The mental and physical abuse went on for quite some time before Marlene finally got up the courage to leave. While Michael was passed out drunk, Marlene loaded the majority of her things into the back of her car and stole away. She had planned to put New Jersey and everything associated with Michael behind her. Before she left, she placed two phone calls, one to the firm and the other to her cousin Shank down in Philly. Michael was fired from the firm and slapped with an assault charge, but not before Shank and a few of his boys beat him damn near to death. Marlene managed to break the cycle of abuse, but it took years of therapy before the scars even began to heal.

“Don’t worry about it, Mrs. Johnson.” Marlene patted her on the hand. “We’re going to do all that we can to get your son out of jail.”

“I don’t have a lot of money saved up, but I’m willing to work off the debt,” Mrs. Johnson said seriously.

“Don’t worry about the bill, Mrs. Johnson. I’m taking the case pro bono.”

“Bless your heart.” She sobbed, kissing Marlene’s hand. “I’m gonna put you in my prayers.”

“You do that, Mrs. Johnson, and we’ll call it even.”

“Hello?” Reese answered the phone in a sleep-ridden tone.

“Bitch, I know you ain’t asleep!” Rhonda said on the other end, her voice sounding like a sonic boom.

“Rhonda, what the hell are you calling me so early for?”

“Early? Reese, its almost twelve o’clock. The sun is out, let’s not waste the day.”

Reese turned her heavy eyes to the digital clock on her nightstand. “Damn, I didn’t even know it was this late.”

“You must’ve had a hell of a night. What did you do after you left us?” Rhonda asked.

Reese yawned. “I had a slide.”

“I should’ve know, with your dick-thirsty ass. Was it anybody I know?”

“Don B.,” Reese said timidly.

“Bitch, you lying!” Rhonda squealed. “You know you gotta give me all the nasty details.”

“Listen to you, nosy.”

“Nosy, my ass. You know you wanna tell it.”

“Maybe, maybe not,” Reese teased.

“Well, if you tell me about your night with Don B., I’ll tell you about my morning with True,” Rhonda bartered.

“True? When did he come back into town?”

“A few days ago. Girl, it was some serious drama over here, but I’ll tell you about it when I see you. Get your stinking ass up and get dressed. I’ll be over in an hour to give you the play-by-play.”