Before Lincoln could make it back to his car the police surrounded him. He threw his hands up and kneeled on the ground. The officers placed him under arrest and hauled him to the local precinct.

"Do you understand why we arrested you Mr. Burrows?"

Lincoln folded his hands in his lap and looked up at the detective. "No actually, I don't."

"The vice presidents brother was killed less than an hour ago and we have your prints on the murder weapon. What do you have to say now?"

Lincoln let his head fall backwards. He was being set up. Suddenly he saw how all the pieces fit together. "I'm not saying a word without my attorney."

"Fine. But things will go a lot easier on you if you just confess." The detective left the room and a guard came in and escorted Lincoln to a pay phone. Still handcuffed Linc managed to dial Michael's number.

"Bro, I'm in a lot of trouble. Please tell me you got to my phone." Linc turned his back to the guard as he was already paranoid.

"Yeah, I just got back from the parking garage. What the hell is going on?"

"I'm being framed for murder of the vice president's brother! I need you to make as many copies of that video as you can. Get me a lawyer. And call Mel and tell her what's going on before she hears it on the news."

"I'm on it. Don't worry you'll be out of there in no time. Don't say a word until your lawyer gets there. His name is William Morrison."

"Thanks Michael."

-- -- --

Melony checked the clock again as she cut up vegetables for the skewers. Lincoln should be home shortly and even though Lincoln had offered to take her out she knew how much he and LJ loved barbeque and besides it would give them some nice father-son time. Mel peeped into the living room where LJ was currently playing video games. She smiled and rubbed her expanding stomach. LJ was the spitting image of his father, not so much in looks but in actions. Both were funny and soft spoken but firm when they needed to be. They both were headstrong yet loving and giving. She was so blessed to have them in her life. She was snapped from her thoughts by the phone violently ringing. LJ stopped his game for a moment and looked at her as if asking if she wanted him to get it but she turned and walked back into the kitchen to pick up the extension.

"Hello?"

"Hey Mel, it's Michael. How are you?"

She cradled the phone with her shoulder and cheek and went back to cutting the vegetables in front of her. "I'm doing good Michael. It's been a minute since we've heard from you. How are you?"

"Overworked and underpaid."

She laughed. "That sounds right. If you called for Linc, he should be back any minute. He had to run to Home Depot and you know how that goes. But LJ's here and we are getting ready to grill. Would you like to join us? And before you say no, just think about how long it's been since you've been around."

"Mel, I would love to come over but I have something I have to tell you first. Now there's no need to worry. I'm already on top of this, but Linc's been arrested for murder."

She felt her heart sink and her eyes filled with tears. It was all she could do to choke back a primal scream. "No! No this can't be happening."

"Melony calm down. Think about the baby and LJ. You have to be strong and keep it together for them."

She bit back the sobs and frantically dried her eyes. "Have you talked to him?"

"Yes. I just got him a lawyer and am on my way to the police station. I'll keep you updated but for now try not to worry. This will all be over in a few hours."

"Do I need to come down there?"

Michael couldn't help but laugh. "Now you know Linc would kill us both if I let you go to the police station to see him. Just sit tight."

"Fine Michael. But if I don't hear from you in an hour I'll be down there in a heartbeat." She hung up the phone and ran upstairs to the bathroom. There was no stopping the tears as she sat down on the edge of the bathtub. Mel buried her head in a towel and sobbed away. What had Lincoln gotten himself into this time? What was he thinking?

A few minutes later LJ knocked on the door. "Mel, you ok?"

She splashed some water on her face and cleared her throat. "Yeah, just a little morning sickness. Sorry."

"I was just worried. I heard you talking to Uncle Michael. Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, everything is fine." She opened the door and stepped out. "Your dad just stopped by Michael's apartment for some help designing a new garden. You know how he is with landscaping. It can never be too perfect."

LJ laughed and followed her downstairs. "Great. I guess that means I'll be working this weekend."

"Not without pay though. I told Linc you needed a raise and he agreed."

LJ's face lit up and he gave her a big hug. "Now if you can just get him to agree to letting me get a motorcycle!"

She couldn't help but smile. "I don't know LJ, you still have to convince me on that one. It's just not safe."

"But..."

She threw up her hand. "No buts' LJ. Dad's going to be late for dinner so what do you want to do? We can go ahead and fire up the grill or order pizza."

-- -- --