I look up and lie, “But my hurting you was only an act! Nik is nothing to me. Just a pay check. ”
He nods and assures, “He went quickly. Decapitation is a very painless way to die. ”
My face pales, my breathing heavies, and I feel ill.
Oh dear lord. He decapitated my cat?! I think I’m going to throw up.
Instead I stand and say thickly, “Well, now that we’ve worked things out and called a truce, I can forgive it. ” Over my dead body.
He gets my cue and stands, too. He comes close to me and mutters, “Maybe we should seal this deal with a kiss. ” His hand traces my collarbone and I shudder in disgust.
Omarr takes my shudder for something else and smiles. I state, “Sure, just so we both know what we are dealing with. I continue to work Nik and once I’m paid, I’m yours. ” He nods and I continue, “But you have to back off. I can’t be distracted. You want Nik hurt and I’ll hurt him, baby. For you, I’ll do anything. ” Then I walk a step forward and kiss him closed lipped but enthusiastically.
After I mentally count to fifteen, I step back and force a smile. Omarr is beaming and suddenly I don’t feel bad about doing this anymore. Omarr needs help and his uncle is the only one who can do that.
I’m doing the right thing.
For the greater good.
I take hold of Omarr’s hand and walk him to the door. He hesitates as I open it then leans down and kisses my cheek. With his lips still against me, he whispers, “I love you, mami. ”
Then he’s gone.
As soon as I shut the door my stomach knots and I slide my shaking hands up my cheeks and into my hair.
This’ll all be worth it in the end.
Standing, I kick off my heels and runs to Nat’s room. When I enter she beams, “I’m so proud of you! You did it!” Her laptop is open and she’s transferring the recording onto a USB.
Why do I feel so awful if this is such a good thing? I have a bad feeling.
Nat burns two discs. One for me to give Nik, one for me to give Uncle Jerm tomorrow morning and she keeps the USB as insurance.
I hug her hard and whisper, “I hope this works. ”
She responds with a squeeze, “It has to. ”
God help me if it doesn’t.
***
My head pounds from lack of sleep.
Anxiety kept me awake all night so I decide to get up earlier than I normally do. I shower and dress.
Uncle Jerm isn’t expecting me so I’m hoping he won’t refuse to see me. I get into my car and drive.
Trying to be inconspicuous last night on the phone with Nik I asked him where Uncle Jerm worked and he tried to be vague when he said the docks. So that’s where I’m heading. Surely, someone can point me in the right direction when I get there.
I arrive at the docks and the gates are shut and locked.
What the frick?
Checking the time on my phone, it’s just past seven. I sigh and exit my car. I walk over to the huge wire gate, press my forehead against it and breathe in the salty fresh air.
This is nice.
“Can I help you?” says a deep and loud voice.