Unlawful Justice

by K. Langston

  I take a moment to answer. “Yes, I think so. I’m not even quite sure what happened?”

  Terrell puts a hand on my knee. “You had a panic attack but it’s almost like you blacked out. You were screaming out things. Do you remember?”

  I shake my head. “Not really. His voice…his voice triggered a-a memory, I think. I remembered more of what he said to me.”

  “Liv, in your flashback. Could you see him?” Terrell asks gently.

  “Now wait just a damn minute,” Mr. Gordon jumps in, his booming voice making me flinch. “She thinks she remembers this. Look at the episode she just had, she’s not in any state to be making accusations.”

  “Back off, Gordon, and let her answer the fucking question.” Grayson warns.

  I try to think back to the memory as it barely hovers at the edge of my mind, but I can’t grasp it. Shaking my head, I cover my face as a sob of frustration escapes me. “I can’t. I’m sorry, I just can’t.”

  “It’s okay, baby. Don’t worry about it. You did good,” Grayson soothes, before addressing the others. “I’m taking her out of here.”

  He’s about to pick me up as he stands, but I object. “It’s okay, I can walk.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.” It takes me a second to stand, and once I do my knees are shaking so bad I can barely stay upright.

  “Fuck it.” Before I have time to process his words, my feet leave the floor and I’m scooped up into Grayson’s arms. I start to protest but he cuts me off. “Just let me do this, Liv.”

  I stare into his determined gaze as he holds my trembling body and relent with a nod, too tired to argue. Dropping my head on his shoulder, I turn my face into the crook of his neck and let his scent comfort me. Thankfully, he heads out the back exit, saving me from facing anyone else. He deposits me in the passenger seat of one of the patrol trucks. As he fastens my seatbelt I stare out the windshield, feeling numb and emotionally exhausted. The fear from the memory still hovering over me.

  The slam of the door as Grayson gets in on his side pulls me from my trance. “I think we should go see a doctor and check to make sure you’re all right.”

  I shake my head. “No, really, I’m fine.”

  Blowing out a breath, he runs a hand through his hair. “Okay. Home then?”

  I shake my head again. I’m not ready to go home yet. I’m surely not ready to face Pap so soon. He’ll be livid when I tell him everything.

  Grayson understands and doesn’t hesitate. He slowly pulls out of the parking lot and heads out of town. I lie back and stare out my window, not caring where we go as long as it’s not here. The further away we get the calmer I begin to feel. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. Hearing that voice again and the memories it brought back has a cold shiver racing down my spine. Will there ever come a time when that voice won’t have control over me, that I won’t hear it every time I go to bed?

  A few minutes later he pulls up to Clover Hill and parks.

  Silence surrounds us as we stare out at our town.

  “I’m sorry I freaked out on you like that,” I whisper, hating I lost control, especially after he told me earlier how strong he thinks I am.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for, Liv, I should be the one apologizing.” I turn to see him watching me, guilt and anger battling in his gaze. “I fucking hate that I put you in that position. I hate that you remembered even a sliver of that nightmare, and more than anything I fucking hate that even for a moment you felt fear again.”

  I shake my head. “It’s not your fault.” I can tell he doesn’t believe me, but instead of trying to convince him otherwise I move the conversation along. “Who is he?” My question is softly spoken. I want to know the answer yet fear for it at the same time.

  Grayson watches me carefully before answering. “His name is Reggie West, he’s Jamal’s cousin.” My eyes fall closed in disappointment. “He moved here a few years back from California and was a suspect in the recent fires that were going on.” My eyes snap back open at that information and collide with Grayson’s hard ones. “Terrell had questioned him after the attack but he had an airtight alibi that checked out, so we looked elsewhere.” He shakes his head, frustration and guilt passing over his expression.

  Reaching over, I lay my hand on his arm, wanting to calm his turmoil. His eyes find mine again. Taking my hand in his large one, he brings it to his mouth and kisses the inside of my wrist. “But we have him now, and I swear to you, Liv, he will pay for what he did to you, and I will find the others who were with him.”

  I nod and give him a reassuring smile. “I know you will, I just hope this all gets wrapped up soon, not only for my sake but for the sake of our town. I just want things to go back to the way they were.”

  “They will, in time.” He says it with confidence, but I can see the doubt and uncertainty in his eyes.

  After some more talk about what to expect and what will happen next, I have Grayson take me home so I can fill Pap in. The sun has started its descent as we pull up to my house, ten minutes later. Pap’s truck is parked in the driveway and the kitchen light shines through the window. Grayson hops out first then comes around to help me down. Closing the door, he leans against the panel and stares down at me in concern.

  I know he’s still thinking about my panic attack earlier. “Stop worrying about me, I’m fine,” I whisper.

  Reaching over, he cups the side of my cheek, the warmth of his touch spreading through my chest. “I can’t help it. I’ll always worry about you.”

  A sad smile graces my face. “That day when I left work,” I start quietly, “I was so upset. So hurt that the school I loved, and had done so much for, would let me go over what happened to Jamal. As I got into my car I remember thinking how my entire world was crumbling around me. Then my tire blew on the way home, and I remember saying, ‘This day can’t get any worse’.” I shake my head at the irony. “I regret those words now, because it did, it got so much worse.”

  His eyes turn hard, a horrible rage lighting the blue depths, and it’s not what I want him to feel, not anymore. Moving in closer, I reach up and brush my fingertips across his swollen jaw. His arms come around me, holding me close.

  “But I’ve learned something through all of this,” I whisper. “As horrible as it all is, I now know it can always be worse. What if I hadn’t woken up at all? No matter what I went through, I’m grateful for my life, Grayson, and I’m grateful for you. You saved me.”

  His jaw flexes as he stares down at me, emotions storming in his eyes. He slowly leans down, bringing his warm lips to my forehead. My eyes close as I revel in the intimacy the small kiss brings. He trails his smooth lips down to the corner of my eye, laying another soft kiss, then across my cheek all the way to my ear. Fisting his shirt, my heart completely stops as I wait to see where he’ll go next.

  “I’ll always save you, even if there is nothing to save. I’ll always be there.”

  A breath locks in my throat at the beautiful words. He draws back so he can look down at me, his eyes meeting mine before dropping to my mouth. Secretly, I wish for those lips to meet mine. I crave it, pray for it.

  He brushes a stray hair from my face with the faintest touch of his fingertips then leans down, and I know he’s about to make my wish come true. My heart stops altogether and I close my eyes, waiting to feel his warm lips on mine.

  The sound of the front door opening pulls me from our intimate moment. I spin around in surprise and watch Pap peek around the door. With a smile he lifts a hand and waves to us. “Heya there, Grayson.”

  I turn my attention back to Grayson and witness the same disappointment I feel. “Hey, Walt,” he calls back, then looks down at me. “I like that old man but fuck does he have bad timing.”

  I cover my mouth with a giggle, completely agreeing with him, Pap’s timing sucks.

  I hear the front door close, signaling Pap’s exit. A disappointed groan escapes Grayson as he pulls me agains
t him, enveloping me in his arms. “You want me to be with you when you tell Walt?” he asks, breaking the easy moment.

  I step back and shake my head. “No, I’m good. I think it might be better if I tell him alone, but thank you.”

  He nods but doesn’t make any effort to move. We stare at each other, both wishing for the lost moment Pap had unintentionally interrupted, at least I know I am. He leans in, pressing another kiss to my forehead. “Go on, Liv, fill him in. I’ll be in touch soon.”

  How soon? I want to ask, but don’t want to sound needy. So instead, I plaster a smile on my face. “All right.”

  Turning around, I start heading to the house when a low growl comes from behind. “Fuck it.” Suddenly, I’m spun around, pulled against the hardness of his chest before his mouth claims mine, making my wish a reality.

  All the oxygen leaves my body, but I don’t care. I don’t care if I ever breathe again as long as he keeps kissing me. His lips are warm and firm yet slow and cautious, coaxing mine with a skill and grace that has my heart soaring.

  I wrap my arms around his neck and reciprocate the kiss. A kiss that is everything I knew it would be. It lights up my soul, the heat of it spreading straight to the tips of my fingers and toes. His tongue licks the seam of my lips, seeking permission, and I give it to him whole-heartedly. A whimper escapes me as his flavor floods my senses and sends my head reeling.

  With a groan his arms lock around my waist and he lifts me off my feet. The entire world disappears as we lose ourselves in one another, and for the first time in weeks I feel a little like my old self again, remembering the woman I once was.

  Grayson breaks the kiss when he senses I need air. My eyes stay closed as I take in lungfuls of much needed oxygen. I slowly open them to see him watching me, his eyes hooded with dark desire.

  A small smile touches my lips as I stare back at him. “You kissed me,” I whisper stupidly.

  He smirks. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time now.”

  “I liked it,” I admit, feeling my smile growing bigger.

  He grunts. “Like is an understatement.”

  I giggle, my excitement showing through as he holds me in his arms.

  With a sexy smirk he leans in and gives me another kiss. This one is brief, yet no less intense. “Go inside now, Liv, before I don’t let you go at all.”

  I personally like the idea of him never letting me go. I’d love nothing more than to stay in his arms, but I know I need to face Pap and fill him in on everything.

  “Okay,” I reluctantly agree, sounding as disappointed as I feel, which he finds funny, if his chuckle is anything to go by.

  Putting me back on my feet, he kisses the corner of my mouth before stepping away and putting unwanted distance between us. “I’ll be back, baby. Soon.”

  My tummy flips like always at the endearment. “Bye.” I wave before turning back around and heading to the house, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.

  The closer I get to the front door the more my euphoria dims. By the time I walk inside and see Pap at the kitchen table, my nervousness returns with a vengeance.

  “There’s my girl,” he says with a big smile.

  “Hey, Pap,” I greet softly as I walk over and take the chair next to him.

  His smile fades as he notices my sullen expression, sensing my anxiety. “Livy, what’s the matter?”

  I reach over and grab his large, warm hand in mine. “Everything is okay, but I have something to tell you.”

  “What is it?”

  “Grayson came to the house earlier to tell me they caught the man who hurt me. Or at least one of them.”

  “What?” he shouts, jumping from his chair, shock and rage transforming his expression. “Why didn’t you call me? Who’s the son of a bitch?”

  I reach out and put a hand on his arm. “Pap, please calm down, I don’t want you upset. It’s not good for your blood pressure. Have a seat, and I’ll tell you everything… Please.”

  He scrubs a hand down his tired face, exhaling a deep breath, and sits back down. I take his hand again, hoping to keep him calm, then I tell him everything, right down to me doing the lineup.

  “Oh, Livy. Why didn’t you wait for me? You shouldn’t have done that alone,” he says, guilt and concern thick in his voice.

  “I wasn’t alone. I was with Grayson, he took care of me. I’m sorry if you’re upset, but I didn’t want to wait, I wanted to help any way I could. I…” I pause and take a moment to collect myself, “I recognized him, Pap,” I whisper. “His voice. It’s him.”

  Rage darkens his eyes, covering the deep concern he had moments ago. “Who is he?” The question is asked through clenched teeth. “Do you know him? Do we know him?”

  I shake my head sadly. “No, we don’t. His name is Reggie West. He’s Jamal’s cousin.” He drops his head in his hands, clutching his hair. For the moment I remain quiet, letting him have time to absorb it. Finally, I can’t take the silence anymore. “Say something,” I whisper.

  He lifts his head, and I suck in a sharp breath at the sight of his bloodshot eyes brimming with emotion yet still plagued with anger. “I knew it had to do with what I did. It kills me to know they hurt you because of me.”

  “No.” I shake my head. “It’s not your fault, we’ve been over this. The only people responsible for this are the ones who committed the crime.”

  He stands and walks to the kitchen window, staring out into the night. “You’re right, Livy, and he will pay for what he did to you.”

  The cold conviction in his tone makes me nervous. Getting up, I move next to him and put my hand on his shoulder. “Yes, he will, but by the law not by anything or anyone else.”

  He looks down at me; his hard expression easing just before he gives me a nod, but it’s not enough to settle my nerves. “Promise me, Pap.”

  “I promise.”

  A breath of relief escapes me at his confirmation. I know he would never break a promise to me. He pulls me in his arms, hugging me tight, almost as if he needs to hold me. My arms wrap around his waist and my head on his chest. “Everything will be all right. We just need to stick together and we’ll get through this.”

  His arms squeeze me tighter. “Damn right they will because we’re Bradshaws, and everybody ’round here knows we don’t go down without a fight.” I giggle against him. Pap has always been somewhat of a badass. Or at least he thinks he is. But I know what a teddy bear he is on the inside. “I love you, Livy,” he says a little softer, melting my heart.

  “I love you, too.”

  CHAPTER 13

  Grayson

  The last twenty-four hours have been nothing short of hell. Well, except for that little taste of heaven I found on those perfect, sweet lips. For that brief moment Liv washed away all of the anger and hostility I had brewing inside. After the lineup I needed it more than ever. We both did. I needed to reassure her that no matter what happens next I’m here for her.

  Seeing her like that, so vulnerable and scared, it fucking undid me. Never in my life have I felt so helpless. I just wanted to take it all away for her. The fear. The anxiety.

  The nightmares.

  She’d awakened a part of me that only sought to protect her. And that was something I would do at any cost.

  When I arrive at the station I head straight for my desk, stopping short when I hear Larson’s voice coming from Dixon’s office. I can’t make out what they’re saying, but I can tell by the heated tone of their voices something is up.

  All conversation ceases when I step inside. Dixon looks downright livid. Henderson doesn’t look any better and Larson is attempting to shoot me a threatening glare, but the fucker should know by now he doesn’t intimidate me.

  I’ll wipe the floor with his sorry ass.

  I have no idea what Liv ever saw in the douche bag.

  “What’s goin’ on?” I ask, pulling my eyes back to Dixon.

  Judging by his angry expression I have a feeling I’m not going to li
ke it. “They’re offering West a deal,” he says.

  His words punch me straight in the gut. “What do you mean they’re offering him a deal?”

  Henderson pipes up. “In exchange for a guilty plea and the names of the other men involved, he’ll serve fifteen years instead of life without parole.”

  “Fifteen fucking years, that’s it? He raped her and left her for dead, and in fifteen years he will be back on the streets?”

  “We want those other men, Taylor. This is the only way we can prosecute everyone involved.”

  “I’ll find them. I’ll catch them. You don’t need to make any deals.”

  “Well, I don’t think that’s going to be possible,” Henderson says, with a quick glance to Dixon. That’s when I notice the other occupant in the room.

  “Grayson, this is Agent Luke Spencer with Internal Affairs,” Dixon says.

  The agent extends his hand, but I ignore his polite gesture. I’m so pissed right now I would probably break it if I squeezed it. “I know who you are. You investigated Prichard’s case.”

  “That’s right,” he says, his hand retreating to lift the file sitting on the edge of Dixon’s desk. “Why don’t you have a seat, Mr. Taylor.”

  Uncertainty knots in my stomach like a twisted vine of dread. “I think I’ll stand.” There’s too much adrenaline pumping through my veins to sit. “Tell me what’s going on.”

  Agent Spencer closes the door then walks back around to face me, the file still gripped firmly in his hand. I look to Dixon for answers but his face says it all.

  This is not good.

  “You’re being relieved of duty, Deputy, pending an investigation.”

  I rear back in complete shock. “Relieved of duty? On what grounds?”

  “Because you’re a fucking hothead,” Larson mumbles.

  I tense, pinning him with an angry glare. “That’s your only one, Larson. Keep your fucking mouth shut, or next time I’ll be shutting it for you.”

  Agent Spencer clears his throat, pulling my attention back to him. “You’re being relieved for use of excessive force while apprehending Reginald West.”