“So we’re dead men?” Benjamin asked. Every man in the room knew that Gaetano was in town, and he knew every man working for Curtis. They were in just as much danger as their boss.
“Not necessarily. We still have the girl.”
“Mr. Gaetano wants the coin, not the girl,” Jack said, shaking his head.
“But she’s bargaining power for the FBI,” Curtis defended.
“We have company,” one man announced, rushing in the door.
“Damn!” Curtis swore as his men filed out of the small apartment.
Within seconds, Cambridge Apartments was turned into a battle zone. Dwayne climbed out of Malik’s late-model Thunderbird and was instantly encircled by William’s men.
“Where is she?” Dwayne yelled to a nearby man.
“She’s in that building over there, downstairs.”
A bullet whizzed by Dwayne’s ear. He ducked lower then tried to calculate a plan to rescue Sonya.
Sonya listened to the gunfire outside the apartment. They found me. She ran to the door of her small room. She knew before she reached the knob that it would be locked. She banged on the door. “Let me out,” she screamed. But of course no one heard her cries.
She listened as the battle continued. What’s going on? Who’s out there? Is Dwayne here? She raced to the barred window in hopes of seeing what was happening.
When the door burst open, Sonya jumped. By the angry expression on Curtis’s face, she, for the first time in her life, feared him.
“This is all your fault,” Curtis accused.
Sonya backed away.
“Come here. You’re going to be my ticket out of here.”
Sonya took another step. He’s going to hurt me. Curtis walked farther into the room. Sonya’s eyes stayed glued to the opened door. She had to get past him, but how? He edged closer. Sonya felt trapped. There was no way she was going to get past his towering frame, not without a fight—a fight she knew she would lose.
A bullet pierced through the window and hit Curtis directly in his shoulder. He fell to the floor, howling and clutching his wounded shoulder.
Sonya wasted no time racing for the door. She dodged past two surprised men and made it out the front door. Three shots nearly missed her as she made it outside.
“It’s Sonya!” Dwayne grabbed Malik’s arm. “I have to get to her.”
Malik jerked him back. “You can’t just waltz through there. You’ll get shot.”
Sonya crawled to a nearby car and hid. Violent tremors shook her body along with the night’s cool air. She searched frantically around her, looking for an avenue of escape. The streetlights were out, making it almost impossible for Sonya to make out her surroundings.
The shooting stopped. Sonya held her breath until a dull ache forced her to expel it. What happened? Time seemed to have stopped as Sonya tried to gather the courage to peek around the car. She couldn’t see anything. She didn’t hear anything. She crept back until her foot hit something solid. Swiftly, she turned. She released a startled scream the moment she saw Curtis crouched behind the car with her.
Curtis reached for her, but she sent a powerful kick to his wounded shoulder. Curtis reared back with a thud, giving her plenty of time to jump from behind the car and race down the parking lot. Gunfire immediately erupted.
“I have to go after her!” Dwayne jumped from his secluded spot, giving Malik no time to stop him.
“Dwayne!” he heard Malik call from behind him.
Sonya made it to a gate behind the complex. She made a leaping effort to climb the fence, but her foot was snatched from underneath her. How did he catch up with me so fast?
“Come here you little bi…ahhh.” Sonya again attacked his injured shoulder. By the time Curtis recovered himself, Sonya was halfway over the fence. He leaped to catch her and was again successful in grabbing her foot.
Sonya screamed the moment her body was slammed back into the fence. He had a strong grip on her foot. She swirled to free her foot. Finally her foot slid from her tennis shoe, causing her to fall to the ground, but she had made it over the fence. She forced herself up and disappeared into the woods.
Dwayne made it to the fence just in time to see Curtis disappear into the woods after Sonya. At the sound of approaching footsteps, he sprang around to see Malik coming up behind him.
“What happened?”
“They’re in there,” Dwayne answered, already climbing the fence.
Malik followed.
The woods became increasingly dense as Sonya struggled to race through them. The low-hanging branches clawed at her arm, leaving long scratches. Curtis had to be coming after her now—she could feel it.
Sonya settled into a jerky rhythm of running and stumbling forward. The ground felt soft beneath her feet.
Then she heard him crashing about behind her. Faster, her mind screamed, and she fumbled trying to do just that. There was a clearing just ahead. She made it. But when she took one look around, she realized that she had made it only to an isolated street. She continued running. She knew she couldn’t afford for time to become her enemy.
Dwayne made it through the woods, suffering from minor scratches. He looked around the quiet street, not sure which way he should go from here.
“Where did they go?” Malik said, appearing at his side.
“I don’t know,” Dwayne answered between breaths.
“Let’s split up then. You go that way and I’ll go this way. Whoever finds Curtis, beat the hell out of him.”
“Deal,” Dwayne yelled, already running in his appointed direction.
Sonya ran as fast as she could down a dark street. She could feel her heart making loud whumping sounds as she sweated profusely in spite of the nasty, steady, cool night air. Blood pounded furiously in her head, while every muscle and tendon in her body strained. She ran like the wind, crying inside, holding back the tears as she tried to escape.
She passed ghost store after ghost store that were boarded up with dark, rotting plywood and decorated with graffiti.
Faster, faster, her mind screamed. Her neck and arms were on fire and she could feel her stomach clutching hard.
Sonya raced onto a new street just as a car screeched to a halt to avoid hitting her.
The driver wore an Atlanta Braves cap pulled to the side, and loud rap music boomed from inside.
“Help me, please,” Sonya begged, running toward the driver’s side. The man shook his head and screamed that he didn’t want to get involved. He then slammed on the accelerator and sped away.
“No! Come back!” Sonya watched the car’s taillights fade into the distance. What was left of her heart sank to the pit of her stomach. Then she heard it: footsteps. He was getting closer.
Sonya turned and continued running down the empty street. She was covered in sweat and her breathing was labored. Her tears were flowing now, blinding her with every step. Help me, her mind yelled. Somebody help me.
Dwayne sped down another dark street. His blood roared and echoed in his ears. He could feel his heart throbbing hard as his adrenaline pumped furiously. He didn’t want to think what could happen to Sonya if Curtis ever caught up with her again.
Dwayne turned down another dark alley. Dead End. Dwayne panicked. Where are they?
“No! Come back!” Sonya’s voice echoed down the isolated streets. Dwayne followed the direction of her voice. I’m coming, Sonya. I’m coming.
Curtis jogged behind Sonya with a sinister smile in place. “I’m going to get you!” he taunted.
Sonya turned abruptly, causing her to fall. Excruciating pain shot through her legs, but she pushed herself up. Ignore the pain. Keep going. She ran faster, trying to conquer a steep paved hill. She heard him pounding behind her. He was close, very close.
“Hey, Sonya. I’m right behind you. Here I am.”
Sonya turned around. Curiosity and terror got the best of her.
He was gaining easily and laughing at her.
The pain in Sonya’s
legs slowed her down. All hope of escape fled her. She experienced a jolting moment of shock and disbelief as she cried out in anguish. She was going to die right here.
Out of nowhere, Dwayne flew into the air, tackling Curtis. Their bodies hit the cement with a thud, then rolled down the hill. When they stopped, Dwayne won the top position and delivered a powerful punch across Curtis’s jaw.
Curtis bucked, trying to throw Dwayne off him. But Dwayne was obviously the stronger man as another punch made a cracking sound when it connected.
Sonya slumped to the ground, feeling relief when Curtis’s body finally went limp beneath Dwayne. It was over. Loud sirens filled the air as Malik trotted up the hill.
Dwayne stood above Curtis’s unconscious body. His eyes leveled with Sonya’s. She lifted her arms in invitation. Dwayne rushed to her side and encased her in his embrace.
“You came for me,” Sonya sobbed between the kisses she showered upon him.
“Of course I came for you, my love.”
His words warmed her body. He truly loved her.
She managed to pull away and smile at him. “I love you.”
Dwayne’s heart burst with joy and love at hearing her accept his love. He gave her a kiss that made them oblivious to the swarming blue lights that now surrounded them. They were lost in a world where only they existed.
Epilogue
One year later…
Sonya turned from her left profile to her right, to assess her figure in the pearl-colored wedding gown. She took a deep breath to calm her racing heart, but it seemed to pick up its pace with every tick of the clock. In a few minutes, she would be Mrs. Dwayne Hamilton. The sound of the name made her smile as she reflected on the past year.
She glanced at the four-carat diamond ring that sparkled on her left hand, then back to her reflection in the mirror. This is it. Hearing a light tap at the door, Sonya bid her guest to enter.
“Are you about ready?” Sharon asked, peering into the room.
“I feel as if I swallowed a jar of butterflies,” Sonya answered honestly.
Sharon entered the room with Bridget right behind her. Their strapless turquoise gowns were beautiful, Sonya thought as they gathered around her.
“That’s only normal. You’ll be fine,” Sharon encouraged.
Bridget nodded in agreement. “I felt the same way last week at graduation. I kept thinking that I was either going to trip or forget something.”
Sharon looped her arm around Bridget’s shoulder. “We’re all so proud of you,” she said, kissing her niece’s forehead.
“So are you ready for college?” Sonya asked, taking the young girl’s hand into her own.
“I guess so. Spelman, ready or not, here I come.”
“Well, we’d better take our places. The music should be starting soon. Is there anything we can do for you?” Sharon offered.
Sonya inhaled then exhaled slowly. “No. I think I’m going to be all right.”
“Okay, see you downstairs.”
“Break a leg.” Bridget placed a kiss on Sonya’s cheek.
Sonya turned back toward the mirror. Her nerves were still on edge. Another tap sounded at the door. “Come in.”
Laura pushed open the door and stepped inside. “Are you nervous?”
“My knees are about to give out on me,” Sonya confessed.
Laura’s eyes glistened. “You look beautiful.”
Sonya opened her arms. “Come here, you.”
Laura rushed and embraced her sister. When they pulled away, they realized they were in danger of losing their makeup.
Sonya turned and grabbed two tissues from the table. “Who would ever have believed that I would be getting married?” she said as they blotted their eyes.
“I always had hope,” Dorothy answered from the door.
“Mama.” Sonya raced to hug her mother.
They remained locked in each other’s arms for a brief period of time. Everyone heard the music begin to play.
“I think that’s your cue,” Dorothy said, easing Sonya from her arms. “We’ll see you downstairs.”
The two women left Sonya alone to finish getting ready. When she heard the sound of the organ, her heart seemed to enlarge in her throat. She gathered her courage and smiled one last time in the mirror, then turned to meet her future husband downstairs.
Dwayne straightened his tie for the millionth time. Why is it so hot in here? He looked at James, his best man, and noticed his calmness. Maybe it’s just me. He glanced at the large crowd of people sitting in the pews and shook his head. There, sitting in six rows, were William Gainey and half his gang. He smiled at the sight of William’s men arranging and rearranging their suits.
The music started. Soon after, the flower girls made their way down the aisle. He watched as Bridget, Sharon, then Laura glided down. Then he became oblivious to everything else as he waited patiently for Sonya to appear.
Sonya looped her arm through Malik’s and gave him a nervous smile.
“Are you ready?” he whispered.
Sonya’s body trembled as she nodded her head.
“Okay, here we go,” Malik said, turning her down the aisle.
All eyes were on her, but Sonya noticed only Dwayne’s smoldering gaze. She missed a step, so she pulled her eyes away from Dwayne’s to concentrate on what she was doing.
As she neared the first pew, her eyes sought the loving gaze of her mother. This was the happiest day of her life.
The music blared from the reception room of the Sundial Motel. Sonya stood in the center of the motel and closed her eyes. In one quick swoop, she tossed her bridal bouquet into the crowd of anxious women. When the crowd made an audible gasp, Sonya turned to see Bridget holding the bouquet.
George—dressed in a fine black tuxedo—stood and applauded. Dwayne elbowed the teenager into silence. The guests roared with laughter.
“Sonya,” Sharon whispered, rolling her finger to instruct Sonya to come closer.
“What’s wrong?” Sonya asked the obviously excited Sharon.
“I have to tell someone,” she whispered, looking around.
“What?” Sonya felt her own excitement mount.
“I wasn’t sure until this morning, and I’m waiting until tonight to tell James.”
“What?” Sonya grabbed her hand excitedly.
“I’m pregnant.”
“No,” Sonya and Bridget said in unison.
Sharon and Sonya turned. They didn’t realize that Bridget had walked up behind them.
“That’s great, Auntie,” Bridget said, leaning in to hug Sharon.
“What’s great?” James asked, handing a glass of punch to Sharon.
“Oh, I’ll tell you later, dear.” Sharon winked.
The women laughed at James’s puzzled expression. The lights dimmed, and Sonya turned to see her husband.
“I believe this is our dance.”
The soft music of “Here and Now” began to play over the PA system. The crowd backed away from the newlyweds just as Malik picked up the microphone to sing their song.
Sonya leaned against Dwayne’s frame while she moved in time with his.
So, Mrs. Hamilton, I guess you’re stuck with me for life.”
“I have experienced worse,” she teased.
Dwayne laughed but then grew serious as he gazed into her eyes. “Are you happy?”
“More than I ever thought possible.”
Laura squeezed her mother’s hand as she watched her sister glide across the floor. “They make a beautiful couple.”
Dorothy patted her youngest daughter’s hand. “They sure do. How are you holding up?”
Laura glanced over to Malik and felt a heat evolve in the pit of her stomach. “I’m doing much better.”
Dorothy followed the direction of Laura’s eyes and smiled. “He seems nice.”
Laura squeezed her mother’s hand again. “He is nice.”
“Do I hear more wedding bells?” Dorothy cocked an eyebrow.
>
Laura turned back to her mother. “I’m not ready. Malik hasn’t pushed the subject, but who knows what the future will bring?”
George handed Bridget a glass of punch. “So you’re the next bride.”
Bridget shook her head. “Don’t count on it being anytime soon. Are you ready for school?”
“I can’t believe we are going to spend the next four years apart. I’ll be in Washington at Howard University, and you’ll be here at Spelman.”
“We’ll see each other on holidays and some weekends,” Bridget promised.
“It still won’t be the same.”
“Come on, don’t look so sad. This is a wedding. We’re supposed to be happy.” Bridget leaned against him.
George smiled despite himself and gave Bridget a quick kiss.
“I can’t believe Sonya bought this motel.” Tina glanced around her. “She said this place held some kind of sentimental value.”
“It does,” Sharon said.
Tina smiled. “Well, you would never recognize the place. The money she spent in remodeling has made this place a beautiful motel.”
“Excuse me, will you?” Sharon walked over to James and leaned against him. She couldn’t wait until tonight.
“Enjoying yourself?” James smiled.
“I’m having a wonderful time.”
James eyed her suspiciously.
“What?” Sharon smiled.
“You’re just acting a little strange.”
“Well, I do have something I want to tell you.”
A loud shout filled the room. Sonya and Dwayne turned toward Sharon and James.
“I guess Sharon told James the good news,” Sonya observed.
“Yeah, I guess so.”
Sonya looked at him. “You knew?”
“Yeah, Sharon never could keep a secret.”
Their song ended while other couples drifted to the dance floor as the next song began to play.
Sonya raced to change her clothes.
“It’s about that time.” William came and pounded on Dwayne’s back.
Defenseless Page 27
