Page 150 of Remiss

Tee might not have heard her wistfulness but Kendall did. Apparently, so did Zoann, because she grabbed Roxy’s hand and squeezed.

“I’ll cut any bitch who tries to fuck with her,” Roxy continued, decked out in diamonds, soft leather pants, a cashmere turtleneck sweater, and croc-embossed riding boots. She sat on prestigious boards, had money to burn thanks to her marriage, and was a valued member of the community.

But shewouldcut a bitch. In a minute, which was one of the reasons Kendall loved her so much.

Zoann sighed and shook her head. “Guess who is trying to fuck with Roxy’s baby?”

Glancing over his shoulder, Tee swallowed, then shrugged. “I-I don’t know.”

“Take a wild guess, motherfucker,” Roxy snapped.

“Bailey hasn’t been here in days. I can’t see what Symphony could’ve done to her,” Tee blurted.

“Oh, so you do know?” Zoann smirked and looked at Kendall. “Did you hear that, cousin?”

“I certainly did, cousin,” Kendall said, folding her arms. “As an attorney, I can assure you ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law.”

“Symphony broke the law?” Tee gulped. “Did she steal from Bailey?”

“She tried her fucking best to steal dick that didn’t belong to her,” Kendall said.

“What…?” Tee widened his eyes, then looked at each of them. “Is this about Mortician?”

“Ding, ding, ding,” Zoann chimed.

“I don’t know…what Mortician does in his own time isn’t my business or yours. I don’t want trouble. Lunch crowd will start trickling in in about fifteen minutes and I haven’t even began cutting my fries with this foolishness.”

Zoann got to her feet and glided to the door, then locked it. “Call Verna or whatever the fuck her name is. That bitch back there? Won’t be fit to work for the next fucking year.”

Tee glared at them. “Mortician does what the fuck he wants to with his dick. If he’s not satisfied at home and needs relief in a young piece of pussy, you don’t have shit to say. Now, unlock my fucking door before things get ugly.”

“Kendall, baby, go find a fucking broom. Zoann, call ‘911’. Ask for EMTs and police. That bitch is leaving in an ambulance—”

“And we’re leaving in the back of a cruiser,” Kendall said coldly, stalking toward the kitchen to search for the broom.

Symphony walked out of the supply closet, carrying unopened napkins. She sat them next to a dozen condiment bottles filled with ketchup and mustard, then turned and faced Kendall. “You aren’t allowed back here, so leave.”

Kendall smiled. “Where’s the broom?” she asked.

“I’m telling Tee.”

“He knows I’m back here. Where’s the fucking broom?”

Huffing, Symphony stomped out of sight, returning within moments carrying the broom. She held it out to Kendall. “Here.”

Holding onto her temper by a thread, Kendall snatched the broom. “Come on,” she ordered, not waiting to see if she’d follow, just expecting her to do so.

In the dining room, Tee was still standing at the table, near Roxy. His mistake.

Anticipation stirring in her belly, Kendall leaned the broom against the table, then took her seat.

“What’s going on?” Symphony asked.

“I have a question, Symphony,” Roxy said.

“I’m not sure if I have the answer,” Symphony sniffed. “Or if Iwillanswer if I can.”

Pursing her lips, Roxy nodded. “Do you enjoy working here?”