Page 124 of Smoke

He seemed to think hard about that one. “Well, no, but?—”

“Exactly. I did not kidnap that man. I did, however, snatch him up and dropped him off in a different location.”

“He was naked!”

“So are you gonna charge him with indecent exposure?” I asked with a chuckle.

“You think this is funny?”

“Actually, I think it’s pretty fucking hilarious. Derrick Mathis knows exactly why what’s happening to him is happening. He also knows his fate, and in knowing both those things, he should know how serious I am when I make a threat.”

“Be that as it may, I can’t have you or your family?—”

I leaned forward. “Think about that statement, and remember, we don’t need permission to do shit.”

“Look, I heard you loud and clear the last time we met. But you’re out here being just doing shit. You’re making my job very hard.”

“Build a bridge to get over the river you’re crying me right now. I couldn’t care less about how hard I’m making your job. You, Mr. Chief, have blurred the lines between your business obligations to my family and your outside friendships long enough. Like I said, your friend knows why he’s a target and you do too. If I find out you’re reneging on your agreement with my family, it’s over for you.”

“Did you just threaten me?”

“That’s a promise.”

“Maybe I need to have a talk with your father?—”

I laughed. “So you wanna snitch to my daddy like he doesn’t already know? As far as that man is concerned, I’m protecting my future wife and kids. It’s up for whoever crosses them. I think I’ve made that very clear.”

“You’re becoming a tyrant.”

“You haven’t seen tyrant behavior yet, Chief. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my lunch hour is coming up, and I’m going to see my kid. Get out.”

“Smoke—”

“Out!”

He gave a frustrated sigh as he stood and left the office. I focused my attention on my computer to finish inputting the information for my clients that recently completed training for their weapons permit. That reminded me that Romi and I had to finish hers. Patrick might be dead, but she still needed that certification.

When I was done, I gathered my things to take my break. I said bye to Kaylynn and headed for the hospital. It only took about ten minutes before I was pulling into the parking lot. After checking in, I made my way up to the NICU floor. When I walked in, a nurse was sitting next to Juri’s bassinet, reading a book. She smiled as I made my way over.

“Mr. Dillinger, nice to see you.”

“How’s she doing?” I asked.

“She was a little fussy earlier, but she was just hungry.” She stood from the rocker. “I’ll give you some time alone with her.”

She left the room as I went to wash my hands. After drying them off, I picked Juri up and cradled her to my chest as I took a seat in the rocker. For the longest time, I just stared at her. It was crazy how much I loved this little girl so soon. I’d been here for every part of her short little life, and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

“Hey, pretty girl,” I said, stroking her cheek. “I know you’re ready to get up outta here, huh? Tired of all these people in your face all the time.” I chuckled. “I’m not sure it’ll be much better at home. Between me, your mama, and your sister, you’ll always have somebody around. Then there’s your grandparents, aunties, and uncles. A lot of people are waiting to love you, Juri.”

My family cracked jokes about me being Big Papa and whatnot, but they supported my relationship, and I knew they would treat my girls like family. We had our faults, but if we fucked with you, you had a family for life.

The sound of my phone ringing with a FaceTime call, broke my thoughts. Pulling it out, I saw that it was my mother.

“What up, Ma?” I answered.

“Hey, baby. What are you doing?”

“Chilling with your Juri Bean.”

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