Page 21 of Maceo

Dinner was over,and Smoke and I prepared to leave to head back to the compound. We said our goodbyes and walked out to our cars. As I walked to mine, my phone vibrated with a text from Shar. She was supposed to go by the safe house and check on things, but she was caught up with her people and asked me to go. I let her know that I would stop by before I headed home.

Smoke leaned up against his car, watching me intently.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“About my business. Why?”

“I’ve been watching your ass, Maceo. You’re up to some shit.”

I heaved a heavy sigh. “First Deuce, now you. I keep telling y’all niggas I’m a grown ass man. I don’t have to answer to either of you about my whereabouts. Don’t you have some guns to play with, Devin?”

He pushed off from the car and got in my space. “I got a gun for your ass if you’re out here on some fuck shit.”

“You would never shoot me, so that’s an empty threat.”

“No, I would neverkillyou. I’d most definitely put a bullet in you, though.”

“I got bullets too, big boy. And I’m the better shot.” I playfully slapped his chest. “Look, I just have to make a quick stop to check on something for Shar. Then I’ll be home. No need to go all big, little brother on me. I’m straight.”

He eyed me suspiciously. “Yeah, okay. I’ma see you.” We slapped hands and shared a brotherly hug. “Love you, man.”

“I love you too.”

I headed to my Escalade but stopped when he called.

“Aye!” I turned to face my brother. “Be safe.”

“Always.”

We saluted each other, then climbed into our respective vehicles and left the property. The safe house was only about fifteen minutes from my childhood home. When I got there, Tiny and Zeno were parked out front. I pulled to a stop and got out of the car, then headed up to the front door.

Using my key, I went inside. It had been three days since we brought the group here. The guys were in the living room watching a basketball game with Colin, Zane, and Jeremiah. Amanda was in the kitchen. I didn’t see Charity or Peter, but I’d find them soon.

“Y’all good in here?” I asked, dapping Tiny and Zeno.

“Everything is straight,” Tiny answered. “Peter left this morning. His parents came to get him. Jeremiah and Zane are leaving tomorrow.”

I nodded. “I’m glad y’all made contact with your people.”

“We can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done,” Zane said, extending a hand to me.

Jeremiah did the same. “I don’t know how we can ever repay you.”

“Don’t worry about that. Just get home safe and stay safe. Oh, and keep a piece on you at all times. The world is crazy.Don’t be afraid to pop a muthafucka for trying you like that.” I looked around the space. “Where is Charity?”

“Out back,” Zeno answered. “She’s out there quite often, just sitting and talking to herself.”

I shrugged. “People cope in different ways. Anyway, I just came to see if y’all needed anything. I’m gonna go check on her, then I’m out.”

I dapped them all before heading out to the backyard. Charity was sitting Indian style by the firepit. I could hear her mumbling something, but I couldn’t make out what she was saying. I slowly approached her. The sound of a twig snapping beneath my feet caused her head to jerk around. She smiled softly when she saw me and stood to her feet.

“Maceo.”

“Charity.”

“I wasn’t expecting you today.”

“I just came to check in and make sure y’all were good. How you doing?”

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