Page 93 of Wings of Ebony
Bullshit, not Demarcus. That’s, like, their default excuse.
“They blaming Litto’s crew. The mayor put a curfew in effect. It’s bad, Rue.”
My nails dig into my palm until it bleeds.
Multiple shootings, robberies, every other week.The cop’s words from the alleyway swirl in my memory.It’s not safe out here—worse than I’ve ever seen it.
“Isn’t Litto’s crew the same people you went looking into at the tattoo shop?”
“Don’t you worry about that. I got caught up here trying to figure out something… it’s… I’ve almost got it figured out. I’ll be home real soon.”
She nods and silence hangs between us. There aren’t words that feel right to fill the space. But the thought of ending the call makes my knees shake. So we just hold the call. She seems older somehow in these last few days. Like we’ve lived years in the span of a week. Holding her here, where I can see her, makes me feel like she’s safer somehow.
The image of her head flickers. “T, you still there?” I glance at Bri,studying her flat glass screen. She gives me a thumbs-up. The image stutters back into view. “Don’t take that necklace off, sis. Not even when you wash your butt.”
“I won’t. I promise.” She laughs, her voice boxy from the connection. “I like wearing it, kinda feels like Mama is watching over me.” She strokes the thin golden chain at her neck.
“Give Aunt Bertha and them my love.”
“Okay.”
“Andnoleaving the house. Get the damned groceries delivered, something. I’ll pay you back for it. Just keep yo behind inside.”
“Okay, okay, I get it.”
“Iwillsee you soon, T.”
“Please just get back here. I feel safer when you’re close.”
“Me too.”
“See you soon,” she says.
Bri gives me a raised brow, asking if the call is done. I nod yes, and blow a kiss at Tasha’s fading face.
Bri’s hand warms my back and I flinch.
“You okay?” she asks.
“Yeah.” A lie. I picture my fist kissing the General’s face. But I will be.
I kicked Aasim out of the hut for some privacy for the call to Tasha. Truth be told, after the call, I wanted to break the news to Bri first about everything I’m about to tell her. Not because I have to, but because it seems like the kind thing to do, considering how tight we’ve been. Bri has no idea the truth she walked into. And for her sake, for our friendship’s sake, I hope she came here with eyes wide open.
“You’re pacing,” she says, setting her screen aside. “You’re obviously not okay. Rue, talk to me.”
I’m going to. But where to start?
“I’m sorry about Demarcus.” She’s standing up now, the lightness gone from her voice.
I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to throw away a year of friendship. But if she can’t see how fucked up this is, can we even really be friends?
“Please?” She steps to me, bright green eyes behind those red-rimmed glasses. “Whatever it is, you know you can tell me.”
I still my shaking hands and scoop up the cuffs.
“Rue?” Her voice is strained.
Stop putting it off. Talk.“Bri, what did you see when you came through Yiyo Peak?”
