Page 83 of Shadowed Obsession

I chuckle. “How could I forget?”

“You remember him threatening Joey’s dad after he pushed you off the swings?”

“I do. He told him if his son didn’t keep his hands to himself, he’d break both of his arms?—”

She finishes my sentence, “And if he had to wear two casts, he wouldn’t be able to touch a damn thing.” She breaks into a fit of laughter at the memory.

“It was embarrassing then, but it is funny now. Joey never touched me again. Wouldn’t even look at me,” I muse.

“I’m notthatbad am I?” she asks, her tone serious.

“I don’t know, Gi. Have you threatened to break the bones of someone else’s child?”

“I can’t say I have.”

“Then maybe youcantake on events with the kids. Go be a PTA mom.”

She blows out a breath. “That sounds awful, but all I can do is try. Now, whatddya need advice on?”

“Well, I just talked with the realtor and the Hales aren’t giving up. I’m getting closer to my cap on this property, and I’ll have to concede if this bid doesn’t end soon.”

“Fucking trust fund babies. I mean so are we, but we’re Black. It’s different,” she grumbles.

“I’m so tired, Gi. They don’t even need this property. They just don’t wantmeto have it,” I add with a resigned sigh. “What would you do?”

“I’d take them out.”

“Absolutely not. Gi, why does your mind always go there?”

“No days off. Eradication is my ministry. Life is easier when problems disappear. Like this fucking guy. You hear that, Alfie?” She pauses, and there’s no response. ”Oh now you want to be quiet,” she taunts while I wonder if the guy passed out from lack of oxygen. Can that happen in a trunk?

“Let me rephrase. What would you do without violence?”

“You could keep bidding and see how much you’re willing to spend over your cap, if needed. Or…” she trails off.

“Or?”

“You’re not gonna like this one, but you may need to throw in the towel with this property and find another because you stand to lose a lot of money fucking around with them. What are you thinking?” she asks.

“I don’t know.”

“Now you see why I choose violence every time. Quick and easy. The offer still stands. You won’t be in a war with them if they disappear.”

“No, Gi, they’re billionaires. It will be a fucking mess that’ll blow back on me,” I remind her, only ever wanting designer bracelets on these wrists. “Plus it goes against me wanting to do things the right way.”

“It must be nice to have a moral compass. The needle snapped on mine a long time ago,” she jokes before continuing. “There’s one other thing I’d do if I were avoiding violence. I’d call your dad and schedule a sit down. Let him doallthe talking, though. I know this isyourventure, but you need muscle and intimidation. Uncle El will spook them.”

She ain’t lying.

“I’ll think about it. Thanks, Gi.”

“Fair enough. The offer still stands,ifyou need it.”

“I’m going to get back to work. Have fun with Alfie.” I pause a moment before offering words of support. “Oh, and you’re doing great with the kids. I don’t know if anyone tells you that,” I blurt.

A weighted silence takes over the line, and I fear the call may have dropped.

“Uh—Thanks. I love you,” she squeaks.

---