Absolute Corruption: Southern Justice Trilogy

by Cayce Poponea

  “Austin you look like you’re ready to drop. We can start chess lessons another night.” As much as I wanted to argue, to stay here wrapped up in the feeling I get from being around her, I did need some rest.

  What men desire is a virgin who is a whore.

  ~ Edward Dahlbert

  It’s funny how we never stop to consider how life truly goes on around us. When we take a day off, stay wrapped in the warm sheets, life still rolls on. My boss Jackie is a prime example of this, sitting in California enjoying room service, while I run her company.

  I hadn’t heard a single word from her since she left; no email, no messaging, nothing. Even though everything was running well, I’ve left her a message assuring her of this. While I’d planned on working this weekend, anticipating her unannounced return, those plans were canceled by a single phone call.

  Priscilla Morgan phoned very early this morning, letting me know an invitation to attend Chase’s welcome home party, would be arriving later today. Heidi was also included, but I already knew she had a test to take on campus. Priscilla agreed a test was important, but also left no room for not showing up. Evidently, wanting to impress your boss doesn’t score high enough for her acceptable excuses chart. Would I ever have the self-fortitude to hand out orders like she did?

  Claire had called me shortly after, too late to deliver her warning to expect the call. “Dylan told me Harmony was invited, only because Priscilla doesn’t want any drama. She made him and Austin swear to keep their mouths shut.”

  Austin hadn’t shared with me his dislike for his brother’s girlfriend, so Claire told me the story of meeting the family for the first time. “She seriously wore a mini skirt to meet the parents?” I recalled the length of a few of my momma’s skirts. Ones she wore when it was time to find a new paycheck; a term she used for the man who would pay her bills for a little while. She’d dress the way they wanted, until she got bored of being told what to do, and then she went searching again.

  “Apparently, they suspect her of being dishonest with Chase. I’m not sure what about since Dylan doesn’t want to involve me.” Now this got my attention. While Dylan has been known to be crass, he was also known to be an excellent judge of character. If he’s questioning something Harmony is doing, then I agreed blindly.

  I’m not sure what I expected when Claire and I pulled up outside of the Morgan home. I knew from living here, Mount Pleasant was a more affluent section of Charleston. But nothing I could have dreamed up, would have prepared me for the real thing. I’ve never been to Italy, so I had nothing to compare, other than what little I’d seen in pictures and movies. But, I wouldn’t have been surprised if the Morgans had a Tuscan villa shipped over. With sand colored exterior walls, a terra-cotta roof, and four majestic columns reminding you this is the south; the house seemed to go on and on, with pristine landscaping, bordering the richness of the area.

  I imagined having three little boys running wild around the massive yard, playing cops and robbers, allowing their young minds to roam free. How many celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, and spelling bee competitions had been held here? Even the victory parties, for well-played football games.

  Claire entered the house as if she’d done it a thousand times. Walking toward the back of the house, where the sounds of an established party were already in full swing. Music and laughter blending into one beautiful song, with lyrics everyone knew.

  As grand as the entryway was, full of character and charm, the back sitting porch left me with a new appreciation for men with visions, and skilled hands to make them into reality. A stark white wood porch ran the length of the home. Tall palm trees danced in the wind. Creating a backdrop for the inhabitants of the four empty rocking chairs to enjoy. Full and healthy ferns swayed back and forth from their perch on the under hanging. Reflections of light danced off the choppy water of the lake behind the house.

  Austin and Dylan stood beside the largest grill I had ever seen. A beer in one hand, as they laughed to whatever story the cook was in the process of telling. Red, white, and blue covered every surface, with a massive banner, welcoming Chase Morgan home again.

  I scanned the sprawling lawn, noticing a pool off to the left side, with several young people enjoying the refreshment it brought. I knew the second I saw Harmony, exactly who she was. Gray tank top, tied just beneath her breasts. The knot was completely tacky against the brand of jeans she’d painted on. I’d created a webpage for the ostentatious Michael Avery. Women paid unfathomable amounts of money to purchase his jeans, each coming with its own serial number, like a fine Italian purse. You had to know someone, or be someone, to get an appointment with him. Having the webpage was his way of showing off what he could do. Either Harmony knew the man personally, or she spent some serious time on her knees. Continuing with her tacky ensemble, just above her million dollar jeans, sat her belly button ring, glistening in the sun.

  Just as Harmony came with her own neon sign, Chase Morgan had no problem catching a few eyes as well. Dark hair, just like the other men in his family, his cut short, still reflecting his military service. His face clean-shaven; with the same cut jawline I enjoyed on Austin. Chase may be the baby of the family, but he is taller than his brothers. Khaki cargo shorts, and a tight red t-shirt, never looked so good.

  “Careful, Austin at two o’clock.” Claire snickered, becoming my voice of reason, and resident drool monitor.

  “Hey, just because I’m seeing Austin, doesn’t mean I have to quit appreciating the rest of the male population.”

  Harmony chose that moment to look our way, almost as if she could hear us, and wrapped herself around Chase’s free arm.

  “Hey, Sweetness,” Austin whispers in my ear,. Kissing the side of my cheek, as he wraps me from behind, it’s my favorite way to be touched by him. His warmth was a welcome addition, even in the heat of the day.

  “Hey, yourself.” I’m instantly glad I didn’t fight Priscilla on blowing off work. Dylan joined us, dipping Claire back in a silly kiss. The movement allows me to see a young girl standing off to the side of the yard. Its evident she is alone and feels out of place. I imagine she’s debating hiding in the bushes or just going home. “Austin, who is that?” I asked, before I can stop myself. Both he and Dylan look to where my attention is.

  “Oh, that’s Audrey, she works in the shop.”

  She is pretty in that natural kind of way; no need for makeup, or heavy hair products. Her clothing is appropriate for the event. A knee length skirt, white tennis shoes, and three quarter length blouse. She wasn’t advertising any attributes, or giving away free glimpses of where her panties came from.

  “Momma likes her, and spent the better part of an hour reassuring her she was welcome.” Austin takes my hand in his, squeezing it tenderly, but my attention stays fast on Audrey. “I’ll be back”

  I’m not sure what it is about Audrey that calls out to me. She isn’t being picked on or harassed, and she isn’t in danger of being hurt. But as I move closer to her, I glance around to see what she is looking at so sternly. She too has noticed the trampy Harmony; much like a monkey on a bicycle, you have to see it to believe.

  “Hi, I’m sorry, you don’t know me but—” The last thing I wanted to do was frighten her. It’s clear; to me anyway, she could use a friend. “I’m Lainie Perry, Austin’s girlfriend.” Her brown eyes take me in, almost as if she were deciding if I’m one of the good guys, or a friend of the circus performer.

  “Hello.” Her voice was timid, like she’s trying it out for the first time. Her eyes flash to the ground, and then she thinks the better of it, bringing them back to mine. “I’m Audrey, Audrey Helmes.” Her extended hand shook, and her tiny fingers were cold, despite the rising temperatures.

  “That’s not a name you hear anymore.” I surmised, trying to keep her talking, and her tremors to stop.

  “My mom was an Audrey Hepburn fan. She watched her movies everyday until the day she died.” She spoke so proudly of her mother. Not lik
e some people when you mention a loved one who has passed, and you instantly feel bad about mentioning them.

  “Much better than mine. My momma let the nurses who were in the delivery room name me.” True story, Momma was told I was a boy, but when I popped out with no stem on the apple, she had no clue what to name me. So she let the nurses give her their favorites.

  “Really?” Her laughter filled the air. A welcomed richness, which enhanced the feeling, instead of annoying the hell out of me.

  “Oh, yes. You know it’s too bad we don’t get to choose our own names, since we’re the ones stuck with them for our entire lives.” Nodding her head in agreement, her eyes flicking past me.

  I turned slightly, knowing exactly what, or rather who, she was looking at. It was hard not to if you asked me. “You’d think she would know how to dress if she’s acquainted with these people.”

  “She should be ashamed of herself.” Her words were rushed, and she immediately slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my gosh, I’m sorry. I never should have said that.”

  “Why not? It’s the truth.”

  The look on her face was priceless, eyes huge, and glistening with the beginnings of humor. “But it’s rude to say. My granny would have a few things to tell her, walking around with all that skin on display. Why there is food being served, for Christ’s sake.”

  Audrey was an absolute delight, definitely a girl I could have a great time with. “You won’t tell Mr. Dylan I was talking bad about Miss Harmony, will you? He’s been so good to me; giving me a job and a car, and letting me work as much as I want. I don’t mean to listen to his conversations, but sometimes he talks so loud it’s hard not to.” One thing about Audrey Helms, once you got her started, the girl could talk.

  “I hear how she’s taking advantage of that soldier. Poor man, off serving his country, and she sits back, spendin’ his money like they was married.”

  Dylan may not have wanted to involve Claire in his issues with Harmony, but I was getting an ear full from Audrey.

  “Why just a few minutes ago, she was chewing Mrs. Priscilla’s ear ‘bout how now that Chase was home, she could have her over for dinner in their new home.”

  “Wait, Harmony and Chase are living together?”

  “Yes, Ma’am. Harmony said it loud enough for practically the whole country to hear. Mrs Priscilla went right off and into the house, Mr. Morgan close on her heels.”

  I looked with wide eyes over at Austin, his face dropping as he came closer.

  “Afternoon, Mr. Austin.” Audrey greeted in her heavy southern accent. I didn’t know where she was from, but I bet it was so far south they had to bring in sunshine.

  “Miss Audrey, are you enjoying yourself?” My Austin, kindness in his every word.

  “Yes, Sir. Your Mom didn’t have to invite me, but I wanted to thank her anyway.” Audrey wasn’t looking at Austin; she had her eyes firmly planted on the third Morgan brother, longing in her voice.

  “She was just here somewhere.” He searched around the yard among all the guests.

  I reached over to get his attention, I wanted to have a hold on him when I let him hear the news. “Austin, your momma was upset by the news Chase and Harmony have moved in together.”

  Dylan heard me; he wasn’t even three feet away, as the two brothers looked at one another. “Excuse us.” Austin announced, as he and Dylan moved away.

  Claire must have overheard as well, she was now on the other side of Audrey. Watching as the guys approached Chase, pulling him aside, and began speaking. At first it was Austin, and everything seemed calm. Then Chase pointed at himself, and then Harmony. “Fuck you, Austin!” Chase shouted, loud enough to silence the people around them. He grabbed Harmony’s arm, stomping into the house.

  Austin and Dylan remained standing, watching the couple retreat into an open door. As conversations resumed, Priscilla and Dean returned. It’s evident they are both angry. She notices us, tells Dean something, and then walks over to us.

  “How are my favorite girls?” She leans over to kiss Claire’s cheek, then mine, and finally Audrey’s.

  “I wanted to thank you for the invite.” Audrey begins, but was shushed by a head shaking Priscilla.

  “You are a breath of fresh air, just like these two.”

  “You may want to take that back when you hear what just happened.” She gives me a concerned look, one I don’t deserve. “Priscilla, I need to apologize as I may have just ruined your party.”

  I watched her eyes roll, as I tell her what just occurred. “Lainie, honey, if anyone needs to be apologizing, it’s that harlot for showing up with her tits on display, and her hips hanging out of her too tight jeans.”

  The phone in my pocket began to vibrate, pulling it out; I hoped it was my sister with good news about her test. I excused myself to take the call, as Austin and Dylan came over to stand by their momma.

  “Hello?”

  “Lainie, its Murphy with security. I need you come by the office as soon as you can. There are gentlemen with badges here to see you.”

  “What kind of badges? Is it the police?”

  “No, Ma’am, they’re from the government. They asked for Jackie, but ain’t nobody able to get ahold of her. They asked for the person in charge, that being you.”

  I looked over at Austin who was looking at me with worry. The last thing I needed was to cause any more issues today. “Okay, Murphy. Tell them I’m across the bridge, and I’ll be there as quickly as I can.” I ended the call, and Austin is at my side in an instant.

  “Babe, you okay?” His comforting hands are on my face. I’ve come to love when he touches me.

  “I’m not sure, that was one of the security guys who says I need to get over there right away.”

  “Okay, I have my bike here, but I can ride you over.” I’d love nothing more than to jump on the back of his bike, but he needs to stay here and fix whatever is wrong with Chase.

  “No, I’m fine to drive over. Besides you need to stay with your family. Fix what’s wrong with Chase.”

  Claire is getting a ride home from Dylan, leaving me to head on over to my building. When I arrive, there are three black SUVs in the parking lot. Grabbing my security pass, I enter the building. Standing around the desk, phones to one of their ears, are four men in suits.

  “Are you Miss Perry?” The shortest of the four questions. His blonde hair is slicked back with some sort of hair product, his tie is slightly askew, as if he’s been picking at it.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  He pulls something out of his pocket, showing me his silver badge, and government issued ID. “Ma’am, I’m Brad Parish, an officer with the Federal Trade Commission. Are you familiar with a Jacqueline Craven?”

  “Yes, Sir, she’s my boss, and the owner of the company.”

  “Have you ever had any dealings with a Kennedy Fraser?”

  “We went to college together. What is all of this about?”

  My heart was racing, as the man who was on the phone walks over. “Afternoon, Ma’am, has Officer Parish informed you of your rights?”

  I nearly passed out. My rights? “I’m sorry, did you just say my rights?” My legs are trembling, and I can feel the edges of my vision fading to black.

  “Yes, Ma’am, this is an ongoing investigation.” His tone is gruff, as if this is keeping him from something more important. His poor attitude is enough of a reprieve that I’m able to think around the panic.

  “No, I have not been told much of anything, and I wish to pause this conversation until my attorney is present.” I don’t wait for them to agree or disagree. I want to call Austin, have him here to take the bad feelings away, but he isn’t the Morgan who attended law school. Two rings in and he answers the call. I can feel the panic return; he picks up the distress in the cracking. “Lainie, say nothing to them. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  I hang up the phone, and continue to ignore the four men. Scrolling through my contacts, I locate Jackie, and press sen
d. But the ring never comes, instead I hear the announcement the number has been disconnected. I know it can’t be right, so I try it again, with the same result. Thinking she’s had to change her number from possibly a lost phone, I scan my email, but there is nothing from her.

  Looking out the window to the parking lot, my heart jumps as three solid men are walking toward the building, from an all too familiar truck. They all have sunglasses covering those eyes. But I can tell the one in the middle, the one who holds my heart, is pissed. I want to run to him, toss myself into his welcoming arms, but I know I can’t do that. I have to show these guys behind me I don’t have any involvement, other than professional, with the dynamic trio who have just walked into the door.

  “Afternoon, Miss Perry, pleasure to see you again.”

  Dean Morgan had an air about him, confidence he could sell in buckets. Professionalism abounding, and a million dollar smile, wrapping it all up in a nice looking gift.

  “Who is in charge here?” Dean wastes no time in pulling out his identification, showing the feds exactly who he was.

  “Hey, pretty lady.” Dylan stands strong, his flirtatious nature helping to ease the nausea I felt.

  “I’m so sorry.” I whispered. Austin ignored the situation, and took me in his arms. I needed it, the comfort of his touch, his smell, and whispers of everything would be okay.

  “Miss Perry?” I cringe at the sound of my name, although I shouldn’t since I’ve done nothing wrong.

  “Can you explain to Officer Norris why you are here instead of Miss Craven?”

  With Dylan on one side, and Austin on the other, I tell them of her purchase of a fledgling company, of surveying what they have, and giving Mr. Fraser an opportunity to keep his job.

  “Miss Perry, I’m sorry to tell you this, but we are seizing Craven and Associates. Effective immediately.”

  The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies… It comes from friends and loved ones.