This is book 1 in the Thin Ice Series Family. It can be read as a standalone without reading Thin Ice (1-12) or Noir Frost (1-5) but a significant amount of the ‘history’ may be lost on the reader.
Harmony is never a mainstay it seems where matters of the heart are concerned. A late-night phone call proves this supposition true yet again for the Bailey and Taylor clans. Tasked with freeing their daughter from the sinister trap set by an unscrupulous admirer, star crossed lovers and bitter enemies must once again come together. As lost destiny clashes with painful realities, more than one set of boundaries will be broken before peace is restored.
Opening Passage
This better be good, Tariq internally groused hearing the loudly shrill cellphone ringer. Turning over he picked up the phone, the number unfamiliar. Pressing the talk button, he addressed the disturbance in his sleep.
“Yeah.”
Tariq brusquely threw out the response glancing at the clock and noting the 3AM time. Returning his mind to the call, the sniffling garnered his full attention.
“Daddy..”
“Tadjra, what’s wrong honey?”
Tariq quizzed his daughter, fully alert now.
“Honey, talk to me, what’s going on?”
His stomach knotted as he waited, allowing her to gather herself. His mind meanwhile, played every horrible scenario possible for her call this time of morning.
“Daddy, I’m in jail.”
The tearful outburst returned.
What the hell?!
“Okay honey calm down, tell me what’s going on.”
Seduction was sent on a training assignment last week, leaving him alone in their home tonight. Tariq expected her home in the next three days. He dialed Mook from his spare cellphone, waking him and giving him a quick rundown of his conversation to this juncture. Tadjra was hysterical. She could offer no sensibly plausible explanation why she had been arrested. He addressed Mook first before going back to his daughter.
“Hang on.”
He spoke into the other phone now.
“Listen honey, I’m sending Uncle Mook down to get you and I’m jumping on the next flight, you sit tight okay?”
“Okay, please tell Uncle Mook to hurry.”
She reluctantly disconnected.
“Yeah, I’m back.”
Tariq was again speaking to Mook.
“I’m in the truck, I should be at the jail in about ten minutes.”
Raider spoke, Mook having added him to the call.
“Twin, what the hell?
“I don’t know. She was so upset I could barely make heads of tails of what she was saying. Where is KiSean?”
“Flying back from D.C., I sent him on some business.”
Tariq grunted understanding of Mook’s response.
“I’m headed for the airport now, I found a flight leaving in the next forty minutes. I should touch down around 6AM your time.”
“I’ll meet you at the airport Twin.”
Mook had a question.
“Do you know if she reached out to Kiki?”
Tariq exhaled audibly.
“I don’t know.”
“You want me to call her Twin?”
Even with the year and a half that passed since they saw each other, they both knew the spot remained painfully tender for him.
“No, I’ll call her.”
Tariq got into the idling car, giving the driver his destination.
“Mook, as soon as you get there, get Tadjra, and find out what’s going on, call me.”
“You already know.”
Mook assured them both his compliance before disconnecting.
What in the hell is going on with my baby? Tariq’s mind another time probed circumstance as they drove. Taking a deep breath, he pulled up his cellphone contacts. The girls insisted on giving him Kaitlyn’s cell number. “Just in case you can’t reach us daddy,” Tedjra told him, plugging the numbers in. Right now, he was glad he had it. Saying another swift and silent prayer, he hit the number, answering yes when the instrument asked if he wanted to call the displayed digits. The phone connected and began to ring. Tariq secretly hoped it would go to voicemail. Unfortunately, the universe held other ideas.
“Hello.”
“Kiki, this is Riq.”
He heard covers shuffled imagining the thoughts going through her mind presently.
“Is something wrong?”
“Tadjra called me, she is in jail.”
“What?!!”
“Kiki, baby is everything okay?”
Tariq heard Ian in the background. His jaw instantly clenched. He chided himself and began to breathe deeply pushing the anger away. He needed his head clear to deal with the situation at present.
“Riq, why is our daughter in jail?”
“I don’t know. When she called she was so upset I could barely make out what she was saying.”
Tariq heard drawers opening and closing, surmising she was grabbing clothing, beginning to pack.
“Oh god, I have to get to her.”
“I sent Mook to get her out. He’ll take her to his house. I just arrived at the airport, so I’ll be in Miami in the next two hours.”
“Okay, yes, I’m on my way too.”
“WE, are on our way baby.”
Ian another time spoke from the background.
“Come on we can call the pilot on the way to the airport.”
Tariq knew he was alluding the jet Nyko owned. He took another breath realizing he would have to see the man in the flesh and deal with him for a few days. As long as he realizes I’m Tadjra’s true father!
“Riq, tell Mook to call me when he picks her up, please.”
“I will.”
Passing through the checkpoints without issue, Tariq made his way to his gate just as the plane boarded. Once inside, he found his seat and sat down. Please protect my daughter and give me strength to deal with Ice. He prayed peace out of confusion another time just as the pilot alerted them they were cleared for takeoff.
Part One: The New Regime
Problems & Situations
The longer he sat, the angrier he became. Calm down, this shit is your fault to start with, his conscience reminded. Taking a deep cleansing breath Mister blew it out slowly. How the hell did we get here? His mind again questioned the dilemma for the hundredth time. Because you’re an idiot. His conscience quickly pounced in judgement, providing zero breaks.
“A mistake, a dumb mistake.”
The car pulled up and parked. Mister’s eyes never left the BMW or it’s occupant. Tedjra opened the door and got out just as the other vehicle pulled into the parking space next to her. The frown instant and acrid when the door opened, the recognizable figure exiting.
“Not this crap again.”
Tedjra turned heading for her apartment, the visitor walking beside her. Looks like you’re already being replaced.
“Not hardly.”
They reached the front door and he saw her insert the key, walking inside, inviting the visitor in as well. You know he still has a thing for her, his mind spoke anew of Layman Hildebrandt. Mister thought he saw the last of him when the girls graduated nearly two years ago. He went off to the University of Florida. Two plus hours away from Tedjra. They play this weekend. The thoughts reminded of the impending football game. Mister grunted. He was sure that was the excuse for coming up to Tallahassee and seeing Tedjra. And your stupid ass gave him the perfect opening now didn’t you? He and Tedjra were on a break. At least that’s what he called it. She said they were done, over, finished. Mister wasn’t hearing that.
He sighed anew thinking of the situation that landed him here sitting in the parking lot watching the woman he loved invite another man inside her apartment. Raquel Davis was a chick from his biology class. They chit chatted a bit in class, and when he saw her on campus here and there. Mister never thought much about her until that night. One of his buddies, Mario, threw a party at his place and she was there. He spoke, they danced, smoked some weed, drank a bit and had a generally good time. Mister supposed he drank more than usual, but he still could not recall how he ended up in Mario’s spare bedroom, naked, with Raquel riding his dick. Of course, when Tedjra walked in and saw them, she didn’t give a damn why. She wasn’t even supposed to be there. He asked her to go earlier and she told him she had to work on a project with her study group. “Here I am feeling guilty because I couldn’t come with you,” Tedjra told him coldly after Raquel hastily dressed and ran out of the room. “Looks like you were doing just fine without me,” she added, turning on her heel. Mister grabbed her arm, spinning her around trying desperately to explain. “Baby please, I don’t know what happened, I didn’t plan this, I swear.” She continued to regard him without emotion. “We are done,” Tedjra fired evenly. “Finished. Don’t call me, don’t come to my house.” She pulled away and stormed out of the room. Mister jumped up to follow her catching up to her in the parking lot. “Baby, I’m sorry, I will do anything to make it up to you, please Tedjra, don’t break up with me, please,” Mister tried again. “Michael, get out of my way.” He continued to block the driver door of her car. “Not until you say we can talk about this.” Tedjra exhaled heavily. “I. am. done. Michael,” she told him instead, eyes burning into him. “I told you when we got together, trust was the most important thing to me, and you fully destroyed that tonight,” she finished physically pushing him out of the way and getting into her car.
The buzzing cellphone mercifully released him from the painful memory. Mister frowned seeing his uncle’s number as he noted the time and answered. Good news never came after midnight.
“Hey Uncle Mook.”
“Hey Michael, are you at Tedjra’s?”
“Yeah.”
He may not have been inside, but he was technically at her house and that’s what his uncle asked.
“Good, listen, something has happened, and I need you to fly here with her.”
Misters stomach fell. He was sure the next words he would hear were about her sister being hurt or God forbid worse.
“Tadjra was arrested.”
“Wait, what?”
Mister frowned deeply. His uncle explained all that he knew, again asking him to arrange a flight and get there with Tedjra as quickly as possible.
“Everyone is on the way and should be on the ground in the next couple hours.”
“Where is KiSean?”
He knew his cousin was going to flip when he found out what was going on.
“He should land in the next twenty minutes and I’ll let him know once he gets here.”
“Tadjra is there? I mean you got her out right.”
“Yeah, we just got back about 10 minutes ago, I gave her something and made her lay down.”
“Okay Uncle Mook, as soon as we are at the airport I’ll let you know.”
“Okay and assure Tedjra that physically Tadjra is fine.”
Mook iterated that point another time before disconnecting.
Mister opened the door and got out of the vehicle, mind whirling as he walked toward Tedjra’s front door.
*****
Layman regarded her as she walked into the kitchen to get the water he requested when she offered something to drink. He wasn’t stupid. Something was going on with her and the boyfriend. Layman saw her send two of his calls to ignore earlier this evening as they hung out. Now if I can just figure out how to confirm and exploit it. Layman still carried deep feelings for Tedjra. Time and distance did little to quell them. She was such a phenomenal woman. Michael didn’t deserve her. So, what exactly did mister wonderful do to piss her off? His mind pondered deeper when she came back, handing him the bottle of water, breaking the musing.
“Thanks.”
Layman smiled at her.
“You’re welcome.”
Tedjra took a seat next to him on the sofa.
“When were you home last?”
“Maybe a month or so. I try to fly up often and see mommy and everyone, but you know sometimes class and stuff doesn’t allow it.”
“I know what you mean. I’m actually surprised you had time to hang out tonight.”
Tedjra burst into laughter at him teasing her.
“Well I really shouldn’t be hanging out with the enemy anyway.”
They both laughed.
“You know we’re going to win tomorrow right.”
Layman teased her again about the football game.
“Ha! You wish.”
“You talked to Daena?”
Layman sat back and made himself comfortable.
“Yeah, I talked to that crazy girl the other day. Doing her thing, and still messing with Rondé off and on.”
Layman shook his head.
“You think they might actually end up together?”
Tedjra shrugged.
“Who knows, anything is possible I guess.”
“Tedjra we’re real friends right?”
Giving him a confused look, she nodded yes.
“Okay, so tell me what’s wrong.”
He spoke softly, never taking his eyes from her. Tedjra averted her eyes, clearing her throat slightly.
“Nothing Layman, I’m okay.”
Layman exhaled heavily, putting down the bottle of water, and turned to her. He took her hands into his own, lowering his head until his eyes found hers again and forced the contact.
“You are an absolutely terrible liar, now tell me.”
He saw the tears and knew he was hitting nerves. He never released her hands, allowing her time to gather herself. After a few moments, Tedjra lifted her head and looked him in the eye.
“Michael and I are over.”
“Wow, okay, so was that your choice?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure that’s what you really want?”
He of course wanted her to say yes but continued playing his role. He wanted her but he couldn’t blurt that out right now.
“It’s for the best.”
He frowned marginally. It wasn’t a definitive yes, of course leaving the door open for them to reconcile. That wasn’t something Layman wanted to happen. She was free and he wanted her to remain that way. At least until the two of them connected and became the couple they should have always been.
“Tedjra, you know I’ve got your back.”
The words elicited a small smile.
“Thank you.”
Layman reached out and hugged her, pulling her into his arms as she hugged him back. They remained intertwined each silently lost in their own ponderings, the comfort of another warm body soothing their beings temporarily. Tedjra broke the connection first, pulling away and reaching for her water. Disappointed, but determined to be patient, Layman mimicked her action.
“So, you want to go to the game with me tomorrow or are you hooking up with your girls?”
Tedjra chuckled.
“We can go together, but don’t be mad when we win.”
“Not even a worry.”
They laughed again.
“Did you get a hotel, or do you have friends here?”
Tedjra rose throwing away their trash.
“I’m splitting a room with a couple of guys from school, we all came up together.”
“So how are you going to the game with me? I would think all of you were going together.”
“Nah, they have chicks here they’re hooking up with.”
“Aaah, I see.”
Tedjra chortled.
“I’m going to go ahead and head out now though, it’s late, and I’ve kept you up long enough.” Layman glanced at his watch when he stood. It was nearly 5AM.
“You’re welcome to the couch if you don’t feel like driving Layman.”
The grin nearly burst onto his face like a Cheshire cat, but he suppressed the reaction.
“You’re sure you don’t mind? I wouldn’t want to make you uncomfortable or cause drama.”
The insincerity rolled off his tongue without hesitation.
Tedjra rolled her eyes in exasperation, laughing at him. She walked into her bedroom returning moments later with a pillow and blanket.
“Thanks.”
Layman took the items from her.
“Bathroom is there at the end of the hall. You know where the kitchen is, and you’re welcome to whatever.”
“Alright, thanks again Tedjra.”
Layman leaned over kissing her cheek.
The knock at the door startled them. She frowned deeply and walked over to the front door. Layman dropped the blanket and pillow onto the couch, squaring his shoulders. He had a helluva good idea who was on the other side.
*****
Tedjra displayed major attitude looking the visitor over standing at her front door.
“Why are you here?”
Mister took a deep breath. He wanted to charge in, punch the hell out of Layman, and drag him out of the house. Instead he looked her in the eye and opened his mouth.
“Uncle Mook called. He needs us in Miami, now.”
The attitude swiftly erased, fear and confusion replaced it.
“Why, what’s wrong, what happened?”
“Grab some clothes and I’ll explain it all on the way. Our flight leaves in fifty minutes, so hurry.”
Tedjra turned without another word running back into her bedroom to do as Mister asked. He stepped inside the still open door, eyes boring into Layman. The man never backed down, returning the defiant look given. Glancing around Mister saw the blanket and pillow, his ire rising another time. Returning his eyes to Layman, he spoke anew, careful to keep his voice down.
“Stay away from Tedjra.”
The words left Mister in a growl.
Layman smiled, stepping a bit closer so they could speak, his desire also that Tedjra not hear their conversation.
“You don’t get to tell me that anymore. Tedjra told me about the two of you. It’s over. You messed up, which of course I knew you would.”
Mister’s fists flexed while he summoned every ounce of strength not to knock the hell out of the cocky idiot standing in front of him.
“Don’t get excited. Tedjra loves me, and trust while we are in Miami, with our family, surrounded by everyone who supports us, we will work this out and come back stronger than ever.”
He could see the small waiver from the man, quickly replaced by the false bravado.
“Not this time.”
Layman hissed the rest of the words, his anger and fear colliding.
“I know one thing about Tedjra, it takes a lot for her to say she’s done, so I’m guessing you probably did something really stupid, like cheat on her. Trust that will not be smoothed over.”
Mister hated how on target Layman was, but he wouldn’t give his nemesis the satisfaction of knowing how right he was, or how scared he was the spoken summation would prove true. There were several mountains to climb getting back into Tedjra’s good graces. This complication one more in a long list that he did not need.
“Yeah you would like to believe that, but trust me, I know my woman, and I know her heart belongs to me, her body responds to me, nothing will change that, especially not a lovesick puppy who still can’t take no for an answer.”
Tedjra breezed back into the room effectively ending the conversation.
“I’m ready.”
“I’m sorry Layman, I…”
“Don’t sweat it at all Tedjra, I understand. Please let me know that you’re okay and everything is alright when you get to Miami.”
Knowing it would piss Michael off, Layman leaned in and kissed her cheek another time. Hugging her tightly eyes defiantly locked with the man glaring at him.
“I will.”
Mister took the bag from her as she allowed it.
“Come on, we need to get going.”
Walking out Tedjra secured the lock the three of them making their way to the parking lot. Layman waved as he got into his car and pulled out. Tedjra got into the passenger side as Mister held the door for her. He walked around to the driver’s side and got in starting the car, backing out and turning toward the airport.
“What’s going on Michael?”
Mister glanced over at her, giving her a small smile before answering.
“Um, Uncle Mook says Tadjra was arrested.”
“What?! Why the hell is my sister being arrested! That doesn’t make any sense!”
Mister explained what Mook told him, adding they would find out more once they arrived.
“Where is she?”
Tedjra continued frowning deeply digesting the revelation.
“At Uncle Mooks’.”
“Does daddy know? Mommy? Daddy Ian, Uncle Élan, Uncle Ryan?”
“I think they all know. Uncle Mook said everyone would be there when we land.”
“This is crazy.”
“It’s going to be okay Tedjra.”
Mister tried to soothe her angst as they arrived at the airport. He immediately turned toward long-term parking. Finding a spot and paying the fee, they got out and headed toward the parking deck entrance.
“Tedjra, I know things are unsteady with us right now, but I’m here baby for anything you need to help you get through this.”
He held his breath as she continued to regard him silently for the next few tense minutes.
“Thanks.”
Mister smiled, hugging her tightly. The shuttle arrived, and they boarded heading for the main terminal. His mind continued to make chess moves as they rode. He would do whatever it took to keep Tedjra in his life and his exclusively. Maybe a change in scenery would be a start. The issue with Tadjra was bad yes, but it could also be used to maneuver Tedjra into his way of thinking. The University of Miami offered the exact program she studied at FSU. She could be closer to her sister. Mister continued thinking of selling points. He fathomed if they were in Miami nearer to family and support, it would strengthen their bond to each other. He could not lose her. That remained an impossibility in his mind. There is one other way. The darkness in him began to speak. Mister didn’t embrace it immediately, but he did place it in the back of his mind for later recall. The shuttle stopped, and he rose helping her out as they headed inside to their plane. One thing stayed certain in his mind. When everything was said and done, they would yet again be a happy, loving, couple.
She Loves Me…..Does She?
Ian’s mind worked feverishly as they flew. After waking Ryan and giving him the information, his brother advised he would catch a later flight. “You can’t be there with all them alone,” Ryan spoke. “I don’t think there will be any issue, but I would definitely feel better with you there, bring Tweety too if you can,” Ian spoke. Mook called some forty minutes into the flight telling Kaitlyn what was going on. They discussed it and what the next steps should be. Her answer troubled him, but he was forced to admit she was right. “Mook says Riq has already called Akil since he is in Florida and practices there. We’re going to have to all sit down and talk everything over once we arrive.” Ian found himself in a precarious position. Before finding out their father was alive, anything to do with the girls would have been his decision alone. Legally he could still pull rank, but he didn’t want to alienate either of the girls. The fact that Tadjra called Tariq before calling him or Kaitlyn spoke volumes in his mind.
He heard rumblings of the closeness between the two in the year plus that he returned to their lives. Kaitlyn told him about the trips to Houston and his to Miami where they spent time together. Is she slowly phasing me out of her life? Ian found the thought painful. He loved the twins. He raised them, did everything for them. If they left his life now the void would be vast and unfillable. They still love you, you know this. The uncertainty brought a huge exhalation of breath.
“What’s wrong?”
“Just want everything to go right.”
“Me too. I also want to hear the whole story of just what the hell is going on.”
“I have to admit I’m a little curious why Tadjra didn’t call us first?”
Ian casually put his concerns in the air with the statement.
Now Kaitlyn freed the long slow breath. He could see her mind working, almost making him fear the answer that would make its way from her lips.
“Ice, honestly it’s been really hard for Tadjra the years we thought Riq was dead. For her this last year plus has been a chance to get close to her father again. They always shared a very special bond, much like you and Tedjra.”
Ian nodded but didn’t speak. He supposed the explanation made sense, but it didn’t make the seeming rejection hurt any less. Seeming to sense his thoughts, Kaitlyn reached out and took his hand.
“Tadjra loves you Ice. She loves Riq too, and on this one we all have to work together and put everything else aside.”
“I know baby, and you’re right.”
Ian kissed her hand.
“I promise I won’t make waves where there don’t need to be any.”
She smiled then returning her attention to the sky and clouds they flew above. Ian’s mind turned its sights on his wife and his cousin. Why did he have her cell number? Had they been talking and corresponding all this time? Did he still need to worry about Kaitlyn leaving him for Tariq again? No, we are in a good place, Kiki loves me, our marriage is strong. The doubt continued to nip at him. He replayed the phone call. There was nothing out of the way with what she said. Ian simply felt left out. He always felt like he was playing catch up where those two were concerned. Yes, I need Ryan there and Tweety. Ian surmised with family around Kaitlyn would remember she was no longer a part of Tariq’s world or inner circle. He has a woman in his life, one he loves from everything I’ve been told. He needed a drink right now. Thinking of having to deal with the entire crew yet another time already wore on his nerves. What’s really eating you? All the shit you’re coming up with are excuses, tell the truth, what is truly bothering you?
Ian’s jaw clenched as he internally released the truth. He was dreading seeing and sitting in the same room with Tariq. He especially hated the fact that the man would have just as much input as he and his word could feasibly end not only his relationship with the twins, but his wife. Ian was no fool. Even now in his gut, his deepest heart of hearts, he knew. If the man even hinted at wanting another chance with Kaitlyn she would leave him without thought. No, she wouldn’t leave our kids and I sure as hell wouldn’t let her take them. Ian began to fight back in his mind. Are you fully sure she won’t? The insecurity already growing returned.
“Please return to your seats if you’re walking around and strap in, we are about to land,” the pilot spoke over the intercom.
Ian was thankful for the intrusion in the abyss his thoughts were leading. He needed to shake the nonsense. Tadjra needed them, all of them. He was not about to let her down.
“Here we go.”
Kaitlyn spoke as the plane began to descend. Ian gave her a reassuring smile taking her hand another time pushing every other intrusive thought aside except them getting to Tadjra and working out the drama surrounding her.
*****
Kaitlyn took a deep breath as they made their way to the front of the rental counter. She texted Tadjra again while Ian secured their vehicle. She told her they were here and on their way to the house. ‘Okay Mommy, see you guys when you get here.’ Kaitlyn’s mind took flight another time. This drama could not be put behind them fast enough. She also had to deal with the thought of being in the same room with Tariq. Not just Tariq. This would also be the first time he and Ian were in the same room since they found out Tariq was alive. This is going to be tricky navigation all the way around. There remained little love lost between the two men. Even though he never verbally admitted it, Kaitlyn wasn’t stupid. She knew somewhere in his deepest heart of hearts, Tariq was angry about Ian taking over the girls lives. What was I supposed to do, I thought he was dead. She began to pray silently that somehow the two men managed to remain civil and work together for Tadjra’s sake. Ian’s voice broke her thought.
“Come on baby, I have the keys.”
Following dutifully, Kaitlyn made her way to the parking lot, the sun beating down on them. She was grateful for the speedy acting air conditioning inside the Lincoln they procured. Soon they were riding smoothly down the interstate following the GPS directions to Mook’s home. Kaitlyn’s mind took flight yet again. They will all be there. The people who for years comprised her family. Of course, they were all civil over the years, it still felt awkward to be here now with Ian. Tell the truth, you’re more afraid of seeing him again than anything else. Kaitlyn swallowed hard. She couldn’t deny the thought. Sure, nearly two years were passed but her heart still loved her soul mate. How was she supposed to be around him daily and her mind, or body, not react? You know Ice will be watching you like a hawk. She again agreed with the thought, not wanting to do anything to hurt the man. Ian stuck with her through all the turmoil of her not knowing who or what she wanted once Tariq came back into their lives. Shoring her resolve as much as she could, Kaitlyn promised to make a determined effort to concentrate on nothing except their daughter and getting her out of the mess she was in.
“We’re here baby.”
Looking up Kaitlyn saw the magnificent mansion sitting before them.
“This is a nice house.”
“Yes, it is actually.”
Ian conceded the fact before shutting off the car.
Getting out they made their way up the walkway to the front door. Ian reached out and rang the bell, the melodic chimes signaling their presence to those inside. They heard voices and movement on the other side of the smoked beveled glass. Moments later the door opened.
“Hey Auntie Kiki,” KiSean greeted with a smile, hugging her. “Hey Mr. Bailey. Come on in. Everyone is in the den.”
Following his lead, they walked through the beautiful home as Kaitlyn admired the décor. Bright and airy, furnished with contemporary pieces and professional window treatments, the house shone exquisite in every sense of the word. She smiled slightly noting all the turquoise infused in the schemes, recalling Kim’s favorite color.
“Mommy!”
Tadjra, seeing them, excitedly called out jumping up and hugging her mother.
“Hi Daddy Ian.”
She continued to smile, hugging him now as well.
Kaitlyn looked into her daughters’ eyes.
“How are you doing honey?”
“I’m okay now that I’m out of that horrible jail.”
“Hey, come have a seat both of you,” Mook addressed Kaitlyn and Ian.
They acquiesced sitting down on the sofa contained, accepting the drinks offered after making their requests known. Tadjra sat between them, head on her mother’s shoulder. Kaitlyn reached out and took her daughters hand, holding and squeezing it softly.
“I just talked to Top, he and Raider should be here in five minutes or so, and then we can all talk, make some plans, strategies and such.”
Garnering nods from everyone, they began talking amongst themselves about their other kids, business and the like, the elephant in the room ignored for the time being. True to the words spoken, the door chimes rang anew some five minutes later and KiSean another time went to answer it. Kaitlyn heard them before they ever reached the den, steeling herself as they walked through the threshold.
“Daddy!”
Tadjra rose leaving Kaitlyn and Ian, hugging her father tightly as he kissed her forehead and stroked her cheek speaking to her.
Raider spoke to them both, walking over where Mook made fresh drinks, engaging him in conversation. Kaitlyn saw the hurt in Ian’s eyes, the anger in his jaw clenching while he watched the two interact. Please God, I need a miracle here. She another time prayed silently as the inevitable happened. Tariq turned his attention to the couch where they sat, regarding them both silently for a few moments.
“Hello Ice, Kiki.”
“Hey Riq.”
“Hello Tariq.”
Ian’s tone matched Tariq’s coolness.
“Mook, has Akil called?”
He continued hugging Tadjra as she refused to let him go.
“Yeah, he will be here in ten minutes.”
“Good, we need to get the ball rolling.”
Everyone concurred as the bell rang again and Mook spoke.
“That should be Tedjra and Michael.”
Kaitlyn smiled, pleased to get the chance to see her other daughter as well.
“Let’s sit down.”
Tariq led Tadjra to the double recliners across from them. Tedjra and Michael walked in, greeting and hugging everyone. Tadjra hugged her sister, but never rose from the recliner. Tariq hugged Tedjra kissing her cheek as she smiled and wedged her way into the recliners with them. Kaitlyn another time glanced her husband, his eyes glued to the two girls and their father. Please, she prayed once more before the doorbell mercifully broke the tension and Akil arrived.