Page 22 of Hart of Vengeance
“I just want you to know that I take care of those who work for me. If there’s anything I can do, don’t be shy in asking for my help,” Kelton said. “You’re family now.”
More tears threatened to spill. I didn’t know what family was anymore. I’d been on my own since my aunt jetted off to Africa three years ago. My dad had a sister in Washington, but I’d only seen her once at Christmas when I was a little girl.
Silence ensued again and stayed with us until we reached the outskirts of Boston.
Kelton tapped his fingers on the steering wheel as he slowed the car to a complete stop. Blue and red lights flashed up ahead.
“Kelton, speaking of my sister, would you mind if I take Friday morning off to go see her? I hate to even ask since I just started, but I haven’t heard from her in two weeks. With all the talk about my sister, Duke, and the FBI, I want to check on her.” I had to be honest with him. Granted, I could call the jail, but I would rather see Savannah.
“Is she okay?”
I shrugged. “She’s been in a few fights. I just want to make sure the bad feeling I have is nothing serious.” Despite our differences, she was my sister, and I cared about her. Plus, if I were being honest, I was feeling a bit of guilt in the pit of my stomach over how I’d practically ignored her claims about needing money and the severity of the consequences if she didn’t get it.
“Of course,” he said. “No matter what, family always comes first.”
I slumped my shoulders. Maybe my future was looking brighter. I had a good job. I could find a decent place to live, pay my bills, put money away, and maybe I could help Savannah when she was released. I didn’t need anything else.
Liar.
I wanted a family. But at the moment, I would settle for a good man.
If Denim gets out, then he’s your man.
Hell no.
8
Jade
Iwaited in the large, barren room save for cold metal tables and chairs and cameras jutting out from the corners. A clock on the wall provided the only sound with thetick, tick, tickof the second hand. I bit my nails, waiting for Savannah, watching for the thick steel door to open. Other than me, a young man stared at the scratched tabletop next to me, an older woman occupied a table in the far corner, and a middle-aged prison guard sat at a desk adjacent to the visitors’ entrance.
I hadn’t heard from Savannah since her phone call the day of my interview, and I was curious if she’d finally talked to Duke.
The click of the lock made me flinch, and I dropped my fingers to my lap, straightening my spine.
A blond girl who had to be nineteen or twenty breezed through the door first and beelined it over to the older woman. On her heels, a gal as young as the first bounced in, smiling as her red ponytail swung from side to side. The young man rose, beaming at her with love pouring off him.
I sighed, hoping one day a man would look at me that way. But love flapped its wings and flew out the high window in the room when my sister stomped in. Her bruised face was pinched, her brown hair was oily, and bandages covered her hands and arms.
I pressed my lips together, holding back the need to scream and shout despite the fact that my heart was breaking at how her life had turned out.
She slid into the chair across from me, slumped her shoulders, and stared.
“What happened to you?” My voice cracked in several places.
She touched the stitches above her left eyebrow. “This is what happens when you hang up on me.”
My eyes nearly popped out. “You’re blaming me for your condition?”
“I asked you for help.”
I clenched my fists, mostly to get them to stop shaking. I was at a loss for words. But words didn’t work on Savannah. Actions didn’t either. I tried not to give in to her demands, but sometimes it was easier to give her what she wanted and get her off my back. However, I was trying to turn over a new leaf. I was trying to distance myself from her, although I was taking baby steps. It had helped that she was in prison. Otherwise, she would be beating down my door and getting in my face until I broke down and gave her what she wanted, which was, nine times out of ten, money.
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Why are you here?”
“I hadn’t heard from you, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.” After seeing Denim’s cuts and bruises, I’d thought of Savannah.
She twirled a finger around her face. “Well, am I?”
