”
“Don’t fool yourself,” Jonas said. “Harrison is still and will always be very popular. It is hard to discredit his public image. Even this announcement earned him sympathy, especially with women voters.”
Munford looked over the top of the paper. “Aren’t you a ray of sunshine this morning? Is everything set for tonight?”
“It’s set,” Jonas shook his head. “You should put it off.”
“For what reason? Something happening I don’t know about?”
Jonas did not intend to tell Munford about the situation with his wife. Nor did he plan on going to jail because of Munford’s greed. “Just a feeling.”
“My decisions are not based on your feelings. You’ll feel a lot better once you receive your part of the payment.”
“Has it ever crossed your mind that those weapons will be used against us?”
“You’re growing a conscience now?” He put the paper down on the desk and glared at Jonas. “These weapons are moving out of the state. Does that ease your mind?”
“The money in my account eases my mind,” Jonas replied and stood. “I’m out. The trucks are in place. All they have to do is drive away,” he chuckled.
“Good. That money will finance my Mayoral campaign.” He looked sideways at Jonas and smiled. “It’s getting so close now, I can smell it. The only thing standing in my way is Al Day. Have you gotten a way into Harrison’s house?”
“I’ve been keeping an eye on Ryan Williams. She’s working as security at the house. I’ll push a little harder. Maybe she will turn.”
“You do that. In the mean time I’ll work my end.”
♡♡♡♡
The fallout from the press conference wasn’t devastating, but it stung. Mattie thought as she read the newspaper articles on line. Now she was checking the blogs to see how the news coverage played out on the internet. So far, there was only one reporter that may have to be called in—Chris Piozzi’s blog was a little rough. It read;
“Well, it seems our illustrious Attorney General believes in keeping things
in the family. We all remember a few years ago when J.D. Harrison and
Carolyn Roth were a hot item around town. That is until the beautiful,
inside and out, Tracy Washington-Harrison came out of nowhere and snagged
the ever so popular Harrison from the ranks of the free and single. Well,
she didn’t appear out of nowhere after all. Tracy Washington-Harrison is
the daughter of the one and only Senator John Roth. That’s right folks that
makes Tracy Washington-Harrison, our very own First Lady’s half sister.
Now is that a hoot or what? We saw the interaction between the two
earlier this week. I wonder if they compared notes.
She exhaled. She wouldn’t worry about this one article, but if he posts another with the same tone, action would need to be taken. Her cell phone rung and she answered without checking the number. “I want information on the layout of Harrison’s home now. What do you have?”
Mattie would give anything not to help this man with whatever he had in mind for JD. But her brother’s future and freedom were riding on her. How many times had she told him about getting high? Eventually he was bound to be caught holding. It was just her luck he was caught by a dirty cop who knew his connection to her. Now Munford was using her to get information on JD Harrison. When she went after this assignment at Munford’s insistence, she was only here to get what she could to have her brother’s record cleared. Now, she actually liked what JD stood for. She wanted this man to win, if for no other reason than to get men like Munford off the streets and locked up like they should be. “I’ve only been in the house once. What do you want from me?”
“See Madeline, it’s not what I want from you. It’s what your brother needs from you. What do you have?”
“Alright. The master bedroom is on the second floor on the north back side of the house. There is a master closet, but I did not see a safe of any kind. I never had the opportunity to go into the office.”
“That wasn’t so hard Mattie. Now, you will get into his office.”
“There is no valid reason for me to be at his house.”
“Find one and do it soon. The DA is pushing for a court date for your brother.” The called ended.
Mattie looked at the phone and was about to throw it against the wall when James walked in. “Hey Mattie, you have a minute?”
“Sure,” she smiled. “What do you need?”
♡♡♡♡
“Mr. Attorney General, the Governor is on line one,” Mrs. Langston stated.
“Thank you,” JD replied and picked up the phone. “Hello Gavin.”
“JD, the proposal was accepted. You have the okay from the Attorney General to approach Day and take down Munford.”
JD exhaled and dropped his head. “This is going to be a bumpy ride. Are you ready?”
“You have my unwavering support. Take him down.”
JD hung up the telephone and hesitated, then placed a call to Calvin. “We’re on. My place tonight.” He then called Brian to gather the best security available. This meeting was to ensure the security of his family. Munford was going to attack anyone close to JD when he went down. They had to be prepared.