Page 16 of Dreaux: The Corporate Assassin

His screams and shouts faded as he was escorted from the home, and I breathed the sigh of relief I had been holding for the last few weeks. This was by far my most stressful assignment to date.

“Looks like you were dressed for the occasion, Special Agent Atkins.” Senior Special Agent Roberts looked toward me with disdain. “Wasthisnecessary?”

“I got the job done, didn’t I?” I raised my brow as I pulled the robe tighter against me. “You told me to do what needed to be done to wrap this case up. I did my job and was within my limits. Now, if you’ll excuse me… I’d like to shower so I can prepare to go home to my kid.”

Senior Special Agent Roberts has never liked me, and the feeling was mutual. I was sure he thought my father was the reason I was able to be in this position with the FBI. Being the youngest black female agent with the bureau was a dream I made a reality two years ago, and I will never let anyone discredit me. There were times when the agency used me as bait, and I accepted that role. We all knew a man’s biggest weakness was a beautiful woman with a nice body. I wasn’t above allowing my pretty privilege to assist me when it came to certain cases.

For months, we’d been working on a case against Nate Williams, and nothing had come of it. He was careful and calculated with the things he did in his operation. Once I agreed to pursue him outside the office, I knew my life was on the line. It was why I chose to use my looks and body to get closer to him, and if I hadn’t, we may never have been able to bring him down. Granted, sleeping with suspects isn’t the way to go, and it was never my intention to let it get this far. That day in my office was a surprise I was unprepared for, and I felt sick about it afterward. At the end of the day, this is my job. My reaction to his looks and body wasn’t an act because the man was fine, but that’s what made things work in my favor. I could make men feel things because I was able to use my own inhibitions to coax them. I will never let anyone make me feel less than because of the methods I choose to get the job done. Men have done things since the beginning of time that could be deemed unethical or immoral. I was simply using my own advantages as they had for years.

“Atkins, we’re about to head out. Do you want to come back with us?”

“No,” I spoke over my shoulder when I reached the top of the stairs. “I’m packing my things to leave first thing tomorrow morning. It’s time for me to get back to the Grove.”

* * *

“Mommy! I’ve missed you!”

Dropping my bag on the floor, I crouched down and opened my arms wide in anticipation of my baby. I’ve missed Briley so much. It’s been three long months, and I don’t think I can go that long without seeing my baby ever again.

“Oh, how I’ve missed you, too, my Briley Boo!” I lifted her from the ground as I hugged her tightly. “You’ve grown so much!”

I love my baby down, but she was a replica of her father. From her expressive light brown eyes to her kinky hair and dark hues, she was his twin. As much as I hated that he was her dad, I appreciated him for giving me the most perfect gift.

“I know!” She grinned as she played with the cross hanging around my neck. I gave her one to match it when she was three, and she still wears it to this day. “Papa Joe said I hurt his back every time he picks me up.”

“Where’s the lie?” my dad stated from behind me as he entered the house with the rest of my bags. “You’re not a baby anymore, Bri.”

“Oh hush, Joe,” my mother fussed as she entered the living room, wiping her hands on her apron. “She will always be our baby right along with her mother.” She smiled at me and pulled me into a hug. “Welcome back home, Denim.”

My stay in California was extended by a week, and I was not happy about it. Once Nate was arrested, he made it seem as if I coerced him through sex. His lawyer and the DA had to go before the judge to argue if such enticement was acceptable. With all of the evidence we had against him, my pussy should have been the least of his worries. I was slightly embarrassed when his lawyer mentioned what happened the day he came into my office. It was deemed inadmissible in court, so I didn’t have to worry about his lawyer attempting to use the details of Nate’s and my encounters during the trial.

After I was cleared of any wrongdoing, I was dismissed. Before leaving the courtroom, I locked eyes with Nate. If looks could kill, I would have been dead on sight. The snarl on his face was one I will never forget, but I wasn’t worried about him. I’m trained to kill with my bare hands. Not to mention, he will never see the light of day again.

“It smells good in here, Mom. I came home just in time.” I continued to hold my daughter in my arms as I entered the kitchen. It felt too good to let her down.

“I know you didn’t want to make a fuss about being back and having a family dinner, but I thought it would be nice to cook and eat here.” She glanced over her shoulder as she cut up her vegetables. “Just us… Rome is going to stop by later too.”

My mother knows that anytime our family gets together, drinks fly. I love them, but they were the definition of dysfunction. My female cousins hate me because they feel that I think I’m better than them. How am I any better when we all are single mothers? The only difference is I get up and go to work rather than have government assistance. Jerome, or Rome, is my favorite cousin who just happens to be a gay man. He is the best thing to happen to me outside my daughter and parents. I was more than excited to see him.

“Of course, Rome is fine, Mama. Thank you.” I placed my daughter on the floor as I walked over and stood by her. “Do you need me to help you with anything?”

“No, but thank you.” I glanced to the side of the me and watched as my daughter shot off. I called out to her, but she was long gone. “Girl, she is gone to aggravate her grandfather.” She threw her head toward the freezer, causing me to open it and smile. “Grab that bottle and talk to me. Tell me about your latest case.”

Now that the assignment is over, I could let my mother in on some of the details. Pouring myself a glass, I took a sip and relished in the crispiness. My parents always had the good stuff, and I loved that for me.

“Ma, it was stressful.” I chuckled humorlessly. “That man was so fine, though. I almost messed up the mission.”

Pulling up a stool to the counter, I ran down the events that took place during my last assignment. Pretending to be a clerical administrator at one of our dummy businesses was one of the most boring parts because I really had to do clerical work for the bureau. It made me appreciate being a field agent even more. My mother listened intently as I gave her all the details I could.

“I’m going to need you to get a man if it was that easy for you to fold like a lawn chair.” I gasped at her statement as she continued, “I’m serious, Denim. I don’t like that for you, baby. How long has it been since you had a man in any type of capacity?”

Opening and closing my mouth, I thought her question over. I was embarrassed to admit it’s been years since I’ve had companionship. Between my work and dealing with Bri’s father’s bullshit, I haven’t had the time nor the patience to deal with a man.

“I’m a sad case, Mama.” I huffed as I poured myself another glass of wine. “How could I be this pathetic?”

“No, ma’am! We’re not doing that.” Mama placed the knife on the cutting board and wiped her hand on her apron. “You’re not going to throw yourself a pity party, and I’m damn sure not attending.” She turned and faced me as she placed her hands on her hips. “You’re young, smart, and a damn good mother. There’s no reason why you can’t get out there and date. If you want to throw that twat to a man or two in the process, go ahead.”

“Maaaa!” I squealed and giggled. “Don’t ever say that again.”

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