10-80: Line of Duty Series Read Online Free PDF Page A

want, but we are having coffee.”
    His finger was warm against my mouth. Part of me wanted to take it in my mouth to taunt what he’d never get and the other part of me was appalled that he took the liberty to touch me like he had the right to. My back was towards the Henrys and Zee, so all they could see was him and not what he was doing. I grabbed his finger with mine and pulled it down in front of my chest. Right between my breast. His mouth parted at my bold move as his eyes looked to where his hand was resting.
    “I said, no.”
    He looked back up at me and said, “And I say, you’re scared.”
    I scoffed at him.
    “I get it. I do.” He said, “However, I don’t give a fuck. All I’m asking for is coffee.”
    It would not kill me to have coffee. Then I wouldn’t have to fix my mouth to say thank you.
    “Fine, just coffee.”
    “Damn, you drive a hard bargain. Thought I had to break a finger to get my wish.”
    “Whatever.”
    “Though, I do like where my finger is right now. We won’t complain.”
    I let him and his finger go.
    He smiled at me, and then said, “I expect to hear from you by Friday.”
    “Right.” I said and turned to leave.
    He followed, spoke with the Henrys, gave them his card and left. Once we were all loaded in the car, Mr. Henry went in on the boys.
    “Have you lost your motherfucking minds?” He roared.
    “Calm down, Reg.” His wife whispered.
    “I will not calm down. We are doing the best we can and you knuckleheads go out to get yourselves arrested.” The car quaked with his booming voice. “Reggie, your mother is sick and you know it. This is how you do. Zee, your sister, is raising you, ‘cause your mom can’t right now and this is how you do? I expect more out of you. I’m so disappointed. You are grounded for two months and I swear to God, if I hear you complain even once, I’ll extend it another month.”
    Once he finished, the car was filled with sniffling and not only were the boys crying, but Mrs. Henry was too. Her husband heard her, switched driving with his right to his left hand and pulled her in, so her head was on his chest.
    “Babe, I’m sorry,” he whispered and rubbed her hair as she continued to sniffle and hold on to him.
    They dropped us off and told me that if I ever needed anything, to just ask. We went to the house and sitting outside of the door was the ghost of Christmas nightmare. If it was not one thing, it was another.
    She stood up, looking like a fraction of the woman she used to be. Her entire body was shaking like a leaf as she was probably attempting to come down. I hadn’t seen her in two years, but seeing her now, wished that time span could have been longer. She was in deep and she really needed to get help.
    “Mom,” Zee ran to her to give her a hug.
    “Hey, baby. You’re getting so big.” She said.
    “Yeah, I’m in high school now!” He exclaimed as he looked up at her.
    “Oh my, my big boy,” she said. “I came by to see you and find out how you were doing. Mama, could use a shower too and something to eat. Just get clean for a…”
    “Told you before Mom. Don’t talk to him, you talk to me about that.”
    She kept looking at Zee, and then slowly turned to me. “Right. How you doing, D’asia? Keeping everything afloat, like I knew you would.”
    “We’re fine,” I replied.
    “It’s been awhile.” She nodded her head while looking around. “Could really use a shower and some clean clothes.”
    “I can give you some clothes, but you can’t come in.”
    “Come on D’asia. She can take a shower.” Zee pleaded.
    “You’re not in this.” I snapped.
    He turned his head and she pulled him closer.
    “It’s just a shower, Dee. I’ll be in and out, then I’ll leave.”
    “No, Mom. This isn’t the place for you to have your pit stop and it definitely won’t be a habit. You don’t care about nothing that’s happening over here. You know your son was locked up today? Care about that? You know I’m in