Thin Ice 5 - Checkmate Read online

  2

  Ray was preparing documentation for the upcoming custody trial when his phone rang. Sighing lightly he answered, seeing the court clerk’s number appearing.

  “There has been a postponement granted,” Nikki informed him.

  Nicolette ‘Nikki’ Whitten was Ray’s executive legal assistant. She’d been with him for the past five years and proven herself invaluable. Ray loved her attention to detail and fact finding skills. Nikki was extremely analytical and she weighed every side of the equation before moving in any direction. She was also extremely attractive. Ray loved statuesque women and she stood a good 5’9”, possibly 5’10”, tiny waist, ample hips and a butt made for gripping. She also had an exceptionally pretty face and beautiful breasts as well. He never indulged however. Ray had learned long ago not to mix business with pleasure anymore.

  “Who signed,” he asked simply.

  “Judge Murdock,” Nikki told him hearing her boss sigh deeply once again.

  “How long a postponement,” he asked, his mind already working ahead.

  “Two months,” she again replied simply.

  “Humph,” Ray replied as Nikki smiled slightly on her end.

  She knew his wheels were turning; now she just awaited instruction.

  “Fine,” Ray returned. “File a petition for immediate visitation, unsupervised,” he added as Nikki nodded and answered she would immediately draft the documents and get them to the courthouse before 5:00 today.

  Ray again thanked her for her expertise and told her he would see her tomorrow morning. Disconnecting he continued to deliberate about the upcoming case. He already knew it was going to be an all-out war. After learning from Nikki that Kaitlyn and Tariq had retained Akil Dorsey, one of the most prominent custody attorneys in the country, he knew he had to definitely be on his game. Nikki and those two master’s degrees are going to be put to their full usage this go around, Ray thought of his assistant’s credentials. He picked up his cell and dialed Ian letting him know where they stood.

  “Will they grant visitation,” he asked, still annoyed at the delay but trying to stay focused.

  “Yes, but I’m pretty sure Dorsey will fight the unsupervised portion,” Ray told him honestly.

  “Hmph, that might not be so bad either,” Ian replied as Ray asked him to elaborate. “I’m pretty sure that KiKi will bring her, so it gives me an opportunity to see her as well,” Ian explained. “It will also open the door to us having to talk about the child we share,” he finished as Ray told him he may be right.

  “How are things going with the ventures,” Ray asked changing the subject.

  Ian told him everything was moving according to schedule.

  “I think the boys are having an excellent time,” he added of Brent and Santana.

  Ray chuckled telling him he believed they were as well.

  “Utopia is next on my list,” Ian told him as Ray again acknowledged his understanding.

  “The owner is a cream puff from what I’m told,” Ray advised.

  Ian chuckled telling him he’d gotten the same report. “I’ll be taking that over by the weekend,” he informed.

  Ray told him he believed him, going back to their original conversation. “Nikki will have the paperwork filed today, so I can press Murdock to rule by tomorrow,” he told Ian.

  “That’s good, I’d like to see my daughter this weekend,” he told Ray.

  “I’m definitely going to do all I can to ensure that happens,” Ray replied. “I’ll call you as soon as I get word tomorrow.”

  Ian replied he would be waiting and disconnected. Ray made himself another drink and called Nero. He needed some ammunition for this one and if there was one person who could find what he needed, it was his right hand. The man answered on the second ring as Ray informed him what he needed and how quickly he needed it. Nero as usual gave his word Ray would receive his request and disconnected. Ray rose and headed to the shower. He was having dinner with Dexter and Corinne tonight.

  *****

  Tariq and Kaitlyn returned home feeling a bit more hopeful after their visit with Akil. He’d immediately filed for a postponement and gotten it. Now they had time to prepare their case and get everything in order. Tariq hadn’t said a word the entire drive there or back. He thanked Tae when they arrived home and headed directly to the twins room. Kaitlyn hugged her friend promising to call her later and tell her everything. Tae graciously told her okay and left the house. Emerging moments after Tae left, Tariq headed to the bar and made himself a drink. Coming back to the living room he sat down in the oversized recliner and regarded his wife as he drank.

  “So,” he began his tone still tense and angry. “Tell me just how the fuck Ian’s child ended up in your womb, and my house.”

  Kaitlyn sighed deeply. She knew he was angry and he had every right to be. She only hoped he wasn’t so angry he didn’t hear her when she explained everything that happened. She began by telling him about her blackouts and how long she’d been enduring them.

  “I would come to myself and be places I had no recollection of going,” Kaitlyn told him as Tariq continued to drink and listen. “They were just gaps in my mind, I couldn’t figure out what was happening to me,” Kaitlyn told him as he again continued to watch her mutely.

  “When I finally realized I was with Ice, he told me I’d been with him for the past three days,” Kaitlyn told Tariq. “I didn’t remember anything after the man dragging me to the hospital basement and Ice stepping out of the shadows,” Kaitlyn explained honestly.

  “So you had sex with him during one of these supposed black outs,” Tariq questioned.

  “Yes,” Kaitlyn replied, hearing the cynicism in his voice. “I swear I don’t remember any of that.”

  Tariq simply sighed, waving her onward with the explanation. Kaitlyn told him she never suspected anything was amiss with her pregnancy until her doctor made the innocent remark.

  “It kept nagging at me, and nagging at me, so I started doing research,” she continued to explain.

  Kaitlyn assured Tariq from the beginning she believed both twins were his.

  “When did you know,” he asked evenly.

  “When we got the last ultrasound, right before they were born,” she answered again honestly.

  “How,” Tariq responded.

  “Tajdra’s birthmark, it’s almost identical to Ice’s,” Kaitlyn said quietly as he again rumbled slightly, rising and making himself yet another drink; adding an extra shot of vodka this time.

  “And you didn’t think that was something you should have told me, your husband, the supposed father of your babies,” Tariq drilled.

  Kaitlyn took another breath. Tariq was angrier than she’d ever seen him and it scared the hell out of her. She loved him without question and she’d definitely never meant to hurt him.

  “I didn’t want you to hate her, to treat her differently,” Kaitlyn defended.

  Tariq sucked his teeth. “I’m not that fuckin’ petty KiKi,” he accused. “Tajdra is my fuckin’ daughter, seed or not,” he growled angrily. “Secrets have once again brought us nothing but pain and chaos,” he told her as Kaitlyn immediately grew defensive.

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean,” she asked tightly.

  “Nothing,” Tariq replied waving it away.

  “If you’re referring to my past and shit, you already know what the deal was there,” Kaitlyn told him growing angry herself now.

  “Yeah KiKi, shit, whatever,” Tariq replied nonchalantly.

  She was pissed now.

  “Look, I get that you’re pissed and you know what, you even have a right to be,” she told him raising her voice slightly. “But you’re treading some seriously foul territory right now, you might wanna slow your roll a little,” she warned.

  “What the fuck you want me to say KiKi, oh, it’s all cool,” Tariq threw back, his voice rising to meet her own. “You have me once again looking like a jackass because you decided for me what I could
or could not handle,” he ranted.

  “So why the hell did you even go to the attorney today,” Kaitlyn threw back. “I can handle it by myself, she’s my daughter,” she screamed.

  Tariq jumped in her face, breathing hard as he glared down at her. “Don’t you ever say that bullshit again,” he told her low and cold. “That little girl is my child, period. I don’t give a fuck about Ice or any of his bullshit,” Tariq continued. “I was there through your pregnancy, I saw you through labor, I’m the muthafucka that cut those cords,” he went on. “Tejdra and Tajdra are my daughters, do you hear that shit KiKi,” he asked finally finishing.

  “All I hear is your accusing me of being a whore and intentionally tricking you,” she told him still hurt and angry that Tariq had stooped so low as to bring up her own sordid past.

  “At this point KiKi what the fuck do I care what you hear,” he returned acidly.

  “You know Ice keeps sniffing around for some damned reason,” he began anew. “Shit, for all I know you’re leading this fool on. How the fuck I know what you whisper in his ear when he supposedly snatches you,” Tariq once again accused.

  Kaitlyn punched him hard to the jaw. He slapped her in return as they began to fight for the first time in their history. Tariq threw her onto the sofa and screamed at her to stay there.

  “Stop, shit,” he yelled, completely disappointed in himself for ever putting his hands on her.

  Kaitlyn glared at him, tears rolling down her cheeks. She finally gathered herself and went to the twin’s room, slamming and locking the door behind her. Tariq sank to the recliner, head in his hands.

  *****

  Nikki was standing at the clerk’s desk waiting for them to stamp the documents she’d presented. She knew this case was a critically big deal and she took that seriously. Nikki always took her work seriously. The law was no joke and it could quickly make or destroy your life with a few strokes of a pen or a bang of a gavel.

  “Here you are,” the clerk returned amiably, stamping the documents.

  “Can you schedule this for the judge’s calendar in the morning,” Nikki asked, knowing Ray would want it heard as soon as possible.

  The clerk looked over the docket and told her she would squeeze it in.

  “Thank you so much,” Nikki returned, giving her best smile.

  The clerk told her she was welcome and Nikki left the woman’s presence. She called Ray as soon as she left the room, updating him. He thanked her for her professionalism and disconnected. She sighed lightly thinking of her boss. Ray Lockhart was a sexy man, very sexy. The fact that he was considerably older than her didn’t bother Nikki at all, but she knew they would never connect. He’d made a point of telling her he didn’t mix business with pleasure. Shrugging slightly she dismissed the thoughts and continued her day.

  Nikki arrived for her spa treatment humming lightly as she enjoyed the full body massage she was getting. Ray paid her well, she couldn’t complain on that end; still it would be nice to have a sponsor. Nikki chuckled at the thought. Granted she was independent to a fault, she liked the idea of saving her own money and spending someone else’s. All in due time chick, she chided herself closing her eyes and relaxing. Her mind went back to her last relationship almost a year ago. Stan was a decent enough guy. He was a paralegal so they had that in common, but little else. He couldn’t do the things for her that Nikki would have liked, but she didn’t hold it against him. She wasn’t a gold digger, not at all, she just liked to be pampered and spoiled. When money began to become more and more of an issue, she decided it was time to call it all off. Stan of course went off the deep end, acting a complete ass. He harassed her at work, stalked her home, and destroyed her property by flattening her tires and keying her car. You telling him he was acting like a bitch probably didn’t help either, her mind threw at her as Nikki chuckled aloud. She wanted someone in her life now. She’d had time to heal and let go of any feelings that may have still been present for Stan. Even if it was only sex, she wanted a warm blooded, well endowed, man in her bed.

  *****

  Mook’s mouth was hanging open as he listened to Tariq explain what was happening with him and KiKi now.

  “Are you fuckin’ with me Top,” he asked, praying the man was joking.

  Tariq assured him things were just that bad.

  “Man, why won’t this muthafucka catch a hint, damn,” Mook replied tiredly.

  Ian had been a thorn in their flesh for way too long now.

  “What’s the plan,” he asked Tariq.

  He sighed deeply before telling Mook that one way or the other, this had to end now.

  “If by some fucked up miracle a judge gives that fool custody of Tajdra, KiKi will lose her damned mind,” he told Mook.

  “I know she will,” he agreed.

  “Who’s his attorney,” Mook asked curiously.

  “Who else,” he replied as Mook swore under his breath.

  “Figures,” he replied. “Look, I got a thought, but I don’t wanna talk about it on this phone,” he told Tariq.

  Intrigued he asked him where he wanted to meet. Mook told him they could hook up at Baccheus, Jacoury and Ramell’s club in an hour.

  “Cool,” Tariq replied. “I’ll be there.”

  Mook told him that was straight and disconnected.

  He immediately made another call.

  “Hello,” the soft feminine voice answered.

  He was taken aback, not expecting it.

  “Hey Tae,” Mook greeted her, the lump immediately in his throat.

  “Hi Mook,” she returned sweetly. “Shells is in the shower,” she explained, answering his unasked question why she greeted him.

  “Can you tell him to hit me back as soon as he’s out, it’s important,” Mook told her.

  Tae assured him she would and he thanked her, disconnecting. Kim walked into the room seconds later and he silently thanked God she hadn’t been in the room that much earlier.

  “Where you headed,” she asked, seeing his keys in his hand.

  “Got a meeting with Top,” he explained as Kim shrugged slightly telling him okay. “I won’t be long I don’t think,” Mook added.

  “I’m going to hang out with Sam a little while anyway, let the boys play,” she told him.

  Mook told her that sounded like a good idea and to have fun. He was happy she had someone to spend time with now. Kim and Sam seemed to be able to understand each other’s point of view and it definitely made his life a lot easier. Now he didn’t feel so guilty when he had to handle business and leave her alone handling Sean. They still hadn’t had another child, but Mook was slowly coming around to the idea that one was sufficient. The current drama with Tariq and Kaitlyn definitely didn’t support expanding a family anytime soon. Sighing once again Mook turned and headed out of the door to his truck. What he was thinking was dangerous as hell, but in his mind it would definitely eliminate the problem.

  3

  Ryan was enjoying his time at the Cajun diner. Caramel and RJ were attending a birthday party for one of his son’s classmates. As much as he loved his family, Ryan relished the time alone. He was still enjoying his po’ boy when the two men caught his eye. They were vaguely familiar to him and his mind was racing trying to recall the how. Continuing to eat Ryan kept watch on the men. He could tell by their demeanor they were in the game. As fate would have it, the bigger of the two men looked up, their eyes connecting. Ryan saw the man’s expression, knowing that he too was curious of the other. There was a look of disbelief mingled with astonishment. Ryan never looked away as the man said something to his friend, as he too turned and regarded Ryan still casually enjoying his sandwich.

  Ryan smiled slightly to himself as the two rose and walked over to his table.

  “Wassup,” Creeper addressed Ryan, still watching him carefully.

  “Can’t call it, you,” Ryan returned casually.

  “Can we join you,” Pirate asked.

  Ryan shrugged slightly and the men
sat down.

  “We met,” Ryan asked Creeper getting directly to the point.

  “We’ve met,” Creeper returned still slightly guarded.

  He didn’t know why it was so hard for him to believe Ryan was alive. Ian hadn’t been dead as reported either.

  “Hmph,” Ryan again casually replied.

  “I’m Creeper and this is my partner, Pirate,” he introduced finally.

  Ryan again nodded and withheld comment. Finishing his sandwich, Ryan wiped his hands and mouth, sipping his drink, taking his time to speak again, before looking each man over. He then returned his attention to Creeper.

  “I’m Ryan Bailey,” he said smoothly as both men smiled fully.

  “Shit,” Pirate uttered. “You and Ice must have immortal blood in your veins.”

  Ryan turned to him at that statement, eyes blazing.

  “What do you know about my brother,” he growled angrily.

  “Slow down man,” Creeper quickly interjected.

  Ryan had a reputation for being the prototype of Ian’s violent ruthlessness.

  “He’s just saying it’s amazing both you and Ice survived attempted assassination.”

  The gravity of Creeper and Pirate’s statements hit him hard as Ryan’s mind tried to grasp the inference.

  “Ice is alive,” he finally asked, praying they said yes.

  “Yeah man, he’s in MO,” Creeper told him.

  “Missouri,” Ryan asked giving him a new look. “What the hell is he doing there?”

  Creeper and Pirate told him it was a long story. “Come ride with us while we handle this business,” Pirate suggested.

  Ryan agreed. Following them from the café he took his truck, as they followed, dropping it off at his house. Ryan climbed in the vehicle with the two men and listened carefully as they connected the dots over the last year plus for him.

  *****

  Mook, Tariq, Jacoury and Ramell were already at the club having a drink. Shells was on his way. Jaron was out of the country, taking sanctioned time off for himself and Gabrielle.

  “How you holdin’ up Top,” Mook asked.