Just messing with you.”
“Talk to Maxine?” Maxine Sherman and Quinten once had a tumultuous relationship, but Q’s heart had been with Nikita. When Nikita died in that car accident, Rafe wasn’t sure if Quinten would ever be right again. Him, their buddy Nick Hunter and his then-girlfriend Parris McKay rallied around Q. Then he met Rae and she literally breathed life back into him. It was well after Nikita’s passing that he found out about Jamal—his son with Maxine. Stressful times, but everything worked out. Maxine married Taylor, a great guy who loved Jamal like his own, and Q and Maxine knew that the most important person was their son. When Jamal started high school he came to live with his father and Rae, and then went to Howard.
“Maxine is doing real well. We talk a couple of times a month.” He smiled wistfully.
“Ever have any regrets about your relationship with Maxine?”
Quinten gave a shrug. “I used to when J was a kid, but we all made choices and when I met Rae...” he grinned “...that was it. Hooked.”
Rafe nodded slowly. “Guess it happens for a chosen few.” He pushed up from the side of the desk, took a swallow of water and looked at his friend. “Me? Not happening. I like my life just the way it is, free, easy, no commitments.”
“That’s what we all say, my brother.” He chuckled from deep in his chest and took a band from his pocket to gather up his mid-shoulder-length locs. He fastened them at the nape of his neck. “Come on up front. Let’s check the stage and the mics. The rest of the band should be here in a few.”
The Quinten Parker Quartet had made a name for themselves touring the States and Europe. Q’s wife, Rae, a star in her own right, added a bit of splash to the quartet with her provocative spoken word.
Quinten asked him more times than he could count to join the band. Each time Rafe graciously turned him down. He enjoyed the liberating feeling of playing where and when he wanted, recording in the studio when he was ready, popping up at clubs to be a featured performer, being his own man with his own business. Totally independent. Being tied to anything or anyone didn’t work for him. He’d tried it. Once was enough.
“Hey,” Quinten said, his tone softened. He anchored his hand on Rafe’s shoulder. “It’s been a long time.” He looked his friend in the eye, knowing.
Rafe’s jaw reflexively clenched. “Yeah, it has. Doesn’t change anything.” His brow arched to punctuate his point.
Quinten held his hands up in submission. “I hear ya.” He pushed open the back-room door and they entered the club space.
Rafe stepped up onto the stage. Q was right. It had been a long time, sixteen years and counting. But like he’d said, time didn’t change anything. So he filled those years with music, good food, expensive liquor, beautiful women, world travel and trying to forget. That was the life he’d created for himself and he was fine with it.
Chapter 4
Mike fell in step next to Avery as they exited the conference room.
“You never did say who the guy was down at security.”
Avery barely glanced at him. “You’re right. I didn’t.” She quickened her pace but Mike matched her stride for stride.
“I’m curious why Senator Lawson’s son would be here to see you.”
Avery slowed for an instant. Her temper flared, but she would not let Mike get under her skin. “How about it’s none of your damned business.” She stopped in midstride and spun toward him. “The next time you have the itch to either check the visitor’s log or review security footage to check up on me, I’ll report you for sexual harassment.”
“Whoa! Just hold on. It’s nothing like that and you know it.”
“Do I?” she challenged. The glint of fire in her eyes held him in place. “Have a good day, Mike, and stay out of my way.”
Avery’s heart thundered. She hurried down the corridor and back to her office. The weekly staff meeting was draining enough without having to deal with Mike and his nonsense. Something had to change.
She closed her office door behind her, sat at her desk and booted up her computer. She did a quick check of her email, then updated her calendar based on the new assignments given at the meeting. Those minor details out of the way, she checked her service weapon in her underarm holster, took her purse from the bottom drawer and headed out for the day.
Inside her car with her office now in her rearview, she felt herself begin to unwind but quickly felt a different surge of tension as the sound of Rafe’s voice came alive in her mind. A mild shudder rippled through her limbs. She gripped the steering wheel tighter.
Seeing him today was simultaneously thrilling and unsettling; thrilling that he went to whatever lengths to find her and unsettling for the very same reason. She was flattered that he sought her out, but the distance that she maintained to protect herself and her space had been breached without her consent.
Clearly Rafe Lawson was the type of man that did what he wanted whenever he desired and he had the money, the connections and the charisma to pull it all off.
Avery parked in the garage and entered the two-bedroom Tudor through the kitchen. Her cell phone vibrated in her purse.
“I’m just walking in the door,” Avery said, catching Kerry’s call before it went to voice mail.
“Just checking to make sure you didn’t chicken out.”
“Very funny. Why would I do that?” She tugged open the double-door stainless steel fridge and took out a bottle of water.
“Because I know you, that’s why. Anyway, what are you wearing?”
“To be honest I hadn’t really thought about it.” She took a long replenishing swallow.
“Hmm. Well, I’m going casual. My white crepe slacks and that magenta blouse that I got from the mall and those strappy white Michael Kors sandals...some accessories. Yeah, that’s what I’ll wear.”
Avery shook her head and smiled. Kerry’s idea of casual was runway ready. “Sounds perfect. Guess I better get moving and find something appropriate so that I won’t look like the poor relation,” she said over her laughter.
“Girl, please, you couldn’t look bad coming out of a street fight. Why do you think I always have to step up my game when we go out?”
“K, please,” she sniffed and finished off her water.
“I’m serious. You are so focused on your job and scoping out bad guys that you are totally oblivious to the effect you have. Rafe Lawson tracking your behind down is a perfect example. Do you have any idea who he really is?”
Avery started toward her bedroom. “Yes. He’s Senator Lawson’s son. He’s wealthy and well connected.”
“You are pitiful. Girl, Google him. He’s a lot more than a wealthy senator’s son. I’ll meet you out front of the club at 7:30.”
“Fine. See you later.” She tossed her phone on the bed. Kerry always made everything more dramatic than
