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“Good afternoon and thank you all for joining me here today.” I adjusted the microphone as I stood at the podium. “I wanted to come and give an update on a major case that my team and I have been working on for a few weeks now.”

Looking into the crowd at the sea of reporters, I took a deep breath. There had been speculation in town for weeks about what was going on. It was time to clear the air, and a press conference was the best solution to get everyone the information we’d been collecting.

“First off, I want to thank my agency, as well as our city and state officials, who have lent a hand to make all of this possible.” I gestured toward the representatives as they stood behind me. “Mayor Mills, we couldn’t have done this nor pulled it off without your efforts. We thank you.” Giving him a curt nod, I turned back to the audience and continued, “Human trafficking of any kind is something that we as a society have to take a stand against. Too often do we turn on the news or radio stations and hear about a mother begging for help to bring her child back home. I’m sick and tired of seeing billboards with missing children on them, vanishing without sight. Here recently, we managed to bust one of the biggest sex trafficking ring this nation has ever seen. While we were able to work swiftly and get a lot of women and children back home to their families, there’s still more work that needs to be done. We need those responsible to pay for their involvement. Whether a seller or a buyer, we won’t tolerate such inhumane activities, especially not in Milly Grove.”

Turning toward the projector, I clicked my pointer, showing each individual who was being held accountable for their role in the illegal operation. Whispers rang out amongst the crowd as a list of well-known officials was displayed.

“Question, Agent Atkins?—”

“That’s Senior Special Agent,” Agent Roberts stepped to the mic and interrupted. “She’s been promoted.”

“My apologies,” the reporter corrected himself, and I nodded with a smile. I was recently promoted after the sting by my team, and I was excited about it. No one was privy to my name change, and for the time being, I wanted to keep it that way. “How did you know what was happening and that it was going on in this city?”

“Rebecca Holmes, wife and co-conspirator to former Lieutenant Governor Bryce Holmes, was in an altercation, in which her phone was confiscated. During a warrant search and an internal investigation, we found her recent plans to sell not only children and women to very prominent members of our nation’s elite but also plans from the past and in the future. We had to act swiftly on the opportunity to intervene so that those heinous actions could be stopped. And I’m pleased we did just that.”

“And the lieutenant governor?”

“As reported, she and her husband got into an altercation that turned physical. He succumbed to injuries inflicted by his wife, and she will serve time for his death as well as her connection to the illegal sex trafficking.”

Clearing my throat, I leaned on the podium and spoke directly into the mic. “Ladies and gentlemen… we want to send a message here today that no matter who you are, you will not get away with something as serious as this. Any crime you commit or partake in, you will be subjected to the judicial system regardless of your status, wealth, or title. No amount of money can save you once we find out what you’ve done. We hope this message is clear for those working with someone or committing such a deplorable act. To the families and victims of trafficking, we stand with you. If you know anyone who needs help of any kind, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you all, and God bless.”

With flashing camera lights and questions still being asked, my superior stepped to the mic to answer any additional ones. As I stood off to the side, a familiar face caught my eye. Closing my eyes tightly for a second, I reopened them, and the face was gone. I missed Dre so much that I was starting to see him everywhere I went.

After the arrests, I was hoping he and I would have a chance to sit and talk, but it was to no avail. My calls went from being dry and short to him not answering at all. I even went as far as going to his penthouse, but they told me that not only did I not have access, but he had left. They did have a plant he’d left for me, and when I read the note, I bawled. I knew he was attempting to amend for Rissa and Eric, and although it was fucked up, I was choosing to forgive him because I loved the damn corporate killer.

I needed him to know that we could work it out. There was a ton of bad blood running a river between us, but we could build a bridge. I was determined to find him and make him have a conversation with me in person, so I visited City Hall in hopes of catching him at work. I was told he’d gone back home to Florida. Uno even approached me and said Dre’s business was concluded for now, and he chose to go back home. I sent messages through Skip, but they all went unanswered too. I tried my hardest to reach him and make things right, but it was no use. It seemed his mind was made up about us, and I needed to move on. The only thing I had left was a broken heart and his last name.

“You did good up there today,” my father greeted me as I stepped from the stage.

My mother followed close behind him, beaming in admiration. “I’m so damn proud of you. We both are…”

“Damn, right! My baby is a senior special agent.”

Once everything went down, I confided in my father and told him all about what Bryce and Rebecca were into. He was so hurt and disgusted by not just what they’d done, but possibly losing Briley. We took her to see a therapist to see if there was anything we needed to do or watch for, but they assured us that she was fine and to keep all lines of communication open with her. Briley was adamant that she was never hurt in any way, and I believe her. I don’t know what I would do if they’d harmed my baby, especially since I couldn’t touch either of them now.

“Thank you, Mama and Daddy.” I smiled as we made our way out of the state building. “It’s been stressful but worth it. I can’t wait to see all of those men, and Rebecca, spend the rest of their lives in prison.”

Rebecca tried her hardest to say she wasn’t involved and was being set up by me. At first, I was worried because her lawyer was relentless in making the judges believe her. Thanks to a late-night visit from Andre, her old attorney succumbed to a tragic overdose. Rebecca’s newly appointed attorney urged her to accept her fate and all the consequences that came along with it. She opted out of a trial for the murder of her husband and the various counts of trafficking. From what I hear, she’s facing at least four life sentences for what she’s done over the years. Sentencing will be in a couple of months, but she will never see the light of day again. I almost feel sorry for her kids because they now have to go into the system. Then again, they didn’t give a damn about mine so fuck them kids.

“So what’s next, Senior Special Agent Atkins?” My father smirked with his brow raised. “You want to go home and take a nap to celebrate?”

Crossing my arms, I mugged him as he and my mother snickered. They thought they were so damn funny because I wasn’t the going-out type. After what I’ve been through, I feel like a night on the town would actually do me good.

“You two got jokes, but guess what? I’m putting y’all on grandparent duty for a few days.” Their smiles dropped instantly. “Tonight, I want to party.”

* * *

“Okay then, bitch! It’s giving legs and hips and body, body, body!” I chuckled as Jerome sang the ridiculous song by Kandi as I entered the section he’d reserved for us at Club Honey. When I told him I wanted to go out and party tonight, he was more than happy to help me celebrate.

I decided to spice things up a bit tonight with my attire. Dressed in leather shorts and a bralette top draped in thin gold chains, I felt like the finest woman in the club. In my mind, no one could tell me differently. Normally, this would be my outfit when I wanted the attention of a mark, but tonight I was stunting for me. From now on, I was going to be apologetically me—mother, agent, daughter, and friend. Tomorrow, I would worry about being an ex-wife. Dre didn’t want me and it was evident. That’s something I have to live with, but I’m not Tina. I’m not keeping his last name because it didn’t serve a purpose in the new chapter I was about to embark on.

Swaying my hips to the sounds of Chris Brown, I walked over to our table that was decked in food and drinks and decided to start my night of fun. I wasn’t driving tonight, so I planned to really get loose.

“I’m proud of you, sister!” Rome cheesed, showing all thirty-two as we clinked our shot glasses together. He looked nice in his denim romper and go-go heels. One thing about my cousin that I admired was that he was going to be himself at all times. “Here’s to living life and accepting everything that is meant for us. Love, life, and family!”

“Cheers to me being the boss that I am!” I added. “Let’s goooo!”

Throwing the patron back, I bit into my lime and kissed his cheek. I loved Rome so much, and I was appreciative of him always being in my corner. As we ate, drank, and danced to the music, we laughed at how tipsy we were getting. Skip walked into our section with a mug on his face that I was accustomed to always seeing.

“Good evening, ladies…” He side-eyed Jerome. “Are you a lady or man? I don’t want to offend you.”

“I’ll be whatever you want me to be, baby.” Rome smirked as he stepped toward him. “How about after this?—”

“Jerome, I will kill you,” Skip said through gritted teeth with his Glock now by his side. “Find you somebody else to play with.”

“On second thought, let me go find your fine-ass brother.”

We watched Jerome try his best to run out of the section. I couldn’t hold my laughter if I tried. He loved messing with Skip, and I didn’t know why. Once he reached the dance floor, we watched him approach Wild. I was nervous for a minute because of Wild’s defensive stance. Everyone around them had gone still until Wild began to laugh, putting Jerome in a headlock and pulling him from the floor. Shaking my head at them, I watched as Wild led him back to our section.

“You know we fuck with Jerome, but any other nigga would have been somewhere in a river.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I waved him off as I sipped my drink. “Is there something you need?” Skip intimidated me sometimes with his quiet demeanor, so I kept conversations short. Hell, they’re bound to be short regardless.

“Nah, I was just checking on you. Don’t get these niggas fucked up tonight. At the end of the day, you’re a married woman.”

Frowning, I approached him so he could hear me loud and clear. “Fuck my so-called husband, and you can tell him I said it.”

Saying nothing, a slow smile spread across his face. He stuck his hands in his slacks and retreated from the area, taking his brother with him.

“Girl! I didn’t know Adrian’s ass was that strong.” Jerome huffed as Wild pushed him off. “I need to stop fuckin’ with these niggas before they kill me.”

“Please!” I chuckled loudly as I finished off my drink. “Come on! Let’s dance.”

Letting the sounds of Trina take over my body as it flowed through the speakers, I placed my hands in the air and danced as if I were home alone in the mirror. Throwing nothing but ass, my tongue hung from my mouth as I peered over the balcony at the crowd below. The club was going crazy tonight, and I was having a damn ball.

“Get that shit, Senior Special Agent Boudreaux!” I mugged Jerome as I continued to sway to the beat. “Fuck it up, sis!”

Feeling myself, I turned my back to the crowd, placed one leg on the banister, bent over, and twerked my ass like never before. I don’t know if it was just me letting loose or the shots of liquor, but I felt liberated.

“All right! That’s enough.” Jerome chuckled as he grabbed me and pulled me away. “You’re doing too damn much. Gone show these folks your goodies!”

“I just want to have fun!” I sniggered as my words slurred. It had only been an hour, and I was already close to being drunk. I was such a damn lightweight. Sweating, Jerome led me to the sofa and handed me a bottle of water. “Thank you.”

Taking sips of water, I could feel the swimming in my head slow down. Once I caught my bearing, I placed my head in my hand and burst into tears.

“Ah shit!” Jerome hissed and laid my head on his chest. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“I miss him.” I cried harder than I wanted. “I want and miss Andre, Jerome. What am I going to do?”

I tried my hardest to wear this brave face as if I didn’t care about losing him. The truth of the matter is that I’m struggling every day. Not just me, but Briley. She mopes around the house, and I know it’s because she misses Andre as much as I do.

Drying my face with my hands, I looked at Rome. “I love my job, but I will give it up today if I could have him back. I don’t care about the shit he does anymore. I know we can be happy together. I want my husband, Rome.” I was crying again and knew it was the liquor that had me unable to control my emotions.

“Shit, if you want that man, then go up that mountain and save your marriage!” My sobbing stopped as I peered up at him and frowned. “What, bitch? You’re in the club, drunk off your ass, crying like Shelia did about Mike. At least your man is fine and not a dickhead.” We laughed before he grabbed my shoulders. “You and Dre are going to figure this shit out. It might not be tonight. It might not even be tomorrow. But you and him will find your way back to each other.”

“How do you know?”

“Because you’re still alive,” he said bluntly and shrugged. “If he didn’t care about you, you’d be in the same hole with Bryce, rotting.” Pulling me up from the couch, he handed me a few napkins so I could wipe my face. “Now, come on, so I can get you home. In here showing your ass and crying in front of these people. Then, you got me wasting my money on all this food and liquor. Let me go find Skip and see if I can take this shit home.”

Giggling as I got myself together, I said a small prayer and hoped that Jerome was right. All I wanted was Andre, and I would do whatever it took to get him back to me. Tonight, I would wallow in my drunken pity, but tomorrow, I was going to get my man. I don’t care if I had to hop on the first flight to Florida to make it happen.”

After going back and forth with Skip for over thirty minutes about taking his food and alcohol home, Skip relented, packed us up, and put us the hell out of his club. He offered to get his brother to follow or drop us off, but Jerome assured him I had killed his vibe and buzz, so he was okay to drive.

“See you tomorrow, cousin! I love you!”

I waved and giggled to Jerome as he gave me the middle finger and waited for me to get inside. Stepping in and closing the door behind me, the strong smell of weed invaded my nostrils. The only thing that came to mind was my man.

“Andre, baby! Is that you?” I asked as I walked through my darkened living room. I could have sworn I left the lights on, but I couldn’t be sure. Bumping into the end table, I used the light on my phone to find the light switch, but it was snatched immediately.

“Dre, what are you?—”

My words were clogged in my throat as the lights came on, and I was face-to-face with Nate’s friend, Kurt. I hadn’t seen this man since I’d left Los Angeles and could not believe he was now in my house. Taking slow steps back, I kept my eyes on his crazed ones.

“K-Kurt… what are you doing here? Why are you in my house?”

Smelling like a pound of weed and cheap vodka, he was dressed in all black as he stalked in my direction. A sinister smile spread across his face, and I knew I was in trouble.

“I’ve been looking for you for a long time, baby.” I continued to backtrack as I bumped the side of the sofa. “You should have never brought your ass to Cali, sticking your nose in places it didn’t belong.” He eyed me lustfully as he shoved me into the wall. I stared at him quietly, thinking of a plan. My service weapon was under the coffee table, and I just needed to get to it. I wanted to beat his ass as I knew I could, but the liquor and adrenaline may not mix well. “Nate is pissed with the predicament you left him in. It took me a little time to find you, but here I am. He’s adamant that I kill you, but when he told me how sweet you tasted…” He traced his finger over the top of my breast, causing me to slap it away. “Oh, I’m going to have fun with you.”

Not giving him a chance to touch me again, I kicked him in the dick and sidestepped him when he bent over in pain. Fuck the alcohol. This nigga was going to get whatever I could do in my current state. Dashing to the other side of the living room, I was almost at the coffee table when I felt him grab my hair from behind.

“You stupid bitch!” He screamed as he threw me to the floor. “I was going to be gentle with your fine ass but now, I’m fucking you until my dick no longer hurts.”

I scooted backward on the floor in horror as I watched him unfasten his belt. Looking around the room for something to use against him, I spotted a red light through the window.

Pew!

“Ahh!” I screamed in shock as a single shot came through my window, blowing off the side of Kurt’s face. His lifeless body dropped at my feet, and in an instant, I was on mine. I needed to get out of this house. Right as I reached the front door and swung it open, there was a figure leaning against the threshold. With wide eyes, I gasped and took a step back inside.

“Going somewhere, wife?”