Naughty No More by Brenda Hampton Page A

real sorry. I did everything I could to protect Nokea. Maybe it wasn’t enough.”
    â€œDon’t be so hard on yourself. You sound full of fear. With Frick having your back, I don’t know why you’re tripping.”
    I couldn’t utter another word. Jaylin asked me to hold and Nokea got on the phone.
    â€œShane,” she said. “Are you . . . What’s going on?”
    â€œI’m at Frick’s office. In an effort to clear my name, I had to tell him the truth. The man who came in on us was a wanted felon. He’s saying that I robbed and shot him. Some detectives are on their way to your house. I need for you to tell them the truth about everything.”
    Nokea was quiet, but then she responded. “Everything?”
    â€œYes, everything. No need to get into details about our conversation in the car, but everything else needs to be told. I’m sorry. I know this is not going to be easy for you. If you need me, please call me. You know I got your back.”
    She sighed. “I told you that I wouldn’t let you down. Whatever happens, it just happens. Hopefully, Jaylin will understand.”
    â€œDon’t count on it, but make it clear to him that it was my idea to not tell him the truth, not yours.”
    â€œThat has no relevance to it at all. I have to go now. I’ll talk to you soon.”
    Nokea hung up and I looked at Frick. “I don’t like this one damn bit. I can’t even imagine what’s about to take place in their home.”
    â€œBeing dishonest didn’t help, Shane. But, under the circumstances, who wouldn’t have done what you did?”
    I looked away, visualizing what was about to take place.

Chapter 8
    Nokea
    Â 
    No doubt, I was in a panic. I was trying to discuss what had happened with Jaylin, but then, the doorbell rang. He left the room and I followed behind as he made his way to the double glass front doors. Nanny B and the kids came from their rooms too. When Jaylin opened the door, I turned to Nanny B.
    â€œWould you mind taking the children to their playroom?” I politely asked. She looked at the three detectives dressed in dark suits. Without any hesitation, she removed LJ and Jaylene from the room. Jaylin invited the detectives in.
    â€œI’m Jaylin Rogers,” he said, being very cooperative. He shook their hands. “And, this is my wife, Nokea.”
    The detectives shook my hand, displayed their badges and told me their names. I offered them a seat and we all stepped down into the sunken great room. Jaylin, however, stood up, leaning against one of the tall, thick white columns with his arms folded. I tried to play it cool, but he definitely could see how nervous I was. Offering me no support, his eyes looked as if they were shooting daggers at me. While on the circular sofa that was spacious enough for everyone to take a seat, I crossed my legs and turned to the detectives. Their eyes roamed the great room and high vaulted ceilings that had four tropical fans hanging from them.
    â€œThis is really a nice place,” one of them said. “So, this is how the rich and or famous live, huh?”
    â€œWe’re blessed,” is all Jaylin said. He looked at me, but I turned away again.
    â€œVery,” the detective said and cleared his throat. His eyes shifted to me and he handed me a picture. “Mrs. Rogers, I’m sure you already know why we’re here. We have a convicted felon in custody who we’d like to keep behind bars. He’s wanted for child molestation, rape, robbery, assault, and a possible murder in Texas. I understand that you and a companion came in contact with this individual. We’d like to know what happened. He claims that he was robbed and shot by your husband, but Shane Ricardo Alexander is not your husband.”
    I looked at the picture and gave it back to the detective. “No, Shane is not my husband. He’s a very good friend of ours. We did