“Sev, I need to bounce. And like I said, you too greedy.”

“You only hatin’ because I’m a girl.”

“Moderation is the key. And you need to keep your nose clean. You have a baby. I’m out.”

“You’ll see my plan. You’ll see.”

Kevin waved me off. He did have to leave. Today, we had a U-Haul going to the flea market to drop product off to his runners. Usually, someone lower on the food chain did that, but our main man, Diesel, went to Texas to bury his father. So Kevin had to do it.

“Be careful, punk,” I told him.

“I will.” Kevin nodded. “Peace. I’m out.”

* * *

“You have a prepaid call from an inmate,” the operator’s voice came across my cell phone. I had recognized the prison phone number, which was why I immediately answered and pressed 5.

The voice that used to be music to my ears cut right to the chase. “Sina, what’s up? How are you? When are you going to come see me and bring my son?” It was Roddy, my son’s father, who was doing a twenty-five-year bid for RICO charges. He had an appeal pending. I lost count of how much I spent fighting this fight with him. He was in USP Leavenworth. I refused to travel way to Kansas to a maximum-security prison with a baby. I did it once and vowed never again.

“Always quick to the point. I’m good. Your son is good.”

“You know I don’t have a lot of time on this phone. I want to see my son. My sister said she’d even bring him for a visit.”

“I just sent you some new pictures.” Roddy had gone to prison before Carlito was born.

“Pictures? Stop playing. I need to see my son.”

“Roddy, I asked you to call because I wanted to hear your voice. Not fight with you. I can’t leave my business, and I already told you we will see you when you get moved to a closer facility. I am not allowing your sister to bring him. He barely knows her; I might as well bring him myself. Me flying him to her in Chicago, then going back to get him…it doesn’t even make sense. Again, I might as well bring him myself.”

“You have one-minute remaining,” the automated voice announced.

“Don’t think I don’t hear things ’cause I’m on lock. I know what you’re up to. I just hope you know what you’re doing and can handle yourself.”

“You know better than I do that you can’t believe everything you hear. And once more for the record, me and Kevin are business partners.”

“I’m not talking about that nigga. I’m telling you that’s why I need to see you.”

“I’m hanging up now.” I didn’t want him talking my business over the prison network.