But now the story has found its way back to me and it’s got dimensions I couldn’t even have imagined before.
When I was working on this story, I discovered the existence of a person name The Wizard. I took it to the FBI task force assigned to the recovery of stolen cultural artifacts.
They knew of his existence but wouldn’t do more than confirm that. They had nothing on this person. They weren’t sure if he was even man. Or where he was from.
I can’t arrest him myself but if I can unmask him and the ring he runs and write about it, it would force law enforcement’s hand.
If I can bring this home, I could write my ticket with it.
If I’m right.
If universe finally bends in my favor.
If.
Chapter Sixteen
Kwame
Rug Pull
If I don’t leave for the Sackey’s now, I’ll be late.
I pace outside my front door and grapple with what to do.
I’m not sure I can sit through another meal and pretend I’m good with the way things are. But what if it’s too soon.
I call Titus.
“I’m going to tell her how I feel,” I announce as soon as he answers his phone.
“Oh boy.” I can picture his eye roll and his posture relaxing as if he knows he better get comfortable cause he’s going to be here a while. “This is the woman who ran away when you kissed her, friend zoned you, and currently uses you as a therapist?”
I groan and cover my face at his dirty summary of my circumstance “Shit take. She likes to talk. I like to listen. And shedidn’tfriend zone me. It was mutual.”Only because I had no choice.
“Okay, then. What’s changed?”
“Time.” I respond without having to think about it. “I’ve spent enough of it with her to know I like her. That I can trust her. I think she feels the same way.”
“So why is she holding you at arm’s length?”
“She just got out of a situation. She was deepin her ‘choose the bear’ era when we met. I don’t think she’s there anymore. If I tell her how I feel, I think she’ll admit she feels it, too.” Saying it aloud makes me smile, makes my chest feel lighter.
“Ithink you’re a hopeless romantic looking for a happy ending.”
I tut my dissent. “Should I be looking for a miserable one?”
“No. But does it make sense to chase something that’s running from you?”
“Running from me?” I chuckle and stop pacing.
“No, she literally ran from you the night you met.”
“Yeah but look how we keep finding each other.” I’m glad I called him, having to fight my corner has only made me more sure.
I sit on the step outside my front door and look up at a bough of leaves that frames the wide arch. I see why my mother loved this house.
“You know, I wasn’t sure I’d ever feel like DC could be more than a pit stop. She makes me think about standing still. I love her family, too.”
