Page 93 of Widow Mayker

Leaning up, I kissed Von’s forehead. “I have to go to work. When I get back, you better be up.”

It took strength to leave Von’s bedside. However, as I exited his room, there wasn’t a tear for me to shed. All I smelled and tasted was blood. All I cared about was avenging the man I loved.

As I walked down the hallway, Lewis and Shyah approached me. I hugged Shyah tightly and wiped the tears she shed.

“I love you, Sis,” she said to me.

“I love you, too.” I hugged her once more, then hugged Lewis. He looked like he’d seen better days. He and Von were close, so he was handling things just about as badly as the rest of us.

“Don’t go too far,” he said. “I’m sure my bro can feel you near.”

I smiled and replied, “I’m never leaving Von’s side. The both of you are stuck with me.”

Lewis chuckled. “That’s alright with me.”

He and I dapped, just as Adir appeared.

“Can we talk?” Lewis asked Adir.

Adir nodded. “Of course.”

I hugged my big cousin, then made my way to my next destination. Heir’s hospital room was covered in fresh flowers, teddy bears, and balloons. Kody sat in a rocking chair with a sleeping Heir in his lap. He had her covered in a blanket, and his eyes were on her face as he rocked her. I couldn’t believe the two ended up so close. One day I would come to know what happened to Heir. Right now, I just wanted to ensure that my sister was safe.

Kody glanced at me and motioned me over. I shook my head.

“Let her sleep. I’ll be back.”

He dipped his head.

I left Heir’s room only to see Kwamé stepping off the elevators.

“Why are you up here?” I questioned, heart tripping inside my chest.

She hugged me and said, “I’m just sitting with Carmen. She’s not doing well.”

“Oh…” I peered down the hall at Von’s room. His parents had gone back inside with him.

“She’ll be okay,” Kwamé assured me. “You go handle what needs to be handled. Antonias, Bianca, and I have everything under control here.”

“Right. Thank you, Kwamé.”

She waved me off. “Family sticks together, and Von’s people belong to us now.”

Grinning, I seconded that.

Stepping onto the elevator, I took a deep breath. The ring on my finger felt heavy, taunting me with the fact that I’d found love and that it wanted forever with me. It taunted me with a life that a woman like me could never have. This was a slap in the face, and maybe even a little bit of karma for going against my vow to turn over a new leaf.

“Fuck that!” I sneered to the four walls of the elevator. If Jerell wanted to join his brother in hell, I would gladly send him there. Fuck turning over a new leaf. Nobody respected when I tried to let go of the woman inside me. Therefore, she would do what she knew best. She would shed blood.

MAJA

Jerell Franklin turned his life around after losing his oldest brother to the streets. According to Alli, Jerell had seemingly been living a quiet life. He was in a relationship now, and the couple was expecting a baby girl. Jerell could’ve had his wonderful life to live. Instead, he allowed the death of his brother to immerse him back into a life he’d turned his back on. Tonight, he would learn that his need for revenge wasn’t greater than mine.

“Katrice was the connect between Lucían and Jerell,” Alli explained. “I’ve been going through her messages, and it looks like she’s been in Jerell’s ear since Jemell’s death.”

Poppa grimaced. “She already knew Lucían was coming for Heir.”

Alli nodded. “Right. Jerell was already out for blood, so naturally, he did whatever the bitch asked him to do.”