Chapter 39
Kennedy
“This is good stuff,” James says as I sit in his office. He’s reading over all the evidence I’ve gathered about Blackmon and his company. He peers across the desk at me over the rim of his glasses. “How much longer until you link this child labor ring and the church?”
“Soon. I was able to speak with the police officers who were at the scene of the accident of Nicole’s boyfriend that night in the church van. Their report is one connection between the church and this ring.
“I’m waiting for Nicole to contact me again. She moved last month to get away from her ex. I’ve also contacted lawyers on the matter.”
I hold up a finger.
“I’ve also reached out to a few members of the church. I think I have a retired teacher who used to work for the church’s daycare who is on the cusp of talking.”
He nods approvingly.
“That son of a bitch,” James mumbles.
I feel his anger. However, I feel rage. It’s been three weeks since the night of the charity ball and over a month since I first saw those teens being carted like prisoners from that motel.
“Losing his French restaurant and dealing with the Global Group is only the beginning of his troubles,” I tell James.
I ran an article on Blackmon’s bribery two weeks ago. The Global Group rescinded its offer to partner with his company. The state Department of Health and Safety is investigating his restaurant, LaVie, and two critics have come out publicly for accepting bribes to run positive reviews.
It’s a start, but it’s not the vindication I’m looking for. The case of Erika Dalton still hangs in the air. I believe she was a part of this fucked-up child labor ring he has going on, and when the abuse and mistreatment reached its breaking point, she couldn’t take it anymore.
“I believe that’s why she ended her life,” I tell James. “She wanted out but couldn’t see a way to get there. From speaking with her mother, I know she was no help. Erika probably felt like death was her only option.”
A heaviness causes my shoulders to sink as I recall the night Dae told me about wanting to take his own life. The hopelessness that invaded his eyes as he talked about those awful memories.
I wanted to cry for him right there, but I knew he would see it as me pitying him. My heart still aches for him. For the scared boy who was all alone in this world and only saw one option.
That’s how Erika must’ve felt as well.
Unlike Dae, though, Erika never found something that made her want to hang on. That night, Dae never revealed what made him want to hang on. I surmised that it was his desire for revenge—to get Daniel Park, and by extension, his biological father, back for the pain they caused him.
I hate to think that hate and revenge are the only things propelling him. I shake my head, refusing to believe that. Dae is vengeful, and honestly, I know he could be deadly if he wanted, but that’s not his core. It’s not what he is in the depths of his soul.
I couldn’t have fallen in love with a man with nothing more to offer than hate and revenge.
“Kennedy?” James calls, bringing me out of my musings.
“Huh?”
He gestures his head toward the phone in my lap. “Your phone’s buzzing.”
I glance down to see it lighting up with a text from an unknown number.
Unknown Number: They want to meet with you.
“Do you need to take that?” James asks.
I shake my head. “I’m not sure.” I look up at him. “Do you need anything else?”
He shakes his head. “Just make sure to bring this one home.” He gives me a look that tells me finishing this case is important.
“I intend to see this through,” I respond before gathering my tablet and phone and exiting his office.
Once back at my desk I reply to the text.
Kennedy: Who is this?
It takes less than a minute for the response to come.
Unknown Number: Sorry, it’s Nicole. I had to change my phone number. My ex wouldn’t stop calling and threatening me.
Kennedy: Are you safe? He hasn’t found out where you live, has he?
After that night at the motel, Nicole stayed with some friends. Since then, I put her in contact with some social workers who were able to help her find affordable housing, away from her loser ex.
Nicole: No. Thank God. I reached the two girls who were also part of the church’s teen group. They managed to run away a few years ago, but they’re willing to talk to you.
I will get as many witness testimonies as I can manage.
Kennedy: When and where?
Nicole: Let me ask them, and I’ll get back to you.
Kennedy: Okay, the sooner, the better. Let them know, anytime or place works for me, okay?
Nicole: I will. Talk to you soon.
I exit the text exchange knowing this meeting could be one more nail in Blackmon’s coffin. Erika Dalton isn’t around to speak for herself anymore, but hopefully, these witnesses can be her voice. I need to bring everything together.