by D. Camille
“Lance and Khalil, get with your street contacts. See what’s being said about this incident and whose involved. Mac is going to need our help on this,” Rion told them.
They all nodded. “What about Brandon?” Khalil asked.
‘I’ve got him,” Rion confirmed. “I’m going to get dressed for the fundraiser so I’ll see you later.”
Rion left and the three remained in the hall.
“This about to be some shit,” Lance said shaking his head.
Khalil nodded. “Now, this is what we’re going to do…”
Chapter 14
Brandon placed the phone he’d retrieved from his father at the hospital inside his tuxedo jacket. He wanted to be able to respond immediately to any calls that came through especially with Mackenzie being in the hospital.
Brandon was used to being balanced and keeping everything in perspective, but the mere thought of losing Mackenzie tipped the scales. His sense of justice ruled his entire life and one thing Brandon had always been able to do was dispense justice without emotion. This situation was not the case, his emotions had been activated and were in full effect.
Grabbing a dark overcoat to protect from the windy night, Brandon stepped outside on his porch and stopped abruptly. His eyes scanned his block which was now full of Detroit Police cruisers. His heart stopped as he reached for his phone immediately thinking the worse. Looking at the screen, he didn’t see any missed calls and raised his eyes as a few of the officers approached him.
“Prosecutor Williams,”
“What’s going on?” Brandon asked without preamble.
“We need to talk to you about the chief,”
Brandon paused telling himself that if something had happened to Mackenzie, he would have been the first to know so he calmed himself. “What about her?”
“We want you to tell Chief Green that we stand with her and we don’t condone what’s going on.”
Brandon lifted a brow. “Really? Do the officers who tried to set her up feel the same way? Some of you have been working right alongside these individuals and believe me, I’m coming after them as well as everyone who turned their heads because you’re just as guilty.”
Brandon stepped forward. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t trust any one of you and until I’m proven wrong, I won’t.”
“Tell your ‘fellow officers’ that now, badges don’t mean a damn thing to me,” Brandon finished menacingly.
One of the officers nodded. “We understand Prosecutor, but we are on the chief’s side and we’d never want to see anything happen to her. We have no problem with you coming down on those who have wronged her and this city. Please let her know that those few don’t speak for the entire force.”
The officers turned and walked backed to their cars, and the ones who’d remained by their vehicles, got in their cruisers and they all took off. Brandon shook his head as he walked to his car. Like he’d said, he didn’t trust one of them and his mission was to take them down.
Driving to the event, his mind stayed on Mackenzie. Leaving her at the hospital had been one of the hardest things he’d done. He was already thinking about when he’d see her again. Brandon’s plan tonight was to make an appearance, say his thank you and haul ass out of there.
At the venue, Brandon was met immediately by Derek. He stepped out his car and handed the keys to a valet.
“What the hell is going on Brandon?” Derek asked.
“Mackenzie is in the hospital.” Brandon answered. “So I won’t be staying long.”
Derek looked concerned. “Is she okay?”
“Some minor scrapes and bruises but it could’ve been much worse, even deadly.”
“What are you going to do?” Derek asked worriedly.
Brandon shrugged. “Tonight, I’m going to thank all these nice people for supporting me, then I’m going to check on the woman I love, after that all bets are off.”
Derek placed a hand on his sleeve to stop him. “Brandon, right now you’re upset, understandably so, but don’t do anything crazy.”
Brandon looked at his watch. “I need to get back to Mackenzie.”
Derek stepped back. “We’ll talk later.”
The two men headed inside where Brandon was greeted by his many supporters. He did his rounds throughout the room before dinner was served. He glanced at the empty seat next to him then excused himself for a moment. Out in the lobby, he called the hospital.
“Hello Brandon,” Mac answered the phone beside her bed.
He frowned. “How did you know it was me?”
“Your father and I made a bet on what time you would either call or show up,” she told him.
“I’m that predictable?”
She smiled. “No, you’re that sweet baby.”
He gave a short laugh. “How are you?”
“Well the drugs have me feeling no pain right now,” she told him groggily. “Almost like how I feel when we visit the closet.”
Brandon paused. “Where’s my Dad?”
“Hmmm…he’s right here.”
“Uh, what exactly did they give you baby?” he asked.
Mac giggled. “I don’t know, but I tell you this…I’m feeling warm all over. I just want you to put that damn mouth on me and slide-“
“Hello?” Judge Williams said into the receiver he’d removed from Mac’s hand.
“Hey Dad,” Brandon said holding back a smile.
“So as you can tell, the chief is fine.” His father told him. “I think you should save the conversation for when you get here.”
Brandon agreed. “Yes, I will do that. Just tell her that I love her and I’ll see her soon.”
“I will do that,” the judge confirmed. “How’s it going?”
“Everything’s fine. I’m leaving after dinner.”
The judge nodded and looked at a now sleeping Mac. “She’s out again so take care of what you need to do there.”
“What did the doctors say?”
“That she’s stubborn as hell and she can be released in the morning if everything looks good tonight.”
Brandon nodded relieved. “Okay, thanks Dad.”
“You know I’ve always had a soft spot for Mackenzie. She’s an incredible woman,” the Judge said warmly. “She’s going to give me some amazing grandkids.”
Brandon rolled his eyes. “Okay, let’s not jump ahead.”
“Ahead? I’ve already made them Supreme Court Justices.”
“I’ll see you later Dad.”
Brandon returned to his seat at the secluded table and was served a plate of the expensive food which to him, could have been dirt. He wasn’t in the mood to eat so he began plotting his strategy. While he was deep in thought the seat next to him became occupied. Brandon looked up then frowned at the person who’d filled the space.
“Don’t frown,” Rion told him. “You know why I’m here.”
“Look Rion, I’ve got this.”
Rion glanced around the room. “Which is why you’re sitting here looking like you’re plotting to kill somebody.”
Brandon glanced at him. “That’s an accurate assessment.”
“Listen, none of us are letting you kill any cops, so just let that shit go.” Rion whispered harshly.
“So they get a pass?” Brandon asked.
Rion sighed. “That’s not what I’m saying Brandon. Mac’s the Chief, how would that look?”
“She doesn’t want that Brandon,” he finished.
Brandon’s green eyes were ice cold. “Do you know how hard it is to prosecute them? Do you know they walk away from shit every damn day and even get their damn jobs back?”
“First, I need you to calm down and focus. Let’s talk to Mac and see how she wants to handle this.” Rion told him. “How is she?”
Brandon let out a long breath. “My Dad says she’s fine, they gave her something for the pain and she’s sleeping.”
“Brandon, I know you better than anybody and I know what’s going through yo
ur head but that’s not an option. Sleep on it brother.”
“You know I love Mac, and I’m mad as hell too but we don’t want anything that causes either of you to lose what you’ve worked so hard for,” Rion told him quietly.
Brandon looked at his best friend and brother then nodded. “I hear you Rion.”
“We’re going to get them and now I gotta check on Khalil, Corvus and Lance. They think you gave them a green light.”
“I did.”
Rion looked at him. “Then you need to tell them it’s red now.”
“We’ll meet after I talk to Mackenzie,” Brandon told him ending the conversation.
Rion relented. “Tell Mac we’re thinking about her.” He stood and went to join Tauri and the rest of the Negus.
Brandon watched him go as Derek now filled the empty seat. Turning to him, he said, “What is it Derek?”
“I know you want to get to Chief Green, so after dinner’s over, I’m going to have you give a short thankyou speech and then you can take off.”
“Thanks Derek. I appreciate your efforts tonight.”
Derek smiled. “That’s why I get paid the big bucks.”
“Although I appear to be only focused on the campaign, I do understand that your woman is lying in a hospital bed. I’m surprised you even showed up,” Derek told him.
“I wasn’t. It was a hard decision.”
Derek nodded. “She wanted you to be here?”
Brandon nodded. “That’s the only reason I’m here.”
“She’s going to make a damn good first lady,” Derek commented.
“I have to win first,” Brandon reminded him.
Derek smirked. “Man, look at this room. Patrice is your closest competition and you’re leading her already.”
“She won’t go down easy,” Brandon warned him.
“Neither do I,” Derek smiled. “But you have to give me a heads up on this situation with the chief. It hasn’t been on the news or anything, so she must be keeping this under wraps for a reason.”
Brandon nodded. “Mackenzie is in control of that and she has good reason for keeping it low.”
Derek lifted a brow and waited.
“Come on Brandon, I’m your trusted advisor. If something is going down that may affect you or your campaign, I need to know.”
Brandon leaned towards him. “She has some dirty cops and I believe they’re the reason she’s in the hospital right now.”
“What?” Derek asked surprised.
Brandon nodded. “This is not information that she wants out in the public until she gets it under control.”
“I understand.” Derek said quietly. “And now I understand why you’ve been looking like you want to murder somebody.”
“What did you think it was?” Brandon asked.
Derek shrugged. “Well it’s not too far off from your regular look, so I just figured you were worried about Chief Green.”
“Thanks.”
“It’s true.”
Brandon looked out at the crowd. “How much longer?”
“Ten minutes.”
Twenty minutes later, Brandon was in his car loosening his tie. The night had been a huge success according to Derek. Brandon had given his speech, taken a few pictures and said his goodbyes to the Mayor and other attendees, some of whom had asked about Mackenzie. He’d responded that she was busy with police work and they’d all understood.
Moving his way to the door, Brandon had smile appropriately and nodded at words of support. With each step he took, he knew he was closer to escape. Once he’d hit the door, he’d practically run to the valet to retrieve his car.
Now behind the wheel, he sighed. “I’m coming baby.”
******
Mac was sorry that the drugs were apparently wearing off, because she could hear her parents discussing how she’d made the wrong career choice.
“Please stop,” she said grabbing her head.
“Mac,” Her mother moved to her side. “You’re awake.”
Mac groaned. “I wish I could go back to sleep so that I don’t have to hear you.”
Her father entered the picture. “Well we wish we didn’t have to come and find you in a hospital bed.”
“I’m fine. I’m going home in the morning,” Mac told them. “You didn’t have to come.”
“The Judge called us, how could we not come?” her mother told her.
Mac turned to Judge Williams sitting in the corner reading the paper.
“Thank you for coming, but you can go now. You should’ve gone to Brandon’s fundraiser,” Mac said sitting up.
“Don’t worry, we’ve written him a huge check to make up for our absence,” her father informed her.
“Brandon will appreciate that.” Mac glanced at the Judge again who remained engrossed in his paper.
The door opened and Brandon entered with a bag in his hand and Mac smiled in gratitude, not just for his presence but for the food. She hadn’t eaten since she’d arrived, deciding to pass on the hospital fare. Brandon made his way over to her and kissed her softly. Looking down into her face, he whispered, “How are you?”
Mac smiled. “So much better now.”
Brandon smiled and turned to her parents. “Hello Mr. and Mrs. Green.”
“Hello Brandon, we’re so sorry we missed your dinner tonight,” her mother apologized.
Brandon turned back to Mac. “Mackenzie’s wellbeing is what’s important.”
Mrs. Green beamed. “We’ve been trying to tell her that.”
“I’m fine Mommy, I told you this was just a part of the job.”
“A job that you shouldn’t be doing.”
Judge Williams stood. “Well, it’s time for me to go.” He walked over to Mac. “You take care of yourself, young lady.” She smiled at him and nodded.
“Thank you for staying with me,”
He turned to Brandon. “You can take over from here. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Thanks Dad,”
Judge Williams said goodbye to Mac’s parents and quickly made his exit.
“I brought you some food,” Brandon told Mac placing the bag on the stand next to the bed.
She smiled. “I smell it.”
“Did you eat?” he asked unpacking the bag.
“No, so I’m glad you’re always feeding me.”
Her parents looked at the couple who were interacting as if they weren’t even in the room. Brandon took a seat on the bed and began feeding Mackenzie from the containers he’d brought.
“Would you two like for us to leave?” her father asked.
Brandon glanced at him. “You’re welcome to stay Dr. Green but Mackenzie needs to eat. She’s had a long day.”
Mrs. Green grabbed her husband’s arm. “Come on Harold, let’s leave these two alone.”
“Call us when you’re released Mackenzie,” she told her daughter while leading her husband out of the room.
Mac smiled. “You managed to get them to leave that quickly. I’ve been trying for like an hour and your father just tuned them out.”
“I don’t have time for your parents and their opinions tonight and they’re not going to upset you,” he said firmly while feeding her some more.
“How’d it go tonight?” she asked after swallowing.
“Fine, Rion doesn’t want me to kill your officers.” He lifted the spoon to her mouth and she grabbed his arm.
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m not going to let them get away with this.” He lifted the spoon again and she halted him again.
“Please tell me you’re not saying what I think you are.”
His eyes connected with hers. “What do think I’m saying?”
“Do not go after these officers Brandon,” she warned.
“You can’t stop me.”
Mac turned her head. “I won’t let you do this. I will arrest you and I’m not playing. I will give your ring back and end this tonight!” she said heatedly as her dark br
own eyes flashed with anger.
Brandon sat the food aside then touched the light bruise on her temple. “Relax Mackenzie.”
She shook her head. “I won’t relax until you tell me that you will let me handle this.”
“This can’t go unchecked,” he said stubbornly.
“It won’t!”
“So you want me to do nothing?” he asked getting angry.
Mac matched his anger. “Yes, that’s exactly what I want. I want Brandon to NOT do what he wants this time!”
Brandon stood to his feet and looked down at her. “You have a problem with the way I do things?”
“Right now, yes I do.”
He stared at her. “You would give my ring back?”
Mac stared back. “If you do what you’re thinking, yes. I couldn’t marry a man who’d risk his future and mine on revenge.”
Brandon slipped his hands into his pockets and lowered his head. “What if they walk away scot-free?”
“We have to make sure that they don’t.” Mac reached for him. “Can you do that for me?”
He looked at her hand on his chest then back into her eyes. “Yes, I can. However, I’ve given Khalil, Lance and Corvus the green light.”
“Brandon?”
He took her hand. “They’re not going to do anything tonight and I’ll talk to them tomorrow.” Brandon sat on the bed again. “Come on before your food gets cold.”
He reached for the container and scooped out some more of the side dish before feeding it to her slowly. “You still love me?” he asked softly.
Mac’s eyes softened. “Maybe…”
“I brought you food,” he reminded her.
Mac glanced at the bag. “If there’s some chicken in there, then I’ll be more persuaded.”
Brandon smiled and reached for the bag retrieving an order of chicken wings then sat them on her lap.
“I know what the chief likes.”
She picked up one and bit into it. When she’d finished it, she licked her slickened lips. “Yeah, I still love you.” Mac leaned over and kissed him. “And not because of the chicken.”
“I don’t ever want to do something to make you look at me as anything other than a man who believes in and seeks fairness and justice,” he told her. “I do it for total strangers on a daily basis and I have no limits when it comes to the people that I love.”
