by D. Camille
The Scales
The Black Land Series Book 3
By
D. Camille
This is a work of fiction. Names, Characters, places, and incidents are products
of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real.
Any resemblance to actual events,
locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is
entirely coincidental.
The Bull
Copyright© 2016 D. Camille
Sable SiStars Publishing, LLC
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without
written permission, except in the case of brief
quotations embodied in reviews.
EMAIL: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.dcamille.com
TWITTER: dcamille_maat
FACEBOOK: Author D. Camille
DEDICATION
To the Negus and Nigist who are victims
of the systems put in place to oppress…
You are not forgotten…
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to give thanks to the Universe for provision, creativity and power.
To the Goddess Team for keeping me focused and on track.
To all my readers who support me and my works, I appreciate you.
To those who work diligently to change the ‘systems’.
Ase’
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Epilogue
Libra Zodiac Sign – “The Scales”
Air sign; ruled by Venus.
Balanced, seeks beauty, sense of justice.
Chapter 1
Head Prosecutor Brandon Williams sat in the brown leather seat across from his father, the Honorable Benjamin Williams. Two pair of hazel-green eyes connected as the Judge leaned back in the large, black leather chair.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked his only son.
Brandon nodded. “I have to do this.”
“It may get messy…” Benjamin warned.
Brandon smirked. “I’m sure it will, considering the competition.”
“You at least have the Negus behind you,” Benjamin steepled his fingers. “What about Chief Green?”
Brandon’s long lashes lowered as he looked down. “I’ll speak with Mackenzie.”
Benjamin smiled. “I know that you two have had your run-ins.”
Lifting his gaze, Brandon matched his father’s smile. “Yes, we have, but I don’t think that will be a problem.”
Benjamin looked at his son for a moment. “Okay Brandon, I guess I’m looking at the next mayor of Detroit.”
“That is the plan.”
“Who is leading your campaign?” Benjamin asked.
“I’ve hired Derek Wells to manage.”
Benjamin lifted a brow. “Wow, Derek is a great choice. He’s the top political strategist on this side of the country. I’m surprised you were able to get him.”
Brandon smiled. “It pays to have friends in high places. Rion made the connection for me.”
“I guess if the only black MLB owner calls, people answer.”
“Real quick.” Brandon agreed. “Derek also respects my motivation to run for office. “
Benjamin swiveled his seat. “Tell me more about this motivation.”
“I’m tired of perpetuating a broken system. I can’t keep watching black men and women being sent to prison for minimal and sometimes non-existent crimes. I need to move into a position where I can influence change,” Brandon explained.
“It appalls me that our people are being used for cheap labor in private prison systems while corporations make billions off of their labor,” he finished passionately.
Benjamin nodded. “You know I agree with you one hundred percent. As a judge, I can only enforce the law. Most of my power has been stripped away by private interest groups who propose laws for their financial gain.”
“This entire system is broken and the only way to fix it is to infiltrate it,” Brandon told him.
“Your opponent won’t play fair,” Benjamin said shaking his head. “And it doesn’t help that you have a history with her.”
Brandon frowned. “That was in law school and if Patrice wants to play dirty, I’m not the one. I won’t strike first, but I will get down if I have to.”
“Having Chief Green on your side will go a long way. She’s loved in the city, and considering the way police and citizen relations are around the country right now, that’s an asset.” Benjamin looked at his son.
Brandon smiled again. “She does a great job. She’s strong, honest and committed.”
“And she’d look great next to you.”
“I’m focused on getting elected,” Brandon clarified.
Benjamin leaned forward. “Well, I think you should start some type of initiative with Chief Green around policing and sentencing. It fits in with your platform.”
Brandon studied his father, the man who’d raised him alone since his mother had died. Brandon had been four-years-old when his mother was caught in the crossfire of a shooting in the city while out shopping.
“You seem to be very interested in Chief Green,” Brandon commented.
“I’m interested in seeing my son have the best in life,” Benjamin returned.
Brandon continued to look at his father. “You’ve given me everything I’ve ever needed.”
“And I’m proud of everything you’ve done,” Benjamin told him. “But I’m getting older and I want to see some little green eyed children pretty soon.”
Brandon sighed. “You’ve been around little Orion too much.”
“You know Rion’s having five?” Benjamin pointed out.
“I think Tauri would be the one having them.”
Benjamin frowned. “Don’t be a smartass.”
Brandon laughed. “I’m thirty-four years old. You act like I’m about to hit the retirement home.”
“Well, when I retire, I want some little people running around my house.”
“I’ll bring Rion’s five over.” Brandon laughed again.
Benjamin stood giving his son a look. “Just think about what I said about the initiative. The rest is for another day.”
Brandon stood as well. “I agree. You’ve never steered me wrong before.”
When he reached his son, Benjamin looked him over. Brandon had turned into a fine man; a man he was proud to call his son. He hugged his son tightly for a moment then pulled back to look at him.
“Mayor Brandon Williams,” he said smiling. “I like the sound of that.”
“It does have a certain ring, like the Honorable Benjamin Williams.”
Benjamin patted his back. “Detroit needs you and I know you will serve honorably as well.”
Brandon visited with his father for a while longer before he left to head over to Rion’s house. Orion Shaw had been his best friend since they were young boys attending camp during the hot Detroit summers. Rion’s father, along with his own and Mr.
Lewis had brought all of the boys together who now formed the Negus. The Negus were the kings of the city and watched over the citizens.
The five men were closer than brothers and would protect one another and their city with their lives. Brandon had grown up and became the head prosecutor for the city. His job was to keep the people safe and take criminals off the street. He’d attended college and law school at Wayne State University. Brandon had never left the city and was dedicated to making it a safe place for the residents that lived there.
He arrived at the stately home on the Detroit River and saw the other cars. Since Rion wanted to stay close to home with his wife and young son, the Negus were all meeting here tonight to discuss business. He answered the door and greeted his friend.
“What’s up Brandon?”
“Hey Rion,” Brandon said entering the foyer. “Am I late?”
Rion shook head. “No, Lance and Khayla came early so she and Tauri could do their Nigist thing.”
Brandon stopped. “They’re still on that?”
Rion nodded. “They even invited Mac.”
The Nigist were the female version of the Negus and the sisters had developed their own way of protecting their city.
“So neither you nor Lance can contain your wives?” Brandon asked.
Rion looked at him. “You’re talking about Tauri and Khayla. The best we can do is keep an eye on them.”
The two men walked to Rion’s study where Lance and Khalil were waiting.
“What up doe, B?” Lance greeted him first.
“I’m good.” Brandon responded with a manshake then turned to Khalil.
Khalil looked him over. “What’s up my brother?”
“What’s good with you?” Brandon asked. “How’s Kyros?”
Khalil smiled at the mention of his son’s name. “Growing every day.” He gave Brandon a look. “Still traumatized by your phone.”
The men had discovered that while taking turns watching Kyros, the seven-year-old had been scrolling through their phones, pictures and all, while supposedly playing games.
Brandon grimaced. “Yeah, that was on me.”
Lance looked at Brandon. “What the hell did you have on there?”
“We should get started,” Brandon said adjusting his dark tie.
Rion and Lance laughed as Khalil kept watching Brandon silently. The bell rang and Rion left the men to answer the door. They all took comfortable seats in the professionally decorated room.
“How’s married life?” Brandon asked Lance.
Lance smiled. “It’s good. You know how much I love my Katydids.”
Brandon smirked. “Apparently we all knew before you did.”
“Whatever man, I’ve got this now.” Lance told him.
“Good, because I was about to wife her.” He looked at Lance. “She would’ve been a perfect first lady.”
Lance frowned. “Don’t play B.”
Khalil piped in. “First lady?”
Brandon nodded. “It’s official. I’m throwing my hat into the race.”
“What race?” Lance asked.
Rion entered the room with his brother, Corvus. “The Mayoral race?” Rion asked Brandon.
“Yes, I spoke with my father tonight and I’m ready,” he informed them.
All the men congratulated him with pats on the back and manshakes.
“You’ll be running against Patrice, right?” Lance asked.
Brandon nodded. “I hope that we can keep things civilized.”
Lance shook his head. “I remember her. She’s going to give you hell B.”
“Then she’s going to get hell in return,” Brandon responded.
******
Chief Mackenzie Green sat in the Shaw’s family room along with Tauri, Khayla and Khalil’s son Kyros. She held three-month-old Orion Patterson Shaw in her arms against her ample bosom.
“He’s so adorable, Tauri.” She told her. “A little Rion.”
Tauri smiled. “Yes, he does look like his daddy.”
“Are you next?” Tauri asked looking at Khayla.
“Lance and I are still newlyweds. We’ll work on that in a little while,” she said smiling. “Besides, we have Kyros.” She kissed her nephew’s cheek.
“Auntie Khayla!” he protested in front of the other women taking his eyes off his tablet.
“You’re so handsome, I can’t help it.”
Mac smiled at him. “You are very handsome Kyros.”
He blushed. “Thank you Auntie Mac.”
Little Orion began to fuss and Mac handed him over to his mother who took him and began rocking him.
“He gets fussy sometimes and only Orion’s voice calms him down,” she told them as the baby continued to squirm and cry.
Khayla, who was a Naturopathic Doctor, looked over at Tauri. “Is he eating okay?”
Tauri nodded. “Yes, he’s fine. He just has a special connection to his father.”
A minute later, Rion showed up at the door. “I thought I heard him.” Walking over, he took his son into his arms and began speaking to him as the others filed into the room.
“Now what is wrong with the baby god?” Rion asked looking down at the little boy who stared up at him. “Hotep my son, be satisfied and in peace…” he soothed.
The baby quieted in his arms and studied his father’s face.
“Rion is the baby whisperer,” Corvus told Lance and they both laughed.
“Rion’s going to hurt you, if you keep talking.” Rion told them softly.
Mac watched when Brandon entered the room. His presence always drew her immediate attention. He had that persona that made you take notice of him; add to that those penetrating, colorful eyes and it was impossible to ignore him.
Standing at 6’3” with a light, golden complexion, clean shaven with a strong jaw, he could certainly be described as extremely handsome, but it was his mind that was the sexiest thing about Brandon Williams, in Mac’s opinion. Brandon was brilliantly intelligent. In the courtroom, he was unrivaled with his cool, calm demeanor and Brandon dominated the opposition.
Mac’s attention was diverted when she heard Rion speaking to the room.
“We need to celebrate.”
Tauri looked at her husband. “Celebrate?”
He nodded. “We have the next mayor of Detroit standing in this room.”
All the women looked at Khalil.
“Hell no!” He shook his head. “You all know I don’t do government.”
They all then looked at Brandon causing Lance and Corvus to frown.
“Really Brandon?” Tauri asked and he nodded.
She rushed over to him. “Oh my god! You’re going to be a great mayor.” Tauri hugged him happily.
“Thank you Tauri.”
“That means the Head Prosecutor position will be vacant?” she inquired.
Rion looked at her. “Tauri…”
“Not right now Orion. I’m just asking.”
Khayla made her way over to congratulate Brandon before Mac approached. She stared up at him as Khayla moved over to her husband, leaving the two standing alone.
“Good evening, Mackenzie.” He told her in that voice that always sent a tingle down her spine, no matter how hard she tried to shield herself.
“Congratulations Brandon,”
He smiled at her. “Thank you. I hope that I can count on your support.”
“Patrice Dansby certainly doesn’t deserve it,” she told him.
“My father was asking about you earlier,” he informed her.
Mac smiled. “How is Judge Williams?”
“He’s well.” Brandon answered. “He has an idea for a project that he’d like for the two of us to work on.”
She raised a brow. “Really?”
Brandon nodded. “Regarding policing and sentencing.”
“Sounds interesting,” Mac told him.
“Would you be willing to meet and discuss it further?” he asked.
Mac thought about it f
or a moment. “Yes, I would.”
“Then I will be in touch, Chief Green.”
The rest of the evening was spent with old friends having fun and enjoying themselves. The Negus and Khayla were all friends from childhood. Mac met Rion in high school, and was introduced to the rest of the Negus then Tauri married Rion and became a part of the group.
Rion had been Mac’s savior in an incident that had changed her life and she was forever indebted to him. She was glad that Rion had found a wife and started his family because he deserved every bit of happiness that life afforded him.
Since being introduced to the Negus, Brandon had always been the one able to rattle her. He was also the only one who ever called her by her full name and she knew he’d begun doing it simply to irritate her.
“Let me walk you to your car Mackenzie,” a deep voice said in her ear.
Mac looked up and saw that everyone was preparing to leave.
“I’m the police chief,” she said turning to Brandon. “I carry a gun.”
Brandon smiled. “So do I.”
Mac rolled her eyes. “Okay Brandon. Otherwise, we’d be here arguing all night.”
The pair said their goodbyes then headed out the door and down the driveway to Mac’s city issued vehicle. On the way, she turned to him.
“You’re really running for Mayor?”
He nodded as he walked beside her. “You don’t think it’s a good idea?”
She paused and looked up at him. “I think it’s a wonderful idea Brandon. The city needs someone like you who’s honest, brilliant and fearless.”
Brandon smiled. “I never knew you thought so highly of me, Mackenzie.”
“Don’t get carried away counselor.”
They began walking again. “Of course, Chief Green.”
“Patrice Dansby will be a tough opponent.” Mac commented. “And she’s not above mudslinging.”
Brandon agreed. “Everyone keeps telling me that.”
Mac gave him a look. “Plus you two have uh…history.”
“I’ve been reminded of that as well,” he told her.
She shrugged. “That means she knows personal things about you, so just be prepared.”
