Page 114 of Maceo

“I’ve been okay.”

She smiled as she looked at my chart. “Just a checkup today?”

“That, and I want to take out my birth control.”

“Oh? Is everything okay? It’s not giving you problems, is it?”

“No, nothing like that… If I tell you something, promise you won’t say anything to my mother.”

“Whatever we discuss stays between us. What’s up?”

“I got married.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful! Congratulations!”

“Thank you.”

“So are you and hubby ready to start a family?”

“Soon. I just want the medication to be out of my system before we try.”

“Understandable. Well, we did a routine pregnancy test, and I see it came back negative. Why don’t you lay back and put your legs in the stirrups for me so we can get started on your exam.”

I did as she requested as she washed her hands and slid on gloves. We went through the normal routine of her reviewing mymedical history, followed by a physical exam, a pap smear, and discussing my cycle since I was trying to get pregnant. We didn’t even touch on the topic of contraception because, for one, Maceo and I hadn’t used condoms in forever.

Thirty minutes later, I was walking out of the appointment with a recommendation for prenatal vitamins. Amp met me at the door to walk me out.

“I’m starving,” I told him as he opened the door for me. “I’m gonna hit the drive-through at Burger Bliss, then we can head back.”

“Bet.”

He made sure I was secure in the car before hopping in his and following me out of the parking lot. After grabbing my food, we headed in the direction of the compound. As we were driving, I saw the police lights behind Amp. He pulled over, and so did I. I didn’t think he was speeding because I was only going forty-five, and he was right behind me. Looking in my rearview mirror, I watched the cruiser’s door open, and the officer got out.

My phone rang, and I looked down to see that it was Maceo. Pulling my eyes away from the scene behind me, I answered the call.

“Hey, baby.”

“Hey, love. You on your way back?”

“We were, but Amp got pulled over by the police.”

“He speeding or something?”

“Not at—” The sound of a gunshot caused me to jump and scream.

“What the fuck was that!” Maceo asked.

When I looked in the rearview mirror, all I could see was blood splatter on Amp’s windshield and the cop approaching the Escalade. Immediately, I floored the gas pedal.

“Shar! Shar, are you okay?”

“They shot Amp!”

“Who?”

“The cop! Maceo, I think he’s dead!”

I could hear him getting into a car. “Where are you exactly?”

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