Chapter 75 Chapter 75
“I need a decoy; I need someone to be me when I’m away. Use my Jeep. Park it at the mall, just as if I’m about and about. I’m going to do something illegal.” I said , I was waiting for them to say no.
"Alright then, just holler and text us where and when you're going to be gone, and we'll take turns keeping an eye on things." Paige said.
“Thank you.” I opened the bag and pulled out six bundles of hundred-dollar bills.
"What on earth?” Paige said.
“One for each of you. It's a hundred grand each. Don't worry, I didn't steal it; I earned it for helping Zaiel Rhyland. I’ll be gone tomorrow from nine to five. All I need is where and when my decoy was between those times, and try to avoid looking directly at any cameras,” I said.
“You got it,” they both said.
When I left, it was almost two in the morning. I headed back to my apartment and tried to get some sleep.
When I woke up it was eight. I got showered and had breakfast. I made sure I was properly dressed and grabbed the black backpack, the gloves, and the helmet. I texted Savannah I was gone, and she replied, "Got it." I headed down. I wore the helmet and left straight for Fredericksburg.
When I got to Fredericksburg, it was after eleven. I parked the bike a good distance and used the shadows as cover and made my way to the house at the end of the lane. There were lights on inside and music blaring. I made my way over slowly. I climbed over the back fence and peeked in. Caroline was in the living room alone, drinking out of a wine bottle and dancing. I walked around and opened the bag, pulled a single yellow rose out, placed it on the doormat, and then knocked. I shrank back and waited. I had just moved behind the large tree when the door opened. She looked around, and when she looked down, I saw her stumble backwards. She knew. She knew what they did, and now I would make her regret it.
Kai
I was sitting in my office going over some reports; it's been three weeks since I walked out and left her in that hotel room. My sleep, my appetite, and my patience were all gone. I could fucking sleep without smelling her fucking perfume; it was as if she put some kind of fucking spell on me, but in truth it was just her, her annoying habits, her sarcastic remarks, and her quiet nature.
The door opened and Joe walked in. “Umm, Mr. Rhyland,” he said, looking guilty as fucking hell and uncomfortable also.
“What?” I asked, my patience running thin. He turned the tablet towards me.
The video was of a woman raving and ranting that someone was hurting her.
“Not interested; it has nothing to do with me,” I said, dismissing him.
“Sir, this is Caroline Rusland,” he said, and I grabbed the tablet and pressed play.
She was ranting someone was stalking her and leaving roses and other stuff at her home. “TESSA. TESSA JANSEN IS AFTER ME,” she said before the video paused, and I stood up.
“Where is that insane girl?” I asked, and he took the tablet and then handed it back to me.
I pressed play.
“The accusations made by Mrs. Rusland are based on lies. Yes, I grew up in Fredericksburg. I have not returned to Fredericksburg in over seven years. However, if you ask the local police department, I was called in and questioned. The times Mrs. Rusland said I assaulted her and every other instance, I was cleared. More than one individual can verify where I was at all those times. The local police has investigated this matter and cleared me. Mrs. Rusland is under immense stress after losing custody of both of her children for endangerment and being an unfit mother. So Mrs. Rusland, please stop these antics and dragging my name down; I suggest you seek medical and professional help. Thank you.”
I sat back down in my chair. What was she doing? She was going after them. I looked at Joe.
“You’ve been keeping tabs on her?” I asked more out of curiosity than anger.
He scratched his head. “Well…“
“Just say it,” I said, my anger getting the best of me.
“Jax. Jax asked me to just keep an eye on her movement, no security detail. But… she’s become smart. I checked the reports, and all the times Mrs. Rusland was harassed, threatened, and attacked, she was miles away, in public, and in groups. Also, her cell phone data corresponds with the places she’s been,” he said.
I sat back and stared at the tablet. She had help, of course she did, but would she risk it? She doesn't share personal information. I handed the tablet back to him.
“Just keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't get in over her head, and if she does, let me know immediately.”
“Yes, Mr. Rhyland,” he replied. “I needed to prepare for tonight.” It was the family gathering, and Avani was going to be disowned. I ended the workday early and headed back to my apartment.
Carlo pulled up to the Rhyland residence at seven pm. There were already multiple cars here. I got out and took a minute to breathe, bracing myself for the explosion that was coming.
I walked in and found them in the living room drinking and talking; yea, they were already deep in the alcohol.
“Ahh, Zaiel My boy. I've seen you've been doing good with Rhyland Global. What say you teach your cousin?” My uncle Ross said.
“She doesn't want my advice,” I said, grabbing a glass of champagne.
“Zaiel, will we be hearing a wedding announcement?” My aunt Rosettea asked.
“Who Knows?” I replied.
I walked over to the other side and said hello to my cousins.
“Has Dad asked you to give advice again?” My cousin Daliah asked, I smirked, and she shook her head. “Damn, man, just doesn’t get that I don’t want to run a business,” she said.
“Well, you’re still lucky; that damn brat is asking me to get married,” Damon, my other cousin, said.
“Kevin wants to get married?” Michelle asked,
“Yes, girlfriend, and the whole shit,” Damon said.
Damon and Kevin were brothers. Dahlia, Andrew, and Shea were brothers and sisters. Me, Avani, and Hannah. We were all cousins, and I was thankful there was no animosity between us. Carrie, Drew, Naya, and Lizzie were a different story. They were reckless, rude, jealous, and ruthless when it came to family matters, and there was always a war in their family.
“Head up, they’re here,” Dahlia said, nodding towards the door. My father’s brother, Charles, his wife, Suzie, and the four walked in. They spotted us and made a beeline towards us, and we split up.
I was talking to my uncle when Avani walked in. Hannah was already here but was talking to one of the cousins. My father stood up and looked at everyone.