10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 25

The next day, Taraji was still puzzled by the blank sheet of paper that Fantasia had handed her. She opened it a couple of times, hoping to find something unusual, but all she discovered was a regular bank document. “What on earth is this?” she exclaimed, deciding to cut a similar sheet to keep alongside it.

Later that evening, around 6 PM, Stoney was already in the office while Taraji was still tied up in a Skype meeting. She waited outside her door, scrolling through YouTube videos and chuckling to herself.

Once her meeting wrapped up, Taraji stood at the door and waved Stoney inside. They both entered, and Taraji closed the door behind them.

Stoney sank into a chair as Taraji stood, a playful grin on her face. “So, am I getting fired, boss?” she joked. “Not at all!” Taraji replied. “Alright, what’s going on then?” Stoney asked, putting away her distracting phone and focusing on Taraji. “I got your package in the mail,” she said.

“Great, let’s take a look!” Stoney replied eagerly.

Taraji glanced at her, retrieved the cut paper that resembled the original, and handed it over. Stoney examined it, a frown appearing on her face. “Is this some kind of joke?” she shot back. “What? No! That’s the package! It confused me too!” Taraji insisted as she took a seat.

“And how do you know it’s meant for me, Taraji? What the hell is happening here?” Stoney snapped. Taraji just shrugged. Stoney crumpled the paper in her hand, tossed it into the trash, and stood up. “If you don’t clue me in, I’ll just find out myself,” she said, turning to leave.

Taraji quickly pulled out the original paper. “Maybe this will help!” she said, offering it to Stoney. Stoney glanced at her and snatched it from her hand with a laugh. “Another sheet, Taraji?” she said as she unfolded it. Stoney studied it intently, held it up to the light, and gasped, spinning around and looking frantically around like a wary puppy.

“Where is she?” she asked. “Who?” Taraji feigned ignorance. “You know who I mean. So I was right—she’s not dead. You played me; if you know her, how do you know her? Oh no, please tell me you’re not dating her! Not again. I can’t deal with this!” Stoney stammered.

“Stoney, I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you but I had to keep her safe. What does a bank document mean?”

“It means she’s keeping an eye on me. You didn’t tell her about... you know, did you?” Stoney’s voice trembled slightly.

“I didn’t need to; she saw the marks you left on my neck. I tried to cover it up, but I’m just not good at lying—she figured it out.”

Stoney began to pace. Taraji stepped closer. “Look, I can protect you. I’ve got your back; I promise.”

Stoney burst into a fit of laughter. “You? Protect me from Fantasia? Do you even realize who that girl is? What she’s capable of?”

“Yes, I do. And she loves me; she listens when I talk,” Taraji replied confidently.

“Love? Oh honey, Fantasia doesn’t love anyone. That woman is cold inside; she wouldn’t recognize love if it hit her square in the face. The only thing she cherishes is power,” Stoney asserted.

“Well, I think she has feelings for me, okay? Let me believe that; I don’t care,” Taraji snapped back, annoyance creeping into her tone. Stoney narrowed her eyes. “Oh my gosh, Taraji, you’re actually in love with her. You adore that two-faced, power-hungry, self-centered piece of work.”

“Careful, that’s my future wife you’re talking about,” Taraji replied defensively.

Stoney let out a dry laugh. “Wife? Sweetheart, are you really that naive? The only reason Fantasia would marry you is if she thinks you’ll protect her without her asking. She’s strategic, a master manipulator, and she plays the game like a pro. She’s cunning and smooth. Have you ever encountered a cheating spouse? That’s Fantasia—a masculine woman, the kind that charms cops and federal agents alike. You need to get out while you still can; you deserve so much better. Goodnight, Taraji. Consider this my resignation. If you ever need my protection, just call; I’ll be there, trust me, you'll need it.”