Page 14 of The Prodigy 2: Rise of a Queen

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Malika

Jakariwasinhiscloset when I walked into the bedroom. I could hear him grunting like he was struggling with something. I walked fast to put eyes on him and make sure he was okay. Turns out, he was trying to pick up his safe.

“What are you doing? You’re gonna open your stitches.”

He stopped moving and looked over at me. “I don’t even give a fuck.”

“You should.”

“Well, I don’t.”

“Jakari, stop.” I put a hand on his back. “I’ll get Bo and Will to come move it. Okay?”

It was like all the fight left him just then. His shoulders slumped and his head dropped forward.

“I’m tired, Malika. I really am.” He sank to the floor and sat there like a big heap of sadness. “Ain’t shit been right since I came back home, and I’m fuckin’tired.”

I took a few steps and sat beside him on the floor.

“So what are you saying?”

“I’m saying…shit, I’m saying fuck this town. Fuck the business.” He paused. “And fuck this family. I’m out. I’m going back to the A tomorrow.”

I sighed and let my head rest on his shoulder. “So you’re leaving me?”

“Nah. You can come with me. I hope you do.”

“I would, but…I don’t know.” I closed my eyes and breathed deep, inhaling his cologne. “I need to think about it.”

I felt him nodding. “Your mom.”

“No, my sister and my nephew.”

“It’s just an hour drive, Malika. I’ll buy you a new ride so you can come and go whenever you please.”

It was tempting. My little Focus had definitely seen better days.

“Kari!”

A shrill, gravelly voice pierced the air. Gab was here. Of course.

She came around the corner and peeked her head in the closet, those dark eyes staring down at us like we were prey and she was a vulture come to pick our flesh.

“I need to talk to you,” she said to him, completely ignoring my presence.

“I’m listening.” His voice was flat and lifeless.

She smirked and looked over at me, finally. “Malika, can you give us a minute, sweetie?”

I went to stand, but Jakari grabbed my arm and held me in place. “She good, Mama. What you need?”

Her face changed then. No more smiles. No more false pleasantness. Just anger. “I need to talk to you. Alone.”

“Whatever you got to say to me, you can say in front of her.”

Her eyebrow went up. “Oh really?AnythingI have to say? You sure about that?”

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