This is book 2 in the Thin Ice Series Family. It can be read as a standalone without reading Thin Ice (1-12) or Noir Frost (1-5) but a significant amount of the ‘history’ may be lost on the reader.
For Kaitlyn, the nightmare looms everlasting. Tragedy, pain and loss seem to be her eternal companions. Filled to overflow, she reacts, setting off a domino effect that leaves no one in its wake unscathed. Dark corners become illuminated. Battle lines blur. The truth of the past, now disturbed, will no longer rest dormant.
Opening
Time. It was the one thing that made you or broke you. Right now, it was tearing Tariq apart. With Tadjra out of the woods, improving daily, his mind remained free to recall the thing he fought hardest to keep locked away. His heart grieved Seduction day-to-day, none more so than when he found himself alone. Standing on the balcony of the condo brought back memories of times shared and forever lost. “Well if you’re okay with it, I’ll give Solace a call later today and see about getting the ball rolling on my move to Houston.”
Tariq pulled her into his arms after she spoke.
“Sounds good.”
“Why don’t we go down to the beach?”
Seduction pulled away from him kissing her neck as she spoke the query. Tariq chuckled.
“That’s not quite where my train of thought was headed, but sure, we can do that.”
“Oh, I know where your train was headed. I’m just delaying your trip for a little while.”
The memory beautifully pleasant, the pain accompanying it, searing. He needed something to fill the free time.
Running the sect here in Miami was fine, and it occupied a great deal of his time. He of course spent time with the girls, Mook and Kim. Raider came often, though he had yet to fly to Atlanta. You miss the intimacy and romance of your companion. His heart screamed its reality anew. Tariq exhaled heavily at the thought. It brought Kaitlyn to mind and the sexual interaction they shared during Tadjra’s ordeal. You still love the woman, what are you going to do about that? His libido demanded answers.
“I need to reach out to her.”
As much as he disliked Ian, even he wasn’t void of emotion and sympathy for what the man presently endured. Recalling it reminded him he needed to check on Tedjra and make sure everything was alright with her. Still doesn’t answer the question of your spare time, your yearning for love, or that thought that’s germinating in your mind right now. Tariq walked over to his bar retrieving the bottle of cognac. He wasn’t going to deal with that at all right now. Deciding being cooped up in the house wouldn’t help, he threw back the quick shot and grabbed his keys. Texting Mook as he walked out of the condo, the response was instant. Caliente Nights would be the diversion of the night. His partner would help him get plastered before pouring himself into another empty night in bed.
The elevator came quickly, and he stepped inside. It stopped on the floor directly beneath his, a couple getting on. They said hello, smiling as they held hands. Tariq greeted them. Just as swiftly dismissing them, he returned to his phone. He noted them pressing the pool level, his mind spiriting into another memory without warning or permission.
“I’m going in the water.”
Seduction stood taking off the swimsuit cover. Tariq looked her over in the sunrise orange tankini.
“Guess I need to come too, especially with you looking like that.”
Seduction commented aloud as soon as they left the shade of the huge umbrella.
“Wow, this sun is hot!”
“You’re the one who wanted to hit the water.”
She stuck out her tongue at his teasing, making him laugh. Arriving at the shoreline, they both stepped into the warm water, smiling as they ventured further out. Tariq regarded her mischievously.
“Can you swim?”
“Yes, but don’t get any ideas.”
Tariq grinned reaching over and pushing her down into the water. She floundered a moment, before gaining her bearings and grabbing his arm, yanking him down with her.
“Told you not to try it didn’t I.”
Shaking his head slightly to spook the memory, Tariq swallowed the hurt another time. Loud music, throngs of people, and liquor were especially what he needed tonight. Just as the doors opened, he escaped the distress a little while longer.
Chapter 1
The longest thirty days of his life. Ian’s subconscious ferried him back in time to the day they stepped off the plane from Miami.
“Ryan, what the hell is going on?”
“Come on, we have to get to the hospital.”
Kaitlyn spoke up now, her anxiety on full display.
“What? Why, what is going on?”
Ryan said nothing further as they made their way to the waiting car. The ride over to the hospital remained quiet and tense, until Ian broached the subject anew.
“Ryan, what the hell are we walking into?”
Ian threw back the shot of liquor in his hands, placing the glass on the bar he remained standing beside. He would never forget the words, or the look on his brothers face when he spoke them. “There was a break in, at the house.”
“What, who broke into the house, spit it out Ryan!”
“Calm down Ice, let me explain.”
Kaitlyn interjected anew.
“Go on Ryan.”
“There was a break in, evidently Mrs. Connor came home in the middle of it….”
Kaitlyn gasped. Ian’s brow furrowed as he waited on the rest.
“They overpowered her, tied her up. Unfortunately, Tye and Tyrion were with her.”
“What happened to our kids Ryan?”
Ian tightly posed the question, Kaitlyn holding his hand, grip ironclad.
“The assholes shot them Ice, all of them.”
Everything happened in a blur after that. Ian vaguely remembered getting to the hospital and going inside. Ryan delivered the first blow in the car. Mrs. Connor didn’t survive. She died in route to the hospital. Their personal physician, Dr. Wiler, delivered the knockout punch. Tye and Tyrion were clinging to life on respirators. He and Kaitlyn would be forced to make the hardest decision of their lives forty-eight hours later when they gave permission to disconnect the machines. They buried their babies three days later. Now Ian existed to find, and kill, the people responsible for destroying his world. Things were strained between him and Kaitlyn. She continued to grieve, which he fully understood, but she did it alone. Each day saw her grow farther away from him. Today she flew to Miami to spend time with the twins. Thinking of the girls brought more pain. They too were pulling away and he couldn’t understand why. Tadjra called often, more than Tedjra, but Ian could sense the difference. What have they been told? He didn’t forget the promise made to tell the family history. So far however, everyone remained placated to give them some time.
He lives in Miami. Maybe your cousin is the reason your wife has little use for you anymore. Ian poured another shot, swiftly downing it as well. This sore spot grew in width and depth now that the only hindrances to Kaitlyn leaving him were gone. Mentally giving the thoughts a momentous shove, Ian returned his mind to the task he lived for. Glancing at his watch he walked into his study. Ryan was due to arrive in a few moments. They were going over the security footage from the house cameras. They turned over the footage to the police, cooperating with the investigation, but Ian kept copies for himself. The police, nor the legal system, would ever bring him the satisfaction that his own self-imposed justice could. Hearing the front door close, Ian pulled his thoughts together just as Ryan opened his study door. Walking inside, he gave his brother a short smile, before observing him a moment longer. Finally, he opened his mouth and spoke.
“You’re sure you’re ready to see this?”
“Yes, it’s way past time. I am going to find the bastards that stole my children’s lives.”
“You know I got your back, SaCari too.”
“I know. Set it up and let’s get started.”
Ryan responded to his brother’s request, placing the small thumb drive into Ian’s computer. Pulling up a chair, he joined him as the menu popped up and Ian selected the file. The longer he watched, the colder he became. Ian felt the stirring. Old thoughts, mindsets, emotions, they all flooded his psyche in a tidal wave of activity. Stopping frames, they both discussed how to identify the perpetrators. Ryan spoke first.
“It had to be someone who knew the house, the layout, Mrs. Connor’s schedule.”
“Definitely.”
“Let’s work that angle. Look into the deliveries that are made weekly, monthly.”
“Cool, let’s make a list and we’ll work it together, get Ray involved to bypass legality drama.”
Plan of action decided, the list became reality, the two brothers splitting it and going to work. Ryan rose to leave, wanting to get to his own private study and get into digging.
“Call me if you come up with anything.”
Ian’s gaze never wavered after the sentence, his brother held the stare.
“You already know.”
Ian watched him until he left closing the door behind him. Rising he headed into the kitchen and made himself a sandwich. Trey would be home later, but he wouldn’t disturb him. The young man left him pretty much to his own devices these days. You must stop neglecting him. He’s your sole heir now. The thought pained Ian anew. Returning to the study with his dinner, he began to eat, picking up the list and putting the first company name into the computer.
*****
The two women stood inside the room, atmosphere tense, headed for waters better left uncharted, when Jaleesa launched into the depths.
“What are you doing Kiki?”
“What are you talking about Tweety? I’m visiting my daughters. What are you doing here?”
“Stopping you from making a horrible mistake.”
Kaitlyn took a breath, eyeing her oldest, and dearest friend. She frankly was over everyone telling her how and what she should feel. A month ago, her world twisted into knots, as she stood at the bedside of her two babies and watch them take their last breaths. Since that day, nothing stayed the same. Normal became a word that left her confuddled. Her trips to Miami were a refuge. A time to get away from everything and just be. Now her best friend stood in her face, taking her where she didn’t want to go.
“Just what mistake do you think I’m making Tweety? I’m here to see my children.”
“Kiki, that might work on Ice, but I know you. I know how much you still love Tariq. I also know he’s here in the same city.”
“Yeah, he is, so what?”
“So, you just lost your babies. You and Ice are reeling from it, which is driving you both crazy and apart. You’re vulnerable Kiki, and that vulnerability might lead to some shit you can’t take back.”
Taking a deep breath Kaitlyn remained quiet a moment. Listening to Jaleesa right now made her glad she followed the intuition keeping the sexual rendezvous with Tariq to herself. Obviously, her best friend no longer remained the impartial sister she once knew, trusted with her life. This woman was a Bailey through and through.
“Oh I get it. You think I’m going to go and what, throw my pussy on Tariq’s face out of grief?”
“Kiki don’t get defensive. I’m trying to help.”
“I don’t recall asking for your help. I don’t recall asking you to come to Miami. I don’t recall ever saying Ice and I were having problems, so where would you get that idea, hmm?”
It was Jaleesa’s turn to exhale loudly, gathering her thoughts as she removed the bottle of vodka from the mini bar. Pouring the contents into a glass she took as sip before regarding her friend again.
“Look in my face and tell me you are over Tariq. Tell me you haven’t given one small inkling of thought to seeing him while you’re here.”
“I don’t have to explain, or justify, myself. I’m here visiting my girls, period.”
Kaitlyn grabbed the bottle of Crown Royal, having stopped on her way to the hotel, and poured her own shot. She took it down quickly, refilling the glass and repeating the gesture.
“Kiki, I love you. You know that. I know you’re hurting right now, and yeah, Ice mentioned something to Ryan about you pulling away. Please, don’t shut us out. We’re all here for you right now.”
“Tweety, listen, I need some time. I get it. Everyone’s worried about me. Worried I might relapse or something….”
“I’m worried you’re going to make a horrible mistake and sleep with Tariq.”
“I haven’t seen the man Tweety. I’m not looking for him. I’m hanging out with my girls. Fuck! Let me be.”
Jaleesa watched her closely as Kaitlyn took another shot from the bottle. Choosing her words carefully she sized her friend up. She couldn’t fail. She promised Ryan and Ian that she would get inside Kaitlyn’s head. Let them know what the woman was truly thinking. This is your girl. Your sister and lifeline. Why are you out here cloaking for the enemy? Jaleesa sighed evenly. She was Ryan’s wife. They built a life together over this past decade. So did Kaitlyn and Ian. Jaleesa didn’t want anything to change. She wasn’t ready to return to the drama of twenty years ago. Kaitlyn needed to stay with Ian and everyone live their lives. Who are you to decide that? Maybe you’re trying to cover up your own resolved feelings hmm? Jacoury has been on your mind a lot.
“Are you leaving Ice now?”
“What? Where the hell did that come from?”
Jaleesa shrugged.
“There are no obstacles anymore. Tye and Tyrion wouldn’t be in the way, make the divorce messy.”
“Are you serious right now?!”
Kaitlyn words growled from her lips, fury growing.
“Hell Kiki, the way you’re acting, do you even care that those kids are dead?”
“What the fuck did you just say to me?!”
“It’s an honest question Kiki….”
“You know what? Get the fuck out! That shit you just said to me was past foul!”
“Kiki, I didn’t mean to hurt you, please I just want you to think about what you’re doing.”
“Get out Tweety. Now! I never thought I would see the day, but shit, live and learn I guess.”
“Kiki….”
“If I ask you again Tweety, I’m going to hurt you.”
Realizing she went too far, Jaleesa grudgingly acquiesced picking up her purse, leaving her friends room. Standing out in the hallway, she took another breath. Kaitlyn was angry, but maybe it would make her see reason. Maybe she would prove truthful in her assertion she was only here to see the girls, not reconnect with the man Jaleesa knew full well she still loved.
*****
Plopping down onto the bed after Jaleesa closed the door, Kaitlyn rubbed her temples. For the first time in their history, she wanted to cause bodily harm to her best friend. Frankly, seeing Tariq wasn’t on her to do list while she visited the girls. That much she honestly replied too. Kaitlyn was over it in every sense of the word. She loved Tariq, but she was done dealing with the aloof manner he treated their liaison. I can get random dick anywhere. She was tired of performing for Ian’s sake. Yes, she knew he hurt like she did. Yes, he was her husband and she did have love for him. Yes, she understood that everyone meant well. That didn’t mean jack to her as she sat in this hotel room, alone. Kaitlyn began reminiscing on her life, the past, the highs and lows of it all. She spent decades trying to keep other people happy. Giving herself as a sacrificial lamb time and again. For what?
“Great damned question.”
Rising she headed into the bathroom, turning on the shower. Making plans in her head, Kaitlyn continued to reminisce. The longer she thought, the angrier she became. Turning the waters temperature as hot as she could stand, Kaitlyn replayed the interactions with both Tariq and Ian over the years. She thought about the drama, the bloodshed, the tension. Not a lot has changed has it?
“We’ve all changed. Just not necessarily for the better.”
Stepping out of the shower Kaitlyn decided her next move. Going through the autonomy of dressing, she picked up the card key and rental reservation, heading downstairs. She and the twins were having dinner, then catching a show at the college they were excited about. Tomorrow began a new day. Arriving at the rental kiosk inside the hotel, Kaitlyn picked up the keys. Locating the car swiftly, she got inside and turned on the GPS. She would meet them at the restaurant. Kaitlyn smiled thinking about her girls. They brought peace to her battered and storm crashed psyche. Tadjra and KiSean were doing well living together. She admitted a bit of hesitation when her daughter broached the idea, but her worries were short lived. KiSean took excellent care of Tadjra, ensuring her recovery continued. Tedjra and Michael were also good together. They weren’t living together, at least not yet. Kaitlyn chuckled aloud at the thought. Tadjra planned to return to class in the next week if the doctor released her on the next visit. Tedjra thrived after the transfer, as did Michael. Kaitlyn prayed their happiness lasted. What happens when they find out the truth about everything? She exhaled loudly at the internal query. So far, they were able to buy time and none of the kids pushed, but that was temporal to say the least.
“Cross the bridge when we get there.”
Deliberately changing the line of thought, Kaitlyn continued to make mental plans. Her decision never wavered. Are you going to reach out to Tweety?
“In due time.”
Seeing her destination and hearing the GPS confirm the same, Kaitlyn turned in entering the valet line. Getting out she handed the young man the keys, took her ticket and walked inside. Glancing around she saw the two excited hands waving furiously, beckoning her over. My two rays of sunshine indeed.
Chapter 2
Rondé was over it. As much as he understood the delay, with everything that happened in the last month, he was more than ready to hear the truth. He let it be known to Ryan, and his mother, that he fully expected them to keep their promise. Ryan put him off yet again. Jaleesa did the same. Both using the excuse of needing more time. If it weren’t for Asia being in his life right now, Rondé believed he would have snapped on them both. Having something else to focus on kept his temper in check for the time being. I’m giving them another three, four weeks, tops. Pulling himself back from the brink, Rondé focused on spending time with the woman who captured his heart without effort. He and Asia were good. Even with the long distance, they remained strong together. She came with Tedjra to the funerals, being a huge source of support for him as well. Thinking of the twins brought a deep sigh. Tadjra still wasn’t well enough to travel at that point. She never received the opportunity to say a final goodbye to her siblings. Asia confided how much the fact upset his cousin.
He was headed to Miami in a few hours. Spending time with Tadjra and Tedjra, at the top of his to do list as was hooking up with Asia. What about you two? When are you going to take the plunge? Rondé frowned slightly. He really wanted too, but he also respected Asia’s decision to wait a little longer. He got it. With a track record for using and losing women, Rondé knew she had to be enormously leery of intimacy with him. I would never hurt Asia like that. He took another breath and pushed those thoughts aside. The weekend would already be short enough. Rondé didn’t need anything taking up unnecessary time. As always when they got together, he and Asia would enjoy exploits and frolic. If it happens, it happens. His cell chimed causing him to pick it up. Smiling, he sent a text back. The phone rang immediately after.
“What’s up man?”
“Hey Layman, how goes it?”
“It’s straight, heading to O.P. this weekend. Spend time with Rayne.”
“I’m glad to see you two doing so well. You talked to Ryan yet?”
“Yeah, shit man, that was scary as hell.”
Rondé burst into laughter, knowing exactly what his best friend meant. His stepdad was no nonsense, not to mention dangerous as hell.
“Did he have an issue with you and Rayne?”
“No, but he grilled my ass long and hard about Tedj and why I suddenly wanted Rayne.”
“Well you’re not in the hospital, so you must have given some good answers.”
Both men laughed heartily at Ronde’s statement.
“I told him the truth. I really do care for Rayne and I wasted a lot of time being blind and stupid.”
“It’s all good man.”
“What’s up with you this weekend?”
“I’m headed to Miami, see the girls, spend time with Asia.”
“You must be serious about her, I haven’t known you to do this much traveling to see a girl.”
“Yeah, Asia, she’s, well she’s just got the right vibe, ya know?”
“I get it man, just giving you grief. I think it’s great you found someone.”
“Thanks man. I’ll hit you up when I get back to Atlanta.”
“That’s straight have a good time. Tell the twins hello.”
“Will do man.”
Returning his attention to the duffle, Rondé finished packing. A quick cursory once over of the apartment satisfied him everything was in order. Picking up his bag, he headed for the front door. The uber driver texted just as Rondé stepped into the elevator. Pushing the down button and enjoying the short ride, he stepped out of the building into the sunlight. Spotting the black corolla, he walked over, opened the door and climbed into the backseat. His mind already in Miami, another hour or so, his body would join it.
*****
Tedjra giggled coming and heading for the living room. She plopped on the sofa, reaching out and grabbing a handful of the popcorn sitting before her.
“Where’s KiSean?”
“At the club, he won’t be in until late.”
“Okay, that’s good.”
Tadjra gave her sister a look, knowing her well. There was something on her mind. Also glad KiSean wasn’t at home, Tadjra sat down beside her. She retrieved her cup of tea, taking a sip.
“What’s on your mind?”
Tedjra finished the popcorn in her hand, mind tumbling. She was about to broach a sensitive subject. She remained fully unsure how her sister would react. While she was thrilled about her parents’ possible reconnection, Tadjra might not share the joy. Wiping her hands and uncapping the water bottle, Tedjra bought a little more time as she drank. Her twin waited patiently, continuing to enjoy her beverage.
“When everything was going on with you, Daxon and that whole mess, some stuff happened I want to tell you about.”
Tadjra frowned slightly, putting the cup down regarding her sister silently.
“Do you remember when I lost the key card to daddy’s room?”
“Yes.”
“Turns out I didn’t lose it. Mommy took it.”
“What? Why would mommy take your key card?”
“She went to see daddy.”
Tadjra frowned anew but didn’t interrupt.
“I walked in intending to thank daddy for arranging the new card, when I heard them screaming at each other.”
“They were fighting? About what?”
“Us. Daddy was angry about Daddy Ian adopting us, changing our name.”
“Wow, I never thought about that, or how daddy must have felt. What happened?”
“They kept arguing and daddy sounded like he hated mommy. He said something about court cases, paternity tests. I don’t know what that was about.”
“Probably more of those secrets they all keep.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right. Well they finally calmed down a little and mommy kept apologizing to him. I saw daddy turn and walk toward the kitchen where I stood so I ran out of there as fast as I could.”
“Daddy didn’t see you? They don’t know you heard them?”
“No. That wasn’t the last visit though.”
“Really? When did mommy visit again?”
“When Daddy Ian and Uncle Ryan went back to Overton Park that one day.”
“You were at daddy’s then, did mommy see you?”
“No, I made an excuse to leave after I saw her text on Daddy’s phone. I snuck back in after I saw mommy come into the lobby of the hotel.”
“Were they still fighting?”
Tedjra exhaled heavily, picking up the water and quenching her thirst. Her mouth grew drier with each word, nerves getting the better of her. Tadjra so far remained amiable, but would that change with the rest of the story?
“Yes, worse than before. I was so scared they would stop speaking to each other at all.”
“But?”
“But they calmed down again and started to talk like the friends they used to be. I was leaving when I heard a heavy thud. I was terrified they were at it again, physically attacking each other this time, so I went back to the door and pushed it just a tad.”
“Please tell me they weren’t physically hitting each other!”
“No, they were….”
“They were what Tedjra?! What happened!”
“Calm down Tadj, they were kissing and um….”
Tadjra’s mouth dropped as her sister blushed and she figured out what her parents were doing in the room together. The hushed whisper left her lips.
“Did they?”
Tedjra nodded in the affirmative.
“Wow. I knew they still loved each other. What now though? Mommy is still married to Daddy Ian.”
“Yes, but she loves daddy, and he loves her. They belong together.”
“I mean I get that you would love for us to be a family again, but ….”
Tadjra’s cell rang before she could complete the sentence. Frowning marginally, she showed the display of the callers’ identity.
“Hey Daddy Ian.”
“Hi Tadjra, how are you feeling today?”
“I’m good, getting better each day.”
“Good, I know I haven’t been down to see you like I should.”
“It’s fine, I know you’re busy. Come with mommy next time. Where is she by the way? She left a blouse at my house. I’m thinking of keeping it.”
They both giggled at the end of her statement. The line remained quiet for a moment, causing them both to frown.
“Daddy Ian, is something wrong?”
“I haven’t seen Kiki in two weeks. I thought she was there with you both.”
*****
Ryan heard the conversation. He saw the look on his brother’s face and knew exactly where his mind was. Waiting until Ian disconnected, Ryan broke the silence.
“You think she’s with him?”
“I don’t know what to think. I mean she hasn’t even told the girls where she is obviously.”
“But you’ve talked to her in the last few days, right?”
“Briefly about a week ago. She said she was taking some time for herself.”
“So, unless she’s keeping it a secret from the girls, and I don’t know why she would, Kiki’s not with him.”
Ian didn’t respond. He texted Kaitlyn waiting for a response. She returned the text three minutes later. He dialed her number, waiting for her to answer. Ryan, giving his brother space, left the room and headed for the kitchen. What the hell is happening? He recalled Jaleesa telling him of the talk the two had and its non-productivity. He knew it was risky asking his wife to run interference. Now none of them had any idea where the woman was. Cousin dearest knows. You better believe she told him. The thought angered him. Pulling out his own phone, he dialed Ray. He needed bloodhounds, immediately. You can’t interfere this time. Ryan exhaled evenly. He would only keep eyes on the woman once the tracers found her. Ian deserved that much.
“Hello Ryan.”
“Hey Ray, I need someone found.”
“No problem. Who are we looking for and how quickly do you want them found?”
“Kiki, and yesterday.”
Silence ensued. Ryan knew Ray’s mind was spinning.
“Did she relapse?”
“I’m honestly not sure. She only told Ice she needed time.”
“How long has she been gone?”
“Two weeks. Listen Ray, this is between us. Ice can’t know.”
“Of course Ryan, no problem. What do you want to happen when she’s located?”
“Keep eyes on her, keep her safe. I’ll take it to Ice in due time.”
“Sounds good. I’ll make a call as soon as we disconnect. Call you with any updates.”
“Thanks Ray, I appreciate it.”
“Never a problem, you know this. Goodnight Ryan, we’ll talk soon.”
Swiftly assuring himself his brother to be nowhere within earshot, Ryan put his phone back into his pocket and headed into the study. Ian watched the surveillance again, phone lying on the desk.
“What did she say Ice?”
Stopping his movement, Ian looked up and regarded his brother.
“She needs time to sort out her feelings, heal, and decide what her future holds.”
Ryan raised an eyebrow.
“What does that mean?”
Ian shrugged.
“I don’t know. I told her I loved her, and she knew where home was.”
“What the hell?”
“Ryan, right now, I need to find the people who killed my children and Mrs. Connor. I can’t get distracted and lose focus. Kiki is going to have be secondary right now.”
Hearing the words, observing the emotion, Ryan didn’t push. He got it. Ian covered his fury, his pain, fear, of what would happen between him and Kaitlyn with finding the people responsible for the hell they both resided.
“Anything new on the video?”
“No, but I think it’s a safe bet to believe it was an inside job. Someone would need to know alarm codes, when the house was empty, to just come inside.”
“Only people know that are the residents….”
“And the company I pay for security monitoring.”
“Ain’t that a bitch.”
Ian rose and made them both drinks, coming over and handing his brother his.
“Tomorrow morning, 8AM, I will be standing inside Select Source with some questions of my own.”
Throwing back the shot Ryan left his brother and headed home. His mind spiraled multi-dimensionally as he drove. This drama cannot start all over again. He was recalling the turmoil between his cousin and his brother concerning Kaitlyn. Would she leave Ian now that the children were no longer an issue? Could Ice deal with losing her again? His thought shifted sharply, his daughter coming into focus. He had no particular beef with Layman, still he meant what he said. The fact the young man could so easily and swiftly shift his emotion from Tedjra to Rayne rubbed him the wrong way. He promised her however he would approach the situation with an open mind. I’ll be keeping both eyes on him. He messes up, he’ll wish he never met Rayne. The thoughts exited another time, recalling Rondé and the demand for information. How are you all going to explain that history? His father’s death and his mother’s hand in it? Seeing the house come into view Ryan joyously evicted the thoughts. Too much was going on right now. He looked forward to going inside and relaxing in Jaleesa’s arms. Tomorrow they would start early and try to find much needed answers.