Page 202 of 4 Corinthians

“I don’t know,” Gentle answered, still watching us. He knew just like we did that if he gave us the opportunity, we would kill him.

“Corinthians, Psalms, let me explain.”

“Explain?” we said in unison. Wasn't shit to explain. “Judah, go limp, baby,” I said, and instantly, Judah's body went limp. In that moment, I flung my knife at Gentle's shoulder. I knew the poison that my knife was laced with wouldn't kill him but would put him on his ass for a while.

“I see why he is in love with your crazy ass,” he said, then chuckled. “But next time, aim for the neck. You’ll do more damage.”

“I did exactly what I needed to do,” I smirked. “You won’t see tomorrow,” I lied, and Gentle swayed on his feet, then grabbed the wall to steady himself.

“The first mistake you made was touching him.” I pointed to Judah, who was now standing between Psalms and me. “The second was underestimating me, and the third was thinking you would live to talk about it.”

“He asked us to come,” Gentle mumbled as he continued to sway. He was being dramatic.

“Who?”

“I’m, I’m, I’m,” Gentle tried to answer, but couldn’t. “Four--”

“What about him?” I questioned. I turned around to look at Uri, but he was gone, along with Hood and Galaxy. Nine came out the building, scowling, and carrying Deuce. Cross followed behind him, carrying their daughter, Love.

“We need to go. Four is on his way to the hospital.” Nine said.

“Who took him?” I asked as I grabbed Judah’s hand and turned to leave. Nine looked at me, shook his head, then turned back to his wife.

“Tell her,” Cross said, shaking her head.

“His brother Kenbral took him,” Nine answered as he opened the truck door for Cross, then went to the back door, opened it, and put Deuce inside. “He called me a few seconds ago. They are on the way to the hospital with Hood and Galaxy.” Cross got in the front seat with Love in her arms.

“His brother?” I questioned, and Nine nodded.

Four

"Keep your ass alive, Four!" Kenbral yelled. "Do you fuckin' hear me? Keep your ass alive!"

"Yelling won't make him stay alive," Hood grunted. I opened my eyes to see his face twisted. "And hurry the fuck up!" He hit the back of the seat. "The only reason this nigga ain't screaming in pain is because he can’t feel my fucking hand in his abdomen right now."

"I'm trying!" Kenbral yelled. I felt the car shift and a sense of pressure in my stomach. "It’s too many cars out tonight!" He blared down on the horn. "Move! My fuckin brother in this bitch bleeding!"

I tried to sit up, but Hood pushed me back down. "Oh, nah nigga, lay the fuck down. You can’t be moving."

"Cori..."

"She's alright. Last we saw, she was threatening Gentle's life," he chuckled and shook his head.

"I... saw...who...shot..." My chest started feeling heavy. I knew who pulled the trigger.

"Relax, Four," Hood said. "We gotta figure this shit out with you first. That other shit can wait."

I nodded, then closed my eyes. Shit was moving too fast. My head was pounding. "Cori..."

"Four," Hood called my name. "Ay, stay with me." I felt him shake me. "Shit. Galaxy, climb back here and help me."

"Wake the fuck up, Four!" I heard Kenbral yell. He sounded like when we were little. He sounded scared. "Wake up! Cori and Judah need you, nigga. I need you! Wake the fuck up!"

I wanted to, for real, I did, but I couldn't.

Not this time.

Corinthians