A few days later and I was barely holding on to my sanity when I felt the bed stir next to me. I thought it was my mind playing tricks on me due to sleep deprivation but his voice told me otherwise.
“Mimi.” His voice came out hoarse.
“I’m right here, kid.” I grabbed his hand as he turned his head to follow the sound of my voice. The second he saw me he smiled softly.
“You look like crap.”
I chuckled. “So do you.”
“Yeah, but I have a reason.”
“So do I.”
“I should’ve told you about the guy.”
“Yeah, you should have.”
“Can I get some water?”
I grabbed his cup and gave him the straw. He drank it slowly and sighed when he was done.
“Who was he?”
“He said his name was Jean-Michel Basq- Basq-”
“Basquiat?” I questioned.
“Yeah, that’s it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. Do you know him?”
“Not really. Did he say what he wanted?”
“He was looking for you. I didn’t want to tell him where or who you were because the guy that was always with him was a little weird looking. I didn’t trust him.”
“Was the weird guy the one who shot you?”
“Yeah.”
“This Jean-Michel guy, did he say where he was from?”
“The last time he came he said for me to get a message out to you. I just kept forgetting to tell you.”
“What was that message?”
“He said he had to do some art stuff but that it was important for you to come find him.”
“Keegan, did he say where?”
“Um- I’m not sure. I think it was called ‘Downtown 500’.”
A knock was heard and in came Ruth with Ioneos holding a big brown bear.
Keegan saw them and smiled. “Mama! Ioneos!”
“How you feeling, buddy?”
“Eh, can’t complain.”
“Does it hurt, baby?” Ruth asked.
“A little.”
“Well, take a look on the bright side: you can score chicks with your battle scars.” Ioneos smiled.
Ruth slapped the back of his head. “Don’t give him that idea.”
“Too late.” Keegan beamed.
I rolled my eyes. “Great.” I got up and kissed his forehead.
“Where are you going?” He asked, slightly disappointed.
“I got some business to take care of out of town. And now that you’re up, Mama can take care of you till I get back.”
“What do you mean?”
“Meaning, when I get back, you’re coming to live with me kid.”
“Really?!” He exclaimed.
YOU ARE READING
The Sweet Bitter Taste of Revenge
AdventureScreaming. Blood being splattered everywhere. I sat there and watched my family get slaughtered right before my very eyes. I watched my mother's throat get sliced and choke on her own blood as her eyes stayed glued to the closet where I hid. A lump...
