“BBQ.”
“Seafood,” I said last as I wrote it down.
We all went a couple rounds between the categories until we had a solid plan for when we would hang out.
By the early evening, my phone was vibrating with a text from Courtland. I passed Minnie to Hollis since Mickey was taking a nap. This was the text I had been waiting for.
Chief: Queen Lou…
That was all it said but I knew he was checking to see if I could talk. I would do my man a better one. I was about to pull up.
“Wait, you’re leaving?” she whispered.
“Yes. I told you, it’s tough times right now. I’m sure once I get my babysitter, I’ll be able to stay out more. Tell Mickey I love her and I’ll see you soon.” Hollis was quiet again but nodded her okay.
Once I made it to my car, I found a note on my window. When I went to read it, my phone was going off again, distracting me.
I hit the button to let Nas’s voice come through as I stuffed the note in my purse, so I could balance the phone and start my car.
“Hey, Nas, girl. I thought you forgot about me.” I chuckled as I pulled off, heading home.
“Hey, girl, never. I took longer than expected but I think I found something that might help you. Can you come into the office right now? I have a window open.”
I glanced at the time on the dashboard. It was still fairly early so I took the chance.
“Yes. I’m out and about and will be there soon,” I said, ending the call and zooming across town to Nas’s office.
It was like my heart stopped the moment the words left her mouth, but I had to hear them again so I asked Nas to repeat herself for the third time.
“One more time, Nas.” My voice was weak and slow.
With a somber expression, she released a sigh before honoring my request.
“There is a way to leave, but only if Quincey files for the divorce or the truth comes out about your marriage and you can’t be the one to tell it. But if you expose him in any way, not only will he expose your secret, that if discovered can still be prosecuted since the state doesn’t start the timeframe until then. Plus you’ll be sued for breaking the NDA part of the contract, but you’ll have to pay back three point eight million from the monthly allowance he gave you plus the tuition he covered for CFU, and also, you walk away with nothing.”
You should’ve been saving that shit, Johnni! Damn.
I didn’t have millions of dollars sitting around on top of legal fees, so risking it to be able to walk away on my own was a no go. Not to mention, my secret coming out would mean potential prison time and a ruined image.
“What if I have something that would expose us… or him and the public just so happened to see it? Like through an anonymous tip?”
“That’s you still exposing it, Johnni. Say you get another picture or note and you let the press make it to the scene and find it. He could counter that you exposed it. If something happens and you have the power to prevent it from getting outside your marriage, stop it. And you can’t discuss any of this with anyone. We both know the Wilsons don’t just move upright in the legal system. Fees and fines could be the easy part if they found out you had something to do with anything that would hurt their reputation.”
I reached into my purse, pulling out the note I’d found on my car, glancing at it real quick. I wasn’t surprised that it was yet another picture of Quincey and his lover… or one of them. It was hard to tell if this was even the man in drag. This time in another compromising moment with a note that said something about they wouldn’t be silenced.
“So I just have to take someone breaking into my car and damn near killing me on the chin? What if they hurt me? Didn’t you see the news? They got close. I need out, Nas!” I showed her the latest.
“Yes. And again, I’m happy you’re safe. No, I’m not saying that. I’m telling you to let everything play out. The more you can’t control the situation, the better your chances of breaking free, and I mean clean as hell. Yes, it’s clearly involving you, but this is a Quincey problem. Are you hearing me? Don’t control the board, Johnni. Remove your name altogether.”
“Do nothing.”
“Yes. Besides, someone this bold is determined to be heard. You won’t have to do anything but keep yourself safe. Can you manage that?”
I nodded.
Of course I didn’t like the advice but I knew it was the only way. It was time to tell Courtland everything.
Twenty minuteslater I was rolling down his street with goodies to help sweeten the conversation I was sure would change how he saw me. I pulled into his driveway behind his truck then called him.
