Helios Renewed (The Helios Chronicles #3)

by Tawa M. Witko

  “I will figure it out,” he said compassionately.

  Madison nodded, releasing her grip on him and then turned back to Andrew. Elias watched her for a long time until he finally stepped out of the room. As he exited, he ran his hand through his hair, contemplating what needed to happen next. He required information and Madison was not going to be of any use at this point. She was focused on Andrew and he understood that completely. He had very vivid memories of how he had been when Liam was injured and he would not begrudge the sorrow she was currently experiencing. He would find another way. As he looked around, he spotted Aaron and Olivia speaking with Connor down the hall. He started moving in that direction.

  “How is she?” Olivia asked as he approached.

  Elias frowned. “I don’t think she heard anything I said.”

  “I was afraid of that,” Aaron admitted.

  “What’s the status on Andrew? He didn’t look so good.”

  “He’s healing,” Olivia began. “His memory is a little patchy but other than that, physically, he is improving. The problem lies in the fact they administered morphine. It has triggered his old cravings for heroin.” She stopped speaking, feeling tears prick at the corner of her eyes. Aaron placed his hand on her shoulder, squeezing it tenderly.

  “Why is he being restrained?”

  “Andrew asked them to restrain him because he wasn’t sure he could be trusted. He has tried to leave twice now,” Aaron added. “The last time was with Madison. I think witnessing that brought the realization of his addiction to the forefront. She has been shutting us all out. I have called her mother to see if she can get through to her but we’ll see.”

  Elias pinched his eyes shut and ran his finger and thumb over his lids. He couldn’t believe that all of this could be happening to people he cared about. Jayden would be heartbroken when he found out this latest news. It was obvious that Madison was just a shell, she’d all but given up on her defense it seemed. He sighed heavily when the answer finally came to him, Bowers! That’s who he needed to see.

  “Do you need us to do anything?” Olivia asked, bringing him out of his thoughts.

  “No, I think,” he glanced over his shoulder towards Andrew’s room. Washing his hand over his face, he sighed once more. “I will sort it out.”

  “Thank you for everything, Elias. We are deeply indebted to you for not only helping Andrew but now Madison,” Aaron stated compassionately.

  Elias gave a small smile and nodded. “You’re welcome. But in truth, it’s Liam and I that are indebted to Andrew and Madison for the love and friendship they have given our son. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen him so happy and full of life and,” he glanced down as a realization hit him hard. “He would be devastated if something terrible happened to them. If I can do anything to stop that from happening, I will.”

  “You’re a good man, Elias,” Olivia said with a quick kiss on his cheek.

  “Thank you.” He looked back at the room and then back to Aaron, Olivia, and Connor. “I have some things to work out. Call me if there are changes in his condition.”

  “We will,” Olivia stated.

  Elias once again ran his hand through his hair and then readjusted his jacket as he began marching down the hall towards the elevators. He heard movement behind him but ignored it until the steps increased in pace. He turned to see Connor approaching him determinedly. There was fire in his young eyes and that left Elias curious.

  “Where are you going?” Connor asked as he reached him.

  “I can’t tell you that, Connor.”

  “Do you need my help?” he asked, but before Elias could respond, he added, “I’m not afraid to go back to prison if it means everything is okay with Andrew and Jayden. I’ll do whatever I need to do. They’re my brothers and I won’t stand by and let something happen to them.”

  Elias grabbed his shoulders and crouched slightly so he was eye level with him. “You will do nothing, Connor. Do you hear me? No one is going to prison. I will fix this. Your job right now is to look out for Madison because Andrew can’t. Do you understand?”

  Connor nodded slightly. “But... I don’t know how to help her.”

  Elias touched his face softly. “You’re here. That’s enough. Okay?”

  Connor nodded again and glanced back towards Andrew’s room. He turned back to Elias. “I’m going to go check on Madison. Be careful and don’t do anything to get arrested 'cause then we’ll all be screwed 'cause you’re the only attorney we know and if you get locked up Jayden will be upset and Andrew will be upset and I won’t know what to do so, you know, just, ummm, don’t get caught doing whatever it is you’re planning on doing that I don’t know about.”

  Elias grinned and turned back around as the elevator doors opened. He strode inside and saw that the lobby button was already pressed. A plan was starting to form in his head, he just needed to think a little more about it and determine what needed to happen first. He slipped his hand in his pocket and reached for his phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Jacqueline, this is Elias. I need to speak with you for a moment.”

  “Is everything alright?”

  “No, it isn’t, but it will be.”

  25 Standoff

  “Wait for me,” he said to the driver.

  “Yes, sir.”

  Elias walked up the small cobblestone path, paying attention to detail or lack thereof. There were no people out, no one walking pets, or children playing in yards. It was quiet, eerily quiet. He didn’t like it. His knuckle hit the door twice. There was no movement so he rapped on the door once again. This time he heard footsteps on the other end. There was a slight pause and then the door opened.

  “We need to talk,” Elias stated with force.

  He didn’t wait to be invited in. Instead, he pushed himself into the home of Senator James Bowers. The man at the center of all the chaos in his life. The man responsible for his son’s injuries as well as Andrew’s. The man that needed to pay for his transgressions. Elias had thought long and hard about the situation and knew exactly what needed to happen.

  “Come in, Elias,” Bowers said as Elias stepped passed him.

  Elias walked through the hall, eyeing the set up. It was a nice home with beautiful paintings on the walls, but, again, not what he expected. Bowers brushed passed him and entered a room to the side. Elias followed him into what appeared to be the study and watched as he walked to the bar and poured them both a drink. He seemed unfazed by Elias’s presence, which troubled him. Elias was unsure if he had anticipated him showing up and if so he would need to keep his head about him. Bowers was not only smart but very calculating. He needed to catch him off guard to seize the upper hand. Bowers turned, holding two tumblers swirling with brown liquid.

  “Have a seat,” he said with a smile as he began to walk over.

  Elias waited and took the glass from him before sitting down. He leaned back and crossed his legs, eyeing the senator who had just sat down across from him. Bowers grinned and mimicked Elias’s posture before bringing his tumbler to his lips and taking a sip. He wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Bennett. He knew he was not only intelligent but also very clever. He wouldn’t be at his door if he wasn’t holding some bit of information. Elias had a determined and confident look about him, which meant he definitely knew something, but what exactly that was, Bowers couldn’t ascertain. Bowers held back his immediate concern and set forth to keep his cool and give off the impression that he already knew what was happening.

  “How can I help you, Elias?” Bowers asked with a slight laugh.

  “I know what you did and I can prove it.”

  Bowers smiled. Bennett was shooting from the hip. That could be good or bad. He always came off as calm, cool, and collected, but there was something different about him tonight. He seemed agitated. Not his general state. He wondered what Elias could possibly know about the situation. They covered their tracks expertly. But the word choice Elias used troubled hi
m. Prove it, how?

  “If you could prove something, you would have already done so.” Bowers tipped his glass in Elias’s direction, feeling confident that his secret was safe.

  Elias smiled and took a sip of his bourbon. “Perhaps,” he paused and swirled the liquid in his glass, “I’m holding on to evidence.”

  Bowers stared for a moment, unsure if he would really do that. His reputation was that of a straight shooter. He didn’t bargain and he couldn’t be bought. That, Bowers knew for a fact. So, the question that needed to be answered was, would Elias withhold evidence from the court or was he bluffing? His gut said he was bluffing. He finally smiled with that revelation and took a casual sip from his glass.

  “Elias Bennett, the most brutal litigator I’ve ever witnessed, and... the most honest. You wouldn’t withhold evidence, which means,” Bowers smirked slightly. “I think I’ll have to call you on your bluff,” he said with an arrogance that comes from successfully controlling people for years.

  Elias offered a careful yet devious smile. Bowers didn’t believe he had evidence against him. He had no idea that he had his hands on the undoctored financial report. That was good. His friend, Ken, was safe from scrutiny. He downed the rest of his bourbon in one gulp and set the tumbler on the table. He eyed Bowers furiously.

  “You threatened my family. You have caused injury to my son and my son’s best friend. You have stolen millions from poor and underrepresented people who have no voice.” Elias rose suddenly, causing Bowers to shift back. Elias smirked and continued confidently. “I will destroy you, by any means I have at my disposal. You can believe that with 100% certainty.”

  Elias watched as the color drained from Bowers’ face. He wanted to say more but held back. He had a plan and he needed to stick to it. Bowers would bite, he was confident of that. Elias turned and started to walk away when he heard movement behind him. Elias smiled victoriously but did not pause.

  “Elias, let’s talk. I’m sure we can come to some kind of... understanding,” Bowers offered.

  Elias stopped but didn’t face him. “Do the right thing or I will release what I know.” He looked over his shoulder and could see the panic in Bowers’ eyes. “By the time I’m done, you will have lost your senate seat and all hopes for grander appointments.”

  “You have nothing that can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” Bowers stated gathering his composure.

  Elias chuckled and completely turned around to face him. “So you think I plan to try you in a court of law?” He began walking towards him. He smiled cunningly as he began to lay it out. “I have no intention of suing you or bringing charges against you. No, you are too slippery for that. You’d find a way out of it.” He stopped in front of him and grinned. “My plan is actually fairly simple. I will release documentation to every television and news print organization out there about how you stole millions of dollars from primarily ethnic and underserved populations in both California and New York. Every facet of the media will get wind of it. You see, James, I plan on trying you in the court of public opinion because in that courtroom,” he grinned once more, “I don’t have to prove a damn thing.”

  Bowers gasped at the thought. What is he talking about? What information? Could he have gotten the financial report before it was fixed? He frowned and shook his head slightly. He didn’t believe that was possible as he was sure that committee was in his pocket.

  “Do you have any idea the connections I have?” Elias raised a brow and smiled at Bowers’ worried expression. “I’m a consultant with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. I have contacts within every single ethnic legal organization in the nation. You have no idea the clout I carry. Clout I have never once considered using until today. After I have stated my case, you will have the ACLU, MALDEF, NAACP and every other Human Rights organization out there after you for violations against the people. Do you really think that those organizations care if I can prove the contents of my report beyond a reasonable doubt?”

  Bowers couldn’t answer. He was rattled, just like Elias wanted. Bowers’ eyes were shifting all over the place. Elias could almost see the wheels turning in Bowers’ head. Bowers looked at him when he started speaking again.

  “They will see what you did and you will never slime your way out of it. You went too far, and, deep down in that messed up head of yours, you know it. I’m going to enjoy watching you lose everything you have connived your way into having,” Elias said vindictively.

  He could see the terror on Bowers’ face and also that he was weighing the possibilities. Bowers swallowed thickly. Several scenarios floated through his mind. He saw himself on national television with various civil rights leaders pushing for his resignation. Worse yet, he saw himself being carted off to prison. No, that could not happen. He needed to salvage this. He needed an out.

  “And how many of the people you have in your pocket do you think will turn on you as you begin swirling in the drain of political oblivion?” Bowers looked up as Elias got directly in his face. “That’s right, James, all of them. They will all watch you go down in flames while they distance themselves from the fire. Hell, some will likely throw more fuel on it. So I will say this again. Do the right thing or I will ruin you.”

  “What do you want?” Bowers choked out.

  “Clear Madison and take responsibility for what you did. If you do, then maybe you might have a chance of saving your pathetic political life. I really don’t care about that. But you do right by Madison. She’s an innocent and will stay that way.”

  “I could have you disbarred for blackmailing me,” Bowers hissed.

  Elias laughed. “I’d retire before you could file the paperwork. Besides,” Elias cocked his head just slightly. “Who do you think people would believe? Huh?” Bowers frowned. “You yourself admitted that I have an impeccable reputation. My word is irreproachable. You want to report me? Have at it. Let’s see who comes out ahead.”

  Bowers didn’t say anything. He was too busy calculating. Trying to determine how he could get himself out of this mess.

  “And don’t even think about sending someone after me. Liam has all my passwords and access to the files I already have ready. No one else will be hurt on your behalf again.”

  Elias, feeling victorious, turned and walked out with his head held high, leaving Bowers to struggle with the formation of a plan. When the senator heard the front door close, he quickly withdrew his phone and dialed the familiar number.

  “Get the hell over here. NOW!”

  Elias stepped into the vehicle that was parked outside Senator Bowers house and directed the driver to the hotel. A lot had happened, but he felt confident that the senator would clear Madison of any wrongdoing. With the evening traffic, it took nearly an hour to get to the hotel. Once he exited and got into his room, he poured himself another drink, before pulling out his phone. Liam answered on the first ring.

  “How’d it go?”

  “It’s a mess. Andrew’s awake but not doing well. Madison seems so lost right now.”

  “Oh God, what should I tell Jayden?”

  “Nothing, don’t say anything yet.”

  “What happened in court?”

  Elias ran his hand over the buttons of his jacket, before slipping it off altogether. “They have manufactured a lot of evidence against her but I have it under control.”

  “How?”

  “I went to see Bowers tonight.”

  “You did what!”

  “I had to do something.”

  “What if he retaliates?” Liam asked in a panic.

  “What’s he going to do, baby? He knows I have something. He knows I’m not afraid to use it and he also knows that if something should happen to me that you would transmit the files. He’s not that stupid.” There was silence, which concerned Elias. “Liam?”

  “You know I don’t trust that man.”

  “I know. But he needs to pay for what he did. For how he hurt everyone, how he hurt our son, Andrew
, Madison, and a whole host of others. He can’t get off without any punishment whatsoever. People should be held accountable for their actions and the pain they’ve caused to others.”

  “Are we still talking about Bowers, or have we shifted to Texas?”

  Elias was stunned into silence.

  “Just tell me that this is about Bowers and not about our inability to get justice in Texas and I’ll let it go.”

  “This is about Bowers, babe.”

  “Alright. Now, tell me everything that happened.”

  Elias paused for a moment and then went into detail about what he had said and done. How Bowers had responded, as well as his body language. Elias spoke passionately about the events that transpired only an hour ago. By the time he was done, he felt exhilarated.

  “I wish I was there right now,” Liam said with a chuckle.

  Elias grinned. “I wish you were as well.”

  Liam laughed harder. “I bet you do.”

  Elias couldn’t help but remember the beginning of their relationship. At that time, they lived so far away from one another. They spoke every night on the phone. Conversations that often led to a rambunctious round of phone sex. He grinned and ran his hand through his hair before loosening his tie and tossing it on the bed. He unbuttoned his shirt, taking it off as well, and then sat on the loveseat in his room. He hated being away from Liam and their life together.

  “Hopefully this will be done tomorrow so I can come home.”

  “And if Bowers doesn’t do as you want? What kind of timeframe are we looking at?”

  “Then I’m here for a while. At least a few weeks, maybe a month. There is a mountain of evidence against her. I will need some time to prepare my defense, line up my rebuttal witnesses, and hire my own experts.” He ran his hand over his face, not looking forward to being away for that long of a time period.