Beyond the Edge (the Knight Series Book 3)

by Mari Brown

Drake pulls out his phone and begins furiously texting. Hunter pulls out his laptop that he carries everywhere and begins clicking away on it. These guys aren’t wasting any time. I’m already confidant I made the right choice in hiring this group.

  As the guys do their thing I get out of my chair and pace the room. I realize I probably need to let my dad know what’s going on. I don’t want to make that phone call. It’s not something I can get out of though. It’s my job to contact my father. I grab my phone up off the table I tossed it on earlier. I step out the French doors onto the terrace. I pull out a cigarette and fire it up as I push the button to call my father.

  “Hello.” His voice answer immediately

  “We have a situation.” I begin.

  My dad listens as I explain what has happened with Justin. He says nothing until I’m done.

  “Call Jackson Turner!” he barks out.

  “Who?” I have never heard of this guy.

  “Jackson Turner. Old school friend, big time defense attorney. Get him involved immediately.”

  Of course my dad wants the best defense attorney for my brother.

  “Hunter, get me Jackson Turner’s phone number” I call out opening the door enough to make sure Hunter hears me. Closing the door again I begin pacing as I take a long pull on my cigarette.

  “Dad, this shit is getting old. We’re going to have to take some kind of aggressive action.”

  My dad agrees with me and then tells me to send him texts to keep him updated and he would call back in a few hours. I glance at my phone as we hang up realizing it’s already two in the morning. Something tells me this is going to be a long night. I flick my butt across the lawn as I head back inside.

  “You have this Turner’s info for me?” I ask Hunter.

  “Yeah, here’s his number and dude he’s got a killer reputation. Defends lots of high profile clients. He is the best of the best.”

  “Good! My dad said to get him hired, now.” I take the number Hunter gives m, enter it into my phone and step back outside. I light another cigarette.

  “Mr. Turner?” I pause as he confirms I have indeed reached him. “This is Cole Knight”

  Immediately the manner with which my middle of the night phone call is taken, changes. Instead of irritation I am greeted warmly. I explain the situation. He says he will head to the police station with Luke and make sure things are going accordingly and then come back to the house with my brother. I’m relieved by this guy’s take charge attitude. He knows what he is doing the rest of us were winging it the best we could.

  “Kat!” I call for my girlfriend as I reenter the library.

  “Yeah, babe?”

  “I just hired the hot shot lawyer. I feel better knowing he is on the case. He has years of experience at dealing with this shit. “

  “Good I’m glad your dad knew who to call. It just makes me realize all the shit we don’t know when it comes to running this family. I’m going to fuck up majorly at some point.” Her insecurities come out.

  “Kitten, you won’t fuck up. The men in our organization love and respect you. They’ll always have your back.” I can say that without hesitation. I often think they respect her more than me. Or maybe it’s just because she’s fucking sexy as hell.

  ***

  It’s after four in the morning when Justin and Luke return to the mansion. As they enter the library they are greeted with the site of the guys drinking coffee. Julie is asleep curled up in a chair and Kat has fallen asleep laying her head in my lap on the love seat.

  “Hey.” I call out. “How are you?” I direct to Justin.

  His appearance is disheveled. His eyes haunted. “This fucking sucks. I don’t know how the hell this is happening. I don’t even remember the woman.”

  “What?” I ask surprised.

  “Dude, I’m telling you …I didn’t recognize the woman. I don’t even remember her ever being at the club.”

  “That’s crazy.” I look at Mr. Turner. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry I can’t get up right now.” I say as I look down at my sleeping Kitten.

  “It’s good to meet you. Wish I was meeting you under different circumstances though.” He acknowledges me. “When will your dad return from Italy?”

  “Not for another two weeks.” Kat begins to stir. Her eyes flutter open and close a few times. “Please ,have a seat.” Kat suddenly jumps off my lap.

  “Justin!” she calls out while throwing herself at my little brother. Her arms wrap tight around him. “Are you okay?”

  He chuckles at her, “I’m fine, considering.”

  “I was so fucking worried about you. Who am I going after? I’m ready.”

  This causes a few chuckles from the two lawyers in the room. Kat’s attention focuses on them.

  “Luke.” turning to the older man. “You must be Jackson Turner?”

  “I am and you are the infamous Katarina Roberts I take it.”

  “You know who I am?”

  “My dear, there isn’t a person who knows Bruce who doesn’t know about you.”

  Kat quiets and I notice her cheeks flame at his words. He’s embarrassed her and that’s hard to do. I’ve had it with the idle chit chat. “Can we get down to business? I want to know who is after my brother and why.”

  “Ruth Downey, age twenty-one.” Jackson begins. As soon as he speaks the words Hunter goes to typing on his laptop. Before this conversation is over we will have a basic background on her. “Her sister Rita told police her sister had a date with Justin Knight and she never saw her again. Ruth’s body was found in the dumpster in the back alley behind Knight’s Castle.”

  My blood boils at the words coming from the attorney. Justin is impulsive and his play more sadistic then mine ever was but he was not cruel to women. He’s always been a ladies man as far back as I can remember. There would be no need for violence when his charm would win any woman over.

  “But when presented with a lineup of photos he couldn’t pick out any of the women in it.” Luke retorts.

  “Yet Justin couldn’t pick her out of a line up.” Luke retorts.

  “A line up?” I question.

  “I placed a random set of pictures in front of him. He never recognized her. Not one blink of the eye as she looked at her photo.”

  “So how is it he was arrested? What proof do they have?”

  It’s seems there is DNA evidence that links Justin to the crime scene.” Jackson interrupts. “I argued that his family owned the business so its not a surprise. They have hair found under her fingernails that is a match to Justin.

  “A fucking hair? That’s what they are basing the case on?” My head pounds as my blood pressure rises. “Do they have any witnesses that put them together?”

  “I’m waiting for a copy of all the police records to be sent to me. But I’ll have his name today as well.”

  “You know the witness was male?”

  “Yes, I do know that much.”

  I glance to Justin as I finish talking to Jackson. His head is laid back eyes closed. “Justin get your ass upstairs try to get some sleep. We can handle this.” I turn to most of the people in the room. “Guys go home and get some rest. Let’s all meet up today around one?”

  Everyone agrees to meet at that time. We will all have had some much needed rest as well as time to get more information. Luke gently wakes Julie. Her hands rub her eyes sleepily and she gives a shy smile then bolts up “Where is Justin?”

  “I’m here Jules.” He says as he walks to his sister. I watch as the twins hug each other tight. They also appear to be doing that thing they do. It used to be weird when I first noticed it when they were children but I’m used to it by now. It’s like they truly can read each others minds.

  The twins and Luke head off together. I’m happy that Justin is home with us.

  Thankfully for money, power and connections that comes with being a Knight. Justin never spent a moment behind bars. I’m not sure what will happen next for Justin but instinct tell
s me it won’t be good.

  “Do you think we have another rat?” Kat’s question startles me.

  “Huh?” I question.

  “Someone close to Justin had to be involved. How else would they get the DNA evidence that was planted on her body?”

  “It doesn’t have to be a member of the organization. Hell, they could have bought off an employee who has access to Justin.”

  She yawns as I take her hand and tug her toward the hall “It’s just strange. I mean really strange.”

  I can’t disagree with her. There is no doubt in my mind that someone is setting up Justin. I only hope we can beat them at the game. If not, Justin will face prison time for a crime he didn’t commit.

  Chapter 24

  Kat

  “I don’t understand why we have to do this?” I stare at my reflection in the mirror as I put on the finishing touches of make-up. I wear a simple but classy black dress that hangs off my shoulders slightly and falls just above my knees. I’m wearing killer red heels along with a gorgeous ruby necklace that once belonged to Serena Knight.

  “My dad asked us to.” Cole says amused with me.

  “I can’t believe your dad has been gone a fucking month. Especially with the shit going on with Justin.”

  Things only got worse for my future brother in law. The evidence stacking up against Justin is not good. His first court date will be six weeks after our wedding.

  “It’s all good, Kat. Plus, we have to get use to running this family, yeah?”

  “Of course but I’m just so frustrated by things right now.” Cole steps up behind me I see his clean cut black suit with red tie in the mirror. He leans over and kisses my cheek softly. He glances in the mirror, our eyes meet.

  “You look fucking gorgeous. I’m going to have to behave myself until after this party.”

  “What is this party for again?” I ask Cole.

  “This is a future state senator’s campaign dinner in Belmont.”

  “Politics? Really?? I have to hang out with those criminals?

  Cole’s laughter roars out at my words. I stare at him like he’s crazy as his arms cross his stomach to hold it as he continues laughing at me. Finally, between laughs he asks, “You do realize you’re a criminal by the true definition”

  “Fuck you, Cole.” I give him a look of disgust. “Politicians are a whole different breed of crooks.”

  “True, but we need this one in our corner.” Cole straightens up fixing his tie. “This is a young senator who should be in a position of power for a long time to come. He’s going to be someone we acquaint ourselves with for a long time.” I turn to Cole.

  “Oh boy, I guess I’ll be charming tonight if it means that much.” I smile seductively.

  “Ah, my little Kitten, you’re a handful sometimes but I do love you.”

  “I know you do.” I say with a laugh especially as I note Cole’s face. It’s priceless. “I love you too, Babe.” His smile lights up his face. A soft laugh leaves me. “You’re such a child.”

  “I am not.” He says while pouting at me. This just makes more laughter come from me.

  I stand up smoothing my dress down as I do. I twirl around to let Cole take a good look at me. “Do I pass?”

  His hand grabs hold of mine as he pulls me toward him. “You more than pass. I’ll be the envy of every man tonight. Don’t be surprised if none of the women talk to you.”

  “Honey, your sister is the only real female friend I have ever had.” My hand rubs on his upper arm. I love the way he feels smooth yet toned through the sleeve of his jacket. “I’m pretty sure I can handle being snubbed by the females in attendance.”

  “Oh I know you can, Kitten.” Cole’s husky voice whispers in my ear. “I have faith you can do anything you set your mind too.”

  “Oh yeah?” I ask as my own voice hitches. My body is tingling all over as Cole holds me. We have no time for us to fuck. I pull my head away from Cole. “We have to go…”

  Like a bucket of cold water my words douse both of us. He steps back from me with a frown on his face. “Well that didn’t make me happy.” He straightens his tie once again before running his hands down the sleeves of his suit smoothing out any wrinkles.

  “Let’s go my lady.” He holds his hand out for mine. I place it gently in his. He leads us downstairs where everyone comes running out of the family room. Justin gives a slight smile. The sadness behind it is evident though.

  “You look beautiful, Kat.” Justin says before acknowledging his brother with a nod of his head. He turns and walks back into the room. I turn to Cole with a look and see his eyes haven’t left his brother yet.

  Justin is changing already. The happy carefree young man is being replaced by a sullen, bitter one. It saddens me to see this happening to one of my family.

  “Oh…My… Gawd! Kat, you look fucking fabulous. I knew that was the right dress.” Julie takes me by both hands and spins me around. Her smile is huge as she takes in my appearance.

  “Thank you Julie only you can turn the girl from Belmont into a fashion whore.”

  Luke’s laugh is heard from behind us as we spin to face him. He smiles big at his girlfriend before turning his eye on me. He leers at me and I know that leer. I resist the urge to punch him.

  “Looking good as always.” He finally says with a smirk firmly planted on his face before turning to speak to Cole.

  I can’t believe he gave me that lustful look in front of Cole and Julie. t’s the first time he’s done that since we hit Belmont over six months ago. Although I know that sexually we were always good together it was never a love match with us. I’m thinking it was just a typical male reaction. Not to mention this relationship was the first one he had been since I have known him where he wasn’t screwing me on the side or anyone else for that matter. I knew Luke enough to know that this was real love for him. He wasn’t fucking around with this one.

  “I suggest no one wait up for us.” Cole says while ushering me toward the front doors.

  “Kat!” Seth’s voice calls from the direction of the stairs. I turn to see him racing down them. He takes a look at me and pauses. “You look like a fucking Queen!”

  I giggle as my hand covers my mouth trying to hide it. Luke and Cole’s laughter rings through the foyer. Julie is looking at her little brother with huge round eyes.

  “Seth, you can’t say that.” I say, barely hiding my laughter. “Well you can say I look like a queen without the f word.” I say with a huge grin at the little boy who stole my heart years ago as a toddler.

  “Fine!” He says while wrapping arms around my waist. I bend down to his level.

  “Thanks and what was so urgent?”

  He glances around at the others who are watching us. I know what he wants and I won’t embarrass him by mentioning in front of the others.

  “Oh… you know…” he speaks slowly.

  “I do.” I smile as I stand up and take his hand and lead him down the hall. Once we are hidden from the others. I smile down at the little boy.

  “I love you, Seth and I hope you sleep well tonight.”

  “I love you, too Kat.”

  The boy has come to depend on the statement from me every night. Any night I don’t say it to him he wakes up with nightmares about his mother. I know it’s hard on him on so many levels. Seth runs off and heads back upstairs as I rejoin Cole.

  “Everything okay?” He asks me quietly.

  “Yep, everything is great.” I smile at him “Let’s do this.”

  Rocco and Pete both wait beside the car we are traveling in tonight. They will follow behind us in an SUV. It’s insane that we have to take our own security to an event like we are going to.

  “We ready?” Rocco asks.

  “Yeah.” Cole answers him as he opens the door to help me into the car.

  The ride to the party is filled with quite chatter as Cole and I talk about stupid stuff. As we near the party Cole glimpses at me then back to the road.

 
; “You remember how to behave?” He asks me with humor.

  “Do you?” I return.

  We share a little laugh.

  “I hope this guy isn’t a douche.”

  Cole is only expressing what I was thinking in my own head.

  “Yeah, I hope that he is likeable.”

  Worse thing is playing nice with someone you can’t stand. I’ve done it a few times. One was my sorority during the second year. Our newly elected president was a bitch. She hated me from day one. I had to watch what I did or said around her. She would make digs at me but I would hold my tongue. It was hard that year for me. Poor Luke heard so many rants that should have been released on the stupid wench but I liked the sorority and Bruce wanted me to stick it out so I could network for the future. I guess he knew this day would come and I would have to be able to handle myself.

  “Your dad is smart and crafty.” I say to Cole.

  “What are you talking about it?”

  I explain to Cole about his dad’s insistence I stick it out at the Phi house. I never understood why the sisterhood and networking was important back then. I get it now. Not only did I have to learn to handle conflict without violence butmy sisterhood with those girls would come in handy as some entered the workforce and others married into wealth.

  “Makes sense. I can see my dad thinking about it before we ever did. It’s what made him a good leader. I hope I can be half the man he is one day.”

  “You’re going in the right direction.” I sincerely believe that one day Cole will be even more powerful than Bruce. It is something that will develop as he runs the empire. Dealing with the things his dad has dealt with will make him grow and mature him.

  “We ‘re here.” Cole announces. I glance out the window to see in fact we have pulled up outside a huge mansion. A valet rushes around to Cole’s side opening the door and handing him a tag. Cole moves around to my side and escorts me out. As we walk the carpeted steps flashes of light go off on all sides.

  Reporters are everywhere taking pictures. It’s not surprising since this is a 'Who’s Who' of Belmont. If I was a reporter I’d want to cover this story. I’m just glad they aren’t asking questions about Justin. Our family is constantly hounded about Justin’s murder trial coming up.