"The trip was wonderful." Toni said as Kenny intertwined their fingers. They were back in New York and in the car on their way to her place.
He kissed her hand, "Yeah."
Things became silent for a while and he glanced over at her. She sat staring at her phone with a deep frown on her face.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
"I've been trying to call Simone and she's not answering. She always answers." She stated. It had been 2 days since she heard from her.
"Maybe she's laid up with some guy or still sleeping." He chuckled. Seeing her in deep thought her squeezed her hand, "Don't worry. We're almost there anyway, so you can ask her why she hasn't answered."
"It's just not like her."
"Simmer down mama." He said rubbing her belly. She smiled placing her hand over his. Within 5 minutes, they made it. "We're here." He announced.
"I have to check the mail, you mind taking my bags in?" She asked as they walked into the lobby.
"Sure thing." He said heading for the elevator as she headed for mailroom.
When Kenny made it to the 9th floor, he walked down the hall to Toni's apartment. He noticed the door slightly ajar and stopped. He had a really bad feeling and most of the time, those feelings were spot on.
Toni frowned coming down the hall seeing Kenny still standing there, "Hey, why aren't you-"
"Get back." He said.
"Why?"
"Just trust me."
"Ken, stop playing." She chuckled pushing the door open before he could stop her.
"Babe-" He got out before she stopped in her tracks. Kenny paled taking in the sight before him. Envelopes fell out of Toni's hand as her eyes watered.
"No...no....Simone?!" She said dropping to her knees. Her brain told her the truth but her heart wouldn't let her accept it. She shook her friend's body, "Simone, wake up. SIMONE!"
Kenny grabbed her, "She's gone."
"Oh my God." She sobbed.
"I'm so sorry." He said consoling her as he pulled out his phone and called the cops.
••••••••••••••••••••••••
Police were all up and through the apartment. Toni sat crying as Kenny held her hand. An officer joined them at the dining table.
"You said the victim was house-sitting for you?" The officer asked.
"Yes."
"Do you know anyone who would wanna hurt either of you?"
She shook her head, "No, I barely talk to anyone. Simone was my only friend and she was the sweetest person you'd ever meet."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. We're going to get the bottom of this. Meanwhile, is there anywhere else you can stay for a while?"
Before she could shake her head no, Kenny jumped in, "I'll take care of it."
The officer nodded and got up to walk out. Toni wipes her eyes looking at Kenny, "Where am I suppose to go?"
"Let me take care of that. Right now, you need to eat something. I'm sure my baby is hungry."
"I didn't even get to tell her." She said as more tears fell.
Hugging her, "Look, I'm sure she loved you and she knew how much you loved her." He said. He pushed out a small smile, "Now let's get you two fed."
•••••••••••••••••••••••••
"You idiot!! That's not the right girl!" Sabrina yelled at Eddie who was showing her the proof that the job was done so he could get paid.
He frowned, "Then who is it?"
"Hell if I know."
"Want me to try again?"
"No! I want you to stop talking until I figure something out." She said pacing again. He could never get shit right.
"Sabrina? Your son is requesting to see you." Brenda said coming downstairs. She frowned at Eddie who sat on the couch confused.
"I'll be there in a minute." Sabrina told her before turning to the failure on her couch, "Get out of here. I'll call you, don't screw up again."
He huffed getting up and leaving. Brenda stood there with her arms folded.
"I'm guessing he failed." She said.
Sabrina sarcastically smiled, "Yes Brenda. He failed, I failed, whatever you wanna call it."
"Now what's your plan?"
"I don't know, but she has to go."
Brenda shrugged waiting for her to ask for help. No one was going to ruin what her son and Sabrina had. She had a grandson and a 7 million dollar insurance policy coming courtesy of Sabrina's father.
Sabrina couldn't get the money unless she was married to someone her father approved of. For some reason, he liked Kenny and Kenny only. Now the man had been told he only had a few months to live.
Brenda knew how how useful money like that could be so she was determined to keep them together, by any means.
Is this moving too slow? Is there anything I need to change?
