Page 29 of Breaking the Rules
With that, Noble was in a JoyRide headed to the lawyer’s office. Yannes’ office was busy, but nothing out of the norm. Paralegals and assistants moved about in a rush to assist the attorneys and their cases. Then there was the faint scent of cherry and shea butter. He’d made it a day or a few hours without the side effects of Savanhi softness and rejection. His mind had to be playing tricks on him, either that or Savanhi’s grip was more lethal than he’d expected it to be.
He rubbed his hands on his pants and grunted, trying to rid himself of the memory of what he’d assumed were two drunken encounters. Right before he could give in to his intrusive thoughts and turn around to see if she was anywhere near him, Yannes’ receptionist called his name.
“Mr. Paulson, Mr. Archer is ready for you,” she spoke politely, prompting him to stand and stride behind her.
In Yannes’s office, Noble sat and looked around. That sent stronger than it was before.
“Sorry, I had another client earlier. We ran over. Good news is that Kymber declined the plea and wants her day in court.”
Noble pulled in a deep breath, letting the aroma of sweet and creamy cherry and shea butter. It settled him. Like that night on the beach, her body on his, and again when she danced and denied him. Some damn birthday.
He cleared his throat and mind. Free of the thirst he was developing and the images of her. The woman he couldn’t have – results of the rule he agreed to and obedience to the rules he made for himself.
“Alright, so why the change?” Noble questioned.
“Well, I did some further research, and the sitter she used is the cousin of the supplier. The feds had been watching them since your father was around. According to the discovery, cameras were put up in the café the night before. Yes, she’s guilty of distribution, but trafficking, highly unlikely. The fifty kilos that were placed in the café weren’t put there by any of the guys they’ve been using.”
“Then who?” Noble posed.
“The sitter and her cousin before she met your sister at the house. There was an hour window when no one was there. Just those two and another man. I’m using some of my informants to find out who the third man is. I will handle her case with discretion. I will ensure she gets the least amount of time possible. I will promise her home before her daughter becomes numb to the reality.”
Noble nodded in thanks. “What’s your fee?”
“The retainer is handled. If that runs out, I’ll let you know.”
Noble’s face frowned. “Who and how?”
“Someone with a common interest in keeping families together. They asked that we don’t share their information. I’ll respect that request, just know in your sister’s case, angels exist. I’ll call you with any updates. I’ve had the judge halt her transfer to the desert, so she’ll be in county until her court date.”
Noble extended his hand for a firm shake. “I appreciate you, Yannes.”
“We look out for each other. That’s the oath we took.” Yannes subtly motioned to the ruby heart-shaped cuff links.
Noble nodded, sporting a gold chain with a ruby pendant as well. A gift from his late father that he hadn’t taken off since the funeral. He’d always figured his father had a past. Never assumed he was still actively involved up until his death.
“Preciate it.”
“Don’t mention it, just make me some money, I’m betting on the games this week.”
Noble chuckled and headed out, feeling like there was some hope in this present situation for Kymber, but still none for himself. For now, he’d practice and spend as much time with Areli as he could before hitting the road. His mission when he got back, secure a house, a car, and lock in and accept his new normal. There wouldn’t be time or space for anything else, and he accepted that.
TWELVE
“Come on, come on, come on,” Savanhi whined, trying to get the engine of her car to turn over. “Not today.”
Not only had she overslept and was fifteen minutes from being officially late to her first dance lesson of the day, but the money she could’ve used to get whatever was wrong with her car fixed went to Zayden’s and Kymber’s legal fees. Yannes helped Zayden back in the day and owed him a favor due to Zayden getting him out of some gambling trouble. She knew what he told her to do, but the bigger picture was keeping families together. Her’s had been ripped apart by the system too many times to count. At the least she could go without for a little while to ensure a mother would return home to her daughter.
“Come on,” she groaned, popping the hood and getting out of the car to look under the hood as if she knew what she was doing. “Girl, who are you kidding? I don’t know what the fuck we’re looking at.”
Any other time, she could’ve called Zayden. He’d fuss at her about why she kept driving this old tin can, but it’d be fixed, restored like new, and promptly dropped off. Now, who was she supposed to call? Lawryn had sessions all day. There was literally no one else, and for the first time, Savanhi felt the heaviness of what truly being alone felt like. She’d fill the voids so easily before. There was Brixx, her best friend, Lawryn, and Zayden. But right now, in this moment, all she had was herself and the weight.
She dropped her head, trying to quell the sadness from exploding and ruining her day.
“Come on, get yourself together,” she muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Poke your chest out, nigga. Come on. We don’t stress out, we just roll with it. Weight on your shoulders bring the best out.”
Savanhi was so used to the love Zayden showed her, she had to speak to herself in the same tone to regulate her nervous system.
“What’s good, Savanhi?” The voice alone made her curl her lip.
