by KR Bankston
“Wait! what the hell?!” Tae yelled just as the Taser connected with her body and she screamed, before passing out. Kaitlyn heard the commotion and picked up the cordless phone in her house, calling Tariq.
“Something’s going down with Tae,” she yelled as soon as he answered.
Tariq questioned her, getting a location and telling her he and Mook were on their way.
Jalen caught her before she hit the ground. She was still semi-conscious, but weak enough for him to lift and put her into the car. Securing her in the backseat, Jalen belted her in, cuffed her hands, tying her feet before returning to her truck. Taking the entire seat with the child still inside, he placed it inside his own vehicle, securing it as well. Jalen made one last trip to the truck, removing the diaper bag and Tae’s purse. Satisfied, he started the car and made a U-turn, driving off toward his destination. The black Hummer sped past him moments later in the opposite direction, Mook and Tariq inside, guns loaded heading for the now abandoned SUV.
*****
Pirate checked on CJ once more, finding him still asleep. He’d managed to stay awake almost the entire trip back, asking a million questions. Smiling at the memory Pirate turned and headed to his own bedroom, opening the door and coming inside. Lila was making her way out of the bathroom, stopping in her tracks as their eyes connected.
“You straight,” Pirate asked, referring to her body.
She’d taken quite a beating from Mighty and still had the black eye and bruises to prove it. Thankfully the swelling had gone done from the ice packs she’d kept on her face as they rode.
“A little sore, but I’ll be okay,” she replied softly. “Thank you again, Craig,” she added as Pirate humped shortly but said nothing more.
Making her way back to the bed, Lila sat down on the side of it. Pirate sat in the arm chair positioned by the window, glancing out as he began talking to her again.
“How you hook up with a loser like him,” he asked calmly, referring to Mighty.
“Met him at a party and got sucked in by his smooth rap,” Lila replied honestly.
Pirate grumbled again, remaining quiet a few moments more.
“Why you chase this fool to Chicago,” he began once more.
Taking a cavernous breath, Lila finally told him the truth; every embarrassing, belittling, portion of it. She told him about the parties, the extravagant spending, and the gambling.
“All you had to do was call and ask me for money Lila,” Pirate told her patiently.
Her eyes immediately filled with tears as she looked up at him once again.
“I didn’t want you to take CJ away from me,” she spoke softly, almost at a whisper.
“I couldn’t have my son on the street Lila, come on now,” Pirate returned slightly edgy.
“I know,” Lila replied. “I guess that’s why I jumped at the offer when Mighty made it,” she added tiredly.
“He hit you like that all the time,” Pirate asked, changing the subject somewhat.
Lila sighed, nodding yes. “But I didn’t have anywhere to go, no money, nothing,” she told him. “So I endured and kept a roof over my head.”
Pirate sat up in the chair, looking her directly in the eye as he spoke.
“Bullshit,” he told her evenly.
Lila swallowed hard, knowing he was angry.
“All you had to do was come home Lila,” he went on his voice rising slightly. “I’ve been begging you for months to come home, to make us a family again,” Pirate told her. “But you would rather go to Chicago, get your ass whipped on a daily basis, and treated like shit, than to do that,” he questioned giving her a look. “How fucked up is that?”
Lila wiped the errant tear as it rolled down her cheek, hating the pain she heard mingled with the anger as Pirate continued to glare at her.
“You ever fuck him raw, and don’t lie to me,” he snapped.
Lila told Pirate honestly she never slept with Mighty without a condom, ever.
“I guess I just always knew he was with someone else, and I didn’t want to catch shit, or get pregnant from his ass,” Lila replied irritably.
Pirate nodded his understanding.
“I had an AIDS test last month and everything was fine,” Lila added, needing him to believe her.
As much as she didn’t feel she deserved it, Lila wanted Pirate to give her another chance. She’d seen the error of her ways and if God allowed him to take her back, she would never leave him again.
“So what’s your plan now,” Pirate asked. “CJ is staying here, so that’s not even an issue, but what do you want to do?”
Swallowing her pride and taking a breath, Lila raised her eyes to meet his again finally and spoke.
“I want to stay and hopefully make it right between us again,” she replied timidly.
Pirate’s heart leapt when she said the words, but he didn’t allow it show outwardly. Instead he sat back in the chair again and regarded her quietly, without comment.
“I know I’ve hurt you Craig,” Lila began again, taking his silence for rejection. “But I’m sorry, and I do love you so much,” she went on, beginning to cry now. “I was really stupid Craig, really stupid, to think someone like Mighty would ever love me and CJ the way you did,” Lila told him, breaking finally and sobbing deeply.
Pirate rose wordlessly and walked to the bed, sitting down beside her and putting his arms around her. Lila clung to him, praying he wouldn’t reject her and send her away. He gently lifted her chin and kissed her softly, before speaking.
“Are you sure this is the life you want Lila, and I’m the man you wanna live it with,” Pirate asked. “I can’t take you running off on me again cause shit gets hot,” he added as she sighed.
“I know,” Lila replied, laying her head on his chest. “And yes Craig, I’m sure,” she added before he kissed her again and their passion ignited.
Lila clung to him as Pirate made love to her and she thanked God for hearing her prayer.
*****
Tae’s head was pounding when she opened her eyes. Blinking a few times to clear the cobwebs she looked around panicking, until she saw Aidan asleep on the bed next to her. What the fuck is going on, she thought angrily, reaching for her purse, also laying on the bed next to the baby and his diaper bag. Hoping they hadn’t searched it, Tae rambled inside looking for the .25 she carried. It was of course gone.
“Fuck,” she swore aloud.
From the layout of the room she knew they were in a hotel, it was the where that was still a mystery. Hearing the door open, she steeled herself to fight for hers and Aidan’s lives if need be. Jalen walked in to find her awake and standing protectively over her baby.
“Relax Tae, I’m not going to hurt you or Aidan,” he told her calmly as her mouth dropped.
She immediately recognized him, thinking Ian was behind her abduction.
“Jalen, what the fuck,” she asked angrily.
“Calm down,” he told her quietly, with a slight edge to his voice.
Remembering her child was there, she did as he asked taking a deep breath and blowing it out slowly.
“Why is Ice tripping and having you snatch me,” Tae asked carefully.
Jalen frowned slightly before answering her.
“Ice had nothing to do with this,” he told her irritably. “I am capable of thought without him you know,” he added hotly.
Tae sensed the tension and immediately apologized.
“I’m sorry Jalen, it’s just that taking someone is normally an Ice move,” she told him calmly.
Grousing, he waved the conversation away, asking if she were hungry. Wanting to stay on his good side until she could figure out a way to get her and Aidan away from him, Tae told him yes, accepting some of the Chinese food he’d brought back to the room.
“I got Aidan some toddler snacks and entrée’s,” Jalen told her, showing her the items in the small mini fridge. “You can heat them in the microwave,” he added as Tae nodded and sat with him to eat
the Chinese.
Her mind raced as they ate. Why would Jalen snatch me, what the hell is he thinking, she continued to brood as they finished and he cleaned up their trash.
“I’ll watch Aidan while you shower,” he told her, more statement than question.
“I don’t have anything to change into,” Tae tried.
Jalen smiled, rising and going to the closet, opening it and pulling out two shopping bags. Tae found underwear, jeans, and tops inside, all her size.
“There’s enough to hold you and Aidan until we get home,” Jalen told her calmly.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Tae simply nodded, grabbed the clothing and headed into the bathroom. There she found more surprises. Lining the counter were soap, toothpaste, perfume, body wash, body butters, and lotion for her. Turning on the water and getting in Tae decided she had to play his game for a while until she could figure out where they were and where he was trying to take her. Then she would make a way to get herself and her son out of harm’s way. You might have to kill him to do that, her mind told her as she washed. Tae sighed slightly, not having anything personal against Jalen, but if that’s what it took to secure her and Aidan’s safety and freedom, she wouldn’t hesitate. With that much settled in her mind, Tae returned to the bedroom, where Jalen waited, watching TV.
“Sit down,” he told her amiably.
Tae checked on Aidan who was still fast asleep, then complied with his request.
“I’m going to take a shower,” Jalen told her as she heard the click of the cuff and felt the cold metal around her wrists.
Placing the empty cuff around the headboard, he looked into her eyes and spoke.
“I won’t be long,” Jalen told her stroking her face gently. “Please Tae, don’t try to escape,” he added, kissing her lips gently. “I don’t want to hurt you, but I will do whatever it takes to keep you,” Jalen added and Tae finally the saw the darkness dancing in his eyes.
She couldn’t lie and say it didn’t frighten her just a little. She was a big girl and she could take care of herself, but Tae was at a distinct disadvantage in this fight. Her baby was here, and from the things she saw looking into Jalen’s eyes now, she knew Aidan’s life depended on her obedience.
“I won’t,” Tae replied softly.
Jalen smiled at the declaration, kissing her again. As much as his lips on her own repulsed her, Tae kept a straight face and let him do what he wanted. Jalen kissed her again, tasting her this time, breathing hard.
“You’re so beautiful,” he murmured kissing her neck.
Forcing himself to pull away he went into the bathroom, leaving the door open as he showered. Reality slammed Tae between the eyes, the realization that she was going to have to sleep with Jalen making her stomach lurch.
“Forgive me Shells baby, please forgive me,” she whispered as the tear fell and she prayed for a way of escape.
*****
Tariq walked in the house to find Kaitlyn waiting for him.
“Did you find her,” she asked, her face blanketed in worry.
“No,” he replied dejectedly. “Just the empty ass truck when we got there,” Tariq explained.
Kaitlyn asked about the baby. Tariq’s eyes grew wide.
“He was with her,” he asked.
Kaitlyn told him Tae was taking Aidan to the park as usual when the man hit her.
“There was no car seat, no diaper bag, nothing,” Tariq explained his head beginning to hurt.
“Fuck,” Kaitlyn swore, both of them thinking the same thing.
“Have you heard from Ice,” Tariq asked, looking at her now.
Kaitlyn told him about the text message and that being the only communication she’d had.
“Hmph, guess we know what the emergency was huh,” Tariq murmured angrily, half to himself.
Calling Mook he brought him up to speed on the latest developments.
“Why would Ice snatch Tae,” Mook asked, seeing no correlation.
“Hell, who knows why Ice does the shit he does,” Tariq threw back as Mook cursed.
“This is fucked up Top,” Mook replied. “Shells is gonna fuckin’ hit the roof when he finds out,” he added as Tariq agreed with him, telling him they would get together in a couple hours and try to figure some things out.
Disconnecting Tariq returned his attention to Kaitlyn.
“Can we talk,” he asked calmly.
“About what, Tariq,” Kaitlyn returned evenly.
“Us,” he replied simply.
Sighing softly she spoke again.
“Seriously Tariq, what else is there to discuss,” Kaitlyn returned. “You’re seeing Carlita, and obviously if you’ve slept with her, you’re feeling her,” she told him as Tariq again struggled not to go off. “I’m okay with that, seriously,” Kaitlyn explained patiently. “I appreciate you putting on the united front for the custody trial, and after it’s all said and done, I’ll move out of your way and not hold up your life any longer,” she finished as he stepped to her, toe to toe, looking angrily into her face.
“Aren’t you just diplomatic as hell,” he hissed, angry she was disconnected from their situation.
“What do you want from me Tariq,” Kaitlyn asked, stepping away from him.
Truthfully she was furious about him sleeping with Carlita, but what could she say. Kaitlyn knew she’d hurt Tariq beyond measure and this was her payback. She figured the kindest thing she could do for his life now was to let him go, and let him live it with a woman far less complicated than she was.
Before Tariq could answer, Kaitlyn innocently picked up the remote and turned on the TV. Unfortunately, the DVD was still cued and it began playing immediately. Her mouth dropped as she saw herself and Ian, naked, making love.
“What in the fuck,” Kaitlyn swore aloud, forgetting Tariq was in the room.
Her head began to spin as she watched herself with the man, exchanging soft gentle kisses, Ian touching her and tasting her, the actual act of them making love. Kaitlyn saw herself orgasm and cry out his name, still shaking her head in disbelief. Why don’t I remember this, what the hell was wrong with me then, she asked inwardly the tears stinging her eyes. She saw herself push him gently and heard the exchange between them.
“Lauren,” she said softly, realization dawning.
That’s why she couldn’t remember.
Kaitlyn had gone to therapy again after their last run in with Ian and discovered her former self had been trying to take over her current life. Obviously the time she spent with Ian, she spent it as Lauren.
“Is this why you went out and got with Carlita,” Kaitlyn asked, turning to Tariq finally.
The anger was burning anew in his eyes as he tore them from the screen and looked back at her.
“Hmph,” Kaitlyn remarked, regaining her composure. “I get it then,” she told him, once again emotionless.
Switching it off, Kaitlyn regarded him one final time before picking up her keys and standing at the front door. She was headed to Sam’s to get the girls.
“I know after seeing that you really don’t believe what I told you earlier,” Kaitlyn began matter of fact. “But when you find time to sit down and really think, ask yourself,” she continued and paused for a moment as Tariq continued to silently regard her. “Ask yourself, when, was the last time, you have ever, ever, heard me call Ice, Ian.”
With that, Kaitlyn opened the door and walked out, closing it behind her as Tariq frowned slightly and his mind began trying to recall.
15
Mook was still stressed when he arrived home from the meeting with Tariq. They decided to wait a couple days to tell Shells what was going on, in the slim hope they were able to find Tae and return her home. Grabbing the Jose, he poured himself a triple shot, added a couple ice cubes and headed into the den to relax. Kim found him sitting on the couch, eyes closed, head leaned back, obviously the quiet darkness.
“You straight,” she asked softly as Mook lifted his head and opened his eyes.
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“Yeah, I’m good,” he returned, beckoning her over to sit beside him.
“How was your day,” Mook asked absently sipping his drink. Kim told him it was cool, nothing special, before asking about his own.
Mook told her about Tae being snatched, them looking for her and suspecting Ice was behind the snatch. Then he told her about Tariq and Kaitlyn and the continued downward spiral of their marriage.
“Hmph, well I’m sure you’ll find Tae if there’s a way for her to be found,” Kim threw out, smartly.
Mook opened his eyes and regarded her again.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean,” he asked, irritation evident.
Kim sighed deeply and told him nothing.
“Didn’t sound like nothing,” Mook threw back as she again assured him she meant nothing by it.
Choosing to let it go, Mook again began sipping his drink.
“Are they divorcing,” Kim finally asked, concerning Tariq and Kaitlyn.
Mook sighed tiredly before speaking.
“Top wants to work it out, but he says KiKi is dead set on it happening,” he told her honestly.
Kim sucked her teeth slightly.
“He should be happy,” she mumbled half to herself.
“Why,” Mook shot back having heard the comment. “Because you don’t like her, or because it will give you the opportunity you never took to get with him,” he asked acidly and Kim immediately regretted making the remark.
“Mook, what the hell are you talking about,” she asked as he sucked his teeth and threw the shot back, slamming the glass on the table.
“Come on Kim, shit, let’s put it out there,” he told her, eyes smoldering as he looked into hers. “You’ve been hating’ KiKi since day one. Since Top brought her to his house,” Mook accused. “Shit when you got with me, it was really him you wanted,” he went on as Kim took a deep breath to stay her own anger. “So you’re figuring what, now that him and KiKi are done, you might take that chance you didn’t before,” he railed as Kim rose, finally having heard enough.
“You know what Mook,” she yelled. “I been with your ass for years, do you really think I’ve been carrying a torch for Tariq that damned long,” she fumed.