Page 45 of Jobe

“Will you think less of me if I confess that I’m kind of scared? Now that I understand more of what I was up against when I went running out onto the stoop with a baseball bat, I’m terrified.”

Finishing her glass, Jennifer poured another one for herself also. “You should be scared. Hell, Mac, I’m just working with a darling group of senior citizens. I would be petrified to go up against gangs.”

“Yeah, well, that wasn’t my intent. When I started the center, I stupidly thought that as long as the girls left the gang and came to us, then their old lives would be left behind. And for the first months, that’s what happened. But now, it seems like we are definitely on the gang’s radar. And that makes me wonder about the future success of what I’m doing.”

The two women sat in companionable silence for a few minutes, letting the wine relax them a little. Mackenna finally said, “I just keep seeing that picture in my mind. When Teresa left for the interview, Carla said she looked great. New haircut, the professional clothes. Even one of the other girls did a little makeup for her.” She gazed at Jennifer over her glass and said, “She was on her way to start a new life. And didn’t deserve to end up as a photo that someone should have to look at to identify.”

“No, she didn’t,” Jennifer agreed. “But, that’s not your fault, Mac. That’s the responsibility of the people who actually did that. And why your work is so important. For every horrible case like Teresa, there will be so many more that you can save, train, and they are successful.”

The two finished their second glasses of wine and walked to the kitchen to place them in the sink. Mackenna gazed out the window as the evening sky was darkening. “I’ve kept the men out too long.”

“Oh, posh, Gabe and Ross could stay out there all night. I’m just glad that you wanted to come here and Jobe brought you.”

The two embraced in the kitchen before Jennifer pulled back and looked at her friend. “Mac, here’s what this social worker thinks. You need a break. You need to take care of you or you’ll suffer burnout. And I would hate to see the profession lose a talented counselor.”

They walked out on the front porch, looking at their men. Mackenna admired Jobe’s physique as he tossed and ran with the ball. The old, familiar feeling swept over her and she was transported back about seven years ago when she watched him play ball on the beach with some of their friends. Knowing then that he was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.And now? Can I possibly feel that again with all the craziness swirling around?She gave herself a mental shake as the men made their way to the porch.

Jennifer kissed Ross’ head as she told him to head inside to take a shower. Then she turned to Gabe, who wrapped his large frame around his tiny wife. His eyes found Mackenna’s and he sent her a questioning gaze.

Mackenna smiled and nodded, gaining a head jerk back from him. Jobe noticed, glad that she had Jennifer to talk to, as he kissed her forehead before pulling her in for a hug as well.

“Jobe?” Jennifer called. As he turned toward her, she said, “Professionally and personally speaking, Mac is facing some burnout. It’d be good if you two could get away for the weekend.”

Jobe smiled at his friend’s wife, loving that she cared about Mackenna as well. “Sounds like a plan,” he responded.

The four friends said their goodbyes as Jobe loaded Mackenna back into the truck. Driving home, he said, “What do you think about Jennifer’s getaway idea?”

“You know, I believe I’d really like it. Your mom told me that she wants Penny to stay as long as she can. Your mom likes the company and I think she also likes that Miriam comes by every day. I talked to my mom and she’s happy for now with your parents. I was going to go to my house to sort things out today when all the craziness happened. Maybe a couple of days away would be good.”

“You got anywhere special you want to go?”

Smiling at him, she shook her head. “Nope. Surprise me.”

Returning her grin, he said, “That I can do, doll. That I can do.”

15

The four men sat down at a scarred table in the back room of a dingy bar, eyes darting around, carefully noting everyone’s positions. Four other men stood behind the ones seated, their eyes just as alert. Two men stood on their side of the door, feet apart and arms crossed.

Tito waited. He did not call the meeting but expected it just the same. The leader of the River Street Kings, Goldie Washington, sat across from him, his gaze penetrating. Suddenly Goldie smiled and Tito knew where the nickname came from. The man had had every one of his teeth fully capped in gold. The brilliant yellow glistened against his dark skin, creating an otherworldly appearance and Tito was glad he had been warned. Otherwise it would have unsettled him—exactly what Goldie wanted the effect to be.

“You left us a present,” Goldie stated, referring to Teresa’s body.

“Thought you’d appreciate it.”

“Dicks got her when we threw out the trash.”

Tito’s eyes grew dark at this admission. He had planned on the Kings disposing of the girl’s body somewhere where she would not be found by the police. “That was careless,” he growled.

His gaze caught the miniscule movement of the King’s men in the room immediately followed by the same from his men. He did not take his eyes off of Goldie, but with a slight jerk of his head he communicated to Jazzie to stand down. The last thing he needed was for the Kings to go on the offensive.

He softened his voice slightly as he amended his last statement, “But then a gift is for you to do whatever the fuck you want to with it.”

Goldie eyed him a moment and then broke into laughter. The other men in the room, still wary, seemed to relax.

“You looking to do business or just givin’ a gift for the fuck of it?” Goldie inquired as his mirth died down.

Tito then smiled, knowing the preliminaries were successfully out of the way. Jazzie sat next to him, comfortable that Tank and Waldo standing behind them would see to their safety.

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