Текст книги "Unlawful Justice"
Автор книги: K. Langston
Соавторы: K. C. Lynn
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Текущая страница: 2 (всего у книги 19 страниц)
CHAPTER 3
Olivia
My heart grows heavier with each passing mile as we drive to the cemetery. Yet, I can’t deny the way it thumps wildly and it’s all because of the man next to me.
Grayson Taylor.
Of course it had to be Harmony Falls’s golden boy, also known as the sexy as sin deputy, who escorted me today. Because I didn’t make a big enough fool of myself the other day during our awkward introduction. I was shocked when I walked in to see him sitting in my living room, the boy I’ve always had a crush on from afar.
Heat invades my body when I think about how many times I’ve thought about Grayson Taylor. He was definitely the star of my teenage dreams. With messy, brown hair cut short on the sides but longer on top, deep blue eyes that hold you captive with just a glance, and a tall, lean, sculpted body that no amount of clothes could hide, it’s easy to see why he’s the epitome of every girls’s fantasy.
I’d pondered many times what I would say or do if I ever got the chance to speak to him, and it didn’t turn out the way I’d imagined at all. Though, in all fairness, it was under terrible circumstances, and it was hard to think of anything else but the pain and guilt I’ve felt since Jamal’s death. Just the thought has tears stinging my eyes all over again.
I haven’t been able to stop thinking about how different this situation would be if I had pressed harder and dug deeper to the small changes I saw in Jamal the past few weeks. I never would have guessed he could be capable of doing something like this. He had such high hopes for his future. As did I. His dream was to one day make it all the way to the Olympics. I have no doubt in my mind he would have done it and done it very well. The way he could tear up a track was something I’ve never seen before.
So what changed? Is he responsible for the other break-ins? Who was he with that night? Has he been hanging out with a new crowd?
These are all questions I can’t stop thinking about. Everyone I’ve seen him with at school are good kids like him. Kids who have always been respectful and worked hard to get good grades.
Why didn’t I dig deeper? Why didn’t I reach out to him?
I know my guilt doesn’t even come close to Pap’s. I can tell this has been killing him, even if he doesn’t admit it. It didn’t help that we woke up this morning to see murderer spray painted on our barn. The pain and anger I saw in Pap’s eyes has left a burning ache in my throat all day.
“Why blue?”
Grayson’s question snaps me out of my tortured thoughts. I swing my attention to him, heat inching up my cheeks as I take in his incredible good looks.
Lord, I’m pathetic.
“Pardon me?” I ask, confused about his question. He nods to the plant on my lap. “Oh.” I shake my head, feeling silly for not catching on. “I got him a peace lily because it represents peace and innocence after death. I asked Peggy from the flower shop to dye the flowers blue because it was his favorite color. He wore this blue hat every single day to school. He hated to part with it and carried it with him everywhere, even when he wasn’t allowed to wear it. One day I asked him why he was so attached to it and he told me it was his lucky hat, and that it helped him score all the ladies.” I giggle as I think about it, yet my heart hurts at the memory. “He didn’t need it for luck though. His personality was enough,” I add softly.
“What do you teach?” he asks.
I’m thankful for the topic change. “Literature.”
A sexy smirk tilts his lips. “Now that doesn’t surprise me one bit.”
“Oh? Why?” I ask curiously.
“Because anytime I saw you in school you usually had a book covering your face.”
He saw me? In high school? Like for real?
That thought has a million butterflies fluttering low in my tummy, but I try to push them aside and play it cool. “I’ve had a love of reading for as long as I can remember. I love getting lost in a story, to take a break from reality and live in another world. There’s no feeling like it. I’ve read so many books that it feels like I’ve lived a thousand lives,” I admit wistfully then realize what a dork I sound like. “Uh, yeah, so anyway.” I shift uncomfortably. “I’m really passionate about it, and I love sharing that passion with others, even if a lot of my students don’t share it with me,” I add with a smile.
“Why did you choose Dalsbury?” he asks, talking about the school where I teach.
I shrug. “Why not?”
“Well it’s not very close to you and…” He trails off and clears his throat. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s a low-income school in a bad part of town where the risk of danger is higher. So I’m curious, out of the schools you could have chosen, why there? Why not Glendale where we went?”
I think about his question for only a second before I tell him exactly why I chose it. “My best friend Tania worked there first. When she told me they were looking for an English teacher I jumped at the chance. Not only because I would get to work with her, but also to experience something different. To give back to kids who get so little. The funding there is awful. Together, Tania and I have raised a lot of money for that school. I always donate a portion of my jewelry sales from the farmer’s market. It’s not much, but every little bit helps.” I shrug, feeling uncomfortable with how he’s looking at me all of a sudden. “We’ve also started a reading program that’s had a lot of success. You would be surprised how many children get shuffled through grade to grade and can’t even read,” I tell him with a shake of my head. “And that danger part is nonsense. I mean sure, there are some dangers, but all schools have that.” I turn to face him now, feeling myself getting fired up like I usually do when I talk about this. “I did my practicum at Glendale and you know what? Some kids there were real assholes.” I admit, not caring about my language. “Not all of them but some. I even had a student hit on me as part of a bet he had with his buddies. The arrogant little jerk. Can you believe that?”
He lifts a brow, a grin curling his lips. I can’t return the gesture because just thinking about it has my blood boiling all over again.
“And let me tell you something else.” I shake my finger at him without meaning to. “Most of the kids I teach now care more about their education than any of the kids I taught at Glendale. Care to know why?” I don’t give him a chance to answer. “Because most of the kids at Glendale are spoiled. They don’t realize how good they have it. They’re only worried about partying and football.” I hold my hand up. “Now don’t get me wrong, football is a great sport, I’m sure, and I know a lot of athletes rely on it for college but what good is that going to do if you can’t read? A lot of the kids I teach now bust their butts, hoping they will get good enough grades for a scholarship. They know what it’s like to not have everything handed to them so they work hard for it, which is more than I can say for half of the kids I taught at Glendale.” I collect a breath before continuing then shut my mouth when I realize I’m on a full rant.
Grayson glances over at me, looking amused but also looks a little caught off guard.
“Uh, so anyway, yeah, that’s why I chose Dalsbury,” I say lamely, before turning in my seat to face the front again.
He chuckles, making me wish the ground would open up and swallow me whole.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get carried away.” My cheeks flame with humiliation as I apologize.
“Don’t be. You sound like a good teacher, Liv, and those kids are lucky to have you.” Warmth flows through me at his words and eases some of my embarrassment. “I really was just curious. I didn’t mean anything bad by it.”
“I know you didn’t. Believe me, you aren’t the first person to ask me that question. It’s actually one of the reasons my ex and I split up, so I get a little heated when I talk about it,” I admit quietly.
And also the fact that he’s a lying, cheating bastard, but I keep that part to myself.
“Larson didn’t like you working there?”
My gaze snaps to him in surprise for knowing who my ex is. “No, he didn’t. But he was a jerk anyway so…” I shrug, deciding to leave it at that, or else I’ll end up going on another rant.
“The guy is an arrogant prick, but we can use jerk if you want.”
A smile teases my lips. “I take it you don’t like him?”
He grunts. “That’s an understatement. We’ve never gotten along. I was pissed when I found out that asshole got in with the DA’s office, because it means I have to see his smug ass on a regular basis.”
“I’ll bet. Even I was worried what it meant for Harmony Falls when I found out he was brought in to work with the DA.”
Clint Larson is not only arrogant but he’s also manipulative. It’s what makes him a good lawyer, I suppose. Unfortunately, I saw his true colors a little too late; it would have saved me from a lot of humiliation.
“How the hell did you end up with an asshole like him anyway?” Grayson asks.
“I didn’t know at the time what he was really like and, well,” I pause, feeling uncomfortable to admit this, “he noticed me and asked me out. That doesn’t happen often, so…” I shrug, feeling no need to elaborate further.
“You’re fucking crazy, Olivia, if you think you go unnoticed.”
My breath catches and my heart pounds wildly at the sound of his husky voice. For the second time I’m wondering what he means by that.
Has he noticed me before?
I find it hard to believe since he has women throwing themselves at him constantly, and back in high school he had Mandy Whitmore hanging all over him like a dog in heat. She might be good-looking on the outside but her soul is ugly. She’s never been a nice person.
I don’t think I’m unattractive by any means. I actually look a lot like my mama just not as beautiful, but no one is. She was in a league all on her own. Outgoing and audacious, people were drawn to her. Whereas, I’m…quiet—boring for lack of a better word. And quiet girls are often overlooked. I’ve had a few boyfriends, nothing too serious. I hate to admit it, but other than one guy I dated back in high school, Clint was my most serious boyfriend and that ended almost a year ago. Tania is always telling me to get out there and date more, but after what happened with Clint I needed time to pick up the pieces of my pride. Besides, I keep busy at the farm with Pap and making my jewelry.
I’m content right now.
“Thank you,” I whisper, not really knowing what to do with the compliment.
The easy moment evaporates and reality sets in as we pull up to the cemetery. I make no move to get out. I sit frozen, staring out of the windshield as dusk settles on several headstones ahead, my limbs feeling as heavy as my heart.
“You don’t have to do this, Liv.”
I look over at Grayson. He’s watching me carefully, concern burning in his deep blue eyes. “I know I don’t, but I want to pay my respects.”
He nods even though he doesn’t seem convinced it’s a good idea. Exiting the car, he comes over to my side just as I’m stepping out and grasps my elbow to help me. Just like yesterday, his touch is like branding heat, igniting my blood. I like the feeling. It’s something I’ve never felt before.
“Do you want me to come with you?”
His considerate gesture brings a smile to my face. “Thank you, but you don’t have to. I won’t be long.”
“All right. I’ll wait here for you.”
With a solemn nod I summon the courage to put one foot in front of the other, feeling Grayson’s eyes on me the entire time. I make my way through the cemetery where I see a freshly covered grave near the back right corner. The closer I get, the more my vision blurs with unshed tears. Lots of flowers, letters and pictures surround the mound of dirt, expressing sympathy and reflection on who Jamal was to them.
Lifting my dress a bit, I drop down to my knees and swipe at my tears before placing the potted plant on an open space. “I know what happened wasn’t you, it wasn’t the Jamal I knew. And I want you to know I’m going to remember the bright young man you were in my class, because I know in my heart that’s who you really were.”
I spend a few silent minutes remembering who he was and the future he had ahead of him. All of it gone because of one foolish choice.
“Olivia!” Grayson’s hard voice snaps me out of my reflective moment.
I turn around to see Jamal’s mother storming toward me, his two older brothers flanking her. The angry look on all their faces makes it clear I am not wanted here. The sheriff’s stern warning for me to not come today stands out in the back of my mind.
“How dare you show your face here!” she cries, her voice thick with tears.
My heart begins to pound so loud it’s all I can hear.
“Mrs. Jenkins, please. I mean no harm. I just wanted to…” I trail off as she reaches me and rears her hand back. Before I have a chance to comprehend her intention, Grayson jumps in front of me and takes the impending blow. I gasp when the palm of her hand lands across the side of his face.
He barely flinches. From my position I see him rub his shaven jaw from where her hand connected. “Back up, Mrs. Jenkins. I understand you’re upset, but—”
“Upset! You think having my son murdered makes me upset?” She goes after him in a rage, but thankfully, one of her sons grabs her, locking their arms around her waist.
“What are you thinking, Taylor, letting that bitch come here?” The other brother yells at Grayson. I believe his name is Darius.
Grayson takes a step toward him. “Watch your mouth, Jenkins. She wanted to pay her respects, this isn’t her fault.”
“It is her fault!” Mrs. Jenkins sobs. “She’s a murderer! You hear me?” She breaks into another fit of fury, her arms thrashing as she tries to escape her son’s tight hold. “You’re a murderer!”
My heart sinks, breaking for her monumental loss. “I’m so sorry. I swear I never wanted this to happen. I—”
“Get out of here!” Her voice is so raw, and filled with enough venom to knock me back a step.
“Come on.” Grayson grabs my arm and leads me back to the car. I jog to keep up with his fast, determined strides all while Jamal’s mother screams behind me, the agony of her loss ripping my heart to shreds. By the time I get back in the car I’m shaking uncontrollably, struggling for breath.
“Liv, hey, look at me.” Grayson leans over the console between us, his warm hands framing my face. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”
I try to speak, but I’m still struggling for air.
“Just breathe. Come on, deep breaths.” Closing my eyes I will myself to calm down, slowly breathing in and out. All the while listening to Grayson’s soothing voice as his face hovers close to mine. “Good girl, deep breaths.”
Once I’m calm, I open my eyes and stare into his concerned gaze. “You okay?”
I nod, then reach up and touch his jaw, caressing the angry red skin. “I’m so sorry she hit you,” I croak, knowing it wouldn’t have happened if not for me.
“It’s okay. It wasn’t your fault.” He glances behind me, jaw clenched, eyes tight. “Let’s get out of here. You sure you’re good now?”
I nod again. As he pulls away I make the mistake of looking back to where Jamal’s mother is—on the ground, in front of his grave, crying. She’s clutching her chest while her two sons comfort her. It makes me feel awful that I caused her more pain. I wish now I had listened to Sheriff Dixon and Grayson when they warned me not to come at all. I didn’t think I would run into them, the funeral ended hours ago.
“You know what she said isn’t true, right? She’s just upset. As time passes she’ll see that,” Grayson says, breaking into my turmoil.
I shrug. “I’m not sure she will ever see it, but I know I’m not a murderer and neither is Pap. I feel terrible for what happened, and if anything I blame myself for not digging deeper into the changes I saw in him. But his death was not intentional, Pap would have never pulled that trigger if he didn’t feel threatened.”
“Anyone who knows your grandfather knows that. It’ll blow over, Liv, it’s just going to take some time.”
I look over at him with a sad smile, appreciating how kind he’s been to me. “Thank you again, Grayson, especially for stepping in front of me like you did. I’m sorry you got hurt.”
He shakes his head. “It’s fine. She was way out of line. I would never stand by and let someone hurt you, no matter who they are.”
Warmth explodes through my body. I’m quickly realizing there is a lot more to Grayson Taylor than his insane good looks, and although I know he would do it for anyone, it’s still nice to hear. I’ve never had anyone protect me like that before, except Pap. I just pray he’s right. I hope this all blows over, and I’m hoping it will be sooner rather than later.
CHAPTER 4
WHEN FEAR OUTSHINES COURAGE
A secret POV
I stare at the men in front of me, my heart pounding like a jackhammer in my chest because I know I’m in way too fucking deep. I might not even make it out alive.
Just like Jamal.
The thought brings on an ache so deep. The loss gnaws at my heart with its sharp, unrelenting teeth, but I ignore the pain. I’ll acknowledge it later, when I’m alone and can grieve in private. I can’t show weakness here or they will kill me without a second thought.
Fuck, they already look like they’re ready to kill me now.
“I can’t believe they ain’t chargin’ the old fool.” Reggie seethes, pacing back and forth. “I just left my aunt’s house, she’s a fuckin’ mess because her boy ain’t gettin’ no justice.”
“It’s bullshit that’s what it is.” His right-hand man spits, getting just as worked up as Reggie. “They ain’t sweatin’ that shit ’cause he’s black. Just look at what those assholes did to Baker. They don’t give a shit about justice. Corrupt motherfuckers.”
“You,” Reggie bellows, pointing an accusing finger at me. He charges, and it takes everything I have not to cower. “How the fuck could you let this happen, huh?” He snarls only inches from my face. “How the fuck did y’all let some old motherfucker gun you down? All you had to do was run back to the fucking truck.”
Keep calm, man. Keep it together and stick with the story, it’s the only way you’ll make it out alive.
If I were braver, if I had more courage, I’d tell this asshole to go fuck himself. Tell him it’s his damn fault Jamal’s dead. But, of course, I don’t because there’s a difference between being brave and being stupid. This is one of those situations where you do what you can to survive.
“I’m tellin’ ya, Reggie. There was no getting out of it; the old man caught us off guard. He didn’t even give a warning, he just shot Jamal dead, and I got the fuck out of dodge when I heard the sirens. I didn’t want to lead them back to you, and there’s no way I was gonna let those assholes get ahold of me after what happened with Baker.”
His cold, crazy eyes bore into mine, searching for truth, and I see the exact moment he buys it. As he backs out of my space, I withhold the breath of relief craving to be exhaled. Taking a joint out of his pocket, he lights up and takes a long pull. He exhales the plume of smoke and the contemplation on his face morphs into something else.
Something chilling and sinister.
“Whatcha thinkin’, Reggie?” his buddy asks.
“My baby cousin deserves justice,” he replies, his tone a little more calm, which terrifies me even more. “And we’re gonna make sure he gets it.”
Oh shit.
“What’re you gonna do?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Doesn’t Bradshaw have a granddaughter?”
“Yeah, but she’s innocent in all of this.”
“Yeah, well, Jamal was innocent too and way too fuckin’ young to die. Since the cops ain’t gonna seek retribution, we will, and that old fuck is gonna know what it feels like to have someone you love bleed.”
Fuck, what have I done?
CHAPTER 5
Grayson
The following day I park on the square in front of the courthouse. It’s early but the farmer’s market is already filled with people. When I spoke with my mom last she’d mentioned needing some fresh vegetables for dinner tonight. Knowing it would give me the opportunity to see Liv again, I insisted she let me pick them up. Mainly because I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since I dropped her off yesterday.
I hated leaving her after everything that happened. Her panic attack scared the shit out of me. The moment I saw Mrs. Jenkins storming toward Liv with her two sons, Darius and Kenton, my protective instincts immediately kicked in. I think the only other time I have ever run that fast in my life was when I was on the field. Thank fuck I made it in time, because the thought of that slap being delivered to Liv’s delicate face has my blood spiking with anger all over again. I thought for sure we would miss running into the family, but I guess they decided to come back alone, which makes sense. I just hate that it ended in such a clusterfuck for everyone.
Shaking myself of the memory, I get out of my truck and head over to where I know Liv and Walter’s stand is. Most people greet me as I pass by their table but something feels off. Their interactions are brief and halfhearted, definitely unusual considering how friendly everyone always is. I notice Mr. Jefferson over to the far left and not in his normal spot. As his gaze meets mine I give him a brief wave, but he doesn’t return the gesture. His eyes dart away, as if pretending he didn’t see me.
What the hell?
Before I can think too much about it my gaze lands on Liv and everything else falls away. She’s talking with Fletcher Green, who sells local honey at the stand next to hers. She giggles at something he says and the infectious sound has a smile tugging at my lips.
As I make my way over to them I take in everything about her. The way her short, white sundress hangs loosely off her in all the right places, but does nothing to conceal her slender curves. Her long, blonde hair is swept to the side in a braid that hangs over her bare shoulder, lying against the swell of her perfect tits. The sun beams down on her, as if it’s shining just for her…
Jesus, I sound like a pussy.
“Pull yourself together, Taylor,” I scold myself under my breath.
“Well heya there, Grayson,” Walter greets, noticing me first.
Liv’s eyes snap to mine and widen in surprise, her cheeks instantly flushing pink. It brings another smirk to my lips. I fucking love how easy she is to read, and I get a deep satisfaction knowing the attraction is mutual.
“Hey, Walt,” I respond, not taking my eyes off the girl in front of me. “Hey, Liv.”
“Hi, Grayson.” My dick hardens with her shy smile and the soft sound of my name passing through her lips.
“How ya doin’, Deputy Taylor?”
I manage to pull my gaze away from Liv long enough to look over at Fletcher. “Hey, Fletch, I’m good. I’m going to need a jar of your honey for my mom.” I reach into my pocket and pull out some cash, handing it over to him as he passes me a mason jar.
I turn my attention back to Liv and Walter’s table where crates of a wide assortment of vegetables are spread out. “I’ll be needing some of these too, Walt,” I say, and hand him the list I have with me.
“Sure thing.” Just as he starts bagging the vegetables, Mrs. Olson calls him over for a favor. He hesitates then glances over at Liv.
“I got it, go ahead,” she says, taking the bag and list from him.
As she finishes what he started, I look down at the small table that’s next to the vegetables and see jewelry spread out across it. “So this is the jewelry you were talking about yesterday?”
She nods, that shy little smile playing with the edge of her lips. “It’s just something I like to do on the side.”
I reach down and pick up a ring, the thin metal wire with tiny blue stones strung across feels heavier than I expected. “You make these all yourself?”
“Yes.”
I can’t imagine how long this takes her or the patience it requires. There are various kinds of jewelry, all of them fashioned with intricate designs and extreme detail. “They’re really nice, Liv.” I don’t know shit about jewelry, but everything she has here is as delicate and pretty as her.
“Thank you,” she whispers, uncomfortable by the praise. “So you’re here just picking some stuff up for your mom?”
I put the ring back down where I found it as she hands me the bag of vegetables. “Yeah, I’m going over there for dinner later. She said she wanted some of Walt’s vegetables, so I told her I would swing by and grab what she needs.”
“That was nice of you.”
I shrug. “I don’t know about that. There was motive behind my offer.”
A small frown mars her face. “What’s that?”
“I knew I’d get to see you.”
“Oh.” Her gaze falls to her lap and she bites her bottom lip to keep from smiling.
Reaching across, I graze her chin with my fingers to bring her eyes back to mine. “How are you doing after yesterday?” I immediately regret the question when sadness washes over her beautiful face.
“Okay, I guess. I still feel horrible that I made things worse for his family.”
“I told you, it’s not your fault. You had a right to pay your respects, too.”
She clears her throat. “I know, but I should have waited like y’all suggested. I was hoping by getting out and being here today things would be better but, unfortunately, not everyone is happy to see Pap and me.”
I scowl. “What do you mean?” She tries to look away again, but I hold her chin firmly in place. “Talk to me, Liv. What happened?”
Tears glisten in her eyes. “People moved their tables today,” she whispers. “Mr. Jefferson wouldn’t even look at us. Him and Pap have always gotten along, but he wouldn’t even acknowledge him.”
I grunt. So that’s why he didn’t wave back, it’s clear he’s holding grudges over the rumors with that Baker kid, too.
“The same with Mrs. Hicks. She moved to the opposite side when she usually sets up closer to us. Actually, Fletcher is the only one who didn’t move away from us.”
She means the only one who isn’t white, because everyone else surrounding them smiles and speaks with Walter. “I’m sorry. Neither of you deserve that.”
“My heart breaks for Pap. Even though he doesn’t say it, I know it’s hurtful for people to look at him and treat him like he did something wrong.”
“Not everyone believes that. Fletcher obviously doesn’t and look at everyone else around here laughing and talking with him.” Her gaze darts over to where Walter is still chatting with Mrs. Olson. “The people who matter know the truth.”
It was clearly the right thing to say because her smile returns. “You’re right. I’m sure things will get better as the days go on.”
“I know they will.”
Silence falls between us as we stare at one another, something shifting in the humid air around us. My gaze drops to her mouth as she nervously licks her lips, and before I can stop it a low growl erupts from my chest. Her eyes widen, lust reflected inside their dark depths, matching my own.
“Go out with me,” I demand.
“Uh, o-okay.”
I smirk at her stammering.
“When?” she asks softly.
“How about Friday? I’ll pick you up at six if that works for you?”
“Okay.”
My hand falls from her face, and I reluctantly step back as Walter returns. I collect the bag of vegetables and fish the cash from my pocket but he refuses to accept it. “For taking care of my Livy yesterday.”
I’d hardly say I took care of her, especially after what happened, but I nod and thank him anyway.
Liv stares up at me with those big brown eyes of hers.
“I’ll see you on Friday,” I say.
She nods, fingering the end of her braid with that shy fucking smile playing on her lips. “See you then.”
After a goodbye to Walter and Fletcher, I turn and walk back to my truck, trying to ignore the tension from the others as I pass. Instead I think of only one thing…
Liv.
