Page 3 of Smoke

She scoffed. “I have children to protect, sir.”

“I get that?—”

“Are you a father?”

“No, I’m not?—”

“Then you wouldn’t understand. I made some mistakes, and I regret them, but I don’t regret my baby. She’s a blessing, even if her father is a tyrant.”

She was breathing hard, and her nostrils were flaring in anger.

“Calm down, mama,” I said, standing.

Going to the mini fridge in the corner, I grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to her. She was slow to take it but muttered, “Thank you.” I watched as she twisted the cap off and placed the bottle to her plump lips to drink. Once she capped the drink, I spoke again.

“Listen, I’m sorry if I offended you. I get having ties to people who have the law on their side. Shit ain’t always fair.”

“It’s not.”

“Why is he harassing you?”

She sighed. “He wanted to use my shop to have his… product delivered… if you know what I mean.” I nodded, and she continued. “When I refused, he said I would get on board or regret it. I guess this is me regretting it. He also doesn’t know that I’m pregnant, and I obviously can’t hide it for much longer.”

“Listen. I get you’re scared. But you really need to have documented cases as evidence in case shit takes a turn. I don’t care if he comes at you every single day. Report that nigga so if and when you have to shoot his ass, you have a solid case. I can’t imagine you wanna give birth behind bars.”

She shook her head as she wiped her tears. “I don’t. This whole thing has gotten out of hand. Korri is staying with my parents until it’s safe, and I miss her so much. And no, I’m not going to stay with them. I refuse to let him run me out of what’s mine. I just… I can’t even enjoy this pregnancy because I feel like I’m not gonna make it through it.”

At this point, she failed to keep the tears at bay. Reaching across the table, I grabbed a tissue and handed it to her. I hated to see women cry. In my line of business, I came across more battered and scared women than I’d like to. The fact that she was pregnant gave me a little soft spot.

“Here’s what I’m gonna do for you,” I said, leaning forward. “We’ll get you set up with a piece, and I’ll do your training for free.”

She shook her head. “I can’t let you do that. I have to pay you.”

“Think of it as a favor from a friend.”

She frowned. “Are you looking to cash in on this favor?”

“Nah. I don’t need anything from you, love. I have three sisters and a shitload of other women in my family that I would hope someone would do the same for if I couldn’t protect them. It’s all good. We can start Monday. I would say this weekend, but my brother is getting married on Saturday, so the place will be closed.”

“Are you sure about this?” she asked, standing.

I stood as well. “Baby, I don’t say things I don’t mean. My word is bond.”

She was hesitant for a moment before she did something I didn’t expect. She hugged me. Not a light, friendly hug. It was one of those hugs where I could tell she really needed it. I obliged her by wrapping my arms around her to hug her back. A sigh escaped her as she relaxed.

“You give good hugs, Devin,” she said softly.

I chuckled. “Thank you.”

She pulled away and peered up at me in a way that stirred something in my soul.

“No. Thankyou.”

“It’s no problem. What time can you be here on Monday?”

“Is eleven fine? I have a doctor’s appointment at ten, and I took the rest of the day off.”

“Eleven is fine. I’ll put you down.”

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