Between the lines of love

100 degrees

Penda
It's been weeks since I heard my baby's voice. I still can't find her location. She changed her number, and I'm really losing my mind! I'm trying really hard not to become a problem. As I washed the blood off my body, I began to think about Kendall. He was furious with me, and I knew he knew where my wife was, but that wasn't going to be a problem for much longer. I changed my clothes and got on the road, my mind racing with a mix of fear and determination.  Just as I was pulling into the airport, I got a call. "I landed. I'm out front. Oh well, I see you," the voice said. He opened the door and flashed me that million-dollar smile. "Terrence, how I've missed you! You know I gotta come see my favorite love now! Especially when you need me! I always come through for you!" I said, pulling away.
"So, you haven't talked to her in two weeks? Damn, that's a record for y'all, ain't it? I know you're sick," he said, making puppy dog eyes and duck lips. I rolled my eyes. "You could call me the flu right now," we laughed. "I need her," I said emotionally, my voice breaking. Terrence grabbed my hand firmly and said, "We are gonna make this right!" His confidence was the anchor I desperately needed.

On the way to the warehouse, my phone buzzed. It was a call from my security boss. "Your sister is gone!" he shouted. "What do you mean, 'gone'?!" I yelled back. "That girl can't even stand on her own! How could she be gone?" "I don't know," he stammered. "Someone just left a card that says 'Taylor.'"
My heart sank. "Kendall," I thought. "I have to find him." Terrence noticed the change in my demeanor. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"We have to deal with Kendall'," I replied, my voice tense. "Why?" he inquired, confusion evident in his eyes. "What does your wife's best friend have to do with this?"

"He took my sister," I said, my anger barely contained. "And I'm handling that myself."
Terrence nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Say no more. I'm with you."

Tasia

Kendall had me and Mama go ahead and board the plane. He said he and my brothers would be coming later in the day. As I stepped onto the aircraft, I couldn't get my wife off my mind. Her worried, sickly face haunted me, and I paused for a moment at the entrance, feeling a pang of guilt. I wanted to call her, to hear her voice and reassure her, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

I walked slowly to my seat and looked at the staff preparing wine and a mini charcuterie board. I offered them a small smile, then turned to Mama, who gave me a reassuring nod. I sank into my seat with a heavy heart, the weight of the unknown journey ahead pressing down on me. Taking out my other phone, I shared my location with my wife, hoping it would give her some peace of mind.

I had no idea where I was even going, but I trusted my best friend Kendall. As the plane engines roared to life and the cabin lights dimmed, I closed my eyes. The hum of the engines became a lullaby, and exhaustion soon overtook me. I dozed off for the rest of the trip, lost in a mix of worry and anticipation.

Penda

This bald bitch better answer the damn phone! Hello I cut him off before he could even start his pathetic insults . You really want to see a bitch crash out like completely  lose it, don't you? You know the kind of power I have at my disposal boy. About Fantasia—nothing is off-limits. Don't you dare forget that when it comes to me, there's no one and I mean no one who can compare. I'm coming for my sister, too, and if I find out you've got my wife or even know where she is, you're going to witness a nightmare bitch unlike anything you've ever seen. Kendall Taylor, let's be real—you know damn well I'm tougher than you are, and I play dirty in ways you can't even fathom. Keep testing me. I hung up the phone and drove straight to the location of his car, ready for whatever came next.

Terrence, how do you have this man's location?" I asked, shocked and excited.

"Me and him go way back, mama. You don't even know," he replied, smirking and rubbing his piece. "I haven't seen him in a few years, though, so this is gonna be a good surprise."