“Yeah.” He reached down and kissed Sheila lightly on the lips. “I’m out.”
37
“We interrupt this program for a breaking news story,” the announcer said.
Trevor pulled his feet off the coffee table and sat up straight on the leather couch.
“Good evening. We have an update on the breaking news story we brought to you earlier this evening. There has been a new lead in the shooting of student Afrika Nicole Bailey this afternoon on the campus of North Carolina Central University. Ms. Bailey, who is a cheerleader at NC Central, was preparing to leave the stadium after the Eagles’ win today. As the crowd dispersed, a shot rang out and a stray bullet hit Ms. Bailey in the back, narrowly missing her heart. We understand that Ms. Bailey is now in recovery after a four-and-a-half-hour surgery at Duke University Medical Center.
“An unlikely source provided information that has led this investigation to someone of possible interest along with a possible motive. The local sheriff’s office has declined to provide the media with the identity of this person of special interest at this time.
“Tune into WTVD eleven o’clock news for more of this story. I’m Charlotte Wilson, reporting to you live for WTVD News.”
“I wonder who the person of interest is?” Trevor said out loud to no one. He picked up his cell phone and dialed.
“Hey, Trevor,” Brenda said in a low voice.
“Hey, Mom. I hear Afrika is in recovery.”
“Yes, they’ve stabilized her, but she’s a long way from being out of the woods. Poor Mimi.”
“Mom, the news reporter said a few minutes ago that they have a lead as to who may have shot Afrika.”
Silence. Then Brenda spoke. “What did they say exactly?”
“That a source tipped the police off but they’re not saying who it is.”
“I pray that whomever did this will turn themselves in.”
“Mom…”
“What is it, Trevor?”
“Some detectives came to the house looking for Dad. Said they needed to talk to him. They missed him by fifteen minutes, and that was about two hours ago. Dad told me to tell you he’d be back shortly.”
“Does your dad know that these detectives came by?”
“Yes. I finally caught up with him on his cell phone.”
“Thanks for sharing with me. Only your father can tell us what that’s all about. I’ll be home soon. I didn’t want Mimi to be alone.”
“Is Asia coming with you?”
“No, she and the other girls went back to the dorm. The cheerleading coach is going to stay with them for the rest of the weekend. The university is probably more secure than it has ever been. Let me get off of the phone; Mimi is calling me.”
“Okay, Mom. I’ll see you later.”
Brenda walked to where Mimi and John were sitting.
“Have they found Victor?” Mimi asked.
“Not yet,” Brenda said with tears in her eyes. “Not yet.”
“My baby is lying in that room helpless. Why did this have to happen to her?” Mimi wailed. “Why, God? Why my baby?”
“She’s going to be all right, Mimi,” John said assuredly, as he rubbed her back. “I’ll be back. I’m going to get you and Brenda some coffee.”
“Okay,” was all Mimi could say.
When John was out of earshot, Brenda sat next to Mimi and rubbed her arm. “That was Trevor on the phone. He said that detectives had been to the house looking for Victor, but he wasn’t home. Maybe we can get some answers soon.”
Through her tears, Mimi faced Brenda. “Thank you, friend. I know it was difficult for you to give up Victor’s name like that. I’d do it for you. But if Victor did do this…tried to kill Afrika, he has to be punished.”
Brenda looked away, not wanting Mimi to see the tears that were falling for her family. Yes, it was somewhat dysfunctional, but it was a home—four people cohabitating under the same roof. It was a proud moment when Asia had graduated from high school and then set foot on a college campus, preparing for life beyond Victor and her. Now there wasn’t any sunshine, only dark clouds, and she wanted to see the sun again.
“You’re right, Mimi. That’s why I had to tell you.”
38
Haze clouded the afternoon sky, but there was a sign that the sun would break through at any moment. Mimi pulled back from the window and crossed over to where Afrika lay sleeping and brushed her hair with her hand. Like a person examining a beautiful piece of art, Mimi moved from Afrika’s hair and gently rubbed the