The Aftermath Read online

  “The symbol on the bottle is the Cross of Lorraine, it symbolizes courage, honor and perseverance – the very characteristics you have displayed. It is a smooth cognac we believe you will appreciate. You guided us through the storm. We still have a journey ahead, but the city stands ready to fight another day because of you. Your friends for life.”

  It was signed with a logo of the letters T and A in a circle. Nate looked around, then shrugged. He still could not figure out how anyone could have access to his balcony. Nor could he figure out who rigged the building to explode, who sanctioned the murder of Alex, or how anyone got access to the chips. However, he did know that the private prison systems were being shut down, that the young men and women who had been incarcerated were all having their cases reviewed, and that a lot of young women would get their lives back. Not a bad outcome. But there was more to be done. His cellphone rang.

  “Good job Detective Reigns,” Chief Williams’s voice came through the line.

  “Thank you, Chief, but we still don’t know which officers are in the league with P.I.E.”

  “We know a lot more than we did before and now we know what they are after. You answered a lot of questions for us. Now, we must act on your findings. Heads up, Cory Vaughan has been asking for you. He wants to know why you are attempting to implicate his father in a conspiracy theory. I informed him you were on leave. Take a day or two. Spend some time with your brother; then, come back ready to kick ass. We are taking RPD back.”

  “Sounds good, Chief.” Nate replied then disconnected the call. “No worries Cory, your daddy is the first on my list when I return.”

  His phone rang again. He looked at the number, smiled then answered. “Hello, Mother.”

  “Well, what do you know? You took down the bad guys and did not have to suffer the consequences of the law breaking the law. What do you have to say for yourself?”

  “I think one day you and I have to have a long discussion on your past life.” He chuckled. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

  “Hayden wants to speak to you.”

  Nate chuckled at the way his mother played her hand.

  “Nate, did you bring that building down?”

  “No. I’m a mere RPD Detective. No super skills here. I have a few days off. You want to hang out, have a steak and a beer.”

  “Say the word and I’m there.” Hayden replied. “Love you man.”

  “Love you right back, little brother.”

  Nate hung up that call, and damn if the phone did not ring again. He started not to answer but saw who was calling.

  “I just got off the phone with AG Haskell,” Skylar spoke before he said a word. “He knows is more to this P.I.E. shit than he is telling us.”

  “Did he give you information?”

  “No. He cited Some crap about security issues, but you know, I’m not dropping this. There are too many pieces left on the board.”

  “I agree,” Nate sighed, “but you know what, I’m going to take some down time to figure out my next move. I suggest you do the same. We are going to need fresh heads to deal with what’s to come.”

  “I’m taking a few days with Tylar. Don’t get into anything until I get back.”

  “Say hello to your sister.” Nate said before hanging up.

  He stared at the phone for a moment wondering who he had not heard from. He was about to turn it off when it buzzed. Looking at the caller he simply answered.

  “Hey Tess.”

  “Nate, guess what happened while you were blowing up downtown Richmond?”

  Nate laughed. “What did you find, Tess?”

  “I got a hit on the serum.”

  “No shit!”

  “None whatsoever,” Tess replied. “I’ll send the info to you. Get back with me when you find the son of a bitch who created it.”

  “Will do,” Nate replied, then ended the call. This time he turned the phone off.

  He picked up the bottle then walked back into the house. Picking up the remote, he turned on the fireplace, then took a glass down from the bar. He poured a healthy helping of the D’usse into a snifter, then sat in his favorite chair. Taking a drink, he gazed into the fire wondering where the journey would take him next. He held the glass up. “This one is for you Alex. Commonwealth Attorney William Whitaker, your ass is mine.”

  REVIEW

  Did you enjoy this story? Leave a review on my website: www.irisbolling.com Tell others what you love about this story. Thank you in advance.

  About the Author

  USA Today bestselling author Iris Bolling published her first novel in 2008. This self-published work was the first installment to the popular Heart Series which has captivated the hearts of readers and awarded Iris the Emma Award as Debut Author of the Year in 2010.

  In May of 2011, Iris introduced a new cast of characters in her in Night of Seduction Series. The second book in the series, The Pendleton Rule, was reviewed in USA Today and received, the 2014 Emma Award for Suspense of The Year.

  The popular, Book of Joshua I and Book of Joshua II, earned Iris several awards including 2014 Hero of The Year and 2015 Heroine of The Year. In 2018 the series expanded with Phire: I’m Just Saying which won her The Book of the Year, Cover of the Year, and Heroine of the Year.

  In 2019, Iris was the executive producer and screenwriter for the indie film project Deadly Sexy. The movie is based on the writings of the award-winning writing icon Beverly Jenkins.

  Currently, Iris is in pre-production of a book to film indie project Unfinished Business. The movie is based on the writings of New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson. Due to challenges with the pandemic of 2020, this highly anticipated release date has not been set.

  Iris believes in giving back. Her projects provide jobs and internships to women of color who don’t usually get the opportunity to work behind the scenes in technical roles. Several of the actors and production staff working on her projects have grown in their careers, giving Iris supporters familiar faces in other film projects.

  From her platform during various guest-speaking engagements, Iris has encouraged others to follow their dreams. With the recent implementation of her G.I.Y. workshops Iris shares her experience, knowledge, and talents with others to assist them along the way. Encouraging everyone to simply, BELIEVE!

  Iris currently lives in Richmond, Virginia where she is working on her next book, movie project and/or workshop.

  Also by Iris Bolling

  Once You’ve Touched The Heart

  The Heart of Him

  Look Into My Heart

  A Heart Divided

  A Lost Heart

  The Heart

  The Heart Always Wins

  A Piece of My Heart

  Hearts United: The Re: Election

  Night of Seduction/Heaven’s Gate

  The Pendleton Rule

  Teach Me

  The Book of Joshua - Trust

  The Book of Joshua II - Believe

  A Lassiter’s Christmas

  Ruby…Red Slippers & All

  The Book of Adam: Hypnotic

  The Book of Timothy: Symmetry

  Phire: I’m Just Saying

  The Book of Matthew: Adonis

  Jade

  Sinergy

  Fatal Mistake

  Propensity For Love

  A Brook’s Thanksgiving

  Invested

  Banking On Love

  Private Stock

  News With Curves

  Flames of Passion

  The Lure of Love

  One Spark of Magic

  The Justice of Love

 

 

 
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