“I got a real job. I work at Michigan Motor Exchange. My checks are about fifteen hundred before taxes.”
“That’s what’s up. Then you good. I hate to see my young men out here not doing the right thing. Glad to hear you have something outside of working for me.”
“Indeed. Mill told me that I should get a gig that I love, and I love cars.”
I was shocked. “Mill told you that?”
“Yeah.” I rubbed my beard, keeping my eyes on the house. Rakim and I chopped it up for about ten more minutes before we watched the officers go inside. It didn’t take long before we heard sirens in the distance. Five more minutes passed, and police and ambulances were zooming up the block. Rakim sat up and was about to pull off, but I halted him.
“Hold up. I need to make sure the coroners pull up next.” Rakim nodded as we waited an additional forty minutes before the coroners came. I smiled in triumph, then instructed Rakim to leave. My work there was done. Now, I had to make old girl disappear.
We rode for about twenty minutes until he pulled up to my car, where my trusted driver sat waiting.
“I don’t think I need to remind you of what will happen if you happen to be questioned about your whereabouts tonight, do I?”
“You got my word, Mr. Em. I’m solid. Even if this shit ever came back to me, you ain’t gotta worry about me talking about this night. It’s already forgotten.”
“Yeah, okay. You know what to do with this whip.”
“I’m on it. Thanks again, Mr. Em.”
“Just Emery, Ra.”
“Noted.”
I got out of his truck and got inside of mine.
“Where to, sir?” Juno asked.
“Yumi’s place.” He smirked at me through the mirror, then pulled away from the curb. I pulled out my phone and went to her name.
Me: Put on lingerie and keep on those heels you had on earlier. I’m headed your way.
I saw that she had read my message but didn’t reply. It was cool, though. I didn’t need a reply because baby knew what it was. I was sober for many years after she left. Now that she was back, I was back to being a fucking addict once again.
Chapter
Nine
YUMI
Earlier That Day, After Court…
I walked to my car with my family, and Liam followed me. I was really trying to be patient with them, but their nagging and talks of irrelevant things annoyed me. The fact that Zeke and my father were acting this way really pissed me off. My mom hadn’t said much, but I knew she agreed with them about me being so close to Emery.
To make matters worse, they were saying all of this in front of Liam. They didn’t air out my dirty laundry entirely, but they made sure to tell me I was making a mistake by defending the Aldanas.
Once I made it to my car, I tossed my bag in the back and then turned to them.
“Listen, I need you all to back off. For the last time, this is my career! You all may not like who I’m defending, but it doesn’t matter! I’m grown, and I don’t need you all to treat me like I’m some child and can’t take care of myself!”
“Calm down, Mimi. You just don’t get it,” Zeke said.
“Get what? That you all speculate that they are a crime family? Where’s the proof, Zeke?”
“Come on, Yumi. Everyone knows the Aldanas are a ruthless crime family!”
“Again, nigga. Where is your proof?”
