Page 53 of Damian & Jun, Episodes 9-12
“May Kirkpatrick.” Damian shoved his hand into his pocket. “Mother to Betti’s friend. Betti’s asking to stay with her. I think she’s brought her daughter, Ruby.”
May Kirkpatrick and Ruby were waiting downstairs in the section usually used for the hotel’s continental breakfast. May stood as Damian approached. She was tall, even taller than him, with the kind of build that was suited for Olympic disc throwing or perhaps vaulting. Her natural hair was braided back around her face in well-defined locs that wrapped in a swirl at the base of her neck. She wore a long African print dress with straight lines. Like everyone in winter, she’d put a warm layer underneath—an emerald-green turtleneck. Wood and gold bangles were on her wrists. She wore beads and what might have been a child’s Christmas decoration around her neck.
Damian held out his hand. She met his grasp with one of the same strength. “Mr. Sathers.”
“Miss Kirkpatrick, thank you for coming.”
She smiled, a little tight, lines around her eyes. “We’re very fond of Betti. Mr. Sathers, this is Ruby. Ruby, Mr. Sathers.”
Ruby stood up and offered her hand, then sat down again, smoothing her skirt. She had sad eyes and neat hair and nails. Her nails were painted, but she had no makeup on, just like her mother. They also looked nothing alike.
Damian gestured to a booth, and he and May sat down facing each other over the table. Damian folded his hands in front of his chest.
“I don’t remember you from when I was in the neighborhood.”
“I didn’t live there, then,” May said. “Was in Atlanta. Came back ten years ago to take care of my nan. She passed.”
“I’m sorry.”
May shook her head. “It was a mercy in the end. She had a full life.”
Damian nodded. “I’m glad you had that time with her, then.”
May’s smile lines cracked a little. “It gave us time. And she willed me her house in the end. Which means we have the room for Betti. She already has her own room; she’s usually been with us these past two years. I’d like to make that official.”
“Betti and Armada speak highly of you. They’ll both be here soon. I just wanted to meet you first.”
May nodded and turned to Ruby. “Why don’t you wait across the room?”
Ruby nodded, eyes big and soft, and hurried away. She scooted into a chair at a distant table and looked down at her hands. The way her shoulders hunched didn’t speak well of whoever had raised her. Damian tried to square that with the quiet way May had spoken to her. Maybe the woman was someone else when others weren’t around. If so, he couldn’t let Betti go to their house.
“Ruby is my cousin’s daughter. They left her with our nan when she remarried. I got full custody two years ago. She’s a good girl but scared of men. Betti has been one of the best things to happen to her.”
That made a lot more sense.
“I’m not sure Betti is scared enough of men.”
May’s lips thinned. “Sometimes acting like there’s no fear is a conditioning of fear. I’m only telling you this so you know what the situation is. I’ve done all the home checks before. I know the process.”
“It might not be simple this time around. You should know the situation.” Damian laid it out in brief sentences. May’s eyebrows went up a few times. “I’ll understand if you want nothing to do with any of us,” Damian said. “Or if you can’t afford to be involved.”
“Honey.” May’s lips twisted in a smile. “I was in Atlanta transitioning from Johnny boy to what I am now. My nan only let me back in the house when she thought she didn’t have any other choice. And Pastor Doyle can fuck himself. Betti could come home with us today.”
“Thaddeus is still looking for her.” Damian explained why Betti had been missing from school. May’s eyes softened, but her lips tightened. “My sister isn’t going to give up custody willingly,” he finished.
“She might in return for reduced jail time.”
“There’s no guarantee she’ll be charged. Right now, my father is on the run and Dalia is back in the house. Armada says Thaddeus knows Betti often stays with you.”
“We have two big dogs and good locks. The locks are there to warn the dogs.”
“Until Thaddeus is arrested, social services and I think the two older girls should stay with my friend. Their building has round-the-clock security. I’m just hoping the arrest is soon.”
May nodded. “If Ruby could meet her every week until then?”
“I want to make this as easy as possible for Betti. If it can be done, I’ll try. What I don’t trust is that Betti won’t tell Thaddeus where she is.”
May’s lips thinned again. “She’s still loyal.”
