Corey shrank back. “Sledge will kill you if you do anything to me.”
“Then shut your pie-hole, dipshit. I just came to see how Sledge is doin’.”
“More like to steal my parents’ food.”
“No, I can steal food from anyone, I’m ’ere for Sledge,” he pointed his knife at Corey, “and you’re not gonna ruin it this time.”
“I didn’t ruin it the last time, that wuz all your doin’.”
“No, it wuz your doin’, you made Sledge hate me.”
“He doesn’t hate you; he just knows you’re a lying piece of shit who isn’t worth the time of day.”
Tama’s jaw clenched, his dark eyes flashing hellfire. “You better watch what you say, cos I swear, if you piss me off one more time, I will fuckin’ gut you.” He ran the tip of the blade down Corey’s chest, stopping at his stomach.
Corey sealed his mouth shut.
“’Bout time you shut your trap, cocksucker.”
Corey glared at him.
Tama sniffed. “Quit givin’ me the evils, cos you can’t do fierce. All you can do is Care Bears’ mad, you li’l girl.”
“I’m not a girl!”
“Then stop lookin’ like a pussy.”
“I don’t look—”
Tama waved the knife in front of Corey’s face, cutting off his retort. “If I say you look like a pussy, you look like a pussy, end of story, so shut the fuck up and listen for once, cos I need you to do sumpthin’ for me.”
“I’m not doin’ anything for you.”
“You will or I’ll keep coming here and harassing you.” Tama smiled. “By the way, how’s your hot sis doin’? Is she still gettin’ stoomed by Dante or can I stoom her now? My cock could do with some hot pussy.”
“You keep away from Beth!”
“Only if you do as you’re told.”
“Are you’re threatening me?”
“Man, you’re dumb as fuck, I thought that wuz obvious. I’d also fuck your mum; she’s just as fuckable as your sis, if not more, cos she’s got bigger tits.”
Corey lifted his crutch up. “I’d kill you, you motherfucker!”
Tama grabbed the crutch and yanked it out of Corey’s hand, almost making him fall over. He chucked the crutch aside and waved the knife back and forth in front of Corey’s face again. “Don’t tempt me, cos I will be a motherfucker if I fuck yo mama.” Tama laughed, looking like he thought his comment was hilarious. “So, if you want Mama Connor’s pussy Tama-free you better help me.”
“I hate you!”
“The feeling is mutual. So, are you gonna help me?”
“To do what?” Corey spat.
“Tell Sledge that you’re fine with me now and wanna be friends again.”
“He won’t wanna be your mate, you’re a rapist.”
“I’m not a rapist, but I will be if you don’t fuckin’ listen to me, shit for brains, cos right now I’m seriously considering waiting round for yo mama.”
A door opened down the passageway, making Tama spin around. He quickly flicked his knife shut, pocketing it a second before Sledge appeared through the doorway in his wheelchair.
“Shit, are you all right, man?” Tama said, rushing towards Sledge.
Sledge looked up at him, a frown appearing. “Who are you?”
Tama stopped in his tracks. “What?”
“I said, who are you?”
“Look, don’t fuckin’ do this, mate. I know you’re pissed at me, but you’ve gotta understand I wuz upset over seeing you boning Corey. You honestly can’t blame me for my reaction. But I’ve calmed down now and am dealing with it. Plus, we’re mates. You can’t let sumpthin’ like this ruin our friendship.”
“You’re my mate?”
“Of course I am; it’s why I forgive you for hurting me. We’ve known each other forever. We can’t lose that cos you wanna bone Corey. Yeah, it’s fuckin’ gross, but I’ve boned chicks hairier than Corey—”
“I’m not a chick!” Corey yelled.
Tama glanced over his shoulder. “Then lift some weights and take some testosterone pills, cos you look too much like your sis. No wonder Sledge thinks you have a pussy.”
Sledge burst out laughing, making Tama whip his head around.
Corey’s eyes shot to Sledge too. “Stop laughing, you prick! And you hate Tama for threatening me.”
Sledge stopped laughing instantly. “He did what?!”
Tama held out his hands. “It wuz a misunderstanding; an empty threat. You know I say shit all the time, I didn’t mean anything by it. Hell, I’ve even threatened you and you just punch my face, then forgive me. And I would never hurt Corey, I don’t hit girls.”
“Arsehole!” Corey yelled. “And he just threatened to rape my mum and sister.”
“I did not!” Tama yelled back. “You’re just sayin’ that to make Sledge hate me. I would never hurt Mrs. Connor, plus Beth’s like a sister to me.”
“You lying bastard, you just said—”
Tama pointed at Corey. “He’s spewing shit cos he’s a selfish bastard, who refuses to share you with me.”
Sledge frowned. “You’re kidding?”
“No, he wants to hog you all to himself.”
Sledge’s eyes lowered down Tama, then moved back up again. “Nah, I wouldn’t go with you, you’re not my type.”
“What do ya mean?”
“You’re not cute or pretty. I wouldn’t fuck you.”
Tama jerked back. “I ain’t no fag!”
“Then why didja say Corey wouldn’t share me?”
“We’re mates!” Tama screwed up his face. “Don’t ever say shit like that to me again. It’s one thing you fuck Corey, but don’t drag me into your gay shit.”
“It’s your fault for making me believe we were a couple.”
“I did not! I said we were like bros, not fudge packers.”
“What the hell has fudge packers gotta do with fucking?”
“Eh? Are you high?”
“No, he doesn’t understand a lot of words now,” Corey cut in. “The bullet damaged that part of his brain.”
Tama snapped his attention back to Sledge. “You were shot?”
Sledge tapped the left side of head. “Yup, right here. Though, they got it out.”
“You’re fuckin’ with me!”
“No, I already said I don’t wanna fuck you.”
“I didn’t mean it literally; I meant you’re pulling my leg.”
“You’re still not making sense, man.”
“Whatever. When didja get shot?”
“Last month. It wuz at my bros’ boss’s home.”
“Craven’s?”
“Yeah, his son did it. He kidnapped Corey. I went to get him back.”
Tama looked over his shoulder at Corey. “Why would anyone wanna kidnap the Powerpuff girl?”
Corey flicked him the finger.
“Craven’s son has the hots for Corey,” Sledge answered.
“God, you fags are everywhere.”
Corey waved his crutch at Tama. “Fuck off if you don’t like gays.”
“Nah, I just don’t like you, but I love my bro Sledge.” He turned back to Sledge. “And like I said, I’ll pretend to like your ho if it means we can be mates again.”
“I’m not a ho!” Corey’s gaze snapped to Sledge. “And you hate him. He’s a convicted rapist, who’s escaped from jail.”
Sledge laughed. “Is this a joke? Cos that sounds like bullshit.”
“It is,” Tama cut in. “I wuz framed.”
“You were not,” Corey said.
“Wuz so. The chick I boned cheated on her husband, which wuz why she cried rape.”
“You’re such a fuckin’ liar,” Corey spat. “And I’m calling the cops.”
Tama rushed over, snatching the phone off the side table before Corey could pick it up. “All I’m ’ere for is to see how Sledge is doin’, so stop causing trouble.”
“As soon as you leave, I’m gonna phone the cops a
nd tell them you were here.”
“Do as you please, I’ll be long gone.” He turned back to Sledge. “So, mate, you wanna hang out some time? I’ve found a safe house to stay at, it’s real cool. I’ve got a massive mother of a TV and loads of Xbox and PlayStation stuff. Got it real cheap.” Sniggering, he lifted his hand and waggled his fingers. “With a five finger discount.”
“Which means he stole them,” Corey said, shaking his head.
Tama shrugged. “Sledge has nuthin’ against stealing, he used to be my partner in crime. Didn’t cha, mate.”
“Can’t remember,” Sledge said. “And I don’t think I should see you again if my babe doesn’t like you.”
Tama screwed up his face. “Your babe? Shit, the Sledge I knew wouldn’t speak like that, he’d say slut, cock-bag, or ho.”
“He only said that shit cos of you,” Corey cut in. “You were a bad influence on him.”
“What are you?” Tama said. “His fuckin’ mother?”
“His mother’s dead, so don’t be horrible.”
“So is mine, douchebag.” Tama refocused on Sledge. “Look, how ’bout I catcha later when your girlfriend is out.”
“I’m not a girl!” Corey yelled.
“Keep telling yourself that.” Tama walked up to Sledge and patted him on the shoulder. “Take care, mate. I’ll call ya tomorrow, and see if you wanna come to my bat cave. Honestly, it’s real cool, man. Actually, I’ll wire a car and pick you up. We can smoke some pot and play some Xbox, like old times.”
“He’s not goin’,” Corey said.
Tama flicked Corey the finger. “Eat shit, pussy. It’s bros before hoes.” He turned and headed for the door, stopping as it opened.
19
Beth
Beth stood in the doorway, shocked to see Tama. He was one of her oldest brother’s friends, a right cutie pie when he was little. But now he was eighteen and a convicted rapist, with a huge tattoo covering his shaved head. At first, she hadn’t believed he was guilty, but after seeing the victim’s husband, she knew it was true. It made her think of how Saul had tried to rape her. Jess Daniels would’ve felt the same way, terrified and helpless. No, she would’ve felt worse, because Tama had gone through with the rape. Jess had been pregnant too, like Beth was now, the parallels shockingly similar.
“Hi, Beth,” Tama said, as though he’d done nothing wrong.
“Get out!” she screamed.
Tama jerked back. “Beth?”
“Don’t Beth me, get out and don’t come back!”
Tama’s face dropped. “Don’t be like that; you’re like a big sis to me.”
“You’re not my brother! None of my brothers would rape anyone.”
“I didn’t rape Jess.”
“Liar! I know what it’s like to be sexually assaulted and it’s not an easy thing to admit to, so get the hell outta my sight before I call the police. I don’t ever wanna see you again!”
“I’ll leave, but I still didn’t do it.” He glanced over his shoulder at Sledge. “You gotta believe me, bro, I don’t needa force chicks, they love me.” He turned back to Beth. “And I’ll prove it.”
“If you’re thinking ’bout goin’ near Jess, think again, cos Nike will put you in a coffin. He’s a killer now.”
Tama’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re dicking with me?”
“No, he killed Craven and said you’re next on his hit list.”
“You’re definitely fucking with me now.”
“Believe what you want, I don’t care. All I care ’bout is you leaving, and never having to see your rapist face again.”
He grimaced at her. “You’re a right bitch. And to think I thought you were all right. You’re just like Corey, believing whatever shit people spew ’bout me. Well, fuck you; I only have time for Sledge.” He glanced back at Sledge. “Don’t believe her shit, it ain’t true. I’ll catcha later, bro.” He saluted Sledge, then disappeared through the doorway.
Beth locked the door behind him, the shock at seeing Tama unsettling her even more.
“You all right, Beth?” Sledge asked.
She shook her head and looked over at Corey, her brother now sitting on the couch. “Where’s Mum, Corey, I needa talk to her.” She needed more than her dad right now, Ash having shattered her. All that time she’d spent with him had been a complete waste, and now she was pregnant with his baby, a baby that should’ve been Dante’s. To have a baby with a man who hated her—it was cutting her up.
Corey grimaced at her. “Mum doesn’t wanna see you. She wuz just pretending to be nice to you last night so Dad didn’t ask questions.”
“Mum’s not like that, she’s too nice to hold grudges.”
“Well, I’m not, so get lost, you don’t live ’ere anymore.”
“Yes, I do,” Beth said, willing herself not to cry. “Mum said I can stay in Naf’s room until I get things sorted with Dante.”
“Then sort it out quick, cos I can’t live with you after what you said.”
“What did she say?” Sledge asked.
“That our relationship is disgusting.”
Beth looked at Sledge, still unable to comprehend how he could have a sexual relationship with her little brother. “Are you really Corey’s boyfriend?”
“Yeah, I fucked him earlier.”
“Sledge!” Corey yelled. “You said you’d think before speaking. Mum told you not to say shit like that. We’ve been over this enough times.”
“Fuck! I might as well just not speak.” Sledge swivelled the wheelchair around and rolled himself into the passageway, disappearing from sight.
Corey’s eyes snapped to Beth. “Look what you did, you upset him.”
“You did that, not me.”
“Just leave.”
“No, I’m stayin’.” She walked over to the couch.
Corey grabbed the magazines off the coffee table and threw them over the couch.
“Corey!”
“If you’re not gonna leave, go to Naf’s room—where I can’t see you.”
“You’re horrible.” Beth wiped her face. “And I don’t need you ragging on me too; I just got ripped into by Ash.”
“Which you deserve for cheating on him.”
“I don’t deserve to be belittled!”
“Gettin’ a taste of your own medicine, eh? Doesn’t feel so good, does it?”
“I didn’t belittle you.”
“Yes, you did! You put down my relationship with Sledge cos we’re both guys. But you, you go and cheat on Ash with his brother, and worse, get pregnant by him.”
“The baby’s not Ash’s!”
“I didn’t say it wuz.” Corey frowned. “Actually, how can you know for sure it isn’t? You fucked them both.”
“Cos I didn’t use protection with Dante,” she said, upset Corey had thought of that.
“Then why are you so upset and why are you visiting Ash? He hates you.”
“I’m upset cos everyone’s attacking me: you, Ash, Josie—”
“Why’s Josie attacking you?”
“She’s not now, she apologised for bein’ wrong.”
“What for?”
“For sumpthin’ she should never have questioned me on, and I don’t needa explain myself when you think I’m a crap sister after all I’ve done for you.” She turned and headed down the passageway for her old room, intending on kicking Sledge into Naf’s room. She wanted to pretend she was a kid again, when she had nothing to worry about, other than doing her homework and chores.
She opened her door, stopping at the sight of Sledge lying on her bed. He was facing the wall. His back was shaking, making it look like he was crying.
Surprised, Beth stared at him. He was the tough kid brother of Ash and Dante, the boy who was always staunch, the one who had saved Corey from Ant Torres, the big, muscular guy who feared no one but his oldest brother ... and he was crying?
“Sledge?” she said, stepping inside the room. “You all right?”
He shook hi
s head, not turning around to face her.
She closed the door and sat down next to him. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m not me.”
“What do ya mean?”
“I say all the wrong things, things I wouldn’t have said before I wuz shot. I’m not the same person I wuz. Corey is always gettin’ mad at me cos of it.”
“Corey shouldn’t do that.”
“Well, he does.” Sledge turned over, his eyes red and watery. “I’m always worrying that I’m gonna say sumpthin’ wrong round him, cos we do nuthin’ but fight now. I’m scared he’s gonna leave me cos I’m not the same.”
Beth frowned, not sure whether she was comfortable with the conversation.
“And when I think I say sumpthin’ right,” Sledge continued, “he tells me it’s wrong, like when I said he could fuck me cos he wanted to.”
Beth shot up. “I don’t wanna hear that.”
Sledge’s face twisted more. “See! I can’t say anything right.” He covered his face, his hand shaking.
“Don’t cry, I didn’t meana upset you. You just hafta understand not to say bad things like that.”
Sledge lowered his hand. “Why is it bad? Is that why Corey wuz angry at me?”
“I don’t know why he wuz angry, just that what you said wuz wrong.” She sat back down and took hold of Sledge’s hand. “You shouldn’t be doin’ stuff like that with Corey, he should just be your friend, nuthin’ more.”
“Why?”
“Cos it’s a sin for males to be together sexually.”
Sledge frowned. “Why? I love him, he loves me, well, I’m not sure ’bout the last part, but I love him more than myself.”
“Which is fine, but only as friends. And if Corey tries to say differently, he’s wrong.”
“Is that why those people at the hospital looked at me and Corey as though we were disgusting for kissing?”
“Most likely.”
“But I thought it wuz all right to kiss and have sex with him. He said it’s natural, that there’s nuthin’ wrong with it.”
“My brother says things to get what he wants,” Beth said, now concerned Corey was taking advantage of Sledge’s condition, Sledge believing things without questioning them. “Is he pressuring you to do stuff you don’t want to do?”
Behind the Secrets (Behind the Lives #4) Page 21
