by Posey Parks
“Oh, shit!” Cedric huffed.
Gio and I attached the silencers to our Glocks.
“Chuncy, unlock the doors.”
I placed my muzzle against Angus’s forehead. “You will exit the car nice and slow. If you attempt to run, I’ll blow your brains out from a distance. I won’t miss either. I am a perfect shot.”
I exited the car first. Cedric and Angus stumbled out of the car, hands raised.
“Put your hands down,” I directed.
“Allow us to apologize to Ed.” Cedric shook as he pleaded. “We can pay him back for the damages.”
“Move,” Gio ordered.
Pointing our Glocks into the small of their backs, we pushed them into the low-lit wooded area.
Angus glanced to his left. “Cedric, you wasted your time pleading with Mick’s henchmen. These two being here means there is no negotiation.”
“See Cedric, Anus gets it.”
Gio and I glanced at each other and laughed.
Cedric bolted to the left. Extending my arm, I aimed the Glock at Cedric’s head. Squeezing the trigger, the bullet released from the chamber, slamming into the back of his head. His body dropped to the ground face first.
Angus gripped his head. “Shit!”
“See, what did I tell you. Perfect shot!” I grinned at Angus.
His eyelids lowered.
Gio raised the Glock aiming it between Angus’s eyes. The bullet released from the chamber, slamming into Angus’s forehead. His head rocked back, shaking his hair loose from its slicked back oily form. Angus’s body fell to the dirt.
“Quick and easy,” Gio chuckled. “I’ll grab Cedric’s body. Grab the supplies.” He threw his suit jacket into my hands.
“Yeah.”
After making two trips to the trunk gathering supplies, Gio and I pulled on our coveralls. We pulled our dark baseball caps low, then dug a deep hole. The small lantern provided minimal light, which is all we needed.
I retrieved the eight thousand from Angus’s pocket, placing the money in mine. Chuncy sat in the limo, keeping watch. Gio and I cut each of the bodies into small pieces, tossing the body parts into the six-foot hole. We covered the bodies with dirt, then laid fresh rolls of sod. I removed my black leather gloves, wiping my brow.
“Gio, lets load the trunk and get out of here.”
“I can’t wait to get out of these clothes,” he stated walking toward the car.
“Chuncy, drive to your house, then Gio and I will ditch the car.”
“Got it, Tone.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
NADINE
I love spending time with my family. Friday afternoon, I helped my mother Gladys at our family boutique. The white walls and the bright pinks and blues are eye-catching when you first enter. We love the dainty clear decorative chairs with colorful pillows and couches throughout the snazzy shop. The ambiance and the clothes have to be beautiful to keep customers returning. Our boutique has been successful in the four years it's been open in downtown Wynne, the suburb we’ve lived in since I could remember.
The prominent suburb’s residents are doctors, lawyers, government officials and blue-collar workers like my dad. My father Earl runs the largest automotive plant in our city. My sisters and I had a nice upbringing. We aren’t spoiled, but we were fortunate to get what we wanted within reason.
“Are you ready for your English test next week?” My mother interrupted my thoughts as I stared into space fluffing couch pillows.
“Yes, Mama, I sure am.”
My mother recently dyed her short hair red. The cute short pixie haircut makes her look years younger. Her exuberant dark eyes gleam as she stared at me. I’m only 5’5”. My mother is only one inch taller than me. My older sister Candace is 5’7” and my little sister Sheree is the same height as me. She will probably reach Candace’s height soon. My father is the tallest, standing at 5’10”.
The way my mother glares at my father with loving eyes every time they have a conversation, you know is true love. My father gawks at her too. Seldom does he and my mother not kiss. If they had a big, drop down argument they would groan at each other for a maximum of two days. I want a love like that. No one’s relationship is perfect but my parent’s relationship is my kind of beautiful.
“Skye, I need you to unload the boxes that were delivered this morning.”
I smirked. “Sure, Mama!”
Her eyebrows ruffled together as she stood with her hand on her hip. “Skye, are you, all right?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“You’ve been fluffing the same pillows for twenty minutes. Have you met a boy already?”
“Mom, no. Now you know I don’t have time for that.”
She smiled, pulling me into her embrace. “Ok.”
The front door chimed. She hustled off to greet the customer.
Saved by the bell, literally.
There is no way I can tell my mother, I met the hottest guy I have ever seen in my life. Not only did I meet him but we were tangled up in his sheets all night and day, recently. Yeah, no. Random thoughts about my life and helping my mother at the store helps me to semi keep my mind off of Tony. He’s not the type to call every day.
Actually, he made it quite clear we aren’t in a relationship. We are only hooking up and that I should not get into my feelings. I sometimes check missed calls and my voicemail to see if Tony called. I wouldn’t dare call him. My finger itches every time I stare at his phone number in my phone. Lying in Tony’s arm’s Wednesday, he asked to see my phone. Tony programmed his number into my phone. My mouth dropped open. He said I can call him if it’s an emergency.
These thoughts are frivolous. I know nothing will come of Tony and me. Closing my eyes, I clutched the pillow. I wish we could be more.
∞
Friday night my family and I ventured out to our favorite restaurant across town. We laughed at my father’s usual jokes about his employees.
Digging into the buttery crab legs, I peeked at Candace.
“How are you settling in at school?”
She smiled bringing the soft drink to her lips. “Good. My roommate this year parties all the time. Sally enters the room all times of the night or the next day. I told her she will flunk out if she doesn’t study. She rolled her eyes. This time she was gone for two days. I kept my mouth shut and worry about myself.”
My mother stretched her hand across the table placing it on top of Candace's from the other end of the square wooden table. “It was nice of you to help Sally early on. Unfortunately, she will learn the hard way.”
Candace smirked.
“Candace, there are a ton of girls on my campus who do nothing but party. I doubt they’ve ever seen the inside of the library except for on the college tour.”
Candace laughed.
I glanced around the table. “I think some kids are sheltered and look at college as a form of freedom.”
My dad took a sip of his beer. “Nadine, you are right. Finding balance is what is important. No one is saying you can’t party just don’t neglect your studies. I have faith in my girls. I know you will do the right thing.” He winked.
Our smiles were wide. I have the best dad. I sipped the orange soft drink.
He leaned in. “I’ll be sending you both back to school with a large envelope of condoms.” He tried whispering with his baritone voice.
I’m sure patrons two tables over heard him. The liquid went down the wrong pipe. I began choking more so on my father’s words not so much the drink. Sheree slapped my back a few times.
“Skye, are you alright?!”
“Yes…Mom,” I choked out.
The natural light over our table instantly felt like an integration flood light. I was careless in my sexual relationship with Tony. A man who has made it clear he doesn’t want us to do any more than hook up.
Truthfully, I don’t know Tony. Just because he told me he’s never had unprotected sex with other women doesn’t mean he’s telli
ng the truth. Sunday, he and I will have a serious conversation.
Candace’s lips curled at the ends as she cocked her head to the side. Her pretty jet-black long hair dipped with her. I wanted to kick her under the table.
I glanced at my dad. “I still have the last envelope of condoms. I don’t need anymore right now.” I blinked hard. “What I’m trying to say is, I am using what you gave me. Ok.”
I glanced at my mother. “Sorry, I lied to you earlier, Mom. I didn’t want to talk about it.”
My mother had no words. Only stared at me with angry, disappointed eyes.
Everyone gasped around the table. It was my dad who was choking this time. My mother patted his back.
“I knew it!” Candace grinned harder.
Sheree sat back next to me staring.
“You started school last month, slut.”
My mother’s eyes almost fell out of her head. “Sheree, watch your mouth.”
“Sorry Mom.” Sheree pointed her fork around the table.
“I’m not having sex anytime soon. My boyfriend knows he can either wait or leave.” She tossed her long jet-black pony tail over her shoulder.
The table fell quiet.
“What?! I am in no rush to give a boy my prized possession. Can’t I just be a teenager and have fun?” She pouted her pouty lips.
“Yes!” we said one by one.
I placed my hand on her shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Sheree.”
She smiled.
My sisters didn’t grill me on the way home but I knew the questions were coming.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
NADINE
Criss cross applesauce is how I sat on the cozy tan chenille sofa early Saturday morning, sipping a mug of hot cocoa. I stared out the window, watching the sun creep over the horizon. My thoughts carried me to a place where Tony was my husband. He and I lived in a small bungalow some place in Jersey. We had two children a boy and a girl. We’d laugh at the silly things our toddlers would do. Tony loves me in this daydream. We are a beautiful couple like my mom and dad.
“Someone’s in love,” Candace whispered in my ear before darting into the kitchen.
I smoothed out the red plaid flannel oversized bed shirt, sashaying into the kitchen. Candace measured the coffee grounds pouring them into the coffeemaker.
“I’m not in love. I’m in like. I only like the guy.” I sat in one of the oversized brown bar chairs at the yellow and brown marble counter.
Her ponytail shook side to side. “Ok, well it’s a lot of like. I know that look. I’ve been there. You are crushing hard on some guy. What’s his name?” She retrieved a mug from the cherry wood cabinet.
I twirled the warm colorful mug sitting before me. I contemplated on telling her his name.
Candace placed her elbow on the counter, resting her dark chocolate oval face in her palm. “I’m waiting.”
“His name is Tony.”
“Details, Skye.”
I sighed. “He is nineteen. And he is tall and handsome.”
Candace smiled.
“I met him at a bar. He doesn’t attend my school.”
Her mouth dropped open. “So, you were out looking for trouble?”
“No, but when I saw him…” I blushed.
“…I was instantly attracted to him.” I glanced down at the marshmallows in my cup then back at my sister.
“He’s the kind of guy you don’t make your boyfriend. He has a lot of women. You know, a bad boy. The good thing is I’m studying hard every day. My focus is school.”
She placed her hands on top of mine. “If he’s bad, why did I catch you day dreaming about him?”
“Since I’ve been home, I keep thinking about him. You know, what if he wasn’t bad? What if he was in college studying to become a doctor like me? Maybe things would be different.” I smirked. “Don’t worry about us going any further than where we are currently. Tony has made it clear, he will not come between me and school.”
Candace stepped away to pour coffee in the brown mug.
“I think he likes you a little more than he’s letting on.”
I stared at her back as she poured creamer into the steaming hot coffee. I knew there was some truth to what she said. Tony could have rescheduled our date, but he didn’t. He also made another date with me for tomorrow. Maybe he’s attracted to my smart girl persona.
“Skye. Skye.”
I looked up at my sister standing across from me. “Girl, you have it bad. Be careful sis. You might say you have it under control, but I see you don’t.”
She was right. I’m falling head over heels for Tony. I have to get my head back in the game.
“How bout I ride with you and Sheree to the Boutique. I’ll help today. Our movie doesn’t start at the Cinema-plex until three. Working will help keep my mind off of Tony.” I smiled.
“Sounds good. I think the action movie Mom and Dad picked out will do you some good. You deserve a box of raisinets to go along with that large tub of popcorn I know you will order.”
We both laughed.
“Raisinets are my comfort snack.”
∞
My sisters and I lounged around the living room watching one of our favorite TV shows together while eating ice cream.
My phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen. Tony’s name appeared. I sat straight up, now staring at the screen.
“Skye, what is wrong? Why won’t you answer the phone?” Sheree asked.
I pressed the button bringing the phone to my ear. “Hello.”
“Hello, Nadine. How are you?” His deep voice was like silk on the phone.
My legs were rubber. I wanted to flee the room, but I couldn’t move. My sisters stared at me.
“I’m fine.”
“I know we have a date tomorrow evening.”
Shit, he’s canceling. My heart plummeted.
“Do you need to cancel?”
“No. I’m in Philly on business. I wanted to see you.”
A flash of heat encompassed my body. “Tony, I can’t leave. I’m spending time with my family.”
Candace’s eyes bulked. “Are you crazy?” she whispered. “Go out.”
Sheree stared between us looking confused.
“What is going on?” Sheree asked Candace.
“You can come over. I mean, if you don’t want to come inside. I can come outside.”
“Ok, I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“I will text you the address.”
“No need. I have it. See you soon gorgeous.”
Tony disconnected the call.
The phone slipped from my hand. Sheree caught it.
I placed my shaky hands in my lap. “He’s coming over.”
I jumped up and shrieked.
Sheree’s eyebrows rose. “Who is coming over?”
“Skye’s guy friend.”
“I have to change clothes. He’ll be here soon!”
“Who will be here?” My mother flipped on the living room lights.
I turned to my mother as I snatched my hair out of my scrunchy.
“My friend is coming over. He probably won’t come inside.”
My father appeared, standing next to my mom. “If a young man is coming here, you know the rules. He will come inside and meet your family.”
I don’t think Tony will come inside.
I grinned. “Sure Dad. I will invite him inside. Now if you all will excuse me, I need to run and pull myself together.”
~
Twenty minutes later, the doorbell wrung. I thought Tony would call and say he was outside.
“Skye, your guest is here!” Candace shouted from the bottom of the staircase.
I glanced at my reflection in the full-length bedroom mirror. My flat ironed hair laid perfectly under my ears. The pink T-shirt and jeans said I was just sitting around the house. Maybe the eyeliner and mahogany lipstick was too much.
“I’m coming!”
I strolled toward the top of the stairs in
my pink socks. My father and mother were already introducing themselves and my sisters to Tony. He towered over my family.
“It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Barlow,” Tony flashed that beautiful smile making my breath catch in my throat.
Tony’s black hair was combed neatly. The rugged five o'clock dark shadow on his chiseled cheeks was sexy. I wanted to bite my bottom lip, but I refrained.
Tony’s eyes met mine as I reached the last step. “Hello, Nadine.”
My heart was racing throughout my body. “I see you met my family.”
Tony smiled down at me as I moved closer.
“Nadine, take Tony into the living room.” My father glanced up at Tony.
“We are going upstairs to give you two a little privacy. I hope to see you again.” My father extended his hand.
Tony shook my father’s hand. “Likewise, sir.”
My sisters snickered. “Nice meeting you, Tony.”
Tony smiled. I pushed him toward the living room.
“Nadine, what are you doing?”
“I don’t want to give my sisters a chance to make conversation with you. They’ll try to stay downstairs.”
“Nadine.”
I turned to my mother.
“Offer Tony something to eat and drink.”
I smiled. “Ok, I will.”
I gripped Tony’s forearm, tight. My mother along with the rest of the family disappeared upstairs.
“Nadine, are you sure you are all right?”
We stepped in front of one of the three sofas. I pulled him down next to me. “Tony, I’m fine. Just a little shocked that you wanted to see me.” I peered into his blue eyes. “Not to mention, you met my family. You said I don’t mean anything to you.”
