8

MIA'S POV 

"She is clearly lying, Kai," the woman said.

I shook my head. "I am not, please. I found him in a trash can on my street."

The woman scoffed.

"I didn't kidnap him. You heard what he said," I gestured at the dreadlock man. "I am just a cleaner. I don't work for anyone. I found him and saved him. I took care of him for weeks."

The boss stared at me silently.

"Please, you have got to believe me," I begged, hoping that he would believe me.

"Stop this nonsense, bitch." The woman spoke up. "Kai, don't listen to her,"

I opened my mouth to speak but....

"My nephew has been with you for weeks now. Why didn't you report to the damn police since you said you didn't kidnap him?" She asked.

"I did, I did," I blurted, moving my eyes to the boss who handed Jay Jay to the same man who held him previously.

"I did report to the police but they....they didn't take my report seriously. They thought I was his mother and I wanted to dump him on them"

She scoffed in disbelief.

"I am telling the truth, please!" I begged.

"Kai, you know people like her," the woman said to the boss as his eyes rested on me.

I shook my head.

"You know what they are capable of." She went on. "This might be one of your enemies' works. They make use of pathetic-looking girls like her....." She looked at me.

I shook my head. "No... please,"

"Just to hide their fucking schemes." She completed.

"That's not true," I whispered.

"Shut up!" She snapped at me.

I shuddered.

She returned her gaze to the boss.

"I am glad Jamal is back home. At least you will be calm now. But I suggest you get rid of the white bimbo at once."

My heart dropped.

"No, please,"

"She deserves to be butchered for taking Lil Kai,"

No, I didn't....

The boss snapped his fingers.

"Tyrell,"

"Yes boss"

"Chop her head off and burn her body."

My entire world stopped.

"As you said, boss," the dreadlock man said as the boss and the woman turned to leave and the men approached me.

"No....no, please."

Jay Jay's voice came through, taking my attention.

He is looking at me for the first time.

And happily.

"Jay Jay," I whispered.

He made happy sounds, smiling at me.

My heart melted as I continued staring at him.

He extended his tiny hands to me, making his toy fall out of his hand.

He began making a move to get off the arms of the man carrying him.

"What is wrong, Lil Kai?" The man asked.

Jay Jay was becoming cranky.

He wants me to carry him.

"What y'all waiting for?!" I heard the woman yell, making me look her way.

I realize she and the boss haven't left yet.

"Kill the bitch!"

My heart dropped again.

"No please, I beg you!"

Jay Jay's cries increased.

"Let me do it myself. Give me the damn machete," she ordered, taking a machete from the dreadlocked man.

I couldn't feel my heart anymore as she approached me with the machete.

She raised it the minute she got closer to me.

I closed my eyes and lowered my gaze,  waiting to be butchered.

Oh God.

Dad, I am coming to join you.

I never thought it would be too soon.

I can't believe this is how I en....

"Stop, Imani," I heard the boss order.

I let out a breath, my heart pounding relentlessly.

Has he....has he changed his mind?

"Don't worry, Kai, I can do this." I heard her say.

"Give the machete back to Tyrell," he ordered.

Oh no.

He wants a man to do it instead.

I gulped, my eyes still closed as I waited.

"Fine. Tyrell, here. Chop the bitch's head off right now." I heard her say.

God, how wicked is she?

"Unchain her," the boss ordered.

I froze.

"What? Kai,"

"Do as I say, Tyrell," he ordered again, making me open my eyes.

He is looking at me.

I moved my gaze to the woman. She is looking at the boss quizzically.

The men began unchaining me, attracting my attention.

"Kai, what is this...."

"Caleb," the boss called, ignoring her.

"Yes, boss," the man with Jay Jay answered as I got on my feet and held my wrist, staring at it and rubbing it gently.

"Give her Lil Kai," the boss ordered, making me freeze.

"Kai, what are you doing?" The woman asked as the man walked towards me with Jay Jay.

Jay Jay was fast and impatient to reach for me before I could even carry him.

He smiled at me, melting my heart. I couldn't help but smile at him as he began playing with my hair as always, making his baby talk.

I reached for his cheek, making him make his cranky sound.

"Sorry," I let out a chuckle as he continues playing with my hair.

Wait. My hair is wet.

Oh no.

I looked up from him.

I caught everyone looking at me.

Oh gosh.

I can't believe I forgot about them for a moment.

"Um...he um....he likes playing with my hair."

They all kept staring without saying a word.

I don't know why I told them that.

"My...my hair is wet. I am wet. He will catch a cold." I stuttered.

The woman scoffed.

"Caleb," the boss called, making me look at him.

"Yes, boss?"

"Bring her and Lil Kai to my office,"

"What the....."

"Right now, Caleb," he ordered, walking past the woman and heading towards the door.