Mish clutched his head, pressed the sharp blade firmly into the left side of his neck, and sliced it all the way around. Arnessa felt great satisfaction from watching his death, knowing that his reign of terror against her family and friends was finally over.

Chapter 21

Although it had been a long exhausting night, Kisa and Arnessa were front and center the next morning for Kennedy and Eisani’s arraignment.

Following his lawyer’s advice, Sincere did not attend, even though Maria held up her end up of the deal with Kisa. His lawyer thought it was best for Sincere to remain low until the police formally dropped the charges. Sincere didn’t mind, though. He wanted to be alone for a while to mourn Shawn’s death. He was plagued with guilt since it had been his idea to come back to New York before they’d been cleared.

Around noon, bailiffs led Kennedy and Eisani into the courtroom. Neither showed any emotion. The state charged them both with possession with intent to distribute six kilograms of cocaine. Kennedy’s attorney argued that the charges against Kennedy needed to be dropped immediately, since the police did not catch her inside the building, let alone inside the actual apartment with the drugs. She said that the police had no proof of whether Kennedy was coming or going. Amid protest from the prosecutor, the judge agreed and tossed out the case against Kennedy.

Eisani entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor requested that the judge deny her bail because Eisani had access to large amounts of untraceable money, making her a high flight risk. This time the judge sided with the prosecutor, remanding Eisani over until trial.

Kennedy, happy to be free, could have cared less about who sent the police or why. She expected to see Kisa and Arnessa when the processing was completed and she could leave jail. Instead, she was pleasantly surprised to see Chaz.

“We’v got to stop meeting like this,” he told her.

“If you weren’t picking me up from jail, we might not ever get to see each other,” Kennedy joked. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tight. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Chaz was taken aback by Kennedy’s affection. He hesitated a little then returned her warm embrace. “I will always be here.” He kissed her cheek, “I love you, Kennedy.”

“I love you too.”

“Let’s go home and have that talk we were supposed to have before you got locked up.”

“Okay, but I have to pick up Jordan from Auntie Karen’s.”

“He’s already at the house. My mom is there watching him.”

“Kennedy Sanchez-Harris,” a female voice called out.

Kennedy turned to see a slim white female in business attire coming toward her. “Yes,” Kennedy answered.

“This is for you.” She handed Kennedy an envelope. “You’ve been served,” she said politely, then walked away.