“I don’t got to report to you or no fucking body else. And yeah, shit do come to light. You a prime example of that, Jaz. Like I said, I don’t have time for this bullshit right now. I’ll be back when I’m back. Y’all staying here, and you should be good. Rick heard from Kay a few hours ago.”

I gasped. “They’re on their way back?”

“Not sure. They’re fine and said they will be in touch. They aren’t here yet, so don’t tell Angel and Tasha. I don’t want to get their hopes up. Me and you will talk when I get back. Other than accusing me of running the streets, how are you? You aiight?”

“I’m glad to get some good news. But other than that, no. Me and you need to talk. We both made major decisions without consulting with the other.”

“At least I didn’t lie.”

“Right. You just didn’t say anything. That’s a lie.”

“You ain’t gettin’ off that easy, Jaz. You fucked up! Big time.”

“You back in the streets. That’s fuckin’ up big time! Unless you can convince me that your why is bigger than your family, I’m leaving you.”

“Whatever. Don’t wait up for me.”

“Faheem! Don’t make me do this.”

And he left. This muthafucka left!

Chapter Thirty-Six

TRAE

On the flight to Shanghai, we sat three rows behind Charli. She never acknowledged us. Instead she was acting as if she was on some diplomatic shit. Every time she got up, she had two guards on her heels.

Kay nudged me, “Yo, that white chick. You saying that’s Charli? The Chinese bitch?”

“Later,” I mumbled. The less Kay knew, the better his role was played. And more importantly, we were the only niggas on the plane. I trusted no one, so I didn’t speak; and Kay, being the thorough nigga he was, peeped it and so far was following my lead, other than being shocked at how Charli looked.

We finally landed in Shanghai. We were almost free; my instructions stated that we were not to leave until I arranged a meeting with Charli Li. We were ordered to remain seated until all the other passengers deplaned. Charli came back to where we were seated unescorted.

“Hello, Mr. Macklin.”

“I need to meet with your father immediately. I’m not leaving the country until I do.”

“Can I at least get a thank you?”

Before I knew it, I was up with my hands around her throat, trying to squeeze every ounce of breath from this bitch’s lungs.