Page 121 of New Beginnings
I picked up my phone, then dialed his number.
“Me and J.D. will be at your home tomorrow at eleven o’clock,” I said the moment he answered the phone.
“Is that so?” he asked. “And why is that?”
“Because you have some explaining to do. And I suggest you take me seriously this time.”
“Is that a threat?”
“No, it’s not a threat. I love you with all my heart, but I’ve done all I can do on this matter. It’s up to you now. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I said, ending the call.
If he wanted, he could interpret my warning as a threat. I warned him about Agent Revels, and he ignored it. This time if he ignored what I said, then there was nothing I could do to save him. J.D. was going to have his revenge one way or the other.
LET HIM GO
J.D. Stevens
Mother Nature didn’t know whether she wanted us to burn in hell or give us relief from the hellish heat of the South. Today, the air hung heavy with humidity, making it difficult to breathe. The air was sticky, making everything feel damp and uncomfortable.
The weather in North Carolina never seemed to make up its mind, constantly shifting between different seasons. One minute we were sweltering in the high eight-degree heat, and the next week brought a sudden drop to the chilly low sixties. Today it was somewhere in between and humid as fuck. The best weather to be on the back of my bike but not today. Today we rode in a cage because Rebel wasn’t fully healed no matter how much she tried to convince me that she was fine. She still winced, her face contorting with pain, whenever she thought I wasn’t looking. As we walked up to the black door of the two-story brick housein one of the nicest neighborhoods outside of Charlotte, she couldn’t hide the discomfort she felt.
In this neighborhood, you could find professional athletes and some of the wealthiest individuals in the country. Special Agent in Charge, Donald Williams was living a good life. I was certain that he couldn’t afford this house in this neighborhood with his salary.
“Nice place.”
I look around at the manicured lawns, perfectly landscaped shrubs, and flowers.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Rebel said with a disapproving look on her face.
“And what am I thinking?” I asked with my brow arched.
“You want to know how he can afford this house in this neighborhood.”
“It crossed my mind.”
“His wife comes from money. Don’t judge him before you talk to him.”
I said nothing because I’d already spoken with him. Rebel had a high opinion of her godfather, but as someone who dealt with law enforcement my entire life, none of these motherfuckers were squeaky clean, especially not a Special Agent in Charge in one of the largest FBI field offices in the country. So, yes, I was already judging him and my opinion of him wouldn’t change. My decision on what to do would be based solely on whether he was involved in Dani and Luca’s murder. Not whether he was crooked because all of them were.
As we reached the front door of his home, I could feel her body trembling against the palm of my hand on the small of her back. While I understood being nervous, it was something I couldn’t do anything about. My wife and son deserved justice no matter who it came from.
She took in a deep breath then released it before ringing the doorbell. I pulled her close to me, feeling the warmth of her body against mine, and gently pressed a kiss to her forehead, hoping to offer her solace. Maybe it would help. Perhaps it wouldn’t help at all. But it was all I could do.
The door swung open, revealing a tall, stunning woman with a dark complexion and a chic, short hairstyle. Her radiant smile was absolutely breathtaking. Her dark red lipstick stood out against her dark skin, complementing her yellow skirt that touched the floor.
“Rebel!” She pulled Rebel into her arms causing her to wince. “Honey, Donald didn’t tell me, you were stopping by.”
She squeezed her tightly, swaying with her before she pulled away.
“Hey, Auntie,” Rebel said with pain in her voice. “It’s about business, I’m sure that’s why he didn’t say anything.”
“Well come on in sweetheart.” She pushed the door open wider. “I’m so glad to see you’re doing better. We were all going out of our minds after you were shot.”
As we stepped in, she closed the door behind us.
“I’m fine, Auntie. I’m on the mend. This is my boyfriend, J.D. Stevens.”
Rebel intertwined our hands. Her eyes shifted from our intertwined hands to meet my gaze. As I looked into her eyes, I sensed the disapproval radiating from them. But it was fine because no one’s approval of me mattered.
