The Harrisons’ favorite gathering place was church and then Martha’s house afterwards. It was a Sunday routine everyone had come to anticipate each week. Today was no different. JD and Tracy entered with their six month old son JC and were immediately surrounded by people looking at one of the newest members. Not a person to deal well with crowds, it was a relief when Tracy saw Ashley and James walking up with the twins, one on each of their shoulders and Cynthia in the rear. The crowd just as quickly surrounded them as a chorus of oohs and ahs could be heard throughout. Soon Roz and Marco joined them in the vestibule. Martha Harrison soon stepped forward and parted the crowd. As she took JC in her arms, “Let’s get these babies down to the nursery where they can breathe some fresh air. Come along Tracy.” A grateful Tracy followed as did Roz, Ashley and Cynthia after taking Jayden from James. Not far behind was Magna, who would stay in the nursery with JC.
Once they reached the nursery, some parents were there also dropping off their children for church services. “Oh God,” Martha whispered.
“Momma, stop calling the Lord’s name in vain,” Ashley whispered.
“I wasn’t calling it in vain, baby. I was asking for his help to deal with your aunt.”
Lillian, who was married to Martha’s brother in law Joe, walked over. “Good morning all.”
“Good morning Aunt Lillian,” Ashley replied and kissed her cheek.
“How are the babies this morning,” she smiled as the twins were placed in a bassinet together.
“They are wonderful,” Cynthia replied.
“Hello Aunt Lillian,” Tracy spoke.
“Tracy.” She said then turned away and spoke to Martha and pointed to Magna. “Is it necessary for that woman to be here with that gun strapped to her hip like a slinger from the wild wild west?”
Martha frowned at the way Lillian had dismissed Tracy. “Yes. She is here to keep my grand-babies safe.”
“Well, maybe your grand-baby should be somewhere other than in this nursery with other children.”
Hearing the comment, Cynthia, Roz and Ashley turned. “If you have a problem with JC being here, you leave.” Martha stated angrily.
“I’m thinking of all the children. And I’m sure I’m not the only parent that feels this way.” Lillian replied rubbing her hands over her skirt and then folding them in front of her.
“Actually Mrs. Harrison,” the young lady working the nursery spoke up. “I appreciate the extra hand that Ms. Rivera provides here during the service.”
Lillian turned to the woman and rolled her eyes, “I don’t’ believe I was speaking to you.”
“I don’t think you were talking to anyone in this room Lillian Harrison.” Cynthia stepped forward. “If I remember correctly, my donations built this nursery in this church. Any child is welcomed here. I suggest you go to the ladies room and release some of that pressure from your brain by loosening up that wig on your head.”
“Cynthia, that was not nice,” Tracy said as she turned to Lillian. “May I have a moment with you in person Aunt Lillian?”
If Lillian’s look could have killed, Cynthia would be dead. Luckily, she was still standing, “Of course.” She replied and stepped outside the room. Martha, Roz, Cynthia, Magna and Ashley watched through the window as the ladies talked. Well, as Tracy talked, because Lillian never had a chance to say anything before her hand flew to her mouth and she ran off. As Tracy came back into the room all eyes were on her. “What did you say to Aunt Lillian?” Ashley asked.
“I told her if she ever made a statement against my son again she will be barred from any functions we have at the Governor’s mansion and at the White House. And in addition to that I will tell the world that she conceived her first child out of wedlock and had a shot-gun wedding.”
The gasped went around the room. “No you didn’t.” Martha exclaimed.
“Yes I did and I meant it too.” Tracy declared then continued. “That heifer had the nerve to say my baby should not be in here. If anyone should not be inside a church it would be her.” She stopped then started again while putting a blanket over her son, “No, better yet makes sure she has a front row seat to Pastor’s Smith sermon so he can cleanse her soul. Talking about where my baby should be. Huh,”
“Tracy honey,” Ashley put an arm around her shoulder, “its okay, she’s gone now. You can stop fussing.”
“The hell she can. You have every right to be mad. How dare her!” Cynthia stated with hands on her hips. “I have a notion to go give her a piece of my mind.”
“Okay four musketeers, calm down.” Martha said. “Lillian is just being concerned for the children’s safety.”
“She didn’t show a whole lot of concern for JC.”
“Are you defending what Aunt Lillian said mother?” Ashley asked astonished
“Hell no,” Martha replied. “Now you all have me cursing in church. All of us can use a little of the pastor’s sermon.”
Upstairs the men stood near the stairs leading from the basement. By this time, Brian and Samuel had joined JD, James, Marco and Calvin. Uncle Joe approached JD and pulled him aside. “Look, your wife, has upset my wife. And you know my life is miserable when my wife is upset. Will you please talk to your wife into apologizing to Lillian?”
JD frowned, “Tracy upset Aunt Lillian. Are you sure it wasn’t the other way around?”
Uncle Joe shook his head, “Nope, in fact I’m sure Lillian said something she should not have. But she is saying we cannot go over to your mother’s house after church unless your wife apologizes. Now you know that’s the only peace of mind Lexi, Jonathan and I get on Sunday. Please JD, please ask your wife to apologize. I’m begging you.”
“I’ll see what I can do Uncle Joe,” JD smiled and patted him on the back.
When the ladies joined them the first thing JD noticed was Tracy’s face. She was frowning and that was not like his wife. The family walked in and took their normal seats on the right side of the pulpit. Martha sat on the front because she normally read the announcements. JD sat a few benches from the front with Tracy, James, Ashley, Roz, Marco, Cynthia, Calvin and Jackie. Brian called in a few favors and had a few off duty agents with them today. After the night before he was not taking any chances. Two men were covering the grounds on the outside, one on both side entrances at the front of the church while he and Samuel covered the main entrance.
A block away, several police cars were on standby. The officer on the phone was doing all he could to understand why he had been given the order to go inside a church to bring someone out. Not just any church, he was being ordered to go into a church and bring out a person that was a part of the Attorney Generals’ security detail. His captain was checking the order all the way up to make sure this was correct. In an effort to build a stronger relationship with the communities this type of action was frowned upon. Why not wait until church was let out, and then take the man in for questioning. Before he took any action, regardless of who it was coming from, he was going to notify JD.
Captain Davis was JD’s father’s partner when he died. There was no way he was going to disrupt his family in this manner without a heads up. First JD’s cell buzz, then Calvin’s and last Brian. The message read the same on each, Emergency. JD and Calvin stood then walked along the outer wall in an attempt not to call attention to both of them leaving together. Brian stepped out the center door. In the vestibule of the church Captain Davis shook JD’s hand. “Sorry to have to do this, but my men have been ordered to take in Samuel Lassiter and Cynthia Thornton for questioning.”
“From inside the church?” JD questioned.
“That’s the order from the Chief. I have the men on stand-down for the moment. “I don’t know what the hell is going on. I received a called from Detective Williams and just arrived on the scene.” Captain Davis explained.
“Questioning on what?” Calvin asked.
“The death of the officer from last night.”
“He’s trying to show his authority,” Brian stated.
“How do you want to handle it JD,” The Captain asked.
“Calvin, ask Samuel and Cynthia to step outside.” As an afterthought, he said, “Bring James too.” He turned to Captain Davis, “Thank you for the call Captain. Would you take my word that I will have both of them in your office directly after church service is over?”
“I will, I’m not sure the men will.”
“I understand, one of their own was killed. I would want answers too.” JD stated.
James, Samuel and Cynthia stepped out into the vestibule. “JD, what’s going on?” Cynthia asked.
“James I need you to act as Cynthia’s and Samuel’s attorney here.”
“Alright,” he replied just as ten officers came through the outer doors.
“Captain your authority here has been stripped and I have been instructed to take Cynthia Thornton and Samuel Lassiter into custody now.” Detective Sanchez stated with a little too much enjoyment.
Samuel and James both took a step to block Cynthia from view. JD stepped in front of the officer. “Do you know who I am?”
“I know who you are,” the detective replied as Detective Williams came into the church and walked over to where JD and Brian stood. JD saw the movement, but continued to focus on the defiant Detective Sanchez. “As the Attorney General of the State of Virginia I hereby reinstate Captain Davis’ authority in this matter. Do you have an issue with that?”
“I don’t, but I’m sure the Chief will.”
“Calvin,” JD called without taking his eyes from Detective Sanchez, “Give Governor Roberts a call. Advise him of the situation and the fact that our office is taking over the investigation of the deaths reported last night.” He raised an eyebrow. “Captain Davis, no disrespect, but as of this moment you nor the men outside have any authority over this case. Please have your officers leave the property of the church.”
The Captain smiled, “Will do sir.” He looked at Williams. “Let’s move them out Detective Williams.”
“Be happy to Captain.” Detective Williams stepped between JD and Sanchez. “Detective Sanchez, would you mine leaving the premises?”
Detective Sanchez stared Detective Williams down then turned and walked out of the church. Detective Williams turned and looked at JD. “Not bad Harrison. Not bad at all.” He then followed his Captain out the door.
JD turned to Brian. “Do you think Munford knows who has the power now?” he asked.
Brian smiled. “Man you look like you enjoyed that.”
JD smiled, “I did.” He turned to Calvin. “How much trouble are we in?”
“If we can come up with a valid reason for taking over the case none, if not a lot.”
“Then let’s find a good reason.”
“How about police corruption? I’m sure the two men that were killed were the two shooting at us last night,” Samuel stated.
“Let’s talk about it after church. We’ve had enough disruptions for today,” JD stated as they all filled back to their seats.