Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 74450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74450 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 372(@200wpm)___ 298(@250wpm)___ 248(@300wpm)
He refused to weep. The tears were budding, brimming, but he kept a stern face and pushed back the emotions… just like he was accustomed to. He felt manipulated. Humiliated. He’d walked smack dab into a ruse.
“She said, when you come, for me to let you in. So when you called me, I understood that this was what she wanted. I expected your call. This was my assignment.”
“Have you dreamt of your aunt before?”
“Yes. Twice before. She warned me about complications wit’ the birth of my son.” A tear streamed down her cheek, and then she smiled. “But she was there. I could feel her at the hospital. It was a hard birth and we almost lost him yet he grew up to be a healthy young man. Another time, she warned me about a car accident. I decided to drive a different route. Found out later that my normal route to drive to work was blocked by a car crash that day. Five cars. Two people died. One was supposed to be me. Can’t nobody convince me God ain’t real. What a mighty God we serve!” Her voice trembled as the words tumbled out of her mouth. “God give some folks gifts. Like teachers. They doin’ the Lord’s work. Auntie had a gift of hearin’. She could hear spirits talkin’. She had the gift of sight. She could see the dead. She had the gift of speakin’. She could calm down the most savage of demons with the right words. Auntie said, ‘He wants the truth. I’ll give it to him.’ And that was that.”
Mulling her words, he delved into the box again. As he pulled this and that out, examining the items, the two engaged in small talk. There was no need for a formal interview. Things had taken a new life of their own. Well played, Mrs. Florence… They drifted to the topic of trauma…
“…My aunt also found out that her biological father wasn’t the man who raised her, but she didn’t know ’til she was grown. A lot happened, actually. It’s amazin’ she turned out as well as she did. I don’t know what parts of this discussion you’re going to use in your article, but I ask that you keep it professional and don’t slander my aunt.”
“I wouldn’t dare do such a thing. I loved ’er as much as you.”
She nodded and stood right after he did.
“Thank you. Do you mind if I take a few pictures of these photos of her?”
“Not at all. Feel free.” After waiting for him to snap pictures of the photographs and place everything neatly back into the box, she walked him to the front door. “Are you sure you won’t stay for dinner? It’s okay.” She rested her hand on his shoulder, as if to offer comfort. Now he was the one feeling guilty and concerned.
“No ma’am, but thank you all the same. You enjoy the rest of your day, and again thank you also for your kindness and hospitality.” He went to shake her hand but instead, she grabbed him in an embrace.
He walked out of the house, his fists bawled at his sides to the point of pain. Getting inside the car, he pulled his seatbelt roughly across his body, the tears now blurring his vision and stinging his eyes. He turned on the radio and rested his head against the steering wheel. New Radicals’ ‘You Get What You Give,’ blasted from the speakers, mocking and soothing him at the same time. YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU GIVE… YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU GIVE… YOU ONLY GET WHAT YOU GIVE…
He drove off, not certain where he was going. His phone rang, but he ignored it. He just kept going as he finally allowed the tears to fall. I SURRENDER! I’M COMIN’, MAMA. I’M GOING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU! GOD HELP ME…
His silence was broken like shattered glass. Like frozen pain defrosting in a burning house…
“Mama. I love you…” Love is the same as truth. Tell the truth…
…Speak no evil.
Chapter Eighteen
Axel sat in Legend’s living room with the television on and the baby monitor set on the coffee table. It smelled amazing in there thanks to Desiree’s candles and incense, as well as Legend’s housecleaning skills where he didn’t skimp on the Febreeze and Fabuloso, but that did little to cheer up Axel’s sour mood. Desiree was at their restaurant and Legend was home with the baby, working on some menu changes. He scanned a sheet of paper, highlighting some parts.
“Caspian is out here killin’ people again… I just know it,” Axel mumbled.
Legend burst out laughing as if the shit was funny. Childish.
“What’s so funny? There’s nothin’ hilarious about that, Legend.”
“It is funny. Killing again? What makes you believe he ever stopped?” Legend shook his head. Clearly, he thought that was no big damn deal.