Rapper's Delight (I Always Got Your Back)

Book 2: Chapter 1 - What Happened?

I am so proud of Justin tonight. He killed that stage and it was my first time seeing him perform. The night was coming to an end and everyone was ready to go celebrate. I received word about the crowd outside the door and I got my team to set up a walk through. I went out first and Justin was behind me. Frank walked on one side and Griffey on the other. Everyone else followed behind.

My security team got everyone in the trucks, but Frank, Griffey, and Justin were still standing outside waving at fans. I told them to get in the truck so we can go because I had a bad feeling for some reason. Frank kept mentioning that he recognized a man in the crowd. Then, Griffey pointed him out and says it was Rod, the former security guard. He wasn't supposed to be anywhere near Justin or the company, so that meant someone let him pass. That was a breach in my security because if I would've known, then he wouldn't be there.

As Frank got closer to Rod, he pulled out a gun and three bullets shot out. The first one hit the back window of the truck. The second one shot directly at me, but someone jumped in my way. Then, I fell and hit the ground. I don't remember where the third one hit because I blacked out. I just know I closed my eyes and everything was dark for a while. Then, I heard crying and sniffing.

"Mommy, when is daddy gonna wake up?" A small voice said. It sounded like Dakari.
"I don't know baby, but you know daddy is strong. He will be up in no time." A woman said. Now, that sounded like Nia, Dakari's mother.

I started to move a little and opened my eyes slowly. I felt some pain on my left side, but tried to ignore it as best as I could. As I came to, I heard a beeping noise and saw a white room. Oh, hell nah. I died and went to Heaven. Don't get me wrong. I always knew I was gonna go there, but not this soon. I turned my head over and to my surprise it was Kari and Nia. Then, I knew I was in Hell. Nia used to put me through it with our daughter. I always told myself that if I die and the first person I see is Nia, then I'm in Hell.

"Cash, are you awake?" A man asked.

I turned and looked straight ahead. It was Justin. He was standing there with his arms folded. The fact that he was here and safe made me smile.

"Daddy?!" Kari shouted.
"Nia, can you get the doctor and let them know?" Justin asked as he walked over to me.
"Yes. Thank you, Jesus." Nia said as she left the room.

So, now that I know I'm not dead or in Hell, it's good to be seen and not viewed. Justin came over and sat next to me. Kari tried to jump on the bed, but Justin stopped her.

"Kari, remember your daddy is hurt on his left side." He said to her.
"Yes, I remember." She said sitting back in the chair.

Then, I felt this surge of pain shoot through my body and it hit me. The third bullet went into me. So, where did the second bullet go?

"Justin, water." I said in a raspy voice.
"Here." He said handing me the straw. I drank some and laid back.
"What happened? Where is everyone?" I asked.
"Aye, don't worry about that right now. Focus on getting your strength back." He said.

I can tell he wasn't telling me everything. I'm gonna assume he ain't saying shit because Kari is here. She won't be forever, so he better come clean.

Nia walked in with the doctor and I recognized him.

"Doctor Reynolds, how you doing man?" I said happy to see him.
"Well, Christopher, you tell me and I'll tell you." He responded.
"Doc, my left shoulder is killing me and I'm assuming I got shot there. Not the first time it's happened to me. I'm glad to be alive though." I said trying to sit up.
"Hold on. Let me get that for you." Nia said grabbing a remote on my bed. It sat me up.