Quincy leans in. “How Jamal look?”

“Tired. Hungry. Needs a shave, but good. I dropped him off more supplies, but he can’t stay there long. It’s a miracle he hasn’t been caught yet.”

“Did he tell you anything?”

“Everything points to Chris and the meetings at the Pike. I haven’t heard from Mandy. Maybe we confront Chris again, or his uncle?”

“That’s dangerous, T. You gotta step back.”

“Someone’s already after my family.”

“Right now, they’re giving you warnings. If they think you know what Angela knew, you might be next.”

My phone beeps.

It’s Dean.

Can we talk later? I’m back row.

I look out to Dean, who gives me a small wave. I nod, face getting hot. Embarrassed about last night now that I see him.

Ok.

I glance at Quincy, who has a twinkle of mischief in his eye. I put my phone down, wiping any expression off my face. It doesn’t work. Quincy’s all up in my business.

“He’s in love with you. Did you know that?”

“Who?”

“Who? It’s obvious.” Quincy shifts his head toward Dean.

“You watching me?” I look away to play it off.

“You showcasing your business everywhere.” Quincy shoves his hands in his pocket.

“We’re friends,” I say.

“Uh-huh, right.”

“We are.” I punch his arm playfully.

“Poor guy doesn’t even know what he got himself into, does he?”

“Okay, stop. I know you ain’t talking. Your dating calendar stays packed.”

“You know I be out there.”

“Oh.” I make quotation marks with my fingers. “ ‘You be out there.’ Yeah, I’ve noticed.”

“I didn’t mean it like that.” Quincy bites at his lip, and I swear he’s embarrassed.

“Nothing serious. Too many expectations. Always forgetting birthdays, Valentine’s, the things good boyfriends are supposed to do. Bet Dean never forgot your birthday.”

“You damn right,” I say. “But that’s because I don’t let him.”

“You’re such a pain in the ass.” Quincy laughs.

I chuckle. Then Mama catches my eye—she’s waving me to my seat.

“Come with me if I hear from Mandy?”

“Bet.” Quincy walks to the side of the room, closer to Beverly.

More people continue to filter in, so extra seats are pulled out from the storage closet. Officer Clyde and Beverly stand next to each other, surveying the room. They position themselves on opposite sides when the doors close, and Dr. Scott goes on the stage. I take my seat with Mama.

“Welcome,” Dr. Scott says. “There’s room, keep coming. Raise your hand if you have a seat next to you. Before we begin, let’s hear from Pastor Jenkins from the First Ebenezer Baptist Church.”

“Thank you, Dr. Scott. We here today because our brothers and sisters need us, Lord.” Pastor Jenkins prays over my family.

My eyes flutter, tempted between listening to opening prayer and keeping watch.