The Heart Read online

  “It’s our job to worry about your protection,” Brian replied with a fork full of food going to his mouth. “It’s your job to worry about getting elected.”

  “We’re talking about the protection of my family. It is my job to worry.”

  “True,” Al stated, “And that’s exactly why you have us here, to handle that worry for you. Between, Mrs. Gordon, your mother, Ryan, Magna, Joshua and myself, your family is well covered.”

  Brian shrugged his shoulders, “You have Samuel and me on the road with you. As soon as Donnell finishes the investigation on the men from the attack, he’ll join us on the road. Let us worry about the security, that’s why we are here.”

  JD looked up as Tracy walked into the room. “Hey babe,” he said as they shared a kiss.

  “Don’t stop talking because I came—continue. I heard most of it anyway.” She walked over to Al, “Hey, Turk,” she hugged him. “You made waffles?”

  He kissed her cheek, nodding. “Yours are right there.” He pointed to the counter.

  Tracy took the covered dish and sat next to Al. Taking the top off, she had waffles with two blueberries for the eyes, a strawberry cut in half for the nose, several strawberries for the smile and whipped cream around the edges. Everyone looked at their plate, then hers, then up at Al. “What? You want a happy face, JD?”

  They all laughed as Mrs. Gordon stood. She patted Al on the shoulder, “Thank you for breakfast, son.”

  “Mrs. Gordon, Turk will be staying at the house while we are away. Is that okay with you?”

  Mrs. Gordon laughed and shook her head, “This is your house, baby. Anyone can stay here that you want. Besides, anyone that knows their way around a kitchen like Mr. Al is welcome here anytime.”

  Al smiled, “Thank you, Mrs. Gordon. When I grow up, I’m going to marry you.”

  “Son, you couldn’t handle me.”

  They all fell out laughing just as Ryan walked through the back door. “Good morning.”

  Everyone spoke as Al took her in from head to toe. Her hair was tapered back with a part on the side similar to the way Nia Long wore her hair. She wore a short black jacket, white top underneath, black jeans and of course her signature black spike boots. She filled out those jeans quite well, he thought.

  “Good morning Ryan,” Mrs. Gordon responded. “You ready for some breakfast? Al made waffles.”

  “So I see,” Ryan said as she looked around the kitchen at everyone eating. “You know I don’t really do breakfast, Just coffee is fine.”

  “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You shouldn’t skip it,” Al stated as he drank his tea.

  Why he had to look so damn good in the mornings, Ryan thought as she took him in. Today his locs were hanging lose, his tan linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up and open at the top, tan dress pants that stretched across his thighs and Italian loafers. Yes he looked good, but it was those eyes—those light brown eyes that seemed to look straight through her that got to her the most. She hated the effect the man had on her and wished she could stop it from happening. As always, she used the only defense she had. “I don’t need another father, thank you very much. I have one at home.”

  Brian moaned, JD grunted, while Mrs. Gordon looked up, surprised at the young woman’s response.

  “I don’t think he meant anything by it, Ryan. He was just concerned about your health. Isn’t that right, Turk?” Tracy turned to her brother.

  Al held Ryan’s stare and watched as she raised an eyebrow daring him to respond. He took his napkin and wiped his mouth as he stood. “It wasn’t a criticism.” He put the napkin in the seat. “You’re welcome to mine if you like.” He looked at Tracy. “I’ll catch you guys before you leave.” He turned to Brian. “We’re meeting at seven in the conference room.”

  Brian nodded, “Yeah.”

  “I’ll see you there. Mrs. Gordon,” he kissed her on the cheek, “Thanks for breakfast. I’ll see you later.” He walked by Ryan and out the door. Just like that the atmosphere of the room changed.

  All eyes turned to her. “What?” she asked.

  “Don’t ever disrespect a guest in my home again.” JD walked out of the room.

  Brian just looked at her and shook his head. “See if you can get that chip off your shoulder before you come to the meeting.” He walked out the back door.

  Tracy smiled, “I know. That didn’t come out the way you meant it. And I think you know Al wasn’t criticizing you.” She scraped her plate and put it in the dishwasher. “I’ll see you upstairs.” She walked out of the room.

  Mrs. Gordon reached for the plate Al was eating from and scraped the food. Ryan sat down at the island in a huff. “Go ahead. Give it to me.”

  Mrs. Gordon chuckled. “I’m not going to say a word, child. But you know,” she put a cup of coffee in front of Ryan, “I’ve learned you can catch more bees with honey than you can with venom.”

  “I’m not trying to catch any bees.”

  “Then you’re the fool. Cause honey, Al Day is a 100% honeybee. I believe you have been stung.”

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  The seven am meeting began with Brian giving a rundown on duties while he was away. The entire security staff was in attendance, Brian, Samuel, Joshua, Ryan, Magna, Donnell and Al. The first line of business was to place Al in command and the meeting over to him.

  “We received a tip indicating there is a possible contract out on JD. The caller indicated it was a domestic threat. However, until it is confirmed, we are going to proceed as if that determination hasn’t been made. All leads are to be investigated and followed up on.” He looked towards Donnell, “What did you get from the assailants?”

  “Not much. None of them are talking. But we did find money transfers from the same corporation in each of their bank accounts in Switzerland.”

  “A dummy corporation?” Al inquired.

  Donnell nodded, “We believe so. As of this morning, we still have not been able to get any names connected with the corporation.”

  “Give me the name of the corporation.” Al replied. “I’ll see if my resources can get what we need.”

  “What was the amount received?”

  “Most had transfers totaling $50,000, but one had a single transfer of $100,000.00.”

  “That was probably your friend, Ryan,” Magna stated. “He seemed to be the leader of the group.”

  Al nodded, “Since he specifically asked about JC, I think Magna should double up on the children with Ryan.”

  “I’ve been protecting the children on my own just fine,” Ryan stated.

  “You have. However, with a viable threat out there, I think the added coverage would be best.” He turned to Joshua, “Do you have anything for us this morning?”

  Joshua smiled, “I’m glad you asked.” He put a file on the table with a variety of pictures. “I checked satellite from the day of the attack. It showed how they got into the area and set up. The sensors were placed based on that information and a few other spots.”

  “Did you put any surprises in the wooded area?” Samuel asked.

  “You know me too well.”

  Samuel and Brian laughed.

  “With the sensors in place, I believe the grounds are well protected.” Brian stated, “My only concern is with the children.”

  “I don’t believe the children are the true target,” Al stated. “I think it was a test of security to see how close they could get. They saw our strength and weaknesses. We’ve made the necessary adjustments. We’ll be better prepared if they come at us again.”

  “Are you calling me the weak link?” Ryan sneered.

  Al did not respond immediately. He mustered up all the patience he had acquired over the years of dealing with people before he replied. The people at the table looked from Ryan to Al as they waited for his reply. He swallowed hard once, then looked directly at her. “No. I actually believe you showed them you are one of our strengths. “With what we have ahead of us for the next six months, I d
on’t have time to stroke your ego or build your confidence. I’m going to say this once. I realize JD has had issues with you in the past. That is the past. JD and Tracy value your service to them. You are very good at your job. No one is questioning your abilities to handle the job. But, the attitude, as adorable as it may be, will remain outside these doors. When we gathered at this table it is about the security of my family and nothing more.”

  Although Al’s voice was smooth and calm, the tension in the air had gotten a little thick. The group looked from Ryan to Al waiting for the next move. It was as if they were playing a game of chess.

  “I can help you with that tension—you know,” Joshua smiled. Ryan looked at Joshua with daggers in her eyes. “I have six sisters, that look don’t scare me. It just turns me on.”

  She couldn’t help herself; a smile touched her face as she shook her head at the fool.

  Al liked her smile, but it was again point towards Joshua. “Any further concerns? Good,” Al said before anyone could reply. “Let’s get the family on the road.

  As the group dispersed, Brian approached Al. “Do me a favor.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Don’t kill her before I return. She’s one of my best.”

  Al smiled, “We’ll handle things. You keep JD and Tracy safe.”

  They shook hands and Brian walked out. He hit Samuel on the shoulder, “Let’s make moves, man.”

  “I’ll be right with you,” Samuel replied as he turned back to Ryan. “What’s going on with you?”

  Ryan shook her head, “I’m good.”

  “Are you sure? Seems to me you’re a little on edge.”

  “I’m always on edge.”

  “Today is a little more than normal. Remember, Day is on our side. Don’t shoot him.”

  Ryan smiled, “I’m good.”

  Donnell waited until Ryan was alone, then he pulled her to the side. “Morgan, you are playing with fire. You know you cannot bring Al Day home to Dad.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Morgan, I know you better than anyone in that room. You are fighting your feelings for that man. I strongly suggest you continue to do that. If you don’t you will be cutting any chance of you and Dad having any kind of relationship.”

  “Don’t talk to me about losing something I never had. You’re my brother and I love you but stay out of my business.” She walked away, stopped then walked back, kissed him on the cheek then walked away again.

  Al and Joshua stood in the hallway as Ryan and Magna walked down the stairs. The conversation stopped for a moment as Joshua nodded to the ladies. “I wonder if she brings all that sassiness to bed with her.”

  Ignoring the comment, Al continued with the conversation. “I don’t like unknown factors. We’re checking with our sources for any chatter on a hit. I need you to check yours.”

  “Done. I have one or two leads I’ll be following. We also have someone on the inside checking around.” He reached inside his suit pocket and gave Al a small monitor about the size of a cell phone. “This is for you. If there is any movement around the sensor it will vibrate. If it’s human a picture will appear giving the location. If you hit this button the screen will give you a wider view. This button will give you sound. Now this button with the protect cap, well now that button will make things disappear.”

  Al looked at him, then at the device. “Did you set bombs in the woods?”

  “No. No. Man I wouldn’t do that. No. No.” he answered frantically. “Would I do something like that?” He laughed as he started to walk away shaking his head. He stopped at the top of the steps then turned and walked purposely back to Al. “You may want to, you know,” he tilted his head to the side, “be careful with that button. Lasers, you know, don’t just zap any more. They kind of make you disappear.” He patted Al on the shoulder. “I’m out.”

  Al watched as Joshua walked away. Looking at the man and thought, he’s just joking. But then Al looked down at the device and knew Joshua was serious. He took the device and hooked it to his pants. “I like that man.”

  ♥ ♥ ♥

  The foyer at JD and Tracy’s house was packed for the sendoff. JD’s supporters were a group of who’s who of the political world. His father in law, ex-Senator John Roth was one of his political advisors. He was there with his wife, Lena, who also happened to be Al and Tracy’s mother. JD’s brother-in-law and campaign manager James Brooks was there with his wife, Ashley. Their four children were there, including James Jr, who was now sixteen, the twins, Jaden and Jayda, and their five-year-old son Anthony. James parents, Avery and Gwendolyn Brooks were there. Avery was also a political advisor to JD. Calvin Johnson, JD’s legal advisor, his wife Jackie and twelve-year-old son Calvin Jr. were there. Brian’s wife Caitlyn, their sixteen year-old son Elliott and his two-year-old baby sister Cheyenne were present. Samuel was there with his wife Cynthia and their five year-old daughter Samantha.

  With the adults busy with unimportant details for their trip, the children gathered in the game room downstairs to make their own plans. JC, Calvin, James, Elliott and Jaden were in a corner strategizing. “Hey, my mom is cool, but she’s not going to let us do it.” Jaden explained. “Grandma will.”

  “I don’t know.” Calvin shook his head. “I still remember that whipping your grandma gave us for taking her stones to build our fortress.”

  “But those were her good stones that Grandpa James put there.” Jaden defended. “This time we are not using anything but our own stuff. My dad showed me how to do them himself. If it was something bad, he wouldn’t have showed me.”

  “Dad also told you not to do them without an adult present.” James Jr. stated as he tied little Anthony’s shoe.

  “You and Elliott will be there.”

  “We are not adults.”

  Jaden huffed. “You always try to stop me from having fun.”

  “I’m trying to protect you. That’s what older brothers do.”

  Elliott turned. “What do you think, JC?” the boys all looked to JC waiting for his decision.

  JC shrugged his shoulders. “If we do them right, I don’t think it would hurt anything. Since we’re all out of school now, I’ll ask grandma if all of you can sleep over. That will give us more time to plan.”

  “Okay,” Elliott agreed. “Are we going to tell the girls?” The boys all turned to the corner where the girls stood.

  Jada looked over her shoulder to see the boys. “He’s looking at me again.”

  “Who?” Jazzy asked as she began to turn.

  “Don’t look,” Jada demanded.

  “If I don’t look how am I supposed to know who you are talking about?”

  “If you look he will know we are talking about him.”

  “I’ll look,” Samantha sighed. “They’re just boys.” She stood with her two ponytails swinging with the movement. “Hey,” she yelled. “Stop looking at Jada.” She returned to her seat with Briana and Gabby.

  “You are so childish,” Jazzy snapped at Samantha, as Jada put her hands over her face embarrassed.

  “We are children. And I’m going to tell Mommy if you keep looking at those boys.” Brianna told them, while playing on her computer.

  “You can tell Mommy, I don’t care.” Jazz rolled her eyes at her sister.

  “You’ll care if I tell Daddy,” Gabby looked up nodding her head.

  “You better not tell Daddy.” Jazzy pushed her little sister.

  Samantha stood and pushed Jazzy, “Don’t you push my friend.”

  The boys walked over. “What’s wrong, Gabby?” JC asked seeing crocodile tears about to fall from her eyes.

  “Jazzy pushed her,” Samantha told.

  “She should mind her own business,” Jazzy yelled back.

  “You should stop looking at boys,” Samantha shouted back.

  “Okay.” JC said trying to calm everyone down. “Jazzy, you shouldn’t push Gabby, she’s smaller than you. “ He turned to Gabby and hugged her. “
She was just upset Gabby she didn’t mean it.”

  “I didn’t even push her that hard,” Jazzy huffed as she turned away.

  “It’s not about how hard you pushed her.” James Jr. said. “You hurt her feelings.”

  “That shouldn’t come from you,” Elliott added, “You’re her big sister. You should protect her from others. Not be the one pushing her.”

  “Jazzy didn’t mean to hurt her feelings. She’s sorry.” Jada said as she turned to Jazzy. “Aren’t you, Jazzy?”

  Sometimes Jazzy wished she was her father’s only child. Sometimes she just wished they would all disappear, especially JC. He always got to do things with Daddy just because he was a boy. And now Gabby was always in Daddy’s arms lying on his shoulder. That’s where she was supposed to be, not Gabby and not Mommy either. But they were her family and so she had to be nice to her brother and sisters. “I’m sorry, Gabby.”

  The little girl ran to her sister and hugged her.

  “What’s all the fuss about?”

  Smiles spread like wildflowers on the children faces. “Hey, Grandma,” JC called out as Jada, Jaden, Grabby, Brianna ran to Martha’s open arms.

  “How are my babies?”

  “Hey, Grandma Harrison,” James Jr. said as he kissed her cheek along with the other children. “Can we spend the week over here with you?”

  “If your mom says it’s okay of course you can.”

  “Can all of us stay?” Elliott asked.