I killed someone. Oh God! I’m a murderer. I’m a murderer.
The words echo in my mind like a taunt as my vision blurs before I start swinging when someone attempts to pick me up.
“No! No! No!” I scream over and over.
“Navae! Navae!”
I’m lost in the torment of my mind and don’t register the voice of whoever is trying to pick me up. My arms flail wildly, and I kick my legs to block the person. I know I just killed someone, but dying wasn’t in my plans for today.
“Fuck! Jariyah! It’s me! Jariyah! It’s me, baby!” It takes countless minutes for my brain to register Righteous’s voice.
When my eyes make out the contours of his face, loud sobs escape my mouth as I come apart in his arms.
“We gotta go, bro,” someone tells Righteous before he moves quickly without another word.
My tears don’t cease, and neither does the torment in my mind during the time it takes Righteous and me to move to a vehicle not near the front of the property. Since I didn’t see the club leave the clubhouse, I had no idea that Righteous wasn’t on his bike. Righteous gently places me in the back seat, and I close my eyes before I try to bury myself in the fabric. I don’t know how long the commute is, but before long, we’re back at the clubhouse. I’m being lifted again and in motion, yet none of it registers with me.
We pass through the entrance of Baxtown Iron, but things take a quick nosedive seconds later. The multiple police sirens cause me to jerk in Righteous’s arms, and I nearly pee on myself.
I’m going to jail. Jesus!
“No,” I whimper.
“Yo, Righteous. We’ve got political incoming,” someone says behind Righteous.
“Looks like tonight’s the night for dear old mom to make her presence known. I need you to put on an award-winning performance until we get through this shit.” Righteous’s voice is calm and gentler than I deserve. “I’m going to take you to my room so you can quickly get your shit together and then come out to speak to your mom.”
Before I can reply, Righteous is on the move again, and I mentally coach myself to hide behind an armor I don’t feel. But I can’t let Mom know anything is going on. I also don’t want Mom to dig deeper into Baxtown Iron than she already has. Righteous places a gentle kiss on my forehead before he places me on myfeet and leaves the room. When the door clicks after he closes it, I walk to the bathroom to throw some water on my face and give myself a once-over. Markia Owens knows me better than anyone, so I must ensure my outer appearance doesn’t match my inner turmoil.
Once I’m satisfied that I don’t look like I just killed someone, I leave the bathroom before I exit the room altogether. The sound of raised voices quickens my steps, and I walk to where Righteous is before I step in front of him.
“Hello, Mom. What brings you by?” My voice is cool as a cucumber, and a smirk forms when Mom’s eyes pinch.
“Of all the gutters I expected you to be in, this is the last one. What are you doing here, Jariyah?” Mom’s voice could chill hot chocolate, but I’m immune to her antics.
Mom’s words also give me pause because I thought for sure her little minions would have told her my whereabouts by now. I don’t know whether Mom’s lack of knowledge pleases or angers me, given her harsh words. But I’m too grown to worry about her chastisement or disappointment. I should tell her that she sent me into Righteous’s arms, but I won’t.
“Why are you here with the police?” I counter as my eyes shift to RPD’s finest in various places around the room.
What’s also funny is that no one from Baxtown Iron seems fazed, as several members are at the bar drinking like it’s a regular night. My eyes connect with Shadow, who winks and gives me a thumbs up.
“Not that I owe you an explanation, but I’m here to ensure these hoodlums are locked up for their many illegal acts around the city.” Mom sneers with her eyes on Righteous.
I back up to remove the space between Righteous and me as his arms wrap about my waist. Mom’s frown deepens from the action, and I fight the urge to cackle like a hyena.
“Is there something you need to tell me, Jariyah?” Mom’s eyes are still on Righteous as his protective hold gives me the fuel I need to come clean and act my age.
“Mhm. This is my man. We’ve been dating for a while now, and I know for a fact that your assumptions about him and this club are unfounded. They are no more hoodlums than you and I are.”
“I hate to break up this little reunion, but unless you have probable cause, I’m gonna ask you to kindly leave our premises. If you have questions, feel free to contact our attorney,” Diesel says nonchalantly with a business card in his right hand toward Mom.
“You need to walk out of this room with me, or I will assume you’re drawing a line in the sand you won’t be able to come back from,” Mom says when her eyes shift to me.
In her gaze is a plea and a demand for me to do what she wants me to do. With heat from Righteous’s body at my back, I take a stand that doesn’t faze me.
“I choose him,” I say in a steady and firm voice that leaves no room for argument.
Mom rolls her eyes before she turns and struts out of the room without a backward glance. I’m not sure how my declaration will affect my relationship with Dad. But assurance surges through my body when Righteous’s arms tighten around me, and he places a kiss on the back of my head.
