Scorpio wanted to go to Frick’s office with me, but I told her I needed to go by myself. Instead, I asked her to take care of some other things for me like wiring some of Jaylin’s money back to him and going to the grocery store. She agreed to do it and I felt relieved.
When I got to Frick’s office, he immediately invited me in to have a seat. He had a bunch of papers on his desk and cleared them out of the way before he spoke. Being very observant, he glared at me from across his desk.
“Your case is interesting Shane. I need to hear your side of the story. Then, I’ll share with you what I know, versus what I don’t understand.”
I stuck to the same story and repeated it to Frick. He looked at me like I was crazy.
“If you want me to represent you, I need the truth. I don’t buy that freaking story, Shane. There are so many things that don’t add up. For starters,” he said, scrambling through some papers, “I have receipts from two hotels that night. One receipt is from a motel where the victim said you shot him, and you did shoot him. The other is at a hotel almost forty miles away from that one. Are you telling me that you only pistol whipped him and didn’t shoot him?”
I lowered my eyes and swallowed. “I . . . yes, I shot him.”
Frick took a deep breath. “Why, Shane? I need to know why you shot him, and this time, I want the truth.”
“I shot him because he forced Nokea and me to have sexual intercourse. He threatened to kill us if we didn’t. At first, I thought he was going to rape Nokea, but he had other plans. He demanded money from us, talked to us like dirt, and held us at gunpoint while we had sex. In self defense, when I was able to rush him, I took the opportunity and did so.”
“Why did you feel the need to come in here and lie to me about this? These are some serious charges against you.”
“Because I didn’t want anybody to know what happened in that room. First of all, I felt . . . felt bad for not being able to protect myself or Nokea. And now, I don’t want Jaylin or Scorpio to find out about this. You know how Jaylin gets and Nokea has already been through enough. I’m sure he’ll have no problem ending our friendship, but complicating his marriage to Nokea was not my intentions.”
“But, it was a situation that no one could have prevented. If you shot this man in self defense, then I’d say Jaylin owes you for saving his wife’s life.”
“He is not going to see it that way and you know it.”
For a moment, Frick sat quietly while in deep thought. “He might not see it that way Shane, but if this case goes to trial, he’s going to find out exactly what happened in that room. In the meantime, I have good news, and of course, bad news.”
I leaned back in the chair. “Let’s hear it.”
“The man who you shot was not a police officer. He’s a wanted child molester, a con artist and a bank robber. Basically, his rap sheet is three times the size of my dick. I’d say you did the police a favor. They have no idea where he got the police car from, but he’d used it to pull over several victims and rape them. He’s being heavily guarded in the hospital. His story is that you attempted to rob him, and when he wouldn’t cooperate, you shot him. Because of his criminal record, I doubt that anyone is going to buy his story. But, in an effort to clear your name, you and I have to go to the station and tell the police exactly what happened.”
“Okay, that’s fine, but what’s the bad news.”
“The bad news for you is, the detectives are possibly making their way to Nokea’s house, as we speak. You and her stories must be on the same page with each other. If they are not, you stand a chance of this case going to trial because no one believes you. You may want to let her know that her attorney should be present. If Jaylin would like for me to send someone there on his wife’s behalf—”
“That won’t be necessary. I don’t want Jaylin getting all worked up over this. I’d rather speak to Nokea first.”
Frick picked up his phone. “You’re going to have to call her now and encourage her to be honest with the detectives upon arrival.”
I covered my face with my hands and rubbed my temples. “Why must we involve Nokea? I . . . the police will believe me. You know they will.”
“Considering the background of the individual you shot, they probably will. But, we need to be sure that everything is clear and out in the open. Nokea is the only person who can confirm your story. I’m sorry, Shane, but you’ve got to call her. Call her now,” he ordered.
I took a deep breath and took the phone from Frick’s hand. I dialed out and waited for someone to answer the phone. I hoped like hell that it would be Nokea, but Jaylin answered.
“Hey, man,” I said in a dry tone. “I’m at Frick’s office. I need to speak to Nokea.”
“Sure. Is, uh, everything working out?”
“Everything is going okay. I just found out that the officer was actually a wanted criminal. This is very good news for me. I just need for Nokea to confirm a few things for me.”
“I’m sure she won’t have a problem with that, but if this is such good news, why are you sounding so fucked up?”
“I don’t know, Jay. I just wish this shit had never happened. I’m real sorry. I did everything I could to protect Nokea. Maybe it wasn’t enough.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself. You sound full of fear. With Frick having your back, I don’t know why you’re tripping.”
I couldn’t utter another word. Jaylin asked me to hold and Nokea got on the phone.
“Shane,” she said. “Are you . . . What’s going on?”
“I’m at Frick’s office. In an effort to clear my name, I had to tell him the truth. The man who came in on us was a wanted felon. He’s saying that I robbed and shot him. Some detectives are on their way to your house. I need for you to tell them the truth about everything.”
Nokea was quiet, but then she responded. “Everything?”
“Yes, everything. No need to get into details about our conversation in the car, but everything else needs to be told. I’m sorry. I know this is not going to be easy for you. If you need me, please call me. You know I got your back.”
She sighed. “I told you that I wouldn’t let you down. Whatever happens, it just happens. Hopefully, Jaylin will understand.”
“Don’t count on it, but make it clear to him that it was my idea to not tell him the truth, not yours.”
“That has no relevance to it at all. I have to go now. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Nokea hung up and I looked at Frick. “I don’t like this one damn bit. I can’t even imagine what’s about to take place in their home.”
“Being dishonest didn’t help, Shane. But, under the circumstances, who wouldn’t have done what you did?”
I looked away, visualizing what was about to take place.
Chapter 8
Nokea
No doubt, I was in a panic. I was trying to discuss what had happened with Jaylin, but then, the doorbell rang. He left the room and I followed behind as he made his way to the double glass front doors. Nanny B and the kids came from their rooms too. When Jaylin opened the door, I turned to Nanny B.
“Would you mind taking the children to their playroom?” I politely asked. She looked at the three detectives dressed in dark suits. Without any hesitation, she removed LJ and Jaylene from the room. Jaylin invited the detectives in.
“I’m Jaylin Rogers,” he said, being very cooperative. He shook their hands. “And, this is my wife, Nokea.”
The detectives shook my hand, displayed their badges and told me their names. I offered them a seat and we all stepped down into the sunken great room. Jaylin, however, stood up, leaning against one of the tall, thick white columns with his arms folded. I tried to play it cool, but he definitely could see how nervous I was. Offering me no support, his eyes looked as if they were shooting daggers at me. While on the circular sofa that was spacious enough for everyone to take a seat, I crossed my legs and turned to the detectives. Their eyes roamed the great room and high vaulte
d ceilings that had four tropical fans hanging from them.
“This is really a nice place,” one of them said. “So, this is how the rich and or famous live, huh?”
“We’re blessed,” is all Jaylin said. He looked at me, but I turned away again.
“Very,” the detective said and cleared his throat. His eyes shifted to me and he handed me a picture. “Mrs. Rogers, I’m sure you already know why we’re here. We have a convicted felon in custody who we’d like to keep behind bars. He’s wanted for child molestation, rape, robbery, assault, and a possible murder in Texas. I understand that you and a companion came in contact with this individual. We’d like to know what happened. He claims that he was robbed and shot by your husband, but Shane Ricardo Alexander is not your husband.”
I looked at the picture and gave it back to the detective. “No, Shane is not my husband. He’s a very good friend of ours. We did come in contact with this individual, and by all means, he was not the one harmed, we were.”
“Do you mind sharing with us what happened?” another detective said.
I swallowed and looked at Jaylin. His eyes did not blink and they were focused on me. Nervous, I massaged my hands together and proceeded to give the detectives my recollection of what had happened that day. “Shane caught a flat tire and exited the highway. He called roadside assistance, but they never showed up. Soon, a man appearing to be a police officer did and he offered to help us. He drove us to a gas station, but it was closed. He then suggested that we stay the night at a motel, and said he’d come back in the morning to help us.”
One of the detectives interrupted. “Was the motel his idea or you guys idea?”
“It was his idea because Shane and I didn’t know the area well. Since it was getting late, we agreed to have him take us to the motel. Once there, he dropped us off and told us he’d be back in the morning.”
The detective interrupted again. “While riding in the car, did you notice anything out of the ordinary? And, once you got out, was there any money exchanged?”
“The car looked like any other police vehicle I’d seen and I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary. As for money, I believe Shane offered the man some money for helping us. I’m not sure how much it was, though.”
“Continue,” the detective said.
I combed my hair with my fingers and dropped my forehead in my hand. “Once we got into the room, I lay down and Shane went to the bathroom to shower.”
“Before you lay down, did you remove your clothes?”
“No . . . I, the only things I removed was my jacket and shirt. The room was muggy, but I kept my bra and pants on. Is . . . is what I had on really necessary?”
The sterner detective spoke up and did so with an attitude. “If it wasn’t, we wouldn’t have asked. Continue, please.”
“I went to sleep and—”
“Alone?”
“Yes, I was in the bed alone. Shane was in a chair. There was a knock on the door and it awakened both of us. When Shane opened the door, the officer came in and pulled his gun on us. He told Shane to close the door and—”
“So, he just busted through the door and pulled out his gun?”
I was getting nervous from the detective’s tone. Without even looking at Jaylin, I could feel him looking at me. “The man stepped inside, asked if we were hungry and we told him no, we were resting. Then, that’s when he pulled the gun on Shane and told him to close the door.”
“You said he pulled the gun on the both of you. Was the gun on you or Shane? Please be specific.”
“He aimed the gun at Shane. He then told Shane to go over to the bed and he aimed the gun in both of our direction. Shane asked what he wanted with us and offered the officer more money. Once he tossed Shane his pants, Shane lay his money on the dresser and I put my money on it too.”
“Did he ask for your money and how much money was it?”
“I . . . I can’t remember if he specifically asked for it, but I hoped that the money would cause him to leave. I can’t remember how much it was.”
“Continue.”
I took another deep breath, swallowing hard. “Anyway, once we set the money on the table, he asked me to, uh, undress. Shane defended me and told him no. He threatened to shoot Shane, until I agreed to it. My . . . my words satisfied him and I removed my clothes.”
The officer looked up at Jaylin. “Sir, you might want to step into another room and discuss this with your wife later.”
The look on Jaylin’s face said it all. He was mad as hell. I knew he was about to explode. “If you don’t mind, I’m fine standing right here. Please allow my wife to continue.”
The detective looked at me and I continued. “Uh, next, he told me to sit back on the bed and I did. He and Shane started arguing and, uh, the next thing I knew, Shane rushed him. They tussled around for a while and the gun went off. The officer. . . man fell backward because he’d been shot. Shane and I got dressed and then we left.”
The detectives looked at each other. The sterner one quickly spoke up. “I know this must be difficult for you, but you have to be honest with us. Did the man in the picture rape you or inappropriately touch you in any way?”
I looked at Jaylin. His eyes had closed and he waited for my response. “No, he did not. He made it clear that he didn’t screw Black . . . colored women, and he never touched me.”
“Well, then, we have a slight problem, Mrs. Rogers. The motel room was thoroughly inspected and there was evidence of sexual activities in the room, referring to the sheets. Now, I’m sure sex often occurs in motel rooms, but we can have the sheets tested for DNA. I think it would be wise . . . .”
I couldn’t even look Jaylin’s way. I was down to the wire. I took a hard and hurtful swallow. “Be . . . before Shane shot the officer, he, uh,” I slowly turned to Jaylin. “Before I say anything else, I would like to have an attorney present.”
Jaylin put his hands into his pockets and stepped down into the great room. “Nah, don’t stop now, this shit is getting interesting. He, uh, what Nokea? Finish telling the detectives your version of the story.”
“First, I would really like to speak with an attorney.”
“Fuck an attorney!” he yelled. “What in the hell happened!”
The detectives didn’t even defend me. They wanted answers just like Jaylin did. I dropped my face into my hands and covered my eyes. “He . . . the officer . . . the man, he forced Shane and I to have sex while he watched. I . . . we didn’t want to, but we feared for our lives,” I sobbed.
Jaylin moved my hand away from my face. He spoke with seething anger. “Why in the fuck didn’t you tell me this shit! You betrayed me Nokea! You lied to me,” he paused and turned to the detectives. “Are we done here?”
“No, sir,” the detective said. “We have a few more questions, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t believe this shit,” Jaylin chuckled in disbelief. “Take her ass to the station and finish this shit up! I don’t give a damn what happens to either one of them!”
He stepped away and I grabbed his arm. “Jaylin, please!”
He snatched away and squeezed his fist. “I swear to God I could kill you right now. Do not touch me!”
“Sir,” the detective said, standing up. “I know you’re angry, but this seems to have been a very unfortunate situation. We’re just here to get to the bottom of this and we are thankful that your wife is being very cooperative with us.”
“Well, I’m thankful for having a lying ass and uncooperative wife too! Hurry this shit up and get the fuck out of my house! If you got more questions, take her ass to the station and question her. I don’t need to hear anymore of the bullshit.”
Jaylin walked away. When the doors to our bedroom slammed, I heard a loud crack. The detectives looked at me.
“Maybe you should come with us and let things cool down for a while. We’d hate for this to escalate into something . . . .”
My whole body was shaking. I didn’t know
what to do. “Can we please just finish this up later? I will be happy to come to the police station or meet you anywhere you’d like. I . . . I just can’t talk about this anymore.”
“Will you be willing to take a lie detector test?”
“Of course, whatever it takes. I just need to talk to my husband right now.”
The detective standing gave me a card and the other two stood up. “Unfortunately for you, we have to get to the bottom of this. The sooner you can come to the station, the better. No later than tomorrow, okay? If you want an attorney present, feel free to bring one,” he said.
I nodded and walked them to the door. Once they left, I headed to our bedroom, but Nanny B stopped me.
“What’s going on?” she whispered.
“A lot, Nanny B. Just keep the kids busy in the playroom. You and I will talk later.”
“From the looks of it, Jaylin seems pretty upset,” she said. “Why don’t you stay with the kids for a minute and let me try to calm him down?”
“No, that’s okay. This is my battle and I need to take care of it. Thanks, though,” I said, and gave her a hug. She hugged me tight. When I loosened our embrace, I went to our bedroom. One of the doors was definitely cracked. When I looked for Jaylin, I saw him standing outside on the balcony. His back was turned and I slowly made my way to him.
“Jaylin . . . .”
“Nokea, do not come any closer to me,” he said with his back still turned. “I will toss your ass over this balcony. Please do not challenge me right now.”
I stood where I was, which was close by our bed. “Would you please just listen to me before you start making any critical decisions? Neither Shane nor I wanted this to happen. We wanted to tell you, but I knew how angry you’d be. I knew you wouldn’t understand that we feared for our lives and we had to do what that man ordered us to do. Don’t you know how much it pained me to let another man touch me? Telling you the truth was only going to make matters worse. I know you Jaylin. There was no way you’d understand. An understanding person you are not. Even though I expect for you to be mad at me, don’t you know how much I love you? Don’t you know that Shane and I did everything that we . . .”
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