by Iris Bolling
"Will they ever stop?" Taylor cried out angrily.
"They are just getting started," Genesis stated. "It's going to be much worse at the services."
Naverone got behind the wheel after placing Vernon and Taylor in the back. Genesis took the passenger seat.
"We're going to need some extra hands," Naverone stated. "Call in some of the field agents. Make sure all pressing situations stay covered."
"Use my team," Vernon stated. "We have access to at least twenty men."
"We'll call them from the funeral home," Naverone replied. "Your cell phone has all your contact numbers programmed in. Do you know their numbers from memory?"
"I have Wade's number." Genesis pulled out her phone and dialed. "Wade Logan, how the hell are you?"
"Genesis Morgan. I thought I saw you near the office last week. What are you up to?"
"Working on the Brooks case."
"Can you believe Connie is still giving Vernon grief from the grave?"
"Yeah, I know. Listen, I'm here with him now. He indicated you have access to some personnel that can help with security."
"How many do you need?"
"Whoever you can spare."
"Is Vernon coming into the office?"
"Later, I believe."
"I'll have the men here when you arrive."
"I appreciate that." Genesis turned as Vernon tapped her on the shoulder. "Hold on, Wade. He wants to speak to you." She passed the phone back to Vernon.
"Logan, anything pressing?" Vernon listened.
Naverone watched him through the rearview mirror as he spoke. He looked tired and worried. She would give anything to be able to take him into her arms and hold him, to let him know she was there for him.
"James wants to meet with you this evening. He wants you to second chair when this goes to court."
Naverone glanced at travelers as the vehicle moved steadily through traffic.
"No question about it. Kirkland is going to take this all the way. Get everything on the Castiano case. He's going to try to find a way to bring it up in court. Let's be prepared."
The mention of Kirkland brought her eyes back to the rearview mirror. She could see the worry in his expression when he mentioned the Castiano case. "We are here," she said as she pulled into the underground parking deck. "Are they expecting us?"
"Yes." Vernon nodded as he gave the phone back to Genesis. "Thank you," he said as he got out of the vehicle. He took Taylor's hand to assist her out.
Naverone entered the building first, glanced around, then stepped back out. "We're clear." She held the door as the two walked through.
"I got the rear." Genesis took a position at the door.
A tall, slim man with wiry gray hair extended his hand. "Mr. Brooks, we are so sorry for your loss. Please come in." With that, the doors closed behind Taylor and Vernon. Naverone stood outside the door to ensure their privacy. An hour later, Genesis opened the outside door. "We have visitors."
"Who?" Naverone asked.
"The media."
"How in the hell...? Never mind." Naverone sent a text message then knocked on the door and stepped inside. "Excuse me," she whispered in Vernon's ear.
Vernon looked up at Naverone and nodded. "Would you excuse me for a moment?" he said to the director.
They stepped outside. "The media is here. They are blocking the exit. We are going to have to go through the mob."
"Do they really expect us to make a statement from here?"
"We are going to wrap up, take you and Taylor out the way we came. Cover her head with your suit jacket. They will throw questions your way. Do not respond or give them any expressions."
"I know how this goes," he snapped. He closed his eyes and exhaled. "I'm sorry." He put his hands around her waist and pulled her to him and placed his forehead against hers. "I didn't mean to snap."
"It's stressful. I know," she whispered. "But you are going to get through this." She hugged him tight. Her cell phone buzzed and she took a step back. She glanced at the message. “Your mother is going to take over handling the arrangements.” They held each other's eyes for a moment taking in the closeness, the emotions and fighting the urge to comfort each other. "I am going to ride this out with you. You are not alone. I got you."
"I can't believe this is happening." Vernon lowered his head. "Not now, not when we just..."
"We have time. I need my man to be strong and know I'm not going anywhere."
"I'm your man now." He gave her that sexy smirk of his. "I'm no longer married."
"No." Naverone frowned. "Now you are just under suspicion of murder." She raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, that."
"Yes, that." She grinned. "Let's get Taylor out of here."
Vernon inhaled, then nodded. "You know when all of this is over, I'm going to eat you alive." He took a moment then opened the door.
"Daddy, you are in a funeral home. Can you refrain from accosting the woman?"
"What are you doing? Standing with your ear to the door?"
"The man went out another door to take a call."
The director returned to the room. "Mrs. Brooks is on the other line. She indicated she will finish the arrangements. I will have extra security in place for the services and our media consultants will handle all inquiries."
"Thank you." Vernon shook the man's hand. "Let's get you out of here."
"Thank you for your assistance," Taylor said to the man then followed her father out the door.
Vernon removed his jacket to place it over Taylor's head.
"Straight to the car. No response," Naverone stated. "Are we ready?"
"I'm ready," Taylor replied as she ducked her head down.
Naverone put her hand on Taylor's head and Vernon put his on her back. Naverone nodded to Genesis. "Ready."
The door came open and the crowd of media personnel closed around them.
"Taylor, how are you holding up?"
"Is Jason Whitfield going to join you?"
"Did your father kill your mother?"
"Is he a murderer?"
They had almost made it to the open door of the SUV when Taylor broke free and swung around.
"My father is not a murderer. What in the hell is wrong with you people? Do you have any respect at all? I just lost my mother. Get a freaking grip!" she yelled at the crowd. The action seemed to spur the crowd forward.
Genesis grabbed Taylor, kicking and screaming, and put her in the SUV as Naverone pushed the media people back. One of the reporters came at her with a microphone and she shoved him out of the way. Another came to her left. She quickly took him down. Another man reached for her. Before she could get to him, Vernon had grabbed the man by the throat and pushed him back into the crowd. Naverone grabbed him by the waist and swung him into Genesis's arms. Vernon was thrown into the back of the SUV and the doors slammed shut. Genesis jumped through the open driver's door and climbed across.
Naverone pushed her way through the crowd, got into the driver's seat, closed the door then slowly began to pull off, blowing her horn along the way. She drove for about fifteen minutes until she was certain she had lost the media vehicles, then she headed for her condo in Quantico, Va. She parked the vehicle.
Genesis jumped out with a grin on her face. She opened the back door to let Taylor out first, then walked around to open the door for Vernon. "You are in trouble....." She chuckled under her breath.
Vernon looked at her as if she had lost her mind.
Naverone had climbed the four steps to the door and had unlocked it by the time everyone reached the door. She slammed it behind her, causing Vernon to look back.
"Oh, oh," Taylor said as she glanced between Naverone and her father.
"Do you have something to drink?"
"Kitchen." Naverone pointed.
"Bring me something too," Genesis said as she stood behind the breakfast bar, which separated the great room and the kitchen. Taylor returned, gave Genesis a bottle of water and leaned against
the bar to watch the fireworks.
"This should be good." She saluted Genesis.
Vernon glared at both of them as he rolled up his sleeves.
Naverone had walked in three circles counting before she stopped in front of him. "What in the hell was that? What did you think you were doing?"
"Protecting you and my daughter. What did you expect me to do, just stand by while that man came at you?"
"I expect you to let me do my job. That's why I'm here. To protect you and Taylor and you have to let me do it."
"I'm her father. You expect me to stand by and watch you fight my battles?"
"That's exactly what I expect you to do. You are not in charge here, I am. You do what the hell I say, when I say it. If I tell you to walk through the crowd and don't say anything...You don’t say anything!”
"Hmm," Taylor said to Genesis. "I guess she told him."
"Sounds like it," Genesis replied.
"You are a fool if you think I'm going let crap like that happen and not respond."
Hands on her hips, Naverone jumped in his face. "Then say hello to BOO-BOO the damn fool, because that's exactly what I expect you to do. I am a trained professional. I do not need or want you to be a hero defending me. You will get yourself hurt along with your daughter when you pull a stunt like that. Do you understand me? They are vultures. Their job is to pull you into their game. What do you think the footage will be on the front page tomorrow?"
"Internet," Taylor nodded, “in an hour.”
"Thirty minutes." Genesis nodded.
"Shut up." Naverone pointed to them.
Vernon glanced at them and noticed neither was surprised nor threatened by Naverone's unusual show of emotions.
"I don't see the problem." Vernon shrugged as he leaned against the wall.
"Yes, you do, Vernon. You are a highly intelligent man."
"Yes, you are," Genesis agreed.
"You are, Daddy." Taylor nodded.
"You know the press is going to eat this up. The D.A.'S office is requesting a copy of the footage right now of your hands around that reporter's throat." She got right up in his face pointing her finger. "These are the very things you warn your clients about. And damn if you didn't give them more ammunition."
He grabbed her arms, pulled her to him and kissed her with the ferociousness of a lion terrorizing its prey. He held her, kissing her, tangling his tongue with hers. Battling for superiority until he could feel her body relaxing. Then he changed from battle technique to a smooth caress. Stroking the anger, and fear away.
"Good technique, Daddy." Taylor smiled.
"Aw, she could have taken him down if she wanted to." Genesis waved them off. "Come on, Taylor. Let's give them some privacy."
Naverone slowly ended the kiss she had been longing for, for days. She rested her forehead against him. "You can't interfere with me doing my job."
"I know." He gently kissed her lips. "I'm sorry. I saw the man coming at you and I lost it."
She nodded. "Okay." She exhaled but did not move out of his embrace. "That crowd was nothing compared to what we have dealt with before." She looked at him, as she touched his lips. "Genesis was right. I could have taken you down."
Vernon grinned. "I know. But you wanted me. Once you got past ‘I'm a professional you have to let me do my job’, your anger was gone. You wanted to get me riled up to a point where I had to kiss you to shut you up."
They stood there holding each other, knowing they wanted to explore so much more, but they couldn't.
She felt him shiver. They still had Connie between them, even from the grave.
Chapter Five
The day of the funeral was warm and overcast with clouds. Family and friends from all over gathered at the church to show their respect for the family. With the crowds of people in attendance, not one questioned Vernon's innocence. They all offered their unyielding support for him and Taylor.
The media wasn't as kind. As Ericka had predicted, Ty Pendleton, Taylor's new manager and Nick's partner in the sports agency had put security in place. In addition, since the President and the First Lady were in attendance, Secret Service was also handling security. However, no one was able to keep the media from taking pictures of the family as they arrived at the church. The flashing cameras went on overload at the arrival of MBA superstar, Jarrett Bryson, NFL quarterback, Justin Hylton and Jason Whitfield, the NBA player reportedly dating Lil Tay. A number of singers and a few rappers attended to show their support. Brooks-Pendleton’s security team jumped into action blocking the media's view. They were outnumbered by the magnitude of celebrities and politicians who came to support the family.
"This is going to get worse at the burial site," Genesis mentioned to her partners, Raven and Karess.
"I don't like Naverone being caught up in all of this." Raven shook her head as she looked over the crowd.
"The best way we can help her is to keep all these people in check so she will not have to step away from the family," Karess stated.
"After this, we go back to the office and keep security for Brooks-Pendleton tight.”
"Naverone and I will have to depend on you two to keep things in check. If you need us, hit me up first. Let's give Naverone the time she needs. For now we cover Bryson, Hylton and Whitfield," Genesis replied. She tapped her earpiece. "This is Morgan. Send a few extra bodies to the burial site to secure a small area."
"Hey." Raven touched Genesis on the shoulder. "Isn't that the guy we've been watching?"
Genesis nodded. "I see him." She walked over to the rope line surrounding the church. "May I be of some assistance, Mr. Singleton?"
Isaac looked her up and down. "Yes, you can get the hell out of my way." He turned to Cannon McNally who was standing one step behind him. "Handle this."
Two Secret Service agents walked up behind Genesis. "The family has indicated your presence is not welcome today."
Isaac stared the agent down. "It's a church."
"One that is not open to the public during this service."
"We need the area clear, sir," the agent stated.
Isaac fumed. "You got round one. You will see me again. You better believe that." He turned and walked off as Cannon and Genesis acknowledged each other.
"We don't have the authority to keep him from the burial grounds. The President and the First Lady are not going to be there. I can send a few extra agents with Secretary Brooks to assist."
"I understand and thanks," Genesis replied to the agent. "We'll handle it." She pulled out her cell phone and sent a message. Singleton turned away--Pissed.
Naverone checked her phone, read the message then put her phone away. Dressed in a black dress that fell right above her knees, black heels, matching sunglasses and her hair up in a bun, she stood to the right of the pew where the family was seated. Her eyes were on Taylor. The young woman was mature for her age. She handled business well and the media like a pro. Handling the death of her mother was taking a toll on her. To make matters worse, she was feeling so guilty about the disagreement she’d had with her mother over Jason that she was shutting him out. Naverone felt that was the person she needed the most. Yes, her father was there for her and always would be. But at times like this, a woman needed the man she loves to comfort her.
The service was elegant yet simple, a few passages from the old and new testaments, acknowledgements, a song and the eulogy. Then came the hard part. The flowers were removed from the beautiful pink platinum casket. It was now time to follow her mother out of the church. This was where the strength seemed to leave Taylor. Vernon's arms were around her as her knees buckled. She cried silently into her father’s shoulder, as other family members gathered around her. Out of nowhere, Jason appeared. His long arm reached between the people to touch her back. In that moment, her body began to relax. His hand traveled down her arm and clasped around her hand. Their fingers entwined. Vernon looked over Taylor's shoulder and looked up at the young man. He nodded his head. Everyone made way
for Jason in the procession as he held Taylor's hand on one side and Vernon held her hand on the other. Jason wiped the tears from her eyes, covered them with his sunshades and smiled at how ridiculous they looked.
"You look sexy," he said.
Taylor smiled, as tears flowed. Vernon scowled.
Jason saw the look. "Sorry."
"Stop trying to intimidate him." Taylor squeezed her father's hand.
Vernon looked over his shoulder and caught Naverone's glare. She mouthed, "Behave," as they walked out of the church.
The cameras flashed as the family walked out. A picture of Vernon, Taylor and Jason was captured and almost immediately hit the airwaves. By the time everyone, including Jason, was in the family car, Naverone's phone buzzed. An alert she had on the Internet for the Brooks family popped up. It was the picture with a caption that read, Jason Whitfield with the family at the funeral of Lil Tay's mother. Naverone cursed as she opened the door and sat in the front seat with the driver. She called Genesis.
"Give me logistics on the site."
"Not great, not bad. The site is public property. We can only secure a certain area."
"What's the status on Singleton?"
"He's on site sitting in one of the family’s seats."
"Get his ass up. We are en route." She hung up the phone, then looked at the backseat where Vernon sat. It was at that moment Taylor laid her head on Jason's shoulder. He kissed her forehead. Vernon and his mother, who sat across from them, shared a questioning look. Vernon then glared across his daughter's head at the young man sitting next to her.
Jason looked up to see Vernon staring. "Jason Whitfield, sir." He extended his hand.
Vernon stared at it for a long moment then shook it. "Vernon Brooks,” he replied in a menacing voice.
Naverone rolled her eyes upward. Dealing with the funeral of his wife whom he was accused of killing and the boyfriend of his only daughter comforting her instead of him, the last thing Vernon needed today was a scene with Singleton.
#
"Why in the hell would he bury her here? It's a public cemetery," Isaac said to Cannon.
"Do you care where she's buried?"
"Hell no," Isaac replied. "It's not what one would expect for a Brooks."