Running Deeper Than a Race

by Kendra J. Williams

“I’m still on the clock.”

  “And? That’s more reason to let him see your face so he knows what’s up.”

  Brinley opened the door. She smiled when she saw the 6 foot 7 inches, 235 pound, milk chocolate man standing in front of her. She was only 5 foot 10 inches, 170 pounds and standing up beside him made her look short.

  “It’s about time you opened that damn door.”

  Brinley placed her phone in her back pocket without ending the phone call.

  “I know you didn’t.”

  “Hey, I’m Brinley.”

  “Nice to meet you, Brinley. I’m Kendall. I can’t believe you were going to leave a brother out in the cold like you didn’t know I was coming.”

  “No lie. I didn’t know that you were coming.”

  “I’m going to get on Maverick about that. It’s nice to meet you though. Can I come in?”

  “I’m still on the clock until 7. I work from home some days.”

  “That’s even better. I know how to sit down and be quiet.”

  Brinley shook her head as she stepped to allow for Kendall to walk in.

  “Thank you. I’m going to sit down until you get off. I won’t make a sound. I need to know what the situation is so I know how to protect you.”

  “Okay,” she answered as she closed and locked the door.

  2 hours later...

  “You deal with a lot of stuff. Are you good? You’ve been fussing and cursing for a while.”

  Brinley smiled as she logged off.

  “I’m fine. Nothing like a regular work day.”

  “Your work day isn’t normal. I need to call Maverick and let him know that you need more than security.”

  “I really don’t.”

  “Yes, you do. I’m stressed listening to what you were going through.”

  “Do you want something to drink?”

  “No, I’m fine. What’s the issue? Why do you need security?”

  “I’m not going to lie. I thought that he was just talking. I never thought that he was serious about this.”

  Kendall started laughing. “So, you don’t know him? He’s a man about his word. It’s only going to take him once to say something before he executes on it.”

  “I see. I appreciate you coming but I’m not going to need you.”

  “Say what?” He asked standing up.

  “Are you going to intimidate me? Why are you standing up?” she laughed.

  “I needed to stretch. I’ve been sitting down for the last hour or two.”

  “Okay. I got nervous for a minute.”

  “I see. I’m so gentle. Don’t pay my size any mind. I promise I don’t hurt.”

  “Why did he call you, if you don’t hurt?”

  Kendall’s phone started ringing.

  “Hello!”

  “What’s going on man?”

  “Hold on, let me put you on speaker.”

  “Why?”

  It was too late. Kendall walked over and stood at the bar where Brinley was standing.

  “What’s going on?”

  “I was about to call and ask you the same thing. She said that she didn’t need me.”

  “Don’t believe her dog. Those damn people are harassing her. The police harassed me while I was there.”

  “What?”

  “Hell yes man. She’s not telling you anything.”

  “Man, she hasn’t said a word. I told you what she told me.”

  “Why are y’all talking about me like I’m not here?”

  “Because you don’t want help. You’re going to end up dead and I don’t want that.”

  “Don’t say that.”

  “I’m not going to sugarcoat it. It’s going to get ugly. You already said that the police stopped by Sunday night for no reason at all.”

  “Maverick, I don’t know. I’m trying to do a good deed. If she doesn’t want me to help or protect her there is nothing that I can do.”

  “Get me off speaker man. I’m about to get into your ass.”

  Kendall started laughing.

  “No sir. You can’t get in my ass. You need to talk to your lady.”

  “Well, get me off speaker and hand her the phone.”

  Brinley locked eyes with Kendall before he picked the phone up, removed the speaker and handed over the phone.

  “Hello!”

  “Yes. Brinley, I’m not even trying to be in your business. But please. At least for a couple of nights to see if they will back down.”

  “I don’t know. I don’t want to be a burden.”

  “That man standing in front of you didn’t think once when I called in the favor. I got this. Let me handle it. Let me make sure you’re safe if it’s only for a couple of evenings. I wouldn’t be able to look at myself if something happened to you and I know about what has happened.”

  “Okay,” she gave in. “I don’t like it but I understand where you’re coming from.”

  “Thank you. Can you hand the phone to Kendall?”

  “He wants to talk to you,” she stated as she walked away. A flash of reality came over her. What if I’m running one day and one of them tries to run me over?

  “What’s up, man?”

  “She agreed. She’s not too fond of the situation. I understand where she’s coming from but I couldn’t sit back and do nothing. My heart won’t let me.”

  “Is this serious?”

  “What? Yes, her protection is serious but no we aren’t in a committed relationship yet.”

  “Are you sure this is what you want to get involved with without the commitment?”

  “I’m sure about this. If there is one thing that I’m sure about is her protection.”

  “Well damn man. I’m not going to argue with you about it. I hear you loud and clear. What’s the times?”

  “I would say until at least 7 in the morning?”

  “Damn, it’s that serious?”

  “Yes. She goes running in the mornings as well and them dummies put a dog out.”

  “Oh okay. Yes, it’s that serious. I’m on it. I’m going to go home and come back though.”

  “Okay. That’s fine. Let her know your plans. I’m going to see if she wants to see me but besides that. I owe you man.”

  “No problem. You know I love doing this type of work.”

  “I need you to start your own security company. Your size alone makes you scary.”

  “Ha-ha. Don’t start that mess. She was definitely scared of me though.”

  “I know she was. I’ll talk to you later.”

  Brinley came from the back when she saw Kendall place his phone in his back pocket.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Oh nothing. What’s going on?”

  “I’m about to go home and get a few things. I’ll be back at about 11 or so. If something pops out before I get back please call me.”

  “I don’t have your number.”

  “Here you go,” he stated handing out his card.

  “Oh you’re all professional,” she laughed.

  “I try to be. I’ll be back. Don’t hesitate to call me if something pops off.”

  “Do you have a job? One that you have to clock in and work?”

  “Ha-ha. I have several. Let me worry about that and your safety.”

  “I swear between you and Maverick, I might start getting gray hairs.”

  “Oh he’s going to give that to you alone. I’m not as bad as you. He said he was going to call you or something too.”

  “Oh okay. I’ll be here. Are you eating dinner while you’re out?”

  “Yes. I’m going to take care of all of that. I’ll probably need a key or something.”

  “A key?”

  “Yes. I’m sure you’re not going to leave your door unlocked why I’m outside.”

  Brinley rolled her eyes.

  “It’s only for a while. We want to be sure. Let him do his boyfriend duties.”

  “He has to be my boyfriend to do those things.”

 
“Give it time. He’s coming,” he laughed.

  “Kendall, you got jokes early I see.”

  “I will always have jokes. You’re going to find out in due time.”

  “I don’t think that I’m going to be ready.”

  “Are you coming back inside or are you going to sit in your car?”

  “I’m going to chill in the car tonight. I want to see if the police is bold enough to stop.”

  “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

  “Let me worry about that. I have a shooter on different areas of the world.”

  Brinley shook her head.

  “It’s going to be fine. I promise. Let me worry about what’s going to happen if I need to protect myself or you. You get your rest. I have bullet proof everything.”

  Brinley placed her head in her hands.

  “Stress kills. Get some dinner, take a bath and relax. I know you have some wine on hand.”

  “I try not to drink during the week.”

  “Oh, well light a blunt or something.”

  “I miss smoking,” she laughed.

  “You can always start back.”

  “I’ll pass.”

  “I thought that I would give a suggestion,” he answered shrugging his shoulders.

  Chapter Ten

  “Sir, do you live in the area?”

  Kendall could feel the hairs on the back of his arm stand up. He wasn’t quite sure why he all of a sudden got nervous but it was only the beginning. He tried to act like he didn’t hear the question.

  “Sir, did you hear what I asked?”

  “Is there a reason why you need to ask me that question? I’m minding my business.”

  “I like to know who comes through the area.”

  Kendall turned around and looked down on the officer. It was the same one that Maverick encounter earlier.

  “I need your badge number. I’m not about to go back and forth with you sir. I would appreciate it if you backed up.”

  “I’m within my grounds to stand this close.”

  “You’re in my personal space.” Kendall closed his car door before walking to the back of his car to open his trunk.

  “I’m going to ask you not to do that.”

  “And I’m going to ask you to go to hell? Sir, please it’s late. I’m tired and I’m not bothering you.”

  Something told Brinley to go to the front door. She could hear voices but she wasn’t quite sure where it was coming from. She opened the door and same the police car parked on the side of the road. She turned her porch light on and stepped outside.

  “Brinley, you can go back inside. I got it.”

  “Officer, is there a problem?”

  Kendall cut his eye at her.

  “Do you know this fellow?”

  “Sir, I’m not trying to be disrespectful but why are you watching everything that I’m doing? Leave my people alone. I don’t understand your issue. I’ll be in contact with someone in the morning.”

  “I’m the head officer in town.”

  “And you’re going to be the head security officer in hell if you don’t stay your ass off of my property. Leave us alone. Please and thank you.”

  “Brinley.”

  “I got it. Are you good, Kendall?”

  “I’m fine,” he smiled.

  “Is there anything else that we can do for you, Mr. Officer? Can I have a copy of your card? I know you have some on hand, Mr. Officer.”

  “I’m Mr. Miller.”

  “Nice to meet you Mr. Miller. I’m sure you already know both of our names. So, have a great evening,” she stated as she stepped down the steps to grab the card.

  Brinley rubbed the card in between her fingers as she waited for Kendall to get his belongings. He shook his head as he closed his trunk and locked the doors.

  “Are you good?”

  “Yes. I told you that I had it. I was about to put one or two in his ass though. I’m not going to lie.”

  “I know that’s why I interfered.”

  “That’s not how this is supposed to work when I’m supposed to be protecting you.”

  “We’re protecting each other. I could see your temper before I could see his face.”

  “If he would have put those damn lights on. It would have been a different story, completely.”

  Brinley started laughing. “It’s cold out here.”

  “Nobody told you to come outside. Don’t tell Maverick about this.”

  She smiled as she rubbed her hands together.

  “For real. That man is going to be watching guard with me if you tell him what happened.”

  “I can’t help that. I won’t say anything unless he ask. I’m not one to have secrets. I thought that was the whole point to let him know what’s going on.”

  “I don’t know about all of that.”

  “Why am I trusting you two with my life? You’re all in my house and this is my first time meeting.”

  “Your intuition didn’t tell you that I’m a bad person. Women have this sixth sense on things like this. I know.”

  “You might be right.”

  “I am,” he smiled. “Do you have something hot to drink. It was kind of cold outside.”

  “Let me see. I haven’t been grocery shopping this week.”

  “If you don’t that’s fine. I’ll survive.”

  “Do you think that he’s going to come back when he sees you sitting outside of my house?”

  “And I don’t care. I made sure to put a silencer on my gun.”

  “You did what?” she asked dropping the container of hot chocolate on the floor.

  “Shit. I said that out loud.”

  “Yes, you did. Why did you bring it? Do you plan on killing someone?”

  “I’m not planning on it but if things get crazy I have to stay ready. I rather protect and serve than anything else.”

  “You’re not a police officer,” she laughed.

  “He isn’t either. You seen his punk ass. He was scared when you came outside. I was laughing on the inside. No offense but I could see my grandmother in you when you came to the door.”

  Brinley continued laughing. “You better be glad that I didn’t have on my bonnet.”

  “Oh, I don’t get embarrassed easily.”

  “That’s good to know. I found some hot chocolate. It’s not old.”

  “I didn’t say a word.”

  “Do you like hot chocolate?”

  “That doesn’t look like the OG kind.”

  “What kind is that? Swiss Miss?” she laughed.

  “Yes. How did you know?”

  “Everybody knows about that. I haven’t had that brand in so long. Is it still good?”

  “Yes. It is. Don’t tell me that you’re bougie.”

  “I’m not. I saw this at Marshall’s so I decided to pick it up to try. I like it. I make it with milk.”

  “Milk?” he asked with a strange look on his face.

  “What? Don’t tell me that you’re still drinking hot cocoa with water? Please, tell me that you’re lying.”

  “And what if I do?”

  “That’s your business. I’m not going to make it with water. I can’t do you like that.”

  “Alright Miss Bougie, I’ll try it your way.”

  “I’m going to use almond milk instead of regular.”

  “Here we go, again.”

  “It’s better for your stomach. You don’t need the bubble guts while you’re on duty.”

  Kendall started laughing.

  “What? I’m trying to look out for you.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  “It’s good. I promise,” she stated as she grabbed one of her saucer pans to warm up the milk.

  “So, what exactly do you do?” he asked.

  “I put out a lot of fires all day long. Argue with people.”

  “So, it sounds like my old job. Call center,” he laughed.

  “What do you do?” she asked with her back to him.


  “I do a little of everything. I try to keep myself busy and out of trouble. You know. It’s hard out here for a black man. They think we all sell drugs, have multiple baby mamas and drama. I have neither.”

  “Well, that’s good. Just like the way that black women are always angry but they never say what got us to turn up in the first place.”

  “You got that right.”

  “I really want to get a new job. I’m tired of doing what I’m currently doing.”

  “What’s stopping you?”

  “Fear. I’ve been doing the same thing for so long. I don’t know what’s out there?”

  “You don’t know unless you try. I’m sure you’re hella qualified for a lot of stuff. Start searching and watch the doors start opening.”

  “Are you a motivational speaker too?”

  “Sometimes,” he laughed.

  He stood up and went to sit at the bar.

  “This is a cozy house. I see why they want you out of the neighborhood. I bet one of their family members want to move here.”

  “Ha. They look like putting me out. I’m not moving. They can try all they want.”

  “I don’t know. If shit gets ugly, that might be the best bet especially for a peace of mind.”

  “I know. But you know what it feels like to lose.”

  “You can’t beat racism. No matter how hard you try. You can’t beat it. Especially not alone. Too many are against you.”

  Brinley shook her head. She wasn’t quite ready to convince herself that she was living in the world that her grandmother experienced on a regular basis.

  “I know it’s hard to accept but it’s out here. It’s getting worse by the days. I don’t understand why all of a sudden they got so bold to act like fools.”

  “Who knows. The bad thing is, it’s going to get worse before it gets better.”

  “And that’s the God honest truth. It’s a sad situation but it’s true.”

  Brinley grabbed two coffee cups as her phone started ringing.

  “I think you have someone that wants to talk to me.”

  “I’ll have to call them back,” she stated as she scooped the powder into the cups. She poured the hot milk and her phone went off again.

  “They are persistent.”

  “I see,” she laughed.

  “Do you want me to answer it?”

  “No. I’ll get back to them in a minute. I’m trying to make my drink.”

  Kendall’s phone started ringing.

  Brinley started laughing. “Sounds like yours is next.”