“I’ll settle it,” Jake said, in a commanding voice that brooked no argument. “We’re not going to Italy or Mexico. We’re going Chinese.”

Michael and Justin immediately joined forces to voice their objection, and soon Jake had joined the fray. Dominique laughed as they reached the car and Jake popped the lock so that they all could climb inside.

“What about barbeque?” Dominique said, once they’d all gotten in the car.

“Yeah!” was the chorus from the backseat.

“Yes,” Dominique countered.

“And salad,” Jake added, as he buckled his seatbelt. He put the keys in the ignition and was about to start the car when he noticed his message light blinking. He reached for his cell phone, looked at it, and frowned.

Dominique was immediately concerned. “What is it?”

“I don’t know, but something’s up, several missed calls from Mama and my brothers.” Jake touched the screen and put the phone to his ear. “Hey, man.” Dominique held her breath as she watched Jake’s expression. Later, she’d swear that she witnessed the blood drain from his face. “How is he?” Jake started the car, quickly backing up and heading for the boulevard. “Tell him to hang on, bro. I’ll be there just as soon as I can.”

Jake threw down the phone and gripped the wheel with both hands. Three pairs of bewildered eyes stared at him.

“What’s wrong?” Dominique asked, a sense of dread hitting her stomach and spreading in all directions.

“It’s Harold,” Jake said. His voice grew hoarse as he continued. “He’s had another heart attack. This was a big one. They don’t know if he’ll make it.”

49

49

Dominique sat in the middle of her king-size bed, willing the phone to ring. She’d barely slept and had hardly eaten since dropping off Jake at the airport the night before. Knowing that time was of the essence, Jake had called the same friend with whom they’d flown to the Raiders’ game and chartered his private jet to get to Alabama as soon as possible. Dominique had asked if he wanted her to go with him, but that would have meant more time lost as she got Justin and Michael situated. “Just let me get to him, baby,” Jake had said, his voice strained with fear. “I’ll call you as soon as I can.”

That had been more than twelve hours ago. Several times, Dominique had reached for the phone. A couple times she’d even tapped his name on her Android screen. But figuring he’d call at his first opportunity, she’d stopped short of tapping his number and instead had texted that she was thinking of him, and praying.