Free A Storm Is Coming by LaShawn Vasser Page B

about the Chief. He’s as crooked as they come. But, who do I tell and not lose everything that I’ve worked my ass off for my whole life? Nah…I can’t take the risk. It’s going to take someone with Mr. Manchetti’s vast resources and name to take the Chief and his ass clowns down.”
    What the detective said made sense. It was just her suspicious nature that didn’t leave Braylee totally convinced.
    Detective Jones’ voice took on an ominous tone, “I’m sure I don’t have to explain that whatever the hell is going on is dangerous.” His eyes focused on Alexandro like a laser, “Your brother is already dead because of it and a slew of folks in the department are trying to cover it up.” He paused before continuing, “I’ll only give this information to you Mr. Manchetti but only if my name is never ever mentioned. Never. I’m retiring in two years. I want to live to see it.”
    Alex was so angry he couldn’t speak, so he just nodded and reached out to take it from his hands.
    Braylee could see all the different emotions playing across his face. Her heart went out to him. She spoke on his behalf, “Thank you, Detective. You have our word that you will never be revealed as our source.”
    Those reassurances seemed to be enough. He nodded and turned to walk to his car. After walking a short distance, he turned back around, “Mr. Manchetti…I truly am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find closure and destroy all of those dirty bastards.”
    Alex swallowed hard and nodded. That was a promise he’d made to himself the moment he knew this might not be a suicide. He would hunt down and destroy anyone who had a hand in his brother’s murder…or the cover-up.
    The detective got into his car and pulled away.
    Braylee stood next to Alex in silence. The only sounds surrounding them were the birds overhead and the cars in the distance whizzing by on the upper deck. It was obvious from the clenching of his jaw that he was trying to pull it together.
    Alexandro hadn’t uttered a word since his inner thoughts had been confirmed. Her heart ached for him. So, she did what she hoped any good person would have done for her. Braylee stood still, stared out into the distance and waited; giving him the space and time he needed to get his thoughts together.
    After another couple of moments, he spoke in a leaden voice, “I should get you back to your office.”
    The burning desire to hold and console him was overwhelming. Braylee turned towards Alex and cupped his face into her hands. She whispered, “We’ll get the bastards that are responsible for this. I promise we’ll take them all down. Nothing is worth a life.”
    He looked into her eyes and glimpsed something he was sure not many people got a chance to see…gentleness and compassion.
    The pain reflected in his eyes reached her core. Initially, Braylee only wanted to offer comfort when she pulled his face into hers…and kissed him softly on the lips. When her eyes fluttered closed, Alex pulled her body flush onto his and deepened it. He held the back of her head in one hand and wrapped his other arm tightly around her waist.
    The kiss started out as a reassuring peck but quickly escalated into one of the most powerful kisses Braylee had ever experienced.
    She was so pliant in his arms and for just a moment since his brother died…he could breathe. Alex hated to pull back, but they weren’t in a safe place. He touched his forehead to hers and wrapped his other arm around her waist as they both tried to get control.
    “We should get back.”
    There was no way Braylee could speak. Alexandro had kissed her senseless. So, she just nodded.
    Her warmth kept the numbness from completely taking over him. Alex didn’t want to let her go, so he held her as they walked arm in arm to the car. Once he’d deposited her safely, he went to the other side and got in.
    The ride back to the office was very quiet with each of them lost in their thoughts.
    Alex’s mind was