Page 143 of Treason's Temptation
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you,” Navie offered a hand and a smile. “Thanks for coming out on short notice.”
“It’s no problem. Glad I can help.”
Fallon leaned in between us, announcing, “We need you at the podium.”
Blue tried to defer introducing me to Inez, but she refused. She was only here to support, not intrude, which ironically made her more nervous as she approached the podium.
“…and now, the man who doesn’t just talk about change, but builds it brick by brick. Madison Pointe’s own Executive Liaison, Treason Westbrook.”
Applause sounded around us. Navie hugged me and leaned in for a quick kiss before I stepped to the mic.
“She might’ve oversold me a little, but none of this exists without the people behind me. This STEM lab isn’t a gift. It’s a response to No, you can’t code. No, your neighborhood doesn’t matter. Today we’re cutting the ribbon to yes.”
The oversized scissors snapped shut, the ribbon fluttering to the ground in two neat halves as cameras flashed and the crowd applauded. Smiles, handshakes, and polite thank-yous followed, but the real moment came when the doors swung open.
“This is the robotics wing,” I said, guiding my family down the sleek corridor with glass-paneled rooms on each side.
“This is incredible Tre. You’re really making a difference for these kids,” Mom complimented, tears brimming her lashes. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mama, but this wing was all Navie.” She turned around, wondering if I was fuckin’ with her. “Sharon gave Reggie the green light to spare no expense on all your ideas for the robotics wing. It came with a fully coded curriculum. We’re piloting the engineering modules here before rolling them out across the city,” I explained to Mom, who was still in shock.
“I always said he was a genius. You didn’t believe me,” Evie said, pointing at Mom, “I knew since he was a baby he would do good things.”
“He ain’t done enough,” Miss Dot’s hasty voice joined us as she crept closer, complaining. “It’s dark as a cave on the corner of Terrain and Baxter. I already called the city three times.”
“Dorothy, don’t come with that negativity today! We don’t wanna hear it,” she fussed, waving her hands as a final warning.
“Hush up and give me a hug, you old hussy.”
Navie’s popularity kept her occupied. Whenever she found the conversation boring, her eyes would rely on me for a wink or a subtle expression that annoyed her so much she would laugh.
Danielle eased next to where I leaned against the wall, “She is as good as advertised. People love her.”
“You have a job to do. Do it, without all that other shit.”
“Okay,” she dragged, running her hands down her thighs, “I hoped we’d avoid this, but go ahead, Tre. Let me have it.”
“I have nothing else to give you.”
I walked around Danielle, joining my mom with a group of kids centered around the coding corner. Abdul and Daige even came out to support thanks to Navie’s invitation. The event was a success, but my day didn’t end here. I had a debate with Victor on the schedule that I needed to prepare for.
Every smile froze when uniforms filled the building, as if they owned it. The press perked up like vultures circling a fresh kill.
“Navie Dixon?” one asked. “We’ll need you to come with us for questioning regarding Lorenzo Strathmore Jr’s disappearance.”
Before she could answer, I cut in. “Yeah, if you have a warrant.”
“She is a person of interest, which means we can ask questions. Would you like us to do that here or privately at the station?”
“Station, but you’re out of your mind if you think you’re shoving her into a squad car like some criminal.”
“Well, the jury is still out on that.”
“She’ll meet you at the station with her attorney. That’s me, by the way.”
No questions left her mouth, but there were plenty in her eyes, gawking at me on the way to the precinct. She was angry, and I couldn’t blame her, but letting Lorenzo live wasn’t a fuckin’ option. When we arrived outside, reporters lined the sidewalk, ready to plaster Navie’s picture over every news outlet.
“I got you,” I reminded her.
