15. Deacon
“What’s good, Tinker Belle?” I say, answering my phone after a third incoming call comes through.
“You need to meet me at Shadow Stew Memorial. Something is going on with Squeak.”
Time stands still, and my heart stalls for seconds while my brain registers Tinker Belle’s words.
“Say less.”
Somebody is dying tonight.
My mouth is dry from rushed breathing, and adrenaline courses through my body, causing an edgy feeling. Tunnel vision and the need to lay eyes on Squeak had me arriving at the hospital within fifteen minutes of receiving Tinker Belle’s call. We must have been on the same wavelength because Tinker Belle and I almost collided while trying to enter the room where the front desk attendant said Squeak was. Seeing Squeak lying in the bed had murderous thoughts running rampant in my mind. Only the entrance of her parents stopped me from uttering a word, yet my focus didn’t leave Squeak.
“Honey, what’s going on?” Squeak’s mother asks once the doctor vacates the room.
My hands have been caressing Squeak’s feet since the machine started blaring for a second time since my arrival. Calming her is somehow allowing the inferno building within me to slightly slimmer. The energy in the room is tense from Squeak’s parents shooting daggers toward me. Informing them of who I am isn’t important to me because my concern is the woman lying in a bed that isn’t mine. The discomfort and faraway gaze in Squeak’s eyes isn’t sitting well with me, making her parents unworthy of conversation at the moment.
“I want to know the answer to that and for someone to tell me who this nigga is,” Squeak’s father says.
“Um—hey, Mom and Dad,” Tinker Belle greets hesitantly, causing Squeak’s parents to shift their focus to her.
“Oh, sorry. Hey, baby,” Squeak’s mom says, walking toward Tinker Belle and giving her a quick hug that her husband copies.
“Mom and Dad, I hadn’t got around to telling you, but this is Deacon. We’re dating,” Squeak says.
The raw and shakiness in Squeak’s voice accelerates my blood pressure from the foreign tone within her timbre.
Mhm. I’m killing whoever is responsible for fucking with my woman.
“Dating him?” Squeak’s dad asks, frowning.
“Deacon… why does that name sound so familiar?” Squeak’s mom asks simultaneously.
“Oh shit. You’re Paul and Shirley’s son,” Squeak’s dad says, like a lightbulb has gone off in his brain.
“No, honey. Their son’s name is Prynce. Oh wait… you’re in that gang,” Squeak’s mom says before her heavy gaze settles on Squeak. “Missy?—”
“Now is not the time, honey,” Squeak’s dad interjects, cutting off whatever his wife was about to say.
“Tell me what’s up, Squeak,” I say an hour after Tinker Belle and the senior Stephens leave Squeak and me.
Squeak’s dad, Marvin, had done a one-eighty after recognizing my name and who my parents were. He didn’t seem to mind or have any other objections, despite my affiliation with Baxtown Iron, which surprised me. On the other hand, Squeak’s mom, Patricia, had all but given me her ass to kiss upon learning who I am outside of normal business hours. However, my only concern is Squeak and how she sees me, so I’m good regardless.
“I thought you sent me another thoughtful gift because of the pink packaging and pretty white bow.” Squeak begins talking, bringing me out of the quick diversion regarding her parents' response to us being together.
The tremble in her cords and shiver, causing her body to jerk against me, has me biting my jaw.
“H-he sent me a visible confirmation of the threat he’s been giving me for years.” Squeak’s voice is now a whisper, like she’s worried about someone overhearing her words, causing fire to run through my veins.
“Who the fuck is he , Squeak?”
“The Boogeyman.”
Wrinkles form on my forehead, and the skin around my eyes instantly tightens upon hearing the two-word statement. Shifting Squeak’s body, my chest tightens from the rapid increase of pressure filling me at seeing tears sliding down her face.
“Man. Who the fuck is the Boogeyman? The only nigga you need to be scared of is the one responsible for the breaths you breathe each day,” I say harshly, and a grimace forms.
For the next fifteen minutes or so, various thoughts and emotions coarse through my body at the information Squeak shares with me. According to her, no one other than Tinker Belle is aware of the bullshit this nigga is doing.
This nigga is about to learn what happens when the Boogeyman crosses a Deacon.
Two days later…
Learning Squeak’s secret had me ready to haunt down the nigga with the balls the size of Texas. Not to mention the audacity of the nigga to call himself a fictitious character that causes kids to piss in the bed. I can’t wait to get my hands on the bitch ass nigga. Instead of living his life of freedom despite killing someone, he’s choosing to torment the lone witness who has never talked.
“Without going into too much detail or violating her privacy, I need to make you all aware of a situation with Squeak,” I say, staring around the room at my club brothers and sisters.
Cracking my neck from side to side, I attempt to calm myself enough to share a portion of information without violating Squeak’s trust.
“An unknown threat is after Squeak and increasing his tactics to increase her panic. For now, she won’t be attending any club meetings. However, she is still actively planning the upcoming cabaret. With Diesel’s permission, Jasper and Too Sweet have been assigned to keep an eye on Squeak since they’re presently unemployed.”
“So, you’re gonna put two of our men in harm’s way to protect the latest receptacle of your cum?” Sinful asks, rolling her eyes.
“This bitch,” Trixx says.
“Awe. Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ll find a couple niggas to spread your tired pussy like tuna over a stale saltine soon,” I say, causing everyone but Sinful to laugh.
“On that note, the meeting is over,” Diesel interjects before anyone else decides to enter the conversation.
Sinful mumbles while grabbing her purse and walking out the front door without another word.
“Damn. Did you have to embarrass her like that?” Shadow asks, smirking.
“She’s lucky it’s all I said because with how I’m feeling, she ain’t capable of catching the strays I’m dying to fire,” I say.
“It's your fault because you know Sinful’s ass had thoughts of y’all becoming more than a hookup,” Shadow adds.
“You gossip like a bitch,” I say, smirking, while dodging Shadow’s fist coming toward me.
“Fuck you, Deacon,” Shadow says, frowning.
“I’m just saying, bro. The only woman I care about is the one waiting for me to get to the crib. I’m out,” I say, throwing up two fingers while heading toward the exit.
I’ve mistakenly fucked Sinful a few times, which is the cause for her pouty behavior. Our dealings ended before Squeak even hit the scene because Sinful started getting clingy. So I’m unsure why she’s in her feelings and speaking out of turn, especially since she’s been with several other club brothers.
Once inside my truck, I pull my phone from my pocket and send Squeak a message.
Me:
Get dressed. I’m taking you out to dinner.
My Forever:
Okay. See you soon.
Me:
Say less, Squeak.
“How are you feeling, love?”
“Grateful for an understanding boss. I’m going to work from home the rest of the week and all of next. My boss wants to make sure that I’m fully back to normal when I return to work.”
“Good, because I don’t want to worry about getting another phone call while at work. Hearing about you being in the hospital damn near stopped my heart, Squeak.”
Squeak lifts our joined hands and kisses mine, causing me to momentarily pause my attempt at parking into a spot.
“I’m sorry. I lost m?—”
“Don’t worry, Squeak. Not a single hair will be moved out of place. Your nigga is able to slay anyone who threatens to shift your peace.”
Seeing Squeak’s smile, I continue parking so we can enjoy each other’s company while sharing a meal. Exiting the vehicle, I quickly move to Squeak’s side to help her get out. Interlocking our hands, I head toward the restaurant as my stomach growls, reminding me of its empty state. I hadn't eaten today, with Squeak heavy on my mind and the emergency club meeting.
“It’s crazy that this is our first official date since becoming a couple,” Squeak says.
“Well, look, honey, it's our prodigal son.” Ma’s voice prevents me from responding to Squeak when my parents exit the restaurant.
“Hey, Son. Who’s this beauty?” Pop greets while shifting his focus to Squeak.
“Love, these are my parents, Deacon and Deaconess Redmond. This is your future daughter-in-law, Janelle,” I say, introducing everyone.
“This ain’t Sunday, and we’re not in Pursuing His Glory Ministries, Son. Please call me Paul, sweetheart,” Pop says, extending his hand toward Squeak.
“Thank you, Jesus. Thank you. Um, you can call me whatever you’re comfortable with, honey,” Ma says, pulling Squeak into her wide bosom without warning.
My eyes bounce from Pop to Ma, who’s still holding onto Squeak, whose arms hang at her side. My poor woman’s stiff body has me quickly intervening before Ma makes her any more uncomfortable.
“All right, Ma.”
Pulling Squeak out of Ma’s embrace, I look her over to see how she’s handling the quick exchange. The humor dancing in Squeak’s eyes causes me to relax since she doesn’t seem to mind what just happened.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Squeak says politely.
“Oh my. You’re such a darling. Bring her by the house so we can sit down and chat, Prynce,” Ma says, smiling.
“We won’t hold you up anymore, but I agree with your mother. Enjoy your dinner,” Pop says, pulling Ma along as they make their way to the parking lot.
“That was interesting and entertaining,” Squeak says, grinning.
“Hm. That’s one way to look at it. Come on so we can eat. I’m starving.”