Page 104 of Shadowed Obsession

“Tell them you did your job. ’Cause I don’t want that fucking property if this is what they’d stoop to for it. I’ll call my agent tomorrow to concede. Those motherfuckers can have whatever they want as long they leave meandDivin alone. We were here first and will remain, regardless of the games they play.”

As I study her heels pacing the hardwood, I war with myself the need to hold her. To reassure her. Touch won’t suffice and words won’t heal the pain I’ve caused.

“Have they ever told you they don’t want that property? They just don’t wantmeto have it. You know why that is? Hmm?” She pauses, leaning against her desk waiting for a response I don’t have.

“Do you know whyIneed that property? So I can make sure my kids can have a choice between being in in the fucking mob or not. That good enough for you?”

They’ve never said they don’t want the property in front of me, but didn’t have to tell me. Their concerns with Deirdre and Regina are because they’re successful Black women—that’s painfully obvious.

“I am a Klarke. My family prides themselves on not being seen as ‘thegoodBlack folks,’ because there’s no such thing,” she says, putting emphasis on her words. “They fear us all, butwegive them something to be afraid of. People like you and I are expendable to people likethem. It doesn’t matter how much harderwework, they still feel we’re undeserving.

“At least Theo Hale appeared to be a decent guy from what I hear, whoactuallyknew the business. Dax is going to get himself killed, so I suggest you find a new employer.”

She isn’t wrong.

She continues, “I’m not letting white people piss on my dreams. Never have, never will. I’ve made it this far, and I’ll be damned if I walk away. Whatever they’ve got planned is no match for me. Iwillhonor my ancestors by behavingexactlyhow a Klarke should. That’s what I want you to tell them. You can leave now.”

I will, but I don’t say that.

I drink her in for what may be the last time, committing her to memory. She deserves to feel seen, and I saw her. I can’t say that I wasn’t warned about Deirdre Klarke. Loving her is dangerous, there was bloodshed, and I may as well be dead because I stole her light.

“I’m sorry, Doe. You have to know that I am so sorry,” I choke out over my own unshed tears.

“Just go. Please,” she croaks.

I said I wouldn’t go anywhere unless she asked me to, and I’ve gotta respect her wishes.

“And Scar?”

“Yeah?”

“I was falling for you,” she sobs, making it ever harder to walk away.

My heart contorts at her admission. It serves as a painful reminder, reassurance, and the final nail in my coffin. If I say it back, I’d be telling the truth, but she won’t believe me, so I nod.

Me too, mi beba. Me too.

I exit the party with my head held high, and it isn’t until I get to my truck that a tear falls. Then another and another. On the ride home, I pass Regina on the road, she honks her horn and smiles, waving with a lit cigarette tucked between her fingers.

For a second, I lock eyes with undoubtedly the scariest woman alive and return the wave.

“Dax is going to get himself killed,so you should find a new employer”rings in my mind the entire ride home. That’s why I contacted Emiliano for help. If anybody can save my ass, it’s him.

42/

teddies & prayers

Deirdre

10:19 p.m. | 51 minutes after ‘the last incident’

Aknock on my office door startles me. Assuming it’s César, I sink further to the floor. “Please leave me alone,” I beg.

The knocks continue, followed by Regina cursing under her breath.

“If you don’t open this goddamn door,” she demands, jiggling the knob.

I stand, swiping at my tears as I unlock the door to let her in. “Sorry, I thought you were someone else,” I mutter.

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