Chapter 18
I was devastated. I’d thrown myself into my work, trying to forget about the mess I’d heard about my little brother. Since my promotion, I was off on most weekends. However, I volunteered to work. I knew Kyrie could tell that information bothered me, but he allowed me time to work through it. Today, I would be going to his place to talk about everything.
I’d come to the office for a little bit to check on things and make sure I didn’t have to tell Bransford a piece of mind, only to discover that he was off today. The revelations Detective Johnson spewed two days ago were affecting my memory, because it was all I could think about. This was one time I wished I would have allowed their conversation to be confidential. Knowing what I knew and not being able to say anything to anyone was tearing me to shreds. The fact that my grandma knew he was getting in trouble at work and didn’t say a word to anyone made me wonder about just how much she knew.
I wasn’t sure how Johnson had gotten my brother’s file, but she seemed extremely nervous about it. It was like she was afraid of either how I would take what she had to say or something more. She and Kyrie ended up talking again yesterday while I was at work. I’d called to talk to him, and when he didn’t answer, I’d called Ms. Carolyn. When she told me the detective had come back, I knew it had to be some things she needed to say to him without me being there.
As I signed off on an order form for new respirators, I heard the door open. It was probably shift change. I stood from my desk, and as I was making my way out of my office, Bransford was standing there, looking like he was ready to start some shit. I rolled my eyes and asked, “Can I help you?”
He extended his hand to me as I frowned and stared at it. “I wanted to apologize for the hard time I’ve been giving you. You got the appointment, and the council voted you in. I need to accept that and get over my feelings of being slighted. Of all the questionable characters that work for the city and county, I know you aren’t one of them. I signed the write-up, by the way.”
My frown eased somewhat, and I hesitantly shook his hand. I didn’t know what to make of his sudden change in attitude. It actually made me nervous. He gave me a tight smile and walked away. With everything that was going on, I couldn’t help but question his motives. When my phone rang, I once again retreated into my office. My brother’s name on the caller ID made me a little nervous as well. We talked at least three times a week, if not more, but he rarely called while I was at work. Doing my best to pretend nothing was wrong would be difficult.
“Hello?”
“What’s up, Chief? How’s it going?”
“Hey. It’s going. It’s been a relatively decent day, believe it or not.”
“What’s going on? You having issues with Bransford?”
I frowned slightly. I wasn’t sure how he knew that. “Stop thinking so hard, girl. You know he has a big mouth. He doesn’t mind voicing his disdain with not being appointed to the masses, even if that’s saying you aren’t qualified.”
I tried to relax, knowing that everyone probably knew about the issues I was having with Bransford. “Yeah, but today, he apologized. That caught me totally off guard.”
“That’s because I had a talk with him. He knew he wasn’t the best person for the job. Just because he had the endorsement of the previous chief didn’t qualify him. AJ knew who the most qualified person was, and he appointed her… you.”
“Sam… please tell me what you said to him.”
“That doesn’t matter. As long as he fixed his shitty attitude, that’s all that matters.”
“I guess you’re right. How’s work going?”
“It’s going. I have to get my attitude in check more often than what I like, but it is what it is.”
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that. Just as I was about to ask, he said, “When you always have to address injustice and unfairness on your job, that isn’t a good thing, especially when you work in law enforcement. I applied to be a state trooper. So, hopefully, I get that position, and I won’t be jumping from the skillet to the frying pan.”
“Well, that’s great that you’re trying to move on. What type of injustices are you speaking of?”
“There you go… worried about me. Just with pay and assignments. I’ll be fine.”
“I’m your big sister. It’s my job to worry about you… along with Mama’s. We just want to be sure that you’re good.”
“I’m good. How are you and Judge Patrick?”
“We’re fine. Just going through the healing process. He’s tired of being cooped up in the house, but I think that’s what’s best for right now.”
“Yeah. All hands are on deck with locating the owner of the car that hit him. The man seems to be in the wind.”
“Well, hopefully, y’all can track him down soon. Hopefully, it was just a hit-and-run and not connected to all this other foolishness,” I said, testing the waters.
I wanted to see if he would reveal anything he knew or even implicate his involvement unknowingly. He didn’t know that I knew anything, but with as smart as he was, he would probably figure I knew more than the average person because of my involvement with Kyrie. I wonder if he’s testing me to see what I know …
“I can’t see this being random with everything that’s already going on. It’s like there’s a vendetta out for him. Someone wants him gone for whatever reason. They arrested the guy that was leaving the death threat notes on his car. Hopefully, they can get information out of him.”
“Yeah, I hope so. Well, brother, I have to get back to work. Will I see you at Mama’s house tomorrow?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there. See you then.”
“Okay. Love you.”
“Love you too, sis. Never forget that.”
He ended the call, leaving me questioning his last line. I couldn’t help but worry about him now. It was like he knew something was about to happen or that he was about to be exposed. I wondered if Detective Johnson had questioned him about something. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my things to call it a day and head to Kyrie’s house.
I needed to talk to him about how all of this was affecting me. I could barely focus on anything else. He had a lot he was dealing with already, but I could tell that it was slightly bothering him that I hadn’t been able to totally express myself to him. I had a bad habit of bottling things in at times, because, in my mind, I felt like people didn’t want to hear it. They didn’t truly care about your struggles, even if they were mental.
As I grabbed my purse, I decided that I would go see my friend first. Micah had been off work due to being on bed rest. She was threatening to go into labor way too early to say she was only twenty-two weeks along, so the doctor took her off her feet. She was nearly in her second trimester when she found out she was pregnant. I missed her already, and it had only been a couple of weeks since she’d been home. Just as I was getting to the door to leave, I heard someone say, “Chief.”
I turned to see Bransford. While I wanted to roll my eyes, I gave him a concerned look. I knew he was only being this way because my brother had threatened him. I didn’t know what was said, but it had to be pretty bad if it caused him to change his attitude.
When he approached me, he said, “I forgot to ask if I could be relieved of duty Monday. My wife is scheduled for a colonoscopy, and she’ll need someone to drive her home.”
“That’s fine. Email me so there will be record of your request.”
He nodded. “Thanks.”
I did the same then left. My gut was telling me to be cautious about everything, and I didn’t like how that felt. Any and everyone could be involved in what was going on with Kyrie, and until Johnson pieced things together, I needed to watch my back, front, and sides, because a hit could come from any direction. That fact had me slightly jumpy, and all I could do was pray that it wouldn’t show tomorrow at my mama’s house for Sunday dinner.
When I got to Kyrie’s house, my nerves heightened. Talking about my issues with him shouldn’t have been affecting me this way. He was the man I loved. Micah could tell something was bothering me as well, and I didn’t know how to express it without giving too much away. She seemed to be doing fine, so I chose to focus on her and her health and delivering a healthy baby.
I got out of the car and felt the tremble that coursed through my body. Taking a deep breath, I headed to his back door just as the bottom fell out. It started pouring. Cats and dogs had nothing on what was coming from the sky. I quickly ran to the back, ducking under the covered patio. I huffed and wiped my eyes with my hands.
When I could focus, I saw Kyrie standing there with his walker, staring at me through the glass door. He was progressing quickly. Before long, he would only need the assistance of a cane. I smiled softly at him and made my way to the door. Once I was inside, I went to him and kissed his cheek. “Hey, baby. You look to be feeling good today.”
“Hey. I’m feeling okay. I just need to move around. I gotta get back to work in the thick of things. The justice system needs me, girl.”
I chuckled as I playfully rolled my eyes. He continued. “Plus, I could have taken full advantage of you in this state. We gotta get these wet clothes off of you. You know that would have led to other things. Two weeks isn’t nearly long enough for me to be able to handle you like I want to.”
“Right. I miss making love to you, Kyrie.”
He moved closer to me and reached out to place his hand at my hip. Pulling me to him, he brought his other hand to the back of my neck. My breath seemed to get caught in my throat and refused to come out.
“You are so beautiful, Genesis. I really wish I could show you just how much I love you by making this body feel the excitement it excretes whenever I’m inside of it. However, I did the next best thing.”
I frowned slightly as he released me and turned to walk toward his dining room. That was when I smelled food. This man had to be the one if I missed the smell of food because I was distracted by his presence. After entering the room, I sucked in air. There were flowers everywhere with flickering candlelight. It was so beautiful. He smiled at me as I admired the room. The wooden dining table was set with covered plates sitting on their designated chargers.
I turned to him. “How did you do all this? It’s beautiful.”
“I got my mama to do it before she left. You deserve all this and more. I figured the least I could do is ease your soul by being the man you needed in this moment.”
“What man do I need in this moment?” I asked.
“A romantic, sensitive one. We both know I can be hard. I’m that way more than I’m soft. You need the man I was in New York, minus the alcohol.”
I smiled slightly as I went to the table and lifted the lid on the plate. When I saw the blackened fish, rice pilaf, broccoli, and baked potato, my mouth watered. “Kyrie, this looks delicious.”
His walker pressed into my rear end as he wrapped his arms around me from behind. I closed my eyes as he softly kissed my neck. His lips went to my ear, and he asked, “Do you want to eat first? I know that stomach growling.”
I chuckled softly and turned to him. After kissing his lips, I said, “Yes, I want to eat first. Do you know me?” My sarcasm made him smile. “I’m ready to talk, but I know I won’t feel like eating once I’m done. We surely can’t let this food go to waste. I would never forgive myself.”
He playfully shook his head with a small smile on his lips. Still trying to be the gentleman, he made me step aside so he could pull out my chair. Resting my hand on his cheek, I stroked his beard and said, “Thank you.”
He nodded then walked around the table and sat in his seat. He scooted a bit, and I watched him wince as he tried to get comfortable. I admired his strength and tenacity. He refused to let his circumstances keep him from doing what he wanted to do. That was why it was killing him to stay home as the doctor ordered. I would have to draw from his strength after dinner.
He reached across the table, so I placed my hand in his. I knew even that gesture was somewhat painful for him, but he did it anyway to bless our food. He bowed his head, and I followed suit, realizing he was being a very effective leader at this moment. He was teaching me how to triumph over adversity. I knew how to do that in my career, but with my family, it was a totally different story.
Once he was done blessing our food, he released my hand and stared into my eyes. He smiled, then asked, “What?”
“Nothing. I just admire your strength, baby.”
“I admire yours too. You’re stronger than you think… even now.”
I gave him a one-cheeked smile and went to my food, not letting another second go by before I indulged. Once my tastebuds got acquainted with the first forkful of fish, my eyes closed, and a soft moan left my lips. I swore my eyes were about to roll to the back of my head. The flavors had hit me all at once, sending my tastebuds into overdrive. It was so good and seasoned so well.
“Damn.”
I opened my eyes to see him staring at me. “What?”
“Just the way you’re enjoying that fish is making me wish I could enjoy you that way.” He slid his hand down his face. “You have me sweating, Genesis. You’re doing that on purpose, aren’t you?”
I giggled. “No, baby. Your mother put her foot in this fish. She got me having foodgasms. I can’t wait to tell her how good this is.”
He slightly rolled his eyes. “Don’t fill her with anymore helium. She’ll float away, and you’ll have to take a leave of absence from work to take care of me.”
I laughed. “Don’t talk about my girl like that. However, if I ever needed to take a leave of absence for you, consider it done. I love you.”
“I love you too, baby.”
We continued our meal, making small talk about the weather and me sitting at the table in wet clothes. I refused to undress and end up injuring Kyrie any further because we couldn’t contain our desires. There was no way I would have put clothes back on without having an orgasm with him watching me. No way in hell. The man turned me on just that much.
After clearing the table and putting the dishes in the dishwasher, I joined Kyrie in the family room on the couch. He reached over and grabbed my hand as I cautiously leaned over to him. He kissed my forehead, allowing me to get myself together in silence. I was desperately trying to figure out where to start.
Finally, he said, “Just say it how it comes out, baby. You’re thinking too much. This is a no judgment zone. “
“You’re right.” I huffed, then continued. “I’m extremely bothered by my brother’s involvement in all of this. Plus, I feel like my grandmother knows a lot more than we think.”
“Grandma Jean? Why do you think that?”
I sighed. “She’s a very intuitive woman and can squeeze blood from a turnip. If she knows the details mentioned the other day, I’m almost sure she knows even more. That bothers the hell out of me. Why would she think that was something to keep to herself unless she’s involved in it somehow? Darlene Doll’s death will be on all of their hands. My dad didn’t work as hard as he did to have one of his kids take this path.”
“Samuel is his own man, regardless of your father’s sacrifice. So… umm… there is more evidence that Jackson told me about yesterday. She was able to attain surveillance of your brother in Doll’s office, signing documents. He had no reason to be in her office, especially alone. Johnson is wondering if any of the activity was Darlene’s doing. She may not have had a thing to do with it.”
I closed my eyes. “Is she thinking my brother is the mastermind?”
“No. She’s uncovered a maintenance guy, a council member, and your former fire chief.”
“What?” I asked as my eyes bucked.
“Yes. She has to get all of her facts straight before she can make arrests, but they were involved and received payouts disguised as bonuses, all signed by Darlene. They were all her authentic signatures, but she could have been under duress when she signed them. She’s going to let me know when all of the facts line up. She made me take a break from investigating things to keep myself safe. She believes they are after me because they see me as a threat, thinking I will find information to implicate them all.”
“My God.”
“Right. Somehow, they know when I’m looking into things. That means my stuff is bugged. It’s better if she does it.” He kissed my head again as I laid it on his shoulder. “In the meantime, try not to worry. I know that’s easier said than done, but please try for me, baby.”
He slid his hand down my thigh, causing me to shiver. His touch did things to me, but now wasn’t the time. I was in a sensitive state already, and I just wanted to feel him inside of me. We still had another month before we could even attempt to engage in those activities. I glanced at him before saying, “I’ll try not to.”
Grabbing his hand, I squeezed it and brought it to my lips to kiss it. He smirked at me and asked, “What are you afraid of?”
Without hesitation, I responded, “Physically hurting you. So stop.”
He chuckled then kissed my forehead. “I promise, I’m not going to let you hurt me. I’m not as fragile as you think. Come here.”
I frowned slightly as I lifted my head to stare into his eyes. He stared right back, watching me hesitate. Did he want me on top of him? I was already as close as I could possibly be without being on his lap. “I’m here, Kyrie.”
“That’s not what I mean, and you know it. Get up here.”
I cautiously straddled him, doing my best not to put my full weight on him. He lifted his hand and placed it at the back of my neck, pulling me to him. He slid his tongue to mine, and suddenly, I forgot all about my hesitancies. He knew I would. I could very easily get lost in him. When his other hand slid to my waistline and toyed with the band there, I opened my eyes to stare into his. Once our gazes locked, he slid his hand inside and took me to ecstasy without taking off our clothes. He stroked me perfectly but not without my assistance. I rolled my hips against him, feeling his erection teasing me.
“I won’t let you suffer, baby. I know you need this.”
When he brought his fingers to his mouth to taste the essence of me, I released a soft moan. He made me forget everything I was worried about. The only thing I was worried about was how I would go home in the nude, because my clothes were already drenched. I knew he wasn’t done, and I didn’t want him to be. I was spoiled, and he loved every minute of that.