Mrs. Gordon was in the pantry taking stock of what was there. The shelves were arranged so neatly, with the cereals in alphabetical order, the can vegetables the same and according to height, the condiments neatly stacked and every imaginable juice or soft drink aligned at the lowest level. “That child had too much time on her hands,” she chuckled to herself.
“Mrs. Gordon,” Tracy called.
“In the pantry. Child, it looks like you are feeding an army up in here. I don’t think I’ll have to purchase groceries for a year.”
“We never know when company is going to stop by and I don’t like to be without.” Tracy replied with Jasmine on her shoulder and JC standing behind her. “My sister-in-law Ashley is coming by for a visit. She has twins that are just beginning to walk and they seem to be all over the place. I wanted to make sure that was okay with you.”
Mrs. Gordon turned and looked at her as if she had lost her mind. “Mrs. Harrison, this is your house. I work for you. You don’t have to clear anything with me.”
“This is your first day and I didn’t want you to get too overwhelmed.”
Mrs. Gordon gave her the most incredulous look. “Mrs. Harrison, give me that baby.” She took Jasmine from her and then reached down for JC. “You enjoy your company. When Mrs. Brooks gets here give me a holler. I’ll come get the babies so you can have a nice visit. Child, I’ve been taking care of babies all my life. It’s the only real enjoyment in the world.” Tracy wasn’t sure what else she said as the woman took her children and began walking up the stairs. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she was being chastised. The doorbell chimed. Tracy opened the door smiling at James and Ashley, each holding one of the wiggling twins.
Ashley put Jayden on the floor and he took off up the steps following Mrs. Gordon. Shaking her head, she laughed, “It’s like, let me go—let me go—my little feet can take me places. He doesn’t ever want to sit down.”
“Any where he goes Jayda has to follow.” James added in his rich baritone voice, as he put Jayda down. Sure enough, the little girl followed her brother up the stairs as they watched.
Tracy closed the door behind them. “You know when babies start walking early; they are just getting out of the way for the next one.”
“Ha-ha, very funny,” Ashley scowled.
James looked offended. “I could use a few more.”
“Okay, if you carry them for nine months.”
“You two are too funny. Come on back and have a seat.” Tracy turned and walked towards the sun-room with the couple following her. “James did you take off from work today?”
“No. I’m actually here on business.”
Ashley sat in her favorite chaise lounge chair near the fire-place, while James sat in the Queen Anne chair near the floor to ceiling windows that overlooked the garden and pool house.
Tracy sat on the love seat facing the windows. “Really,” the excitement was clear in her voice. “What do you need?” The idea of something to keep her occupied was enticing.
“Campaign business,” he clarified. “Sorry about that. I know it’s not what you want to hear. But it’s that time again.”
The deflated look was quite noticeable. “Arrgh!”
James couldn’t help but smile, he knew how much she hated campaigning. “I hate putting you through all of this, but if I thought there was a better man to be governor, I would go out and find him, just so you wouldn’t have to go through it. Unfortunately, you and I both know, that person is JD.”
Tracy sat back and smiled demurely, “I know.”
“I also wish I could say this campaign will be easier, but the truth is it will be more difficult and more intrusive than before.” He hesitated and looked at Ashley, whose smile encouraged him to continue. “The situation with Senator Roth is bound to come out. We believe it would be better to put the information out early, rather than wait for it to explode in our faces.”
“Did Jeffrey ask you to speak to me about this?”
“No, in fact I was hoping you would talk to him. JD is not going to do anything he thinks will make you uncomfortable. We have to get him to see that an inquiry into this would be far more devastating than you and Carolyn answering a few questions.”
“Devastating to the campaign, you mean. I can’t imagine it being more devastating to Carolyn.”
“Tracy,” he sympathized, “Everything JD did during that time was out of his concern for you. He had a few choice words for both Senator Roth and I the night we told him. Never once did he waiver on how this would affect you, when the Senator decided to keep this information a secret. You forgave Senator Roth and me. At some point you will have to find a way to forgive JD and move past this.”
Tracy responded pensively, “What make you think I haven’t forgiven him?”
“The fact that you can’t look me in the eyes at this moment. Coupled with the conversation JD had with me last week. You two are so in tuned with each other, yet you walk around on eggshells afraid to hurt each other’s feelings. I know this is difficult, but it’s my job to make sure that things like this do not interfere with the campaign.”
Ashley cleared her throat, “Tracy, more importantly we hate to see you hurting, and when you hurt, so does JD. It seemed the only happy moment you two have shared in the last year was the birth of Jasmine. There was a time when you were a little angry about that.”
“I was never angry about Jasmine—never.” Tracy stood as she exclaimed. “Jeffrey wasn’t there when she was born. He was in some meeting, that he deemed more important than seeing his daughter come into this world. That’s what I was angry about.” She folded her arms across her chest and stood at the window looking out. She exhaled. “I don’t want to cause any problems for Jeffrey during the campaign.” She turned back to James. “What he is trying to do is important. Just tell me what you need from me.” She replied sounding dejected.
“Tracy,” Ashley stood to walk over to her.
Tracy put up her hand dismissing Ashley’s protest. “Whatever you need from me, I’ll do,” she repeated to James. “You need me to travel, or speak to people just put me down.”
James stood and looked between the two women, who had been thicker than thieves, since he met them. Neither he nor JD could ever get either one of them to budge when it came to their bond. Now, there seemed to be a wedge coming between them. He knew Ashley had tried on several occasions to get Tracy to open up about the situation concerning her father, but so far, she had not been successful. In fact, JD and Ashley each have mentioned Tracy was becoming more withdrawn. When people were around, that wonderful smile of hers would be in place, but it hadn’t reached her eyes in a very long time. He hoped Ashley would be able to get her to open up soon. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He smiled at his wife, “I have to go. You two have a good visit.” He kissed Ashley and hugged Tracy before he took his leave.
As soon as Tracy returned from walking James to the door, Ashley unloaded. “Enough already. I refuse to allow another day to go by with you walking around like a lost puppy. What is going on? There is more to this, than Senator Roth being your father. The only thing that puts you in a stupor is JD. So what did my brother do this time?”
Tracy walked over to the window, then turned back to the woman she loved like a sister and smiled. “Nothing, Jeffrey is fine.” Which really wasn’t a lie, her husband was fine. Even with the tension in their lives, there was one thing for certain; she loved Jeffrey Daniel Harrison. As disappointed, as she was, there was no mistaking the unconditional love she still had for him.
“Bull!” Ashley literally yelled. “You can give that line to Momma, but I know better. I know you. Hell I lived with you for eight years. Was there when you gave up the booty for the first time and was there when you caught JD and Vanessa. So don’t stand there like your world is all rosy. Open up--share.”
Tracy rolled her eyes and turned away, but the truth was she needed to talk. It was just difficult to talk to Ashley concerning Jeffrey; after all, he was her brother. With the campaign looming, it would be even worse if the press ever got wind of the discontentment in their home, they would feed on it like a pack of rats attacking a piece of cheese. Talking, even to Ashley was difficult. “Who are you supposed to be Oprah or Dr. Phil?” Tracy teased as she flung herself down onto the sofa and grabbed a pillow.
“At the moment I will be whoever you need me to be. Oh, wait a minute, I take that back, neither of them look as good as me.” She thought for a moment, “I got it. I’ll be Tyra. She is tall, curvaceous and almost looks as good as me.”
Shaking her head with a light chuckle, “And you call Jeffrey conceited,” Tracy replied.
“Well, in my case it’s true. But it made you smile.” Ashley became serious. She sat down on the sofa next to Tracy and took her hands that were lying on top of the pillow. Rubbing her hands together was a nervous action for Tracy. Ashley knew the signs very well.
“Look at me Tracy.” She could see the unshed tears brimming at the edge of her eyelids. “There are only a few things I know for certain. As conceited, chauvinistic, selfish, and big headed as my brother is—he loves you. The thing is he knows you love him too, and in knowing that he takes you for granted. That much I know. Now, you tell me the rest.”
Tracy squeezed her friend’s hand as a teardrop fell. Shaking her head and swallowing back the lump that was building in her throat. “I don’t know where to start.”
“The beginning is usually a good place.” The uncertainty was so clear on her friend’s face and all Ashley wanted to do was wipe away the hurt and fear. She raised her hand and wiped the tear that trickled down Tracy’s face. “It’s me Tracy. You can tell me anything and I will do all I can to help. You know I love you and JD. Please let me help.”
The children could be heard running around in the play room upstairs giggling. Tracy had missed the joys of being a child, carefree and loving life. Her childhood was anything but joyous, but she was determined to make sure her children enjoyed theirs. That meant putting her feelings aside and keeping them in a loving environment. But it was getting more and more difficult. The last year had been devastating on her marriage and as a result, she simply did not believe her husband loved her anymore. She knew he cared, but love—was something altogether different.
“Come with me.” Tracy and Ashley walked up the stairs to her office. She sat at the computer and turned it on. Ashley pulled up a chair beside her and watched as Tracy opened a file marked private. Tracy sat back and allowed Ashley to review the file. She heard the gasp from Ashley and saw her body tense as she moved from picture to picture.
“Have you talked to JD about these pictures?”
“No.”
“Why the hell not?” she yelled.
Tracy looked forlornly at her friend. The reality of her life being sucked out of her materialized. She no longer had any idea who she was or what role she played other than giving birth to Jeffrey Harrison’s children. In fact, she was certain some people would have been better off if she had never existed. Knowing how that must sound she kept those thoughts to herself. But it was difficult not to think, her brother Turk, would not be incarcerated if he had not felt the need to protect her. The man she once knew as her father would still be alive. Her mother definitely would have lived a happier life. And Jeffrey would not have to deal with the negative publicity of her being his wife as he put in his bid for Governor.
Ashley took her hand, “Tracy, why haven’t you asked JD about the pictures?” she demanded. Tracy turned to her with the biggest crocodile tears Ashley had ever seen.
“I don’t want to lose my husband. This is the only life I know is mine. I would be lost without Jeffrey and the children.”
“He’s in pictures with another woman and you are worried about losing him. Do I have this right?” Tracy nodded, but before the motion was completed, Ashley jumped up with so much force the chair sailed backwards. “Where did the pictures come from and who in the hell is she?”
“I don’t know,” Tracy pensively replied.
“It’s time you found out and when was the last time you went to Jeffrey’s office for a visit? These pictures were taken in his office.”
“I’ve never gone to Jeffrey’s office. I don’t like to interfere when he’s working.”
“You don’t….” Ashley was so outdone she couldn’t finish her statement. She took a breath. “You haven’t made your presence known to those heifers in his office?”
“Ashley, they’re not heifers,” Tracy shook her head.
“You’re right, they’re not, they’re worse. They are barracudas and you are giving your husband to them on a platter.” Ashley grabbed Tracy by the hand, pulled her into the bedroom, and did not stop until she reached the closet. “You sit your ass down until I find the right outfit.” Tracy started to walk away, but Ashley gave her a look that dared her to move. Satisfied Tracy was not going to make her become violent; Ashley began searching the closet and fussing at the same time. “It ain’t JD that needs to make a change—it’s you. Walking around here as if you belong in the shadows while the vultures are circling. Vultures—I tell you—Vultures. And they will eat you and your husband alive if you let them. But, I got something for them.” She pulled out a red dress and smiled. She gave the dress to Tracy, “Go put this on.”
“Ashley…” Tracy began to say something but was stopped.
“You say you don’t want to lose your husband. Well, it’s time for you to let the women in his office know, they got competition at home.”
“What is Jeffrey going to think when I just show up at his office?”
“If you work it right, he will not have a mind to think. His concentration will be on you. The next word out of his mouth once he sees you in this dress should be “cancel all of my appointments for the rest of the day.” Now go get dressed. And take your hair out of that damn ponytail.”
♡♡♡♡
JD sat in his office listening to Calvin give the update on the Munford investigation. Rossie was gaining more of his respect each day. The young man was relentless with gathering facts. With each witness he interrogated, he was compiling more information without giving any indication why he was asking questions. Listening intently to Calvin explain the strategic steps Rossie had taken, he never noticed that Madison Gresham, his political advisor had taken a seat on the edge of his desk and crossed her legs. The short skirt that clung to her body displayed a good portion of her upper thigh. But JD's mind was on the information being presented.
“We have to connect Munford to The Eagles if we want this case to stick,” Calvin interjected from a seat at the conference table.
"Once we make that connection we will turn the information over to Homeland Security."
“That could be politically dangerous JD,” Madison stated as she touched his arm.
“Politically dangerous or not, it’s going to be done.” He turned towards her in his chair as he replied and saw Tracy standing in the doorway in the most provocative dress he had ever seen and damn if she didn’t look good. His mind went completely void of the conversation and was now zoomed in on his wife.
She smiled at his response, for it was exactly what she needed. However, it was difficult to dismiss the woman, who she recognized from the photographs, sitting on her husband's desk with her crotch practically in his face. The Tracy of old wouldn’t say anything—but things were about to change. "There are several chairs in this room. I would think you would be more comfortable in one of them." She said to the woman. As JD walked towards her, he looked back to see what she was referring to.
"Oh no, I'm comfortable here,” The woman replied with a smile.
"Are you—well I'm not. Please remove your behind from my husband's desk."
Calvin raised an eyebrow, surprised, but proud of Tracy’s demand.
The woman looked from Tracy to JD, who was staring at his wife not paying one iota of attention to the conversation taking place. "I apologize I meant no disrespect. We’re a little informal around here."
JD turned to see Madison glaring at Tracy. Whatever was said between the two wasn't good. However, at the moment, his wife had his attention and he could care less what pissed Madison off. He kissed Tracy. "Hey babe, what are you doing here?"
She looked up to see the look of desire in his eyes. That look saved him and the woman that was sitting on his desk. "I thought I would finally come to see where you work and entice you into taking me to lunch."
That sexy “vote getting” smile appeared, “I have no idea what is on my calendar, but for you I'll clear it."
“We have a lunch meeting planned JD,” Madison intervened.
“Cancel it. I’m having lunch with my wife.” The two stared at each other dismissing the fact that other people were in the room. Neither caught the daggers being sent in Tracy’s direction. But Calvin did.
JD turned to Madison, “Babe, this is Madison Gresham. She is a political advisor from the campaign.”
The mask was back in place on Madison face. “Please call me Mattie,” she extended her hand.
Tracy was reluctant, but took it. “Ms. Gresham, Why are you here if you are a part of the campaign? Why aren’t you at campaign headquarters with James?”
“I’ve been wondering the same thing,” Calvin said as he stood and hugged Tracy. “How have you been?” She returned his smile. “Aw, you are killing me with that smile. If you ever want to divorce him, I’m yours.”
“You’re married fool,” JD reminded him laughing.
“Oh yeah, that’s right.”
“How are Jackie and little Calvin?” Tracy asked.
“Jackie is as beautiful as ever and the boy is taking over the house. I’m going to take Mattie out of your hair. We can discuss any issues this case may have on your political campaign.”
“That’s really something JD and I would need to discuss,” Madison countered.
“You can discuss that with Calvin. Whatever he says goes.” If JD had looked a little closer, he would have noticed the condescending look.
“All right,” Madison reluctantly conceded and followed Calvin out of the room.
Tracy looked up at her husband, “So, are there more of her involved in the campaign."
"I'm sure there are."
"Should I be concerned?"
JD found himself laughing. "The way you are wearing that dress, I'm the one that should be concerned. How many heads turned when you walked in?" He asked as he pulled her into his arms.
"Since my eyes were only looking for you I didn't notice."
This was the first time Tracy had come to his office. He knew without a doubt that word of a woman with her body being in the building was spreading like wildfire. When they walked out of the office, he anticipated there would be an unusual number of employees near the elevator to see who she was. He beamed with pride, after just giving birth six weeks ago his wife could still turn heads. Suddenly his thoughts grew serious, "I'm glad you came. I don't like the tension between us. I accept full responsibility for it. But I need your love to keep me strong. It kills me inside knowing that I’ve hurt you."
"I share in the blame; I’m not handling the situation too well. It’s time for me to meet with Carolyn and Senator Roth. A decision has to be made on how we are going to handle this. We can’t allow this to affect your campaign. It’s time for me to take charge of my life. And my first priority is to take you home and show you just how much I love you."
"Really,” he smiled. “I have a better idea.” For the first time in a long time, he saw a flicker of a twinkle in her eyes. “I could simply lock the door and demonstrate all the things flowing through my mind that I’d like to do to your body right here. Just you,” he kissed her eyelids “and me,” he kissed the tip of her nose, “and this dress.”
“That would certainly give your office something to talk about." She grew serious as she stared into his eyes. "I love you Jeffrey. But there are some things you and I need to talk about beginning with you and I making decisions regarding our life together, Mr. Macho-man."
JD laughed as they turned to walk out the office door, "Baby you are wearing the wrong dress for a discussion, but I will do my best to keep my hands off you while we talk." She smiled up at him as they walked arm in arm to the elevator.
"Mrs. Langston, I'm gone for the day."
"Yes, Mr. Attorney General,” she replied with a knowing smile.
JD looked around. There were four groups of men at least three deep in conversation as they reached the elevator. He beamed proudly as Rossie approached him.
"That's you Mr. H?"
"ADA Rossie Brown—my wife Tracy."
They shook hands, “It's an honor to meet you," Rossie stated then turned to JD, and gave him a pound. "I ain't mad at you man, I ain't mad at you at all."
"Thank you Rossie. Now get your eyes off my wife."
"No disrespect Mrs. H, but you got it. Whatever it is—you got it."
Tracy returned the young man's infectious smile. "Thank you," she replied as the elevator arrived. The two climbed aboard and the doors closed. JD could hear the cheers as the elevator descended. "You know the males on my staff will not get any work done for the remainder of the day because of you."
Tracy stood in front of him and began to remove his tie. "Neither will their boss," she replied as she pulled his lips to hers.
♡♡♡♡
“I’m out of here,” Madison said as soon as they reached the hallway after leaving JD’s office. She turned to walk towards the elevator, but Calvin took her elbow to stop her progress. “No. I think you and I need to have a conversation.” He turned to Mrs. Langston, who’d been with JD since he joined the district attorney’s office ten years ago. “Mrs. Langston is anyone in the conference room?”
“No, it’s clear. May I join this conversation?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Calvin replied.
“Both of you will be talking to yourself, because I’m not going anywhere with you.” Madison attempted to pull away, but Calvin’s grip tightened.
“Oh yes you are,” he said and pulled her through the doors. Mrs. Langston closed the double doors behind them. Calvin released her as soon as they reached the room. He slammed the files he was holding on the table. “Whatever game you are playing, find someone else. JD is married and as you can see happily married. I’m sure he will be the first to tell you how much he loves his wife, in fact, I’ve heard him say that very thing in your presence several times. Now, JD is a gentleman and he ignores the little flirtatious moves you make on him, but I don’t.”
“And neither do I,” Mrs. Langston added in her quiet, “I mean business” demeanor. “Allow me to add this, from this moment on, anytime you wish to see Mr. Harrison in this office, you are to clear it through me in advance. There will be no more just showing up whenever.” She took a step closer to the young woman. “If I ever witness you disrespecting Tracy again, you will think Attila the Hun sat on your ass. Do I make myself clear?”
Madison gave them a contemptuous smile, “Neither of you has what it takes to get JD to the governor’s office. If you did I would not be here. It’s clear—very clear to me that he is an ambitious man and will do whatever it takes to make it to the top. I plan to assist him in any—any way that I can. I don’t care if either of you or his wife likes it. Now the next time either of you attempt to try and stop me, you will pay dearly” She stepped closer to Mrs. Langston, “Do I make myself clear.” She smirked and walked out of the room.
Calvin and Mrs. Langston stared at each other. “I must be missing something,” Mrs. Langston commented.
“That makes two of us. But I don’t want her in this building alone with JD under any circumstances. In the mean-time, I’ll have a talk with James to find out exactly who she is connected to and who placed her on this campaign.”