by Iris Bolling
“Money doesn’t appear to be his motivator. So what’s his connection to the Brooks’?” Xavier wondered out loud.
“All of this is speculative,” Adam cautioned. “We have no proof this Singleton guy has any connection or is involved in this scheme, as you call it.”
Xavier gathered his things. “Let’s get some proof. Did you drive,” he asked as he stood. Adam nodded. “We’ll drop your car off at your place. I’ll drive to Singleton’s while you key. I want every piece of information you can find on Singleton and Cannon. Before it’s over with I’m going to know the last time their mothers had a period. “
“I can do that, if they are still alive. Adam nodded eager to help.”
Xavier stopped walking and stared at Adam. “You have a little Joshua in you, don’t you?”
“All the Lassiters do.”
“Good, we might have to blow up a building or two before this is over with.”
“I can put together a few explosives.”
Xavier stopped again. “You’re not excited are you? I thought you were the quiet one?”
“Those are the ones you have to keep your eyes on. I mean, look at you. This is the first time you’ve said more than five words at a time. This is me.” He pointed to a vehicle, then opened the door. “I’ll drop you off at your car. You can follow me home and we’ll be on our way.”
An hour later they were parked outside a sprawling mansion surrounded by a black iron gates, with a double-gated entrance, leading to a driveway.
“This is the part of town where you will be arrested for parking here too long.” Adam explained.
“It’s just a little after one in the afternoon.” Xavier replied after checking his watch.
“Doesn’t matter.” Adam shrugged his shoulder. “You don’t come here unless you belong.”
“Okay, any suggestions on how we can surveillance this place?”
“Hire a professional to take pictures of people coming and going. They have more liberties than what we have.”
“Let me think on that,” Xavier stated as a vehicle drove past them and pulled up to the gate. The woman pushed a button on the stand outside the gate. She gave her name and the gates opened. “What in the hell is she doing here?”
“Who?” Adam looked around to see who Xavier was talking about.
Xavier was too shocked to reply. If he wasn’t sure before, he now knew Isaac Singleton was the man behind whatever was happening with Nicole and the man had help. “Let’s go Adam.”
“Who was in the car?”
“I can’t say right now. When all this unfolds I’ll tell you.”
They pulled away. “So, what’s our next move?”
Xavier’s mind was on what he’d just seen. But he couldn’t dwell on it. It had to be put a way for now, his first priority was Nicole. “As a business man I keep all of my appointments on my calendar so I can access it at any time. Do you think Cannon has an electronic calendar?”
Adam keyed then turned the computer to Xavier. “Which date are you interested in?”
Xavier smiled. “You work for our government—right?”
“I’m deciding if I want to take them up on their offer.”
“We haven’t broken any laws here, have we?”
“Oh hell yeah, but it’s cool. This is my prototype. They wanted me to test it and that’s what I’m doing.”
“They?”
“One of those agency’s with three initials, you don’t want to know which one.”
“I agree, I don’t.” Xavier checked his watch. “Can you tell me where Cannon is right now?”
“At his office.”
“Can you get us in the building?”
“Of course. What do you want to do once we are inside, is the question?”
***
“Daddy, you don’t have to watch me twenty-four seven. I’ve been dealing with this for over a month now.”
“I’m not watching over you.” Vernon continued to review the case on his desk. “I thought you would like to see how a law office is run.”
“You don’t run this office. Mrs. Morgan does.”
“And you better believe it. Been doing it for fifteen years.” Geraldine Morgan winked at Taylor as she walked over to the television monitor in Vernon’s office. “You need to see this.” She clicked the monitor on.
“Since the District Attorney doesn’t see fit to file charges against the mighty Brooks’, my client has no recourse but to seek monetary damages for the physical and mental damage done to her. Have you seen these photographs, or the video? The total humiliation my client suffered at the hands of Nicole Brooks alone should raise a few eyebrows. We have documented evidence of a history of this behavior against my client’s family. And we say enough is enough. Someone has to send a message to the mighty Brooks’, that they cannot go around throwing their money at people to get away with criminal activity. ”
Vernon stood. “Valarie Russum is taking over the Hargrove case.”
Mrs. Morgan nodded. “Ish just got interesting.”
Taylor laughed. “Mrs. Morgan, where did you get that from?”
“I have children.”
Vernon snorted. “You’re kidding me.”
Mrs. Morgan grinned. “I’m afraid not.”
“Now why do you think a high profile attorney would take a defamation case,” Mrs. Morgan asked.
“She’s going to try the case in the media,” Taylor stated.
“Exactly,” Vernon agreed. “Mrs. Morgan, pull our PR and Investigative team together. Meeting in the conference room in fifteen. Looks like we are going to court sooner than anticipated.” He picked up the telephone. “We’re going to nip this before it gets started.”
“Daddy, how can I help?”
“Stand back and watch your daddy work.”
She smiled. “Well all right. Let me see how you work.”
“Nicole, there’s been a development on your case.”
“What is Trish up to now?”
“The District Attorney’s office is not filing charges against you. Trish is now filing a personal injury claim against you.”
“What does that mean?”
“One, there is no jail time on the table. Second, you can drop your suit and have the platform you want for the privacy issue. But I have another suggestion that I believe will win this case. You trust me?”
“Of course I do.”
Vernon smiled. “Good. I’ll be in touch.” He hung up the telephone just as Mrs. Morgan walked back into his office. “Mr. Brooks, a Rene Naverone is here to see you. She doesn’t have an appointment.”
Vernon hesitated as he glanced at Taylor. “Send her in.”
Naverone walked into the office dressed in a gold dress, black blazer and stilettos that extended those beautiful long legs of her more. He never considered ponytails sexy, but damn if she didn’t put sexy in them. “My lord.”
Taylor had never seen her dad at a loss for words until now. She looked from him to the woman in the doorway, then back to him. “Daddy, are you okay?”
Naverone extended her hand. “Hello, Mr. Brooks.”
It took Vernon a moment. He looked at her hand and remembered how the touch affected him the last time. Man up, he thought to himself. He took her hand. Bam, there it was again. “Rene.” He played it off the best he could.
“There’s some information I think you need to hear. Do you have time to talk?”
“I have an emergency meeting I have to attend. Are you able to stay for a while?”
“It’s important. I’ll hang around.”
“Good.” He saw Mrs. Morgan come to his desk to pick up his folder.
“I’ll see to it this is waiting for you in the meeting.”
“Thank you,” Vernon replied and was thankful, her interruption cleared his mind. He turned to Taylor. “Taylor, this is Rene Naverone. Would you keep her company while I’m in the meeting?”
“Sure.” Taylor stood and extended her hand t
o Naverone. “It’s nice to meet you Ms. Naverone.”
“Thank you. It’s just Naverone. It’s nice meeting you Taylor. I have a client who thinks you’re a taste of heaven on earth. His words, not mine.”
“Really? A client? What type of work do you do?”
“I do investigative work for your Uncle Nick.”
“Wow. Do you know his client named Jason Whitfield?”
Naverone looked from Taylor to Vernon and back. “I do. He’s the client.”
Vernon was about to walk out of the office when he stopped. “Maybe I should stay.”
“Daddy, go to your meeting. Naverone and I will be fine. So tell me.” Taylor turned from her father to Naverone. “What’s he like for real. I mean I met him once after a show, but we didn’t really get to talk.”
Vernon watched Naverone crossed her legs as she took a seat next to Taylor. The movement caused him to groan.
“Everything all right, Daddy?”
Vernon cleared his throat. “Yes, everything is good.” He walked out of the office closing the door behind him. He liked seeing Rene with Taylor. It felt all right.
***
Cannon walked into his office and stopped. He stood in the doorway and chuckled. “Mr. Davenport.” He shook his head as he walked in. “This I did not expect.” He took a seat not bothering to ask Xavier to get out of his chair. “How did you accomplish this?”
“Wasn’t hard.” Xavier turned in the chair to face him. “It’s amazing what people can do when provoked.”
“Oh, I’ve just gotten started Mr. Davenport.” Cannon sneered. “You don’t want to take me on. You’re the clean cut, local kid that made good. I’m the down and dirty street kid who made good. Which one of us do you think will win a dirty fight?”
“The one with the stronger motivation, know what motivates me?”
“Let me guess, Nicole Brooks?”
“No.” Xavier stood, walked around the front of the desk and leaned against the edge in front of Cannon, then crossed his legs at the ankles. “Nicole Brooks’ love motivates me. Her happiness is paramount to mine.”
“Makes a man weak.”
“It gives me strength to take you out if you continue down this path.”
“Huh, that’s cute Davenport.” Cannon stood. “You had your say, now get the hell out of my office. And know, next time, I won’t be so polite.”
Xavier uncrossed his legs and stood. “As you wish.” He started towards the door just as Cannon reached his chair.
“What the hell is this?”
Xavier stepped back and peeked over the desk. “Oh, that.” I forgot to tell you. I paid a visit to your home earlier.” He reached across the desk pointing at the picture. That is your bedroom, living room, pool house oh and yes, that’s your kitchen with your lovable pets, Bruno and Buster. That’s cute. This piece of paper is the combination to your home safe. You would be surprised what people keep in a safe.” He held Cannon’s eyes when he looked up. He pulled a disc from his pocket. “This is a copy, you know what’s on it.” Xavier put it away. “Don’t fuck with me or mine.” Xavier tapped on the desk and smiled. “See you next time. Oh, and please, give Mr. Singleton my regards.” The smile was replaced with a glare.
Cannon heaved with fire in his eyes. “What are you going to do with that?”
“Nothing, I don’t condone invading another person’s privacy. I do wonder how what’s on this drive could impact your clients.”
“I could break your ass in two before you reach that door.”
“You could, but then you would have to deal with me.” A dark figure stepped from the corner of the room.
Cannon stood. “Who in the hell are you?”
“A man you don’t want no parts of.” Spoken in a chilling voice.
Xavier glanced at the figure, turned and they walked out of the door.
Cannon picked up the documents off the desk and threw them across the room.
Adam removed his hat, dark shades and trench coat. “He’s pissed.”
“Yes.” Xavier exhaled. “Let’s get out of here? I have a plane to catch.”
“He threaten you? We could have him arrested for that.”
Xavier looked exasperated. “We just broke into the man’s house and you want to have him arrested?”
“Let’s be clear, Xavier, we did not break into his house. The house was unlocked by some force of nature.”
“Yes, your computer program.”
“It was being tested.”
“And the dogs you hypnotized?”
“I did not hypnotize them. I used sound to control them.”
“Un huh. And the safe?”
“A few combinations here and there.” He shrugged his shoulder.
Xavier laughed and Adam joined in. “Your brother would be proud of you.”
“Joshua, yes—Samuel would be kicking my ass across town if he ever found out.”
“Your illegal activities are safe with me.” Xavier laughed. “You can hang out with me anytime.”
“That was cool what you did. Nicole will never know how you put yourself out there for her. You realize you have an enemy now.”
“He became my enemy the moment he targeted Nicole. Her enemies are my enemies.”
“That’s a good thing to love that deep. I pray to have that one day.”
Xavier laughed thinking about how he’d had that same prayer.
***
Naverone and Taylor were still talking when Vernon returned from the meeting. “You two seem to be hitting it off.”
“Girl talk.” Taylor smiled. “Do you think Naverone can join us for dinner?”
“If she’s free.”
“I am.” Naverone smiled.
Vernon almost lost his composure again, but held fast. “Taylor, would you give Rene and I a few minutes to handle business.”
“Sure, I’ll wait for you at Mrs. Morgan’s desk.”
Vernon waited until Taylor was out of the room. “So.” He took a seat and pointed to one in front of his desk. “What do you have for me, Rene?”
“I met with Nail and his crew at the B7 studios. I believe it would be in Taylor’s best interest to stay away from Nail. She should fire her mother as manager and move on.”
“What does her mother have to do with this?”
Naverone hesitated.
"Mr. Brooks, the last thing I want to do is interfere in your marriage."
Vernon held up his hand. "First, it's Vernon. We are beyond the formal stage, you know it as well as I do. Second, my marriage was over years ago when I made the mistake of sleeping with my brother’s wife. My brother and I moved on. Connie never did." He held her eyes for a brief moment. "My first priority is to my daughter. Do not hold anything back. I want to know everything."
"Very well. Your wife is sleeping with the new owner of B7 Beats. His name is Isaac Singleton. If it is any consolation she was targeted, as well as Taylor. According to the crew, Nail was told to make Taylor look bad to the staff, the crew and especially the media. Nail’s attempts to disgrace her during performances, or rehearsals failed. Taylor did not fall for or respond to any of his abusive tirades. She stayed professional." She adjusted her position. "On the day in question no one knows exactly what happened except Taylor and Nail. However, everyone knows it was of a sexual nature."
"It was," Vernon interjected in an impatient tone. "What role did Connie play in this?"
Naverone tilted her head. "She took her lover’s word over her daughter's. She reported what Taylor told her to Singleton. He said he would look into it. He claimed Nail’s accounting of what took place was a little different than Taylor's. There was touching and rubbing, to make the scene look real, but nothing more. Connie took it as Taylor overreacting because of her virginal state."
The pen in Vernon's hand snapped in two.
"I know the feeling." Naverone nodded. "So you know, Singleton never spoke with Nail and according to the crew, they get a bonus for Taylor running of
f the shoot and refusing to come back. Every day the shoot is delayed is a mark against Taylor's reputation. In the industry she’ll be seen as a difficult person to work with. Your top producers do not want to work with someone who will cause delays. Time is money." She sat forward. "Between you and me, if Taylor were my child, every person in the crew would lose their life."
There was silence in the room for a long time. Vernon got up, walked around the desk, pulled Naverone from her seat and proceeded to kiss her with the vigor of a man possessed. He brought the kiss to an end, then stared down into her eyes. Using his thumb he wiped the moisture from her lips. "I want the name of every person who was in that room."
She pulled a disc from her pocket. "I have video."
Vernon smirked, as he caressed her neck. "You're a woman after my heart."
Naverone pulled away then walked toward the door. "I am, but not until the divorce papers are signed." She opened the door. "Shall we go to dinner?”
***
Sunday dinner at the Brooks’ with all the family in attendance was like a holiday. It reminded Xavier of holiday feasts at the Lassiter’s home. This was what he wanted his family meals to be, lively, loving and full of laughter.
Vernon’s cell phone chimed and Gwen gave him a look. The family laughed and pointed at him. He looked at his mother with pleading eyes. “I have to take this.” He gave a knowing laugh, stood and kissed his mother on the cheek as he stepped way.
He returned to the table a few moments later angry. He motioned to Nick. “We need to take a quick trip.”
Nick and James stood, wiping their mouths. “Let’s roll,” James said.
“No,” Vernon said to James. “We need you on the outside.” A stare passed between the brothers. James nodded in understanding. “Call when you need me.”
Nick patted Xavier on the shoulder. “Take a ride with us.”
Xavier looked to Nicole, then back to Nick. He wiped his mouth, kissed Nicole. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He followed Vernon out the dining room.
Nick kissed Nicole on the cheek. “Umm, you better make that a few hours.” He ran from the room.
“Butchie.” Gwen looked down the table at James “What is going on?”
