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Elevator music would be fantastic right now. Anything other than his silent judgment that I vowed I wouldn’t ever let get to me again. So when the elevator finally opens, I practically push him aside to make my escape.
He says nothing about my rudeness as he takes a seat behind his desk. He watches me from across the room, waiting. And I scold myself because I’m that teenage girl all over again. But just like she did, I find the courage I need to stand up to this asshole I call father.
“I’m here as a curtsey to warn you that your docks are being used for human trafficking.” When he just nods, I see red.
“You knew?”
“Hai.”
“And you did nothing to stop it?” How can he be so fucking calm about this?
When he doesn’t answer, I turn to leave. I will not stand here talking to the walls. I hit the button for the elevator and get inside. I push the button for the lobby, and as the doors close, I finally hear his voice.
“I always protect my family.”
12
GENEVIEVE
“Davenport, you have twenty minutes to get ready for transport.” It’s getting hard to keep a pleasant smile on my face.
I wouldn’t fucking bother if it wasn’t for the fact that it makes me feel marginally better being a prisoner. It seems to annoy my guards and makes the other inmates question my sanity. They aren’t the only ones.
I’m slowly losing my damn mind in here. I have never been this stagnant before. The first day was rather relaxing, not having anywhere to be or any responsibilities. I read a book for enjoyment rather than for research or studying. It was peaceful until night fell.
“Get a move on; we ain’t got all day.” This guard is fidgety and keeps chewing on her thumbnail.
“Smoker?” I ask as I walk down the cell block, which is quieter than you’d think.
A few whistles and cat calls, but otherwise, these women mind their business. They just want to get the day over with to be that much closer to release if they’re among the lucky ones who will get to leave alive.
“Trying to quit. Is it that obvious?” I nod and grin.
“Try some gum. Anything to keep your mouth busy. It’s what helped my….” I don’t finish my sentence.
Father, it’s what helped him quit, and now I’m getting ready to be led to his funeral in handcuffs. The guard watches me closely and leans in a little to whisper.
“You’re one of the real ones.” I frown, not understanding what she means.
“You didn’t kill him.” She states it like she’s one hundred percent sure.
I don’t respond as I’m taken to the showers and left mostly alone to get ready. Her words make me think of how most law enforcement have a sixth sense when it comes to criminals. They may not be able to predict the crimes, but they can spot an innocent person a mile away.
I ponder whether I’m an innocent while I get ready, and when I’m finally done, I’ve come to two conclusions. One, only children are innocent and void of sin. Two, I may not have pulled that trigger, but I’m as guilty of his murder as the person who did just because of the fact that I’ve wanted to kill him myself so many times I might as well have manifested it.
So am I innocent? Hell no. Am I guilty? Maybe.
* * *
Abel
I requesteda transfer of the case to Arlington when I put in the request for release to the funeral. Surprisingly, Judge Carmichael granted it based on the news footage and having a biased jury pool. I’ve been working non-stop, and when we land, I get the email stating the appeal for bail has been granted, and we are to be in front of the new Judge in five hours.
I smile at the little victory and pocket my phone. All the members of the club are here and in their colors representing the MSMC. We have our bikes and will be in the funeral procession in honor of the fallen sailer we knew as the Admiral.
Genevieve isn’t being allowed to attend the services at the church, only the graveside for security reasons, and only after the place has cleared out. She’s basically given ten minutes to say her last goodbyes, and then it’s back to lock up until we see the judge.
We ride up to the church in the rain, and I enter to find a packed house. The club stays in the back as I walk up to the front of the church and sit next to Josette. She looks up at me and then looks behind me.
