The Blacks: Bonus Prequel (The Black Diamond Series Book 5) Read online

  Joanna stopped at his tone. “Your father invited me.”

  “He shouldn't have.” He started to walk away and she grabbed his arm.

  “Jordan, I am your mother.”

  Jordan looked at the hand on his arm then back at her. “No, you're the woman who walked out of my life. So stay out of it.”

  Joanna's eyes widened. “Don't you dare talk to me like that!”

  “Like what Joanna?” he asked lifting a brow.

  “It wasn't my fault Jordan.”

  Jordan folded his arms. “It wasn't your fault that you cheated and destroyed our family? Or it wasn't your fault that you married another man and abandoned your son? Huh...tell me, what wasn't your fault?”

  Joanna's face became angry. “You don't know what happened. If you want a villain, you need to look at the man you have on a pedestal!” she snapped.

  “You mean the man who's taken care of me by himself, the man who got me ready for school and fed me breakfast everyday even when you were there?” Jordan rebutted.

  Joanna pulled her designer bag higher on her arm. “You're just like your damn daddy!”

  Jordan smiled. “Thank you.” Then his smile faded. “Now stay the hell away from me Joanna.”

  He left Joanna standing in the same spot as he went to join his best friends, Sean and Izzy. The pair each gave Jordan a hug before they all took off smiling.

  Later that evening Jordan joined his father in his office. He took the seat across from his desk and identical dark eyes connected.

  “I'm very proud of you Jordan.”

  Jordan smiled. “Thanks Daddy.”

  “I know that you weren't happy with me when I cut you off financially, but I wanted you to grow into a strong man who couldn't be broken,” Justin explained.

  “I have.”

  Justin nodded. “I see that. I also know that you have not agreed with things I have done, but now that you are your own man you will find out that we all do things we may not be proud of later on.”

  Jordan cleared his throat. “You're right Daddy, I haven't agreed with things you have done but I'll never forget what you have done for me. I realize that I have to be my own man now. I've always wanted to be you, but I think I'll just be Jordan Black.”

  “That's all I've wanted for you son,” Justin said quietly and they smiled at each other across the room.

  “So tell me about this Millie,” Justin inquired.

  Jordan frowned. “Millie? Who's Millie?”

  Justin sat up. “She came here looking for you the other day.”

  “A woman came here looking for me?” Jordan asked confused.

  “Yes, she asked for you. I told her you were at college,” Justin explained.

  Jordan shrugged. “I don't know a Millie and I don't understand why she would come here. I haven't lived here in years.”

  Justin's eyes narrowed. “Well if she returns, I'll be sure to get more information. She didn't seem like the type of woman you would date.”

  “Let me know if she comes back,” Jordan told him. “What does she look like?”

  “She's cute. Seems a little like an airhead, a little older than you too.”

  Jordan shook his head. “Nope, I don't do airheads.” He gave his father a wicked smile. “Unless she has a nice ass.”

  Justin laughed and nodded. “Yeah, a nice ass definitely makes a difference.”

  Chapter 13

  Justin sat on the table awaiting the physician. She gave him a brief smile when she entered the room.

  “Justin, how are you?”

  He smiled. “Waiting for you to tell me.”

  She took a seat and looked at him. “You have a heart condition Justin. I've been telling you for a while now that if you don't slow down and take care of your health; your heart is going to give out.”

  Dark eyes looked her over. “You took my heart a long time ago, Dr. Smith.”

  “Justin...please don't do that.”

  He shrugged. “It's true Camille; you wanted to be a doctor more than you wanted me.”

  She sighed. “I wanted both but you couldn't wait to have a son.”

  “My son is grown, he's graduated from college. What's stopping you now?”

  Camille smiled. “The fact that you're still sleeping with your wife.”

  “She's not my wife and I've stopped seeing Joanna since Jordan's graduation,” he explained.

  She walked over to him. “How about the fact that you have more children out there? How old are they now?”

  Justin lowered his head. “They're twelve. The girl is fine but...I lost track of the boy years ago.”

  Her eyes widened. “Lost track of him? What do you mean?”

  He lifted tortured eyes to hers. “The family was supposed to check in with my lawyer. They kept assuring him everything was fine with the boy but we found out that wasn't the case.” He looked into the distance. “They gave him away and I can't find him.”

  “Oh Justin...” she touched his face gently stroking his soft beard. “I’m sorry.”

  He sat quietly for a few moments before he touched her hand. “I need you Camille. You still have my heart. No one else has ever come close.”

  “It's too late for us,” she said trying to pull her hand away.

  He held on tightly. “No, it's not.”

  She looked into his face. “What are you asking Justin?”

  “Simply to spend the days I have left with the woman I love. The woman I've always loved.”

  She gently placed her lips on his. “I love you too Justin Black.”

  Justin kissed her gently before pulling back. “Let me be the man you've always wanted.”

  Camille smiled at him. “You are the man I've always wanted.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “I promise I won't let you down Camille. I'll be a better man.”

  “You can't die on me Justin,” she whispered.

  He looked at her. “Just tell me what to do.”

  “I’ll take care of everything.” Camille smiled at him.

  *********

  A few days later, Millie's mother picked up the journal her daughter had forgotten on the desk in her home. The notebook slipped from her hands and fell to the floor. She sighed and bent to retrieve it. As she looked down her eyes caught some of the writing. She picked it up and slowly brought it into her vision.

  Millie was in love apparently. As she continued to read, she found out that the man was old enough to be her father and apparently, she had visited him at his home. Her hand flew to her mouth at the descriptive ways this man was going to make love to her daughter.

  Although Millie was indeed a grown woman, her mother was still disturbed by this information. Millie was wild and reckless and rarely considered the consequences of her actions and because of these reasons; she knew she had to keep a close eye on her daughter.

  This man, whoever he was, according to Millie was very rich and powerful. He was also apparently involved with many women. Millie was completely enamored with this man and fantasized about marrying him. She knew Millie's father would not condone this type of relationship.

  Moving to the phone, she quickly dialed his office number and was put through by his secretary.

  “What the hell are you doing calling me here?” he demanded right off.

  She took a deep breath. “It's Millie. I think some rich man is taking advantage of her.”

  “What? How?”

  “She left her journal by mistake and in it she says that she's been to his home and that he's rich and powerful and she's going to marry him; and they're making beautiful babies.”

  “What the hell? Did she say who he is?” Millie's father barked on the other end.

  “His name is Justin Black.”

  There was a pause on the other end before she heard, “That bastard is dead.”

  *********

  Millie searched her car for her journal while sitting across from Justin's house. She couldn't remember where she had left
the book. She wanted to write down her findings today. Apparently, Justin had yet another woman. She couldn't blame him though. She was happy to know he had a healthy sexual appetite despite his age.

  She watched as he walked the woman to her car then leaned down to kiss her softly. The petite woman smiled up at him before entering her vehicle. Justin watched until the car disappeared then turned at the sound of his name.

  “Mr. Black?”

  He turned to the young woman he remembered and his eyes narrowed.

  “What are you doing here?” he demanded.

  She walked up to him and smiled. “I wanted to know if you had any openings at your business. I can do just about anything.” She gave him a slow perusal.

  Justin looked around. “Listen to me and listen good, I don't know who the hell you are and my son doesn't know you either. So I don't know if you're trying to set me up or something, but I'm going to tell you this…stay the hell away from me, my house, and my son. I'm not going to warn you again.”

  “I'm not trying to set you up,” she clarified quickly. “I just think you're really handsome.”

  Justin shook his head. “Go away Millie or whatever the hell your name is before I have to do something I don't want to do.” He walked away and entered his house closing the door firmly behind him.

  Millie watched and her eyes narrowed. “You will regret rejecting me Justin Black.”

  *********

  Carl Harrison looked up from his desk in the tiny office he occupied. He watched as the man entered dressed in an expensive ensemble.

  “May I help you?” Carl inquired.

  “I’m here to help you.”

  Carl looked confused. “How is that?”

  The man smiled. “I’m going to help you take out Justin Black.”

  Carl lifted a brow. “Why?”

  “He’s now messing with something that belongs to me.”

  Carl leaned back in his chair. “What makes you think I want to take out Justin Black?”

  The man looked around the office. “You sitting in this hole in the wall office because he’s blackballed you all over town. I think you have a reason.”

  Carl knew he had several reasons for wanting Justin Black dead.

  “What’s in it for me?” Carl asked.

  The man shrugged. “With Justin gone, nothing will be in your way to create a successful business. Hell, I’ll even back that venture you’ve been bugging me about.”

  Carl nodded. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Taking him out is the only way to stop him. That way he can’t retaliate against us.”

  Carl laughed. “You know what they say, ‘Dead men can’t tell secrets’.”

  The man joined him in laughter. “And Justin Black is a dead man.”

  *********

  Justin Michael Black was pronounced dead at 10:55 pm, four weeks after his last visit to his cardiologist. The doctor’s report stated the cause of death as a massive coronary attack. As per his wishes, his body was cremated the next day and the ashes were to be given to his only son Jordan.

  Joanna’s presence was requested at the lawyer’s office to go over Justin’s will. Jordan was out of town on business and would not be able to return for a few days, so Joanna was the only one in attendance for the reading. She sat quietly across from the attorney and listened while he read Justin’s last instructions.

  “To Joanna Black-Harrison, I leave the only thing she didn’t destroy…our son. To my only son Jordan Black, I leave him to carry on the Black name and make his mark on this world. Everything else, including all my assets, savings and property I leave to the Black Foundation.”

  Joanna looked at the attorney waiting for more. When he continued to stare back at her, her face flamed.

  “No the hell you didn’t have me come all the way here to tell me that!” She jumped to her feet.

  “Justin wanted it read to you in person,” he explained.

  Joanna grabbed her purse. “Justin Black can rot in hell! All that he put me through and this is what he does?”

  The attorney sighed. “This concludes our business Mrs. Black-Harrison.”

  “How does he not leave anything to his own son? That rotten bastard! All my life with him he claimed that all he wanted was a son and he leaves him nothing?” she questioned.

  The attorney closed the paperwork on his desk.

  “Justin must have been out of his damn mind! I will fight this.”

  “It isn’t your fight Mrs. Black-Harrison. If Jordan wants to contest the will, that is certainly within his rights.”

  “If Justin wasn’t dead already….I would kill his ass!” Joanna yelled as she walked out of the office.

  The attorney watched her go also wondering what the hell Justin Black had been thinking. He had come into the office two weeks ago and made the current changes to his will leaving everything to a newly formed foundation. While it wasn’t illegal…it was definitely strange.

  Epilogue

  Current day…

  Sean Jackson sat next to his wife as he drove to their destination. Ever since his mother had mentioned the possibility of Justin Black being murdered, he’d been discretely checking into things. This was not an easy task because if Jordan got a whiff of this, he’d be set off and there would be no turning back.

  He could not even fathom Izzy’s father having something to do with Jordan’s father’s death. That would make for a very awkward situation at this point with them being married to siblings, in addition to being lifelong friends.

  Lily took her husband’s hand as she could tell he was deep in thought about this situation. Sean had thought it would be a good idea for her to accompany him on this mission. He looked over at her and smiled before placing his hand on her rounded belly holding his child.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked.

  “I hope that my mother is just confused and all of this is for nothing,” he told her.

  She placed her hand over his. “I hope so too because this could be a mess.”

  “Tell me about it.” He glanced at her then back at the road. “Are you alright with coming with me? It was a long drive.”

  She smiled showing her dimples. “Of course my love, whatever my warrior needs, I am here to provide it.”

  He smiled at her. “We’re here.”

  Sean parked the car then exited before walking around to accompany Lily out of the vehicle. Together they approached the door to the stately home and rang the bell. A beautiful petite older woman answered.

  “Hello,” she greeted the couple in surprise.

  Sean smiled. “Dr. Smith?” he asked.

  “Yes, I’m Camille Smith.”

  “My name is Sean Jackson and this is my wife Lily. I was wondering if we could ask you some questions.”

  Camille lifted a brow. “Questions?”

  Sean nodded. “Yes, regarding Justin Black. You were his physician.”

  She nodded. “Yes, I was Justin’s physician.” She opened the door. “Please, come in.”

  Camille showed the couple in and led them to a seating area. Sean waited until both ladies were seated before settling next to Lily.

  “What questions did you have?” Camille asked.

  Sean studied the woman. “Well it’s my understanding that Justin had a heart condition that you diagnosed?”

  She nodded and he continued.

  “You were also the physician who confirmed the cause of death.”

  “Yes, I was.” Camille eyed Sean.

  Sean nodded slowly. “And everything was routine?” he asked lifting a brow.

  Camille frowned. “What are you asking Mr. Jackson?”

  Sean frowned as well at her tone and Lily intervened.

  “Dr. Smith, we’re just here to make sure there was nothing suspicious about Justin Black’s death,” she said gently taking her husband’s hand.

  Camille looked kindly at Lily. “Why would there be something suspicious Mrs. Jackson? Justin had a
heart condition that he didn’t take care of and it killed him.”

  Sean watched and listened as Camille spoke to Lily. “How well did you know Justin Black, Dr. Smith?” he questioned.

  Camille paused. “I was his physician Mr. Jackson, so I guess I knew him pretty well.” She smiled at Sean. “At least physically.”

  Sean nodded again before getting to his feet and helping Lily. “Well, thank you for your time Dr. Smith.”

  Camille stood as well. “You’re welcome Mr. Jackson. I’m sorry you came all this way.”

  Sean paused. “I don’t recall saying where we’d come from Dr. Smith.”

  “Hmmm….you didn’t? I guess I just assumed. It’s pretty isolated out here.”

  She studied Sean for a moment. “Just how do you know Justin, Mr. Jackson?”

  “He was my best friend’s father. So if I find there was any foul play or if people are hiding things, I won’t hesitate to handle the situation,” Sean told her holding her gaze.

  Camille smiled again. “Well I don’t think that will be necessary.”

  “We’ll see.”

  Lily looked between her husband and the woman. “Thank you again Dr. Smith. We’ll be going now.”

  “I’m sorry I can’t be of more assistance,” Camille said politely before leading them back to the front door. Sean helped Lily into the car before climbing inside and driving away. He turned to his wife.

  “She’s hiding something.”

  Lily nodded. “I know, but why?”

  Sean shook his head. “I think Camille Smith holds all the pieces to this puzzle.”

  *******

  Camille watched the couple drive off before shutting the door. She walked slowly back into the sitting room and picked up her phone placing a call.

  “They’re gone,” she announced when the party answered.

  “What did they want?”

  “They had questions about the cause of death.”

  “What did you tell them?”

  She shrugged. “Exactly what we rehearsed.”

  “Who was it?” the party asked.

  “Sean and his wife.” She sighed. “I don’t think they believed me.”

  “Sean is a genius. He won’t let this go if he didn’t believe you.”