“It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Mickey. It killed me not to pop up when I knew you were at the house. Apparently that husband of mine was already upset that I was getting special video calls.”
That had me laughing because the one and only time it happened was the first food drop off two weeks ago.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you too, Mrs. Anna, and thank you again for keeping me and Peanut fed good. The lasagna you sent this past week was one of my favorite dishes. Well, besides the Cajun Alfredo you make for me. I mentioned your delicious meals to my mama and now she wants to try them as well. I told her I would make the connection because I couldn’t share mine.”
I motioned toward Kat who was holding her arms wide for Mrs. Anna who welcomed the hug. They shared words before Burkeley called me to meet his father.
“Mickey, this is my father, Paul. This is Mickey.” He held his hand out for a shake, kissing the back of mine.
“Well, young lady, it’s a pleasure. I won’t lie and say your presence knocked me off my square for a minute when I first heard about you and BK, but seeing you in person, I understand why he kept you close for as long as he did.” This was definitely where Burkeley got his game from.
I just blushed before the rest of the people arrived, with his brother Art being the loudest. Amber greeted me, hugging me. I didn’t get a chance to talk to her much at the bonfire but she seemed sweet.
“Okay, crew, since Amber set this up, we’re using this as an opportunity to pick the pumpkins that will be at the party next week. So yes, I’m putting y’all behinds to work. I need two apiece from each of y’all. Dr. Bailey and Mama Kat, you don’t have to worry. Mickey, sweetie, you just point and put my son to use to get yours,” Mrs. Anna called out, getting our attention and making Art groan.
“Mama, that wasn’t part of the deal. See, baby, I told you we should’ve cancelled this one and picked those damn apples instead,” he complained as we all made our way inside.
I smirked as I watched my parents blend in, opting to fully participate as my mama and Mrs. Anna walked next to each other talking.
“Yeah, put me to use,Mickey.” I gave him a side eye for calling me by my nickname as he wrapped his arms around me as we walked in.
“I plan on it,” I said, smirking, breaking free as I tossed a wink back at him.
Chapter
Twenty-One
Burkeley
I pointed my camera out the window as I looked from the small screen back to the front door of the house to make sure I was still in position. I had to be ready to get magic as soon as the show started. For the last three hours, I’d been outside of the same house, hoping for movement. I knew my target was here because I had followed him and watched him casually walk in with takeout and a sly smirk. The house belonged to another married couple. I also knew the husband wasn’t here, but the wife was. I had been following my target long enough to understand what was going on here and just needed them to make a special appearance in the doorframe and my job would be done. Catching my target here would be enough evidence for the wife who’d hired me to finally break free from him and get everything she wanted.
“C’mon on, muthafucka. I know her husband comes home soon, meaning yo’ ass gotta go. Give me what I need.” I checked my wrist to clock the time and saw if nothing happened in the next ten minutes I would have to leave and try again in a couple days and I didn’t want to do that. The longer I stayed on this case and nothing happened, meant the possibility of not helpingthe wife I was sure needed me to help her escape an abusive marriage. I didn’t have any proof, but I had met the man and could sense he had an evil spirit.
“Fuck.” I cursed as I heard my personal line vibrating on the middle console and knew who it was. The only person on the list for their calls to come through while I was out in the field was McKay. Anything could happen and I never wanted to be more than a call away from making my way to her.
Today was her doctor’s appointment and my first one. I wasn’t letting shit keep me from missing this, especially not for the nigga inside the house, cheating on his wife.
I looked at the door once more before I reached up and grabbed the phone.
“Yes, baby.”
“I know you’re still working. I wanted to make sure that you’re still coming today. Do you want to meet me there?”
I looked at the door and saw nothing had changed as I shook my head before my verbal response came out.
“What did I tell you before I left this morning, M&M?”
“That the only way you would miss this is if God himself called you home, and even then, you would have a front row seat from heaven. It’s just getting late, BK, and I wanted a snack before I went but you’re not here yet. I ate the cookies that your mama made last night and now I’m mad I did,” she whined, making me laugh as I powered the camera down and began to pack up so I could jump in the front seat. I looked back at the door once more, lowkey feeling defeated until the reason for me leaving my post earlier voice rang out in my ear.
“I don’t want you to ever have to choose between me and work either. I understand this whole you coming to this appointment was last minute?—”
“McKay, are you stressing my baby out right now?”
“No. Your baby is stressing me out.” I heard the sniffles and put my ass in motion to make it to my lady to get her food before this appointment.
“Calm down, I’m on my way. I stashed two in the bottom basket under the pretzels in the pantry.” I heard the ruffling mixed with her sniffles before she cried out a thank you.
We stayed on the phone until I pulled in the driveway, hopping out but leaving the truck running since I was only going to grab McKay so we could go.
