Page 178 of 4 Corinthians

“You told Purpose about our childhood?”

“Yeah, which is probably the only reason she ain’t divorced me. Besides Eleven, that is. She loves her like she birthed her,” he replied.

“Bring them around,” I told him. “That’s the only advice I got for you.”

Trey nodded, then cleared his throat. “You didn’t come here for no reason,” he said, and I chuckled. “What’s up?”

“Javien Walters Jr.,” I replied.

Trey’s jaw tensed. “What about him?”

“I talked to him.” I stood and then walked down the steps. Trey may have told Purpose everything, but Eleven was in the house. I knew how sneaky kids were. She could’ve been hiding behind the door listening for all I knew. This shit didn’t touch her, and I wanted to keep it that way. “He said there’s a video from that night. I want it.”

“I-“

“I want the video,” I cut him off. “Either you or your wife in there is going to get it for me. The Kilmore’s are watched by the FBI, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Use that badge and get me the information.”

“Four-“

“I’m not asking Trey. I’m telling you what I need from you. I only came here to get it from you in person. If you tell me no, I’m going to go to KC and have Cross and Nine hack into everything. It’s going to tip off Robert and this shit right here.” I pointed to his house. “It's going to come crumbling down. Your family won't be protected. Robert will find them and come after them because you hid them from him.”

His jaw clenched again, then he nodded. “Alright. Come on.”

***

I opened my eyes to see Eleven standing in the doorframe. Her little eyes scanned me from head to toe. She was hesitant, but I could see the excitement in her eyes. I wiped my hand over my face, then sat forward, resting my elbows on the top of my legs and watched her.

“You’re not scary,” she said, and I smirked. “Daddy said you can be scary sometimes.”

“I don’t mean to be.” I shook my head and looked around the living room. “You know how to tell time?”

“Yep,” she nodded. “Mama taught me.” Her gaze went from me to the big clock on the wall. “It’s eight thirty-seven.” She looked back at me with a triumphant smile. “You were asleep for an hour.”

“How’d you know I was going to ask that?” I laughed.

“Daddy always asks me how long he’s been asleep when he wakes up from a nap,” she answered with a shrug. She adjusted the arm crutches and leaned against the wall. “You didn’t mean to fall asleep, did you?”

“Nah,” I answered. “What are you standing over there for?”

“Mama said to leave you alone while her and Daddy worked.”

“They finished?”

“I don’t know,” she answered with a shrug. “Mama is still in the office; Daddy is cooking dinner.” She looked over her shoulder. “You stayin’ for dinner?”

“Yeah,” I replied. I stood, stretched my arms over my head, then rolled my shoulders. My bracelet beeped, and I looked at it. My heart rate was within range, but the battery was about to die. “Show me where the kitchen is?”

“Come on,” Eleven slowly said, waving me over. I took my time, making sure that I didn’t outpace her and let her lead the way. I didn’t know much about spina bifida, but I was going to research the hell out of it when I got back home. “Daddy!”

“What did I tell you about yelling?” Trey scolded his daughter. I cut my eyes at him, not liking his tone. Did I think Trey was anything like Robert? No, but it felt instinctual to protect Eleven.

“Not to yell, but Four is looking for you,” she said, not caring about his attitude. Yeah, she was definitely like Six in that way. Unc could fuss all day, and she would never bat an eye. “I was making sure you were in here.”

“I’m here,” he said, nodding. Trey went back to chopping up onions. “Have you done your homework?”