Fatal mistake, p.17
Fatal Mistake, page 17
“James,” Vernon cautioned. “This is what he wants.” He pulled at James’ hands, then looked over at the agent. “You want to give me a hand here.”
“Butchie, put him down this moment,” Avery yelled out.
James eased up as the agent began to pull him away. Vernon, adjusted his suit, turned to face Isaac and whispered. “You were warned.” He followed James back to his seat.
Isaac was cheering inside. “You call this a family of good moral standards?” he seethed. “You have a daughter whose sexuality is questionable, a son over here who has embezzled funds from his clients. And this one, the one you claim to be mine, fathered a child with his own brother’s wife.” He looked at the partners who were just retaking their seats at that moment. “You call this a family of good moral character? I think not.”
Vernon pulled out a document. “I believe we have given all the time we plan to spend on this situation. This is a petition to freeze all assets connected to Singleton Enterprises until such time that it can be determined who the rightful heirs should be. In addition, there is a request for an accounting of all funds, property and holdings of William, Estelle and Isaac Singleton.”
“You have no rights to request such an act,” Isaac yelled across the table furious.
“I have every right.” Vernon smirked, then looked at his family. “I’ve written all the contingencies I will allow Mr. Singleton in this document. I trust that Letcher, Barnes and Wentworth will see to it that it is followed to the letter.” He checked his watch. “I believe we are due in court. Let’s go Pop.” Vernon smiled as his family walked out of the room.
Gwen stopped at the door. “Thank you Isaac. If you hadn’t been the ass that you were, my son would not have had the father that he needed.” She smiled at Avery. “You get a special treat tonight.”
“Oh mother.” Nikki frowned. “In public? People are around.”
Everyone laughed not noticing that James had not left the room. He stared at Isaac. “If my son’s name ever comes out of your mouth again, they will be the last words you ever speak.” The look James gave Isaac spoke volumes. It let him know this was not a man he wanted to deal with. James turned and walked out of the room.
Isaac turned to the partners. “What are you going to do about this?”
Letcher picked up the document Vernon left. “Follow this to the letter until the matter is resolved.”
***
The courthouse was not as busy as one would expect in the afternoon. Mornings were packed with cases, but in the afternoon things tended to dwindle down a bit. The hallway leading to the courtroom had a few people in it, but not enough to block the view of who was arriving or sitting outside the court waiting. The Brooks clan was standing, with the exception of Gwen and Nicole who sat on the bench. When Stacy Crane and her attorney turned into the hallway, all the Brooks stood and watched as the woman they knew was lying walked towards them.
“Avery, I’m sorry it had to come to this, but it’s time for the truth to be told.” Stacy smiled and turned to Gwendolyn. “You’re looking well, Gwen.”
“Thank you, I can’t help it.” She smiled back letting the woman know she was not getting to her. Stacy huffed and walked off as she glared at Nicole. “First Isaac and now Stacy.” She looked at Avery. “Let’s please squash these bugs and get on with our life.”
“Where’s Naverone?” Nick asked Vernon.
“She’s with Taylor in New York. She’s going to see the boy play again.” Vernon frowned.
“He’s a nice kid, Vernon.” Nick grinned. “I give him a hard time just to keep him in line. Taylor could do much worse.”
“I prefer she not do at all.”
James laughed. “Over protective, are we?” He looked at Vernon.
“This from a man who almost choked the life out of someone for mentioning his son.” He looked up at Nick. “What was that, fifteen minutes ago?” They laughed.
“The judge is ready,” the clerk called from the door. “Only the two parties and their attorney,” she said as she looked at all the people in the hallway.
Gwen kissed her husband. “Squash them,” she said as they walked through the door.
They walked through the courtroom to the back door leading to the judge’s chambers. Vernon held the door for everyone to enter.
Judge Tyree looked up as they entered. “Ahh, the cherry on top of my already ecstatic day.” He sat behind his desk. “Mr. Tillman some information has been brought to the court’s attention. If I find you were a party in this deception, wasting the court’s time, possibly tarnishing a man’s reputation, I will have your license.”
“Your honor, I have no idea what you are referring to,” Stacy’s attorney feigned being insulted.
The judge put a file on the desk. “Take a look. The results were received yesterday straight from Quantico.” The attorney picked up the file and looked at the papers inside. “That’s right, Avery Brooks is not the father of one Peter Crane. In fact, we know your client has been aware of the real father from the beginning.” Vernon handed the folder he was holding to the judge. He pulled the picture out. “This is the father. His results are on the back page. Ms. Crane,” the judge looked between Vernon and Tillman. “Why have you perpetrated this fraud on the court?”
Stacy stood slowly, on wobbly knees. “Your honor, I worked for Avery Brooks for over twenty years until his daughter fired me. Now I have no way to support my son. The Brooks family owes me.”
“No. Ms. Crane. Harvey Brooks owes you. I suggest you contact him since he has been proved to be Peter’s father.”
“Your honor.” Avery stood. “I have no issues helping Ms. Crane financially. She was once a loyal employee of our firm, however, there are extenuating circumstances.”
“Ms. Crane I believe Mr. Brooks has just saved you. I was about to throw you in jail along with your attorney.”
“I was not aware of any of this until this moment, Your Honor.”
The judge looked at him skeptically. “Very well. What do you need Mr. Brooks?”
“We request her testimony against Isaac Singleton.” Vernon gave the judge another document. “We believe Ms. Crane and Mr. Singleton conspired to ruin my father’s reputation.”
“I don’t believe in people being compensated for doing a dirty deed, however, if all parties agree, I’ll allow it. Now get out of my court so I can spend the day with my grandchild.”
Vernon grinned. “Thank you, Your Honor.”
They walked back into the hallway. “How much Avery?” Stacy asked indignantly
“Not a dime,” Gwen stood. “I have no idea what you are referring to, but if it has anything to do with that woman receiving a dime of Brooks money the answer is no.”
Everyone was on full alert. There were only a few times when Gwen Brooks raised her voice. When she did everybody stopped and listened. All eyes were on Avery. He took his wife’s hand, whispered something in her ear and turned to Vernon and nodded.
“Let’s go home everyone,” Avery stated. “This leg of our journey is over.”
They began to file out. “Well what does that mean?” Stacy called out.
“It means you don’t get a dime.” Nicole laughed. “Nada…. Nothing. Go tell that to the bloggers.” She walked away laughing.
Nick reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope. He handed it to Vernon then followed his family out the door.
Vernon turned to Stacy. “Let’s make a deal.”
Chapter 15
T
he beast had been unleashed, again. Isaac knew it the moment he walked out of the offices of Letcher, Barnes and Wentworth. They were going to pay for what they did to him. They were his parents, his alone. No one had any rights to what was his. He owned the estate. He tried to show them how far he would go to keep what was his, but they didn’t take heed. Just like Terrell Bell. He told the bench-warmer not to show him up on the court. What did he do? Made four back to back three pointers when Isaac was having an off night. The coach pulled Isaac and had him on the bench in the fourth quarter…the fourth quarter. Isaac Singleton don’t sit the bench for nobody. He knew, when he told the kid to come to the club, he was going to take him out. When he stepped on his feet, well that gave him the reason. He didn’t mean to kill him, just shoot his knees out. But hey, the fool ducked and the bullet went through his brain. Should have taken heed, Isaac thought. Now, it was Brooks’ turn. He didn’t care that the man was his son. Vernon was after what belonged to him. His thoughts turned to another loose end, the other kid. Damn, he thought. He was going to have to take him out.
The driver dropped him off at his childhood home. It was the one place Vernon Brooks did not attach anything to. The house and the original headquarters of Singleton Enterprises in Fredericksburg were available to him to work and live. Every other office was on lock until an accounting could be made.
The more he thought about it, the madder he became. By the time he was done, no one would have any claims on what was his. The entire Brooks clan would come to feel his wrath. He pulled out his cell. “Cannon, get me everything you can on Jason Whitfield.”
Cannon hesitated. “I thought you was pulling away from anything connected to Pendleton.”
“It’s not about Pendleton. Get me the information.”
“Yes sir.” Cannon hesitated. “Mr. Singleton, the Crane case was thrown out of court this afternoon.”
“What happened?” he snapped.
“Paternity test came back.”
Isaac huffed. “We knew we would lose. Get me the information.” He disconnected the call.
“You may have won the morning. But the battle is still raging.” He unpacked his bag and changed his clothes. Driving the dark SUV he kept at the house, he put in the address to BSK Lawn Care Services. He parked across the street near the park he knew the kid walked through to get to his apartment and waited. You have to know your enemies as well as you know yourself. He knew the kid’s routine. Had followed him a time or two to see what he was about. Bobby Kennedy was a health freak. He ate healthy, ran miles a day for no reason, rode bikes and played a little ball here and there. Hell, he had the nerve to join him on the court for a pickup game once. The kid had skills, but nothing compared to him.
Isaac checked his watch. It was a little past five. Traffic had picked up a little, but nothing compared to the interstate or the traffic in Atlanta. But his nerves were on edge. The idea of him having to fight for what was his at the age of sixty wasn’t right, it just wasn’t right.
“But they will pay,” he said out loud with a grin. He pulled out his cell and dialed a number. “Constance, baby. How you doing?” he said with the sincerity of the Grinch.
“Isaac, I’ve been calling you. Where are you?”
“Not far away. Are you expecting Taylor to come by tonight?”
“No, she’s in New York with that Jason boy.”
“Jason Whitfield?” He shook his head. “That kid is no good for her. As her mother, you should put an end to that.”
“That new woman in Vernon’s life has more say about that than I do.”
“Vernon,” Isaac sat up, “has someone else in his life?”
“Yes. Some woman name Naverone, Navaronni or something like that.”
“You know, Constance, I want us to be together without Vernon between us, but he is my son and I feel so guilty about loving you. I just can’t see how him having a new life and being happy is fair to you. It just doesn’t’ seem right, baby. He’s replacing you with a new woman in his life and your daughter’s, too. I don’t know babe, it seems like there should be something you can do about that.”
“What can I do Isaac? Vernon has all the cards in his court.”
“Not all,” Isaac stated as he thought. I’m leading her to the fountain. Now drink the damn water.
“What do you mean?”
Isaac sighed. “I mean, he can’t do anything unless you sign those divorce papers. As for Taylor, you are her mother. Not this other woman. Call her home. Demand it if you have too.” He paused. “Constance… No. I’m not going there.”
“What?”
Isaac grinned. “Well, baby isn’t Taylor still a virgin?”
“Yes.”
“Well, I hate to say this, but I know the life, babe. I lived it. If this woman keeps taking Taylor around this ball player, well…her status is going to change. You should talk to Vernon about that. You are her mother. You should have some say in her life.”
“You are right. I’m calling Taylor right now.”
“Good. Let me know how it goes.” Bobby came out of the door just as she made the statement. “Baby, I’ll come by tonight, we’ll talk more about it. I have to go into a meeting now.”
She was saying something, but he had disconnected the call. He started the vehicle and looked around. The little traffic that was coming through had slowed to a crawl. There were a few people with dogs in the park, a woman sitting on the bench reading a book and another walking towards Bobby. Not too many people. He pulled out and slowly started driving towards the kid. He glanced through the rear view mirror, scanned the corner, then checked the people in the park. He waited until Bobby was about five feet from the curb when he slammed on the gas pedal and the vehicle bounced forward. He saw a movement to his right as the woman sitting on the bench jumped in front of the vehicle, knocking Bobby backwards into the middle of the street right at the moment of impact. Isaac didn’t stop or look back. He knew he had missed the kid. He cursed and punched the steering wheel, kept his foot on the gas and swung around the corner and out of sight.
“Get off my man.” A woman stood above the couple in the middle of the street hitting the woman from the bench with her purse. Cars had swerved around them stomping on brakes trying not to hit them. People in the park were running over to see what happened.
The woman looked down at Bobby. “Are you alright, Mr. Kennedy?”
Before he could answer, the woman swinging the purse was giving it her all. “Get off of him. Get off him.
Suddenly she was on the ground and the other woman had a gun drawn pointing at her. “Hit me with that damn purse one more time and I swear I will shoot you.”
The woman turned back to Bobby. “Mr. Kennedy. I’m Special Agent Morgan with Secret Service. You are in danger I need you to come with me.” The woman on the ground moved. Genesis turned with the gun still on her. “Don’t move.”
“What’s going on?” Bobby asked as he stood, wiped himself off, then walked over to the woman on the ground.
“You know that woman?” Genesis asked.
“Yes, it’s my girlfriend, Patrice.”
Genesis took a step back, exhaled and put her weapon away. By this time a police car had pulled up. Genesis pulled out her credentials and told them to stand back. “Mr. Kennedy, you don’t know me. But we have reasons to believe your life is in danger. That vehicle just tried to run you over. That solidifies it for me. I’m going to ask you to come with me.”
“He’s not going anywhere with you,” Patrice yelled. “You’re a mad woman.”
“No,” Bobby said to Patrice, trying to calm her down. “This woman just saved my life. I saw the vehicle coming. Hell, I damn near felt the impact.” He turned to Genesis. “What is this all about?”
“Let’s go somewhere safe so we can talk. I’ll have your sister Ericka and cousin Cannon meet us there.” She looked at the woman. “She can come to, but I’m telling you, lift that purse and I’m going to shoot you.”
***
Genesis entered Vernon’s office with Bobby and Patrice in tow. The police officers stayed outside and waited to get a statement from her.
“I thought this would be the safest place for them until Ericka and Cannon arrive.” She held the door as Bobby entered.
Vernon was a bit surprised. From all the talk and keeping things away from Bobby, he had the impression that the man was some type of weakling. He was wrong. Bobby Singleton Kennedy was a good six-two, probably two hundred and twenty solid pounds and as handsome as his sister was beautiful. He had to laugh when he walked through the door.
He extended his hand. “Vernon Brooks. So you’re the one causing all the confusion.”
Bobby shook his hand. “Sir. Don’t know about the trouble, but I am Bobby Kennedy.”
Vernon nodded his understanding. “We’re trying to clear things up for you.”
“Vernon,” Patrice screeched. “What is going on here?”
“Patrice.” He glanced at Genesis.
“The girlfriend.” She gave him a sideways glance.
“Ahh…”
“Yes, I am and I want to know what’s happening here,” she replied with a huff and hands on hips.
“I always thought you would end up with Nick.”
The wind was knocked out of her sails a little with that statement. “Nick was too slow.” She put her arm in Bobby’s. “I’m with Bobby now.”
“Good.” Vernon nodded his head. “I’m certain Nick will be relieved…to know you’re happy,” he added. He looked up at Bobby. “Please, come in make yourself comfortable. This is going to take a while.”
“We have plans, Vernon,” Patrice explained.
“Your plans are changing. Please have a seat.”
“I’m going to give my statement to the officers,” Genesis said as she headed towards the door. “I’m certain they will want to speak with you, Mr. Kennedy.”
“Not a problem,” Bobby replied and he and Patrice sat on the sofa in Vernon’s office.
“Ask Geraldine to order some dinner.” He looked at the couple. “Any preferences?”
“Whatever you have is good,” Bobby stated. “Well, I don’t do red meat, or too many carbs, so no French fries or anything of that nature,” Patrice stated. “Oh and I’ll need purified water, thank you.”
“Are you under the impression that I’m a waitress?” Genesis frowned at the woman. “You’ll have whatever comes in.” Genesis glanced at Vernon, shaking her head as she walked out the door.
