“Of course I told you.”
“I know. But you could’ve tried to deal with it yourself. Kept it from me so I wouldn’t wild out.” I smiled even though she couldn’t see it. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
“Yeah, well.” I could hear the small smile in her voice. “Figured you’d want to know if somebody was coming for your baby.”
“Damn right I do.”
We talked for another minute. Just her voice in my ear, keeping me grounded. Then the CO called time and she had to go.
“I love you,” she said.
“I love you too. Both of you. Now get some rest. I got this.”
The line went dead.
I sat there for a second. Then pulled up Quest’s number.
He picked up on the third ring. “What’s good?”
“You still got that CO connect? I need a favor.”
Quest was quiet for a beat. “Yeah. Why, what’s up?”
“Situation at the DC detention facility. Woman named Big Mona. She stepped to Zainab after our visit. Made threats to her and the baby.”
“Oh, hell nah.”
“Yeah.”
“Say less. I’ll make a call tonight. Mona won’t be a problem.”
“Appreciate you.”
“That’s family. You ain’t gotta thank me for that.” He paused. “You good though?”
“I will be when she’s home.”
“She will be. Camille’s the best there is. And we all got her back.”
“I know.”
“Aight. Let me handle this. I’ll hit you when it’s done.”
“Bet.”
I hung up and sat in the silence of the garage.
Big Mona thought she could threaten my family. Thought a pregnant woman was an easy target. Thought ten thousand dollars was worth putting hands on what was mine.
By tomorrow, she’d know different.
I started the engine and pulled out.
Time to go be with Yusef. Hold down the house until I could bring his aunt back where she belonged.
Vivica. Rashid’s people. Whoever else was moving against us—they’d made a mistake.
They came for my family.
