Just Right: A Something Just Ain't Right Novella

by Sheena Binkley

  “Kyle is not thinking straight right now. I think you need to find out for sure if she’s involved.”

  “You were the one insisting that she was.”

  “When she got the news about the wedding, I could tell how hurt she was. She couldn’t have faked that. Something else is going on and I think you need to look into it.”

  “This all seems kind of rushed, especially about the video.”

  “Either Travis is messing with our heads again, or someone else is pulling the strings now.”

  I pulled out the video from my pocket. “Let’s go figure out if there’s something else going on.”

  Hayley nodded as I told Lamar and Tamara to come back to our place. We have some digging to do.

  ***

  Once the four of us headed to the house, we relaxed before putting the video in. We knew we might have to watch it several times to find new information. It might take hours, but since there’s no wedding the next day, we can all sleep in late.

  “What do you think we will find?” Lamar asked.

  “Anything that seems out of the ordinary, we all have had experiences where something is not what it seems.”

  We watched the video four times when I was able to spot something. I hit the pause button on the remote and stared at the screen. Hayley was asleep beside Tamara when she slowly opened her eyes. She glanced at Lamar, who was also asleep, before staring at me.

  “I guess we were all tired from today.”

  “Don’t worry about it. They can go in the guest room once they wake up.”

  “Did you find anything?” she asked while sitting beside me.

  “I think I did.”

  I zoomed in on the street sign, which for some reason, stuck out to me.

  “What street is Hopkins Credit Union on?” I asked.

  Hayley gave a puzzled look. “I’m not sure.”

  “Google it for me.”

  She nodded and grabbed her phone from the end table.

  “For some reason, the street name seems weird.”

  Hayley looked at me with a curious glance. “You might be right. The credit union is located on Simpson, and that’s the only location in the city.”

  I glanced at the screen, seeing that the street sign was between Wallace and Green. I looked at Hayley, who shook her head. “Someone was really trying to have Demetria involved in this.”

  “The question is, who and why?”

  I looked at the screen again and sighed. Whatever the reason is, things have gotten even more complicated with this entire case.

  Hayley

  Since there was no wedding to attend, I decided to pick up MJ from my parents a little early. Morgan wanted to come with me, but I needed some time alone to clear my mind and figure out why our lives were being turned upside down again. Just when we were finally adjusting to being normal, this shit happens.

  I pulled up to my parents’ house, anxious to see MJ as I hopped out of the car and headed to the door. My mom greeted me with a huge grin.

  “Wow, were you looking out the window?”

  “Sort of, but it’s not like I was anxiously waiting for you to come. I love my grandson.”

  “I know, but you’re probably tired of watching him every day. If you are, then say the word and Morgan and I can find a good daycare.”

  “Stop it, Hales. We all made a pact that MJ can stay here while you two are at work. Honestly, your dad or I don’t have an issue with it, Hales.”

  “I just don’t want you both to feel that Morgan and I are taking advantage.”

  “You’re not, Hayley.”

  I sighed and went to sit on the couch. “Is MJ asleep?”

  “No, your dad is getting him ready, but I did want to talk to you.”

  I stared at her as she sat down in the chair across from me. “You didn’t sound like yourself when you called earlier. Is everything okay? And why did Kyle call off the wedding?”

  “Because of something he found out about Demetria.”

  “It must have been bad if he called it off the night before.”

  I sighed. “It’s happening again.”

  My mom stared at me, wondering what I was talking about. “What?”

  “It wasn’t a coincidence what Kyle discovered the night before his wedding. Someone deliberately did it.”

  “What’s going on, Hales?”

  I sighed again. I really didn’t want to tell her, but maybe she needed to know.

  Once I told her about Travis, the robberies, and Demetria, my mom shook her head. “It’s déjà vu. Now you think Demetria is being framed?”

  “That’s my only explanation. Why would someone go through such great lengths to point her out at the scene of one of the robberies?”

  “It could be one of two things. Either she didn’t go along with someone’s plan, or she’s hiding something and someone knows about it…”

  “And doesn’t want to give it up.” I finished.

  “What is Morgan going to do with this information?”

  I shrugged. “I told him not to do anything until we figure out something. If he took it to the station, Demetria would be going to jail. I may not like her, but I don’t want her to be punished if she’s innocent.”

  “What is Morgan going to do to protect you and MJ?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know what he’s doing. Since he’s a cop now, he doesn’t get to do what he wants, which I’m kind of glad for. I don’t need him to be locked up behind Travis’ ass.”

  “But being a cop should have its advantages, right? He can always get security for his family.”

  “Which he will, but I know Morgan. He’s going to want to be the one to protect us, not anyone else.”

  “Hales…”

  “Mom, I know you’re worried, but you don’t have to be. We’ll make sure for you, Dad, and Ophelia to have protection as well. Just know that we can handle ourselves. There is one thing, though?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Please don’t tell dad about this. You know how he gets.”

  “I can’t promise you that.”

  “Mom, please.”

  She nodded. “Fine, but if I see anything unusual happening, I will tell him.”

  I sighed. “Okay, but for now just trust Morgan and me, okay. For all we know, Travis might not even bother us.”

  “He might not, but someone else is if they’re doing this.”

  As soon as my dad walked out with MJ, I quickly kissed him on the cheek, hugged my mom, and gently picked up Morgan Jr. I think I need to have a talk with Morgan Sr.

  ***

  On the drive home, MJ was already fast asleep, so I was lost in my thoughts on what could possibly be going on. I knew all the people that were gunning for Morgan was either in prison or dead, so who else could be bothering us?

  I was about to make a lane change when I noticed a black car was doing the same. The same car has been following me for some time now. I wasn’t trying to be paranoid earlier, but now I think I should be.

  Instead of me turning onto my street, I quickly dialed Morgan, letting him know what’s happening. I made my way to a strip center parking lot and slowly drove around, hoping the person takes a hint and drive off.

  The car continued to follow me until I lightly stepped on the gas. Another car got in front of the black vehicle, giving me the opportunity to flee. I made a sharp left turn to the back of the lot and got back on the feeder road.

  I breathed a sigh of relief, wondering if I was being paranoid for nothing, but with everything that’s happening, I couldn’t be too sure.

  I was able to make it home as Morgan, Lamar, and Tamara were standing outside. Once I got into the garage, I quickly closed the door and Lamar retrieved MJ. Morgan gave MJ a kiss before putting me in his arms.

  “We need to talk.” I sternly said.

  “I know it’s about what happened…”

  “It’s not that. Well, it probably is now but I had this theory way before what happ
ened.”

  Tamara knew I wanted to have my talk with Morgan alone, so she excused herself to help Lamar with MJ.

  I followed Morgan inside as he closed and locked the door. “Okay, what’s your theory?”

  “Did something else happen that you’re not telling me about?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I’m talking about your enemies. Were there other people you failed to mention to me, or is there really something that Travis is trying to get from you?”

  “Why would you think I would lie to you?”

  “To protect me. I need to know are you hiding anything from me, because someone was following me, which honestly, scared the shit out of me, especially with MJ being in the car.”

  Morgan put his hands to mines and looked straight into my eyes. I gave a slight shiver from how he was staring at me.

  “I did receive a call from Travis.”

  “How long ago?”

  “A week ago, after I learned that he’ll be released.”

  I let go of his hand and gave him a crazed stare, wondering why he didn’t tell me.

  “I know I should have told you, but you were already on edge that he was being released.”

  “What did he want?” I asked through clenched teeth.

  “Remember when I had that safe deposit box?”

  I nodded.

  “There was something in there that Travis wanted. Actually, it’s something that someone else is demanding and he’s the person they’ve asked to get it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Someone is threatening him, so he’s trying to get it from me before someone puts a bullet in his ass when he steps back into the real world.”

  “Did he say who was threatening him?”

  “With Travis, who knows? All I know is that it must be pretty big. There was nothing in the box that stood out, that’s why I can’t figure out what it could be.”

  “He didn’t tell you?”

  “No.”

  “There are no documents inside that you haven’t checked?”

  “There are a couple but I haven’t really glanced at them. I only used it to put money and valuables in.”

  “Don’t you think you should know what was in there?”

  “Hayley, at the time when I was granted that box, I was twenty-one years old. Do you really think I would have cared what type of papers where in there?”

  “I’m sure you do now, don’t you? Do you still have the box?”

  He sighed. “Remember, the bank closed a year ago. Everything was moved to Caldwell. I’ll have to try and figure out a way to go since I’ll be at work.”

  “Just let me do it. Just add my name to the list so I can access it.”

  “I don’t want you involved.”

  “Well, I am now, so I don’t have a choice.”

  Morgan sighed. “I guess that’ll work since I don’t want anyone to know I’m involved.”

  “I still want to know how Demetria fits into all of this?”

  Morgan shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  We agreed that I’d go tomorrow afternoon. By that time, Morgan would had already notified the bank and made the request. I just hoped this plan will go through without any issues.

  Hayley

  After tossing and turning the entire night, the next day arrived and I decided to go to Caldwell Bank early. I know Morgan wanted me to go in the afternoon, but it didn’t make a difference what time I went.

  Once I was able to get through security, the manager assisted me with Morgan’s box. When I opened it, I noticed she was still standing in the room.

  “It is okay if I have a few minutes alone, please?”

  “I can’t do that, Mrs. Stevens-Carter. With the string of robberies going around, the bank wants to have someone present inside of the room.”

  I nodded and began to look over the contents. Like Morgan said, nothing was out of the ordinary, but it has to be something since someone was trying to get to it.

  I stuffed a few things into my bag, leaving only money and a few signed documents inside. I thanked the manager as she followed me out.

  After I had to go through security again, I headed to my car. I felt like someone was following me. Instead of going to my car, I headed towards the shopping center nearby. I tried to go near the fountain, when I felt a hand go against my waist.

  “If you want to play nice, then you’ll come with me.”

  “I’m not going anywhere with you.” I replied while trying to break free from the mystery man.

  “Do you want me to make a scene here? Let’s go!”

  “Who the hell are you?”

  “Don’t worry about who I am.”

  I slowly walked with him into the crowd when I made a break for it. I ran into the nearest store, almost knocking over a shopper before going towards the dressing rooms. I ran into a stall, closing the door and leaning against the wall. Someone started knocking, causing me to jump.

  “Are you okay, Miss?”

  I had to catch my breath as I looked through the crack of the door. I saw an employee standing outside, which made me sigh.

  “Everything is fine. Thank you for asking.”

  I took another deep breath before pulling out my phone. I dialed Morgan’s number, hoping he’ll pick up.

  “Hey baby. What’s wrong?”

  “Morgan, we have a problem. A big one.”

  Morgan

  After Hayley told me she was hiding out in a store dressing room, I quickly left the station to find her. When I did, I took her home so we could figure out who the hell was trying to kidnap her.

  Since Hales was too nervous to drive, I asked Lamar to take her car back to the house. I wanted her to ride with me so I could ask her a few questions.

  “Did you get a look at him?” I asked.

  She shook her head. “He had my back turned the entire time. When I fled, I turned around, but no one was behind me.”

  “What about his hands? Any type of marks or tattoos?”

  “No.”

  “Noticed anything strange about his voice?”

  “No, Morgan! The entire situation caught me off guard, so I didn’t notice anything.”

  “We have to figure out who is doing this.”

  “I agree.”

  “I know what I need to do.” I said.

  “What?”

  “I need to talk to the source.”

  “Uh-uh. You are not talking to Travis.”

  “What choice do I have?! I have to know why this is happening!”

  We pulled up to the house and into the garage. While Hales was on the phone with her boss, I noticed the door was slightly ajar. I glanced at her, telling her to stay in the car as I pulled my 32 out of the glove compartment. Just as I was about to get out, Lamar pulled up.

  “Go to Lamar,”

  “Morgan…”

  “Just do it!”

  She scoffed and got out of the car.

  I unlocked it and made my way to the door. As Hayley was safely with Lamar, I slowly opened the door, carefully checking my surroundings, as the foyer and living room were clear. I moved further to the kitchen, as I had my middle finger on the trigger. I slowly walked in, which had me a bit on edge.

  “Hello, Morgan. It’s finally nice to see you again.”

  Hayley

  I walked over to Lamar after Morgan disappeared into our home. I put my hands in my hair, frustrated that I couldn’t even go inside.

  “He’s only looking out for you, Hales.”

  “How am I supposed to protect him?”

  “You know Morgan can protect himself.” Lamar said.

  I looked at the door, contemplating if I should rush inside. I needed to know what’s going on and standing outside won’t help me.

  “Don’t even do it, Hales.”

  “You don’t even know what I’m thinking.”

  “I do know. Stop trying to be superwoman. Morgan will be fine.”

 
I sighed, knowing Lamar was right. I knew Morgan could handle himself but that didn’t mean I wouldn’t worry.

  That theory went out the door once Lamar turned his back to go inside his car. I rushed to the door and went inside. I checked the living room, seeing he wasn’t there. I was extremely quiet as I eased through the house, wondering where Morgan could be. But when I walked into the kitchen, I realized what was going on as I quickly leaned against the counter.

  “What are you doing here?” Morgan asked while staring at me.

  “I was worried about you.”

  “Ahh, Hayley, I’m glad that you could join the party.”

  I stared at Morgan, who had his gun pointed. His eyes looked intense as his finger was on the trigger, ready to shoot.

  “Aren’t you going to say hello?”

  I glanced at the man who made all of our lives a living hell. The man who shot me at point blank range in the chest with no regard to if I lived or died.

  “Still as beautiful as ever, Hayley.”

  “Don’t even look at my wife, muthafucker. Now, how the hell did you get in here?” Morgan fumed.

  “There are a lot of things you can learn while sitting in a prison cell.”

  “I bet. You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you here?”

  “I had to see my favorite step-nephew. You were the first person I wanted to see when I was released.”

  “Did you know he was going to be released today?” I asked Morgan. He shook his head.

  “Oh yeah, it was a surprise. Since everyone was anticipating my release, I decided to keep it hidden.”

  “Who did you bribe to let you out early?” I asked.

  “I didn’t bribe anyone. The system just recognized that I was being a good boy. You can receive rewards by being good, Morgan.” Travis said with a huge grin.

  “People do, but not by your definition of good, Travis. In fact, I could send you back to jail for breaking and entering.”

  “But you’re not. I’m too much of an asset for you, Morgan.”

  “How is that?”

  He stood up as Morgan still had his gun on him. I glanced at Travis as he gave a sly grin at me. I shivered, wishing he would disappear. I don’t like how this was going, so I wanted it to end soon.