by Tyora Moody
There was no gun. Danye laid in a pool of his own blood after being shot twice.
Officer Lane’s fourteen-year career as a cop was described by most as exemplary. There were some who wouldn’t comment at all. Asia chalked it up to some police code to protect the family in blue. When she shared her final findings with Brandon last Friday, he looked like he didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried. He insisted they wait before contacting the family, so she’d spent a tortuous weekend re-examining the footage for what felt like the hundredth time.
There was certainly no relief for her. The investigation was over, but Asia was exhausted. For the first time, she found herself wanting to turn away from a career. Her turmoil stayed hidden except to God. She wasn’t a praying woman, but last night she found herself on her knees again asking if justice had truly been served. Seeking justice was what drove her to the profession.
Growing up with her father as a cop, and in later years a police chief, influenced her. It was also a similar shooting incident only a few years ago that led to her father’s early retirement. She understood the politics and the public angst, yet time and time again, she was finding justice often escaped the ones who needed it the most. The disappointments were starting to choke her.
Asia took a breath to still her emotions. She turned to observe the downturned mouth of Danye’s mother, his uncle and siblings. Her heart broke as she watched tears run down Gloria Lester’s face. There would be many more that would not be happy that the investigation didn’t lead to a trial. Protests were ongoing all summer and had only quieted a few weeks ago.
She felt in her jacket for her phone. In the midst of the mind-numbing press conference, she was expecting to hear from her sister, Jo any minute now. About three weeks ago, Jo started experiencing labor pains and was rushed to the hospital. Apparently, it was a false alarm, but everyone was on alert for the new baby Reed. It was still a bit early though. Jo had at least another month to go, so all were praying baby girl remained inside her mommy a few weeks longer.
Asia would turn forty in approximately six months. On days like this, when she had to witness the sadness of another mother who lost her son in what seemed like a senseless shooting, she didn’t miss motherhood so much. As her sister was near to birthing her second child, in the back of Asia’s mind, she pined away that motherhood would never come for her.
Brandon’s statement was coming to a close. She recognized the language since she helped write it. Asia blinked as she looked at the span of faces before her. The crowd behind the media had grown since the press conference started at noon.
She turned as Brandon stepped to the side so Gloria Lester could walk towards the microphone to make her statement for the family. Danye’s uncle, Sam looked over at her as he held his sister’s arm. Asia didn’t know how to respond to the anger so she looked away. She noticed Gloria seemed older than her thirty-nine years. Asia swallowed. They were both the same age. Asia had seen a lot of pain, but she’d never experienced Gloria’s pain.
Gloria’s voice was strong despite her weakened appearance. “I understand the DA’s office did a thorough job of looking at all the evidence. My heart still hurts and will never stop hurting from losing my Danye. He would’ve been twenty-one in a few weeks.”
Asia closed her eyes to steel the tears coming. He was so young.
She listened as Gloria continued. The woman’s shoulders were weighed down with loss, the shadows under her eyes deep and dark from sleepless nights. “I appreciate all of the support. I just want to mourn my boy and remember him. Do know that whatever harm was done whether malicious or not, a person will reap what they sow. Remember that… all of you. You reap what you sow.”
You reap what you sow.
Asia frowned as she watched Gloria walk away from the podium. She wasn’t a regular church attender, but she was raised at Victory Gospel Church. Sunday School was an every Sunday event. She knew when a case like this was draining her, she needed God. Her mother told her often she should never leave Him out and to always include Him in every aspect of her life.
As the press conference participants dispersed, Asia walked over to Gloria. “Ms. Lester, I’m sorry. We investigated all aspects.”
Gloria looked at her, eyes piercing. “I’m sure you did what you thought were all aspects. My son’s killer still walks free. Danye wasn’t perfect, but he knew better. He wouldn’t have resisted arrest. I told him over and over again.”
Asia nodded. “I know you did.”
“Then this investigation should have turned out differently.” Gloria turned away.
Asia took a breath. She looked over to see her boss watching her. With one last glance, she walked inside. As she entered her office, someone called her name from behind. Asia turned.
Brandon came towards her. “You did a good job. I know this wasn’t the outcome the family and others wanted to see, but we were fair and we looked at both sides.”
Asia didn’t have trouble having words when she needed, but right now she felt like words, if any, were trapped in her throat. Thankfully, her office phone rang.
She responded, “I need to get this, Brandon.” She sprinted over to the phone hoping it was Jo, her mother or Toni. When she answered, a familiar male voice said, “Hello, Asia.” She glanced at her door to see Brandon had left.
“Adam?” She eased herself into her leather chair, feeling the cushions support her. This was a surprising call, so she braced herself.
“Asia. I kind of hate your team decided not to move forward with Officer Lane. It would’ve been good seeing you in court again.”
Asia rolled her eyes. She had dated a good deal of men in her life, but none of them stood out like Adam Locklear. She referred to him as her temporary insanity period. He could be arrogant and overconfident to the point of making one nauseous. But there was also something appealing about him behind the handsome physique. During her time with him, Adam made her laugh and on a few occasions, he’d surprised her with his moments of vulnerability. She’d seen another side of him, or so she thought, until his shiny wrapping wore off.
She responded, “Be glad you were saved. Last I counted, I was way ahead of you on the wins.”
Adam laughed. “Counselor, you have become a challenge.”
She hated to admit she loved his deep throaty laugh. It was the one thing genuine in the dapper lawyer. Everything else was perfect to a tee. Asia could picture his salt and pepper hair, probably dressed in an Armani suit and soft leather shoes. As a defense attorney, Adam was paid well for defending some of the worst people imaginable.
Asia cleared her throat. “So, what did you really call about? I’m sure you were happy to not have this case go to trial. It would have been hard on everyone involved.”
“You’re right. It would have been. I was hoping to get together on another matter. Maybe over dinner perhaps?”
Asia felt heat rise on the back of her neck. It’d been three years, and Asia swore to herself she would never go near this man outside a courtroom again. “That’s not going to happen. We are strictly to meet on a professional basis. You had your chance remember?”
Adam was silent for a moment.
Now she was concerned. This man was not the silent type. “Adam, are you still there?”
“Yes.” Adam’s voice sounded strained and seemed to grow lower.
Was there something wrong with the connection? Asia asked, “I can barely hear you, Adam.”
He cleared his throat. “Sorry. I was just saying I blew it. I don’t have many regrets in life, but you are one of them. I want to help you out with something. I owe you that.”
She chuckled, “Help me? What gives you the impression you can help me?” Asia wasn’t sure if it was because she already was emotional, but her palms were sweaty.
“I may have some information that interests you. Probably the DA too, but I wanted to run it by you first since I’m pretty sure this will fall on your lap in the near future.” Adam paused, “
You’re the most brilliant counselor I know. You’re always going to do the right thing.”
Asia leaned back in her chair. If she’d been developing a headache before, now she was starting to feel the pounding. “I’m flattered. Truly. I’m also a little concerned. This information must be pretty serious for you to reach out to me. It’s not privileged information, right?”
He laughed, “I’m not trying to get in trouble with the bar.”
Despite his laughter, Asia’s alarm grew. She’d never seen or heard nervousness radiate from Adam before.
He cleared his throat, “I think it’s information you want to be privy to just in case anything goes down. I know you and the world think of me as one of the bad guys, but I have some morals, though most have faded away now.”
Asia frowned. “Adam, I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk like this before. Is someone going to commit a crime?”
“More like the police may have their eyes on the wrong man. Let’s not talk about this on the phone. If you can stand it, I would love to get together this evening. Come by my office. I promise I will keep it professional.”
Wrong man? Asia attempted to joke. “You sure this isn’t some ploy to get me alone?”
“I adore you, you should know that. I have information you need to know, Asia. Why don’t you swing by my office around 7:30 pm?”
Asia’s cell phone was beeping. She looked at the screen. Her sister, Toni, was trying to get through. “Okay, Adam, I have to go. It’s my sister. I’ll meet you tonight at 7:30.”
“Thank you, Asia. See you tonight.”
She hung up her office phone and grabbed her cell phone. “Hey what’s up.”
Toni shrieked into the phone. “I’m here with Jo. I just called Bryan and Mom. This is it! No false alarm this time. Baby girl is coming. Get to the hospital as soon as you can.”
Asia slapped her forehead. “Okay, okay, I’ll be there soon.”
She ended the call. For the first time in what felt like days, a smile broke out on her face, her thoughts on the newborn baby girl she would meet soon. She looked at her desk, which at the moment was a mess of papers and grabbed her coat and purse. On the way out, she stopped by her assistant, Christine Hall’s desk.
“Hey, Christine, can you make sure to file the papers on my desk? I’m on my way out. It’s official.”
Christine beamed. “Jo’s having the baby.”
“Now as we speak, I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.”
“Congratulations!”
“What are congratulations in order for? Are you leaving, Asia?”
Asia turned to look at her boss. “Yes, Jo is in labor right now. You did say last night to take any time I needed. Something up now?”
Brandon shook his head. “No. Go be with your family. You could use the break, Counselor. We’ll talk later about what’s next.”
Asia eyed Brandon for a few seconds. “Thanks, I appreciate you giving me some time to breathe before the next case.”
As Asia walked away she remembered Adam mentioning the DA would be interested in knowing the information he had to share. She’d wait to let Brandon know tomorrow after she spoke to Adam.
You reap what you sow.
Asia headed to her black Audi Q5. Gloria Lester’s words haunted her, but she didn’t know why. Although there was this slight smugness about Officer Lane that got under her skin, she really had turned over every possible angle in the investigation.
As she climbed inside her car, she held out hope that Adam had something to turn around today’s events. But attorney-client privilege was serious, Asia didn’t see Adam trying to do anything to give up a client.
Why did Adam seem so nervous? Who was this wrong man?
Chapter 2
Wednesday, November 16 at 6:15 p.m.
Asia peered through the glass with her mother in the middle and Toni on the other side. All three were wiping their eyes at the sight of Alisa Jane Powell. It was like getting an early Christmas present. They’d stayed at the hospital all afternoon watching Jo struggle through labor and then give birth. Asia had missed the birth of Jo’s oldest child, BJ. Watching baby girl come into the world was a special moment for Asia after a trying day.
The Reed family had two children to spoil now. Asia had already picked up a few things weeks ago for the infant’s arrival. She had enjoyed touching the baby clothes before wrapping them.
“She’s perfect. I see diva written all over her.” Asia couldn’t remember the last time she felt this kind of pure joy.
Toni snorted, “Uh, she is not going to be like her auntie Asia.”
Asia smirked, “Why not? She’s wearing that pink onesie. We need another fashionable girl in the family. Jo is not a girlie girl.”
“What you trying to say about me?”
Asia glanced at her baby sister’s long poncho shirt over animal print leggings. “I like your boots.”
“Whatever. You’re not the only fashion-conscience Reed. You just have the bigger paycheck.”
Vanessa shook her head. “Enough, you two. I’m grateful to have another grandchild. Oh, sweet little Alisa, we’re going to have so much fun.”
Toni shook her head. “That is going to be one spoiled little girl.”
Asia’s phone rang. She reached into her pocketbook and looked at her phone, hoping she hadn’t lost track of time. A quick glance at the phone told her she still had another hour before meeting Adam.
Who was this? The phone number looked vaguely familiar.
“Are you going to answer that or what?” Her mother looked at her annoyed.
“I’m trying to figure out who it is.”
“Girl, try answering it,” Toni shook her head.
Asia rolled her eyes and turned away from her mother and sister. “Hello?”
“Finally, someone from the Reed family answered, although I wasn’t expecting it would be you.”
Asia stopped in her tracks, recognizing the deep voice on the other end. “Jax. Well, it’s good to hear from you…” She sighed, “bro.”
“What? Asia Reed acknowledging me as a brother. Who knew a new niece would make this stunning change in you? How is the newborn? Anyone going to send me photos?”
“Why aren’t you here? You are a part of this family, aren’t you? I mean when’s the last time we’ve seen you?”
“You miss me? This is really touching coming from you, Asia.”
Asia gripped the phone. “Whatever, Jax.”
“And there is my older sister. For a minute, I didn’t recognize you. You got a minute to tell me about Jo and Bryan’s latest addition?”
“How about I get Toni to snap a photo and text you, okay?”
“Whoa…wait, before you try getting rid of me. I need to talk to you and Jo at some point. Soon. Probably when I’m in Charlotte.”
Adam, now Jax. What’s up with all these people wanting to talk?
She frowned. “What’s this about?”
“I want to talk to you both in person. Let Vanessa know I’ll be there for Thanksgiving next week, if she doesn’t mind adding an extra chair.”
“This is different for you.”
“Vanessa invited me. And I’d kind of like to be around family for a change.” He paused, “It’s been different with Mom gone. Anyway, I’ll be looking for that photo of my new niece. Good talking to you, Asia. I hope you know we’re on the same side.”
The same side. Yeah, right.
She had no problem admitting she’d not come to terms that her and Jax were related. A possible reason could’ve been the way she found out. As a little girl, she’d been out with her dad when a strange woman came up to them. Jo was home with their mother. As Asia watched her dad have words with the woman, she’d noticed a little boy about the size of Jo looking at her. All the way home, she’d asked her dad, “Who was that woman? Whose little boy?”
Later that night at dinner, she’d asked her father again. By the look on her mother’s face, Asia knew her quest
ions had sparked a fire that continued to burn for years afterwards. At the age of six, she’d already started recognizing and questioning bad behavior.
Asia peered at her mom as she approached. She took a breath before asking, “So you invited Jax to Thanksgiving?”
Vanessa turned around. “I have invited him to all of our family get togethers every year, especially since his mom died. It’s been two years, you know? His mother had no family as she was an only child. He’s alone and he’s your brother. Was that him on the phone? I didn’t hear yelling. Are you two getting along?”
Asia scoffed. “I happened to be the one Reed who picked up the phone. I’m sure I was his last resort.”
Toni exclaimed, “Oh, that was him? He just texted me. I’m going to send him back a few photos of Alisa.”
Asia sighed. Her younger siblings, including Jo, adored Jax. That always baffled her. “Good, that’s what he wanted…along with some other things, I guess.”
Vanessa frowned. “What did he say?”
“He’s coming for Thanksgiving so you can put out an extra chair. His words, not mine. He also wants to speak to me and Jo about something. I wonder what our half-brother has to share with us.”
“Asia, you’re almost in your forties. At some point, you need to accept Jax is your brother. He didn’t come from me, but he’s your blood.”
Asia shook her head. “I still don’t know how you just accepted him.”
Her mother stared at her before sighing. “I didn’t for a very long time. Especially when his mom was alive. That woman gave me fits. I’m sorry it took me so long because I feel like you soaked up all my negativity and directed it towards Jax.”