It was close to midnight when Jason's phone buzzed.
He was in her apartment, sitting on the edge of the couch. She had fallen asleep hours ago, after a long day at the studio. Her head resting on his chest, her breathing was soft and peaceful.
He reached out for his phone.
It was an anonymous message.
"She's been playing you. She's not who you think she is. If you're curious... check under her bathroom sink."
His brows furrowed.
He place his phone back on the table. ignoring the message.
Then came another message. As if he was being watched.
You better find it before the police do.
Jason thought to himself if it was a trick or cruel joke.
He stood up quietly. Slowly placing her head on the couch.
Walked into the bathroom, light on, Knelt under the sink. His fingers brushed past extra shampoos, a small makeup bag, then landed on something cold and Hard. He pulled it out.
A silver case. Inside was white powder sealed in packets.
He staggered back, like he'd been punched. Before he could make sense of it.....
BOOM!
The front door slammed open with violent force.
"FEDERAL AGENTS! NOBODY MOVES!"
Men in black jackets with yellow FEDERAL NARCOTICS UNIT lettering swarmed in. Guns drawn. Flashlights. The entire apartment lit up with chaos.
She bolted awake, half screaming. "Jason?! What's happening?!"
Officers surrounded her in seconds. "Get on your knees! Hands where I can see them!"
I found it. An officer yelled.
The bag was taken from Jason.
One officer grabbed Amari's arms and began cuffing her.
"No! I don't know what that is!" "I've never seen that before!" she cried, struggling. "Jason, say something.
Jason stood there like a wounded and defeated soldier, as she was dragged out.
He knew who pulled the strings.
The headlines came fast.
CHART TOPPING. SINGER BUSTED IN DRUG RAID
By morning, she was already trending for all the wrong reasons.
HEADLINE: Rising Star Caught in Drug Scandal.
The world moved quickly. Her label and Sponsors were panicking. Radio stations paused her music. . The media crucified her. "Pretty Voice, Ugly Secrets".
Richard Leonard was in his study when Jason arrived. Jason knocked once, then entered.
His father lifted his eyes to meet his.
He greeted him, then proceeded to ask coldly.
Father did you do this? And please think before you answer.
Richard rested back to his chair. His gaze cold.
You think she loves you? You think she's clean? You're just another means to the top. He said coldly.
Do you really think I would get my hands dirty for someone so insignificant?
Jason nodded. Not in agreement but in awareness and left without a word.
Later that evening. Mr. Williams came to see Jason's father. They where in his study.
Richard's phone rang. He took the call without hesitation, lifting the receiver to his ear.
Yes Detective Troy.
Sir your son. "He's been poking around. Asking questions. said the voice on the other end. He had a toxicology screening done on the girl, and it came back clean. He's also threatening to go public, and that won't be good for either of us.
Jason's father's jaw tightened. A slow exhale followed. And what are you suggesting? He asked. Voice cold and steady.
"We should let her go now. I think we've made our point." said the detective.
Richard stared at the flame. The swirl of his cognac slowed.
He didn't respond immediately.
Just hung up.
While at the detective's office.
Jason sat still. Immaculate in his black tuxedo. Expression unreadable. His gaze ice cold.
Across from him, Detective Troy wiped his forehead. A bead of sweat rolled past his temple despite the chill in the room.
"She'll be released," Troy finally said. Voice low. "The charges, they'll disappear. Quietly. No statement. No mess."
Jason leaned back slightly. You're making the right choice," he said calmly. Almost gently.
Troy swallowed. "You can give me the photos now."
Jason's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile.
"Detective Troy," he said as he stood, buttoning his jacket with a slow, deliberate grace.
It's a pity your poor wife won't get to know what you do with your late nights. Your unchastity remains a secret. Jason said adjusting his cufflinks.
He reached for the envelope resting on the edge of the desk. Slid it across with one finger. Inside were the photos.
The detective opened the envelop to confirmed the photos.
Jason turned, walking out with the quiet confidence of a man who'd just burned down a house and left without a scratch.
The door clicked shut behind him. Troy now let out a sigh of relieve.
Through out the drive home, Amari didn't speak. She sat in his car, staring out in the distance.
When they got to her apartment. She went straight for a hot bath. When she sat in the bathtub, everything came crashing on. She couldn't hold the hot tears in anymore.
Jason heard her cry from the kitchen. He felt Guilty and pained. He wanted to rush in to console her but she needed the space to moan.
An hour later. Jason was done preparing the meal. At the table, Amari's phone broke the silence. She reached for her phone, but kept it back nonchalantly when she saw the caller ID "HIM".
Jason noticing, ignored her reaction, using that opportunity to apologize for the hardship he put her through.
I'll have a reporter take a photo of us. Said Jason
Amari was about to disagree, but he continued.
Not to worry your face will be blurred. I want an interview to be scheduled, then I'll announce our relationship on TV. That way, nobody would dare lay a finger on my woman. Not even my father.
Amari looked up. Surprised.
That could ruin your reputation Jay. She said.
Let me worry about that my love. He added. He held her hands and said in a low voice. We're in this together.
Her phone buzzed again it was a message from the same caller. "HIM".
"Stop ignoring my calls. We need to talk about your publicity. Its becoming a worry".