number. It went straight to voicemail. “Oh my God; I’ve got to find Mimi.”
“MIMI, YOU LOOK DIVINE,” JOHN CARROLL SAID AS HE SAT BACK and watched Mimi approach the table in her short pale yellow brocade jacket, black knit turtleneck, and black stretch trousers.
“Watch what you say to a married woman,” Mimi responded, smiling as she sashayed to the table and sat across from John. “I love the atmosphere here.”
“So why is the married lady sitting down to lunch with me at her favorite restaurant?” John added with a smile.
“Because you asked and I could use a friend about now.”
“Good answer, but you know you started it.”
“You’re right. How are you doing, John?”
“Great, now that you’re here. And if I didn’t know better, I would think you’re flirting with me.”
Mimi blushed and fanned herself with her hand. “Flattery will get you most places.” Mimi picked up the menu and began to browse. She looked up to see John staring. “Are you going to eat?”
“I already know what I want.”
“I hope you’re talking about something on this menu.” Mimi chuckled.
“You’re funny, Mimi. I meant the menu, but I hope you don’t mind if I stare. You look better than any of the desserts on this menu. In fact, they could spice up the walls of this place…take all that old nostalgic stuff down and replace it with your likeness.”
Mimi put the menu down. “I’m ready to order.”
“So,” John began, changing the subject, “all quiet on the front? No more calls or threats from Victor?”
“No. I hope he’s gotten the message this time. But it’s really too late since Brenda is privy to my secret.”
“If she asks Victor for a divorce, you better believe he’ll be coming at you with a vengeance.”
“Let him. I’ll have something for his ass this time.”
“Mimi, be careful is all I ask. I had an opportunity to size Victor up. He’s no one you want to vex. He’s already tried to get at you through Afrika.”
“Even more reason for me to have a gun. I want the spinach and shrimp salad. I’m going to call Afrika to see how the game went.”
Mimi pulled out her BlackBerry. “I forgot to turn this bad boy back on when I made one of my stops.”
“Sometimes it’s good to have some peace and quiet if your cell rings all day like mine.”
“I know what you mean. Ummm, I’ve got a few calls from Brenda. Let me call her real quick. It won’t take but a minute.”
“Don’t let that woman spoil our lunch.”
“Be good, John. Excuse me; I’ve got Brenda on the line.”
“Mimi?” Brenda asked with a chill to her voice.
“Yeah, Brenda. I’m returning your calls.” Mimi laughed. “I had my phone off, and I just turned it on and saw your number…that you had called.
“So you haven’t spoken to anyone?”
“No, Brenda. What’s up?”
“There was a shooting today at Central…at the football game.”
Mimi looked across the table at John who sat upright with his hands on the table. “And what about the shooting, Brenda? Why are you telling me?”
Brenda began to cry and Mimi couldn’t understand a word she said between the crying and the talking.
“Brenda, stop crying and tell me what happened.”
“Afrika was shot.”
“Did you say Afrika was shot?”
“Yes. She was shot and has been taken to the hospital.”
“Oh my God. My baby. Oh my God,” Mimi said over and over, trying to catch her breath. “What hospital, Brenda?” Mimi shouted.
“I don’t know. Trevor told me the cheerleading coach rode with Afrika in the ambulance.”
“I’ve got to find Afrika. Thank you, Brenda. I’ll call you later.”
Mimi stood up and covered her face. “My daughter’s been shot. I don’t know if she’s dead or alive.”
“What hospital?” John asked, getting up from the table, trying to remain calm for Mimi.
The waitress returned to the table. “Can I get you anything?”
“No,” John said. “Sorry, we won’t be eating lunch today.”
“Mimi, what hospital?” John asked again.
“I don’t know,” Mimi said through her tears. “I’ve got the cheerleading coach’s number in my cell. I’m calling her now.”
“Good.”
“Hello, this is Afrika’s mother. I understand she’s been shot.”
“Hello, Mrs. Bailey. I’m with her at Duke Medical Center; you need to come right away. We’ve been trying to reach you. The doctors say they need to operate.”
“I’m on my way.”
33
The freeway was crowded with late-afternoon travelers. Mimi sat in silence as John manipulated his way through traffic. The westbound lane seemed to bottleneck the closer it got to the exit for the NC State Wolfpack’s stadium. It was too