Page 98 of Dr. Bell

DJ’s head shook, vehemently denying the allegations. However, I advanced on him. When he thought he was about to run, Alli and Dothan were there to snatch his ass up.

“You owe me… Since you have no wife or children, there’s no one for me to spare.”

DJ’s face fell as his gaze darted to his father, who looked both unfazed and a little apprehensive. With his brothers flankinghim, his arrogance spoke in volumes as he knowingly eyed his son. Auntie Maddie cried and held onto Heir for dear life.

DJ stuttered as he admitted, “I have a son…”

Auntie Maddie and Heir gasped.

I chuckled. “A son? Shit, that’s news to me.”

Peace came from one of the back rooms carrying Baby Bell. He walked Baby Bell past DJ, then proceeded up the stairs.

“Why the hell is he here?” he thundered. “Leave my son outta this!”

“My cousin has every right to be here,” I said as Peace disappeared out of the door. Everyone’s eyes bored into DJ. They were all stunned at the turn of events. “Genika isn’t here to tell her side, but Baby Bell is proof enough. DNA doesn’t lie.”

“You stupid nigga.” Unc shook his head with disgust.

“Naw, now,” I stated. “DNA doesn’t lie, remember? Baby Bell is myfirstcousin.”

The room rumbled with murmurs. I didn’t miss the subtle vindication on my auntie’s face. She saw her true freedom nearing. Loyalty was everything in this family. Going against that was death. DJ’s face was stuck in time as he stared at the man who’d raised him. Disbelief was heavy in his eyes.

Unc chuckled. “This is all a misunderstanding. I never slept with that slut.”

“Oh, you did,” I countered. “Not only did you sleep with her, you conspired with her and your son to kill my wife.”

“That’s preposterous!” Unc blasted.

Glancing at Dothan, I signaled him. He produced a tiny recorder and pressed play.

“Why you lookin’ so sad?”

“I just have a lot on my mind, DJ.”

“Like what?”

“Like the fact that you won’t drop this issue with Adir. I except my part in this foolishness, but now I'm letting you know thatI don't agree with this. Is being the head of your family that damn important that you're really willing to kill your own cousin and his wife? Plus, getting hooked up with Marco was not the move. He’ll find any way to double cross you.”

“Nah… He’s not gon’ make it outta that hospital. I’m good.”

“You don’t know that DJ. You need to be careful.”

Dothan switched the little cassette inside the recorder to another one and pressed play.

“What changed you?”

“My son.”

“He’s the offspring of a man like Adir. Don’t get ya hopes up.”

“If you don’t need anything, I’d like for you to leave.”

“You’re really gon’ protect him? After all he’s done to you? I’d be surprised if he even takes one look at the child y’all made.”

“Wemade.”

“We?That’s a lie!”

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