The Scales (The Black Land Series Book 3) Read online

  “Thank you.”

  Mac turned to him. “Of course I want you to win Brandon. I don’t know how this city will operate with that woman in charge. I will help you in any way that I can.”

  “It would look very good to have the police chief in my corner,” Brandon said quietly.

  She agreed. “And the Negus too. You’re already ahead and you haven’t even formally entered the race.”

  Mac studied him for a moment. “May I ask you a question before I throw my full support behind you?”

  “Of course.”

  “What is your side of what happened between you and Patrice before things start coming out?” she asked. “You’ve never stated your version.”

  Brandon blew out a breath. “I haven’t spoken about it because I didn’t want it to turn into a circus.”

  “You two were “the power couple” back then. Everyone thought the two of you would take over the city,” Mac said folding her arms.

  “We were the top law students with plans to do great things for the city. I was going to the Prosecutor’s office and she would do politics,” Brandon explained. “Politics became her downfall in my eyes.”

  Mac tilted her head. “She says that you became jealous of her success and tried to sabotage her career.”

  Brandon looked away. “I’d rather not say what ended our relationship.”

  “Is that to protect you or her?” Mac questioned.

  “I don’t hurt women Mackenzie,” Brandon turned his gaze back on Mac. “Even if they’ve hurt me.”

  Mac’s expression softened. “You may have to change that stance Brandon, if you want to lead this city.”

  “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.”

  They reached her vehicle and he waited. “Do I still have your support?”

  Mac opened her door. “Of course you do counselor.”

  Brandon leaned on the open door. “I will be in touch with you soon, Mackenzie.”

  She climbed inside the vehicle. “You know where to find me Brandon.”

  Closing the door, he smiled and waited for her to take off. Rubbing his chin, Brandon headed to his own car. He wished that Patrice wasn’t his competition in this race, but that was something he couldn’t change. He hoped that she wouldn’t make him break his silence because it would hurt a lot of people.

  Inside his car, he began the drive to his home in Palmer Woods. On the way, he began to think about Mackenzie Green. He’d met her after the incident with Rion and had known immediately that she was special. He’d also known immediately that she was sprung on Rion. Which wasn’t surprising, since Rion was the baseball star and known throughout the state.

  Brandon had watched Mac join the department and quickly rise in the ranks. He’d supported her in her bid for police chief and had been both proud and happy at her accomplishments. With him running the Prosecutor’s office, the two had begun to work closely with one another. They’d had their run-ins and arguments, but at the end of the day, Brandon would always have Mackenzie’s back.

  Rion had insisted from the start that he and Mac were nothing but friends but that wasn’t an area that Brandon wanted to trespass into back then. In law school, he’d met Patrice and they’d had everything in common, both being on the fast track to success. It was inevitable that the two would gravitate to one another.

  By graduation, the two were inseparable, at least that’s what Brandon had believed. Patrice was beautiful, smart and ambitious. All the things he’d thought he had wanted in a woman, until he realized that those things could also make a woman shallow, deceitful and conniving. It was true that he’d been the one to end the relationship but not for the reasons anyone believed.

  Mackenzie was beautiful, smart and ambitious as well, but in a different way. She was also honest, dedicated and loyal. Mac was physically and emotionally strong since her job called for her to be both. She stood about 5’9” with an hourglass figure complete with full breasts and hips. Brandon had to admit that he had admired how she filled out her uniform on more than one occasion. She kept her long, dark brown hair pulled back most of the time and her dark brown eyes were keen and intelligent. Mackenzie had a sweet face that made Brandon think of a honey-toned baby doll, but he knew that she was as dangerous as they came.

  The fact that she carried a gun and could use it with precision was even more of a turn on to him. He could only imagine what she could do with those handcuffs. Smiling to himself, he thought of more than a few ideas.

  Brandon entered his home and sat his keys on the table. Shrugging out of his jacket, he laid it on a chair as he retrieved his phone. Looking at the screen he saw that he had a few calls from different women. Frowning, he made a note to cut down on those. His life was about to be on full display and naughty games would have to take a back seat.

  Removing his weapon and untucking his shirt from his slacks, he headed to the kitchen. On the way, his phone rang again. Quickly, he turned to get it from the table and smiled when he saw the name on the screen.

  “Didn’t I just leave there?” he answered loosening his tie.

  Rion laughed. “Yeah, but we didn’t get to talk in private.”

  “Where’s the baby god?” Brandon asked.

  “Sleeping and the goddess is preparing for bed.”

  Brandon nodded. “So why are you calling me?”

  “I wanted to know what Judge Williams thought about you running?” Rion asked.

  “He was good with everything.” Brandon headed to the kitchen again. “He wants me to start an initiative with Mackenzie.”

  “Mac?” Rion inquired. “What kind of initiative?”

  “Something to do with policing and sentencing.” Brandon grabbed a piece of fruit from the counter.

  Rion laughed. “Is your daddy playing matchmaker?”

  Brandon smiled. “Not even subtle about it either. Talking about green-eyed grandbabies.”

  “Damn! Judge is going all out.”

  “It’s your damn fault. Getting married and talking about having five babies.”

  “Hey, don’t hate the player…hate the game.”

  Brandon laughed. “Okay player.”

  Rion quieted for a moment. “So… are you taking his advice?”

  “I’m focused on starting a campaign Rion, not a relationship.”

  “Mac is sweet, she’s beautiful…”

  Brandon cut him off. “You don’t have to extol Mackenzie’s virtues to me Rion. I’ve known the woman almost as long as you have.”

  Rion frowned. “Then why haven’t you stepped?”

  Brandon bit into his apple. “I don’t do trios.”

  “Trios?” Rion asked. “What are you talking about?”

  Walking to his bedroom, Brandon began to undress. “We know that Mackenzie was all into you Rion.”

  “That’s because of what happened Brandon. You know that.” Rion rebutted. “Mac and I are nothing but friends and always have been.”

  Brandon shrugged out of his shirt. “Hey, you could’ve been doing a Lance, holding in your feelings for all these damn years.”

  “Is that why you haven’t approached Mac?” Rion asked incredulously. “Because you thought I was carrying some kind of torch for her?”

  “Look Rion, it doesn’t matter now.”

  Rion sighed. “You could’ve been with Mac instead of that damn Patrice. She really tried to mess you up.”

  Brandon sat on the bed, placing his uneaten fruit on the nightstand. “Yeah, your Rhonda had nothing on her.”

  “She’s not my Rhonda,” Rion complained.

  “She was.”

  “Well we’re talking about Patrice now. Are you ready to deal with her?” Rion asked.

  Kicking off his shoes, Brandon answered. “I have no choice. I’m not going to let her stop me.”

  “Well we’ve all got your back,” Rion reminded him.

  “I know and Mackenzie says I’ll have her support as well.”

  Rion smiled. “I’m s
ure Mackenzie did.”

  “Go take care of your goddess Rion. Goodnight.”

  Brandon disconnected the call then laid back across the bed. He looked up at the hooks on the ceiling and sighed. He’d probably have to put that on hold as well.

  Chapter 2

  Two days later in front of a crowd of reporters, Brandon formally announced his candidacy for the mayoral race standing next to his campaign manager.

  “Prosecutor Williams, what made you decide to enter the race?” a reporter yelled.

  Brandon turned to face him dressed in a navy suit and tie. “I believe that I can make a difference. The city needs strong leadership to continue to move in the right direction. Although we’ve seen improvements, we still have a long way to go within our communities. I’m prepared to lead us to the next level.”

  “One of your opponents is Patrice Dansby. Will this rekindle your old flame?” another asked.

  Brandon’s eyes narrowed. “This is a race to determine the direction this city will take for the next four years. This isn’t about personal relationships, past or present. If you want to ask me questions about what affects this city, then I will be glad to respond but I will not indulge in meaningless distractions.”

  Looking chastised, the reporter became silent.

  “Prosecutor Williams, what are your main objectives in this election?”

  Brandon turned again and made his expression neutral. “I will be discussing an initiative with Chief Green to address policing and sentencing issues. I want to get our people out of the jails and the system as a whole so they can be productive parents and citizens in our community.”

  “Too many of our men and women have left children and families behind for ‘crimes’ stemming from arbitrary laws that have been put in place to oppress black people and destroy communities. We need to change how we police and punish our residents.”

  “Haven’t you been the one enforcing those laws and sentences?” someone shouted.

  Brandon nodded. “Yes I have, which is why I have firsthand knowledge of this defective system and who better to fix it than someone who knows what the issues are?”

  “If you win, will Tauri Patterson-Shaw be taking over the Prosecutor’s office?”

  Brandon smiled. “That’s something you would have to ask Mrs. Patterson-Shaw.” He looked at his watch. “Thank you for your time, however I still have a job to do and I’m sure I will see you all a lot during this campaign.”

  Cameras flashed as Brandon turned and walked over to Derek Wells. The two men shook hands then headed inside the building to Brandon’s office.

  “Great job Brandon,” Derek commented as they walked to the elevator. “You handled yourself well.”

  Brandon looked at him. “This is going to be a long campaign.”

  Derek smiled. “Yeah, I agree. The Patrice Dansby guns came out early.”

  “Rekindle the flames?” Brandon sighed as they entered the elevator. “They must be crazy.”

  “From what you’ve told me, I’m sure that’s not even a possibility.” Derek agreed.

  Brandon shook his head as the elevator ascended. When they reached the floor and stepped out, Brandon’s phone rang and he quickly answered.

  “Hey Dad,” he answered.

  “How’d it go?” his father asked.

  Brandon walked to his office with Derek following. “Good. I handled it.”

  “Did they come after you?”

  “They tried, but we’re sticking to the issues at hand.”

  “Okay, stay focused. Have you talked with Chief Green?” Benjamin asked.

  Brandon entered his office and waved for Derek to take a seat. “I’m going to see her later today.”

  “Let me know when you two set the meeting so I can put it on my calendar,” the judge informed him.

  Brandon smiled. “Do you really need to be there?”

  “I want to make sure you two stay focused on the initiative.”

  “Okay, Dad. I’ve already told you that I’m concentrating on getting elected, not anything else,” Brandon reminded him.

  “Then you don’t mind me being there.”

  Brandon laughed. “No, I don’t. Look, I need to meet with Derek and then get ready to go over to see Mackenzie, so I’ll check in with you later.”

  Brandon ended the call and turned to Derek. “My father really wants to see this initiative.”

  Derek smiled. “Sounds like it.”

  “He’s also on a grandkids kick right now and this is not the time.”

  “Yeah, that probably wouldn’t look good for your campaign right now considering you’re not married or seeing anyone in particular,” Derek commented.

  Brandon sat back in his seat. “That’s not even a thought right now.”

  “Good, we need you to be focused and squeaky clean. When your opponent ran for City Council, she used every dirty tactic available, so I have no doubt she’s planning to do the same in the Mayoral race. She’s been coveting the position for a while says my sources,” Derek informed him then watched for a moment.

  “Look Brandon, I know you want to keep your private business…private, but if there’s something that she can use against you, I need to know. I won’t betray your confidence; I just need to be prepared.”

  Brandon frowned. “Derek, I haven’t done anything that would make me unqualified to be mayor of this city. There is no truth that Patrice can say that would incriminate me,” Brandon paused. “And if she decides to rehash our past, I’m not the one it will hurt.”

  Derek blew out a breath. “Okay Brandon, I’m trusting you on this. Rion has assured me that you’re a man of your word so let’s do this.”

  “I appreciate you coming on board Derek.”

  Derek smiled. “This is an important race. Rion loves this city and he’s told me about what you and the Negus have done to make this a better place. I respect what you brothers are doing here.”

  Brandon’s phone on his desk buzzed and he pushed a button. “Yes?”

  “Excuse me for interrupting Prosecutor Williams, but Patrice Dansby is here to see you. She asked me to let you know that she’s here.”

  Derek gave Brandon a surprised look as Brandon responded. “Tell her I’ll be with her shortly. Thank you.”

  When the line cleared, Brandon looked over at Derek. “Well, I guess good news travels fast.”

  “You shouldn’t talk to her alone,” Derek warned.

  Brandon picked up his cell phone from his desk and touched a few buttons before he stood from his seat. “She’s come to tell me something. I may as well find out what it is.” He sat the phone back on the gleaming wood.

  “Okay…” Derek said slowly getting to his feet. “Don’t let her make you incriminate yourself on anything.”

  Brandon smiled as he came around the desk. “Of course that’s her motive.”

  He shook Derek’s hand and walked him to the door. “I’ll be in touch.”

  Derek nodded. “Let me know how things go.”

  Brandon watched as Derek walked past Patrice who stood in the lobby. She looked over the handsome man in the bowtie as he nodded and quickly walked away. Her attention was then snagged by hazel green eyes.

  “How may I help you Patrice?” Brandon asked.

  She smiled. “I came to congratulate you.”

  He nodded. “Thank you.”

  Patrice walked slowly to where he stood in his doorway. “Can we talk?” she asked quietly.

  Brandon looked at the beautiful woman. Patrice wore her hair in a short precision cut dyed an auburn color that complemented her café au lait complexion. Her designer dress fit her curvaceous frame and her high heels clicked on the tile floor as she approached.

  “We haven’t talked in years, what do we have to talk about now?” he questioned.

  She glanced at the listening secretary. “Do you really want to do this here?”

  Brandon shrugged. “Come in Patrice.” Stepping back, he allowed her inside then
closed the door before following her. He stood in front of his desk and leaned back against it as she took a seat.

  “You look good Brandon,” she said looking him up and down. “How have you been?”

  “I’ve been good Patrice. You look well yourself.”

  She connected with his gaze. “I was surprised to hear that you were running. You know this is what I’ve always wanted.”

  He folded his arms. “But for what reasons Patrice?”

  “Because it’s the next step in my plan.”

  “I want to help this city,” Brandon told her. “Like I have my whole life. This isn’t just a next step for me.”

  Patrice frowned at him. “I’ll help the city too.”

  “This isn’t personal Patrice.”

  She lifted a brow. “Isn’t it? All of a sudden you want to be mayor when I’d already announced that I was running?”

  “Actually it wasn’t all of a sudden. I took my time to make sure I was ready to step into this role. It’s not something that I took lightly,” he explained.

  “I know your secrets Brandon,” she warned.

  Green eyes hardened. “I know yours too Patrice.” Brandon unfolded his arms and placed his hands behind him on the desk. “We don’t have to do it this way.”

  She smiled. “I know how you like to do it Brandon…or should I say I know how Bad Boy Brandon likes to do it.”

  He lifted a brow. “What are trying to say Patrice?”

  She sat back. “I’m just saying, do you want the public to know that there’s another side to their clean cut head prosecutor?”

  “It’s not illegal,” he assured her.

  “It may not be illegal but some may find it disturbing.”

  Brandon smiled. “So you came to threaten me by saying you’ll tell voters that I engaged in casual consensual sex with you in the past?”

  “Yes it was consensual, but far from casual. Conservative voters may find your fetishes a little…uh alarming.”

  Brandon nodded. “They may, although we both know that you didn’t.”

  Patrice’s eyes widened.

  “In fact, I can still recall exactly how much you enjoyed it until…” he left the rest unfinished.

  She got to her feet. “I’m determined to win this election and no one is going to stop me.”