Noble, Zayd, and Wilde sat on the bench, looking at the officers with worry consuming them. Noble had been mortified when they were all escorted to the police station—including Bernard. Anger brewed in his core, unable to grasp the fact that Bernard tried to pin drugs on him. Granted, Noble wasn’t a saint. He and his cousin, Tuck, were always scheming and looking for ways to get money. However, this time, Noble was innocent.
“Oh my God!”
They all looked to their left and spotted Lyra walking into the station. The boys hopped up and rushed over to her. Zayd was the first to hug her then Wilde. Noble stood, silently watching her kiss between the two. She then grabbed him and hugged him.
“What the hell happened?” she quizzed.
“That nigga Bernard tried to say I had drugs in his car.”
“He what?” Lyra yelled.
“Ma’am.” She turned around, looking at the man who was dressed in a pair of slacks and a black collar shirt. “I’m Detective Rainey. Can I talk to you in the back for a second?”
Lyra nodded then turned to the boys. “Y’all sit for a minute while I talk to him.”
Noble, Zayd, and Wilde reclaimed their seats on the bench as Lyra followed the officer to the back.
“The next time I see Bernard, I’ma spit on him,” Wilde promised.
“Me too,” Zayd added. “Then, I’m going to piss in his work boots.”
Noble sat quietly, ready to get out of there and resume his night. He and Tuck were set to meet some girls at Havenwood and he couldn’t miss it. Ten minutes had passed before Lyra headed toward them.
“Come on,” she requested.
“What happened?” Noble wanted to know.
She turned and looked at him. “We’re going home, and Bernard will be going to jail. I can’t believe he tried to pin some drugs on you. He knows I don't play about my kids so now his Black ass is going to suffer.”
Noble smiled and nodded his head. He loved that Bernard would be out of their lives for good. They were still grieving their late father and wasn’t keen on Lyra moving on so quickly, especially with a man who had to move in with them.
“You promise, Mama? We won’t have to deal with him no more?” Noble questioned.
She bent down and grabbed one of his hands. “I promise, baby. Nobody is going to lie on you and not pay the consequences. You’ll never have to hear about Bernard ever again.”
A beam stretched across Noble’s lips.
“Now come on. I know y’all are hungry.”
“Hell yeah!” Wilde cheered but quickly recoiled when Lyra gave him a side eye. “I mean yes.”
“That’s what I thought,” she mumbled, leading the way out of the police station.
Three months had passed since that disastrous day and the St. Anthony Household had been thriving. Bernard wasn’t around, which made Noble happy. They didn’t have to share their space with a man they didn’t care for. Lyra worked hard per usual, leaving her with no time to date. It was selfish of Noble to want his mother single. She deserved to have a companion but he wasn’t ready to invite another man into their life.
The phone rang as soon as Noble opened the front door. Wilde and Zayd were playing the game while Kaliste sat at the table doing her homework.
“Ain't nobody going to get the phone?” he questioned.
“It ain't for me.” Wilde shrugged, focusing on the TV.
“It’s probably for Mama anyway, and she ain't here.” Zayd snorted.
Kaliste waved her hand. “I’m doing my work.”
“Y’all lazy as fuck.” Noble shook his head and picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“You have a collect call from inmate Bernard from the St. Parklynn County Jail. If you wish to accept, press one.”
