“So what we need to do?” Carlos asked as soon as I told him everything Sophie had told me.
“Nothing, yet. After I know her and the baby are straight and I get them home, I’m killing that muthafucker.”
“Aight, I’m down. Just let me know what you need.”
I smiled and Carlos laughed like he was reading my mind. I didn’t need a gotdamn thing, but I also understood he knew that.
“Shit, I just wanna be there. Sophie’s my people now too, so fucking with her is like fucking with me. I know you got it covered.”
“We’ll talk after I get her home.”
It wasn’t until then that I remembered the message I had from Story. It was strange enough that he had called me, and even more strange that he’d given me a different number to call him. He only had access to the phones I got in there for him and the number he gave wasn’t one I recognized, so I pulled out my phone to call him.
“Hey, son. Everything okay? I’ve been calling all night and you didn’t answer,” Story rattled off as soon as he heard my voice. I could tell he was concerned.
“Yeah, I’m good. Just dealing with some bullshit. What’s up with you, though? What number is this?”
“Mine, I need to see you though? Where are you?”
“You need to see me? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, just tell me where you are.”
“The hospital. I can’t come out there right now because?—”
“The hospital? Why the hell you at the hospital, Troop?”
“It’s Sophie.”
“Sophie? Which hospital? We’re on our way.”
We’re on our way? What the fuck did I miss?
“What’s wrong with Sophie, Sinclair?” I heard a feminine voice say in the background. Now I was really confused as to what was going on.
“Where the fuck are you?” I questioned, getting irritated.
“In Manhattan. I’ll explain when I get there. What hospital?”
“Bellevue.”
“Is she okay?”
“She is now.”
“And the baby?”
“They’re both good.”
“Aight, we’ll be there within the hour,” Story said then hung up.
“Yo, what’s that all about?”
“Story is out and he’s on his way here?”
“Out like a free man?” Los asked, looking as confused as I felt.
“Shit, I guess so. He said he’ll be here in an hour. I think he’s with Sophie’s mother.”
