Page 68 of Breeze and Melodie

“Domestic violence, battery, assault, . . . take your pick.”

He rubbed his hand down his face. “You need to leave before someone sees you.”

He turned and walked in the opposite direction, and I quickly moved, turning my back to the entrance in case Tia peeked inside. Seconds later, Harmonee returned.

“That bitch is crazy. She’s trying to set him up because he dropped her ass?”

“It appears so. I can’t wait until Mr. Lincoln comes back. When Breeze finds out, her and her lil friend gon’ regret this dumb shit.”

“Ms. Norwood.”

I turned around as Mr. Lincoln walked toward us. He sat in the chair next to me.

“Hey! Can I see him? Did you find out anything?”

“Unfortunately, no to both questions. His attorney is the only one they’ll allow to see him tonight. They’re just being assholes. He’s doing fine, though, and gave me this note for you.” He gave me a folded-up piece of paper before continuing. “No one has talked to him since he’s been here, but based on what he gathered when he was arrested, he thinks he’ll be charged with something related to domestic abuse.”

“I’m positive that’s exactly what they will charge him with.”

“Oh? Why are you so sure?” he questioned, brows pinched.

“We can’t talk in here. Since I can’t see him, we might as well leave.”

We left the station and didn’t speak again until we reached my car.

“What do you know?” Mr. Lincoln asked.

“His ex is trying to set him up.”

“That’s what he said, but we need proof. Right now, we don’t know when the abuse supposedly happened to secure his alibi.”

“I got all the proof we need. Harmonee, play the recording.”

My sister took her phone from the front pocket of the hoodie she wore and swiped across the screen a few times before voices were heard. I listened as if it was my first time, becoming angrier than I already was. When the recording ended, Mr. Lincoln looked stunned.

“They made this easy. Can you send that to me? He’ll be out by tomorrow morning.”

“I snapped a picture of them talking. Tia’s back is facing the camera, and I got part of the man’s face she was talking to. I think there’s a camera right above them. Maybe you can request they pull the footage to confirm their identities.”

“Perfect. With this and the video Shyne sent me, they probably won’t charge him with anything.”

He gave us his number, and we sent him the recording and picture. After exchanging a few more words, we parted ways, with him assuring me I had nothing to worry about. It was easier said than done, but I managed to get through the night without my man after reading the note he’d written for me.

Baby, there’s a lot I want to say, but the most important thing I need you to know right now is, I love the fuck outta you. I don’t want you worrying because it’s unnecessary stress on you and our babies. I’ve been locked up before, and I’ll only be here a day or two, so this ain’t no biggie. My gun is in my nightstand. Keep it close, and if you have to use it, don’t forget what I taught you. Shoot first, ask questions later. Breeze

After spendingthe night locked up, I would soon be released. I thought for sure I’d have to spend at least one more night in jail, but being wrong never felt so good. When I spent those six months in Cook County Jail back in Chicago, it could’ve been much worse, but I knew I didn’t want to go back.

Once I began working on myself and my mindset shifted, everything changed. Things I’d accepted before were no longer tolerable, and after one night in Onyx City Jail, I knew I’d done the right thing by leaving that lifestyle behind.

Although it was supposed to be innocent until proven guilty, I knew that was some bullshit when it came to Black people. I wasn’t hopeful about being released so soon after speaking withMr. Lincoln, because we had no information. I was anxious to know what he’d found out to make this happen.

When the officer came to retrieve me from my cell, it didn’t take long for me to be processed and released. I thought it was strange that I didn’t have to go before a judge, but I didn’t question it. It felt like a weight was lifted from my body when I stepped out of the jail uniform and back into my clothes. Once I signed the necessary paperwork, I was given a copy and was free to go.

As soon as I stepped outside, Melodie came rushing toward me. Thankfully, I was prepared to catch her when she jumped into my arms and wrapped her legs around my waist.

“Oh my God, baby! I missed you so much.” She cried, planting kisses all over my face.

“Hold up, baby. I ain’t bathed or brushed my teeth in over twenty-four hours, and that cell was grimy as hell. Chill out and I’ll let you kiss all over me after I wash my ass.”

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