Chapter Eighteen
Justice always had a sense of walking into the lion’s den when she stepped foot into Kent’s house. This time was no different.
“Where’s Tribe?” Justice asked when Kent answered the door.
“He’s here.”
She wasn’t sure if that was an advantage or not. She’d never liked the arrogant bodyguard, but being alone with Kent felt riskier. “I’m here. What do you want me to know?”
“Let’s not rush, shall we?” He closed the door.
"Kent—"
"Just wait a little longer. I had the chef whip up some of your favorite dishes." He gently placed his hand on her back, but she pulled away. "My apologies. It's just a habit."
As they entered the beautifully decorated dining room, with flickering candles and a lovely table set for two, she felt uncertain about this meeting and regretted her decision to come even more. She was curious about what could potentially unfold.
He lifted the dome off one plate, revealing filet mignon covered in a rich mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, her stomach growled in delight.
“Please, have a seat. Let’s talk over dinner.” He went to sit at the head of the table.
Reluctantly, she sat down and covered her lap with the cloth napkin. Although her mouth salivated, she didn’t cut into her steak. “Can we please skip the dramatics?”
He didn’t begin eating either. He continued to stare at her.
After several seconds, she grew impatient. She stood and tossed her linen onto the table. “Fine. I figured this would be a waste of time.”
“Sit, Justice. I promise it’ll be worth it.”
With agitation setting into her bones, she dropped back down. “Then tell me why I’m here. What needed its own stage to divulge?”
The side door opened, and Tribe entered the dining room. He carried an envelope in his hand and placed it in front of Justice.
“That’s yours,” Kent said. When she didn’t make a move to open it, he sighed. “It won’t bite.”
She realized she couldn’t trust him one iota.
Taking the thick folded paperwork out of the envelope, she unfolded the document, reading the word Deed at the top. The address was for the Meadow Farm property and her name was on the ownership line.
"I'm a bit confused," she expressed.
"This is the deed to the house. I purchased it and made sure it was in your name. I even expedited the paperwork. It's fascinating how resources can swiftly overcome obstacles when you put your mind to it!"
“I’m not sure what to say.” She laid the paper back onto the table.
“Thank you will suffice.”
“I can’t accept this.” She pushed the document away because she didn’t want to look at it.
He shrugged and steepled his fingers. “Don’t be full of pride, dear. It’s a wedding gift.”
“It’s too much.”
“I can afford it.”
She wanted to move the conversation forward. “You said there’s more.”
“Oh, yes. Tribe, the thumb drive.”
The bodyguard reached into the sideboard buffet and produced another smaller envelope. He placed it in front of Justice too.
“In that envelope, you’ll find the drive that contains any pictures I ever took,” he said quietly.
“How can I trust you?”
“You will just have to take my word for it.”
“But we know your word isn’t worth much.”
He squinted. “Yes, I know how you feel, darling, but thank you for the reminder.” He saluted her with his wine glass and emptied it, then poured himself more. “Try the steak, Justice. The chef went to a lot of trouble.”
She rolled her eyes and cut a small bite off. It was perfectly cooked. “You mentioned Lanah and the baby. How do you know?”
“ Tsk. Tsk . Let’s not get out of order.” He waved a finger. “How happy are you, Justice?”
She clasped her hands in her lap. “I’m happy.” And if she weren’t, she wouldn’t have admitted that to Kent. “I don’t see how that’s relevant.”
“It’s very relevant. I see your disappointment when you look at me. You see me as the monster. What you should know is that we all have secrets. Everyone isn’t above selling a part of themselves simply to get ahead.”
She sighed. “Do you want to convince me that you aren’t a monster? It’s too late for that. All this,” she encompassed the envelopes on the table. “won’t change what I saw in you.”
“And you think Jinx Weathersby is of a different caliber?” His voice contained bitter anger.
"I truly believe he is kind, generous, and honest." Her love for him grew each day.
Kent replied thoughtfully, "Embracing the truth leads to freedom and joy."
“And you know the truth from a lie?” she charged.
"Have you ever thought about the surprises your husband might be hiding? I can't wait to share something that could change the way you see him!"
“There’s nothing you can say to me that’ll persuade me,” she said sternly.
“I did a little digging.”
She jumped up. “I don’t want to be here any longer.”
“We haven’t gotten to the best part yet,” he said calmly. “I assure you, I’m not just making things up.”
Tribe set a laptop on the table, opened the lid, and pressed a button. A grainy, black-and-white video appeared on the screen. She turned away, not caring what Kent wanted to show her.
“Isn’t that your husband?” Kent said.
Curious, she leaned in to get a better look. “That’s the restaurant where you and I met.”
“Continue watching. Tribe can slow the video down so you don’t miss anything.”
Justice saw each scene humming by on the screen, feeling a surge of frustration. Just as she was about to dismiss Kent, she caught sight of Jinx in the corner of one frame, snapping photos of her and Kent with his phone. Suddenly, everything came together—the pictures Daddy had shown her paired with his insistence that she marry Jinx. It hit her like lightning, making her drop back down into the chair. This was all a clever scheme. She realized Jinx had been working with Sam from the very beginning.
“I’m sorry, dear. I was as shocked as you are when I realized Jinx had been watching us,” Kent said.
With a gentle nudge, she closed the laptop, ready to move on. Kent’s smug expression reminded her of a satisfied cat that caught the mouse. "What are your true intentions behind this?" she asked. She felt sick by the revelation.
“It’s never too late for us, Justice.” He leaned forward, hands on the table, full of hope.
“Did you really believe you could persuade me to leave my husband and return to you?” Saying it felt strange, like learning a new language.
“Jinx isn’t who you think he is.”
“And neither are you. You’re worse than I could imagine.”
Something flickered over Kent’s face before it vanished. He started to respond, but a loud banging on the front door echoed through the house. He looked at Tribe in frustration. Kent never liked it when things didn’t go as planned. “Get rid of them,” he said.
“Yes, sir.” Tribe marched out of the dining room.
Justice stood again, feeling more stable. “I’m leaving.” She took a step.
“Believe me, that baby isn’t Jinx’s,” he whispered, barely audible.
“What? How do you know?” At that moment, she felt her world tilt again.
“There’s something I need to tell you. For your safety…”
“Sir?” Tribe was in the doorway. Alarm on his features.
“What is it? I’m busy?” Kent snapped.
“I need to speak to you a moment.” Tribe’s hands were tight fists at his sides.
With agitation marring his good looks, Kent pushed back his chair and left with Tribe.
Justice paced the floor, nervously wringing her hands at her waist, her mind racing with thoughts and worries.
How could she ever forgive Jinx and her father?
Her world was collapsing around her like a house of cards.
From the dining room, she heard raised voices, and her curiosity got the better of her. Leaning closer, she sensed Kent was in a heated discussion with someone. Their voices were muffled. She stepped to the doorway, peeking out.
She jumped when gunshots echoed through the air, shattering the silence. She heard a yell and then more silence.
Her heart raced with concern, and she felt a surge of determination. Sweat trickled down her forehead as she stepped forward, eager to see what had happened. She sensed that Kent was shot, possibly dead.
She had left her purse and phone in her car, so she had no way of contacting help.
Why had she done that?
She slowly descended the hall lit by dim sconces and finally reached the grand room. Lying on the floor was Kent in a pool of his own blood. He was alone. And he was alive.
Racing to him, she dropped next to him. Blood was pouring from a small wound near his stomach. His eyes were open.
“Kent, what happened?”
“Pok. Pok did this,” he said in a weak voice.
“Pok?” She had no clue who Pok was. “I’m going to call for help.” She started to move but he held her head in a tight grasp.
“I’m sorry. I wanted to make everything right.” He closed his eyes.
Frantic, Justice searched for the phone and quickly called for help.