Page 60 of The Aries Alliance
“You good, baby?” My mother’s soft voice met mine, reminding me how overprotective she’d always been with Tiffany and me.
“I am. How are you?”
“Doing pretty good for an old lady.”
“You’re not old. If you feel that way, it’s because life has made you old.”
“I suppose.” Her voice shook a little.
“I know.” I kept my answer short, wanting to remain sensitive as I shared my truth. “I’m going to avenge you. For what he did.” I spoke the words softly but gripped my steering wheel tightly.
When Mommy didn’t speak, I asked, “Did you hear me?”
“What does that mean, Son?”
I inhaled and exhaled, following the sway of my Black Ice Little Trees air freshener, hanging from my rearview mirror, with my eyes. I finally coughed and cleared my throat as I returned my full attention to the nearly empty road.
“I’m working with this professor who has been attacked by EFU. She’s making me see that I can use my power to heal people who’ve gone through stuff like y’all.”
“Stay safe.”
I knew Mommy referred to my mental wellness, something Tiffany focused on even before she became a licensed therapist.
“I will.”
“Warrick?”
“Yes?”
“I may not say it a lot, but I’m proud of you . . . for taking care of yourself.”
A lump formed in my throat.
“You taught me how to be strong.”
“I’ll always worry about you.”
“I know.”
I pulled over to the nearest gas station parking lot and said goodbye to Mommy. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, allowing myself to feel the flood of emotions overtaking me. For the first time in years, I cried for my mother, Scarlett, and for the messes that were made because of me. If God were real, I hoped He would forgive me for my ignorance and cowardice. Because I knew better, I would do better.
Later that day, Scarlett sent the follow-up email to her supervisor. Throughout the day, I received emails from him, Judy, and Gayle about her “rude and racist” activities. Instead of opening them at work, I invited Scarlett to my place for dinner.
As always, we joked and shared intimate stories about our lives. We ended the night making love and snuggling under my covers until Scarlett fell asleep. Since I was a light sleeper, I returned to my home office and finally opened some of the files sent to me about Scarlett. At almost midnight, I received a text from President Fields.
Skip:
A news story is breaking about Scarlett Kane. We got her.
I jumped from my seat. What the hell was going on? I texted back immediately, my thumbs barely able to type the words in my head.
Me:
What are you talking about?
President:
Check your email.
