Page 95 of The Killer Cupcake
"The worst possible thing, baby. Nothing good comes from Bumpy being in jail—nothing." Her mother's voice trembled. "Debbie was beside herself. Said Brother's been searching for Pete, but he's been missing for days."
Kathy pulled her mother into a hug. This was supposed to be a celebration—she'd worked so hard to make it perfect for her family, for Ely. Especially now, when she'd finally see a doctor this week about the little one growing inside her. Why now?
"Ma, I have something to tell you."
But Brenda had turned away, straining to hear Henry's booming voice demanding answers about his brother.
"Ma! I have something important to?—"
"Later, baby." Brenda hurried inside.
Kathy bit her bottom lip hard. From inside came Big Mama's wail, calling on the Lord as the news reached her. Her oldest boy was missing.
Tears blurring her vision, Kathy shook her head and escaped down the steps. She needed distance from the suffocating fear. If they lost Uncle Pete, everything would shatter. Her father would never recover. And Debbie—sweet God, it would crush her to dust.
She stared up at the sky, now darkening as the moon started to surface. She touched her stomach and wondered what the world, her family, and even her marriage would be like when her child was born. Would he or she have Carmelo's eyes, his smile? Would people look at her precious child and see the truth?
She ached with doubt until Ely's arms encircled her from behind. She melted into him, eyes closed.
"You okay?" His voice was gentle against her ear.
"No." She turned in his arms. "Is Uncle Pete?—?"
"Everyone in Harlem is searching. Your parents are catching the first train back."
She searched his face. "It's bad, isn't it?"
"We're going with them,” he replied.
"What?" she gasped.
"My Ma and sister will stay with Big Mama. Your parents will need us; your father will need my help. Bumpy in jail is causing people to rumble about the Italians having something to do with it."
The accusation hit like a slap, but she fought to hide it. "We can't go."
His brow furrowed. "Why not?"
"Please, Ely. Something feels wrong about all this. If you get involved with Daddy's business—" She gripped his shirt. "We just got married. Let's stay here."
"Are you sure, Kat?"
She pressed against him. "Yes. We'll care for Big Mama and pray Daddy finds Uncle Pete. We'll pray for all of Harlem. But we must always stay out of New York.”
"You're putting me first." Wonder colored his voice.
Tears spilled down her cheeks. "You're saving me and this baby. I meant my vows—you come first. Always."
"Our baby," he corrected softly. "It's ours, Kat."
She nodded through her tears. "Yes. Ours."
Morning
The door opened. Debbie jerked awake on the sofa as Brother entered with José, who went to her and immediately pulled her into his arms.
"Where is he?" Her voice came out raw. "Tell me you found him."
Brother made it three steps before his legs gave out. He dropped into a kitchen chair and broke—her unbreakable brother shattered right in front of her, sobbing like she'd never seen.
