Irish turned to Cali. “You knew about this?”
“Of course. Who do you think he got my address from?”
She returned her gaze on Noble, who was fake boxing with the boys. “Honey, where we going?” she asked again.
He stopped and stared at her. “What I just say? Go pack.”
“I know that’s right,” Cali instigated. “You heard what that man said.”
Irish chuckled, cutting her eyes at Cali. “Wait, I just noticed, you brought your suitcase down. Are you going, too?”
“Uh, yeah, I’m not missing your birthday. I’m just gonna leave early so I can get back to work.”
Excitement flashed through Irish’s body. She had been satisfied with the birthday plans that Cali had gathered. Knowing her man had come to pick her up to fly her somewhere unknown left her in great anticipation.
“Okay, let me get dressed.”
Irish went back into the room and closed the door. She needed to hear from Ivory so she dialed her number. When there was no answer, she sent her a text to call her back. Afterward, she put on her clothes and packed all of her items. Noble came into the room and grabbed her bags.
“You still don't wanna tell me where we’re going?” she tried once more.
“It’s a surprise, Pumpkin. Let your man take care of you.”
She simpered. “You ain't gotta tell me twice.”
Tuck sat with his leg bouncing while pinching his bottom lip between his two fingers. He swiped sweat from his forehead for the umpteenth time that day as he stared at the door. He was an antsy mess, waiting to be released from the cell. For two days, he’d been struggling to get in contact with Hallie to no avail. He’d even texted her from his burner phone and got no response.
“Finally,” he huffed when the doors opened.
He headed for the phones but was stopped by Champ along the way.
“Aye, you trying to do some laps?”
“Nah.” He shook his head. “I gotta find my girl.”
Champ’s brows furrowed. “What you mean?”
“I ain't talked to her. It’s been two days and she don't ever miss my call.”
Tuck didn’t wait for Champ’s response. He went straight to the phones and dialed her number.
“Pick up, pick up,” he mumbled while waiting for the operator to connect them.
“Hello?”
Tuck’s head reared when he heard the deep baritone of a man.
“Who the fuck is this?” he immediately interrogated.
“I’m Hallie’s father. Who is this?”
“Her father?” he repeated, caught off guard. “Is Hallie good?”
“Who is this?”
“I’m her man, uh, Tucker. Is she good?”
There was a paused that elevated Tuck’s heart rate. Something was wrong. Hallie always answered her phone. She never missed a phone call and now her father was on the line not saying what Tuck desperately needed to hear.
