Page 79 of A Toxic Redemption

We made the short trip to her office, where another officer was waiting. We exchanged greetings before Sims offered us a seat and got to the reason for us being here today.

"First, I wanted to apologize for what happened to your business. My co-workers and I have spent a lot of money at your bakery." The girls shared a small laugh before she continued. "I hope you relocate soon because you and your treats are missed."

"Thank you," Luck replied.

"Now," she slid a folder over to Luck, "the fire was ruled as arson. Someone broke into the building through the back alleyway and set the fire from inside. Nothing outside of smoke damage spread over to surrounding businesses, and that lets us know it was just meant to destroy your property. Is there anyone who may have a problem with you?"

"No," Luck answered in an obvious state of shock. I squeezed her hand to let her know it was okay. "Not that I know of."

"Will you take a look at the inside of this and let me know what you think?"

Shakily, she opened the folder, and all you could hear was her small gasp. I peeped over her shoulder and was instantly consumed with anger. Of all the scandalous shit this bitch could have done, this was the most hurtful.

"That's my mother," Luck uttered barely above a whisper. The lone tear that cascaded down her cheek pissed me off even more. I was going to murder that bitch for hurting my baby. "I can tell it's her, even with the shades on."

We flipped through various photos from different angles of Luck's mother splashing a liquid throughout the bakery. The other office in the room began to play a surveillance video, and it showed Dana destroying her entire suite, including the office before she set it ablaze. She even appeared to try to open a cash register, but Lucky never left money in her store. To do something like this to your child, regardless of your relationship with them, was downright evil.

"Miss Walker," Officer Sims gently spoke. "I know she's your mother, but I must warn you that the owner of the suite is going to want to press charges to the fullest extent of the law—"

"As he should," Luck cut her off and stood from her seat. Following suit, I'll do the same. "I, too, would like to press any additional charges if possible."

"Are you sure?"

"Very," she spoke matter-of-factly, pushing her purse strap up her shoulder. "She obviously cares nothing about my well-being, and I want to return the favor. You see her clear as day burning my business to the ground without an ounce of remorse. Lucky for her, I'm a mother, or else I'd make sure she burned the same way. If you need anything else, call me. Good day."

Hand in hand, I followed Lucky's lead as she led us out of the station. She held strong in front of the officers, but she didn't have to play that role with me.

"Are you okay?" I lifted her chin as we made it to Sash's car. "Do you want me to follow you home?"

"I'm fine." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed me softly. "Go handle your business, baby, and I will see you at home. I will call you when I make it there."

I helped her into the passenger seat and stood in the lot until they'd disappeared. Making my way back to my own ride, I sent a quick text to the mayor and let him know I needed to speak with him and the police chief as soon as possible. I'd quickly learned that my father placing me in this position would open doors I never thought possible. Mother or not, Dana was going to regret the day she hurt my girl. I was going to make sure of it.

"Sup, mama?" I kissed her cheek as I came into the room with a couple of shopping bags in tow. "How are you holding up?"

"Doing the best I can, Khalil." She looked up at me with tired eyes. "Taking it one day at a time."

Nodding, I took a seat against the windowsill and took her appearance. In an oversized t-shirt and a pair of sweats, she looked like everything she'd been through. I was used to seeingmy mother upbeat and vibrant. The lady before me was really going through it.

Taking my gaze from her, I stared ahead at my father as he laid motionless in the hospital bed. By way of a miracle, they were able to restart and stabilize his weakened heart long enough to get him to the hospital. Apparently, there was some blockage, and he needed to have an emergency coronary bypass. Right now, he was resting, and that was for the best. The less straining on himself, the better.

"How was Devyn's appointment?" my mother asked, snapping me from my thoughts. "Did Sasha go with her?"

"Yeah, she went." I crossed my arms as I continued to stare at my father. With tubes and wires everywhere, a nigga was on edge a little. "She and the baby both are good. We went to the station today, and they told her that Dana was the one who set the place on fire."

"Dana?" my mother turned and frowned slightly. "Her mother?"

"Egg donor," I corrected as I pushed off the window. "We need to talk, though, mama."

She and I have been in a weird space since I let her know Kaine was dying when I saw him. I tried and tried to spare that nigga, but he chose this when he decided to kidnap my son.

"There's no need." She sighed and turned back to face my dad.

She held his hand in hers and caressed it slowly. She'd been by his bedside since he arrived, and I've often thought if Luck would be the same way with me. Who am I kidding? I'd wake up and make them chain her to my shit so she wouldn't have a choice but to stay.

"I know what you're going to do, and there's nothing I can say to stop you."

"I'm glad you know," I pushed from the window. "Kaine did this when he decided to take my boy. Not only that, but he's also holding KJ for ransom." I chuckled, although there wasn't a damn thing funny. "He's a goner, just like Mia."

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