S i b lings, p.26
S.I.B.lings, page 26
Alex reached the lobby of his condominium just as the rain started to kick in. The security officer, Jim, threw his hand up in acknowledgement.
"Long day, Mr. Burnett?"
"A longer night, if I'm lucky." Alex smiled and waved at the man as he quickly walked over to the elevator doors.
With a swipe of his hand in front of the pad on the wall, the doors opened with a swoosh and closed just as fast as he stepped inside. Alex pushed the button to the twenty-seventh floor, pulled out his cell and sent a message to Nate to call him first thing in the morning. He then sent a message to his brat of a sister telling her he would see her tomorrow at the lawyer's office.
It was just the two of them now that their mother had died. Janice Burnett-Taylor-Porter, his sister, was going through her second divorce battle and he wanted to be there to support her. At forty-five, he was still the caring big brother. Always there to protect and comfort his now thirty-five-year-old sister, no matter how spoiled she was. Yes, he’d had a hand in making her that way, but it couldn't be helped. He loved her.
Alex did not bother to look up when the elevator doors opened, his fingers gliding easily across the phone, as he walked towards the door of his condo. The hallway was empty as usual for that time of night. The entire level encompassed four condos, each 2100 square feet of luxury living. He had just been elected Commonwealth Attorney for the City of Richmond, marking his last days as a detective in the Major Crimes Unit of the Richmond Police Department. Now, two years later, he was in a good position in life. Ready to begin to settle down with one woman, maybe have a child or two. All he had to do was convince that one woman, whom he had loved for years, to fulfill his dream. Until then, he would enjoy the single life with vigor. If all went according to his plans, this date would be his last…just not the way he thought.
Alex opened the door with the palm of his hand on the pad. Walking into the living room, he threw his coat across the white leather sofa as the door closed. Walking promptly towards his bedroom, a quick shower and a change of clothes were the only things on his mind.
“Bedroom lights on,” he ordered his smart device as he pulled his tie from around his neck. He froze the moment he stepped into his bedroom.
A naked woman was lying on his bed. Taking a step forward, he took a good look at her. She was young, Hispanic, with long black hair and marks on the heel of her right foot. He did not recognize her, and she certainly was not his date.
Someone had been in his place. His instincts kicked in and he reached for his gun. No, he was no longer a cop, but he still carried his weapon as if it was an extension of him. His thumb released the latch securing the gun in his holster, just as the hairs on his neck stood up. They were still here.
He pulled his weapon sweeping left to right, checking every corner of the bedroom. Taking steps towards the closet, he stepped inside, glancing towards the back where he knew secrets lay.
From behind him, a muscular arm circled his neck, placing him in a choke hold. Alex elbowed the assailant in the abdomen. As he turned to confront the man, he felt a prick break the skin on his neck. Cool liquid entered his vein as he swung the butt of the gun across the man’s face. Then, he felt nothing.
"What the…" A tranquilizer of some kind, he thought as the words trailed off. His body immediately stopped fighting. With the question still lodged in his throat unable to escape, his eyes were wide open, seeing the man who had subdued him; yet, not understanding why. Alex’s unfired gun slumped to the floor along with his body. Then, another man stepped from the recesses of his closet into his line of sight. Their eyes met. Recognition was immediate.
“Hello Alex. You are going to die, in a minute or two. Know this is not personal. It is a part of the master plan. If you were still a detective, you would not have been on our radar. But you’re not;” he shrugged his shoulders, “well, here we are.” The man stared down at him.
Alex tried to speak, to move, but his body did not respond to the command from his brain. Master plan? The question rolled through his mind. He could feel his body shutting down, one organ at a time. He knew Nate had to be warned about this man, but he was about to take his last breath. There was nothing he could do.
His mind traveled to his sister Janice. Who would be there for her? His mind wondered as his mother’s smiling face appeared before him, and his father’s right beside hers. She would be okay. Nate would watch over her. His thoughts turned to Regan. His beautiful Regan. The woman who he had planned to ask to be his wife. Now, that day would never come. The time they wasted giving each other space to build their careers… they could have done it all together. Now, it was all being taken away because of a master plan.
The cop in him had questions. What was the master plan? Who was behind it and most importantly, why? What was the motive? Right before death captured him, his last thought was that he would find a way, from heaven or hell, to speak from the grave to bring this man to justice.
Alexandria, Virginia
In an undisclosed location, Senator Jason Rolfeman, Chairman of the Intelligence Committee, Congressman Edward Ackerson, Chairman of The House Judiciary Committee, and Justice Patrick Cunningham, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, sat in a private study. The surrounding floor to ceiling bookshelves filled with law books gave the room a darkness, even with the desk lights lit. The men sat in upholstered chairs with cherrywood trim conversing as they waited for the next call to come in.
“When we began this organization, we all believed the task would require careful, lengthy steps to create a sustainable society to make America as great as it once was and keep us in power.” Senator Rolfeman stated. “After five years of recruiting true patriots, securing financing, and strategic planning, our vision is coming to fruition.”
“The support of our plan is proving to be substantial,” Congressman Ackerson nodded in agreement. “Our affiliates in the following target areas have reported significant movement. Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina, Missouri, Massachusetts, Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, Georgia, Texas, Virginia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Colorado, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, California and Wisconsin.”
“What is the significance of those states?” Justice Cunningham inquired.
“They happen to be states with the highest rating for an active African-American electorate,” Senator Rolfeman explained. “If we are to retain power within the democratic system of the country, we must create legal remedies to the reduction of the voting rights of those who are targeted.”
“States are using questionable tactics in their legislatures that are certain to be brought before the court,” Justice Cunningham stated. “The laws are ridiculously obvious to anyone who can read.”
Senator Rolfeman nodded. “I concur with your analysis. Their actions are short sighted and, on the surface, ridiculous. However, it allows us to move our agenda forward undetected. Let them waste their time with menial laws, while we conduct our mission to implement the master plan.”
The red phone on the desk rang.
Congressman Ackerman answered the call.
“Level 1.”
“Level 12. The Commonwealth Attorney position in Richmond, Virginia has been secured.”
“Notification received. Proceed to next level.” Ackerman replied hanging up the receiver. He smiled as he sat back and exhaled. “Richmond, Virginia has been secured. The law is now in our control.”
The other men nodded.
“There is the matter of Judge Reid,” Justice Cunningham stated.
“That will be handled in time,” Senator Rolfeman responded as he opened the manual in front of him. “Let us review our position then plan our next steps for code green mobilization.”
* * *
To continue reading click here:
The Aftermath: A Nate Reigns Novel
Thank You
I hope you enjoyed reading
S.I.B.lings: The Society of Intellectual Beings
Click the link for the entire series.
About the Author
Iris Bolling is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of romance and romantic suspense. The Heart Series, The Gems & Gents series, and the Brooks Family Values Series, all were honored with a variety of accolades.
She was the executive producer and screenwriter for the indie film projects The Heart seasons 1 & 2 in addition to the full-length movie, Deadly Sexy, based on the writings of the award-winning writing icon Beverly Jenkins. In addition, Iris believes in giving back. Her projects provide jobs and internships for those who don’t usually get the opportunity to work behind the scenes in technical roles.
With the recent implementation of her G.I.Y. workshops, Iris shares her experience, knowledge, and talents with others to assist them along the way. Encouraging everyone to simply BELIEVE!
Iris currently lives in Richmond, Virginia where she is working on her next book, movie project, and/or workshop.
FOLLOW ME
Sign up for Iris’ newsletter
* * *
Text SIRI at 804-531-8900 for book alerts
* * *
Click here to be a part of my #SOCIALSQUARD
* * *
JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP
Also by Iris Bolling
The Heart Series
Once You’ve Touched The Heart (JD & Tracy)
The Heart of Him (James & Ashley)
Look Into My Heart (Samuel & Cynthia)
A Heart Divided (Gavin & Carolyn)
A Lost Heart (Brian & Caitlyn)
The Heart (Al & Ryan)
The Heart Always Wins (LaVere’ & Carolyn)
A Piece of My Heart (Grayson & Monique)
Hearts United: The Re-Election (Tucker & Genesis)
* * *
Seduction Series
Night of Seduction/Heaven’s Gate (Eric & Siri + Jason & TeKaya)
The Pendleton Rule (Ty & Kiki)
* * *
The Gems & Gents Series
Teach Me (Zackary & Diamond)
The Book of Joshua - Trust (Joshua & Akande)
The Book of Joshua II - Believe (Joshua & Roc)
A Lassiter’s Christmas (Theo & Pearl)
Ruby...Red Slippers & All (Devin & Ruby)
The Book of Adam: Hypnotic (Adam & Amber)
The Book of Timothy: Symmetry (Timothy & Denise + Grant & Opal)
Phire: I’m Just Saying (LT & Phire)
The Book of Matthew: Adonis (Matthew & Leah)
Jade (Blake & Jade)
The Book of Luke: Earthquake (Luke & Sasha)
* * *
Lassiter Weddings
An International Affair (Luke & Sasha)
A Risky Affair (LT & Phire)
A Family Affair (Matt & Leah)
A Christmas Affair (Blake & Jade)
* * *
Brook’s Family Values Series
Sinergy (Xavier & Nicole)
Fatal Mistake (Nick & Ericka)
Propensity For Love (Vernon & Naverone)
A Brook’s Thanksgiving (Vernon & Naverone II)
* * *
The Dunning Trilogy
Invested (Myles & Chrystina)
Banking On Love (Jonathan & Grace)
Private Stock (Cainan & AnnieMarie)
* * *
Nate Reigns Series
The Aftermath: A Nate Reigns Novel
Backlash: A Nate Reigns Novel
* * *
The Spark Series
One Spark of Magic (Jarrett & Paige)
* * *
The Society of Intellectual Beings
S.I.B.s
* * *
Stand Alones
News With Curves (Wade & Rachel)
Flames of Passion (Richard & Shai)
The Lure of Love (Brandon & Alexis)
The Justice of Love (Alex & Samantha)
Iris Bolling, S.I.B.lings
