I was glad I was there with Kyra when our daughter was born, and I felt like we had a new bond. I hoped by me being here, Kyra could finally see how I could divide my time between both households. But since receiving the text from Kay, playing house was over. It was time to focus and get back to the business of the streets.

“I’ve got something to handle.”

“You’re lying. You’re just trying to get back to Nina.”

“If I was going to see Nina, I would tell you. I ain’t hiding shit.”

“Whatever, Rick.”

“Then pack your shit and roll with me.”

“I ain’t going nowhere. You know I can’t.”

“Then trust me and wait until I get back.”

ANGEL

“I’ve made some calls to some of my lawyer friends who work with Children Services Court,” I said, going into Tasha’s room. Tasha was hastily packing a suitcase, including baby clothes and pampers. “There is a child endangerment referral out on you through Child Protective Services. They say your baby was born with substantial amounts of valium in her system.”

Tasha went off. “You know damn well that’s not true. I didn’t drink. I didn’t even take an aspirin while I was pregnant. You were there when she was born. You saw how alert she was at birth. Somebody is setting me up, and when I am sure who it is, I’ma tax that ho’s ass!”

“I believe you. Who do you think would do something like this?”

“I told you! That bitch Mari. I know it’s her.” Tasha pulled herself together. “She’s all up on Facebook, acting like she’s a widow now, and like she’s getting ready to adopt a baby. Who does that?” Tasha paused and pondered her situation. “If Trae was here, I could turn myself in, and he could keep the baby while I cleared my name. But he’s not here, so I have to do me. I need a gun and about ten-grand.”

“A gun? Girl, what you need is to call your husband before you do anything.”

TASHA

What a difference twenty-four hours can make. I had to think fast. How could I get around the guards, who kept us under watch around the clock, as well as cautious ass Angel?

I mumbled a prayer asking for protection and guidance. As soon as I opened my eyes from the prayer, I knew what I had to do. I had to take a chance. I called Scarface and explained that the baby and I were in danger. I told him about the Timeshare we had in the Poconos and in the Catskill Mountains. He agreed to help me get out in the middle of the night and take me and the baby to safety.

“Will we be safe there?” I asked.