Salted Wound

Chapter 51 Zamari- Feb 18, 2019

I pull the car into the driveway with a sigh, glancing over at Jade and doing a double-take when I realize she's asleep.

Her physical therapy is almost over, but she's still hurting, I can see it in her expression every time we leave the office, in the way she favors her right side more than usual. She'd never admit to such a weakness, but I see it. I turn off the car but don't get out yet. I let her sleep for a few more minutes and close my eyes myself. Luis had tried to call when we were at the doctor's office and I know I'll have to call him back eventually. Dread tastes gritty and settles like a physical weight in my stomach that won't let up. Finally, I lean over and nudge her arm, pushing my own door open.

She doesn't use the crutches all the time anymore, despite the doc's concerns. She insists she's fine and for the most part, she is, I see the pain in her expression, in her stiff movements, but she's miles ahead of where she used to be. The crutches have become a backup if the pain starts to take over. Amari doesn't seem to know what to do with himself anymore, he hovers around her half the time as he can physically catch her if she falls, though she's twice his size, at least. He insists on bringing her snacks, homework, slippers, anything she could possibly need, and she's had to explain to him multiple times that she needs to exercise, that she needs to get used to walking around on her newly reformed leg. The doctor refuses to answer whether or not she'll have to live with a limp for the rest of her life. His lack of a response every time Jade asks seems to answer enough, and only makes her more determined to kick the weakness.

She heads into the house and I call to her that I'll be in soon. She gives me a weird look but goes inside. I wait until the door is shut behind her before leaning against the car and pulling my phone out, tapping Luis' name in my contacts.

He picks up after the second ring, annoyance tightening his words as he says

"It's about fucking time."

I roll my eyes, but don't respond with the sarcasm I want to express.

"What's up?"

"I got a job for you. March second, I'll text a few more details but you don't need to know a lot. You'll meet us in a parking lot after dark, and do what you're told."

I grind my teeth, hating his condescending attitude. Sit, speak, good Zamari.

"Got it." I finally say. "How you plan to keep this from your girl?"

I hear a noise I can't quite identify from his end. Something that may have been frustration.

"That's not your concern, didn't I just say you're to do what you're told?"

"Yup." I force out, losing my patience. "I gotta go, let me know the details later."

I hang up and spin toward the house before I can allow my anger to get the best of me and throw my phone across the street. I look up and see Jade peeking through the curtains of the front room. She disappears when she sees me walking toward the front door, but the heaviness in my stomach grows.