by D. Camille
“How do you think he’s going to handle this?” George asked.
“He’ll be fine,” Benjamin said proudly. “Brandon knows his stuff.”
“How do you think he’s going to handle what you have to tell him?”
Benjamin sighed. “This has to be the worst timing.”
“It seems that you and your son have that in common.”
“And you’ve checked out everything?” Benjamin asked.
George nodded. “I had already done most of the leg work. Getting what you needed was a piece of cake.”
Benjamin shook his head. “After all these years…”
“Do you still feel the same?”
“I’ve thought about it since I got the card in the mail,” Benjamin responded. “And I do, even though I know this is going to shake up our entire lives.”
“You mean turn it upside down,” George corrected.
“So many people are involved now,” Benjamin commented.
George agreed. “Back then it really didn’t matter, but now it touches all of us.”
“I have to do this,” Benjamin said quietly. “I still love her.”
“And apparently, she’s still in love with you.”
Benjamin sat back in his seat. “Hopefully, we’ll survive the fallout.”
******
When Mac returned to her office, her Deputy Assistant was waiting for her. Dressed in a clean uniform with her hair back covering one of her wounds, Mac took the seat behind her desk.
“Good afternoon, Deputy Barnes.”
“Good afternoon Chief Green,” the deputy responded. “I’m so glad you’re back.”
Mac nodded. “What do we have?
The deputy handed her a folder and Mac opened it. “The DNA results on the hat.”
Mac perused the information. “So Tremaine’s DNA is not on that hat. He’s not my shooter.”
“No ma’am. It’s Tremaine’s brother, Terrance,” he confirmed.
“Where is he?” Mac asked.
“Still haven’t been able to locate him.”
Mac gaze narrowed. “The detectives located Tremaine, but they have no idea where Terrance is?”
“They said they’re working on it. We have an APB out,” the deputy responded. “I think they’re hiding him.”
“I know they are,” Mac said firmly. “What is his connection to them?”
“Hopefully they haven’t killed him.”
Mac shook her head. “They’d better not.”
“With the passing of the mother this morning, we have to change the charges to murder,” Deputy Barnes informed her.
“We have three shooters and not one gun that matches the bullet taken from the mother,” Mac slammed a hand on her desk. “I need a solid case for Brandon.”
“We have eye witnesses who have identified the two picked up at the store.”
Mac looked at the Deputy. “But will they testify?”
The Deputy shrugged. “Not Keisha, she’s frozen on us. I think they got to her.” He paused. “And you know how testifying goes in this community. Snitches get stitches…”
“Shit! How the hell am I supposed to do my job if people keep tying my damn hands?”
“I know chief.”
Mac composed herself. “I’m sorry. It’s just this case…”
“And we have rats in the department,” the Deputy said angrily. “Rats that tried to come after you. I’ve placed all the officers who were at the scene on leave until we investigate what the hell happened yesterday.”
Mac nodded. “Good job. Thank you.”
“There’s no excuse for that Chief,” the deputy looked at her. “I want you to know that I didn’t know anything about any corruption in this department and if would have, you would have been the first to know,” he vowed. “But I want you to know that I’m going to do everything I possibly can to snuff these individuals out.”
Mac smiled. “Thank you Deputy Barnes. I know that you mean every word.”
Deputy Barnes had been on the force for over twenty years and had been Mac’s mentor when she’d become chief. He’d stood by her side and she knew that if anyone she could trust it was this man of honor, who stood before her. The deputy was also good friends with Rion’s father, Mr. Shaw.
“I wish you would have come to me before,” he told her.
Mac agreed. “I should have,” she said quietly.
“You’re the chief and I respect your position, but I’m here to help you. Don’t ever think that you’re in this alone,” he told her.
Mac nodded. “I appreciate that.” She looked at her watch and stood slowly. “I have a press conference.”
“Are you okay?” Deputy Barnes asked watching her wince as she stood.
She smiled. “Nothing that a little Epsom Salt and Tylenol won’t cure.”
“Be careful Chief Green,” he said firmly.
“I always am.”
Mac took the stairs down to where the conference was being set up. She looked up as Brandon arrived along with Tauri. They approached and Tauri hugged her gently.
“How are you Mac?”
“I’m good Tauri, thanks.”
Tauri’s eyes narrowed. “They aren’t going to get away with this.”
Brandon stepped closer and studied her face. “You’re in pain.”
“I didn’t want to take anything before I talk to the press. I want my mind to be clear,” she explained.
“I’ll see you tonight.”
Mac paused. “I may be working. I have a lot to do.”
“I’ll see you tonight,” he repeated as the press began filing into the room.
Mac looked to the ceiling…this man. She shook her head and she prepared to speak to the crowd.
“Good afternoon. I called this conference to update you all on recent events and to inform you where we stand in this process,” Mac began.
“This morning, Beverly Evans died from a gunshot to the back. Mrs. Evans survived the attack for several days, but at last succumbed to the injuries she’d sustained. We have three men in custody at this point in connection with this shooting. We have not, however, determined which shooter is responsible for Mrs. Evans’ death, therefore, we have not formally charged any of them with the murder.”
“My department is doing everything we possibly can to obtain the evidence that the Prosecutors will require to move forward,” Mac finished.
“Are there any questions on this?” she asked.
Mac fielded a few questions regarding the process then turned to the second thing she knew she had to address.
“Now, I was asked this morning, what is going on in the police department. It has come to my attention that there may be some breaking of rules by some officers within this department. I want to put them on notice, that this behavior will not be tolerated and all parties involved will be prosecuted to the fullest.”
“I wake up every day and put on this uniform with pride. I will not stand by and allow this badge to be disrespected in any way. You will not scare or intimate me into allowing or ignoring this activity. It sickens me to know that there are officers who pledged to serve and protect but choose to do contrary.”
“I am shaking down this entire department, from traffic to homicide and everything in between and regardless of rank, seniority or popularity, if you are guilty of breaking any rules, it is now my personal mission to see that you get what you deserve,” she finished angrily.
“Are there any questions?” Mac asked to the silent group.
“Chief, did you spend the night in the hospital and why?”
“I was injured in the line of duty and I had minor scrapes and bruises that needed to be attended to. I am fine and prepared to do my job,” she answered.
When the questions ended, Mac turned over the platform to Brandon and Tauri. He touched her arm gently in support as he passed her.
“Good afternoon. Prosecutor Patterson-Shaw is here with me today to answer any questions in regards to
the Prosecutor’s Office and how we plan to proceed,” Brandon announced.
Tauri stepped to the mic and gave a full rundown on the plans that included her as Brandon’s second on the pending cases and that they would not be moving forward until more evidence was available. She answered a few questions, before one was directed to Mac.
“This is for Chief Green,”
Mac stepped back to the microphone. “Yes?”
“Councilwoman Dansby has issued a statement saying that she will be leading an effort to have you removed as chief due to this internal investigation. What is your response?”
Brandon’s eyes narrowed as Mac answered.
“Councilwoman Dansby is entitled to lead any efforts she chooses. She should remember that we have an Internal Affairs Division, whom I have contacted and will be coming in to independently investigate. However, I would suggest that Councilwoman Dansby lead an effort to find out how our city is being flooded with all these drugs and guns, since the people that I have sitting in jail cells for selling and using them don’t have planes, ships or international connections to transport those things from where they are originating.”
“That is my response.” Mac looked disgusted as she turned and walked away.
Chapter 16
Mac left the conference and headed straight to her car without saying goodbye to Brandon and Tauri. She was livid and she wasn’t going to play media games. Arriving at the Councilwoman’s office, she stopped at the desk where an attendant was sitting.
“I’m here to see Councilwoman Dansby,” Mac announced authoritatively. “Tell her the chief is here.”
The attendant smiled. “You’re back again?” she asked confused.
“I haven’t been here before,” Mac corrected her.
“No, not you personally but there were two officers here yesterday meeting with the Councilwoman. Is something wrong?” she asked nosily.
Mac nodded slowly. “Oh yes, something’s very wrong.”
“Get the Councilwoman please.”
The attendant picked up the phone and contacted Patrice, who instructed her to show the chief inside. Mac entered the office and saw the woman sitting behind a large desk.
“Good afternoon Chief Green,” Patrice greeted her with a sly smile. “I just watched your press conference.”
“Then you know why I’m here,” Mac responded.
Patrice shrugged. “I don’t know why you think I can do anything about the drugs and guns in the city. Isn’t it your job to get them off the streets?”
“My job is to protect the citizens of this city,” Mac corrected her.
“Well since a little girl lost her mother this morning, I’d say that you’re not doing a very good one.”
Mac’s eyes narrowed. “Look Councilwoman, I have real issues to tackle so if you have a problem with me or anything that concerns the Detroit Police Department, you should tell me to my face instead of leaking it to the press.”
Patrice laughed. “How’s Brandon? Have you been in the closet yet?”
“This isn’t a game. People’s lives are at stake.”
“The things that man can do….” Patrice took a deep breath. “That mouth of his, damn.”
Mac nodded. “Okay Councilwoman, I should warn you that the next time I come here, you’ll be leaving in cuffs.”
Patrice’s eyes widened. “Is that a threat chief?”
Mac walked closer. “Not at all. It’s my job.”
“And contrary to what you think, I’m damn good at it.”
Patrice stood from her chair. “I guess we’ll see.”
“Definitely.”
Patrice winked at Mac. “You should’ve sided with me.”
“You’ve picked the wrong one Patrice.” Mac warned then turned and walked to the door. “Have a good day Councilwoman.”
She glanced around the executive office. “Enjoy all this while you can. It won’t be much longer.”
Patrice watched Mac walk out of the door then grabbed her phone and angrily dialed a number. “I want her gone! I don’t care what you have to do!”
She slammed the phone down on her desk then turned to the window.
“That bitch! Who the hell does she think she is?” Patrice snapped. “I knew he wanted her all along, always running up behind her and defending her.”
Patrice thought about her time with Brandon. They were supposed to become the power couple in the city, not him and that damn… Mac. What kind of name was that for a woman anyway? Brandon was supposed to be with a lady, a woman of grace and class. Not some big, burly broad.
Patrice had primed herself for a position of prominence and nothing was going to stop her. Brandon and the chief were going down, one way or another. Her cell phone rang and she picked it up. Glancing at the number, she smiled.
“Hi stranger,” she purred.
“How’s your day, baby?”
She smiled some more. “It’s better now. I’m surprised to hear from you.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been out of commission. You know, work and all? I’m on that grind.”
“I understand. Why are you calling?”
He paused. “I want to see you baby.”
Patrice pursed her lips. “When?”
“Ummm…I got a late meeting, but maybe we could hook up after that?”
“How late?”
He laughed. “Not that late. I’ll bring some drinks.”
She leaned back in her chair and thought about Ethan. He was the perfect fit for her plan. Ethan Hall was tall, handsome, educated and ambitious. Currently, he was the Field Office Director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban development with plans to one day become the Secretary in Washington D.C.
Patrice enjoyed Ethan’s company and in bed, he was a master…not a freak like Brandon, but close. They’d dated a few months back and then he’d stopped calling, but she’d been busy working on her campaign, so it hadn’t been a big deal.
“Drinks huh?” she responded huskily.
“And whatever else you like…”
She gave a sexy laugh. “I certainly can’t turn that down.”
He laughed too. “I hoped not.”
They ended the call and Patrice sat thinking ahead to tonight. Checking her watch, she decided she had enough time to get a Brazilian. Hell, even when you’re plotting to kill the police chief, the head prosecutor and the Negus, a girl still had to get her a little something.
******
Mac arrived at the jail and went to the room where Tremaine was waiting for her. She went inside and took the seat across from him.
“What’s going on Chief Green?” Tremaine asked anxiously.
“I’m sorry Tremaine, your aunt passed this morning.”
His eyes widened and watered simultaneously. “Auntie Beverly?”
Mac nodded and he jumped from the chair. “No!” He began to pace the room and Mac waited for him to digest the information. Finally, he turned back to her.
“I didn’t do this chief,” he pleaded. “I didn’t shoot anybody.”
“I know Tremaine, sit down.”
With tears he took the chair. “Let me help you boy,” she told him.
“I told you everything,” he sobbed.
Mac watched him. “You didn’t tell me that your brother, Terrance was one of the shooters. You didn’t tell me that he probably still has the gun you sent me on a wild goose chase looking for…and you didn’t tell me the real reason those guys were shooting at your family.”
He dropped his head and remained silent.
“You might as well save yourself Tremaine. You’re the only one who can.” Mac told him. “Your brother is saving his ass while you’re sitting in here.”
They sat in silence for what seemed like a long time before Tremaine lifted his head and looked at her with sad eyes.
“I just want to have a life…away from here,” he said hoarsely. “One that’s not like this.”
Mac nodded. “Maybe I can help you with
that.”
“How?”
“You clear yourself and give me the information I need and I’ll make sure you can get away from here.” She promised.
“Where?” he asked.
“The Negus will help me find somewhere for you to get your life together.”
Tremaine watched her for a minute and Mac sat back. She knew the reputation the Negus had in the city and so did Tremaine. She waited for him to make up his mind.
“Terrance robbed those other dudes and took their supply. They were getting back at him when they shot up the party,” he said quietly.
“Terrance deals?” Mac asked.
Tremaine shook his head. “No.”
“Then why the hell did he rob some drug dealer of their supply?”
“For the police.”
Mac sighed. “So not only are my officers dirty, they’re dealing too?”
He nodded. “Why didn’t you put all of this in the letter Tremaine?”
“I don’t know if I can trust you! You they boss,” he pointed out.
“You told me my cops were shaking down the young guys in the neighborhood and bringing them in on bogus charges.”
“They are!” He protested. “They harass you and if you don’t do what they tell you, they arrest you.”
“Why didn’t you report them?” Mac asked.
He looked confused. “To who? The police?”
Mac put a hand to her aching head. “Where’s your brother?”
“I don’t know. They told me to go to that house, and then the other officers picked me up,” he told her. “Terrance went somewhere else. I was supposed to say that it was me at the park.”
“Who told you? Give me their names,” Mac pressed.
Tremaine looked scared. “Officers Smith and Taylor, but It was the lady who told me not to talk.”
Mac sat up. “What lady?”
“The one I seen on TV.”
With her blood boiling, Mac asked, “What’s her name?”
He shrugged. “I just know she’s on that Council for the city.”
Mac put a hand to her mouth. “She was with the police officers?”
“Yeah, two of them.”
“I’m releasing you into protective custody,” Mac said standing. “Do not try to contact anyone. Do you understand me?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
