Page 3 of Kobalt

When I saw him pour a substance into the natural juice he made for the fighters, Kevin lied and told me it wasn’t anything harmful. The way that he jumped when I called his name told me otherwise. I waited until he wasn’t looking, and I took a picture of one of the packets in the trash. Later, I typed the name into my phone and learned that it was a performance enhancement drug.

As soon as we arrived at the house yesterday, Norrell pulled Kevin into his office. When everyone else was partying, I’d lurked around to eavesdrop. I overheard Kevin confirming that he had added the PEDs to the juices, waters, and some of their food. Later when I confronted him, he told me to mind my business because he knew what he was doing. My expression of concern because I genuinely liked and respected the guys, especially Reighvyn and Kobalt, was downplayed.

He claimed that he deserved a little of the millions they made for all the hard work he’d done; after all, it was because of his nutrition plans that they were in the best shape of their lives. When I insisted that he do the right thing, he accused me of having a crush on them niggas, especially Kobalt. I denied it, but he replied, “Keep ya damn mouth shut. If Norrell hears you speaking like that, he’ll have you and me both floating down the river. You don’t tell a nigga like Norrell no, and you don’t fuck him over—ever.”

I had an uneasy feeling that increased as I found the downstairs empty. Last night, I had gone to bed early because Norrell had brought strippers in for entertainment, and I was uncomfortable with the atmosphere. The other men’s girlfriends hung around to have fun with their men; they were all looking to please Norrell.

The house was silent, but as I turned around to head back upstairs, I heard that strangled noise again. I followed it to the back deck.

My heart dropped when I spotted Kevin on the deck with one of the strippers. She was giving him head. I was just about to confront the situation when something in my spirit said wait.

“Fuck, I ain’t never had head like this. I’ma have to keep you on speed dial.”

She giggled and asked, “What about your girlfriend?”

“If that bitch gets outta pocket, I’ll have Norrell handle her.”

The girl laughed and returned to what she was doing. Fear ran through me like a marathon runner trying to beat their target time. He was talking about me like that? The thought of confronting them vanished, and I eased away, slipped back upstairs, packed my bags, and ordered an Uber.

The entire time I prayed that I wouldn’t get caught. My Uber pick up location was a couple of houses away, and I didn’t breathe easy again until I was rolling away.

“Let me know if you need me to adjust the temperature,” the driver stated.

“I’m good. Thanks.” I quickly dialed my cousin, Passion Franklin.

“Hello?” Passion answered the phone in a groggy tone.

“Passion, we need to talk.”

“What’s wrong, baby?”

“It’s about Reigh and the others.”

“What about them?” Passion’s voice became alert and clear.

“They didn’t do it. It’s a setup, and I’ve seen the evidence and overheard conversations.”

“What?”

“Kevin.”

I broke down crying, and I knew that I couldn’t talk as my cousin peppered me with questions.

“Can I come to you?”

“Where are you?”

“Heading to Miami International Airport.”

“Okay. Are you safe?”

“I will be when I get home.”

“You’re leaving him?”

“Yes. I can’t stay—not with all I know, especially not after what he just did.”

“Does he know that you know he was involved?”