Jaq With a Q (Kismet) Read Online Free PDF Page A

code.”
    “54956.”
    “It’s okay. I’m right here. I’ll stay on the phone with you.” Holding the phone from my ear, I ushered Wallace to go, whispering the code. “Go, knock gently. Are you there, Jaq? Wallace is coming up.”
    The tone was almost a whine. “No, I can’t. I won’t let him in.”
    “He’s not going to hurt you, Jaq. I promise. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere. Just keep talking. Tell me about your day. Did you sleep well?”
    That was definitely a snort, sarcasm for sure. “No, I don’t really sleep.”
    “I didn’t sleep much either. I had you on my mind.”
    “You did?”
    “Yup and you’re going places. That’s a promise.”
    “I feel like you’re up to something. I don’t understand why you would do this.”
    “I’m not up to anything.”
    A loud gasp was heard and then silence, followed by a whisper. “He’s here.”
    “It’s okay. Open the door. It’s just Wallace. He’s just going to hand you a bag.”
    “What if it’s not?”
    “It is. Look out your peephole.”
    “I’m scared.”
    “Jaq, I’m right here. Unlock the door.”
    I listened to the locks being unlatched, four I think, and then I heard Wallace.
    “I gots your food.”
    “You’re okay, Jaq. Tell him to set them down.”
    “Uh-uh.”
    “I’ll just put them right here, okay?” Wallace said with a quiet tone, pleasing me with his behavior toward her.
    Right after I heard the door slam, she nervously said goodbye. “I got it. Goodbye.”
    “Wait, I have someone coming to hook up your internet at one.”
    “I’m done, dude. Where’s my pay?”
    I dropped my phone and frowned at Wallace, shushing him with a finger over my lips.
    “No way. I’m not doing that.”
    “What if Wallace comes back? He’s a tough kid, he’ll protect you. He’ll stay there while they work.”
    “That’s gonna cost you more.”
    “I’ll just use my neighbor’s internet. I know when it’s on.”
    “Okay, how about this? You can lock yourself in the bathroom and I’ll stay on the phone with you while they’re there.”
    “Broccoli and grapes. What do I look like? Where’s the pizza, the chips, the soda?”
    “I’ll order you a pizza and soda tonight if you let them come in and turn on the internet.”
    The quietness was a considering sign. “I don’t know. Is it just one person?”
    “I don’t know, but you don’t have to know either. You can hide behind the bathroom door and I’ll talk to you until they’re gone.”
    “I do that all the time.”
    I frowned, wondering what we were actually talking about. “Do what?”
    “Never mind. When?”
    I slapped Wallace’s hand away while fetching my wallet. “I’m not sure, after two. They’re going to call me when they’re on their way. I’ll call you and let you know as soon as I know. Okay?”
    “I’ll think about it.”
    “I’ll take that. In the meantime, there’s a cellphone in the bag. Spend some time on that, think about that, not the phone guys. Can you do that?”
    “It’s a smartphone.”
    “Yes, it is. Fully charged. Set up a nice ringtone, pick a nice photo for your screen, find a game. Focus on that, that’s it. Okay?”
    “Okay, I’ll try.”
    “Good girl. I’ll talk to you soon.”
    “Goodbye.”
    I let out an anxious breath of air and slapped a ten in Wallace’s hand.
    “What’s wrong with her? What’cha gonna do?”
    “I have no idea. She’s sick.”
    “She crazy. You want me to come back for the internet people?”
    With an idea already in mind, I looked at my watch and got in my car; time an important virtue. “I’ll call you. Thanks, Wallace.”
    “It’s Hooker. Stop calling me that,” he yelled, his bark way worse than his bite.
    “Now, where does one find spy cameras in New York?” I questioned aloud, driving through the rundown streets with my thumb searching for an address on my phone. I couldn’t help but think about her back home, where she could go outside anytime she wanted