“What are we going to do then? Also, why are they targeting us?” She asks.
I’m not truly confident that it was because of the foundation, I think it is more of a coincidence than a vengeful act. Or rather a moment of opportunity.
“It’s not so much of a retaliation,” Coda chimes in. There’s a creek at the door, all eyes turn to see Joaquin coming through the door. The deer in the headlights is too good to ignore.
“Well. Look what the cat dragged in.” Tessa beams. The smirk on her face told me enough. She knew something and was keeping it to herself.
I look at Joaquin and the man is red as a tomato. He quietly walks to his seat. “You want to share with the class?” She teases him. He shakes his head no, and looks at her sternly. Now he was keeping something. Little secrets can turn into dangerous omissions.
Rawlings clears his throat, gaining everyone’s attention again. “Moving on, we called church because we need to figure out what is going on and who’s all involved.”
“Needless to say, this is probably not going to be the last time this happens and it is getting close to the foundation.” Jackson acknowledges.
“We might need to bring Lottie in on this.” Tessa says, my eyes widen.
“Fuck no,” I shout. “We are not bringing her in. The less people the better.”
Tessa looks at me, ready to charge. She starts to get up, the thud of the chair hitting the back wall. “Tell me Keola, what is the issue?” She pops her hand on her hip.
“Easy killer.” Memphis tries to soothe her. Her eyes force onto Memphis, glaring at him to back down. If looks could kill.
“No no, this man isn’t going to sit there and tell me that someone who’s close to these students and has more insight on the kids than you doesn’t need to know, let alone that it could affect her job. So tell me, why do you think it’s not a good idea?” The sass coming from her, Jesus Christ these women. I start to voice my opinion, but she stares back down, “I’d choose your words very carefully, Keola Eli.” She challenges me. Jackson holds back his laughter and amusement.
“She has a child.” It is a poor excuse.
“Seriously?” She grabs the chair to sit back down. Jackson looks at her, grabbing her hand. “Darlin’, maybe he’s got a point. The less people we involve the better. That includes her. We can get a better handle on this, and faster.”
“See, even he agrees.” I point out.
“Think history is going to repeat itself, grump ass?” she fires back.
“No, his ass doesn’t want to have to handle another bossy woman.” Joaquin snickers out.
I turned towards him, “Coming from the dumbass that was late and also shiny pink lip gloss is not your color.” His cheeks turn red again. His hand smacks the side of his neck.
“Look, we don’t need anymore hands in the bucket. You can just call the shots for your organization. And Rawlings and Jackson can focus on this. We all know our place in the club,” No hint of laughter, no smiles. I’m right. She doesn’t need to come into the mix. But the dead silence is enough to deafen even the morning crickets. I think my big mouth may have gotten the best of me, especially when the damage is already done.
She doesn’t raise her voice, she doesn’t shout, she simply stands up and places her hands on the table, “Then I guess you don’t need me.” She starts to walk away, Jackson grabs her hand.
“Darlin’,” one word and she turns to caress his cheek.
“It’s okay. Guess my place is to remain a certain. Quiet, unseen.”
Fuck. I'm going to suffer the consequences from that one. I’m not good with words and end up with my foot in my mouth, pissing people off. Things were easier when I was on the force.
The slamming of the door hit harder and I didn’t dare to look Jackson in the eyes nor am I ready for any hits to the face.
“Way to go, Jackass. It’s not enough that the last time we didn’t listen only to find later on that she was right. It was almost too late. Now, she offered a solution to a problem and you fucking brushed her off.” Memphis lowers his voice.
“I know, I know,”Fuck. “I just don’t think that bringing in the girl into the mix right now before any answers are given is wise. Cause for too much suspicion and cause for alarm.”Idiot, now you find the right words.
Coda and Joaquin look at each other, the quiet ones might be able to speak now. “We don’t have the answers, more like speculations. Boss, give us a week or two and we can try to dig some dirt on this. I’ll trace back the call to the schools.”
Rawlings groans, but nods in agreement, “We’ll have the prospects, Greer and Brennan switch every other day with X and Donnie.”
“Memphis and D.R. coordinate with them and make sure they have Tessa’s number, for emergencies only.” Both nod at Jackson before he points a finger at me, “And you. You better apologize to her before next Friday. Don’t care how you do it but fucking do it.” he starts to mutter something.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” I lean in.
