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“What do you mean?”
“My father has men everywhere. There’s no doubt in my mind that he knows what we’re up to. He has people at 201 and detectives and police with MPD. The moment he finds out Nathan has been released, he’s going to flee. I’m kind of okay with that, because I won’t have to deal with him either way, but I promise you, you and Kahlil are safe.”
“I appreciate that, but I need more than your promise, Piper. I need that proof to be gone.”
“It will be. I already have deleted the digital copies. I’m going to go into his safes when he’s gone. I’ve already hit a few of his safety deposit boxes. I got you. I promise. Besides, without the gun, any attorney can argue that those pictures are doctored. You have the gun, and that’s the most important thing.”
With a nod, I decided to go ahead and wrap up the call so I could tell Kahlil the news. As grateful as he was for what I’d chosen to do, he was also upset. He’d made it clear that if I went along with marrying Piper that he would turn himself in—showing me the same devotion and loyalty that I’d shown him. Now, neither of us would have to do something that we would regret. I could only pray that this small hiccup was something that wouldn’t make it difficult for Janae to trust me and continue to feel safe with me.
“Aight, just keep me posted.”
“Will do, and thanks again.”
“Always. Thank you. And I’m really proud of you, Piper. I know how important having a close relationship with your father has been to you. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for you to choose to finally go against him.”
She chuckled as I opened the door. “Actually, it wasn’t difficult at all. I lost you because of him; I wasn’t going to lose Nathan too. Like I said, I’m learning to take accountability, but I have to give him his fair amount of blame too. My father has never handled me the way he should have, and I’m just finally glad to be free of that.”
“Well, good luck on your new start. I would say I’m here if you need me, but I’m out of that life, so…”
“Don’t worry.” She laughed quietly. “I have all that I need in Nathan. I’ve finally realized that. But thank you, Tyreek, for everything. Goodbye.”
“Goodbye, Piper.”
After disconnecting the call, I got out of the car and headed to the front door. I didn’t know where the wind was going to blow me while we tried to figure this out, so I’d given my drivers the week off. The less people that knew what we were up to, the better.
I knocked and looked around. I didn’t think Ahmad had anyone following me, but I always made sure I was aware of my surroundings. When Honey unlocked the door, she gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek before handing me my baby and running back upstairs. She said she was getting ready for a call with one of the authors she was coaching. Harmony had recommended her services now that her platform was bigger and a lot of aspiring, new, and veteran authors had been booking Honey left and right.
Kayla wasted no time slobbering my cheek down trying to imitate her mother and it tickled me.
“Did you miss me, shuga buga?” I asked, walking further into the house. “I missed you. I’ma have to steal you for the weekend. Is that cool with you?”
As if Kayla knew what I was asking, she bobbed her head and rocked in my arms while I searched for her father. At the sound of my voice, he came out of the kitchen holding a chicken leg in one hand and a beer in the other, which would explain why Honey had Kayla.
“Hey, baby. I thought you were still sleep?”
“She probably just woke up. Honey handed her to me and ran back up the stairs.”
Kahlil chuckled as he set his beer down before giving me a handshake. “I fixed lunch and hoped we would be able to eat it before she woke up, but baby girl obviously had other plans.”
“What you cook?”
“Fried some chicken with fries and spinach. It’s more than enough in there if you want some.”
“Aight, bet. I came bearing gifts, but I left it in the car, and I’m glad I did.”
“What’s up?” Kahlil asked as we sat across from each other. Kayla busied herself with trying to pull my chain from around my neck.
“I got the piece and the pictures. You’re good.”
Kahlil released a vocal breath before biting his knuckle and releasing a soft laugh. His head shook as he struggled to find the right words.
“You said it so simply. Like you didn’t just save my life. Secure my freedom. Keep my family together.” He looked away briefly, drying his eyes of the tears that had formed. “Thank you, brother.”
“Always. That’s what we got each other for.”
“And you don’t have to marry Piper?”
“Nah, there was someone that she valued more than me, thankfully.”
