“Man,” Ezekiel heaved out a heavy breath while shaking his head. “I ain’t wanna be the one to tell you this.”
Kross leaned up in his seat, concern flashing his eyes. “Nigga, quit all that beatin’ around the bush shit. What’s going on with my lady?”
Running a hand down his face stressed, Ezekiel finally mustered up enough courage to deliver the truth to his brother. “Cassie’s car got shot up last night while she and Aniyis were in it. I’m sorry, Kross, but Cassie ain’t make it,” Ezekiel revealed, causing Kross’ heart to tighten.
He felt like his entire world just stopped. There was no way in hell he was just blessed by getting released from prison just for his lady to be snatched out of his life. The shit was unfair! He prayed, devoted his life to God and promised to do better with his second chance at life. Why was God punishing him by taking the woman who held him down in his lowest times? Cassie didn’t deserve that at all. She was a saint compared to him.
What about the life he promised her?
What about their wedding?
What about finally having their family all together?
All those hopes and dreams were just snatched away in an instant!
Kross held his head in his hands, desperately trying to think straight. He couldn’t even process what Ezekiel was telling him. His life was ruined.
“Where’s Aniyis?” was the only thing he had strength to croak out.
“He’s in critical condition at the hospital. I can take you to him.”
Kross slowly nodded as he gazed out the window aimlessly. “Take me to my son.”
For the rest of the dread-filled ride, all Kross could think about was the hell he was about to raise in the streets of Miami to avenge the death of his lady.
This meant war.
Chapter Two
Kross rushed inside the hospital, his head running rampant with thoughts of what to expect once he saw Aniyis. He would have never thought his return home would be like this. He had hoped to be met at the gates by Cassie’s open arms and Aniyis bursting in excitement to have his father home. Yet here he was, rushing through the halls of the hospital to see his son fighting for his life. At only six years old, Aniyis was dealt the worst set of cards. Kross’ actions robbed him of a father during the early years of his life, and now, he had lost his mother completely. Cassie was all Aniyis knew. She was the most amazing and patient mother. Kross had no idea how he would fill the deep void Cassie left once Aniyis pulled through.
Kross followed Ezekiel to the pediatric intensive care unit. His heart was beating against his chest as they approached the front desk. He slightly pushed Ezekiel to the side so he could speak with the receptionist.
“Excuse me. I’m here for Aniyis Hunter,” he rattled out hastily.
The older woman’s emerald eyes peered over her glasses that were perched on her nose. “And you are?” she asked while typing away on the keyboard to pull up Aniyis’ information.
“His father.”
She lightly cleared her throat before pointing to the computer screen. “Says here that his father is Ezekiel Hunter.”
Kross snapped his head in the direction of his brother, not understanding why he was listed as Aniyis’ father. “My fault, bruh. They only let immediate family in to see him, and I had to see little homie,” he apologized to Kross. “Ma’am, I’m Aniyis’ uncle. This is his father,” he clarified for her.
The woman seemed hesitant; however, she didn’t have much of a reason to object, so she began making the corrections on Aniyis’ profile. “Can I have some ID please?” she requested.
A heavy breath flowed out of Kross as he reached into his pocket. “This all I got.” He extended his prison ID that had his picture, name and inmate number printed on it to her.
She glanced down at the ID, and her brows bumped together when she realized it was issued by FDC Miami. “I don’t know if I can take—” she attempted to let out, but he interjected.
“Ma’am, I just need to see my son. I just got out, and this the first place I stopped because I need to see how my son is doing. Just work with me,” he pleaded with her.
She let out a deep sigh before taking the ID from him and typing in his information. Seconds later, a visitor’s pass was printed for both Kross and Ezekiel. “He’s in room 4713.”
“Thank you,” Kross expressed his gratitude as he rushed in the direction of Aniyis’ room. With haste, he navigated the halls before halting in front of room 4713. Ezekiel could sense the apprehension that washed over him as he stood before the door. He reached over and gave his shoulder a supportive squeeze, hoping to give him strength to be able to stomach what he was about to face.
Kross pushed the door open and headed inside the dimly lit room. He could hear the monitors at work, beating repeatedly, indicating that Aniyis was still alive. As he stepped further intothe room, he felt a hand press against his chest, halting him from moving any further. His eyes tore from Aniyis, who was laid out on the bed, and allowed them to trail down to Cassie’s mother, Joyce. He could see the pain that webbed her puffy, red eyes. She was an absolute wreck and was trying her best to hold it together for her grandson.
“When did you get out? Better yet, what are you doing here?” she gritted out, attempting to keep her voice low.
