“Not hungry,” she whispered and turned her head away from Brick, smiling dreamily as if she had an amusing secret.
“You aiight? Something on your mind?”
She gazed at Brick. “Yeah.”
Brick had been aching for some information. Now that Misty was talking, it was time to cut to the chase. “Who did this to you, Misty?”
“What?”
“Who was the coward who fucked you up like this? Was it one of them punks who was tricking for you?” His face contorted as contained rage bubbled to the surface.
“I don’t know who sent her.”
“Whatchu mean her? You think a woman did all this to you?”
“Let it go.”
Brick reared back so hard, he almost toppled over the chair. “No, I ain’t lettin’ nothin’ go. Somebody’s gonna pay for this. And that somebody is gonna end up with body parts scattered all over this damn city. That’s a promise…not a threat.”
“Let it go, Brick,” Misty implored wearily.
“Hell, no. You ain’t been no saint, Misty, but you sure as hell ain’t deserve to go out like this. Who do you suspect? Give me a name. Give me something to work with.”
Misty closed her eyes and winced as if in pain.
“You okay?”
“I’m hungry.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, Brick leapt up and grabbed the pudding.
Sensing that pressing for information about the person who had left her for dead on the side of the road was off limits, Brick made small talk.
“Your mom is real worried about you. She wants you to start eating something that’ll put some meat on your bones, but this is a good start.” He scooted the chair closer to the bed, and pulled off the pudding’s sealed lid.
Brick aimed a spoonful of the vanilla dessert toward Misty’s mouth. She barely parted her lips.
“Come on, Misty. It’s not that bad. You gotta eat something.”
She opened her mouth wide enough for him to get half a spoonful of pudding inside.
“Now we getting somewhere.” Brick sounded pleased.
He had no qualms about spoon-feeding Misty. He’d taken care of her in one way or another for so many years, it was practically second nature.
After eating half the container, Misty shook her head when Brick aimed for her mouth with another heaping teaspoon.
“Had enough?”
She nodded. Brick yanked a tissue out of a box on the nightstand and gently wiped her mouth.
“Yo, what’s with the head nods and whatnot? I notice you tryna kick it like speaking too many words might put some stress on your vocal chords.”
Misty released a single note of amusement.
Brick didn’t need to know that air hitting the exposed nerves of her broken teeth made them ache like hell.
“Oh, you think that’s funny?” Brick was starting to enjoy his visit with Misty. This was the best mood he’d seen her in since the brutal assault. Brick wanted to call Thomasina upstairs so she could share in this moment but he didn’t. Misty might clam up on her mother. And that would hurt Thomasina to the core.
In due time, Thomasina and Misty gon’ be conversatin’ like girlfriends.
CHAPTER 55
I bought a comedy for us to watch. The bootleg dude said this jawn is hilarious. Real clear, too.” He pulled out the DVD that he’d tucked inside the chair, held it up so Misty could see the cover. “Wanna check it out?”
“No.”
“Whatchu wanna do, then? You gotta do something. You gon’ lose your mind if you lay up in this room day and night, staring at the walls.”
“I do stuff.”
“Git outta here. Like what, Misty?” Her comment was so absurd, Brick couldn’t keep the smirk from forming on his face.
“Hangin’ with Shane.”
Speechless, he gawked at her.
“I have fun with Shane.”
“Oh, you been dreaming about Shane?” He spoke in a tone of voice that one would reserve for the feeble-minded.
“Not dreaming. I know how to slip into his world. We hang out together. So much fun,” she said, looking dreamy-eyed again.
Brick was dumbfounded. The doctors had assured them that Misty’s cognitive mind was intact. Now he realized those white coats were wrong. That bump she took on the head had jumbled her brain cells around. Or maybe it was the mixture of meds that she took regularly.
Yeah, that’s what it is. That medicine is messin’ with Misty’s mind.
“I’m not crazy, Brick.”
Had she read his mind? He scrutinized her face, as though searching for an indication that she possessed psychic powers.
“I got big plans.” She used a boastful tone that was reminiscent of Misty’s attitude before the assault. Only now, her speech impediment took most of the swagger out of her bragging words.
“Oh, yeah,” he said doubtfully.
“Mmm-hmm.”
Both wearing serious expressions, Brick and Misty stared at each other, striving to come to an understanding.
What the hell is she talkin’ about?
Trying to read between the lines, Brick said, “You ain’t even gotta ask me to handle the bitch-ass nigga who did this to you.”
She shook her head impatiently. “That’s not important anymore.”
“Hell if it ain’t. Tell me who did it. Was it one of those faggot-ass faggots that was working for you?”
Exasperated, she shook her head again.
“Give me a name and that nigga’s days is in the single digits. Trust me on that. After I make that muthafucka lay down, I’ma cut that nigga up in real little pieces. I’ma put his dead ass through a meat grinder. Shit, I should put that nigga’s ass through a meat grinder while he’s still alive and screamin’,” Brick fumed, breathing hard. There was little sanity in his words but a great deal of venom in his voice.
“I don’t know who attacked me, but I already told you it wasn’t a man.”
Brick’s brows furrowed in confusion. “You sure?”
Misty nodded. Her face darkened at the memory, a combination of pain and sorrow.
“Damn,” he spat, his hands gripping the back of his head. Frowning, Brick mulled over the possibility of having to put a female through a meat grinder.
“You had beef with the broad?”
“Never saw her a day in my life.”
“You telling me that some random female did all this to you…tried to kill you? That don’t make no sense at all, Misty.”
“Maybe she had beef with me…could have been somebody all booed up with one of my workers. Or the jealous wife of one of my clients. Who knows?”
“I can sure find out when you give me the names of those pussies that worked for you.” Bricked scanned the room for a pen and paper.
“At first, I thought one my clients had paid her to put me down.”
“Oh yeah? Which fuckin’ client was that?”
“I had a lot of high-profile clients. A lot of enemies, too.”
“Name the punk-asses,” Brick spat.
“Baad B was one of my enemies.”
“The rapper that’s with your ex…that bull, Spydah?”
Misty nodded. “And there’s this tranny chick named Raquel. She hated me over my relationship with Smash. But I was frontin’ with Smash. He’s a down-low brotha.”
“Fuck outta here!”
“Brick, I done crossed so many people…” She paused. “This stripper named Juicy. I scammed her, had her thinking she was going to get paid to lap dance for the stars.” Misty sighed. “It could be anybody.”
“Whoever did it better start saying prayers.”
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t want revenge.”
“Why the hell not? That don’t even sound like you, Misty.”
“I want to be with Shane.”
“You really fuckin’ with my head. One minute you sound like your old self and the next minute, you talkin’ like a nut-case.”
“I�
��m in my right mind, Brick.”
“Don’t seem like it.”
“Shane told me something only you and he would know.”
“What’s that?” Brick tried not to smirk.
“Shane said he knows that you used to hear him while you two were locked up in juvy.”
“Heard what?”
“He said he used to cry for his mother late at night. He said he knows that you heard him.”
Momentarily stunned, Brick swallowed. “You startin’ to freak me out.”
Misty smiled.
“I ain’t never tell Shane that I heard him crying.”
She nodded. “Well, he knows now. He said that you think about him and those nights at Barney Hills a lot. You’re still trying to figure out why he took his own life.”
Brick felt goose bumps popping up all over his skin. “That’s true, Misty. I heard him, but I never said nothin’ to him about it. Figured that a dude as hard-core as Shane would be embarrassed if he knew that I heard him crying for his dead mother every night.”
“Shane can hear your thoughts, Brick. He wants you to know that he was in emotional pain back then. He took his own life because he wasn’t in his right frame of mind. Mental illness. Like his mother. But it’s all good now. He’s well and happy now.”
Unnerved, Brick looked around the dim room. Creepy shadows propelled him to his feet. He clicked on the ceiling light, brightening up the spooky bedroom.
Misty laughed softly. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid of Shane?”
“Yo, I need some extra light. Too many shadows darting around in here.”
She giggled. Then she assumed a serious expression. “I’m way beyond depressed. And I’m so over all of this.” Her eyes traveled the four walls. “The only joy I have is when I can get out of this room and get to be with Shane. It’s not easy to do. Takes a lot of concentration.”
“Whatchu saying, Misty?”
“I need you to help me. I can’t live like this anymore, Brick.” Her eyes filled with tears.
“C’mon, Misty. Stop talking like that.” Overcome with emotion, his voice trailed off.
“Please forgive me, Brick. For my selfish ways. For every cruel thing I ever did to you. Shane has helped me to see things clearly. How hurtful I’ve been to the people who love me. I’m so sorry, Brick. Can you forgive me?”
He waved his hand, brushing off her apology. “That’s behind us now. I found what I needed with your mother. Never thought I could have that kind of love. Marriage and a family…that wasn’t in the cards for me. I’m so blessed it scares me. In a weird way, I feel like I owe all these blessings to you, Misty.”
“Don’t give me too much praise. Think about it, Brick. You know me. If this assault hadn’t stopped me, I’d still be hell-bent on ruining your marriage.”
“I forgive you for that.” He shrugged. “So, we’re even. Right?”
“No, Brick. We’ll never be even. If I lived a thousand years, I couldn’t undo all the damage I’ve done. That’s why I have no right to ask anything more of you.”
“Whatchu need, Misty? Ask me and I’ll do it. But you know that already.”
“I’m not asking for a small thing, Brick. It’s something that won’t be easy for you.”
“You kiddin’? You talkin’ to Brick, yo. I’ll move a mountain to git you straight. So why you stressin ’bout asking me for something? Look, whatever it is, it’s already done. I’ll put my family’s lives on that.”
“Damn, Brick. I wish you hadn’t swore on my mom and my little brother. You’re gonna be mad you put your family on the line like that. Especially when you find out exactly what I need from you.”
“C’mon, Misty. What’s with all the suspense? Spill it so we can get this thing done and move on to more important things. Like gettin’ you outta that bed. Outta this room and—”
Brick’s litany of hopes and dreams for Misty was halted by Misty’s moan of anguish.
“Stop it! Just stop it, Brick. I’m never going to leave this bed or this room. Not alive anyway.”
“Don’t talk like that, Misty. If your mother heard you sayin’ stuff like that she’d—”
“It’s the truth. And it’s about time all of you faced it. I have.”
“You’re still young and have a long life ahead of you, girl. With more therapy to get you movin’ and some surgery to get your pretty face back, you’ll be your old self in no time at all.”
“I don’t want any more therapy or surgeries. My pretty face is never coming back. I don’t even want it back. What I want is… I want to be with Shane again. I wouldn’t even ask for your help if I could do it myself. But this fucked-up useless body of mine won’t let me do shit. Brick, I need you to help me die. There, I’ve said it.”
Brick was stunned speechless and stood motionless beside her bed.
For Misty, his silence lasted an eternity. Searching his face for some indication of an answer, she pleaded with her eyes.
“There’s no one else who can help me. I wouldn’t put you in this position if I didn’t have to. But I can’t live like this anymore. I can’t take another minute, another second of being trapped in this foreign body. It’s disgusting to me and I don’t have to look at myself. I don’t know how you and my mom can take it. I really don’t.”
“There you go talkin’ crazy shit again, Misty. Why you so hard on yourself? You don’t look that bad,” Brick lied. “Me and your mom was just sayin’ how you’re lookin’ more like yourself every day.”
“I’m so miserable, Brick.” Misty was sobbing now. “Please put me out of my misery. Please. I’m begging you.”
“Beggin’ for what? Something like a mercy killing?”
She nodded. “I don’t want to be here anymore. There’s a better life waiting for me.”
CHAPTER 56
Brick’s heart was pounding and he felt dizzy. He’d never had a panic attack before but this must be what one felt like.
Is this who she thinks I am? Some kind of gangsta killer?
Angry and scowling, Brick leaned close. “I see. So you think I don’t have no conscience anymore? Just because I had to stop that nigga from threatening your mother? That was a kill or be killed situation. It was self-defense! I didn’t wanna take that smoker out, but he ain’t give me no choice. Think about it…your mom, your little brother and me—your whole family could have been wiped out if I hadn’t done what I had to do.”
“I don’t think you’re cold-blooded.”
“Then what makes you think that I can kill on command? That’s not me. Nah, that’s not what I’m about.”
“Well, a few minutes ago, you were talking about murdering whoever did this to me.”
A shadow fell over Brick’s face. “That’s different. That’s about getting justice.”
“And what I’m asking is about getting mercy. From you.” Her words came out in a halting whisper.
Brick stood up. “I can’t talk about this, Misty. Uh, do you want me to put this movie on for you?”
“What good would that do?”
He gazed at her thoughtfully. “It might cheer you up. Get rid of those crazy thoughts you got swimming around in your head.”
“Crazy? It’s crazy to be in here pissing and shitting on myself. Can’t move shit. Oh, excuse me. I forgot. I can move my head and one arm. Wanna see, Brick?” Misty slowly and painfully demonstrated her limited capacity. Panting as she struggled to move her head, Misty was able to make a barely perceptible turn away from Brick’s somber visage. Resting before attempting her next feat, she glared at Brick.
“Look, I get it. It’s hard for you, but if you do your therapy, it might get better.”
Misty gave him a long look. “Don’t insult me, Brick. My life is over. We both know it.”
“That’s not true, but you have to want to live. You have to make some effort to be happy. If not for yourself, then do it for your mother.” A sound of distress caught in his throat.
“You and my mom
have each other. And your son. I’m trapped in a mangled-up body. I’m helpless. Do you really think I’m going to find any happiness?”
“You can try, Misty. Try to make the best of it.” His voice held a pleading tone.
“Make the best of what, Brick—this living hell I’m in? Well, that’s asking too much. Especially now that I know a blissful life is a few pills away.”
“Come again?”
“I’ve been planning this for the past two weeks. Waiting for you to come in here without my mother.”
Uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, Brick swallowed hard. He could feel sweat accumulating on his forehead. “You want me to give you some extra pills? To overdose you with your medication?”
She nodded.
“Fuck outta here, Misty. You might as well get those thoughts out your head. You got a spot right here.” He touched his heart. “Ain’t no way in the world I could ever hurt you.”
Tears spilled from her eyes. Brick watched as Misty struggled to bring her good arm up to her face. It was very hard to watch as she tried and failed to accomplish an act that he took for granted. He silently swore that he’d never take the small things for granted again. Ever.
With pain etched in his face, Brick grabbed a tissue and dabbed at her eyes, but the tears continued to fall.
“See, I can’t do it myself,” Misty said between soft sobs. “You gotta help me out.”
He gave a long, woeful sigh as he wiped the bitter tears that slid down her face.
“I’m dying anyway, Brick. But it’s a slow, torturous death. I’ve done some messed-up shit…still, I don’t deserve to have to live like this. Pissing and shitting all over myself like a fuckin’ baby. Then waiting for somebody to clean my pathetic ass. Would you want to live like this?” Her eyes, dry now, were riveted to his. Pleading with him to put himself in her place. To understand her desperation.
He looked away from her beseeching gaze. “What you’re asking is murder, Misty. Plain and simple. You of all people should realize I ain’t built like that.”
As he spoke, he realized that his wife would beg to differ. She had witnessed him transform into something inhuman when he had taken that intruder’s life. He could tell by the way she looked at him that she realized that there was a part of her husband that was dark—capable of killing. Without hesitation.
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