Page 65 of Topaz

“Don’t worry Cass, I got this.” Bounty gave the man a pound before setting off across the road toward the farm.

It was early in the morning, the darkness of twilight only giving light from the distant stars. With a small flashlight, she would be able to do this. Topaz had complete confidence.

Once they arrived. She picked out the buildings that were on her side of the map. She raced to the first one and knelt down putting the backpack on the ground in front of her. She unzipped it and reached in taking out a few sticks of dynamite and the charges. Brick had painted them in a rainbow design. They held him back too long. Taping it to the side of the building along the foundation, she ran wire to charge it. Rolling out more, she slowly made her way to the next one and did the same.

Each explosive was set up on what should be pressure points and Topaz felt confident she had done her job.

Bounty had her back the entire time, his gun drawn and eyes on the perimeter.

When they reached the last building a few men were sitting on a porch of a house and drinking coffee.

Topaz stopped dead in her tracks. She couldn’t afford to be caught now. She turned to Bounty and raised her hand for him to stop walking. She pointed toward the men and held her finger to her mouth to keep him quiet.

Mouthing the wordfuckhe signaled to her to keep moving. They made their way around another building to come to the back of the house without passing the porch. Her heart raced and she paused for a moment to make sure she wasn’t rushing. Dell’s instructions playing out in real time. The woman refused to make it a joke or be light when it came to clearing buildings in New Mexico. Topaz put the backpack on the ground and took out more explosives. Linking them on the same detonator electronical as she charged them, then taped it to the house.

With a nod to Bounty, they took off in the direction of the woods and back to the van. Once she reached the vehicle, she took a deep breath in relief. “We did it.” She high fived Bounty and slipped off the beanie.

“You were great back there Topaz. Those explosives looked pretty, can’t wait to see them blow. I heard Brick put glitter in with the C4.”

“Told you I could do it. Dell taught me well. I remembered everything once I started to do it again.”

“It was awesome to watch. You kept your head on your shoulders. I thought we were going to get caught there for a minute.” Bounty smiled.

“Me too.” Topaz looked up to see Cass and Brick walking back towards them. “Hey, before they get here—”

“Yeah?” Bounty said, even though they had spent nights together it had been a while, and the last few nights were just for show. His mind only focused on the woman he now called his.

The younger guy would always be a friend in her heart. “Your Ol’ Lady knocked?” Topaz asked.

“You saying Cream is glowing?” he teased shining brightly with his wide smile. “We just found out, another spring baby.”

“Cream was a twin right?” she asked. “Could be two.”

Bounty looked at her and jokingly said, “You need to close your whore mouth.”

From anyone else and any other tone, she would have taken offense, but they’d watched Anchorman too many times together. Giving him a big hug, she congratulated her friend who had to feel every ounce of Cass’ story. The men were both with Black women and their babies, their hearts saw the same thing hers did. A chance for a future with the person they love without bullshit.

Cass walked up to them. “Did you get everything set on your side?”

“Yep, and we even got the house,” Topaz said.

“Good job. Now all we have to do is make it rain racists.” Cass walked to the side of the van with the controller in his hands. “Do you have yours?” He held his hand palm up waiting for Topaz’s controller.

“My charge, my push. I’m going to set these off.” Topaz held onto her controller. “How did Brick let you take the go button?”

“Guess he wanted to watch the mastery.” Cass nodded. “You are one strong chick. I’m proud of you Topaz.”

“Thanks Cass. Never thought I would hear those words.” Topaz grinned. It felt good to be on this side of the club for once.

“Ready Topaz. On the count of three we set this place up.”

“I’m ready.” Topaz waited with a held breath. Her finger poised over the button, she couldn’t wait to do this.

“You gonna say it?” Bounty asked.

Cass cut him a look, then shook his head.

Holding the detonator high, Topaz did too.

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