by CJ Thomas
Wes’s hand fisted on the table next to Colin’s plate. “I serve you food, provide the drinks, and welcome you into my restaurant only to have you question the loyalty of my employees?”
Colin leaned away from the table, retreating. “I didn’t mean to offend you, but Kelly is making this meeting sound top-secret.”
“And I don’t know you.” Wes’s voice was deep and firm.
“Wes,” I said, “Colin is only covering his own bases.”
The two men stared each other down.
“We can all trust each other here,” I reminded them, my voice strong but soft. “Wes has his employee’s full loyalty. We’re all on the same side, let’s not forget that.”
“Well then,” Colin humbly said, averting his gaze to his food. “The food smells delicious.”
Seeing that the tension was already buzzing between the two men, I dug in my bag and pulled out a manila folder, sliding it to Colin. “This is the reason I have you here.”
He eyed me for a second before opening the folder to a thick file on my next client. “Blake Stone?”
I nodded, taking the utensils in my hands and slicing up my breakfast burrito. “That’s right.”
Wes held up his hand. “And before we go any further, I’m going to need your personal information.”
Colin rolled his eyes over to me with a look of disbelief filling his face.
Wes pulled out a pen and paper and set them down in front of Colin. “Your home address.” He tapped the paper. “Along with the name of your wife, all your children—their ages and where they attend school.”
“Is he fucking serious?” Cobbs asked, looking me straight in the eye.
Slowly, my head nodded. “We need to establish a form of insurance.”
“Unbelievable,” Cobbs huffed, leaning back and tossing his napkin to the table. “Kelly, you already have that information.”
“But Wes doesn’t.”
Cobbs glared at Wes. Wes stared back without a hint of emotion giving away what it was he was thinking. “Can’t you at least tell me more about what it is you want me to do before I give this asshole my information?”
“I wish I could, but this case is too big to take any chances,” I said, plopping a fork full of burrito into my mouth.
Cobbs cursed under his breath and quickly scribbled down the information Wes demanded of him. “There, you happy, asshole?” he sneered, sliding the paper over to Wes.
Wes took the paper between his fingers and read it. “And when you can,” Wes glanced back to Cobbs, “I’ll also need photos of these people.”
Cobbs pushed his plate away and fell back into his seat, curling his shoulders. “Kelly, if you want me to do anything illegal, tell me now and I’ll leave.”
“It’s nothing illegal.”
“Good. Because what I’ve already read on Mario has me convinced he’s innocent.”
My face lifted, pleased Cobbs recognized what I saw in Mario’s case, too. “He is. And I’m glad you saw that, too.”
“So, what do you need and how is this asshole,” he pointed his thumb to Wes, “involved?”
Wes chuckled into his drink.
“He’s the one who came up with the plan.” I went on to tell Cobbs about our plan to convict Stone. “You’ll be representing Mario and feeding me what you learn about what your new client knows about Stone. And I’ll take that information and use it against him, ensuring he gets convicted.”
“Let me get this straight.” Cobbs clasped his hands in front of him. “You need me to represent Mario and use the information I learn from him to set him free, in order for you to get the client you’re representing convicted?”
“That’s right,” Wes interjected.
Cobbs blinked and shook his head. “Did I miss something here?” His eyes darted between me and Wes. “Kelly, you’re a criminal defense lawyer, right?”
I nodded, smiling. “LA can’t afford my client to be set free. It’s my job to ensure that it doesn’t happen.”
The crease between his brows deepened as he read more of the paperwork I had on Stone. “Why not just let a judge decide the case? It seems like an open and shut trial.”
“The consequences are too grave.” I nodded between bites.
Wes told Cobbs about what Stone had done to the movie industry, how he was destroying many people’s lives through the drugs he was trafficking, and how he opened up a market that didn’t seem to want to go away. We shared our theory of how if we didn’t make him an example, that someone would quickly fill that gap left behind in the market—without mentioning Madam by name.
And, all the while, I allowed my mind to drift back to Kendra, deciding how best to approach her the next time I saw her.
“Wow.” Colin rubbed his face with his gaze cast down. “This is fucked up and twisted. I knew Stone was a bad motherfucker, but,” he turned to look at me, “is he really worth ruining your winning reputation?”
I set my fork down and lifted my water to my lips. “I wouldn’t have called you here if I didn’t think you’d see what was at stake.”
“It’s big.”
“Together, we can make this work.” I nodded. “Everyone will win. Mario. You. Even me and my reputation. As well as the citizens of Los Angeles County. We’re in the business of bringing justice to our people, even if that means bending the rules to achieve that.” My cell began ringing inside my pocket. Reaching inside, I took it out and saw that it couldn’t wait. “Excuse me,” I said, leaving the table, taking the call.
“Kelly, I couldn’t do it.” Kaycee’s voice was frail and immediately caused my stomach to clench. “I thought I could do it. But I couldn’t go through with it.”
I shoved a hand through my hair and blew out a sigh, realizing that I might have opened up something I shouldn’t have the other night when I drove to San Bernardino to see her. “What happened?”
“I turned around. I can’t leave without first visiting. The other night was great, and I would like more of that—more of us. I need you with me.”
“I’m in the middle of something right now.” My eyes closed.
“Please, Kelly. Come with me. Be by my side.”
I turned back to the table, seeing Cobbs talking with Wes. My hope was that they could learn to trust each other after the shit Wes pulled about requesting Cobbs’s family information. It might have been too much but, then again, we couldn’t risk getting this case tossed, either.
“You know it wouldn’t be right without you there,” Kaycee pleaded.
My heavy lids closed, knowing that she was right. No matter how hard I tried to ignore it, I needed to be there next to Kaycee. It was up to me to make things right, to be there for her, even if it was only one more time.
“Where are you?” I asked.
“I’m in LA. I don’t know how much longer I can stay.”
The muscles in my face sagged. “I can’t see you today.”
“I don’t have much time. Are you sure you can’t meet today? I’m not sure I can come back again.”
“Tomorrow, Kaycee.”
“Kelly, I’m a wreck,” she cried.
“Tomorrow.” I tipped my head back and stroked my chin. “Tell me you will wait until tomorrow to see me.”
Silence hung on the line as anticipation built. “I’ll wait. You know I’ll always wait for you.”
“Keep your phone on. I’ll call you in the morning.” I ended our conversation with problems mounting. When I got back to the table, I found Cobbs more on board than ever.
“Wes told me about what happened to Adrianna.” Colin’s face flared with anger. “The more I learn, the more I want to kill this asshole myself.”
Wes nodded when I caught his gaze.
“You have no idea how boring my life has been. Finally, thanks to you guys, I’ll be working on something exciting.” Cobbs laughed. “You know, Kelly, I’d do anything to make things right.”
The corners of my lips curled upward.
&nbs
p; “Besides, it wouldn’t be the first corrupt trial I’ve worked.” He chuckled. “It would be my honor to help you bring Stone’s ass down.”
20
Kendra
My fingers drummed nervously on top of my thigh.
Visiting Emmanuel was the last thing I wanted to do. And what did Madam mean by not wanting Emmanuel to get the wrong idea about me? I tried to wrap my head around that for far longer than I should have but as soon as I glanced down at what I was wearing, I suddenly regretted not stopping back home first to change.
A new song changed over on the radio and Lucky’s head bounced to the reggae music. He had such a lively spirit I couldn’t stop myself from smiling. As soon as I’d taken my seat in the back, opposite of where he sat behind the wheel, he asked if he could listen to his favorite music—reggae. I happily agreed, knowing that it would leave me plenty of time to scramble through the thoughts swirling through my head.
My eyes were open but I couldn’t tell what was going on in the world outside. Lucky weaved his vehicle in and out of traffic until we left the heart of the city, exchanging it for the industrial area where I was instructed to make this next drop for Madam.
A hand fluttered to my neck. I played with the black diamond white gold necklace Kelly gave me as I stared at the cube shaped package sitting on top of my handbag.
Without having been told, I knew what it was—money. How much exactly, that was the question I wrestled with. But by the weight and size, I would have guessed it was easily mid-five figures.
The moment Lucky turned into the entrance he hit the brakes. “Are you sure this is it?”
“I’m sure,” I said, seeing his eyes flicker with concern when passing over the barbed-wired fence entrance with security cameras perched up on the roof.
With a great deal of hesitation, Lucky’s foot let up off the brake and the wheels began to roll once again. A shiver prickled my scalp and I hugged myself warm. The place was a mess, much more so than the last time, as litter blew across the pavement finally getting caught on a rust-pitted dumpster leaking something disgusting from the bottom corner.
Lucky kept glancing back at me in the mirror as if he could feel my unease growing.
A strange mixture of rotting garbage and motor oil filled the air and I couldn’t decide if the feeling hardening in the pit of my stomach was from the sight unfolding before my eyes, or if it was simply because I knew exactly what—and who—I was going to have to deal with today.
My last visit with Emmanuel didn’t exactly inspire me to want to ever come back. His appearance was only half the reason I thought of him as disgusting. He tried to flirt with me but it wasn’t flattering. He wasn’t my type and if I had to be honest, I was way out of his league.
When I turned my head forward, I caught Lucky’s eyes staring at the side of my head. I forced a smile, if only as a weak attempt to hide the bile rolling my insides over. “Watch it!” I screamed.
Lucky slammed on the brakes making the tires squeal. My entire body lurched forward as the sudden stop sent my heart racing. In a split second, we’d gone from nearly clipping the backside of a feral dog running in front of Lucky’s hood, to skidding to a complete stop.
We both stared at the dog as it scurried off into the shadows.
“Are you okay, Ms. Kendra?” Lucky turned to look at me with big round eyes.
The pulse in my neck ticked hard and fast as I held up a hand. “Yes, I’m fine.”
Lucky turned his focus back to where we saw the dog trot off. “I don’t know where he came from.”
“The dumpster,” I said, dropping my forehead into my hand. “He was licking something at the dumpster.”
“Oh, my. I’m sorry about that.” He shook his head, clearly disappointed in himself for not seeing the dog before I did.
“Its fine,” I said, pointing through the windscreen. “Park there. That’s where I need to go.”
Rubbing my temples, I worked to collect my thoughts before going into my meeting with Emmanuel. He wasn’t one I wanted to show weakness to. Madam was right, I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea about me. I was here on business. We weren’t friends and I didn’t have to stay and chat, pretending like we were.
Lucky kept both hands on the wheel as he drove slowly to the parking space I’d pointed to. I quickly recognized the same unmarked delivery truck backed into the loading dock as during my last visit. And the front metal door was propped open. A man stood staring back at Lucky and me, sucking on a cigarette.
“He doesn’t look friendly,” Lucky muttered in a low voice as he stared at the man smoking. “Are you sure this is where you wanted me to take you?”
“I’ll be fine.” I unbuckled myself and set my hand over Lucky’s right shoulder.
He blinked, barely recognizing my touch, and by the look on his face I knew that he too was having the same feelings as I was. Something didn’t feel right.
“You recognize that man?”
Lucky’s eyes narrowed, continuing to study the man. “I can’t remember.”
“Perhaps from the nightclub you take the girls to?”
“Yes. Maybe.” He turned his head to look over his shoulder at me. “But I can’t say for certain.”
Then the man flicked his cigarette butt, turned, and walked inside.
“Well, I guess that’s my cue.” Digging in my bag, I made sure that the envelope was securely tucked away before stepping outside.
Lucky turned to show me his pained face and without him actually saying anything, I knew that he was worried for me. But he didn’t have to be. I could take care of myself.
Opening my door, I firmly placed one heel on the ground, catching scent of the last remnants of the man’s tobacco smoke burning down to the filter. “Wish me luck.”
Lucky’s voice was drowned out in all the noise going on inside my own head. I was sure he wished me luck or said that he was there if I needed him. But I heard nothing.
Looking around, I pushed all the fear I felt boiling inside me to the side and blamed Kelly for my frayed confidence. He was the one to have left me when I needed a body to snuggle with. He was also the one to have first triggered my flashback to the time I was raped. If it hadn’t been for any of that, I wouldn’t be feeling as weak as I was now.
I was strong—not a fragile little girl who couldn’t fight off my assailant.
As soon I stepped inside the building, I pulled my sunglasses off my face, taking a moment to look around. My brows raised, surprised to see the entire layout had changed from the first time I had visited, barely a week ago. Men swarmed between boxes, cars, and motorcycles. When one of them whistled after seeing me I turned my head and smirked.
“Hey, gorgeous. I told you to wait for me at home,” a man said, getting the others around him to laugh.
Despite my heart pounding against my chest I remained calm, choosing to ignore it all. Holding my chin high, I found myself floating through the harassment in hopes of finding Emmanuel quickly so that I could get on with my day.
“As soon as I heard the men erupt, I had a suspicion it was because of you.” Emmanuel smiled with arms spread wide as he seemed to emerge out of nowhere.
I dodged his attempt at a kiss and I ducked my head to the chaos swirling around us. Whatever was happening here today, they were preparing for something big. Boxes, crates, and the general hustle of preparation buzzed in the air. “What happened to the beauty products?” I asked above the noise.
Emmanuel laughed, reaching his hand around to my lower back, nudging me forward as if he didn’t want to talk with me here. “All sold out.” He grinned.
With Emmanuel at my side, I tried to stay inconspicuous with my unrelenting observation but it proved impossible. Curiosity always got the best of me. Even when I knew it wasn’t any of my business. I was just dying to know what was going on. So when we passed a vehicle being torn apart, I turned to Emmanuel and said, “That’s too bad.”
Emmanuel flashed me a questioning l
ook.
“I was hoping to get my hands on more of that perfume I had last time.”
His eyes drifted down to my chest as he smiled.
“Let’s talk in my office.” He winked. “Perhaps I have a bottle of what you’re looking for in there.”
Stepping out of the way of an oncoming forklift, Emmanuel opened the door to his office and was the first to step inside. I quickly followed and as I passed him, my vision tunneled.
Suddenly the room spun and I felt dizzy.
The smell.
His smell.
It was something I recognized. A smell that went straight to my head. I knew what it was—knew it so well that I wished I didn’t. It was a sweet woody smell that flooded my head with memories of him—my rapist. And just like that, I was once again thrust into the ring, running for my life.
I blinked.
Then I stumbled.
And when I turned to see Emmanuel, he had beady reptilian eyes.
I watched his tongue slither over his bottom lip as I fell back into the empty chair behind me. My palms heated and began to sweat. I knew that look he was giving me—the face of a predator searching for weakness in his prey. I shook my head and tightened my abs, preparing for a fight. Staring into his eyes was like staring into those of a lion.
Emmanuel shut the door and I jumped.
He chuckled.
My hand flew over my mouth as I gasped. Closing my eyes, I let out a heavy sigh telling myself, Get it together.
“Relax, Kendra.” Emmanuel’s hand smoothed down my bare upper arm as he passed, taking a seat behind his desk. “We’re friends here.”
I watched him thread his fingers together, resting his hands over his stomach. My mind was on overdrive and I knew that I’d overreacted to the smell of his cologne. But it sparked terror inside me and instinct took over. I hated that this terror I’d been feeling inside seemed to be following me wherever I went. I didn’t know what I could do to forget about what happened to me as a child and move on with my life.
But one thing was certain: If I kept experiencing triggers that reminded me of my traumatic experience, Alex’s idea of seeking professional help seemed more like something I had to do.
