Page 18 of When Darkness Comes Knocking
My brows furrowed together as I rushed outside into the backyard. JJ was right. The girl’s playground set was completely ruined. It was pulled up from the dirt and cut into shreds.
Rage had filled me. That muthafucka had crossed the line. Since he wanted to continue this cat and mouse game, I’d join him. I removed my phone from my pocket and took pictures. I’d make another report to the police in the morning.
“JJ, go inside and relax. I got this.”
“Okay, Mama.” He walked away with a sad look on his face. I hated that he’d seen so much and felt like it was his responsibility to handle things.
He grew up too fast, and I hated that. I tried my hardest to do better by him, but as a single mom, life was hard, and I needed his help. I just had to keep working at it.
Afterwards, I walked into my garage and removed the bag of tacks I had. It was what I used before I discovered the usefulness of sticky tape. I poured the bag of tacks in his yard and on his porch. He wanted to hurt me and my babies, so I’d return the favor.
Once I was done, I locked up and called Fortune. I had to take more serious actions.
Chapter
Five
Fortune
The bell on Perrae’s door at her salon jangled. All eyes were instantly on me. I was here to see my beauty before I got to work on her property.
“Well, okay. Look who done brought their fine ass back,” one of her stylists stated loudly.
“And he’s here to see me and not none of y’all. Mind ya business,” Perrae voiced saucily.
“That’s what the fuck I’m talkin’ about, boss lady,” her loudmouth employee affirmed.
Perrae shook her head as she floated in my arms. I held her tightly and kissed her head and lips.
“Baby, it’s nice seeing you, but this is an unexpected visit.” She grinned at me as I handed her the flowers and tray of breakfast food.
“I know. I had to make sure my girl was good before I got to work. You got your water bottle?”
Perrae nodded. “You are the sweetest man ever. Thank you for my food and flowers. And yes, I got it, babe.”
“Good girl. Aight, I’ma head out so I can meet my tech guy at your place. My crew should be there already waiting. I’ll keepyou updated and teach JJ and the girls how to use the new security system.”
“Aww, thank you, baby. I hate to put all this on you, but I couldn’t reschedule any of my appointments.”
“Stop it. This ain’t too much for me to handle. I got your back. This business needs to be handled. Get back to your clients and let your man do his thing.”
Perrae smiled and kissed my lips. “You are truly a blessing to my life. Thank you so much.”
“No thank you is needed. I’ll do whatever I can to make sure you and the kids are both happy and safe. Eat and stay hydrated. I’ll see you later, beautiful.”
“You will definitely see me later. Did I tell you how good you look in your uniform?”
I grinned like a schoolboy. “No, you didn’t, but I’ll take that compliment. You keep buttering me up like that, and one day I’ma stay the night.”
Perrae grinned. “I hope you do. Have a great day, baby.” She sashayed away with my eyes glued to her backside. I didn’t want her to go, but I damn sure enjoyed watching her leave.
I shook my head and left her salon. Perrae had me wrapped around all her damn fingers. I’d never wanted to invade a woman’s space as much as I did hers. She felt like home to me, and I jumped at her every beck and call. I climbed into my work truck and hauled it to her house.
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“Alright, Fortune. All the cameras are installed. Each camera covers the full perimeter of the side it’s facing. Now, there’s no guarantee there aren’t any blind spots, but for the most part, the cameras will pick up everything in the vicinity,” Landon, my tech guy, stated.
“Cool. That sounds good.”
