After dropping JC off with Ashley and listening to James lecture regarding political ramifications if anyone got wind of this little trip, they were on the road to visit Turk. It was hard for Tracy to contain her excitement. There were so many things she wanted to talk to Turk about, but knew the time was limited. In her mind she was trying to prioritize the subject based on importance. The first was to ask him to look out for JC while he’s growing up. She did not doubt JD’s ability to take care of their son, but Turk had a special knack for handling street situations. If his father could not handle a situation there was nothing wrong with having an uncle that could.
JD listened as Brian and Samuel discussed the situation with Cynthia while he watched the emotions playing across his wife’s face. To him the disguise of overstuffed jeans, turtle neck shirt, man’s leather jacket and a baseball cap did not cover enough. He could still see her curves in the clothes—he knew it was a woman under there. “Al is not going to tell us anything.” JD responded to a statement made by Brian. “He never does. He will guide you. It’s up to you to figure out what’s actually happening.”
“If he’s willing to go that far, why not give you everything?” Samuel asked.
“Al’s not a snitch. The only reason he gives us anything at all is to keep Tracy safe. Whatever he needs to tell me has a direct connection to her safety. If it didn’t we would not be here.”
Tracy smiled at her husband. “I know you think this is dangerous. But thank you for loving me enough to bring me.”
He looked over at his wife and smiled. “Stop looking at me like that, we have children in the car.”
Brian looked over his shoulder and smiled at the couple, then looked at Samuel in the passenger seat. “No one gets near that room. I don’t care who they claim to be.”
Samuel nodded, “I like exterminating people.”
Tracy frowned at him then looked at JD. “He’s not serious baby,” JD shook his head.
The vehicle came to a stop at the gate where a guard checked their ID and allowed entrance. They pulled into a parking space at the first administration building. JD and Brian got out of the vehicle and met a man at the door.
Samuel turned to Tracy, “Mrs. Harrison, lay down on the seat until I tell you to sit up.”
Tracy complied. “Mr. Lassiter, would you do me a favor?”
“If I can.”
“Would you call me Tracy? Mrs. Harrison is Jeffrey’s mother.”
“I can do that, as long as you call me Samuel.”
“Okay,” she replied.
Samuel smiled.
JD opened the door and reached for Tracy’s hand. “Tracy, there are camera’s in the building. I don’t want your picture captured on any of them. I need you to walk fast with your head down. Don’t look up for any reason.” She nodded and JD continued. “Samuel is going to be on one side of you and Brian on the other. A guard will be in front of you and I will be behind you. Do not speak until we are in the room and the doors are closed. You understand?”
The adrenaline was now flowing fast through her veins. “Yes,” she replied with a little fear in her voice.
Sensing her fear, JD tried to comfort her. “I would kiss you right now, but I don’t want the men to think I’m on the down-low out here kissing a man.” She smiled up at him.
Damn, she could turn him on that easy. “Please don’t smile at me any time while we are in this building.”
She frowned, “Okay.”
“Alright Brian, we’re ready.”
Samuel took one arm, while Brian took the other. To anyone looking on the men looked as if they were bringing a criminal into the building. Once inside they proceeded down the hallway until they reached the Warden’s office. The guard knocked on the door and was ordered to come in. The guard opened the door and then stepped back.
“JD,” the warden extended his hand. “Everything is set,” he said as they shook hands. “You will be using my private conference room. There’re two doors, this one leading from my office and one at the far end of the room leading to the opposite side of the building. I have two of my most trusted guards posted at each hallway leading to that room and four on the roof. You can position one of your men at each door while you visit.”
“Thank you. Each of my men and I are armed.” He felt Tracy shiver at his words.
“If anything goes down” the warden said, “my men will take the person down, not yours.”
“You got it.” JD agreed than looked at Brian, “Let’s go.”
They walked to the door of the conference room. Samuel and Brian entered and closed the door. While inside they examined every inch of the room and the hallway on the other side of the building. Samuel pulled out a small device and scanned the room for recording equipment.
Standing outside the door Tracy began to raise her head. “Don’t look up and do not speak.” JD cautioned.
She quickly put her head completely back down. The urge to take JD’s hand was so overwhelming, but she held back. Suddenly the door was opened and JD pushed her inside. The door closed behind her but she waited until JD put his finger under her chin and pushed her head up. The minute she saw Turk in the corner of the room tears filled her eyes. She opened her arms and ran to her brother. Samuel stepped into the hallway and took up his post. Brian did the same at the other door. JD took a seat at the far end of the table, giving a little privacy and to wait. Nothing made him happier than seeing his wife eyes light up. He knew their time was limited, but he wanted to give this to her.
Sitting there he listened as she told her brother about JC, her home and about their mother marrying the senator. Then she told him some things JD did not know. She never told him how the people treated her during the campaign. This was the first he heard about members of his staff telling her she was a distraction. Then she told Turk how JD would not let her go back to work. He wondered if she realized he was right there in the room and could hear everything she was telling her brother.
“The next time I come I’ll bring pictures of JC for you. This visit was a surprise. Jeffrey told me I couldn’t come and then at the last minute he changed his mine. I think it’s because he loves me.”
Turk couldn’t help but smile at his little sister. Even with the weak male disguise he could tell she was happy and that was all he wanted. Her life was so rough when she was growing up. Now she was all grown up with a family. “I think you’re right, Sugie.” That was his nickname for her. “Now tell me about your girlfriends. Whatever happened to the one who said you weren’t good enough for Harrison?”
“Cynthia, she’s good. Well, except for the accident she had last week. But now she’s seeing a Prince. A real live prince, can you imagine. But you know I don’t think its love. The few times I’ve been around them, I didn’t see the sparks. You know what I mean. But who knows I could be wrong.”
“So she is not with the Governor anymore?”
Tracy looked shocked, “How did you know about that?”
“Word travels,” he laughed at her reaction.
“Man wait until I tell her people in prison know about that. She is going to trip.”
“I don’t think you should tell her that.”
“Whew, you might be right.” She shook her head. As if finally remembering she looked down the table. “Jeffrey didn’t you want to visit with Turk.”
Unable to resist, JD laughed. “This is a business visit, baby. You came with me, remember.”
“I’ve taken up all your time.” She looked at Turk, “I’m sorry, but I had so much to tell you. Oh, one more thing.” She whispered something in Turks ear and he nodded his head in response.
“You didn’t have to ask, it’s done.”
“Thank you Turk,” she stood. “Jeffrey, you can have him now.”
Turk couldn’t help but laugh as JD stood. “Thank you baby.” He knocked on the door and Brian opened it. “I want you to stand with Brian. Remember to keep your head down.”
“I will.” She turned around, “Bye Turk, see you next time.”
“Bye Sugie.” Turk waited for the door to close. “Have you lost your damn mind bringing her here?” He yelled. “Do you know how dangerous the man is that is looking for me? He will not, listen to me, will not hesitate using her or your son to get to me.”
“Al what do you want from me? I can’t stand to see sadness in her eyes.”
Shaking his head, “Harrison, if anything happens to my sister I am not going to be as forgiving as I was the last time.”
“I tell you what. You look in her eyes and tell her no.” JD said angrily. “You’re the man, Al. I want to see you tell her no. Look into her eyes and say no. When you do that—you will have my full respect, my brother.”
“I’m not scared of Tracy. Bring her back in here. I’m gonna show you how it’s done.” Al stared JD down as he opened the door and motioned for Tracy to come back in.
“I’m so glad you let me back in. Turk I forgot to tell you about Ashley.”
JD sat back in his chair, crossed his legs and watched as the big time, hard-hearted drug dealer melt in his sister’s circle of love. He sat there wondering when Al was going to get around to telling Tracy she could not come back to see him. “I think that’s it for real now,” he heard Tracy say. She looked at Jeffrey, “Okay, did you need me for something?”
“Yeah, baby. Al has something he wants to tell you.” JD stared at Al and waited.
Al looked into Tracy’s eyes. “Look Tracy,” he saw the happiness there and didn’t have the heart to take that away. “I’m glad you came by to see me. Next time if JD says no, then it’s no, okay.”
“Okay Turk. Love you.”
“I love you too.” He smiled and waited until she was out the door.
“That’s telling her Al.” JD smirked then turned serious. “Don’t threaten me when it comes to my wife. I will protect her and my son with my life.” JD pulled his wallet out of his pocket, opened it and pushed it down the table to Al.
Still a little pissed, AL slowly reached for the wallet. It was opened to a picture of JD, Tracy and JC. Exhaling Al smiled, “He’s a big boy.” He longingly touched the picture. He turned to the next picture and then the next. “You are good for her.”
JD walked down to the other end of the table and took a seat close to Al. Taking the wallet back he replaced it in his pocket. “You asked for this meeting. What’s up Al?”
“I’m glad to see Lassiter on your security team. Do you have his brother on board?”
“No. You know Samuel?”
“Just by reputation. I feel good knowing he’s around. Getting his brother will make me happier.”
“I live to make you happy Al,” JD replied sarcastically.
Al chucked than sat forward, “The hit on the beauty queen needs to be handled before it affects Tracy. It’s a sign of desperation or greed you need to determine which.”
“Is there a connection with you?”
“Look for the common denominator. Think of all the players, as you know them. Who is connected to you, me, Tracy, Cynthia?
JD thought, the realization showed on his face, “Gavin.”
Brian walked in the door with Tracy, “We have a breach.”
JD reached for Tracy and put her between him and the wall. He then pulled his weapon. Turk stood to the other side of Tracy blocking her from view, while Brian stood in front of all of them with weapons in both hands. A small commotion was heard outside the door, and then there was silence. It seemed like eternity, but a few minutes later, Samuel opened the door and looked in. “I think it’s time we move.”
Brian moved to the door and checked the hallway. Tracy tried to get up, but JD pushed her back down. Turk looked over at his brother-in-law holding a gun. “You know how to use that?”
“Someone comes through that door I don’t recognize you’ll find out.”
“All clear,” Brian nodded.
JD looked at Al as he holstered his weapon. “One question before we leave. Is the person we are looking for in the files?”
Al didn’t answer, he turned to Tracy, “You cannot come back here until JD gives the okay.”
Tracy hugged Turk, and then took JD’s hand. He could tell from the look in her eyes she was frightened. Before leaving the room he took a moment to adjust her clothing and settle her nerves then he smiled down at her. “You ready to go home?”
“Yes,” she nodded and walked out the room without looking back.
Once they were inside the vehicle and drove outside the gate, regular breathing fill the air. Until then everyone was on full alert. JD turned to Tracy and removed her baseball cap. “You don’t need this anymore.” She looked up at him with eyes as big as a saucer and as watery as the James River. He gathered her in his arms and held her tight. “It’s okay; I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Neither will I,” Samuel added without turning around.
“I’m still thinking about it,” Brian joked. He saw Tracy smile and put her head in JD’s lap, “So what did you get?”
“We’ll talk. In the meantime Samuel, stay close to our friend, real close.” The last thing JD wanted was for Tracy to be worried about Cynthia.