The Aftermath

by Iris Bolling

  “And what if the person watching my back is the enemy?”

  He had no comeback for her. After what he had seen and heard at Mayor Palmer’s place, it was hard to distinguish friends from enemies. “I hear you; at least tell me you are strapped.”

  “Damn right I am and know how to use it.”

  Nate chuckled. “Is your sister like you?”

  “No… I’m worse.”

  Nate turned to the open door. His mouth gaped open. A woman, the spitting image of Skylar, only for some odd reason more beautiful, stood in the doorway dressed in a pair of jeans, midriff top, and what he could only deduce was a Burrell sister outfit closer, four- inch heels. Oh, and the signature pink trench coat hanging over her arm.

  “Tylar, what are you doing home?” Skylar walked over and hugged her sister.

  The genuine love between them was evident in their warm greeting.

  “I had a feeling that something was wrong, and you weren’t telling me. I had a few days between photoshoots, so I jumped on a plane to see what you have gotten yourself into.” Tylar held her sister at arm’s length. “Let me look. No bullet holes or knife wounds.”

  “I am fine.”

  “Yeah, so why do you need to be strapped?”

  “Someone tried to kill her,” Nate revealed. “I would prefer not to have to pull her from another burning vehicle.”

  Tylar’s gaze ran over him then lingered on his face. “You have a date?” she asked Skylar.

  “No, this is Detective Nate Reigns. We are working on a case together.”

  “From home?” Tylar asked without taking her eyes from his.

  “We needed privacy.” Skylar added.

  “I see.” Tylar smiled as she pulled her eyes from him to look at her sister. She put her carry-on bag on the floor then extended her hand. “Tylar Burrell. Thank you for saving her life.”

  Nate stood as he took her hand. “The pleasure was mine.”

  “Hmm…tall, dark, handsome with dimples. What a scrumptious package you are. Is there a reason he is not a date?”

  “We work together.”

  “Oh…right. Well, he looks like date material to me.”

  Nate felt himself blushing from the direct attention. “Thank you.”

  “All right, you two,” Skylar interrupted. “Release the hands.”

  Tylar smiled. “Sorry.” Her attention turned back to Skylar. “So, who is trying to kill you?”

  “We don’t know.” Skylar shrugged. “But we’ve decided to go find out.”

  “Good for you. Was it your car that was set on fire?”

  “I’m afraid so. Along with my coat.”

  “The pink coat? How could you let that happen? If you had been wearing it, you would have been protected. That is the only thing we agreed upon when I changed careers. Anything that I create to protect you, is to be used.”

  “It’s not like I set it on fire myself, Tylar. I jumped back in the burning inferno to try to save it, but my superpowers were inside the coat, and it did not appear to be flame resistant.”

  The two stared at each other for a long moment, then burst into laughter.

  “I’m sorry. I know how much it meant to you,” Skylar sighed.

  Tylar walked over and hugged her. “You can keep mine and I will make another that will protect you from fire. As for your car, you are taking the SUV from now on. I want your promise on that before I return to Milan tomorrow.”

  “You have to fly back that soon?”

  “I have a month of shoots over there.” She glanced at Nate. “I only flew back because I thought you were in trouble. But I see you are in good hands. So, I’m going to grab some shut eye, add a few bells and whistles on the SUV, then head back to work.” She picked up her bag. “It was nice meeting you Detective Reigns.”

  “Nice meeting you as well,” Nate replied as she walked down the hallway.

  “The SUV, I want your promise,” Tylar called out as she disappeared.

  “I promise, I promise,” Skylar reluctantly exhaled. “Thank you.”

  “Love you,” Tylar’s fading voice replied.

  “Love you more.” Skylar smiled then glanced at Nate. “You can wipe that silly grin off your face. She’s gone.”

  “Damn,” Nate chuckled. “You two look exactly alike.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t see you wagging your tail for me the way you did when she took your hand.”

  “She did not walk into the room trying to take over my case the way you did when we first met. Hell no, I did not wag my tail. I was ready to bite your ass.”

  They laughed.

  “I did come on pretty strong.” Skylar sat back down.

  “You still acting like you run things,” Nate continued. “What did she mean by bells and whistles?”

  “She’s going to add more security features to the SUV.”

  “Security features?” Nate raised an eyebrow. “She’s going to add them?”

  Skylar nodded. “Tylar was a scientist before she started modeling. She has several inventions under her belt that had to be financed some kind of way. Modeling does that.”

  “The pink coat?” Nate questioned.

  “Bullet proof, hell if I was drowning and had the coat on it would act as a floatation device.”

  “Damn! No wonder she was pissed about it.”

  “Yeah, she’s overprotective like that.”

  “Well,” Nate shook his head, “The Burrell sisters have beauty and brains. Now tell me, what house did you decide to raid?”

  Skylar grabbed the tablet. “I think this is our best bet for two reasons. One, Alex and I believe this is the distribution house.”

  “Where they bring the girls to transport them to other locations.” Nate looked at the schematics for the house. “Looks like it has a basement.”

  “It does. That’s the second reason I chose this location. During one of our stakeouts, I saw them rolling barrels in and out. I’m curious to see what is inside of them.”

  “Barrels?” Nate questioned.

  “Yes, you know, like the big round whiskey barrels.”

  “They were taking them into the house?” He asked.

  “And out. I witnessed them doing both.”

  “Hmm. Now I’m curious about the barrels,” Nate said. “How many girls have you seen there at a time?”

  “Up to ten at the most.”

  “You couldn’t take them?”

  “Not without a search warrant or reasonable cause.” Skylar replied, “I got Regan to sign a search warrant for the home including the garage and storage house. We are looking for women, guns and drugs.”

  “Let me take a look at the warrant. I want to ensure everything we need is covered.”

  Skylar pulled out the document. Nate glanced over it as they continued to talk. “Do you know which men you are going to use for the raid?”

  “I have an idea,” Nate replied while reading over the warrant. “What about you?”

  “I requested a team of five from out of the Norfolk area.”

  Nate glanced up. “You have concerns about your counterparts here in Richmond?”

  “Don’t you?” Skylar raised an eyebrow.

  “My concerns were in place from the moment I entered the academy,” Nate replied.

  “Discovering some of your coworkers may be tainted does not surprise you?”

  “No. It was anticipated. My job now is to support those who are not, save those who are on the fence, and eliminate those who have crossed the line.”

  “That’s a big job for just one man,” Skylar stated.

  Nate smiled. “I’m up for the challenge.”

  51

  With plans in place for the raid, Nate pulled into the gates of the Reigns’ estate at 5:45 pm. Dinner on Sundays was served precisely at 6 pm. He did not want to deal with a lot of family chatter on cases with the Reigns Law Firm. Since his mother did not allow firm business at the dinner table, he felt his timing was perfect.

 
“You came,” his mother’s voice rang out with genuine concern as she met him in the foyer with her arms wide open.

  Nate walked right into her embrace. “There is nothing better than your hugs.” He kissed her on the cheek.

  Charlotte smiled. “Then you should come home more often.” She cupped his face between her hands, then stared into his eyes. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m good, Mother.” He tried to convince her with a weak smile.

  “You look tired.”

  “Long hours.”

  “Yeah, right.” His younger brother, Hayden was on the second-floor landing looking down. “He will use any excuse to explain why I’m the better-looking brother.”

  “No explanation needed. I am the original, you are simply a carbon copy,” Nate retorted.

  Charlotte laughed. “Both of you are beautiful.”

  “Men are not beautiful, Mother,” his sister Audrey said while walking towards him from their father’s study. “It’s good to see you, big brother.” She hugged Nate. “I haven’t seen you at a family function since the fundraiser where you left us with that reporter.”

  “Audrey.” He hugged her. “It’s good to see you. How is Colin?”

  His sister put her hand through the crook of his elbow and steered him towards the dining room. “I kicked him to the curb.”

  “She’s still waiting for Devin Williams to make a move.” Hayden smirked as he walked up behind them.

  “Really?” Nate smiled. “Devin still has a shot?” He pulled a chair out for her when they reached the table. “I always thought Colin was too stuffy for you.”

  “Colin is a perfectly fine young man. One who can offer her a secure life,” his father retorted as he walked past Nate in a huff.

  “Hello to you too, Father,” Nate replied as he took the seat next to Audrey, rather than his normal seat on the right side of his father.

  The dining room was large enough to accommodate twelve when needed. Today, it was just family. His father sat at the head of the table, his mother at the opposite end. Audrey sat on their father’s, left, the chair directly across from her was empty. Hayden sat at his mother’s right as Nate sat at her left. They all joined hands, as Charlotte led them in grace.

  “I distinctly remember saying I wanted lobster tonight,” Nathaniel all but pouted as they raised their heads.

  “You did.” Esther, the cook nodded. “When Ms. Charlotte told me that Nate was coming to dinner, I decided to cook his favorite, roast beef with potatoes and carrots. Is that all right with you,” she said with a little sass.

  “I guess I don’t have a choice,” Nathaniel replied.

  “Not if you want to eat.” Esther turned to Nate as she filled his plate. “I have leftovers wrapped up for you to take home when you’re ready.”

  Nate kissed her cheek. “Are you sure you don’t want to come live with me?”

  “Oh no,” Charlotte declared. “I would not be able to survive without her.”

  “You know I would never leave you, Ms. Charlotte.” Esther smiled. “Now, y’all enjoy your dinner.” She walked back into the kitchen.

  “I’m going to convince her to come live with me one day,” Nate joked.

  “Well, if anyone could do it, it’s you,” Audrey chuckled as she ate. “You could convince a drowning man he needed more water.”

  “It would be better if you found yourself a nice woman and convinced her to marry you,” Charlotte offered.

  “Mother, not that again.” Nate shook his head. “I barely have time for me, much less a woman. Hayden’s life is much more settled than mine.” Nate looked over the rim of his glass at his brother with a smirk on his face.

  “Oh, Hayden didn’t tell you?” Audrey grinned. “He has a new love interest in his life.”

  Nate glanced from his sister to his brother with a raised eyebrow. “Really, who?”

  “He’s being secretive about her, but I believe her name is Egypt,” Audrey teased.

  It took every ounce of willpower for Nate not to jump out of his seat or glance at his father.

  “She is not a love interest, just an intern who is working at the firm,” Hayden corrected.

  “An intern…at Reigns?” Nate’s eyes slowly gazed down the table at his father. “When did we start hiring interns?”

  “Your Mother prohibits firm talk at the table.” His father returned his glare. “If you want to know about Reigns Attorneys at Law, you should come back to the firm. You are wasting your intelligence working for an agency known for its screw-ups. Think of the money you are costing the firm. Thousands, if not millions of dollars, all because you have an unfounded sense of justice.”

  Nate knew his father was changing the subject, which was the decent thing to do, but he would have a moment alone with him before he left the estate. He glanced at his father with a tilt of his head. “We are all officers of the court. Our primary goal should be the pursuit of justice, not the mighty dollar.”

  “The dollars are what lead to justice in the world. If you haven’t figured that out yet, then you are a bigger fool than I thought.”

  “Nate may be selfish, arrogant, and far less attractive than I, but he is certainly not a fool.” Hayden smirked at Nate. “I admire the fact that he has found his purpose in life and is following it. Hats off to you, Nate.”

  “Thank you, Hayden.” Nate tilted his head in appreciation.

  “These Sunday dinners Mother insists we have as a family are far more interesting when you are here, Nate.” Audrey elbowed him in the side. “There is so much love in the room.”

  Nate laughed.

  “There is love in this room,” Charlotte stated. “Each of you love everyone at this table. We have differences of opinion that are expressed freely, as they should be.”

  “Freedom is a relative term, Mother,” Hayden chuckled. “Nate is free. Audrey and I are still trapped with the responsibility of carrying on the Reigns’ prestigious reputation in law.”

  “I don’t see you complaining about the salary you receive,” Nathaniel huffed. “Neither of you.” He glanced at his daughter.

  “Hey, I enjoy being a lawyer, but I certainly understand why Nate left. You know how I feel about some of the clientele we represent.” Audrey held up her hand when her father was about to speak. “Just my opinion spoken freely.”

  Nate chuckled. “I miss you guys.”

  “Listen, you’ve had a rough week,” Hayden sobered. “The least we can do is try to bring a little humor into your life.”

  “Yes,” Audrey exhaled. “Alex’s death had to be a hard blow for you. I’m really sorry.”

  “Thank you, Audrey.” Nate nodded.

  “Yes, if there is anything I can do don’t hesitate to ask,” Hayden offered.

  “There is one thing.” Nate reached into his pocket to pull out his keys. He took the key Janice gave him off. “This is the key to Alex’s Mustang. His sister gave it to me.”

  “The one you guys were restoring?” Hayden asked.

  Nate nodded. “Yes. Will you go by her house and pick it up then park it in my garage?”

  “What a loving gesture.” Audrey rubbed Nate’s shoulder.

  “It’s the least I can do.” Hayden took the key from Nate. “When you solve his case, it will be easier for you to finish what you two started.”

  “Hmm, if the rumors are true, we may have a boat load of appeals stemming from Alex’s death.” Nathaniel nodded. “A review of all of our clients prosecuted by him should generate a healthy sum.”

  “Do you ever think of anything other than how you can scheme money from a client?”

  Nate raised an eyebrow at the tone from his mother to his father. He cleared his throat as he glanced from his brother to his sister. They seemed to be just as shocked.

  “Your son lost a friend. Someone who stood by him during a bad time in his life. I have not heard one word of condolence or empathy from you. If you cannot do anything else, please try to refrain from equating his
friend’s death to a money maker for you and that damn firm!”

  Nate’s eyes turned to his father. The fury in his eyes sent daggers to his mother.

  “I don’t see you complaining about the money the firm brings in,” his father shot back. “Look around, Charlotte, you’re sitting on your ass living the sweet life. I would think you would be grateful to have a husband as generous as I have been to you.”

  “Generous?” Charlotte dropped her napkin on her plate as she stood. “Next time you look in a mirror, take an extra moment to see the nightmare I have to live with every day. Oh, I have paid the price for your generosity several times. By all means spare me any more of your generosity. But do try to share some of your heart with your children. You’re beginning to lose them one by one.”

  Nate watched as his mother stood, then walked away from the table. All of their attention turned to their father.

  “Aren’t you going to go after her, Father?” Audrey asked.

  “No.” Nathaniel put more food into his mouth.

  Audrey dropped her napkin to follow her mother.

  Hayden smirked. “You know the day is going to come when she is going to leave you.”

  “Your mother is not going anywhere. No one can provide her with the lifestyle I have given her.”

  “She doesn’t need a lifestyle Dad, she needs a loving husband,” Hayden replied.

  “You need to remember where your bread is buttered.” He pointed his fork at Hayden. “You work for me.”

  Hayden stood. “You begged me to come to the firm when Nate left. I didn’t ask for it. And you better remember, I don’t need to be there.”

  Nate watched as his brother left the table. His glare landed on his father.

  “You have something you want to say?”

  Nate smirked. “No, I know what a greedy, arrogant ass you are. But I do have a question. When are you going to tell Hayden that Egypt is his half-sister?”

  52

  For the first time since Alex’s death, Nate had a good night’s sleep. He chalked it up to seeing a clear path on what needed to be done. On a legal pad the night before, he mapped out who he would call for backup on the raid. He was going to have them work off the books since they did not want any record of the raid written down. Still unclear on who to trust in the department, his resources were going to be limited. They had to hit the house precisely at the right time. They needed to know exactly how many men and women were inside, and if possible, who was friend and who was foe. There were a few unknowns, but they would have to play that by ear later tonight.