“Dude. I’ve been trying to call you,” Jhavon whispered.
“What?” Sean asked in a hushed tone. He reached for his phone and noted the missed call notifications. “I turned my phone off because I didn’t want to chance having my dad hear it and come in here. But, I thought I put it on vibrate. My bad.”
Jhavon waved a dismissive hand. “Look. Flip’s girl called. She said for us to bring the money and meet him behind Crowley’s barbershop at midnight.”
“Cool.” Sean couldn’t wait to get that money out of his life.
He slithered under the bed and grabbed the bag, then hoisted it out of the window at Jhavon, careful not to make too much noise. His father was nocturnal, drunk throughout the day but up at night eating meals and watching television. Somewhat sober, which tended to put him in a self-righteous parent mood, Mr. Morrison wasn’t about to let Sean leave the house late at night. So, he’d have to sneak out for this mission as he had done many times before to attend parties or school-sponsored events.
Sean slid on a pair of sneakers and readied himself to join Jhavon on the other side of the window, when Pop opened Sean’s bedroom door and switched on the light.
“What the—” Pop’s mouth hung open.
Sean swung around to face his father. Jhavon ducked from sight but not before Pop saw him.
“I knew it.” Pop snarled, bunching his fists. “Youaregay. Sneaking that boy in your room.” He made his way toward Sean with fire in his eyes. “That’s sick. Disgusting.” He struck Sean hard in his face.
“No. No,” Jhavon yelled, “Mr. Morr—”
“Get off my property before I put a bullet—”
“Jhavon, go,” Sean called. “Don’t worry about me, just go.”
Sean watched his friend scramble away and felt a sense of relief. At least they would be off the hook with Flip. He squared his shoulders, preparing himself to face his father, not knowing that would be the last time he would see his friend alive. That he had sent Jhavon to his death.
