Page 73 of See No Evil

“Hey, Ms. Washington. It’s Legend callin’ you back. Everything okay?”

“Yes, baby. Everything is fine. I just hope you can do me a favor. I need a few groceries. I ain’t drivin’ yet, don’t have a car, and Desiree and my other chirren can’t help me right now because they’re workin’ or busy. I will Cash App you the money in advance. Do you mind pickin’ me up a few things? It ain’t much.”

Legend looked at the time, but knew damn well he wasn’t going to say no, despite just wanting to stay home and chill for a bit.

“Sure, I can do that.” She didn’t live too far from him. He’d been at her house a few times with Desiree, so he knew exactly where she stayed.

“What’s ya Cash App, baby?”

“Oh, Mrs. Washington, you don’t have to worry about that.”

“All right, baby. Want me to text you what I need, or you want to write it down?”

“Text me. That’ll be best.”

“Okay, I’ll do it right now.”

Legend ended the call and within seconds, he saw a few simple items on the list:

Gallon of milk, bag of white sugar, Jiffy cornbread mix, wheat bread, head of cabbage, eggs, bacon (any brand), breakfast sausage links, turkey luncheon meat, 12 pk Cola, and brown mustard.

Easy enough. Let me hurry up and get this shit outta the way.

He put his sneakers back on, grabbed his keys, jumped in his Tundra, and headed to the nearby Kroger grocery store. Getting past a small crowd of people blocking the front automatic doors, he entered and was immediately greeted by the sounds of soft instrumental jazz. Regardless of the relaxing music, he hated this particular Kroger and typically avoided it, but with him being short on time, it would just have to do. Per usual, it was a bit dirty, and many of the shelves were empty.

As he glanced down at his phone, he noticed a security guard in his personal space. Ignoring him, he grabbed a cart and began shopping. Within minutes, he had placed the milk, eggs, bacon, sausage links, and the luncheon meat in the cart. He headed over to the produce section, checking the list on his phone again, and grabbed the cabbage. Since apples were on sale and he knew Ms. Washington loved Honeycrisp ones, he picked up a couple, put them in a produce bag, and placed them in the cart as well. As he got ready to head to the bread aisle, he almost bumped into the security guard again. The man was so close to him, he could barely make a full circle without hitting the bastard’s arm.

They stared at one another for a good long while. It was strange—more than that, downright unnerving. Legend put on an impassive look, despite the flash of rage that coursed throughhim when he realized the man had the same exact eyes as Major Greenwald.

“Why in the fine frog hair fuck are you all up on me, man?” Legend barked.

“Now, there’s no need to use that type of language. I’m just doin’ my job is all.”

“If y’all have a theft problem in this dirty ass store, start by stealin’ some Mr. Clean your damn self, and wash down these floors.”

“If you have a problem with this store, you don’t have to come here.” The man rocked back on his thick-soled shoes.

“And you ain’t got to work here if you think everyone you lay eyes on is a suspect. I know how y’all like to do in here. I heard about how y’all been in here profiling some of my friends. Black folks. Y’all actually harass just about anybody, because apparently you don’t have enough to do. Go find a hobby.”

“Nobody is bein’ profiled, sir.”

“I’m on a tight schedule, and you’re wasting my time. I’m also reporting this shit to corporate. Now move.”

The security guard’s jaw tightened.

“I will go where I wish in this store, sir. You can go down another aisle, or check out if you’re finished shopping.”

I ain’t found a can of whoop ass yet though. Soon as I do, you’ll know it…

Legend sucked his teeth and put his hand on his hip. He was tempted to flash his gun, but that could lead to a shitload of trouble. The last thing he needed was to end up in a jail cell for something as stupid as this.

“I knew I should have went to the other Kroger a little bit aways… y’all always on some bullshit. Move the hell out of my way before I moveyou. I gotta get some things for my mother-in-law, and you’re holdin’ me up. Go down to the toy aisle with the cereal, because I’m not who you want to play wit’.”

The security guard stepped out of the way, then grabbed his radio off his shoulder.

“What are you reportin’, man? That I bagged up two apples? What? Did I rough ’em up too much in the process and accidentally made apple sauce? You a fuckin’ clown.”

“Yes, he’s still here. By the Red Delicious and Honeycrisp apples.”

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