by Lynn Emery
“I’m not exactly Mr. Clean like you. I’ve got to get my stuff together before I go. I’m gonna walk in with my lawyer.”
“Yeah, well, just tell them what you know about Aliyah.”
“Some jealous lover got hold of the woman. Aliyah jumped from dude to dude,” Shaun said.
“Seems like the police would have tracked him down by now. Besides, she put all her energy into Russell and his big bankbook.” Marcus shook his head. “The way she was beaten means somebody was really mad at the lady.”
“Sounds like a love thang gone wrong to me. Russell dude must be pretty shook up.”
“I hear he’s consoling himself by lobbying to be the next CEO.” Marcus twisted and turned what he knew, trying to discover answers.
“He’s fired a bunch of people. Guess he’s searched that data you were talking about,” Shaun said.
“More than likely they’ll turn up something. You know, if it was an organized theft ring using our employees, whoever came up with the idea was smart. They recruited people who didn’t have criminal records, like they thought it all out. You know?” Marcus glanced at Shaun.
“But why would law-abiding citizens agree? That’s a wild theory, brother.” Shaun lifted a shoulder.
“Like you said, hard times can push people to the limit. If I know Nicole, she’s digging right now. I just don’t see her giving up easily.”
“You think?” Shaun tapped the cell phone against his jaw and frowned.
“When Nicole is angry she does something about it. She really was into that job. Not for the power or prestige.”
“Her family must not think so. Her daddy is acting CEO now.” Shaun waved a hand toward the television, as though Stanton were still on the screen.
“Nicole won’t roll over. When she makes up her mind to do something, watch out,” Marcus said. He imagined Nicole’s lovely burnt almond eyes flashing with anger and determination.
“Uh-huh, just like she made up her mind about you.” Shaun pointed to him.
“Right,” Marcus said quietly.
He let out a long, slow breath. He sat down on the sofa in front of the television again. Shaun’s phone rang and he muttered into it.
Nicole walked off the elevator at Summers Security. No matter what her father and the rest of the family said, she still felt part of the company. Imani rounded a corner and broke into a wide grin when she saw Nicole.
“I’m glad to see you. What do you think?” Imani showed her a catalogue of high-tech security products.
“The voice and fingerprint recognition systems. Looks good. So, my father and Russell are moving forward with going after big corporate accounts.”
Imani nodded. “They’re riding on the work you and Marcus did. We all know it.”
“Thanks.” Nicole gave her a grateful smile. “I’ve been watching the news. I see your brains behind the smart way y’all have been dealing with the bad publicity. Good work.”
“Thanks back at ya, boss lady.” Imani gave her arm a squeeze.
“Better not let Russell hear you. I’m not in charge of anything around here.” Nicole walked with Imani beside her.
“You should be,” Imani replied. “Not that I don’t respect your daddy, but you and Marcus had a real feel for this business.”
Nicole felt a sharp, stinging sensation at the mention of his name. She didn’t want to go down that path. Not after three nights of no sleep and regrets. “So, how is it working with Russell these days?”
Imani let out a tortured groan. “I now believe in purgatory.”
“Bad, huh?” Nicole smiled at the way Imani screwed up her face.
“Your dad is trying not to show it, but he knows Russell is a management disaster waiting to happen.” Imani glanced around and dropped her voice low. “A classic example, Russell ordered six thousand dollars’ worth of palm pilots for the security guards.”
Nicole laughed out loud. “What for?”
“To keep them on schedule. Six have disappeared already. Seems he had Jesse distribute them too fast. Some of the fired employees suspected in the thefts got units.” Imani raised a hand. “I know what you’re thinking. Remember this is Russell we’re talking about.”
“Daddy must have breathed fire for days.” Nicole tried not to look as pleased as she felt.
“Honey, we all kept a low profile for a week. I—” Imani broke off when Russell appeared.
“Hello, Nicole.” Russell turned to Imani before Nicole could answer him. “I’m sure you’ve got the rough outline for marketing our new services.”
“Mr. Summers is looking it over,” Imani said in a cool tone.
“I was supposed to get the first look,” Russell said.
“Mr. Summers asked for the proposal, and I gave it to him. You could go ask him to give it back.” Imani raised an eyebrow.
Russell’s jaw muscles worked for several minutes. He turned away from Imani. “I thought you’d cleared out the office.”
“I’m holding up well. Thanks for asking.” Nicole brushed past him.
He followed her. “Uncle Stanton is busy. Next time call for an appointment.”
“Hi, Cat.” Nicole ignored Russell’s attempt to get her attention.
Cat bounced from her chair with a wide grin. “Hey, boss lady.” She hugged Nicole.
“You have a stack of work to finish and we’re on a tight schedule,” Russell said to Cat.
“I’m caught up,” Cat replied, her smile now stretched thin. “So, tell me what you’ve been up to.”
“Resting, working out at the club, and shopping. You know, a strict therapeutic routine. Is my father in?”
“I’ll let him know you’re here.” Cat reached for the phone on her desk.
“We’ve got meetings with three clients today, proposals to upgrade their systems to complete, and an overseas call to make.” Russell motioned to Cat not to dial. “Maybe you can call him later.”
“Okay,” Nicole said with a half-smile. She went around him, knocked on the door, and went in.
Russell came in behind her. He marched over to stand next to Stanton, who was seated behind the desk. “As usual, Nicole assumes it’s all about her.”
“Nicole has been barging into my office since she was in diapers. Why should today be any different?” Stanton rose and walked to her with his arms out.
“Hello, Daddy.” Nicole accepted his peck on the cheek. She gave him a chilly smile.
“Hi, Nikki. You look wonderfully relaxed and beautiful as usual.” Stanton shot a glance at Russell.
Nicole noticed the subtle signal but pretended she’d missed it. “Thanks. I stopped by to talk—privately.”
“Sure, baby. I’ve got at least a good twenty minutes to spare.” Stanton waved to the seating area. He shook his head when Russell headed for a chair.
“But I—” Russell broke off when he looked at Stanton’s frown. “I’ll be back for the meeting shortly.”
When the door closed, Stanton smoothed down his ivory dress shirt. After Nicole was seated he pulled a chair close to her and sat down. “I’m so glad to see you, honey. You should have returned my calls.”
“I needed time alone to think.” Nicole gazed at him. Stanton nodded with a wise paternal expression that seemed to say he understood all.
“Of course, of course. It wasn’t only my decision either. Not that I’m trying to back out of my role. I did agree that—”
“I know,” Nicole broke in. “I won’t lie and say I can see your point. For once I didn’t live down to everyone’s expectations. You should have given me more support.”
“Now, baby, let’s not get into a scene. You can really be a handful when your temper is—”
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to throw a fit. Let’s stick to facts. You’ve seen the contracts, the work I did while I was here.” Nicole gazed at him with her head tilted to one side.
“Yes, I must say you accomplished quite a bit. But you were overwhelmed when these thefts start
ed. I also think your judgment of Marcus was, er, clouded.” Stanton’s dark eyebrows pulled together.
“Uncle Hosea had confidence in him,” Nicole replied.
“I guess he fooled us all. Considering his upbringing, well, we shouldn’t be surprised.” Stanton patted her arm. “I’m just sorry he hurt you. Still, it could have been worse. Better that you found out before you two got more serious.”
Nicole repressed an urge to let him know just how serious they’d gotten. “I didn’t mean to imply that I believe—”
“It’s okay, honey. He wasn’t simply a poor boy who pulled himself up by his bootstraps. Did you know he had an arrest record as a juvenile?” Stanton frowned in distaste. “His father is in prison.”
“Marcus never lied to me about his background.” Nicole felt distaste as well, but not for the same reason.
Stanton grunted. “He left out the part about having criminals as best friends. I’m just glad you finally saw through him.”
“What are you talking about?” Nicole glanced at him sharply.
“Russell told me you confronted him. Getting his resignation was very appropriate under the circumstances.”
“I didn’t ask him to resign, Daddy.” Nicole winced at the flashback of that day.
Stanton seemed not to hear her. He looked at his watch. “So, what did you need to tell me, baby?”
Nicole ground her teeth in frustration for several seconds. “You don’t listen very well, at least not to me.”
“Now, Nikki, you know I love you.” Stanton put on his best patient father expression.
“I’m talking business now,” she tossed back crisply.
Her father’s indulgent demeanor slipped a notch. “Okay, business it is.”
“The board meets in one week. I plan to attend and get my job back.” Nicole stood.
“Wait a minute, young lady. I thought we’d settled this issue.” Stanton rose to tower over her with a scowl.
“I’m sure you did. I’ve already spoken to Aunt Maida. I’m on the agenda.” Nicole met his fierce gaze without cringing.
His nostrils flared, his eyes glazed over in anger, but he appeared to rein in his fury. They stared at each other for a few seconds more. Finally Stanton gave a sharp nod.
“Fair enough. I won’t treat you like a little girl,” he warned.
“I won’t act like one. See you in one week.”
Nicole walked out. She held up until she was alone in her car. Only then did she let out a shaky sigh. Now all she had to do was perform a miracle.
The police station fit every cop-show stereotype she’d seen, Nicole mused. An array of rough characters milled around as though waiting to be interrogated. She squirmed in her seat as a beefy man plopped down next to her on the bench. He gave her a full body exam through narrowed eyes. Nicole inched away from him and kept a firm grip on her leather purse.
“Come here often?” the man said, leaning closer with a grin at his joke.
“No, and we’ve never met before.” Nicole shot a stony look his way, then turned from him.
“Humph, you psychic ’cause that was my next question.” The man laughed. “I’m Chuck.”
“Okay.” Nicole mentally swore at Detective Holmes for making her wait.
Chuck tapped his foot and hummed a tune for several minutes. “You live in the city or what?”
“I’m busy thinking important thoughts, Chuck,” Nicole replied.
“So it’s like that, huh? All right. Just tryin’ to pass the time.” Chuck took a bag of peanuts out of his shirt pocket and began eating his way through them.
Nicole heaved a sigh of relief. At least she was surrounded by police officers. Now if Detective Holmes would put down his donuts and get her interview done, the day would improve.
Suddenly Marcus strolled through the door. Nicole felt a stab of excitement. At first he didn’t see her and took a step toward the waiting area, then he halted. He seemed to recover after a split second. Still, he scanned the room as if deciding how far to sit from her. Nicole stared at him in irritation.
“Don’t worry, lady. I ain’t gonna let him bother you,” Chuck said.
“I guess that’s your job today,” Nicole murmured with a scowl.
Chuck annoyed her even more by laughing out loud. “You got one great sense of humor, honey.”
“Calling me ‘honey’ is not the way to be my new friend.” Nicole studied Marcus intently.
“Touchy today. Ain’t my fault they caught ya.” Chuck laughed harder. “Just playin’ around. I can look at you and tell you’re no crook.”
“Gee thanks. Now leave me alone,” Nicole said firmly. Her voice must have carried, because several people looked at them, including Marcus.
“’Scuse me, Your Highness.”
Marcus walked over and sat down in a chair next to her. “Hi.”
“Hello.” Nicole willed the tension from her shoulders.
“Detective Holmes called you, too?” Marcus looked ahead as he spoke.
“Yes. How have you been?” Nicole made it sound like a polite question only. She wasn’t going to beg him for scraps of attention. Still, she wanted to know what he was thinking and feeling.
“Considering the situation, I’m okay. What about you?” Marcus glanced at her, then away.
“Aside from this little disaster, I’m doing just great,” Nicole said, trying to make it a joke. She was afraid the quiver in her voice spoiled the attempt.
“Sorry,” was all he said.
“Me, too. I—”
Detective O’Connor strode toward them. “Good afternoon. I got held up,” he said to Nicole. Then he turned to Marcus. “You’re early.”
“Not by much. Guess you didn’t want us talking to each other.” Marcus’s mild expression didn’t change.
Before O’Connor could reply, Detective Holmes walked out. Holmes wore an almost friendly expression, unlike his brusque partner. Nicole seethed with anger at all men, including Chuck, who watched them and munched peanuts like he was at the movies.
“Hello and thanks for coming on such short notice. Ms. Benoit, come with me. Detective O’Connor will talk with Mr. Reed.” Holmes swept his arm out like a head waiter seating guests.
“No problem. Hanging out with criminals at a police station is more fun than a trip to the mall.” Nicole walked ahead of Holmes.
“I promise this won’t take long,” Holmes said without losing his affable expression.
Nicole watched O’Connor lead Marcus down a different hallway. Her irritation gave way to uneasiness. She’d never been inside a police station before, much less questioned in one. Holmes took her to a small room with a square table in the center of it. Four metal chairs were arranged around the table. One wall had a mirror set into it. She wondered if anyone would be watching.
“Please.” Holmes waved at a chair. He waited until Nicole had sat down, then sat across from her. Seconds later O’Connor joined them. “Now let’s go over a few things.”
“You became acting CEO about two months ago, right?” O’Connor took out a blank notepad sheet. He acted as though he hadn’t heard the same facts at least ten times.
Nicole bit off an acid reply, deciding it was wise to act as though she hadn’t told them the same facts at least ten times. “Yes. My great-uncle basically left instructions that I become CEO and run his business.”
“Summers Security, Inc.,” O’Connor said.
“Summers Security, LLC,” she corrected, sure he knew the company’s corporate status better than she did. Nicole drummed her fingers, then forced them to be still. “Have you found out any new information?”
Holmes rested both elbows on the table. “We’re looking into a few interesting things. Aliyah Manning seems to have made some enemies.”
“I didn’t think a good friend killed her.” Nicole pressed her lips together when O’Connor glared at her.
“Possibly someone she thought of as a friend, or at least someone she didn’t think was a
threat,” Holmes answered with no trace of annoyance.
“She and your cousin, Russell, wanted you out of the business,” O’Connor put in.
“Detective, her ambitions didn’t bother me. You really think I’d kill her for being a wannabe?” Nicole felt fear in spite of her composed façade.
“Maybe she helped set up the thefts to make you look bad. Your cousin was extremely bitter that he didn’t get the company.” O’Connor stared at her hard, as though expecting an admission.
“That’s a very thin theory,” she said with a frown.
“Sometimes theories lead to evidence,” O’Connor replied.
“You have anything more?” Nicole clenched her fists beneath the table.
“Marcus Reed and you have a romantic relationship. He was seen talking to Ms. Manning in what’s been described as an intimate fashion.” Holmes blinked behind the wire-rimmed eyeglasses.
“So, now I’m a jealous woman scorned and looking for revenge? I’ve been patient, but now—” Nicole stood.
“Mr. Reed had ambitions as well. He expected to run Summers Security. Then you came on the scene. He might have formed an alliance with his friend Shaun Jackson and Aliyah.” Holmes lifted a shoulder.
“You’d be understandably furious,” O’Connor added, picking up the narrative. “He’s lying to you about his feelings and trying to ruin your business.”
“No,” Nicole blurted out.
O’Connor went on as though she hadn’t spoken. “Reed’s affair with Aliyah Manning added insult to injury. How long did it take you to find out?”
“You’re wrong. I don’t believe it.” Nicole hated hearing the detective coldly put her worst fear into words.
“Where were you on June seventeenth, Ms. Benoit?”
Holmes posed the question in a mild tone, as though murder weren’t involved. He gazed at her with a sympathetic expression on his broad face. His avuncular approach invited her to confide in him. Nicole glanced from him to his partner. O’Connor’s eyes gleamed as though he wanted to pounce. Her heart beat double time.
“I know this is a cliché from an old mystery movie, but I was at home. I wasn’t alone, though. I was with Marcus.” Nicole sat quite still while the two men digested her answer.
“Neat. He’s your alibi and you’re his.” O’Connor grunted.