Читать книгу View Park - Angela Winters - Страница 7

That Chase mansion was something else. Nestled in View Park, the affluent mostly African-American suburb of Los Angeles, it is by far the largest house in the entire community. Glorious, elegant and intimidating begin to touch on it. Most people just call it big, not only because of its size, but because of its residents. A family couldn’t be any bigger than Steven Chase and his clan, and no one was willing to admit how much they ached to know what went on behind the red brick and white columns.

The house, being only fifteen-thousand square feet was not as big as it could be considering the money the family had. All of the homes they owned around the world focused more on elegance and class than size. Still, it was impressive with seven bedrooms and nine baths, not to mention the exercise room, game room, media room, and library plus more, the home had taken eighteen months to build. Steven had purchased it when it was 8,000 square feet, but as his millions grew, the house next door was purchased, torn down and his wife, Janet, had taken it from there. The stature that blended a sturdy East Coast feel with a flirt of southern gentility rejected any hint of West Coast flash. It resembled something more likely to be in Bel Air or Hollywood Hills with its tall gate, wide driveway filled with Mercedes, Jaguars and Lexus SUVs, large pool with cabanas, basketball court and a Caribbean colonial designed 2,000 square foot guest house. Contemporary frames, marble flooring, cathedral ceilings, granite countertops, five fireplaces and a double staircase that caused mouths to drop while making Town & Country, California Homes, and L.A. Magazine salivate delivered a lasting statement to those far beyond View Park.

The statement was class, sophistication and most importantly, power. It had to be. After all, the Chase family was one of the richest and most powerful African-American families in the country, the richest on the West Coast. No one could put a label to them, white or black; no matter how hard they tried, using every other rich family existing now and before them. The Chases never accepted any of those labels, seeing themselves as originals in every way. They were born leaders, attractive, well educated, philanthropic and seemingly unfazed by anything. They stayed away from the undesirable black wealth acquired by athletes, actors or entertainers. Only lawyers, doctors, businessmen, educators and politicians made up the world the Chase family ruled.

When it came to the various scandals, like any good rich family worth their salt, they had plenty. The general consensus among those who talk, and they all talked, was that the Chase family was special. Special in a way that any mistakes they made weren’t as bad as their charitable acts were good. None of their misdeeds seem to trump their place as black royalty. It was a payoff that others were willing to accept. More like…willing to embrace.

No matter how intense the scandal was, there was never a feeling that the Chase family was out of control. Steven Chase, the conqueror, raised his children similar to the way he had built his business. The foundations were strong and well supported, not only meant to last long after he was gone, but to prosper and dominate far after that. He was the ultimate symbol of that power and his confidence left everyone in awe; especially his own children.

Only today, that confidence wasn’t as visible as usual. In his home office, elaborately decorated in cherrywood and rich, dark leather, Steven, looking much younger than his fifty-three years, sat uncomfortably behind his desk. He was a distinguished man heavy on control and light on affection for anyone except his wife. Running his hands over his salt and pepper hair, he shook his head in disappointment, his chocolate skin darkened from spending the day before on the golf course; a rare retreat for him.

His eldest son, Carter, the reluctant gentleman, was thirty and better-looking than any man had a right to be. His conservative style and calm quiet demeanor drove his intense father crazy. Everything about Carter drove him crazy. The boy seemed determined to defy him since the day he was born. He seemed to take delight in doing anything other than what Steven wanted him to and making a success of his defiance.

Steven didn’t expect today to be any different as he looked at Carter sitting in the chair across the desk from him. Those incredible light eyes he’d inherited from his mother stared back saying he refused to let his father’s anguish affect him.

“So,” Steven said as he sighed, trying to focus on something other than why his firstborn son wanted to be his enemy. “When exactly am I ready to say we should panic?”

“You don’t panic, Dad.” Carter was unwilling to accept the blame this time. Whenever things didn’t work out at Chase Beauty like they should, he somehow shared the responsibility even though he didn’t work there.

“There’s a first time for everything,” Steven scoffed. “And I think this might be that time.”

He looked back at Michael, the favorite son, who was standing behind him, leaning casually against the bookshelf. It wasn’t Steven’s choice to make Michael his favorite and he would never admit to anyone, not even his own wife, that he was. He’d wanted Carter, but it became clear early on that that wasn’t ever going to happen. It was better this way. Michael was more like Steven: aggressive, hungry and willing to do whatever it took.

Twenty-nine-year-old Michael was tall and dark, looking like a young Sidney Poitier. Unlike the carefully concealed fire inside Carter, Michael’s flame could be seen miles away. It drove him. It gave him immediate respect from men twice his age. It made him dangerous. It made him the mirror of his father.

Michael leaned forward with a confident smirk on his face. He was used to this game. His father made it seem like the world was falling apart to light a candle underneath him when he thought Michael was slacking, which he never was.

“We have seventeen of the twenty,” Michael offered. “It’s just taking a little longer than we expected.”

Steven stared him down. “I’m disappointed in you, Michael. I thought I raised my sons to never make excuses.”

Michael blinked, but never lost his composure. There was something about this man that ripped at him. His approval could make him feel like he was king of the world, and his disappointment made him feel like a five-year-old boy. This business deal was the chance he’d been waiting for. He would be the one to take the leading cosmetics company for women of color to the next level…a chain of high-end hair salons and that board of directors seat was his.

“You’re still on the timeline,” Carter said. “You wanted to take over twenty of the top black salons in L.A. by the first of the year. It’s only September.”

Steven turned to him, a sarcastic grin on his face. “I love how you use these phrases ‘you’ and ‘your’.”

Carter rolled his eyes, knowing what was coming next. The almost daily reaming of accusations that Carter didn’t love his father, his family and the family business because he’d decided to be his own man. It was a broken record and he didn’t have the patience for it.

Steven leaned across his desk, staring pointedly at his son. “You may not work for me, a rejection I have learned to deal with, but you are still a Chase.”

Carter felt his teeth grinding. Keep your cool, he told himself. He loves it when you let him get to you. “I know, Dad. I just meant…”

“So,” Steven continued as if Carter hadn’t spoken, “when referring to the success of Chase Beauty, ‘we’ is more appropriate.”

Carter pressed his lips together noticing the sly grin on Michael’s face. His little brother got a lot of entertainment out of these scenes, and even though Carter loved him more than anyone on the planet, he wanted to sock him right now.

“Hate to say it,” Michael admitted, “but Carter’s right. And I wasn’t making an excuse.”

Steven wasn’t getting through to them. They were young, but they were Chases and that meant they had to act more than their ages. “Do you boys understand the point here? My vision was clear. We would buy these carefully selected salons and launch our own chain. The end of the year was the deadline to launch. Not buy the salons.”

“Dad, we’ve offered them the world,” Michael said. “Performance Salon and Essentials won’t sell. It’s time to get dirty.”

“Like you haven’t already?” Carter asked. “I’ve heard what you’ve been doing.”

Michael smiled innocently. He kept very few secrets from Carter. Only sometimes, Carter’s sensitivity to obeying the law made it necessary. “You haven’t heard anything.”

“How about Matt Leonard and those pictures you threatened to send to his wife?”

Michael laughed. “You thought that was dirty? I’m surprised at you, man. You ought to know dirty better than anyone. You’re a lawyer.”

“Michael is right,” Steven said. “We have to—”

Carter raised his hand to stop his father. “Dad, I don’t want to hear this.”

“You’re my lawyer,” Steven stressed. “So it doesn’t matter what you want to hear. Besides, I need your help with Essentials.”

“I don’t do your legwork.” Carter watched as his father’s eyes turned to slits.

“I’m your father,” he answered back. “You’ll do whatever I tell you to.” Steven’s gaze lingered a little longer on Carter to make his point before turning to Michael. “Michael, your hunger can go too far sometimes. Simple blackmail will…”

“I’m out of here.” Carter stood up.

“Sit down, boy.” Steven spoke in that tone that always got the desired result. No matter how big they got, he was bigger. He would never let them forget that, and as Carter sat back down in his chair, Steven knew they wouldn’t.

“Blackmail won’t do it Dad,” Michael advised. “We’re gonna have to take it to a new level with them.”

Steven didn’t like it when things got this way, but this was business. He’d learned that the hard way when he started Chase Beauty twenty years ago. He looked at Michael, his expression nothing less than deadly serious. “This needs to happen. So, do what you have to do. Carter will handle Essentials.”

Michael’s competitive spirit bit at him. He couldn’t figure out why his father seemed to go out of his way to pull Carter in when he could handle this on his own.

Carter smiled, nodding. “Sure, why not? I’ve been looking for ways to lose my law license.”

“I’m asking you,” Steven said, “because we have to take the legal route with Essentials.”

Michael smirked. “You get the easy stuff, Carter, since you’re so soft.”

Carter got up, starting for Michael, who quickly stepped around the desk, ready for him. With no patience for this, Steven stood up, the mere gesture having incredible power over his sons and they both immediately stopped, turning to look at him.

“Carter,” Steven said. “Essentials has a shop in View Park and one in Baldwin Hills. They’re both owned by Avery Jackson.”

Carter shrugged. “Should that name mean something to me?”

Michael rolled his eyes. “She’s the daughter of our chief of police, idiot.”

“And she’s not selling,” Steven said.

“She’s a bitch,” Michael spat. “I’ve offered her twice what her piece of shit shops are worth.”

“If they were a piece of shit, we wouldn’t be going after them, idiot.” Carter grinned while Michael gave him the finger.

Steven sat back down, focusing on the thick manila folder on his desk. “Revenue-wise, she’s probably the weakest of the whole bunch. Location-wise, I’ve got to have those stores. I need a way to make her sell, but because of who she is, we can’t use—”

“Me,” Michael proudly offered.

Steven placed his hand on the folder and slid it toward Carter. Carter looked at it, but didn’t pick it up, which he knew his father wanted him to do. “What exactly do you expect me to do?”

“You’re the Harvard lawyer. You figure it out.” Steven shared a stern look with both of his sons. “You need to understand the pressure we’re under. Chase Beauty is our family’s legacy.”

Carter and Michael both sighed, having heard this speech too many times to count. Steven had built the business from scratch, ignoring the naysayers warning that an entire corporation focused only on black women could never rival the big players. Steven had showed them all, and he never let his sons forget it. He also never let them forget that a lot of people didn’t like their success and were waiting in bushes like hungry lions for any chance to bring them down, and it was essential that they not get that chance.

“Nothing comes back to Chase Beauty,” Steven ordered. “Do you both understand?”

“We understand,” Carter and Michael answered in unison, as they had always to anything their father told them.

Janet Chase, the socialite, opened the office door without knocking, which was a sure sign she was angry. She didn’t need to wonder if she had everyone’s attention, because Janet always got everyone’s attention. She was an exceptionally beautiful, elegant and classy woman who looked at least a decade younger than she was. That she was born into money was obvious to anyone with eyes and it took only a second’s worth of time in her presence to see the best etiquette classes New York had to offer advertised in her every move and word. Including every look, like the dangerous one currently on her face as she eyed her husband and two sons.

“I knew you were in here.” She placed delicately adorned hands on her trim, but curvy hips. She would not lose her temper. It wasn’t her style, but she would be obeyed. “What are you doing?”

“Business, Janet.” It amazed Steven that after over thirty years of marriage he still thought she was too good for him.

“Business is over.” She had been Steven’s mistress to his wife, Chase Beauty, for so long, but she wanted all the things its success gave her so she accepted it; only not today. “This is Leigh’s day. She’ll be here soon, and your guests are noticing your absence.” She pointed her finger at her men, all of whom she loved with every inch of her. “I want you all out there in five minutes, and don’t mess with me.”

You just didn’t mess with Janet Chase.

As Janet made her way down the long hallway toward her guests, she stopped at the edge of the expansive foyer, watching the crowd of the elite and other acceptables converse over fine wine and catered hors d’oeuvres. The finest black Los Angeles had to offer were all here for her daughter. No one declined an invitation from Janet Chase because she was the head of L.A. society; and everyone loved Leigh.

Now Haley was another story. Haley was a cross to bear that Janet gladly accepted, but she took it too far too often. Janet scanned the room as she had been for the last hour. She had already scoured upstairs and the girl wasn’t there. She made her way to Maya, the woman who had helped her run this home and all of its inhabitants for the last ten years. Janet respected the woman’s strive for perfection—not accepting any less in anyone who worked for her.

“Maya.” Janet took her by the arm, pulling her aside. “Where is Haley?”

Maya looked at her as if she were demented to even ask. “I’ve checked everywhere, Mrs. Chase. She’s not in this house. With your daughter, there’s no telling where she is. Her cell phone is turned off.”

“Keep trying.”

Maya pulled her arm away. “You try. I’ve got a party to manage.”

Janet’s baby girl was her biggest challenge. She spoiled the young beauty too much, but there would be no spoiling tonight. If Haley messed up Leigh’s homecoming, there would be hell to pay.

Congressman Jack Flay’s boat was smaller than Steven Chase’s boat, but Haley Chase, the taker, expected that. Everything her father had was bigger than most. Besides, the size of Jack’s boat wasn’t what she was interested in. The night they had met, at a fund-raiser for what Haley didn’t care enough to remember, she was amused by his attention. With his wicked Irish charm, Yale education and perfect blonde wife at his side, his flirtations with her told Haley he was a man who liked to live dangerously. Not a good thing for a congressman, but a good thing for her. Haley loved danger.

The twenty-two-year-old debutante knew she was breathtaking and irresistible, and as she laid on top of him in the master bedroom of his boat, the desire in his eyes only confirmed that fact. Her large brown eyes, glowing caramel skin and that curvaceous body made a fool of any man who tried to tame her.

Haley loved it. Twice her age, Jack seemed positive he had her number, but he was all wrong. No man would ever get her number. She had theirs from the first moment she gave them the gift of her physical affection and she used them until she found someone else she’d rather use. She had to give it to him, Jack was great in bed. He had a wild side to him that she assumed his proper New England wife never saw and Haley was entertained by her ability to bring it out.

Lifting up, she smiled victoriously at him. She lowered her head a bit, allowing her long, wavy auburn hair to fall over his sweaty face. He was such an idiot, thinking he could outlast her. Haley screamed and laughed at the same time as he grabbed her by the waist and flipped her over. On top of her now, he leaned down to kiss her and she felt a little tingling in the pit of her stomach. It wasn’t as strong as two months ago when they’d first had sex. The congressman’s time was almost up and he didn’t even know it.

His mouth trailed her neck and Haley grinned. She dug her nails into his back, letting him know she didn’t have time to waste for foreplay this roll around. Jack got the message and went quickly to work. They were both too caught up to hear the boat that was probably half a mile away. When she wanted to, Haley made more noise than the average boat engine anyway.

Usually L.A. traffic was enough to make twenty-six-year-old Leigh Chase, the angel, put a gun to her head. Not today. She was fine with traffic going as slow as it wanted to. Thinking the last year of her life in South Africa working with women and children with HIV and AIDS was bad, she had forgotten how much harder it was to stand up to Steven and Janet Chase.

Riding in the backseat of the limo that had been waiting for her at LAX, Leigh couldn’t deny she was happy to be home. The people she loved most in the world would be there waiting for her, but so was the life that she left behind a year ago and vowed she would never, ever return to again. A life so comfortable in all its protection and ignorance.

Leigh’s innocence was genuine. She was the angelic, unassuming type of beauty with a gentle tone and demeanor that made men want to save her. With smooth dark chocolate skin and soft tender features, she looked like a princess and had lived like one most of her life. Going to Duke Medical School after Smith was an eye opener to the real world, but Leigh had had no idea what was in store for her when she’d signed up for Africa. Her parents had taught her that giving was an obligation of people like themselves, but they were the ones who protested vehemently when she told them her choice. Always one to please, it broke her heart to see her parents so upset, but Africa was something she had to do no matter what, much like what she had to do now.

Earl, the family driver for five years, glanced in his rearview mirror at Leigh, with an uncertain smile. “Your parents are very excited at seeing you. Your mother went on for months, thinking up schemes to get you back here.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Leigh felt her stomach contract as the WELCOME TO VIEW PARK sign came into full view. It would only be a few minutes now. She was about to flip the switch on Mr. and Mrs. Chase and that never, ever went well.

Michael stood at the edge of the great room, sizing up his wife as she snatched a glass of wine from a passing waiter. Kimberly Chase, the outsider, was the hottest woman in the room. She was always the hottest woman in the room. She still looked like a model at twenty-five, even after twins, with café au lait skin, smoldering green eyes and full lips, she was a strikingly beautiful woman by anyone’s standards and Michael’s standards were the highest.

Kimberly didn’t come from anything close to money, a fact his mother never let him forget, but she wore it well. Very well, and Michael loved the hell out of her. (He’d been obsessed with her since the moment he laid eyes on her at that club in New York almost six years ago, when he was in his first year at Columbia Business School.) As he approached her now, he slowly wrapped his arm around her waist, taking a second to squeeze her butt.

“You’re enjoying yourself,” he whispered into her ear before biting it. “That’s what, number three already?”

Kimberly’s mouth curved into an unconscious smile, feeling that familiar lightning jolt run through her body from her husband’s touch. “This is how I survive Chase family weekends. I’m your wife and I live in this house, so I have to be here. Allow me what little enjoyment I can have.”

“What has Mom done to you now?” Michael felt that the animosity between his wife and mother had lessened over the five years of their marriage, but Kimberly was never satisfied.

“Nothing today, but I’m waiting and I don’t like your tone.”

“What tone?”

“That tone suggesting your mother hasn’t hated me from the first day she met me. She lives for making my life miserable.”

Michael laughed, but quickly shut up when Kimberly glared at him. He knew her agreeing to live in his parents’ home was a sacrifice she was making out of love for him. He tried to make it better for her by giving her everything else she wanted. “Honestly, Kimberly, I think my mother has more on her mind than hating you. Besides, Leigh is coming home. Mother has her favorite punching bag back.”

Kimberly hadn’t thought of much else. Now that Leigh was home, her inevitable clashes with Janet would give Kimberly some breathing room. Kimberly would never forget the saccharine smile on Janet’s face when she first met her. The second Michael left the room Janet threatened to destroy her if she was lying about Michael being the father of her children.

Destroy? Kimberly had never heard someone use that word before but that was what Janet did. She destroyed anyone she didn’t like and she hated Kimberly. She hated that Michael had to marry Kimberly because in the Chase family, there were no out of wedlock children. “Bastards” was the word Janet used, but Kimberly knew Janet had no problem with children of divorce and the woman was just waiting for the day Michael would cut Kimberly loose. That day was never going to come because Kimberly knew Michael loved her and she would never, ever let him go.

“Still,” Kimberly argued. “It’s another woman who thinks she has more claim to this sacred land than I do.”

Michael gently touched her cheek with the back of his hand. Kimberly looked at him with love in her eyes and he knew he could convince her of anything. “Remember what I told you. We have the only grandchildren, and you’re their mother. That gives you power, so use it.” Michael planted a tender kiss on her cheek, loving the silky smooth feel of her flawless skin. “You’re a great mother. Of all she tries to throw at you, she can’t say anything about that. Use your strength.”

Kimberly knew she had found a god among men when she met Michael Chase. Every word that came out of his mouth made her want to win, succeed and get what was hers. He encouraged her in a way that she’d had no faith men ever could. He made her feel that everything could be hers; should be hers. Her absent father, abusive brother, her pimp and every other man in her life had made her believe men like Michael didn’t exist. But he did and he was hers. Just like everything else would be as soon as…The center of attention came into her sight. Janet Chase entertaining a circle of L.A.’s best; perfect in every way.

Standing at the doorway of her house, Leigh almost believed that it seemed bigger than when she left it just a year ago. From where she stood, you couldn’t imagine it was anything but perfect on the other side. Leigh took another deep breath.

“Do you want me to…” Earl was carrying some of her suitcases, placing them at the door. He looked at her, puzzled.

“What did Mom say again? Just a quiet dinner, right?”

“That’s what she said. They wanted you to have time to calm down. That’s why they didn’t meet you at the airport.”

“All right,” Leigh said, stepping aside as Earl opened the door.

Her eyes widened and she almost fell back as she was greeted with a room full of people yelling, “Welcome back!”

She stood stunned as Janet rushed to her with a warm smile and wide-open arms. Emotion took over at the sight of her mother and she hugged her so tight, neither of them could breathe.

“My baby.” Janet looked her over, loving her perfection and overwhelmed by the only assurance of her daughter’s safety she would accept: seeing her with her own eyes.

“What…” Leigh couldn’t find words when Steven approached. God, how she missed her daddy. He was almost like an apparition.

“My angel.” Steven spoke with a strained voice.

“I’ve missed you so much, Daddy.”

Janet couldn’t hold back the tears. All the nights worrying and wondering were finally over. It had almost been too much to bear. “You can’t say you didn’t know?” she asked, seeing Leigh’s amazed face. “You had to be suspicious about us not picking you up.”

“I thought…I thought you meant what you’d said. You wanted to give me rest.”

“There’s plenty of time to rest.” Janet’s instinct led her hands to Leigh’s short hair, smoothing it out as she hugged her brothers. Her family was back together again. Well, almost. She pulled Leigh away from her brothers. “You have to say hello to your guests.”

Leigh grabbed Carter by the shirt, pulling him close. “What’s the radar?”

Carter leaned forward, whispering. “Mom and Dad have the most prestigious medical practices here to woo you. I think a couple of rich bachelors were added to the pot.”

Rolling her eyes, Leigh mouthed a thank-you as she allowed her mother to drag her toward the waiting crowd. “Mom, where’s Haley?”

Haley cringed as she heard Jack singing in the bathroom. She would have to talk to him about that one day. On the other hand, it didn’t matter. She didn’t plan on keeping him around much longer.

Rolling over on the bed to retrieve her watch, she noticed his wedding ring placed right next to it. She thought of his wife and their kids and wondered for a second if it was weird that she felt no guilt. Haley never felt guilt, but she would fake it sometimes to get sympathy, something she wanted or just to keep everyone from thinking she wasn’t human. Leigh had always told her there was something wrong with her because she felt no remorse, but Leigh was weak and…

“Jesus!” Hopping out of bed, Haley yelled to Jack while she jumped into her clothes wondering how she’d managed to let the time get away with her again and again. Jack wasn’t that good.

Jack rushed in with nothing but a towel around his waist. “What is it?”

“I was supposed to be home hours ago! My sister is…Mom is gonna kill me.” Standing there, he suddenly looked like a fool to her. “Will you hurry up? Let’s go.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll be back on land in twenty minutes.”

“Well, do it!” After he was gone, Haley stopped a moment to calm down and think of what lie she could come up with to get out of this one. It wasn’t going to be easy. Leigh was the angel and upsetting her brought on Daddy’s wrath. She would have to use her mother against him. But what was the excuse going to be?

Stepping out onto the deck, Haley tried to think of an excuse that could make her forget an event she promised to be at. Chase family events were priority number one. It pissed her off, the whole family thing. It was so fake, but her mother held on to it like it meant everything. Jack wasn’t worth this, she told herself. She saw a challenge, an adventure, and went for it, no care for the consequences. She heard Leigh’s “I told you so” ringing in her ears and part of her didn’t want to show up at all. That would be something, wouldn’t it? She loved her sister and missed her, but she loved stealing the spotlight even more.

She calmed down, taking a seat and a deep breath. Off in the distance, she noticed a boat that seemed to be still. Reaching under the seat to grab the binoculars, Haley watched with interest as she saw the two men arguing. Then, without warning, one man pulled out a gun and shot the other, just as he seemed to be reaching for his own gun. Haley screamed something incoherently, blinking several times as if she thought she was imagining things. She wasn’t. The man who was shot was now lying on the deck and the other man poured more bullets into him.

Just as the boat roared to life, Haley watched in terror as the loud engine caught the attention of the killer. It felt almost like slow motion to her as she watched him point to the boat and yell something to someone she couldn’t see. Then another man emerged from inside with a gun almost as large as he was. When Haley saw him point the gun toward Jack’s boat, she threw the binoculars in his direction as if it would do anything.

She jumped out of the seat, hitting the floor as the boat’s movement jerked her around. They were moving, that was all that mattered, and she didn’t have the nerve to turn around and see if anyone was coming after them.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

Her mother’s cultured tone sent dread through Leigh who slowly turned around. She had thought she could escape just for a second alone, but there was no escaping this woman.

“Leigh, this party is for you.”

“Mom, I’ve been flying for almost twenty-four hours straight.”

“You’re twenty-six. Stop acting like an old lady.”

“I wish you had consulted with me before planning this big party.”

Janet wasn’t sure how to handle this side of her daughter. She seemed unappreciative, more like Haley. “You don’t consult with someone when you’re doing them a favor.”

Leigh knew she was defeated. After the flight, she didn’t have the strength to fight her mother this soon in the game. With her mother’s hand firmly leading her, Leigh’s expression pleaded with Carter for help as they passed, but all Carter offered was a sympathetic shrug. He was much more interested in the sexy young woman who was showering him with attention. Leigh knew it would be a long night.

As the woman’s mouth moved, Carter didn’t hear a word she said. He was trying desperately to remember what her name was. She was hot and new to Los Angeles. She’d come as someone else’s date, but Carter had an idea she was going to leave with him.

Michael was a charmer, but only selectively. If he didn’t think you mattered, he was ruder than anyone Carter had ever known, which was why he didn’t take too well when Michael joined him and all but ordered the woman with no name to go away. Carter didn’t push it. He and Michael agreed they would never let a woman come between them. He certainly wasn’t going to sweat one whose name he couldn’t even remember.

“What do you want, Michael?”

Michael leaned in. “To know what you’re gonna do about Avery Jackson.”

Carter pushed him away with his shoulder. “I just found out about this. I haven’t come up with anything yet.”

“I have.” Michael’s face creased into a sudden smile. He loved these moments when he had the upper hand. Whenever their father was involved, he had the upper hand. Carter was the big brother, always making the right choice, so unassumingly confident. But he lacked the tenacious edge that Michael had and Michael relished the moments when that came in handy. When Carter’s honest character put him a step behind. “What are you gonna tell Dad?”

“Dad doesn’t expect me to—”

“Carter.”

Carter turned to his father who seemed to come out of nowhere. He had a way of doing that and always with a face that let you know he’d been thinking about you and not in a good way. The man was overbearing, seeming twenty feet tall, and it killed Carter that he always felt like he was on a hot plate in his presence.

“What have you decided about Avery Jackson?” Steven asked.

Carter glared at Michael who didn’t bother to hold back an icy grin. “I’ll figure out something. I haven’t even read the file.”

“It’s gonna be harder than you think.” Michael knew he was wicked, but he wanted Carter to succeed for two reasons. He loved his brother and he had come to hate Avery Jackson. “There’s something seriously wrong with that woman.”

“What are you planning for Performance, Michael?” Carter asked, hoping to deflect the attention from himself.

“You don’t want to know.” Michael turned to his father. “But I do have something planned, unlike Carter here.”

Steven wondered if they were taking him seriously. He couldn’t tell sometimes when they got in their stupid competitive mode. It annoyed him, but he knew that nothing would build their character more than competing with each other. No one else was at their level. He leaned into Carter. “Don’t let me down.”

“I won’t.” Carter blinked, cursing himself inside for doing that.

Chief of Police, Charlie Jackson, the do-right man, was an attractive, well-built man in his forties, whose dignity and poise was evident in the way he carried himself. He had his island parents’ light complexion, but no hint of the accent since he left at the age of five. He had been poor most of his life, but a stellar career in the police force carried him and his family out of the ghetto and into View Park, where they lived an honest middle-class life. Still, Charlie couldn’t get used to the other side of View Park. Ten million miles above middle class; the side the Chase family represented. When their maid opened the expansive doors to the home for him, he had to smile. He had never had any desire to live this well, but he loved the fact that black folks were.

“Can I help you, Chief Jackson?” Maya asked.

Charlie looked around the immense home. So many homes in this town were extravagant, but there was something different about the Chase home. He felt it every time he came here, and every time he came here it was because of Haley Chase.

“I need to speak with Mr. and Mrs. Chase.”

Expecting to see Haley, Janet rushed to the door. When she saw Chief Jackson, her chest tightened. She was a mother first and foremost. The expression on his face sent a chill through her. Something was wrong. She turned back, looking for her rock.

“Steven!”

Haley wanted to explode. She was cold and wet, wrapped in a thin blanket and sitting on a wooden seat that was harder than rock. The room was gray and morbid and nothing like the room she was in the last time she was at the police station, but that was another story. Her entire life was crashing down on her and facing her parents was still to come.

The detective in the room with her wasn’t helping the situation any. He had introduced himself as if she gave a damn what his name was. She was shocked they sent her someone who looked like a college kid and pissed that he was staring down at her with judgment written all over his face.

“What are you looking at?” she asked.

Sean Jackson, the Boy Scout, rolled his eyes and turned away as the door opened. Grady McCann, a middle-aged uniformed officer entered and dropped a file folder on the table.

“She’s got a little rap sheet of her own,” McCann boasted. “Property damage, shoplifting and disorderly conduct. Surprisingly no convictions. Money goes a long way.”

Haley wasn’t insulted. Her last name made her better than him and certainly better than the junior detective.

“Thanks.” Sean didn’t need to look at it. He knew all about Haley Chase. Who didn’t?

“You think you can handle her?” McCann asked. “If not, I can stay and help you.”

“Go on home, McCann.” Sean looked at Haley. “I can handle Ms. Chase.”

“That’s what you think,” she mumbled under her breath just loud enough to be sure he heard her.

“You two should have a lot in common.” McCann folded his arms across his very large stomach. “Both kids of big shots.”

Did this guy think he could rile him up? Sean had heard every little jab about his father being chief of police since he’d joined the force five years ago. They all admired Charlie Jackson, but the son had to be getting a ride. The fact that he wouldn’t look the other way when the blue did something wrong didn’t make him their favorite person either, but Sean didn’t care. He was a detective—a good detective—and the law was the law.

He just gave McCann a lazy, bored smile, refusing to give away anything, and McCann simply walked away.

“It’s freezing in here,” Haley snapped, but Sean didn’t respond. He just looked at her and her frustration was building. Something about his look, she couldn’t describe. It made her feel like she was on trial. “Are you hard of hearing? I said it’s freezing, and it’s too dark. This blanket isn’t dry anymore. Get me a new one.” Haley tossed the blanket at him, but he didn’t even blink.

“Who do you think you are, looking at me like that?” She wanted to slap him. At least that would get a reaction out of him. She hated his calm demeanor. It reminded her of Carter, who annoyed her because he never indulged her. “I’m the victim here.”

Sean smiled with an air of pleasure, knowing it would only anger her more. “You are some piece of work.”

Satisfied with a response, she leaned back in the chair. “You don’t know the half of it.”

She was a deceptive one. Every time he had seen Haley Chase, whether dressed up like a spoiled princess or the mess she was now, she was incredible to look at and the raspy tone of her voice turned him on. If he hadn’t known who she was, and how this all got started, he might think of her as a victim. “I know more than you think. I’m a good enough cop to see people like you coming a mile away.”

“Your job is to protect and serve, not pass judgment. You can’t get past my last name or who I was with on that boat, but that’s none of your damn business.”

“Whatever.”

When he turned away from her, Haley wanted to throw something at him.

The door opened and Sean watched Steven enter. His family followed behind, but Sean was focused on the man of presence who stood before him. The great Steven Chase.

“Who are you?”

“Mr. Chase, I’m Detective—”

“Mr. Chase.” Charlie entered the room, holding his hand up to stop his son. “This is my son, Sean. He’s been keeping Ms. Chase company while she waits.”

Sean’s eyes widened. Had he just heard him right? Keeping her company? He had graduated at the top of his class at the academy, had the highest solve rate in the department and his father had turned him into a babysitter with one sentence.

“Detective Jackson,” Sean added, unable to let that one slide.

Steven wasn’t listening to him. He had turned his attention to his daughter, as had everyone else. Sean watched as they showered her with attention, kisses and hugs, and found it amazing how injured she suddenly appeared.

“You aren’t hurt at all?” Janet asked.

“I’m fine.” Haley leaned away. She looked at Leigh, envying her angelic features. “You’ve gained weight, Leigh.”

Leigh had hoped some time would pass before she had to remember how nasty her little sister’s jokes could be, but it didn’t matter. “This isn’t the time to be funny.”

“You’re the only person in the world who can go to Africa and actually gain weight.” Haley chuckled until her mother pinched her arm.

“Chief Jackson,” Steven said. “I want more information than you’ve given me. It’s not enough.”

Charlie knew how to deal with men like Steven Chase. “Sometimes drug deals get made at sea, innocent people stumble upon them and get caught in the crossfire. Your daughter and the congressman were lucky. For some reason they didn’t go after them.”

Michael slapped the wooden table, laughing as he spoke. “Hittin’ it with a married congressman. I got to hand it to you, Haley.”

“Shut up, Michael,” Janet sniped. “Chief, that part won’t get out will it?”

Here it goes, Charlie thought. “Mrs. Chase, we can’t—”

“Chief.” Steven approached him, already in a posture of negotiation. “We need to talk about how we can keep the situation with the congressman under wraps.”

Leigh couldn’t believe this. “Haley was shot at by drug dealers and you’re talking about keeping secrets?”

“You’ve been gone too long,” Haley said. “You forgot what’s most important to Mom and Dad.”

“They called the police on the way back to the dock,” Charlie continued. “Our guys were waiting for them. When the Coast Guard went out there to look around, we couldn’t find anything. Your daughter was too upset to help us identify any boats. She didn’t want to go back out there.”

“So they got away?” Steven asked.

“How did she get wet?” Carter asked.

“Jack was taking too long,” Haley said with a shiver. “When he realized what was happening, he started freaking out. He couldn’t even remember where he was supposed to dock. I jumped off the boat and swam to shore.”

Janet smiled. She’d taught her daughters to save themselves instead of waiting for a man to do it for them. “Let’s just get her home.”

“We haven’t interviewed her yet,” Sean retorted.

Steven turned to the detective who looked no older than Haley herself, but held himself well. He had an eye for a man of character and he saw that in the man in front of him. “You won’t tonight. She’s been through enough.”

Leigh flipped open the file on the table. “What is this? She’s not the criminal here.”

“According to junior, I am.” Haley smirked at Sean’s reaction to her choice of words.

Sean grabbed the folder from Leigh. “We needed to know who we were dealing with. When she got here, she was raising hell. She practically tore the place apart.”

Haley innocently responded to everyone’s stares. “I was upset. They were interrogating me.”

“Is that right?” Janet laid an accusatory look on Sean.

Sean didn’t bother to answer. The woman obviously didn’t want to believe anyone but her daughter.

“What my son means,” Charlie added, “is that we were trying to get information out of her so we could find the boat. Time was essential. We need Haley to—”

“Steven.” Janet shook her head.

“Chief, we’ll talk to you tomorrow,” Steven said. “Haley is coming home now.”

“What about protection?” Leigh asked.

“They didn’t come after us,” Haley explained. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”

Sean couldn’t believe she was acting as if this were over. “If the man you saw get shot was at the helm, it’s possible they just didn’t know how to navigate the boat quick enough to get you.”

“Nothing to say they won’t try again,” Steven said.

“I don’t think they saw me,” she returned. “I mean…my face.”

“We can’t take that chance,” Steven said, already flipping open his cell phone. “We have a security company we work with. I’ll have them come over tomorrow.”

“We’ll have two cops stay outside overnight,” Charlie pointed out.

Sean watched as if in synchronized movement, the family stood up and walked out.

“And Chief,” Steven called back. “No press!”

“He gets to walk all over us?” Sean asked as soon as they were out of earshot.

“It wasn’t that bad, son.”

Sean felt irritation riding up on him. “You’re not supposed to call me that at the station. This delay could hinder our case.”

“Don’t worry. That man has power, but we’re the law.” Charlie hoped that sounded convincing.