Page 157 of Rugger: The Huntress

“How are you feeling?” It was my turn to tap into that head of his.

He shrugged, “A lot.”

His smile was refreshing. It was contagious. I felt mine reach my eyes.

“You’re funny when you want to be.”

“I’m feeling good, baby.”

“Think it’s a boy this time?”

“I’m prayerful, but I don’t mind another Jru. Health is my priority. Gender– eh, not so much anymore. When I am ready for a son, he’ll come. Richie had seven girls after me. My chances aren’t looking too good, you know.”

“I’m one of them, so I know,” I chuckled.

He placed the glass dish in front of me. My mother had done well. Mixed vegetables, mac and cheese, and smothered chicken were all separated by dividers. She, too, hated for her food to touch.

Chemistry sat across the table in front of larger servings of each dish. He bowed his head, prompting me to do the same.

“Dear Lord, protect my family, peace, wealth, health and the hands that prepared this meal. Heal my people from things they don’t care to confront, discuss, or revisit. Soothe every ache in Rugger’s body. Bless my wife’s womb and her mental core as she carries my child to term. Amen.”

He lifted his head to find my eyes on him.

“What is it, baby?” He asked, forking his vegetables.

“Why don’t you go home, Teddy?”

“I’m right where I need to be, and I’ll be here until you’re feeling a lot less than you’re feeling right now. I won’t leave you lonely, Rugger. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. So, don’t fix your mouth to ask again.

“Hear me clearly when I say that you’re the most important thing in my world right now. That might change tomorrow or the next day… but right now… that’s what it is and that’s what it will be. Understand.”

“Yes,” I responded. “I understand.”

“Good, now eat your food.”

“Just– just one question.”

“What is it?”

I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to open the can of worms. I threw all caution to the wind when I came to terms with the fact that I’d rather hear it now than later when the healing truly began.

“Were you able to retrieve his body?”

“You don’t want to know that, Rugger. Why ask?”

“Because, I need to know.”

He shook his head as he lowered his fork, “Pieces of it.”

My mouth slacked as rage brewed inside of me. “P– pieces of it?”

“His torso. His right arm. His left leg. Hi–”

“Pieces of him?” I gasped, still trying to process what Chemistry had revealed.

“In several parts of the city.”

Flabbergasted, my neck reared backward. There wasn’t anything that could’ve prepared me for the news I was receiving.

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