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

happened. You’ve lost your mind. Oliver, get a hold of yourself, dude. Listen to what you’re saying. I don’t like it, Oliver. I’m the oldest. You’re supposed to listen to me. Listen, damn it.”
    “I’ve got to go. I’ll keep you posted. I’m about to plant a few cameras’ in her apartment.”
    “Oliver. Seriously? You’re going to go to jail.”
    “I’m not. I’ll talk to you soon. Oh, what about the list of meds I sent you. Can you get them?”
    “Yeah, they’ll be there tomorrow, FedEx, but did you know two of those drugs are placebo?”
    “Yeah, I knew that. I have to go.”
    I hung up without a proper goodbye, switching to the call on hold. There wasn’t enough time to explain that one. “This is Oliver.”
    “About time. I’ve got an order for 119 Dressler Street. I’ll be there in thirty.”
    “Sorry, I was on another call. I’ll see you then.”
    It took two tries to get Jaq to answer her new number. Just when I was about to hang up and try the old one, she answered. “Hello.”
    “Hi, it’s me.”
    “Ollie?”
    “Oliver, yes. The internet guy will be here—there, in thirty minutes.”
    “I changed my mind. I don’t want pizza.”
    “Nobody’s going to hurt you, Jaq. How about I come with them? You can go into your bathroom and lock the door. I’ll make sure nothing happens. I’ll protect you.”
    “No, I don’t want you to see how I live.”
    That piqued my curiosity. What did that mean? She lived in a slum neighborhood. I was pretty sure I knew how she lived. “If this is going to work, you’re going to have to trust me. I need to know everything.”
    “No, I don’t want you to come here.”
    I hid the heavy sigh, my eyes darting to my little cameras by my side and my strong backbone curving with defeat. Now what? “Can Wallace come? He didn’t hurt you. You can trust him.”
    “I don’t trust anyone.”
    “Jaq, we had a deal. You’re not trying.”
    “I’m scared.”
    “I know, but I’m giving you my word. Nothing is going to happen, and nobody is going to hurt you. I promise.”
    An audible breath was heard through the phone, and then she caved. “Okay, Wallace can come.”
    “That’s my girl. Okay, I’m going to go call him, and then I will call you back. I’ll talk to you on the phone the entire time they’re there. Okay?”
    “Okay. Goodbye.”
    “Bye, Jaq. You’re fine. I promise.”
    I rubbed my hands over my face and through my hair, trying to get a grip before phoning my helper.
    “Yo, what’s up, brother?”
    “Wallace, I need you to meet me at my car. I’m parked in front of the tobacco store.”
    “You don’t stop calling me that, you ain’t getting shit. It’s Hooker.”
    “Yeah, take my word on this one. Use Wallace, find a passion in life and go for it. Hooker’s going to be dead by the time he’s old enough to vote. Your mama deserves better than that. You coming or not? I see another kid here that looks like he could use a few bucks.”
    “Whatever, I be there in five.”
    Wallace was confident he could place the cameras without her being able to point them out, but he wanted more money.
    “Seriously? Fifty bucks for ten minutes’ worth of work? I’ll give you twenty. Take it or leave it.”
    Wallace gave me a dirty look and walked away with the small bag of equipment. I stared after him, feeling the blood pump hard through my veins, adrenaline I would never get used to. He followed the utility guy wearing a belt full of tools, and I dialed Jaq.
    “Hello.”
    “Unlock the door, Jaq. They’re on their way up. Wallace is with him. You’re fine.”
    “No. I changed my mind. I don’t want to do this. Just leave me alone.”
    “Go unlock the door, Jaq. Unlock the door and walk into the bathroom.”
    “I can’t.”
    My stern voice wasn’t meant to intimidate her, but I’m sure that’s what happened. It wasn’t like I had a slew of options coming my way. I had to be demanding. “Do it. Now,” I ordered.
    For a