Fatal mistake, p.10
Fatal Mistake, page 10
“You want to tell me what happened?”
Ericka did not say anything for a moment, she was too damn mad. Then she huffed. “I guess I pissed her off.”
“No, you think?” Nick frowned, then smiled as he put the cloth down, then put the cotton ball on the cut, and a bandage on top. He braced his arms on either side of her. “My sister went through high school fighting the popular girls. She didn’t take anything off of them and she’s not going to take it off of you.”
“You don’t even know what happened.”
“Somewhere in your remarks did you use the word dumb?”
Ericka thought for a moment. “I’m…. not exactly certain what words were used, but that could have been one.”
“That’s why you got your ass whipped.”
“She just got the jump on me. If you hadn’t come in, I would have gotten mine.”
“Wouldn’t have made a difference.” He grinned as he picked up the damp cloth rinsed it, then began to clean her bloody lip.
“You find two women fighting over you funny?”
“There’s nothing to fight over, Nikki is blood. She will always be a part of my life.”
She stilled his hand. “So that makes me what…expendable?”
“No. That makes you Ericka. The woman whose trust I’m trying desperately to gain so she will open up to me.” He kissed her bottom lip. “I’m going to check on Nikki now.”
Ericka sat there for a long moment watching the empty doorway Nick walked through. Did that just happen? She sat there with a wet cloth in her hand just staring off into space. She slowly slid down off the vanity turned and looked at herself in the mirror. Her face was messed up. Her hair tangled all over her head. She brushed it back with her hand and just stared at herself. She reached in her pocket and pulled out the flash drive where she’d saved the information from Nick’s computer on Jason Whitfield’s account. The transaction was set up. All she had to do was push send. But she couldn’t do it. The decision was literally in her hands. Should she do what Isaac Singleton requested or should she trust this thing she had with Nick? Thing…exactly what did they have? She thought back to the lunch in the park, the pizza dinner, the walks in the woods, making love on the piano, making pushup love, as they called it. She smiled at that. Then his words of a moment ago came back to her. Nikki is blood. She will always be a part of my life.” The smile disappeared.
Nick stood in the doorway of the bedroom Nicole used whenever she stayed over. She was lying across the bed with a glass of wine, reading from her tablet without a scratch on her. “So Laila remains undefeated.”
Nicole turned to see her brother in the doorway. “Not funny, Nick.” She turned back to her tablet.
“No Nikki, it’s not funny to walk into my house and find my sister fighting with an invited guest.”
Nicole dropped her tablet on the bed, put her glass on the nightstand and stood with her arms across her chest. “Let’s talk about that, Nick. Why is she here?”
“Are you serious right now?”
“Yes Nick I am. You said yourself she was a con artist. She was after something from you. So help me understand, why would you invite someone like that into your home? If you want to hit that, take her to a hotel, five-star if you must, but you don’t bring women like her into your home.”
Nick stepped inside the room and closed the door. “She’s here because I like her, Nikki. I want her here.”
Nicole threw up her hands. “You want someone in your house that is after your money?”
“She’s not after money Nikki. I would give that to her, no questions asked and she knows it.”
“You think she’s here because she likes you?”
“Is that so hard to imagine?”
“No, Nick of course not.” Nichole exhaled. “Look. You and I experienced James’ disastrous marriage to Katherine. We are still living through the hell of Vernon and Constance. We vowed we would look out for each other. Whenever one of us saw the other going in that direction, we would speak out. Well Nick you are going head first into one with this woman. And I’m not talking about your mind.”
“Ericka is different from Katherine and Constance. You should take the time to get to know her.”
“I don’t want to get to know her. She is trouble. What makes you think she is any different?”
“The mere fact that she never claimed otherwise. She never denied why she came into my life.”
“I’m lost then. You know this, yet you let her in your private space.”
“I like her Nik.”
That was the second time he said that. Nicole stepped back and looked at her brother. Really looked into his eyes. She shook her head. “Don’t tell me that Nick.” She looked up at him. “You are falling in love with her. Someone you know is out to take you for a ride.”
“I asked you to give me some space on this.”
“I gave you space and you allowed this woman to get closer…too close. She is a no-good skeezer and you expect me to just let her hurt you?”
“I expect you to respect my decision on who I choose to have in my life. Let me say that part again. My life, Nikki. If it’s a mistake, it’s my mistake to make. Does this conversation sound familiar?” He raised his voice. “Think back to when I had this very same conversation with Pop about my career choice. Do you remember?”
“Nick, this is different. I’m not trying to control you in any way. I’m trying to protect you from someone who you know is out to hurt you.”
“I’m a grown man, Nicole. I can protect myself. Step away from this.”
“Nick,” a stunned Nicole huffed.
“Step back, Nicole. I’m not going to ask again.” Nick held her glare for a moment then turned and walked out the door.
Nicole couldn’t believe what had just happened. They never had harsh words with each other…never. They always had each other’s backs even against their parents. She picked up her tablet, purse, grabbed her coat out the closet and left Nick’s house.
Nick walked into his bedroom to find Ericka gone and a note on the pillow where she’d slept.
You spoke of fatal mistakes, well, I made one.
Please remember things are not always
What they seem.
Ericka
He heard the front door close and was pretty sure that was Nicole leaving. As he read the note, he did not miss the undertone of the last sentence. Whatever she came to do was going to happen. All he could do now was pray he had taken the right precautions. His cell phone chimed and he knew before answering it was going to be about Ericka.
Chapter 9
“I
t’s done,” Ericka said as she took Interstate 95 South towards Atlanta. “I’m on my way back to Atlanta now.”
“It’s two o’clock in the morning, Ericka. Are you driving?”
“Yes. I need the time to clear my mind.”
“I was going to call you in the morning. I have some information you will not believe. I also have a copy of Estelle Singleton’s will. It’s not signed and by itself it’s not enough, but it is going to put a damper on Singleton’s parade.”
“Will it help Bobby’s case?”
“Yes.”
“Then what I did was for nothing,” Ericka said as tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Anything that was done can be reversed. I’ll put the disc with the information in my safe until you get here.”
Ericka hung up the telephone and shook her head. What she did could not be reversed. She broke a trust and hurt someone she cared for. Some one who made her feel what she had always wanted…. loved.
***
“Mr. Brooks, I called the moment the alert posted. All evidence indicates it came from your home computer. Once we ran through the verification process, we approved the transaction and disregarded the alert.”
“Take the exact amount from this account.” Nick pulled a card from his wallet and gave it to the accountant. “Put it back in Whitfield’s account.”
“I can do that, but it will not erase the transaction trail.”
“I’ll sit down with Whitfield and explain what happened.” Nick turned to Ty. “We know what. Now we need to determine the why.” Nick shook his head in confusion. “If she wanted money she could have taken it from me. Why Whitfield?”
“You have a hundred million sitting in a bank account?”
“Several,” Nick replied. “There’s something else in play. What can be gained from taking funds from a client’s account?”
Naverone walked into the office. “Kennedy just arrived at Cannon McNally’s home in Atlanta. She apparently drove through the night.”
“What do you know about McNally?” Ty asked.
Naverone sat on the edge of Nick’s desk. “He’s not dirty. Have no idea what he’s working on, but I can vouch for him.”
“His cousin just embezzled one hundred million dollars from us.”
“That’s his cousin,” Naverone reiterated. “Not Cannon. Speaking of the beautiful Ericka, do you want me to pick her up?”
“No,” Nick replied.
“Why not?” Naverone stood as she glared at Nick.
Ty put the note Nick had shared with him on the desk and stood. “Because things are not what they seem to be.” He glanced at Nick. “Don’t carry this weight on your shoulders. You did all you could to deter this from happening. I agree, there is something else in play.”
“What happens if the media gets wind of mismanagement of funds by the agency?”
“How would the media find out?” Naverone asked. “We have a full lid in place.”
“Just follow me for a minute,” Nick stated. “It’s not about the money. She could have taken that from me several times over. It would be a lover’s crime…me against her. By taking it from a client she’s taking on an entire agency. She knows the agency will come after her, not just me.” Nick stood and walked around to the front of the desk to stand between Ty and Naverone. “What if this isn’t about me at all? I was just a means to discredit the agency in some way?”
“Word gets out that significant funds are missing from a client’s account, other clients will get jittery. Start looking at other agencies.” Ty added.
“Could cause a mad exodus of clients,” Naverone concluded.
“We put a full lid on those we control,” Nick added. “What about those who know, but we don’t control?”
“Such as Ericka and Cannon, if he’s involved,” Ty finished the statement and pulled out his cell phone. He dialed a number. “I need Rose in the next five minutes.” He hung up. “I’m going home. Nick you should give Ericka a call. Get a reaction from her.”
“I’ve tried. She’s not taking my calls.”
“Keep calling. It may take a year, but she will eventually answer.”
“You’re sure about that?”
“Yes.”
Naverone watched as the door closed. She stood there looking from Nick to the space Ty left vacant. “I am apparently going about getting a man all wrong. I thought treating them with respect and honor was the way. Kiki turned him down for a year. Ericka is trying to ruin your career. Yet, both of you chased after them. I’m changing my tactics,” Naverone announced, then walked out of the room.
Nick turned away from his desk, held his head back and wondered. What would Ericka gain by ruining his reputation? He pulled out his cell phone and dialed her number. He knew she wouldn’t pick up, but he had a message for her. “Trust is like faith. You believe in something unseen. I put my trust in your love for me. Trust me enough to come back.”
***
Armed with the information he needed, Ty, with Tower I and Tower II behind him, entered the private dining room where Isaac Singleton sat with his date. He was momentarily stunned by the discovery of the identity of the woman sitting at the table set for a romantic dinner for two. The woman had the decency to jump away once she recognized him. Singleton did not move.
“This is a private room,” Isaac snarled.
“Nothing in this town is private to the right person, Mr. Singleton.”
Isaac’s eyes narrowed. “You know my name. It’s evident you do not know me. If you did you would know better than to interrupt me while I am entertaining.”
“I am certain Mrs. Brooks will not mind giving us a few moments.” Ty’s eyes locked on Constance and held.
She quickly stood. “I’ll step outside.” She said to Isaac as she eyed Ty suspiciously.
Ty nodded to the Towers. They both turned and walked out, closing the door behind them. Ty put an envelope on the table, then took a seat. “I’m a man of few words and less time. Inside the envelope are the shares to your company, which I now have access to. You have until Tuesday morning at nine a.m. to reverse the actions taken against Nicolas Brooks on your behalf.”
Isaac sat up and snatched the document from the table. He quickly glanced at the names promising the sale of their shares if needed to Tyrone Pendleton. “What the hell is this?”
Ty stood. “Have your accountant explain it to you. Tuesday, 9 am.” He walked to the door then stopped. “Come near my company or anyone connected with any of my companies again and I will not be so polite.” Ty walked out of the door.
Constance quickly approached him. “Isaac just purchased the recording studio my daughter is signed with. We were discussing the renewal of her contract.”
“You are exploiting your daughter for a questionable lay and a few zeros in your bank account. If I were your husband that…would be my primary concern.”
“How dare you speak to me in that tone.”
Ty turned back to her. “I spoke to you out of respect for Nick. Other than that I would not have bothered.”
***
Nick pulled up and parked next to the black sedan in front of his home. The only one in their family that did not bother to drive himself around was Vernon. Nick could count on one hand the number of times Vernon had visited him. His guess was Nicole spoke with him regarding her concerns about Ericka at Sunday’s dinner. He got out of his car, waved at the driver, then stepped through his front door.
He was not prepared for the scene that met him in the living room.
“Nick,” his mother rushed over and hugged him. “Let me look at you.” She took a step back and smiled. “You are still the most adorable baby. You just can’t help it.”
The smile covered his face as he pulled his mother into his arms again. “He kissed her cheek. “You always know the right thing to say.”
“Nicolas.”
Nick’s eyebrow rose. “Your husband, on the other hand.”
“Oh, stop it,” his mother smiled, took his hand and walked in the direction of his father and brother, both of whom were sitting on the sofa in front of the fireplace with a drink in their hand. “Hello Pop, Vernon.” Nick hugged both of them, then sat in the chair across from them.
“A hundred million. Are you in trouble son?”
“No Pop, I’m good.”
“Tell me what’s going on.” Vernon sat forward, concerned for his brother.
“Nothing is not a good response at this point,” Avery said.
“One hundred million was embezzled from one of my client’s accounts. I simply replaced the funds.”
“Have you been able to track the transactions.” Vernon asked.
“Yes.”
“Then the person is in custody.” Avery nodded.
“No.” Nick stood, walked over to the fireplace and leaned against it to face his family.
“Why the hell not.” Vernon shot up. “If you need help finding them, it can be arranged. We will find them.”
“I know where they are.”
Vernon frowned as he and Avery glanced at each other.
“It’s the woman?” Gwendolyn stated as she watched her son. “And you are in love with her.”
Nick exhaled as the eyes of his father and brother bore into him. “Yes.”
Vernon’s hands flew up in the air in disgust. “Nick.” He turned away and sighed.
Avery stared at his youngest son. He was the sensitive son, who had a heart of gold. The thought of a woman using that for ill-gain angered him. However, this was not a time to scowl. This was a time to support. “Have you spoken to the client who was affected?”
“Yes,” a surprised Nick answered his father.
“Good, keeping the trust in that relationship is important. Have you kept your partner in the loop on things?”
“From the very beginning.”
“Where the hell is she?” Vernon paced angrily. “I’ll have her put under the jail for this.”
“That’s not the way to handle this, Vernon.”
“How in the hell do you handle criminals? I put them in jail.” They all turned in mock surprise. Vernon freed more criminals as their attorney than Avery ever freed on legal terms. “You know what I mean.”
Avery and Gwendolyn passed a glance between them. “How do you want to handle this son.” Avery turned to Nick.
“I want to give her a chance to make it right. Hear me out, Vernon,” he added before his brother could voice another objection. “I believe something else is in play. Ericka could have taken the money and much more, directly from me. She had access to everything here. But she took it from a high profile client with limited funds. The action was sure to cause an investigation.”
“She took if from the first account she found,” Vernon commented.
“No, she is much smarter than that. I’m telling you, there is something else happening that has nothing to do with money.”
“So you want us to do nothing?” Vernon asked, sarcastically.
“I’m asking you to trust my judgment. You know I would not jeopardize my clients or put them in danger in any way. It’s my job to protect them.”
“Yet, this woman got close enough to do this,” Avery stated. “Could this be a test run to detect vulnerabilities in your system?”
