To Say Goodbye

Chapter 18

Xander's POV

"WHAT? Why the hell was that man released?... That doesn't make any sense! A technicality? So, your department just let the man go?.... HE ASSAULTED ME AND MY FRIEND! WE COULD HAVE DIED!... Alright 'Chief', you do that. Don't be expecting my support to your office any more!" Xavier shouted, slamming his phone down.

This can't be good. He is fuming. I can feel his rage from across the room. He is now pacing back and forth clenching his fists. I hope they didn't release who I think they did. They won't just have one pissed off King brother, and they won't like dealing with the two of us.

Xavier stopped pacing an leaned against the the table this conference room. He took a few deep breaths before meeting my eyes.

Yep, this is NOT good. I can tell just by his eyes. They let that fucker off. He turned to James and Andre, then turned to our legal team that is sitting around the table. We had all gathered to discuss the charges we were pressing against Bill Sutton and come up with a plan if it went to court.

"They let Bill f*****g Sutton go free of charge the day after his arrest!" Xavier hissed.

There were several gasps from legal. James and Andre had angry expressions taking over their faces as they process what my brother just said. I knew they would be just as angry as Xavier and me. They saw what he did to Maggie. We all only met her this past weekend, but that's all it took. She's one of us now. She's family... and that asshat messed with our family! Not just her, but Xavier too. He probably wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Maggie.

"Dude, what the f**k?!" Andre yelled looking at Xavier. "Did they give a reason why he was released?" James asked trying to remain level headed. I can see the fury just below the surface though.

"Apparently there was a technicality. They wouldn't go into further detail." Xavier glared at the table.

"That's some bullshit! There is irrefutable evidence of his crime. What kind of 'technicality' would overrule the testimonies, the security footage, and DNA evidence against him?" Andre snapped throwing a folder down onto the table.

"Yeah, it doesn't add up. This should have been a pretty clean cut case for them. What do you think legal? Could there be any legal reason why the charges would be dropped?" James asked seriously looking at the members of the legal team.

The team talked amongst themselves for a minute before one finally spoke. "No, sir. You are correct. There is just too much evidence against him. Even if the DNA and the video samples were ruined, your testimonies and the images of yours and Ms. Shepherd's wounds would be sufficient to take this to court. Also, if the videos were ruined or faulty somehow, they should have contacted us for the back ups. We have the original footage. There is no legal technicality that would render the charges void."

"There is only one reason then." I finally stated joining the conversation. All eyes snapped to me, eager to hear my thoughts on the matter. "They were paid off to the throw the case. Someone wanted Sutton out of jail. Someone with the money and power to bail him out." I state lowly.

"You may be right sir. That would also explain why they never contacted Mr. King to notify him of the change in the case. Or that his assailant was released." a different legal member said nervously.

"Then the question becomes who bailed him out and why?" I state standing from my chair.

"Xander, do you think Sutton was working for this person the whole time? When he tried to stab me, when he was trying to get us to invest?" Xavier asked with his brow furrowed.

"Yes."

"Well, whoever it is has a death wish. No one messes with us and gets away with it." Xavier stated with an evil grin.

"Agreed." I stated darkly, matching his grin with my own. "James, Andre..." I look to them. They are both smirking with a devilish glint in their eyes.

"We're on it boss. We will figure out who has the balls to mess with us. We'll have men tail Sutton and we will look into the police department. There should be a money trail somewhere for us to follow." James said looking forward to the hunt.

"In the meantime, you and Xavier will have added security. Until we know more." Andre added leaning back in his chair. I nodded accepting his judgment. "Do you want us to send a couple men to keep an eye on Maggie?"

I looked to Xavier, who was already staring at me with a serious expression. "Yes, but make sure they keep their distance. I don't want to scare her." I state not removing my gaze from Xavier. He gave me a subtle nod of approval at my decision. Thankfully, mom has a tight security team already in place since she is traveling.

"Update me when you find something. Work with legal as you go. If we collect enough evidence we will sue that department along with anyone else involved. We are gonna take them all down. Every asshole that thought it wise to go against us." I spat the last bit.

Everyone nodded and left to continue their duties. Xavier and I were the only two remaining. I sat down and ran my hands through my hair in frustration. Xavier walked around the table and sat next to me.

"So... how is Maggie?" He asked in a playful tone.

I looked up at him, only to find him wiggling an eyebrow at me. I laughed at his childish expression.

"She is good. Busy at the hospital and then she has that important booking for next week at the shop. So, she has been trying to prep for that. Overall, she is good." I sighed heavily.

"Mmhmm, so what about you? Are you doing good too?" He asked suggestively.

I chuckled and leaned back in my chair. I was silent for a minute, trying to think of my answer. I sighed again and answered, "I f*****g miss her, man. I know that sounds crazy. I've only known the woman for a week, but I just want her with me every second of the day. I missed her the second her car pulled out of our driveway... Man I sound like some clingy chick!"

Xavier laughed at my last statement. Once he composed himself he gave me a serious look. "I don't think it is crazy at all, Xander. She is different. I felt the shift in all of us with Maggie around. She is family, and I hope she is around for a long time to come." He stated getting up to leave the room.

"I hope so too."

"Just to be clear though... no matter how good you f**k her or how much you love her, I'm still her favorite King brother!" He joked. At least I think he was joking...

"I don't know brother... you've never been f****d by me." I shrugged with amusement and laughed loudly.

"Neither has she!" He laughed and ran out of the conference room. Coward!

Low blow... that's just low! Soon brother, very soon my little temptress will be screaming my name in pleasure. Then, we will see who is the favorite King brother.