by D. Camille
Mac put a hand over his heart. “And that’s what I love most about you Brandon. It’s what makes me admire you on one hand and want to strangle you on the other. You’re so damn complex and it’s sexy as hell.”
“I never know what to expect or when. What I do know, is that this heart is always in the right place.” Slowly, she moved her hand on his chest until he placed his hand over hers.
“I didn’t come here to argue with you. I’ve been worried about you,” he whispered. “Are you concerned about going back to work?”
Her eyes became hardened. “I can’t wait to get out of here and get back to my office.”
“You’ve kept this under the radar really well,” he complimented.
“That doctor wanted to kill me. I had to make phone calls, send directives and get people in order all while sitting in this room.”
“Your officers came to see me,” Brandon informed her.
“What did they want?”
Brandon prompted her back to her food. “They wanted me to tell you that they stand with you.”
Mac ate her chicken. “Yeah, so did the ones who came to see me earlier today. They were all full of information and compliments.”
“You suspect them?” Brandon asked.
“I suspect every damn body right now. These wounds have shown me that I have to look at everybody sideways.”
Brandon touched her arm gently. “I want you to be careful baby. Until this is sorted out, I need you to be on high alert.”
When she was finished, she sat the food aside and laid back against the pillows. “I have to go back through everything and see what I’ve missed. My mind is so filled with things right now, from anger to disgust to disappointment.”
Brandon stood and removed his jacket then sat in on a nearby chair. Moving back to the bed, he crawled up beside her. “Lie down and get some rest, baby.”
“You’re going to stay with me?” she whispered as he cuddled her.
“Forever, if you let me.” He kissed her softly.
Mac closed her eyes and relaxed against him. “I’m sorry I missed your dinner.”
“People asked about you.”
“What did you tell them?”
He gently rubbed her back. “That you had police business. No one questioned that.”
“I want this to be over soon,” Mac whispered sleepily.
Brandon sighed. “I think that’s going to be easier said than done Mackenzie.”
******
Patrice Dansby sat in her office across from two men. She studied them silently in their pristine uniforms.
“So what happened?” she asked.
“I went with the others to see Chief Green to alert her to what was going on in the department.”
Patrice nodded. “Did she take the bait?”
“Yeah, she bought the story,” one man answered.
“We gave her the lead on the house,” the other inserted. “Told her that the dirty officers were meeting up there.”
“Then what happened?” she asked eagerly.
“The boy shot out the window and she hit the deck.” He looked at the other man. “For a thick woman she can move fast.”
“She sure can. I didn’t realize she was in such good shape,” the other agreed and Patrice frowned at them.
“Look I’m not paying you to discuss how fit the damn chief is,” she huffed. “I’m paying you to bring her down along with Head Prosecutor Williams.”
She smirked. “I know Brandon and he’s going to come after you. He and that damn Negus, I can’t wait to be rid of all of them.”
“And when they bring their vigilante asses against the DPD, let’s see who’s left standing in the dust,” she said with malice.
“You want them all taken out?”
She smiled. “All you have to do is say you felt threatened and the rest is a paid vacation for two and possibly a hefty GoFundMe campaign.”
“And Chief Green?” they asked.
“Today was just a warning, although if it had turned out differently, I really don’t care. She’s digging too deep and I need her to back off before any of this leads back to me,” Patrice informed them.
“She’s still in the hospital,” one said. “Nothing serious is what they’re saying.”
“She’s trying to keep it out of the media,” the other added.
Patrice picked up her phone. “Now that would be too easy, I need to keep her distracted. I’ll make a few calls and it’ll be all over the news in the morning.”
“Let’s see how she’s going to be able to spin this…”
Chapter 15
Brandon walked out of the bathroom inside of Mackenzie’s hospital room. Rubbing his scratchy chin, he glanced over to where she was resting peacefully in the bed. Frowning, he looked at the red splotches on the side of her face and arm. This was serious and he had to make sure that she understood just how dangerous this situation had become.
Brandon peeked out of the window to the hall and saw two officers stationed outside the door. Slowly he moved over to the bed and sat quietly, not wanting to disturb her. He was sure the day ahead was going to be stressful so he wanted her to be fully rested.
There was a knock on the door and Brandon looked up as an officer entered the room. Standing, Brandon addressed him.
“Did you need something?”
The office nodded. “Good morning. I need to talk to Chief Green.”
“She’s still sleeping,” Brandon told him.
“It’s okay Brandon, I’m awake…” Mac said sitting up in the bed. “Good morning officer. What is it?”
Brandon turned to her then back to the officer.
“You wanted to be the first to know about the mother from the shooting at the park.”
Mac’s heart sped up. “Yes,”
“I’m sorry chief. She passed away this morning.”
Lowering her head into her hands, Mac sighed. The other two victims were scheduled to be released soon and she’d held out hope that the mother would make a miraculous recovery. She felt Brandon’s arms around her then lifted her head.
“Thank you officer.” Mac said softly. “I’ll be making a statement shortly.”
He nodded then turned and left the room silently. Lowering her head again, Mac felt the first wave of tears that threatened and took a deep breath.
“Mackenzie,”
She shook her head. “I hate this,” she whispered hoarsely holding back her tears. “This is the worse part of my job. That poor family…”
“I’m sorry,” Brandon soothed while holding her tightly.
Mac took another deep breath. “I can’t break down now. I have too much to do.”
“When you’re ready, I’ll be right there.” Brandon told her. “I understand that you have work to do, but you’re also human. Everyone will be affected by this.”
Mac looked up at him. “I know.” She touched his face. “And when you’re ready, I’ll be right there.”
He nodded and kissed her gently before standing to his feet. He knew Mackenzie well enough to know that telling her to rest or recuperate was a waste of time. She was in chief mode and nothing else mattered.
“I’ll get the doctor so you can be released,” he told her.
Mac gave him a soft smile. “Thank you.”
Brandon smiled and turned toward the door before she called his name.
“Brandon?”
He turned. “Yes, Mackenzie.”
“I’m going to be really tied up for a while, but I want you to know that I really love you. I thank you for taking care of me and understanding what I need,” she said quietly holding his gaze.
“You do the same for me,” he responded then walked out of the room.
Mac swung her legs over the side of the bed and took another deep breath. Gently she touched the wounds on her arm which were still red against her golden skin. Slowly, she reached up and touched her head feeling where there were a few stitches behind her ear.
>
She had no time to worry about these minor injuries right now. A little girl’s mother had just died and she needed to talk to the media because they would want to know what she was doing to bring the ones who’d done this to justice.
Mac looked up as the door opened and Khayla entered.
“Khayla? What are you doing here?”
Khayla smiled softly. “Brandon told the officers to let me in.” She held up two bags in her hand. “Brandon called this morning and asked me to bring you some food and some clothes.”
“He did?” Mac asked confused.
“Yeah, he said that your uniform was damaged yesterday and you needed something to wear home from the hospital,” Khayla explained.
“You brought me clothes?” Mac thought that she still must be drugged because this was not making any sense.
Khayla walked over and placed the bag containing the clothing on the bed and putting the food next to the bed. “Yes, Brandon called early this morning saying you needed something to wear. I got to the dress shop as soon as they opened and Betty picked out something for you since she knew your size.”
Mac put a hand to her head. “Brandon did that?”
Khayla smiled. “You know that man is crazy in love with you. I’m just glad you two finally realized it.”
“He’s so sweet,” Mac sighed. “He always surprises me.”
“He’s sweet to you and the people he cares about,” Khayla corrected. “Don’t get it twisted, Brandon does not play.”
“I know. I had to talk him down last night,” Mac told her. “He was ready to actually take down some officers.”
Khayla gave her a look. “Well you’d better talk down Lance, Corvus and Khalil too.”
Mac shook her head. “Brandon is supposed to talk to them today.”
Khayla looked over Mac’s wounds. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. It looks worse than it is.”
“You know we all love you Mac and we were worried about you,” Khayla said gently touching her arm.
Mac nodded. “Thank you Khayla.”
“Whatever you need from us, we’re ready.” Khayla vowed fiercely.
“Stand down Nigist,” Mac warned. “Right now, I need to get my department in order.”
Brandon returned and made his way over to Mac. “The doctor will be in here soon.”
Mac smiled up at him. “You got me food and clothes?”
“I didn’t want to leave you, so I asked Khayla.”
“Thank you baby,” Mac said touching the stubble on his chin.
Brandon leaned down and kissed her cheek while Khayla smiled. “I should thank you two for my new earrings.” Khayla touched the diamond studs in her ears. “I won just enough in the bet to get them.”
Mac and Brandon looked at her. “Mackenzie needs to eat and get dressed.”
“Okay, I’m leaving.” Khayla told him.
“If you need anything else Mac, just call me.”
Mac nodded. “I will. Thank you Khayla.”
They watched her go and Mac jumped down from the bed. “I’m going to get dressed first.” Picking up the bag, she headed to the bathroom. Stopping at the door she turned back and connected with his sexy green eyes and rugged morning look.
“I may need to see you soon,” she whispered.
“You call and I’ll come baby.”
Reluctantly, she turned and disappeared in the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
Mac dressed and ate quickly then Brandon escorted her outside where they were swarmed by reporters, who began shouting questions at them.
“Chief, is it true you spent the night in the hospital?”
“Chief, has the mother in the park shooting died?”
“Chief, what is going on inside the police department?”
Taking her customary deep breath to ensure that her voice came across clear and calm, Mac began addressing them with Brandon at her side.
“I will be holding a press conference later today at the station to answer all of your questions.”
“Prosecutor Williams, is your office investigating the corruption in the DPD or are you overlooking it because of your relationship with the chief?”
Still dressed in his tuxedo from last night and badly in need of a shave, Brandon stood before the crowd as though he was freshly groomed and showered. He pinned the reporter with a cold green gaze.
“As the chief just informed you, there will be a press conference later today which I will also answer questions in regards to my department. Until then, I have no comment.”
Brandon led Mac through the crowd, pass the waiting squad car over to where his car was parked. She turned to him when they reached the vehicle.
“I think that squad car was here for me,” she told him.
He opened the door and looked down at her. “Mackenzie, until we find out what the hell is going on, I don’t trust anybody. They’ve already tried to hurt you once.”
Mac nodded then climbed slowly inside. Brandon entered the driver’s side and drove to her house followed by a police escort. At her home, he let them inside using her key and Mac mad a beeline to her sofa, lying back against the pillows for a moment.
Brandon joined her and began to gently stroke her temple. “Don’t try to overdo it today Mackenzie.”
She looked up at him. “When this is over, I need a vacation.”
“You should start thinking about honeymoon locations,” he told her.
Mac managed a smile at that thought. “Somewhere quiet and warm.”
He bent and kissed her softly. “I can do that.”
She opened her arms and embraced him tightly for a few moments, absorbing his strength. After a while she looked at him. “I’ll see you at the press conference.”
He nodded slowly. “Do you need anything?”
Mac shook her head. “All part of the job.”
“I’ll be right there with you,” he promised.
Touching his face, she stared at him. “I know. Thank you.”
Brandon kissed her once more before heading to the door. Mac saw him out then turned and went upstairs to get dressed. It was time to be Chief.
******
Brandon decided to stop by his father’s home before going home, since he knew the Judge wasn’t scheduled in court until the afternoon. He wanted to thank him again for staying with Mackenzie and he wanted to check up on him.
Using his key, Brandon let himself inside and headed to his father’s study. Hearing voices, he slowed and tried to make out the other person. The voice became more familiar as he got closer. When he reached the door, he smiled at both men.
“Mr. Shaw, how are you?” Brandon said entering the room and giving a hug to the man who was like a second father to him.
“Brandon, I’m good.” George Shaw looked him over. “I missed your father last night at the dinner so I came over to see him.”
Brandon smiled. “He was doing a favor for me.”
George nodded. “I understand that we have some problems.”
Both men took a seat as Brandon looked at his father. “Hey Dad.”
“Brandon,” his father responded warmly. “How is Chief Green this morning?”
“We have a press conference later to discuss the corruption in the police department, and the new murder charges.”
“Murder?” Both his father and George stared at him as he nodded slowly.
“The mother passed this morning.”
Benjamin lowered his head. “Damn.”
George looked between father and son and saw the same anguish in their matching green eyes.
“Are you ready for this?” Benjamin asked Brandon.
“Yes sir.” Brandon answered firmly.
His father nodded. “I’m here for whatever you need.”
George turned to Brandon. “What is this about corruption in the department?”
George Shaw was a former Detroit Police Detective who’d become an entrepreneur, owning a numb
er of African Centered Bookstores around the city. George also had some military training in intelligence before becoming a cop. He’d trained all of the Negus to protect the city.
“They’ve tried to hurt Mackenzie,” Brandon told him. “This thing is out of control.”
“Tried to hurt her?”
Benjamin nodded. “That’s what I was about to talk to you about.”
Brandon continued. “I believe they set her up to get hurt, possibly killed and when I find out who’s behind it, I’m no longer the Mayoral candidate.”
George turned to him. “Let me handle this Brandon.”
“I’ve given Khalil, Lance and Corvus the okay.”
“Hell No! I’ll talk to them today,” George told him. “The Negus doesn’t operate that way.”
Brandon agreed. “I was going to tell them that.”
“You can’t let those three loose,” George said shaking his head.
“I wasn’t in the right frame of mind.”
George nodded. “I understand; this is the woman you’re in love with. No one should have expected you to be able to be impartial. Those three were probably chomping at the bit, especially Khalil.”
“If something happens to Mackenzie…” Brandon began.
George cut him off. “It’s not. I’ve got it.”
“Let me know what you find out,” Brandon requested.
“You’ll be the first,” George confirmed.
Brandon stood. “Thanks Mr. Shaw.” He turned to his father. “I just stopped by to thank you for staying with Mackenzie and to check on you.”
“I’m fine Brandon and staying with my future daughter-in-law is not a problem. Now listening to her parents is another story.”
“I know,” Brandon agreed. “I need to go home and get ready so I’ll talk to you later.”
“Handle your business son,” Benjamin told him as he stood and walked over to him.
The two men who looked so much alike, stared at one another before Benjamin embraced his son. “I love you, son.”
“I love you too, Dad.” Brandon returned his embrace and patted his father on the back.
George watched the two men then Brandon said his goodbyes and left to start his day. Benjamin sat in his seat behind his desk and George watched him.
