Page 57 of June: When Gangstas Collide

I anticipated seeing June this evening, since I hadn’t heard from him since giving him the envelope. I thought about calling him or showing up at home again, but the way he felt about Clark and me, that wasn’t the best idea. I prayed he would take what I gave him as a peace offering. Clark was in a state where he was willing to do whatever because, after tonight, he would be at the mercy of his grandson.

I placed my pearl earrings in my ears before I took one last look at myself in the mirror. Once I was satisfied with my look, I picked up my clutch bag and left the bedroom. When I reached the stairs, I could see Clark waiting at the bottom. I wanted to leave Clark, but I had been with him for so many years, I didn’t know how. There was no excuse. It was simply because I had become dependent on him and wasn’t sure which direction I would go without him. He knew that, too. Clark was my hell, and because fear held me tighter than my faith, I was still here.

When I had gotten to the bottom of the steps, he held his hand out to mine and I took it. Francene opened the door, and he and I left the house and entered the SUV to head to the FBP. The drive was silent as Clark’s focus was probably on persuasion, while mine was on checkmate. This wasn’t about the money or title; this was about stopping Clark from being a tyrant. I knew this wouldn’t shut him down completely, but it was a start, and the satisfaction of seeing him bow to the one person he turned his back on was it.

Franklin had finally stopped the car when we reached FBP and helped me out. Before walking inside, Clark grabbed my arm and yanked me back, “You need to get the Laureauxs to vote against June getting in. I mean that shit, Cynthia. I can handle Naheem.”

I felt a lump in my throat because you never know with Clark. He probably had something up his sleeve, and if he won this battle, no telling what the hell would happen. I pulled my arm away from his as I entered the building and said a prayer along the way.

“God, please,”

I mumbled as I disappeared into the back.