“Shit.” Running into the living room, she was lying on the floor half naked, bleeding from both gunshots. Going into the linen closet, I grabbed one of the throw blankets to cover her.
“Cairo.” She whispered when I lifted her off the floor.
“I fell and hit my head.” Lying her down, I checked to see if she was bleeding or had a knot in which she had neither. I’m gonna make sure she’s checked there as well.
“Cairo, you good?” I heard Felix’s voice and soon after, Manny, Raul and quite a bit of my team showed up.
“Where is the fucking doctor?” Felix picked up the phone to call. Feeling her blood drenching my clothes, I knew time was of the essence.
“We don’t have time to wait. Drive us to the hospital.” Rushing out the house, Manny opened the door to one of the SUV’s, hopped in the front and sped off once I closed the door.
“It’s burning Cairo.” Kateri was crying and trying her hardest to squeeze my hand. It felt like her strength was dwindling each second that passed.
“I know. We’re almost at the hospital.” Manny used the sirens we had for emergencies. It was easier to run the red lights because everyone pulled over. The movement of the truck was hurting her but he had no choice if we wanted to save her.
“Raul said the emergency room staff is waiting for her outside.” Manny yelled from the front seat.
“She’s losing a lot of blood. Fuck! How much longer?” I’ve seen hella people die but never did any of their deaths hit home like this. The woman I was in love with dying in my arms wasn’t ever supposed to happen.
“We’re around the corner.” Wiping Kateri’s eyes, I repeated what he said to give her some assurance that she’d be ok but would she. It’s been at least twenty minutes since the shooting and her face was becoming pale.
SCREECH! The car stopped abruptly and before I could open the door, someone else did. They made me get out and two techs maneuvered her out the SUV. As they placed her on the stretcher, I whispered in her ear.
“Kateri, the doctors are here to help you now. Come back to me ok.” Wiping the few tears I shed, I kissed her lips.
“Ok.” I barely heard her and ran in behind the doctors and staff. They were running with her down the hall. The doors closed before I could make it through but even I knew going to the operating room wasn’t an option. How did a perfect night turn into my worst nightmare?
Leaning against the wall, I squatted in order to stay sane. All I could ask myself was who knew about that house and why didthey shoot Kateri. I’m pretty sure the bullets were meant for me which lets me know since they couldn’t get me, it had to be her. The person was sending me a message and I heard it loud and clear. Now they’ll have to hear mine because when you touch anyone I loved, all bets were off. I’m coming for you, your family, extended family, animals, pastors, teachers and whoever else they’re affiliated with.
Hearing voices coming down the hall, I turned my head and saw everyone that was at my house, my parents and siblings. Why did they all come here? And did anyone contact Kateri’s mom or her brother? Standing up, I glanced down at my bloody clothes and hands and realized shit was about to get chaotic. The minute I heard Kateri was ok, I’m having her moved to my house which was heavily guarded. At least I’d know for sure she’d be ok and no one could get to her.
“Do we know what happened?” My mom asked, hugging me with the bloody clothes on. I explained the little I could and told them I’d be back. If anyone should call Ms. Coleman, it was me.
Heading out the door after hearing my parents say they would wait there for me, I picked up my phone. Looking up Ms. Coleman’s number, I pressed send and waited for her to answer. When she didn’t, I called her brother.
“What’s up and it better be good because I just got the new Madden.” He joked on the phone.
“Aye, where’s your mom?” Not taking the time to play games, I let him know to be serious.
“Probably upstairs with her man. Did you call and where’s Kateri? You never call.” I knew then he was aware something wasn’t right. And I never called him because there was no need. We were cool when we saw one another around town and now that I’m with Kateri but not that cool where I’d call just because.
“Something happened to Kateri. Get your mom and come to the hospital.”There was no need to waste time on telling him to get here.
“What? Don’t tell me that bitch found her and they fought.” That was news to me.
“What bitch?”
“I don’t know who she was but Kateri said she’s been sending her death threats and trying to fight her.” Now I was pissed.
“Think Mike. What was her name?” I couldn’t help but start pacing as he tried remembering the name.
“Ummm. Shit, I don’t know. Jackie or some shit like that.” He kept saying he wasn’t sure but he remembered the name Jackie.
“My cousin Jackie.”When the hell did she start beefing with Kateri?The last I knew they went out to eat together with my sister and Sariah last week. None of what he said was making sense.
“Where’s my sister? She can tell you who better than I can.” Him asking reminded me that he didn’t know the extent of Kateri’s injuries.
“I’m sending someone to get you and your mom. It’s not a good idea for either of you to drive.” The truth was I didn’t know who’s behind the attack and didn’t want them getting hit too. If they found Kateri at my house, it was a possibility they’d find her family too.
