The Aftermath Page 22

  The hexagon split in the middle then slid to the sides. A man’s face appeared.

  “Good morning, Phire.”

  “Good morning, Al. What’s happened?”

  “Have you been following the Alex Burnett case?”

  “We have,” she nodded.

  “I believe this may be a good test case for our first live run.”

  She nodded. “I agree. Are you under the impression that this is an organized assault on the justice system here in Richmond?”

  “No. It is more widespread. Our systems have picked up on a pattern of the same activity in several other states; however, it appears Richmond’s situation is more advanced. I believe our team can give assistance to the local authorities to gain more intel on who and how the operation is being conducted.”

  “Since it falls under the Richmond Police Department’s jurisdiction, I have a good lead on the situation.”

  “Good,” Al nodded. “A death happened outside of the RPD jurisdiction tonight that I believe is connected. The area has been contained. You need to examine the scene before authorities are called in. Here is the location. Your lead, it’s your determination on next steps.”

  “Give me twenty minutes.” She disconnected the transmission. When she stood L.T. was standing in the doorway. “I’ve been activated.”

  “I’ll wait up.”

  She kissed him, “I will be back.”

  Two minutes later, Sapphire was driving towards Mechanicsville to the address provided.

  At the end of the last election, the President of the United States decided the country needed an organization that would be responsible for oversight of the government. It wouldn’t be staffed with government employees whom the President could fire at will. The staff had to be trustworthy, patriotic, ex-government officials whose sole purpose would be to protect democracy against domestic enemies at any cost. The organization would have the means to stop anything, like the attack on the Capitol, from ever happening again. It would be privately funded, eliminating the need for governmental oversight, excluding any political influence. The actions on the day of the attack put the fear of God in those who value the country’s democracy. The country came close to subverting the will of the people by those attempting to extort the democratic process.

  “Further conversation is time wasted. The people of America need to be prepared to take action now.”

  That was the statement that landed her in this position. Her young mind did not comprehend waiting, therefore she was tasked with creating a team to assist outside entities with protecting democracy by any means necessary.

  The powers to be waited thirty years with this situation, and we damn near lost the right for our vote to count. People marched, got beaten, and died for our right to vote. After all of that, a few people strategically placed in the right positions almost stripped it away from us. Waiting gave them time to put down roots then change our governmental agencies and our fundamental way of thinking. They took the time to put their people in place, and we didn’t pay attention because we were busy waiting. What in the hell are we waiting for?

  Currently her team consisted of five members and two technical support personnel. Their official start date was technically a month away; however, she agreed with Al. The situation in Richmond needed attention now.

  “Well, Phire, it’s time to backup all that mouth you have.” Sapphire pushed the button on the console of her SUV. A hexagon shaped table appeared on the screen with the title The Administration written beneath.

  “Good morning, Phire.” The vehicle system replied.

  “Good morning, Genevieve. Report.”

  “The address indicates there are two men on site. Peter Lyons and Rexander Springton. Both have been vetted by the DOJ. The security system was deactivated at 2:07 am; no one has entered the home since that time.”

  “Check a five-mile perimeter around the area for any eyes surveying the property.”

  “Two possibilities.” Genevieve replied.

  “Display.”

  The second picture showed a man with a scope looking directly at the house. “Identification on number two.”

  The computer system went through several motions then signaled. “Identification on specimen number two, Christian Vaughan.”

  Phire exhaled. “How in the hell did he find her?”

  “It is unclear, however, records show specimen number two was on site at 12:47 am.

  Phire smiled at the response. She was actually talking to herself but was grateful for the response from Genevieve.

  “Thank you, Genevieve.”

  “You are welcome, Phire.”

  She pulled up to the security gate. “Put up a one mile circular shield.”

  “Shield up.”

  Sapphire flashed her ID. “Seems like we have a breach in security Rex.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he all but ducked his head as she drove through the gate.

  Pete met her at the door. She showed her ID. He nodded. “She’s in the bedroom.”

  Sapphire walked down the hallway to the bedroom. There was Judge Paula Reid, in all her glory, hanging by a sheet from the rafter in the closet. “What in the hell is it with people hanging in closets?”

  This was her first dead body. Sapphire had prepared herself for the shock and awe, but it never came. She stepped closer to examine the body and saw something inside her mouth. She reached inside her coat, pulled out a small case, opened it, then pulled out tweezers. She looked around and spotted what she needed, a chair. She moved it close to the body, then stepped on it. Pulling a small penlight from the case, she used the tweezers to pull the item from the woman’s mouth. She smiled. “Looks like you talk too much, Paula.” It was a ball of cash. Her brother once told her a ball of cash or a cut out tongue usually meant someone was trying to shut you up. “I wonder if Detective Reigns got what he needed?” She put the money back inside Paula’s mouth, then stepped down.

  She put the chair back in its place, looked around to ensure nothing was out of sorts, then walked out of the room.

  “Pete, give me ten minutes; then you are clear to contact the authorities. You know the routine?”

  He nodded. “I do.”

  “Good. I expect a full report in your system by 9 am.”

  “Yes ma’am. Do you want a copy sent to you?”

  “No. Your system will be fine. Listen, this is not on you or your team Pete. They were going to get her one way or another.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “Stop calling me ma’am. You guys are making me feel old.”

  Sapphire got back into her vehicle and left the scene. “Genevieve, remove the shield, connect voice mixer, and then call Detective Nate Reigns.”

  46

  The repass at Janice’s house was a sea of blue uniforms, mixed with dark suits and dresses that filled the yard and the house. Everyone from patrol to special services, and the top brass came to pay their respects. Representatives from the Commonwealth Attorney’s office and even a few judges gathered around in groups talking as the services eased into the social phase of a solemn day. People were laughing and joking about times they shared with Alex.

  Nate stood on the side with Skylar as they glanced around the yard. “Out of the hundred or so people here, I can use one hand to count how many I trust at this moment.”

  “I would not make it to a full hand.” Skylar held her drink to her lips. “You, me and her.”

  Nate followed Skylar’s nod to see Regan with her sisters Rachel and Riley. “I think it’s a good time to have a talk with her.”

  “She has people around her. You are not seriously considering she had anything to do with what happened last night?”

  “No.” Nate swallowed his beer down, then put the bottle in one of the trash receptacles. “But she has to be told.”

  The two made their way through the crowd. Regan was the first of the sisters to hug Nate; the others followed.

  “The sisters in black ar
e back I see,” Nate joked. “Where’s your father?”

  “I don’t know,” Regan shrugged. “I expected him to make it to the services, but neither he nor my mother showed up.”

  “So, you don’t know what happened last night?” Skylar raised an eyebrow.

  The sisters glanced at each other. “With Daddy?” Rachel questioned.

  “No,” Nate replied. “With Paula Reid?”

  “Judge Reid?” Regan frowned. “No, what happened to that heifer?”

  “She was found hanging in the closet with a sheet wrapped around her neck.” Nate replied.

  Riley gasped, then looked at her sister. “Regan.”

  “Oh stop it; you know Regan did not hang that woman,” Rachel huffed, then looked at Regan for confirmation.

  “Don’t look at me like that. You know I did not kill that woman.” Regan snapped then looked at Nate. “DeFazio?”

  “It’s not my case – out of my jurisdiction.”

  “Who has the case?” She asked.

  “Hanover,” Nate replied. “Is anyone here surprised?”

  “I’m not. “Regan stated. “You said it yourself, her days were numbered.”

  “Yeah, I wish they had waited until we could get her in court,” Skylar sighed.

  “We have to get other witnesses to corroborate her story. Anyway, we do have her sworn statement.”

  “That’s true. Listen, I did not have a chance to say it before. I am very sorry for your loss. I know Alex cared deeply for you.”

  Nate watched as Regan fought for control. Riley placed a hand on her sister’s back.

  “Thank you for saying that.” Regan cleared her throat.

  “Most people would not have gotten the joke about the women in black, but I did. Alex was hot with you even when he told me the story months after it happened.” Skylar smiled. “Does she think she has special powers like the men in the movies? Well, this is not the damn movies.”

  Regan laughed, “I remember the week-long lecture I received from him.”

  “It was his fear of losing you that had him upset,” Skylar added. “Men don’t handle uncontrollable situations the way women do.”

  “True.” Rachel nodded. “We step in, take control and handle shit.”

  “Leaving us men to clean up the mess you leave behind,” Nate huffed.

  All four sets of eyes turned on him with raised eyebrows. Nate stood his ground. “Shootout on Broad Street. Need I say more?”

  Rachel gasped as she punched his arm. “You can’t blame that on me. You were the one with the gun.”

  “You were the one shouting: ‘shoot the man for goodness’ sake,’” Nate retorted.

  “Oh yes, I did say that.”

  Skylar, Regan and Riley laughed.

  “But he deserved to die,” Rachel defended herself. “My only regret is that you did not take out the entire crew of assholes.”

  “There was no legal reason,” Nate replied.

  “If you had, we may not be dealing with unraveling what those judges have gotten us into,” Regan stated. “My docket is filled with inmates filing petitions to have their cases reviewed.”

  “I can imagine,” Nate replied. “What ever happened to the young man who started the case?”

  “Chad Perkins?” Regan asked. “I had his record expunged. He and his mother moved to North Carolina.”

  “He is attending A&T,” Rachel added. “Moving forward with his life.”

  “But the experience left a mark. He does not believe the justice system is there to protect him or people like him.” Regan sighed.

  “Can you blame him?” Riley asked. “Dealing with the school system, I see young Black boys and girls trying to navigate their way through a system that does not believe they belong, and authorities that treat them as if they are not human.”

  “Like they are three-fifths of a human being,” Regan added.

  “Unfortunately, that superior attitude is destroying young minds on all levels. I can’t begin to describe the outcry we received at the network when the story about the judges taking bribes from prison officials broke out.” Rachel shook her head. “The way our Brown and Black young men were treated put people on edge.”

  “Judge Paula Reid, the one who started it all.” Rachel smirked. “Dying at her own private hanging party.”

  “What a coincidence,” Riley looked at Regan as she sipped her drink.

  “Get away from me,” Regan ordered.

  “I’m just saying,” Riley whispered.

  Rachel laughed at the expression on Regan’s face. “Let’s discuss how we move forward now that we no longer have Judge Reid.” Skylar suggested.

  Nate laughed. “I’m going to check on Janice. Are you okay here?”

  Skylar nodded. “We’ll talk at you later.”

  “Ladies,” Nate nodded then walked towards the house.

  47

  Nate walked into the house to find Wayne keeping a watchful eye on Janice as she moved from group to group smiling and encouraging them with her own stories about Alex. From the kitchen, Nate could see her through the French doors moving seamlessly around.

  “How is she holding up?” Nate asked as he walked up behind Wayne.

  “She’s playing the role well, but tonight the tears will come,” Wayne responded.

  “The healing will start once this is over.”

  Wayne nodded. “Yes, then the worry will kick in.”

  “Worry?” Nate walked to the other side of the island, sat on a bar stool, and took the beer Wayne held out to him.

  “The club.” Wayne took a swallow of his beer. “You know Alex was to handle the financial side of the business. Now,” he shook his head, “she worries about losing it all. That club is…was their way of honoring their mother. The insurance money from Alex might keep it going for a year or two, but after that,” he shrugged, “if it’s not turning a profit, she may have to let it go. It was one of the biggest arguments between us. Hell, she left me because I suggested Cachée was a money pit.”

  “It is,” Nate said, then smiled at the man. “You love her, don’t you?”

  “She’s a pain in my ass, but a pain I can’t live without.”

  Nate and Wayne laughed out loud. The sound must have caught Janice’s attention. Nate watched as she gave them a funny look then walked inside from the yard.

  “What are you two up to in here?” Janice asked.

  “Just having a beer,” Wayne replied as he glanced at Nate.

  “All of your people are out there.” Janice gave him a side eye. “Alex didn’t like half of them.”

  “Half of them didn’t like him either.” Nate shrugged. “But that was my fault.”

  “Your fault?” Janice raised an eyebrow as Wayne handed her a beer. “How is it your fault?”

  “He stood up for me when I joined the force. Was ready to knock anyone on their ass that had a bad thing to say about me.”

  “And they had plenty,” Janice laughed. “Hell, you made half of them look incompetent and the others like fools when you had them on the stand in court. There was a minute when I hated you myself.”

  Nate grabbed his chest. “Knife, right in my heart.”

  Janice smiled. “Alex told me once that you said, ‘when the law breaks the law there has to be consequences. If there are not, the lawless are empowered to run free.’”

  “Shit sounded good at the time.” Nate smirked.

  “I think it’s rather profound,” Wayne responded. “We see the powers that be getting away with murder; my thought is: why do I have to follow the rules if they don’t? You can’t lock me up for breaking the law if you are doing it too.”

  “That statement defines who you are, Nate. And it brings the point home,” Janice added. “Some officers have started to look at their cases thoroughly before arresting a suspect. Daddy would have loved you for that. Alex did.”

  The sentiment touched his heart, almost bringing tears to his eyes. He took a swallow of his beer. �
��Hey.” He looked at Janice. “What are you going to do with the club now?”

  “Cachée?” Janice shrugged. “Do what I can until I can’t anymore.”

  “I know Alex was the financial end. Now that he is gone are you looking for a partner?”

  “A partner?”

  “What are you a parrot repeating everything I say?” Nate chuckled, “Yes, a partner.”

  Janice set the beer down and stared at him. “Is this a serious inquiry?”

  Nate shrugged. “I have a few dollars I need to invest to keep Uncle Sam off my back.” He nodded at Wayne. “You’re an accountant. Let me know what is needed financially to keep the club going. If that works for you,” he said to Janice.

  Janice smiled. “You are serious? You are not joking around right now?”

  “I don’t joke about money or women.”

  “Hell yeah, that works for me.” She put her hand to her heart. “If Wayne wasn’t standing here, I would take you right on this island.”

  Nate almost choked on his beer. “Let’s not lose our minds here.”

  Wayne chuckled. “Don’t mind me. That’s a hell of an offer. I’ve had her on that island a time or two.”

  Nate jerked his arm that was resting on top of the island up and frowned. “Too much information, man.”

  Janice hugged Wayne’s waist. “Don’t be jealous. In fact, you should be getting laid to let go of some of the stress this case is bringing you.”

  “That’s my cue.” Nate stood, finished his beer, then placed the empty bottle on the bar. “I’ll meet you at the club to leave a check and sign the papers on Monday.”

  “You’re leaving?” Janice asked.

  “Yes.” Nate nodded. “It’s time for me to find somebody’s arms to lay in.”

  “I would never interfere with that. But hold up, before you go, I have something for you,” Janice said as she hurried out of the room.

  Wayne stared at him with a silly grin.

  “What?” Nate asked.

  “You’re a good man, Nate Reigns,” Wayne replied as Janice walked back into the kitchen.

  “This is for you.” She held up a set of keys.