Page 41 of Grace's Redemption

My stomach ached.

I clutched it, hoping and praying.

He was probably no bigger than a peanut, but I had to get out of here. I had to protect him.

They continued a conversation above my head.

I rose to my feet.

“She’s not getting away with this, she murdered my grandchild and disrespected me and my family.” He yelled and pointed.

“I thought I was your family.” I spit between coughs.

He lunged for me, but Mase stepped in front of me.

My plan worked. It actually worked. I knew if forced to, Mase would choose me. I peeked over his shoulder at Papa Scott. His white skin had red splotches on it. He growled and paced back and forth.

“You choosing her, over your family?”

“No.” Mase said.

I flattened my back against the cement fence.

“I’m saying we need to get rid of her, but not here, not like this. There’s enough shit on us right now as it is.” Mase placed his hand on his father’s chest. Talking about me like I was nothing, a piece of trash sticking to the bottom of his shoe.

I caught Derrick’s gaze. He had the same expression on his face the night Mattie was killed.

“You take care of it.” Papa patted Mase on his chest. “You go with him and make her disappear.”

Derrick nodded.

”Your father would be so disappointed in you, Grace.” Papa Scott said. He shook his head and turned his back on me. No more words, no more insults. Just like that, he was done with me. Like he was done with Mattie.

He walked back inside. The door slammed and the noise resonated in my ears.

“Get the van.” Mase said to Derrick.

“Mase, man—”

“Get the fucking van Derrick.” Mase yelled.

I jumped.

Derrick scurried off.

“Mase.” I pleaded. My mouth snapped shut as he spun around and blocked me between his arms.

“Shut your fucking mouth, Gracie.” He studied my face and looked me up and down. He tilted my chin. He took care to make sure I was okay.

He leaned over, toward me. Before I knew it, he had bent down, grabbed me behind the knees and threw me over his shoulders.

The van pulled up a second later.

Mase threw open the door and dropped me on the floor. I opened my mouth, but he slammed the door shut before I could say a word.

I crawled up toward the front of the van.

Mase climbed in his seat.