Hide & Seek (21 page)

Finally the carnage stopped. Tate shuddered and collapsed atop her, as she lay whimpering and in shock from the hurt. Removing himself, Tate removed the condom and pulled his pants back up.

“
Now that you know I’m not playin’ with your ass,” Ryan told him in the same cold tone he’d used a moment ago. “She’s gonna stay put until all this shit is settled,” he finished just as Tate hit the woman, closed fist and she succumbed to unconsciousness.

*****

Caramel saw his name on the ID and immediately tensed. Ryan still hadn’t told her what he planned to do to her or with her.

“
Hi,” she greeted him softly.

“
Hey girl,” Ryan returned calmly, almost eerily.

What the hell,
she thought as he again began to speak.

“
Got a couple girls coming tomorrow we need to interview,” he told her amiably.

Caramel told him okay she’d make a note of it.

“
I got someplace to show you,” Ryan told her as he sipped his beer.

“
That’s cool,” she replied guardedly, still unsure of his motives.

“
Caramel,” Ryan began picking up on the apprehension in her voice.

“
Everything really is cool,” he went on. “I’m not upset with you about the baby or anything, I’m not gonna hurt you,” Ryan told her gently.

Finally letting go the breath she held, Caramel smiled slightly as she answered.

“
OK, thanks,” she told him genuinely.

She couldn’t describe the wave of relief that washed over her hearing him actually say the words.

“
I really am glad you’re not mad,” she told him as he sighed gently.

“
How could I be,” he began. “It was an accident, as much my fault as yours,” he told her as she quietly agreed. “I am curious though,” Ryan said putting her on guard once more.

“
Why did you want to keep the baby,” he asked calmly. “I mean I know you’re not pro-life, so what gives?”

Caramel took a deep breath trying to put into words what she felt.

“
I guess I just somehow knew this would be my last chance to have a child,” she told him honestly. “I mean, I’m a prostitute, I know that,” she went on. “It wasn’t like I was going to meet some guy, fall in love and get married,” Caramel explained as Ryan listened wordlessly. “I wanted to have a child and be a good mom, something my mother never was too me,” she added growing quiet again.

“
So what do you want from me in this deal,” Ryan fished wanting to see exactly where her mind was.

He still wasn’t sure if he was going to tell Tweety about the baby or not yet.
That’s if you even get her back in one piece,
his mind told him as he pushed the thoughts away.

“
I don’t expect anything from you Ryan,” Caramel told him. “I’m just happy you’re letting me have the baby and keep it.”

Ryan sighed slightly again before speaking.

“
So how much do you need a month,” he asked, once again testing her.

“
Just take care of the baby’s needs,” Caramel replied. “I’m gonna get a job and take care of my own needs,” she added as Ryan smiled slightly.

“
How do you feel about me,” Ryan threw at her as the lump grew in her throat.

“
I think you’re a wonderful person Ryan, and you’ve always treated me good,” she told him saying nothing more.

“
You love me,” he asked again as she felt the walls closing in.

“
I, um, I respect you and Tweety and your relationship,” she told him hedging the question.

“
That’s not what I asked you,” Ryan returned, knowing she was backed in a corner.

“
Yes,” she said softly as he smiled.

“
It’s all good Caramel,” he told her gently.

“
You need to have Tae or Sidell get you some boxes,” he told her moving away from the conversation leaving her nerves raw. “Pack your stuff,” Ryan went on. “After we pick the new girl, I’ll wanna move her in immediately,” he finished sipping his drink again as Caramel replied she would do that.

“
Don’t lift nothing’ heavy either,” Ryan admonished as she smiled to herself at his concern.

“
I won’t,” she replied as he gave her a look acknowledging his understanding.

They chatted pleasantly a little while longer before Ryan told her he had business to handle and would contact her later. Caramel was still thinking about the conversation and thing he’d made her admit. She smiled at the gentleness of his voice and the fact that he was going to help her with the baby.
Don’t get beside yourself, he’s still with Tweety,
Caramel thought and sighed deeply. She couldn’t help it though. She did love Ryan, deeply, and she was the one carrying his child, giving him the one thing he wanted more than anything else in the world. She recalled the conversations they’d had months back about his life, and his desire to leave a legacy behind. He’d also told her that Tweety didn’t want kids and he was scared he would never have any. Touching her belly gently Caramel finally spoke her heart aloud.

“
I hope your daddy chooses us,” she said softly to the child she carried as she turned and headed to the kitchen, finding Tae and making her box request known.

*****

“
Hold on, damn,” Halle yelled as she made her way to her front door.

Whoever was standing outside was banging like the police.

“
Who is it,” she barked angry at the intrusion.

“
Open the damned door,” Freight growled.

He was still in a foul mood from his earlier meeting with Top and his crew, as well as Kim’s rejection of his advances. Catching her breath Halle immediately complied, inviting him inside.

“
When did you get here,” she ventured to ask taking in the deep scowl on his face.

She knew he was angry, she just didn’t know why.

“
Last night,” he told her plainly looking her over. “Make me a drink, shit,” he again ordered and sat down on her sofa, the man’s huge frame dwarfing the fabric covered seat beneath him.

“
Thanks,” he told her taking the vodka and cranberry from her. “You look ready for the corner,” he threw out as Halle felt the hurt and girded herself for the berating she knew was coming.

Whenever he was angry, Freight always targeted her. Remaining quiet, Halle simply took a seat on the loveseat across the room from him.

“
Who’s the lucky john tonight,” Freight threw out giving her another evil look.

Sighing deeply she again said nothing.

“
Talk bitch,” Freight yelled making her jump.

“
Freight I don’t wanna fight with you,” she told him quietly.

“
There’s not going to be a fight,” he growled.

“
Freight, please,” she tried before he cut her off.

“
You fucked over me good Halle,” he told her finishing the drink and rising to get himself another. “Had me all sprung and shit thinking we were in love, all that bullshit,” he told her bringing the bottle back and sitting it on the table in front of him.

“
I know,” she said simply, lowering her head and hoping he would leave her alone.

“
You’re a liar and killer,” he told her again as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

“
I know Freight,” Halle said once more.

“
We could ask my son,” Freight began as Halle cringed. “Oh, but that’s right, he’s dead, you killed him,” he yelled as she sobbed openly. “Stop all the fuckin’ crying,” he barked. “It’s all fake any damned way.”

Halle managed to gather herself enough to speak.

“
When are you gonna stop punishing me,” she pleaded looking at him. “I’ve apologized every way I know how,” Halle plunged on as Freight regarded her mutely. “It was my fault, I take full responsibility,” she told him as he scoffed.

“
Is that supposed to make it better,” he continued to assail her. “Do you know how I felt standing in that hospital listening to that doctor tell me my son’s life was over before it ever began,” he badgered. “All because you were trying to get even with me for some fucked up, misplaced, jealousy,” he yelled as Halle broke completely.

Leaving her alone Freight continued to drink as Halle’s mind traveled back two years to that fateful night their future changed forever. She and Freight had been having a good day; even she had to admit that. Halle knew she was being unreasonable, but she was spoiled and selfish then. She resented all the attention Freight gave the baby still inside her womb, all the toys bought, all the plans made. Halle wanted to be the center of attention and the baby coming would definitely change that.

“
I’m going to the toy store at the mall and get that football set for his bedroom,” Freight told her happily.

Halle snapped. She yelled and cursed him, accused him of not caring at all about her but only what she was giving him. Freight tried again and again to appease her but she wasn’t budging. Giving up finally, he left her headed for the store.

Halle still angry, decided to get even with him. She grabbed a bottle of vodka and the orange juice, pouring herself drink after drink, until she was good and drunk. She knew the liquor wasn’t good for the child she carried but she didn’t care. Halle was consumed with Halle. She added insult to injury by rolling her a huge blunt from Freight’s private stash. She remembered feeling a high that had far surpassed any other she could ever recall. Still not satisfied, she rose and grabbed her keys heading for the new Benz parked in their driveway. Maneuvering her eight month pregnant belly behind the wheel she started the car and drunkenly began driving randomly downtown. Halle was going far above the posted 45-mph speed limit when she lost control making a sharp left turn. The Benz left the road and she felt herself become airborne. The last conscious memory she could recall was the huge concrete wall that jumped in front of her. Halle awoke hours later in a hospital room, womb empty, monitors beeping and chirping her every bodily function. She would never forget the look on Freight’s face as he walked into the room looking directly into her eyes, seeing nothing but hatred reflected.

“
What happened,” Halle tried meekly. “Where’s my baby,” she asked becoming excited.

“
You killed him, you drunken tramp,” Freight hissed, turning and walking out of the room, and out of her life.

Freight stirred and broke her thought as she looked up to find him rolling a blunt.
Please let me get through to
him
,
Halle thought longingly. She still loved Freight with her whole heart and his hating her hurt to core of her being.
If he would just forgive me, I could make everything up to him,
she continued to think.
I’d give him another child and I would do anything to ensure it came here healthy and whole.

“
I’m crashing here,” Freight told her plainly. “Tell your john he’ll hafta come over another night,” he added nastily, inhaling deeply on the finished product and enjoying the beginning of his high.

Halle sighed softly, saying nothing as she rose and headed into the kitchen making them both something to eat. Telling him where his plate was moments later, she left him alone in the living room as she headed into the bedroom and her shower. Halle took her time bathing, allowing the hot steaming water to temporarily wash away the hurt she felt every time Freight looked her or berated her again. Finally pouring out her measure of hurt for the evening, Halle got out and dried herself. She applied her aromatherapy scents and headed to bed. Smiling slightly when she saw him, Halle climbed carefully into bed where Freight was already laying looking absolutely delectable as he slept in the nude.

18

Tariq was again regarding Kaitlyn as she stirred in her room. He’d finally removed the restraints and allowed her freedom to move about. She was still listless and mostly unresponsive in their interactions. He still hadn’t revealed himself to her, but he was beginning to think he would need too sooner rather than later. He didn’t like the shell of her former self that Kaitlyn was becoming. She was once again staring into the mirror as Tariq looked into her eyes seeing the vacancy and pain. He’d asked her why she tried to take her life, writing it on a piece of paper and holding it for her to see.
“Why not,” she shrugged answering him
. She remained silent after that and Tariq didn’t push the issue. Shaking the thoughts and returning his gaze to the mirror he saw her crying again, hugging herself tightly.

“
Why couldn’t you have just let me die,” Kaitlyn said softly looking at her reflection. “What do these people want from me,” she continued as Tariq’s heart ached. “Why are they playing these games, just to watch me suffer before they kill me,” she questioned the tears still flowing. “I just wanna go home,” she said quietly turning away finally and going to sit in the recliner once more, curling herself tightly into a ball and continuing to cry.

Tariq sighed deeply his mind tormenting him for causing her pain.
Go to her, tell her you’re alive,
his mind pushed as Tariq swallowed hard weighing the option again and again in his subconscious.