by D. Camille
She leaned forward. “Now, speaking of Patrice Dansby…I know that you have recused yourself from the case and turned it over to Tauri Patterson-Shaw. Was this because of your previous relationship with her?”
Brandon nodded. “It could definitely be construed as a conflict of interest so to avoid any semblance of impropriety or bias, I decided to remove myself and also not put the chief in an awkward position.”
“I just want to say that I think you and Chief Green make an amazing couple and we thank you both for your service to Detroit.”
“Thank you, I will tell her that.”
“Now, the shooting in the park that led to the death of Beverly Evans. You have also recused yourself from that case. Can you elaborate on your reasons?”
“It’s well known that my mother was murdered by crossfire shooting and while I have no problems doing my job, those close to me advised that I step back and I listened to them,” he said simply.
Cynthia jotted some notes on her pad then looked up at him. “As Mayor, what will you do about the violence in the city?”
Brandon rubbed his chin. “I think every candidate in every urban city is asked that same question and my answer is something that a very deep brother told me recently. There is only so much that one man or woman can do. I can give my best effort, but it’s up to us as a collective. So often, the violence itself is the focus, without examining the cause.”
He pinned her with a sharp green gaze. “You see, when the shooting in the park occurred, all the focus was on the unnecessary violence in our communities. The headline was “Family Struck Down in Park” and the story was about how the young black males are out of control and this is a lost generation.”
“No one went deep enough to discover that those young men were being used by the police and the Councilwoman, or that the weapons involved were being sold out of a local convenience store. I want to see those stories,” Brandon told her. “In the headlines, not just buried on page seven.”
“If you want to print that this generation is lost, then who lost them?” he questioned. “And whose job is it to help them find themselves?”
Cynthia sat her pen down. “I agree, and that’s why I wanted to interview you. I believe you’re going to bring something to this city that we’ve never experienced before. You’re not a part of the good old boys’ club and you understand the true plight of our people living in these communities.”
“I’m committed to doing all that I can and I’m going to call on the media to help me get my message across,” Brandon told her.
“I am available to you and the Detroit News has thrown their full support behind your candidacy.”
Brandon smiled. “Thank you Cynthia.”
“So do you have any other news for me?” she asked inquisitively.
“Actually I do, I’d like to tell you about a new initiative that Chief Green and I will be presenting to the City Council this week. It involves a collaboration between the police, the Prosecutor’s office and the Court system.”
Cynthia leaned forward. “Tell me more.”
******
After his interview with Cynthia, Brandon sat down to debrief with Derek.
“So how’d it go?” Derek asked sitting in the seat across from Brandon.
“Good, Cynthia is a great journalist.”
Derek looked at him. “Were you personable?”
“Aren’t I always?” Brandon rebutted.
Derek sighed. “Did you at least smile once or twice?”
Brandon laughed. “Yes, Derek, I smiled and said nice things.”
“It really doesn’t matter at this point. You’re basically a shoe-in now, I kinda feel bad for taking your money.”
“I will take it back,” Brandon told him and it was his turn to laugh.
“Not a chance, my friend. I don’t do refunds,” Derek said smiling. “Besides who knew your ex would turn out to be a Queenpin and get eliminated from the race?”
“You can’t make this up,” Brandon commented shaking his head.
“Or that you’d realize you were in love with the police chief who became involved in a departmental corruption scandal?”
“I know…” Brandon agreed.
“And that your office would be prosecuting four high profile cases all at once?” Derek asked. “Damn, that’s a helluva life.”
Brandon nodded. “Yes, it is but I’m not going to let that be my entire life. I’m taking Mackenzie out tonight for our first date.”
“First date?” Derek asked confused. “Aren’t you getting married after the election?”
“Things have been wild and hopefully not indicative of our lives ahead. While we’re building these cases and waiting for trials, I want to spend this time actually courting my fiancée and spending quality time with her.”
“Yeah, that will look good for the campaign. The voters will love seeing you two together.”
“Derek…” Brandon warned.
He threw up a hand. “I know, I know…but this is why you’re paying me and since you’re still paying me, I’m going to do my job.”
“A few lovey-dovey pics released of you and the chief won’t kill you,” Derek told him.
“Don’t get carried away,” Brandon said firmly.
Derek smiled. “They will be very classy and tasteful. I don’t want the chief to hurt me.”
“It’s not the Chief you’d have to worry about.”
Standing to his feet, Derek watched the man sitting in the seat. He knew that Brandon was far more than the Head Prosecutor and he wondered just who his client was. Rion had told him that Brandon was very straight laced and by the book, but he could tell that Brandon was not against closing that book when necessary.
“I hear you.” Derek said and crossed to shake his hand. “Good job Mayor Williams.”
Brandon stood and shook the offered hand. “Thank you Derek, you’ve done a great job.”
“I have a great candidate, so that makes it easier.”
“What’s your next conquest after November?” Brandon asked.
Derek pondered for a moment. “I don’t know. I think I’ll take some time off and evaluate my next steps. Someplace quiet and away from everything.”
“You have a place in mind?” Brandon inquired.
“I was thinking of staying in this area for a while, you know, just to keep tabs on you.”
Brandon rubbed his chin. “There’s a black owned Bed and Breakfast a few hours from here. I understand it’s a really nice place to go for some serenity.”
Derek nodded. “That sounds nice. I’ll get the information from you later.”
“I’ll get it from Lance when you need it,”
Derek departed and Brandon sat at his desk looking at the mounds of paperwork awaiting him. Although he was only the lead on two of the cases, he still had to oversee the two cases Tauri were working on as well.
However, like he’d told Cynthia, this job nor being Mayor was going to take over his life with the woman he loved. Brandon was looking forward to their ‘date’ and simply kicking back and enjoying themselves as a couple.
He was glad that he hadn’t waited until the election was over to act on his feelings for Mackenzie. He’d needed her through this dilemma as much as she’d needed him. Going through this ordeal had definitely brought them closer much faster than simply dating, but now he wanted that hand holding, sweet kisses and walks on the riverfront.
The situation with his father was soon to come to a head as Victoria Patterson was due to return in a few weeks. Brandon was still waiting to hear from Rion on how the Pattersons wanted to proceed when their prodigal daughter returned. His father, on the other hand, was like a kid at Christmas and Brandon had never seen him this way before.
While he didn’t want to begrudge his father’s happiness, he also didn’t want to hurt the people he’d come to love as his own family. Tauri was the best prosecutor he’d ever had and her grandparents were adored by everyone. Brandon d
ecided to simply let things play out and wait for the chips to fall.
Glancing again at the mountain of paperwork, his thoughts now traveled to his wedding. Mackenzie had decided to allow her mother to plan everything and Brandon was in complete agreement. Whatever she wanted, he’d oblige because all he wanted was her. For her part, Mackenzie was going to pick out her own dress and determine where she wanted to go for their honeymoon.
The couple would probably be honeymooning in December, due to Brandon’s upcoming schedule. This was perfect since Mackenzie wanted to go somewhere warm. They’d escape the Michigan cold for a few weeks and he’d get to see all those luxurious curves that she possessed.
The hours flew by, mostly because of all of the work Brandon had to do in preparing his cases. The more he looked over the evidence, the angrier he became. Prosecuting police officers was as hard as they came because since they protected the citizens, they were also very protected in their jobs. However, this wasn’t a case of feeling threatened or having to make a split second decision, this was plain corruption and a case he was determined to win. No one was above the law in his mind.
Finishing up, Brandon left the office to go home and get ready. After showering, he dressed in a grey suit and tie. Placing the tickets in his pocket, he grabbed his phone and keys before rushing out the door. He arrived at Mac’s home and she was dressed and waiting.
Brandon stood in the doorway staring down at her, taking in her beauty. “You look so beautiful Mackenzie.”
Mac stared at the handsome man with the floral arrangement in his hands. “Thank you Brandon.”
He handed her the flowers as he took in her hair which was loose in big curls around her face along with a black dinner dress that hugged her body. On her feet were high heels that made it easier for him to look into her pretty brown eyes. The sweet smile on her face demanded that he kiss her.
When he removed his lips from hers, he whispered. “I’m glad I actually have tickets for us to go somewhere, or else we wouldn’t leave this house.”
Mac smiled. “I’m not complaining.”
“Put your flowers away and let’s go woman. A man can only take so much temptation,” Brandon said turning her back inside.
Mac took the bouquet into the kitchen and quickly put them in some water before meeting him at the door again. “All done, where are we going?”
Taking her hand, Brandon led her out the door. “It’s a surprise, but it’s something that I found out my Baby Doll likes.”
At the car, Mac grinned. “You know a lot of things that I like.” He kissed her again before instructing her to get inside the vehicle.
When they both were settled inside, she turned to him. “How did you find out this thing that I like?”
Brandon maneuvered through the streets. “Your mother told me.”
“My mother?”
He nodded. “Yes, she called me about the wedding plans and we had a long conversation about her daughter.”
Mac put her face in her hand. “Oh, no. What did she say?”
“Nothing that I didn’t already know. Her daughter is beautiful and precious, that she deserves the best and if I hurt her, the Greens will have my ass on a silver platter,” he explained.
“My mother did not say that!” Mac said looking at him.
“Oh yes, Dr. Marilyn Green put me on notice and I got the message.”
Mac’s eyes widened. “I can’t believe my mother said that.”
Brandon took her hand and held it gently. “I’m glad to see your parents sticking up for you. I know how hard it was when they didn’t fully support you during the trial.”
“It was. Even though they viewed the situation differently, they didn’t condone what the police had done to me,” she agreed.
“I’m glad you’ve all made amends,”
Mac smiled. “Yeah, I had to think of my future life with you and those babies you were talking about.”
“That’s good to know.” Brandon winked at her and went back to driving.
The jazz station put out some mellow sounds as he drove them to New Center Park. Mac looked at the marquee and saw the entertainment for the evening. Happily, she turned to Brandon.
“Black Violin is here?”
“Yes, and your mother told me that you’re a very accomplished violinist,” he said parking the car.
“My mother made me take lessons until I graduated from high school,” Mac admitted. “Another nerd strike.”
Brandon looked at her. “Then I guess, our kids will have double nerd strikes, because I play too, which is why I got us these tickets.”
“I love Black Violin, they are so good. The way they mix classical with hip-hop is amazing. I could never play like that,” Mac admitted.
“Yes, me either, that’s why I had to see them perform.”
Brandon exited the car then came around to help Mac get out on her side. Taking her hand, they began walking toward the entrance. “Tonight, we’re Mackenzie and Brandon. We’re going to enjoy a concert, have dinner and then I’m going to take you home with me.”
“I like that,”
Brandon kissed her hand and moved closer. “I want you to remember tonight as something special.”
“Every night with you is something special Brandon,” Mac whispered moving closer.
Holding her gently in his arms, Brandon leaned to her ear. “I love you.”
“I love you too,” she responded holding him close and lying her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for tonight. It means so much to me that you took the time to do all of this.”
He kissed her softly. “This is only the beginning of what I’m going to do for you Mackenzie.”
Together they entered and found their seats. Both Mac and Brandon were again amazed by the skill and talent of Black Violin. The pair on stage played their instruments masterfully and the entire crowd was completely engaged in their performance.
Laughing and smiling after the concert ended, Brandon led Mac back to the car and drove them to dinner on a late night cruise. Mac looked at the boat then at Brandon who wrapped an arm around her and led her aboard. It was cooler on the water and Brandon removed his jacket to drape it around her shoulders as they stood on the deck.
Hugging her from behind, he kissed her cheek as they waited to leave the dock. “Are you cold?” he asked.
Mac pulled his arms closer. “No, this is so beautiful.” She looked out over the shimmering dark water.
“We’ll eat and cruise down the river for about ninety minutes,” he informed her.
“Okay,” she smiled. “I didn’t know the Tin Man was so romantic.”
Brandon kissed her again. “He didn’t have a heart before, now here she is.”
Mac leaned back in his arms. “I’d rather have a Tin Man because I’ve dealt with my share of Scarecrows.”
He laughed softly. “No more scarecrows for my Dororthy.”
The boat began to pull away and Mac closed her eyes, soaking in the feel of being held in Brandon’s arms with his warm breath on her neck.
“I think I’m going to fall in love with you on our first date,” Mac told him.
“That’s okay, because I fell for you the first time I saw you,” he said quietly. “A sweet, sexy baby doll.”
The attendant came to usher them inside and Mac was again surprised by flowers on her seat. She turned to Brandon. “Are you really going to keep giving me flowers?”
Holding out her chair, he answered, “Every chance I get.”
Mac removed his jacket and handed it to him before taking the seat he offered. “Thank you,” she said smelling the sweet fragrance.
Brandon took his seat across from her. “You’re welcome beautiful.”
Mac looked across the table into his green eyes accentuated by his colorful tie and grey suit. His white shirt stood out against his golden skin and his clean shaven face was one she loved to wake up to in the morning.
“You look very handsome,” she told him co
ntinuing her perusal.
“Thank you.” Brandon smiled over at her. “You look amazing. I love your hair like that.”
Mac touched the curls around her face. “I’m glad you like it.”
Brandon liked it very much and as he sat looking at her all he could think about was running his hands through it while he eased in and out of her hot body. Staring at her exposed breasts above the low cut bodice of her dress, he imagined his mouth covering her flesh.
“If you keep looking like that, the people on this boat are going to get one hell of a show,” Mac warned.
His eyes met hers. “You’re reading my mind?”
“Your eyes are telling me everything you want to do to me,” she told him.
Brandon looked away for a moment to gather his thoughts. When he was done, he turned his gaze back to her. “We’ll save that for later.”
The pair enjoyed their dinner then moved to look out of one of the windows at the passing scenery as they completed the rest of the cruise. Dinner had been the most romantic and seductive meal Mac had ever eaten. Watching Brandon’s eyes change throughout the course had her warm and bothered by the time they were done.
Now sitting and looking out at the city lights in his arms, she felt a peace she hadn’t felt in a long time. She glanced back at him. “You’re going to make me look forward to this.”
“You should baby,”
“I don’t think I’ve been this relaxed in a long time,” she confessed.
“Honestly, I can say the same thing,” Brandon responded. “We should do this as often as we can.”
Mac smiled. “You should make it a mandate when you become Mayor and I’ll enforce it.”
“What’s the use of being Mayor if I can’t please the chief?”
“Exactly,”
Brandon turned her face to his. “And I’m looking forward to pleasing the chief for a long time…”
******
The next morning, Brandon entered his office and threw the newspaper down on his desk. Angrily he pulled out his phone, dialed a number then waited.
“Brandon, good morning.”
“Derek, get your ass over here now!”
“You must’ve seen the morning paper,” Derek commented.
