Unlawful Justice

by K. Langston

  “Do you want me to come with you?”

  His considerate gesture brings a smile to my face. “Thank you, but you don’t have to. I won’t be long.”

  “All right. I’ll wait here for you.”

  With a solemn nod I summon the courage to put one foot in front of the other, feeling Grayson’s eyes on me the entire time. I make my way through the cemetery where I see a freshly covered grave near the back right corner. The closer I get, the more my vision blurs with unshed tears. Lots of flowers, letters and pictures surround the mound of dirt, expressing sympathy and reflection on who Jamal was to them.

  Lifting my dress a bit, I drop down to my knees and swipe at my tears before placing the potted plant on an open space. “I know what happened wasn’t you, it wasn’t the Jamal I knew. And I want you to know I’m going to remember the bright young man you were in my class, because I know in my heart that’s who you really were.”

  I spend a few silent minutes remembering who he was and the future he had ahead of him. All of it gone because of one foolish choice.

  “Olivia!” Grayson’s hard voice snaps me out of my reflective moment.

  I turn around to see Jamal’s mother storming toward me, his two older brothers flanking her. The angry look on all their faces makes it clear I am not wanted here. The sheriff’s stern warning for me to not come today stands out in the back of my mind.

  “How dare you show your face here!” she cries, her voice thick with tears.

  My heart begins to pound so loud it’s all I can hear.

  “Mrs. Jenkins, please. I mean no harm. I just wanted to…” I trail off as she reaches me and rears her hand back. Before I have a chance to comprehend her intention, Grayson jumps in front of me and takes the impending blow. I gasp when the palm of her hand lands across the side of his face.

  He barely flinches. From my position I see him rub his shaven jaw from where her hand connected. “Back up, Mrs. Jenkins. I understand you’re upset, but—”

  “Upset! You think having my son murdered makes me upset?” She goes after him in a rage, but thankfully, one of her sons grabs her, locking their arms around her waist.

  “What are you thinking, Taylor, letting that bitch come here?” The other brother yells at Grayson. I believe his name is Darius.

  Grayson takes a step toward him. “Watch your mouth, Jenkins. She wanted to pay her respects, this isn’t her fault.”

  “It is her fault!” Mrs. Jenkins sobs. “She’s a murderer! You hear me?” She breaks into another fit of fury, her arms thrashing as she tries to escape her son’s tight hold. “You’re a murderer!”

  My heart sinks, breaking for her monumental loss. “I’m so sorry. I swear I never wanted this to happen. I—”

  “Get out of here!” Her voice is so raw, and filled with enough venom to knock me back a step.

  “Come on.” Grayson grabs my arm and leads me back to the car. I jog to keep up with his fast, determined strides all while Jamal’s mother screams behind me, the agony of her loss ripping my heart to shreds. By the time I get back in the car I’m shaking uncontrollably, struggling for breath.

  “Liv, hey, look at me.” Grayson leans over the console between us, his warm hands framing my face. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

  I try to speak, but I’m still struggling for air.

  “Just breathe. Come on, deep breaths.” Closing my eyes I will myself to calm down, slowly breathing in and out. All the while listening to Grayson’s soothing voice as his face hovers close to mine. “Good girl, deep breaths.”

  Once I’m calm, I open my eyes and stare into his concerned gaze. “You okay?”

  I nod, then reach up and touch his jaw, caressing the angry red skin. “I’m so sorry she hit you,” I croak, knowing it wouldn’t have happened if not for me.

  “It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault.” He glances behind me, jaw clenched, eyes tight. “Let’s get out of here. You sure you’re good now?”

  I nod again. As he pulls away I make the mistake of looking back to where Jamal’s mother is—on the ground, in front of his grave, crying. She’s clutching her chest while her two sons comfort her. It makes me feel awful that I caused her more pain. I wish now I had listened to Sheriff Dixon and Grayson when they warned me not to come at all. I didn’t think I would run into them, the funeral ended hours ago.

  “You know what she said isn’t true, right? She’s just upset. As time passes she’ll see that,” Grayson says, breaking into my turmoil.

  I shrug. “I’m not sure she will ever see it, but I know I’m not a murderer and neither is Pap. I feel terrible for what happened, and if anything I blame myself for not digging deeper into the changes I saw in him. But his death was not intentional, Pap would have never pulled that trigger if he didn’t feel threatened.”

  “Anyone who knows your grandfather knows that. It’ll blow over, Liv, it’s just going to take some time.”

  I look over at him with a sad smile, appreciating how kind he’s been to me. “Thank you again, Grayson, especially for stepping in front of me like you did. I’m sorry you got hurt.”

  He shakes his head. “It’s fine. She was way out of line. I would never stand by and let someone hurt you, no matter who they are.”

  Warmth explodes through my body. I’m quickly realizing there is a lot more to Grayson Taylor than his insane good looks, and although I know he would do it for anyone, it’s still nice to hear. I’ve never had anyone protect me like that before, except Pap. I just pray he’s right. I hope this all blows over, and I’m hoping it will be sooner rather than later.

  CHAPTER 4

  WHEN FEAR OUTSHINES COURAGE

  A secret POV

  I stare at the men in front of me, my heart pounding like a jackhammer in my chest because I know I’m in way too fucking deep. I might not even make it out alive.

  Just like Jamal.

  The thought brings on an ache so deep. The loss gnaws at my heart with its sharp, unrelenting teeth, but I ignore the pain. I’ll acknowledge it later, when I’m alone and can grieve in private. I can’t show weakness here or they will kill me without a second thought.

  Fuck, they already look like they’re ready to kill me now.

  “I can’t believe they ain’t chargin’ the old fool.” Reggie seethes, pacing back and forth. “I just left my aunt’s house, she’s a fuckin’ mess because her boy ain’t gettin’ no justice.”

  “It’s bullshit that’s what it is.” His right-hand man spits, getting just as worked up as Reggie. “They ain’t sweatin’ that shit ’cause he’s black. Just look at what those assholes did to Baker. They don’t give a shit about justice. Corrupt motherfuckers.”

  “You,” Reggie bellows, pointing an accusing finger at me. He charges, and it takes everything I have not to cower. “How the fuck could you let this happen, huh?” He snarls only inches from my face. “How the fuck did y’all let some old motherfucker gun you down? All you had to do was run back to the fucking truck.”

  Keep calm, man. Keep it together and stick with the story, it’s the only way you’ll make it out alive.

  If I were braver, if I had more courage, I’d tell this asshole to go fuck himself. Tell him it’s his damn fault Jamal’s dead. But, of course, I don’t because there’s a difference between being brave and being stupid. This is one of those situations where you do what you can to survive.

  “I’m tellin’ ya, Reggie. There was no getting out of it; the old man caught us off guard. He didn’t even give a warning, he just shot Jamal dead, and I got the fuck out of dodge when I heard the sirens. I didn’t want to lead them back to you, and there’s no way I was gonna let those assholes get ahold of me after what happened with Baker.”

  His cold, crazy eyes bore into mine, searching for truth, and I see the exact moment he buys it. As he backs out of my space, I withhold the breath of relief craving to be exhaled. Taking a joint out of his pocket, he lights up and takes a long pull. He exhales the plume of smoke and the contempla
tion on his face morphs into something else.

  Something chilling and sinister.

  “Whatcha thinkin’, Reggie?” his buddy asks.

  “My baby cousin deserves justice,” he replies, his tone a little more calm, which terrifies me even more. “And we’re gonna make sure he gets it.”

  Oh shit.

  “What’re you gonna do?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.

  “Doesn’t Bradshaw have a granddaughter?”

  “Yeah, but she’s innocent in all of this.”

  “Yeah, well, Jamal was innocent too and way too fuckin’ young to die. Since the cops ain’t gonna seek retribution, we will, and that old fuck is gonna know what it feels like to have someone you love bleed.”

  Fuck, what have I done?

  CHAPTER 5

  Grayson

  The following day I park on the square in front of the courthouse. It’s early but the farmer’s market is already filled with people. When I spoke with my mom last she’d mentioned needing some fresh vegetables for dinner tonight. Knowing it would give me the opportunity to see Liv again, I insisted she let me pick them up. Mainly because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since I dropped her off yesterday.

  I hated leaving her after everything that happened. Her panic attack scared the shit out of me. The moment I saw Mrs. Jenkins storming toward Liv with her two sons, Darius and Kenton, my protective instincts immediately kicked in. I think the only other time I have ever run that fast in my life was when I was on the field. Thank fuck I made it in time, because the thought of that slap being delivered to Liv’s delicate face has my blood spiking with anger all over again. I thought for sure we would miss running into the family, but I guess they decided to come back alone, which makes sense. I just hate that it ended in such a clusterfuck for everyone.

  Shaking myself of the memory, I get out of my truck and head over to where I know Liv and Walter’s stand is. Most people greet me as I pass by their table but something feels off. Their interactions are brief and halfhearted, definitely unusual considering how friendly everyone always is. I notice Mr. Jefferson over to the far left and not in his normal spot. As his gaze meets mine I give him a brief wave, but he doesn’t return the gesture. His eyes dart away, as if pretending he didn’t see me.

  What the hell?

  Before I can think too much about it my gaze lands on Liv and everything else falls away. She’s talking with Fletcher Green, who sells local honey at the stand next to hers. She giggles at something he says and the infectious sound has a smile tugging at my lips.

  As I make my way over to them I take in everything about her. The way her short, white sundress hangs loosely off her in all the right places, but does nothing to conceal her slender curves. Her long, blonde hair is swept to the side in a braid that hangs over her bare shoulder, lying against the swell of her perfect tits. The sun beams down on her, as if it’s shining just for her…

  Jesus, I sound like a pussy.

  “Pull yourself together, Taylor,” I scold myself under my breath.

  “Well heya there, Grayson,” Walter greets, noticing me first.

  Liv’s eyes snap to mine and widen in surprise, her cheeks instantly flushing pink. It brings another smirk to my lips. I fucking love how easy she is to read, and I get a deep satisfaction knowing the attraction is mutual.

  “Hey, Walt,” I respond, not taking my eyes off the girl in front of me. “Hey, Liv.”

  “Hi, Grayson.” My dick hardens with her shy smile and the soft sound of my name passing through her lips.

  “How ya doin’, Deputy Taylor?”

  I manage to pull my gaze away from Liv long enough to look over at Fletcher. “Hey, Fletch, I’m good. I’m going to need a jar of your honey for my mom.” I reach into my pocket and pull out some cash, handing it over to him as he passes me a mason jar.

  I turn my attention back to Liv and Walter’s table where crates of a wide assortment of vegetables are spread out. “I’ll be needing some of these too, Walt,” I say, and hand him the list I have with me.

  “Sure thing.” Just as he starts bagging the vegetables, Mrs. Olson calls him over for a favor. He hesitates then glances over at Liv.

  “I got it, go ahead,” she says, taking the bag and list from him.

  As she finishes what he started, I look down at the small table that’s next to the vegetables and see jewelry spread out across it. “So this is the jewelry you were talking about yesterday?”

  She nods, that shy little smile playing with the edge of her lips. “It’s just something I like to do on the side.”

  I reach down and pick up a ring, the thin metal wire with tiny blue stones strung across feels heavier than I expected. “You make these all yourself?”

  “Yes.”

  I can’t imagine how long this takes her or the patience it requires. There are various kinds of jewelry, all of them fashioned with intricate designs and extreme detail. “They’re really nice, Liv.” I don’t know shit about jewelry, but everything she has here is as delicate and pretty as her.

  “Thank you,” she whispers, uncomfortable by the praise. “So you’re here just picking some stuff up for your mom?”

  I put the ring back down where I found it as she hands me the bag of vegetables. “Yeah, I’m going over there for dinner later. She said she wanted some of Walt’s vegetables, so I told her I would swing by and grab what she needs.”

  “That was nice of you.”

  I shrug. “I don’t know about that. There was motive behind my offer.”

  A small frown mars her face. “What’s that?”

  “I knew I’d get to see you.”

  “Oh.” Her gaze falls to her lap and she bites her bottom lip to keep from smiling.

  Reaching across, I graze her chin with my fingers to bring her eyes back to mine. “How are you doing after yesterday?” I immediately regret the question when sadness washes over her beautiful face.

  “Okay, I guess. I still feel horrible that I made things worse for his family.”

  “I told you, it’s not your fault. You had a right to pay your respects, too.”

  She clears her throat. “I know, but I should have waited like y’all suggested. I was hoping by getting out and being here today things would be better but, unfortunately, not everyone is happy to see Pap and me.”

  I scowl. “What do you mean?” She tries to look away again, but I hold her chin firmly in place. “Talk to me, Liv. What happened?”

  Tears glisten in her eyes. “People moved their tables today,” she whispers. “Mr. Jefferson wouldn’t even look at us. Him and Pap have always gotten along, but he wouldn’t even acknowledge him.”

  I grunt. So that’s why he didn’t wave back, it’s clear he’s holding grudges over the rumors with that Baker kid, too.

  “The same with Mrs. Hicks. She moved to the opposite side when she usually sets up closer to us. Actually, Fletcher is the only one who didn’t move away from us.”

  She means the only one who isn’t white, because everyone else surrounding them smiles and speaks with Walter. “I’m sorry. Neither of you deserve that.”

  “My heart breaks for Pap. Even though he doesn’t say it, I know it’s hurtful for people to look at him and treat him like he did something wrong.”

  “Not everyone believes that. Fletcher obviously doesn’t and look at everyone else around here laughing and talking with him.” Her gaze darts over to where Walter is still chatting with Mrs. Olson. “The people who matter know the truth.”

  It was clearly the right thing to say because her smile returns. “You’re right. I’m sure things will get better as the days go on.”

  “I know they will.”

  Silence falls between us as we stare at one another, something shifting in the humid air around us. My gaze drops to her mouth as she nervously licks her lips, and before I can stop it a low growl erupts from my chest. Her eyes widen, lust reflected inside their dark depths, matching my own.


  “Go out with me,” I demand.

  “Uh, o-okay.”

  I smirk at her stammering.

  “When?” she asks softly.

  “How about Friday? I’ll pick you up at six if that works for you?”

  “Okay.”

  My hand falls from her face, and I reluctantly step back as Walter returns. I collect the bag of vegetables and fish the cash from my pocket but he refuses to accept it. “For taking care of my Livy yesterday.”

  I’d hardly say I took care of her, especially after what happened, but I nod and thank him anyway.

  Liv stares up at me with those big brown eyes of hers.

  “I’ll see you on Friday,” I say.

  She nods, fingering the end of her braid with that shy fucking smile playing on her lips. “See you then.”

  After a goodbye to Walter and Fletcher, I turn and walk back to my truck, trying to ignore the tension from the others as I pass. Instead I think of only one thing…

  Liv.

  CHAPTER 6

  Olivia

  I glance at the clock for what feels like the hundredth time, waiting for the bell to ring. This is not how I expected my first day back at work to be. I had a feeling there would be some tension, but I didn’t expect so much hatred directed toward me. I thought anyone who knew me wouldn’t hold me responsible for what happened—that they would know how much I cared about Jamal.

  Sadly, I was very wrong.

  I had a big wake-up call when I walked into my classroom to find a piece of paper on my desk that had murdering bitch scrolled across it in big, angry letters. I don’t know for sure who it was, but if I had to guess I would say it was De’Shawn Miller. He’s been glaring at me from his desk the entire afternoon. I’ve tried to ignore it, but even when I’m not looking at him I can feel his cold, hard eyes on me.

  Thank God the school year is almost over. Hopefully things will settle down after summer break.