by Heather Rae
“Yes sir,” I said and sat down next to Kiandre, who was deeply engrossed in gossiping about one of the current pop singers with Mr. Michaels’ youngest granddaughter Camille.
Already she was attempting to block out the earlier events of the day.
“Now let’s say grace,” Mrs. Michaels said and everyone bowed their heads in response while she offered up a prayer.
The Michaels’ house was normally quiet. Everyone happened to be in town this weekend for Callie, another granddaughter, graduation from college. All had gathered that day at the house to spend time together and eat before heading back to their own individual lives. It was such a beautiful thing to me. Family. I envied what they had.
After dinner and dessert, most of the family had begged off. It was nice to be a part of it all, even from the outside. Kiandre and TJ disappeared into the family room with Mrs. Michaels, leaving me alone with her husband.
“So have you spoken with either one of them since the incident?” he had asked.
“Tavius. He called me right before I phoned you,” I answered.
“And how was that conversation? What did he say?”
“He wanted to know how I knew ‘the enemy’; how were we involved. He said he had been trying to get rid of him for years,” I sighed. “He went on to say basically he would hunt me down and today would not compare to what he would do to me.”
“Shit. Lemme go get that bottle, I’ll be right back.”
He excused himself from the dining room and I was left alone. I let my head fall to the table with a thump. Yeah, shit was bad and I had no clue what to do.
I had never been one to drink much; yet there I sat, half sloshed, with a man I admired, respected and trusted. I looked across the table with heavy eyes.
“I worked so hard, Mr. Michaels!” I said angrily. “For NOTHING!!”
“No, my darling! It’s not for nothing! Don’t you dare say that! These things that have happened are not of your doing!” His hand slapped the table top.
“Whenever I think I have it all together, shit goes south…” I bit my lower lip. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize either!”
“I am so angry and hurt!”
“As you should be; but use what you’re feeling to your benefit. Grow from it. If you let any of this bring you down, it will only give them more power.”
“Yeah okay.” It was going to take a lot more to convince me.
“Listen, this is what you’re going to do. You and the kids are going to stay here for a few days. We’ll work out a plan as well as put together some paperwork.”
“I can’t impose on you and your wife, Mr. Michaels. I told you no trouble would I bring to you,” I argued.
“Be smart, Nikkia. You can’t risk going home, not with the kids and not right now.” His words were calm, quiet. “Think about it. You are in the safest place you could be.”
As much as I hated to admit it, he was right.
A game of Cloak and Dagger was what I had played in the days that followed. I had telephoned the Campbells, making sure I kept the conversation brief and to the point.
“Someone will come to get my bag. I’m not sure who yet, but only give it to the person who can give you my secret word.”
I had made a checklist and sat at the dining room table looking it over. I cancelled my cellular service and purchased a pre-paid phone. I had sat with Mr. Michaels and had given him a detailed account of what had happened at the salon. I needed a place to stay, a source of income, and most importantly I had to maintain my children’s safety, as well as mine. How I was going to do that remained a mystery.
I sipped from the mug of coffee and dug my fingers into my mane of wild curls. Matt, who had unexpectedly extended his stay, sat down across from me. I glanced up at him, sighed then stared blankly at my list.
“So, how did you find yourself in the middle of two feuding drug lords?” he asked and lifted his mug of coffee to his smirking lips.
“I have no clue,” I replied tightly.
“Come on, Nikkia. You knew nothing?” Matt Collins found it hard to believe that this woman had no information of the activities of her mate.
“I had no idea what kind of man Tavius was. I believed him to be a successful businessman up until a few months ago. Still, I never would have thought it was all like this. I never would have thought he would put me or the kids in harm’s way.”
Matt Collins stared into the deep dark eyes of the woman sitting across from him. From the tone and inflections of her voice, he believed her.
“What can I do to help you, Nikkia?” he found himself asking.
“Why would you want to?” I shot back.
“Because one, you need help. Two, I’m a good guy like my uncle.” He leaned back in the chair.
“I need a bag of belongings that is with my landlord. Can you get it for me?”
“Sure. Give me the address.”
Matt typed in my address in his cell phone’s GPS, stood and swallowed the remainder of his coffee.
“The secret word is Mary Poppins,” I said as he left the large room.
I heard him laughing as the front door slammed in the distance. I’m glad someone found humor in the situation, I thought.
Later that evening Matt returned with my bag. In the privacy of his uncle’s den, he had disclosed to us both that my apartment had been broken in to. I shoved my fingers into my hair and let out a scream of pure frustration. Things just could not get any worse. Mr. Michaels turned the television on and quickly turned the volume up to provide some background noise.
“Police are currently seeking one Nikkia Miles, daughter of police chief Nick Miles, and owner of the salon “The Finishing Touch”, where gunfire erupted one week ago. While no charges have been filed, police have labeled her a person of interest and believe she may have key information as to what had happened.” The young newscaster spoke in a clipped tone.
I was horrified. Embarrassment washed over me as my eyes darted from one man to the other.
“Oh Jesus, what have I done to deserve this...” I whispered and sank down into a chair. “I am so sorry, Mr. Michaels.”
“Everything will be alright, Nikkia, darling.” Mr. Michaels attempted to be reassuring. “This is not your fault.”
“Yes…yes it is…” I closed my eyes and dragged my hands over my face.
“You are not alone in this. I promise you. Everything will work out.”
I didn’t believe him…not one bit.
~~9~~
Over the next several days I barely managed to eat and sleep was nonexistent. I had no clue what to do. I did know that I could no longer be a burden to the family that had been so kind to me. I had several bags thrown open across my bed. I removed the neat stacks of clothing from the dresser drawer and began to fill the overnight bags.
“What are you doing?”
I glanced over my shoulder at Matt Collins. His large muscled frame took up all available space in the doorway.
“What does it look like?” I smarted off. “Packing.”
“Where are you going?”
“I have no clue, but I cannot stay here.” I resumed my task.
“What are you going to do?” he asked, folding his arms across his wide chest.
“Go to the police, tell them what happened and leave town.”
“What about money? What about your kids?”
“I don’t know!!” I shouted as I spun around and threw a hairbrush at him. “I don’t fucking know what the hell I’m going to do!”
Matt picked up the brush and tossed it at the bed. It landed with a soft thump inside one of my bags. He then strode into the bedroom and stood over me.
“First, you’re going to go for a ride with me. I’m going to get you some of the best tasting, unhealthiest food to eat. While we’re eating, we’re going to talk.”
“I don’t want to go anywhere with you.”
“You need to eat, Nikkia, and I want some fried
cholesterol. We’re going to talk because I may be able to help you more than you know.”
I rolled my eyes at him.
“Why?”
“Because you need it.” He paused for a moment. “And I need your help.”
“What could I possibly do to help you?”
Matt turned towards the door.
“Put some shoes on, Nikkia. You have five minutes to meet me outside. Don’t worry about the kids. I’ve already talked with Auntie and she has them occupied.”
I watched the strong back, the cotton tee shirt stretched tight across the hard muscles, exit my room and disappear out of sight. Just who the hell did he think he was giving me five minutes like I was some type of child?! He had some nerve!
With 1 minute left to spare, I slid into the passenger side of his large black SUV. I said nothing as I slammed the door shut and snatched the seatbelt securely into place. I caught his smirk as he turned the ignition and drove away from his family’s house.
Fifteen minutes had passed and Matt continued to drive while I shifted in the passenger seat.
“Are you abducting me? Do you secretly work for Tavius?” I asked, turning to look at his profile.
His jaw was set firmly. His nose had a slight bump to it, like it had been broken and hadn’t healed properly. He had stubble from the day coming across the planes of his face. He was handsome, in a rugged sort of way.
“No. I am a former employee of the military.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I muttered and continued to stare at him.
“I’m a retired marine, Nikkia. I work as a personal trainer and I also teach self-defense and mixed martial arts.” He glared at me with warm brown eyes as he caught the red light. “I want you to feel comfortable with me. I don’t mean you any harm.”
“The last person that told me they met me no harm, well….”
“Right. Well I’m not him, or the other one.”
I glanced out the window as I realized we were not far from the mountains.
“Where in God’s name are we going?”
“It’s just right up here; a little diner called June’s. They have the best burgers and fully loaded fries in the tri-state area.”
Matt pulled into the gravel parking lot and jumped out as I took a minute to get my thoughts in order.
“Are you just gonna sit there?” he asked, holding my door open. “I’m starving.”
With an exasperated sigh I released the seatbelt and slid out of the passenger seat. He slammed the door, let his hand fall to the small of my back then held the door open to the small but busy diner.
“Hey Mabel!” Matt called out to an older waitress that replied with a big smile and wave. “Can I take that corner booth?”
“Go ahead, baby! I’ll be with ya in a minute.”
Matt waited until I slid across the leather seat. He slid in across from me, took the menus from the holder and held one out to me.
“Order whatever you want, Nikkia. Everything is great.”
“And full of fried cholesterol, right?” I arched my brow at him.
“Best thing ever,” he laughed.
Mabel came to take our order. She was friendly and loud, and fussed over Matt.
“Where ya been, honey? Haven’t seen you around for a few weeks.”
“Missing me, Mabel?” Matt joked.
“Always!”
“I’ve had some family events going on, and I’m trying to help my friend out. This is Nikkia.”
“Hi,” I greeted the older woman.
“Well aren’t you a pretty little thing!” she fussed.
“Thank you,” I answered quietly.
“Lemme go put this order in for you two. Matt, are you back in town for good now? I have some things that need looking at.”
“No ma’am, just stopped through for the day. Once I’m back up I’ll come by and take a look at whatever you need.”
“Ok, baby. Be back with your drinks.”
I cocked my head to the side and narrowed my eyes at the man before me. So he was a well-liked man? Huh, most psychos were. This surely didn’t prove he was someone I could trust.
Matt also stared me down from across the table. Our milkshakes were brought to us, piled high with thick delicious cream. He had opted for chocolate, mine strawberry. It had been ages since I had such a treat, so I savored every sip.
“Good, eh? You haven’t said a word since Mabel brought these to us.”
“It’s…yummy.”
Matt laughed and revealed the perfectly white teeth of his. His lips turned up in a lop-sided grin as he leaned back against the seat and finished off his shake with a flourish.
“Yummy is a correct evaluation.”
“So how do you think we can help each other?” I asked.
“Straight and to the point, aren’t you?” His smile faded.
“I try to be; besides, there are things I need to be doing.”
“Like what?” He folded his huge arms across his chest.
I wondered briefly if he could squash a watermelon between them.
“I have to pack, I need to go to the police station and then I need to disappear for a while,” I said evenly, meeting his dark gaze.
“I can help you with all of those things, you just have to trust me.”
“Right…we’ve had this conversation on trust, Matt.”
“Give me an ounce of your trust, Nikkia, and I promise you will have peace of mind, a safe environment for you and your kids, and no financial worries.”
I leaned across the table and spoke softly.
“I witnessed my child’s father, an apparent drug lord among other things, try to gun down my other child’s father, a rival. I am wanted by the police for questioning. You could NOT possibly offer me those things.”
“I am in a position to do just that,” Matt replied with a hint of a smile.
“How?”
“Eat your meal first.” Matt said as Mabel suddenly appeared at our table with two large plates smelling of pure grease. A heart attack waiting to happen never smelled quite so tantalizing before. I dug into the fat juicy burger with gusto as my belly growled.
“Are you sure this is what you want to do, Nikkia?” Mr. Michaels asked as he parked his car into the adjacent lot.
“It is the right thing to do.” I unfastened by seatbelt.
“You know what will happen; we discussed this at length,” he reminded me as we both exited the car.
“Yes.”
We took to the stairs that led inside the police station. I approached the glass encased counter with my friend at my side. Although today he was acting as my lawyer.
“Can I help you miss?” the young officer asked with a smile.
“Yes, I’d like to speak to Detective Miller. He is investigating the shooting that occurred at 1100 Morgan Street,” I said, my voice devoid of emotion.
“I will have to see if he’s available. Your name please?”
I met his eyes.
“Nikkia Miles.”
“Please have a seat and I’ll have someone out with you shortly.”
I spent the next two hours in an interrogation room. Detective Miller was a friendly man, probably in his mid-forties; he could easily pass for thirty-something though. His forearms were covered in tattoos, I noticed, as he sat down on the opposite side of the table from me.
“So, the chief’s daughter,” he smiled. “Your father is well-loved and respected around here.”
“I’m sure he is. I’m afraid my father and I have not spoken since I became pregnant my senior year of high school. I was a huge disappointment then and I’m sure I’m an even bigger one right at this moment,” I said, sitting up straight in my chair.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Detective Miller offered.
“No thank you. I would like to get this taken care of right away, if you don’t mind.”
“Oh yes, of course. Do you have somewhere you need to go? Some pressing pl
ans?”
“Detective, I don’t think Miss Miles’ plans for the day have any relevance,” Mr. Michaels spoke.
“Right, right. So tell me, Miss Miles, why did you wait so long to come in and speak with us?” Detective Miller clicked his pen.
“Detective, I was having a grand opening event for my first business. My hopes and dreams went to hell as gunfire took over. My children were in the backroom while neither of their fathers had shown concern for them, or anyone else that had been in the salon. This was a shock. I was petrified, and still am. So please excuse me for my delay. I am here now and that should be what matters most.” I folded my hands neatly in my lap. “Would you like to know what happened? Who fired the first shots?”
“Start at the beginning of that day the shooting took place,” he cleared his throat.
I spoke clearly while I gave my account of the events that had taken place up to when the first shots had been fired, including Tavius’ verbal attack on me in regards to Dre being present.
“Tavius pulled a gun and fired. Dre responded in the same manner.”
“When you say Tavius…”
“Tavius Jones. You know which businesses he owns,” I replied.
“Dre?”
“Dre Carter,” I answered.
“Have you heard from either man since the shooting?”
“Tavius had called me almost immediately. He demanded to know what my connection was to Dre. He threatened to hunt me down and basically said what had happened that day was nothing compared to what he would do to me,” I said and squared my chin at the detective.
“No word from Mr. Carter?”
“No. I have since cancelled my cellular service. A friend went by my apartment and spoke with my landlord who stated my place had been broken in to,” I continued. “I have been staying with friends.”
“Do you have a number we may reach you at?”
“Contact Mr. Michaels. He will then get in touch with me,” I said tightly.
“Miss Miles, you are a prime witness in an attempted murder,” Detective Miller reminded me.
I stood and pushed the chair under the table.
