Dirty Work: Part 2

“Quite a few, if I recall.”

Before they knew it, they had walked six blocks while engrossed in conversation. Their talk was needed, and the laughter was needed between them a lot more. But then the present came up.

Eshon looked fretful. “Where do we go from here? I’m scared, Kid.”

“I wish I knew. I’m just along for the ride like everyone else.”

“I know you are, Kid. Devon worries me though. He has this look about him, it’s almost satanic.”

“He’s always been like that, Eshon.”

“I know, but it’s a lot scarier since Kip died. He’s the type of nigga to give the devil the chills,” she said.

“He is a scary guy.”

“Too scary. They was Kip’s peoples, not yours. You should just part from them and rebuild somewhere else.”

“And you need to stop telling me what I need to do. I’m a grown man, Eshon. I may not be Kip, but I’m still able to take care of myself.”

“I know you can. I guess I worry about you because you’re the only brother I have.”

“I’ll be all right, Eshon.”

“You promise?”

“I promise,” he replied.

They turned around and headed back to the motel. It was getting late.

19

The cigarette smoke danced around the SUV as Papa John worked on his third cigarette. He was sitting in the driver’s seat parked on the still and quiet street, and keeping a keen eye on his father’s place. A

.9mm sat on passenger seat, but Papa John had nothing to worry about in Whitestone. The only threat he saw was his father. Having an affair with Dina was risky, but it was worth it. She gave him pleasures and an escape from his turbulent lifestyle. He ached to see her again. He took another drag from the cancer stick and exhaled. Finally, he watched his father’s Benz back out of the driveway and drive off. To be on the safe side, he continued to sit in the vehicle for a few minutes. He dialed Dina and she answered almost immediately.

“Hello?”

“He’s gone for the night, right?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“A’ight, I’m parked down the block. Give me ten minutes and I’ll head that way.”

“Okay.”

He ended the call and finished his cigarette. Weed and pussy were the only two things that could cool his nerves. He was energized for another night with Dina, and he couldn’t wait the full ten minutes. Papa John exited the SUV five minutes early and trekked toward the house with his head held low and a dark baseball cap pulled low over his brow. He entered the driveway and swiftly moved toward the backyard.

Dina already had the back door opened and was waiting for him in a black silk robe. He hugged her right away, which was followed by a passionate kiss. The door closed and the fondling began. But before things got too hot and heavy between them, Dina placed her hand against his chest and pushed him back. She stared at him.

“What’s up? Something wrong?” he asked.

“I’m worried about you, Papa John.”

“Worried about me? Why?”

“These bombings in the city—who’s after you and why?”

Papa John sighed. He didn’t come to talk about his troubles. He felt stupid for even mentioning it to her.