As I hit send, my mind starts spinning. I need this handled quick. Only one person I trust for inside jobs. Juaqína. I open her chat and send her a message telling her about Mario and that he’s going to question Lorie about the shooting. I told her what I want her to do. She responds almost instantly.
‘That’s risky… but I’ll see what I can do.’
I lock my phone and shift my focus back to Zara’s voice. The Government always predictable. Soon as them cases start piling up, they reach out for foreign help. Of course they’d get Mario. He’s the best. Exactly who I would’ve chosen… if he wasn’t coming for me. But it’s alright. Making your job easier, Mario? We’ll see.
***
Once the ceremony ends, I stand beside Zara. My sister takes our pictures with the camera Zara never leaves. I look down at her,her skin golden. She holds the bouquet I gave her, and I lean in, and kiss her gently.
Janel squeals behind the lens. “This is too cute!”
Zara leans closer to look at the preview. Even in those heels, she’s still my shawdy. It shows when she stands beside me. In the second pic, my hand instinctively rests on her belly.
“Congratulations enuh,” Jordane says, grinning. My mother hugs Zara tight.
“Mi seh, a neva feel so proud inna mi life yet!” Gavin beams, walking over.
JUAQUINA
He puts Zara over meagain,but I’m still loyal, still ten toes for him. When he called, I was heading to see my mother. But the second he explained what was going down, I knew I had to lock in. If Lorie opens her mouth to the police, Nickoi’s gone, and I’m not letting that happen. What he asked me to do? Risky as hell. But it’s Nick. I’d burn the whole place down if it meant keeping him safe. It’s almost 2 a.m. We wait in the shadows of the hospital parking lot, watching the world slow down. That’s when I spot a doctor heading to his car.
“A we pass that,” I mutter. Genius nods, slipping out. Gutta stays posted in the car, eyes sharp.
“Think fast and clean, enuh,” Gutta says. Me and Genius move briskly. Hoodie up, mask on. I press the cold metal of the gun against the doctor’s side, guiding him to the corner of the lot.
“Yuh gonna misbehave?” I whisper.
“N-no miss,” he stutters, hands raised.
“Good. Walk.” He leads us inside through the back. That way, it’s less eyes. Less questions.
“First,” I say, “show him the control room with the cameras.Then take me to Lorie. She’s… an old friend.”
He nods like his knees weak.
After Genius clears the cameras, we head down the hall. Fluorescent lights hum above us like a warning. The doctor stops at a door and begs, “P-please… don’t hurt her.”
I give him a cool smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”
I step inside. Lorie’s out cold. I slip in quietly, place a recorder under her sheet. Genius returns, dragging the doctor with him, and I give a slight nod before he’s gone again. Then she stirs. Her eyes flutter open. Confused. Then scared. Her hand inches toward the red emergency button.
I raise the gun. “If you ever.”
She freezes. “W-wha you want?” she stammers, eyes wide.
She moves again. Wrong move. I rip the button away, press a pillow over her face, not long. Just enough to remind her. She gasps when I pull it back.
“A detective named Mario’s coming for you in a few hours. He’s gonna ask about who shot you. And you and I both know who.” Tears stream down her face.
“If you even say ‘Ni,’ much less ‘Nick,’ you’re dead… and don’t worry hoe, I’ll be listening.”
She nods frantically. “O-okay.”
I smile, wickedly. “Sleep well, boo.” Then I disappear into the dark.
19
Tipped
