Page 35 of Unruly Defender
Clemente steps back but stays close to Gracy.“Do you want to discuss everything inside?Or in the checked and safe surroundings of my limo?”Clemente says.
Remembering my mother mentioning the video that caught Rush swapping papers reminds me of technology.Normally I wouldn’t think twice about these things but what if someone is listening in on things?Doesn’t have to be Rush but Clemente mentioned how there were eyes on Rush and maybe there’s a chance we have a rat in the MC, an undercover cop, or a bug planted in church.
Dammit, I have to stop doubting everyone and everything.Even my mother told me not to make the same mistake my father made.
This makes me state, “Limo.But I need Gracy in there too, along with Yates.”I turn my attention to my VP.“Yates, give me two names of brothers you would trust blindly.”
He’s been around this MC when I wasn’t and knows what we’re up against and what happened in the past.All of this makes him the perfect man to know who we can trust to discuss a plan of action.
“Rooney and Rhett,” Yates replies instantly.
And that’s just it.No questions whatsoever why I’m asking or what needs to be done, a solid reply without thinking twice.
“Get them.And let the others know we’ll be right there to have a meeting with everyone, okay?”Yates nods at my words and heads into the clubhouse.
It doesn’t take long for him to return with Rooney and Rhett.All of us get inside the limo.
Rhett whistles low.“Dude, all that’s missing is the pink lights in the roof and you’d have a pimpmobile.”
The all black leather interior and the minibar in front of the large couch does give the impression a few people can have quite the party in here.
“Shut your mouth, imbecile,” Clemente grunts.“A simple pimp couldn’t afford this bulletproof vehicle.And there’s no way I’d pay women to step inside my limousine.”
“Well, excuuuuuuse me,” Rhett whispers underneath his breath.
Clemente gives him a glare and connects his eyes with me.“This is how you want to do this?”
It’s not hard to miss the undertone.He doesn’t like me bringing in others to discuss this.Though, I’m the one in charge.Besides, “I’d rather not do this at all but I see no other way around it.”
Gracy places her hand over my thigh and I cover it with mine.Clemente eyes the movement and I know deep down he’s still not happy Gracy and I are together.
Without taking the papers out of the pocket of my leather cut, I voice the words, “I have evidence Rush is the one who set me up to rot in jail.And with it a video too, all of it implies he’s also responsible for the death of his father and mine.”
There’s only silence ringing loud.I know Rhett and Rooney know about the accident my father and Rush’s father were involved in and they also know I went to jail for brazen fraud.
“The mall project.Rush put it all in my name when he knew it went to shit.I suspect Rush never expected my father and his to find out about what he was doing.Seeing Rush’s job was handling the administration parts and no one checked what he did.And for fucking real, how did he ever think to get away with scamming investors out of their money?We’re talking about hundreds of thousands here.He forged the papers and made it seem I was the one behind everything.Long story short, I have the original documents along with the ones Rush exchanged them with so the money all went into his back account.He changed them again when it went to shit and we all know they’re in my file as the so-called evidence that got me convicted.Because that fucker put my name on it.”
I shake my head because even for me all of this sounds confusing so, I add, “In the end there were three versions of the contract but there was only one others knew about.The original one, which was never used, the one with Rush’s bank account, and the one that got me convicted.I now own all of them and to make it all complete, there are also a few handwritten notes from my father along with a video.This video shows Rush opening the safe and clearly swapping files, everything points to Rush.Except,” I rub a hand over my face and release a deep breath.“For the life of me I can’t figure out the motive.What would he need all that money for?He was like me, involved in our father’s construction company.Rush had a damn desk job and was making good cash.I know he lived royally and where I invested my money—and was very lucky to be successful with it—he spent it on women and snorting blow but this?I don’t get it.And turning everything in won’t give me justice for the death of my father or the years I spent behind bars.My gut is telling me this is bigger and I can’t wrap my mind around it.I’m missing something and it might all blow back in my face, but...I need clear eyes, ears, and a sane mind to help me take the next step.”
More silence greets me until Clemente leans in and places his forearms on his knees.“The day your father died happened about a week before you went to jail?How long ago was that?About two, two and a half years ago, right?I looked into your case; after you were arrested, the money was returned.You made sure of it by selling some of your property.Even if you didn’t do it, and never pleaded guilty.Still, you were convicted of felony embezzlement...brazen fraud.The judge might have made an example out of you because of previous embezzlement cases in the months prior by others who were indeed guilty.”
I nod slowly.“Rush was also screwing my lawyer, making me feel like the bitch didn’t do anything to plead my case and instead got me a higher sentence, even if I changed lawyers.There were several complications.It didn’t matter if it was my first offense and the money and bank account was never linked with me, hell...they didn’t even exist.Like you said, the judge might have made an example out of me, but it didn’t help my case when I punched Rush in the face in front of the courthouse.Everything about my case has been one fuckup.I should be happy I only got the few years along with a reduced sentence because I could have killed that fucker with my bare hands if they gave me a chance.”
“I might know Rush’s motive for needing a load of cash,” Clemente says and his gaze slides from me to Gracy.“Something happened a few years ago.The timeline...it fits.”
