Page 10 of Zero
The way my body reacted to Rei Hakama was new. It was almost as if I couldn’t control myself. The thoughts tear-assing through my mind were also fresh to me. I’d fantasized about men before but nothing like what I did with Rei. I could still remember the way he smelled, the heated kiss of his breath against the tip of my nose.
“Fine.” I lifted my head. “Listen Vagina, I admit it. He’s sexy and hearing him call me Hoshi is one of the sweetest things ever. But calm down. He’s a foreigner and when he’s done, he’ll be gone. Get a grip and stop getting all wet and weird because he’s pretty to look at.”
Irritated with myself, I made my way back home to find Nitro dancing in the living room. The music was up so high she didn’t hear me come in. I hung the keys in the usual place so she could get them on her way out, removed my shoes then walked into the kitchen to wash my hands before dishing out our dinner.
With the table set, I went back and called out to her.
I could tell she wanted to ask me about my visit to Rei’s but for some reason she didn’t.
“What’s the purse on this race?” I asked her.
“Two mil in US dollars.” She replied.
“Are you going to split it between you and your favorite charities again?” I asked her.
Nitro nodded.
She raced because she loved it and loved the look on the boys’ face when they realized that the great Nitro had a vagina.
“I was actually thinking of starting a private school here on the island.” She explained. “Do you know how expensive tuition is? I went to talk at a high school in Kingston and it’s ridiculous. Then I hear that some students pass the Common Entrance and don’t end up going to high school because their parents can’t afford it.”
“Tell me more.”
“Well, we’d go into some of the poorest neighbourhoods, and select some of the students who can’t afford to go to a regular high school.” Nitro leaned in. “And pay for them to get their high school education. And we’re going to make sure it’s the best, so they will have their choice of colleges and universities.”
I liked the idea and told her I would help with whatever.
When we finally settled down for the night, I couldn’t sleep. I thought back to my education and if I didn’t have my brother, I wouldn’t be able to go to Chef’s school. I figured the restaurant was doing more than well. I could afford to lend a hand. Maybe offer a summer internship to selected students so they can earn a little money to save for university. With that idea tucked away in my mind, Rei swam to the forefront.
Everything about him enticed me and I knew there was no way I could admit it.
Chapter 3
Zero
Moneague was different from what I expected. The small town was a flurry of activities. People called across to each other. Cars inched forward in a strange kind of traffic jam I’d never seen before. Jay-walking pedestrians drew honks that were answered with middle fingers high in the air and what I was assuming were swear words.
A man caught my attention for he was using a piece of vine to slap the air behind two cows he was ushering down the street.
And the smell of jerk chicken filled my nose.
Yes, Moneague was different than I expected.
Justice carried me to the training camp and escorted me to the large room to meet the recruits for the first time.
I wasn’t in the least bit ready.
I was no teacher.
“Here.” Justice said from behind me as I looked out the window toward a track.
When I turned, he was handing me a badge.
“What’s this?” I asked, accepting it.
“Your CIRO badge won’t do much good here.” He told me. “Even though you’re with the JDF, we figured this will help you identify yourself when we’re out there.”
“Thanks.” I hooked it onto my belt beside my gun and swallowed the lump in my throat.
