Kahlir

By Tianna Trezevant

Kahlir is story of six young men, who had no idea that their lives would be turned around by the manifestation of a gift the world has yet to see. Jay, Kahlir's cousin, Deante, Monte, Robbre, and Frankie always seem to clash with Kahlir's belief system. This time things went a little too far and before it was over, Kahlir had been shot. He doesn't die, but finds his life is now being set up by God.
Soon the expectation of the unexpected was a way of life for him because, one he could see into the spiritually realm and two, those in the spiritual realm knew it.
When one person in the family has a calling, it affects the whole and as Kahlir matures in his calling, his family is left to pay the price, not realizing that Kahlir was just the beginning. With the birth of his niece, Nina, Kahlir and his family is exposed to the greatest manifestation of the power of God, all because of a decision made by Jay. There is a cost, Kahlir accounted for it, but the question is, can he and his family really pay it?

Kahlir is the first book in the Track Series written by Tianna C. Trezevant. If you enjoyed “Prophetic,” this one will make you tired and ask,'what else God, what else?'

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tianna Trezevant
• Release date: Dec 21, 2010
• ISBN: 9781476100326

Tianna Trezevant

Some gifts are developed though hardship. Tianna first began to write after the death of her mother. Her first published piece came through the local church. With the excitement of seeing her words in print, it birthed forth something she never expected. Prophetically, she was told that God was going to use her hands; she had no idea that it would be in this manner. After having the experience of someone receiving Christ, through something that God gave her to pen, He revealed to her, “that laying on of hands, isn't necessary in the touch, you can touch in your writing.” Tianna has written for the Church of God in Christ, and New Hope Full Gospel Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Established Life Word Ministry and Impact Church, in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is currently a member of Reaching All the World Ministries International in Matthews, NC. She has written a two novels, Kahlir and Prophetic and her third, soon to be released, HIMSELF.

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Kahlir

By Tianna Che’re Trezevant

Copyright 2007 by Tianna Che’re Trezevant

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All Scriptures are from the Spirit Filled Life Bible New King James Version published by Thomas Nelson Publishers Copyright ©1991 The Holy Bible New King James Version Copyright ©1982

Chapter 1 Age 15

Natasha, have you seen your brother? Lanora said to her daughter.

****

Kahlir heard about what was happening, but he didn’t want to believe it. ‘They’ve all been laying low for months, now this? It didn’t make sense.’ He ran down Central Street trying to be careful, staying out of sight and watching to see if he could see them. Oh, no! He recognized Frankie. He quickly moved out of sight. Then he watched Frankie take a key position where he could see everything that was going on down below, and he saw what was in his hand.

Kahlir ran around to the back of the building through the doors and sprinted up the stairs. Slowing down before stepping out onto the roof, he closed his eyes and said, Help me, God. Once he stepped onto the roof, he started moving slowly, scaling the walls as he heard the cars pull up. ‘7:30, right on time,’ He looked around the wall and saw Frankie looking through the scope of the rifle. Then he remembered that the building had an outside faucet with a hose, it gave him an idea. Laying his bag of ice down, he started taking faster steps in the other direction. He turned the water on slowly, hoping that the pressure wouldn’t make too much noise; he slowly unwound the hose and picked up the silver pressure release. Pulling the water hose back around the wall until he had a good view of Frankie, he didn’t move until he could hear the voices coming up from the alley clearly.

Kahlir laid the hose down and pulled out his bat while looking to measure how far away he laid the bag of ice. It was right within arms’ reach. He took out one cube, pulled his slingshot from his back pocket, and pointed right in the direction of Frankie’s head. He was amazed that Frankie hadn’t heard him.

Plunk. It hit him.

What the . . .? Frankie jumped.

Kahlir picked up the hose and released it in his face and then, POW. Hitting him right in his head with the bat, Frankie fell with the first blow. He didn’t want to hurt him, only to knock him out and that did it. Dropping the hose, he stood really still hoping that the water wouldn’t cause them to look up. It did, but they didn’t make much of it. He also had to tell himself to breathe. Softly he could hear the voices again; and that’s when his heart started to beat faster. He picked up Frankie’s gun and moved it over to the edge of the building. He really didn’t have a plan. All he wanted to do was stop them. He opened the bag of ice and pointed his slingshot in their direction. Taking a deep breath, he released it.

Plunk. It hit the Hispanic guy in the chest, hard. He knew that hard frozen ice would leave a nice bruise.

"What the . . , he dropped, falling backwards.

Kahlir released the second one, and it hit the big black guy.

Hey! The other one yelled, grabbing his arm.

He released the third one, hitting the guy in the head. He fell straight back.

Ah, man, is that you, Kahlir? Where are you? Where the . . . he heard his cousin yell.

He released the 4th one.

Let’s get out of here, one of them yelled, heading toward the car.

Na man, wait! Kahlir? Where in the . . . He could hear him again. Go find him, Jay said, to De.

He was releasing them in a row until he got tired and started throwing them. Everyone was running for cover. Get out of my hood! Kahlir yelled, standing up. The police are on the way! Kahlir reached inside his pocket, pulled out his cellular phone, and said, Keith.

Kahlir, man, you are dead! Jay yelled.

Then Kahlir picked up the bag of ice and dumped it, sending a rain of ice on all of them. He could hear the pounding on their cars.

Kahlir? Frankie’s husky voice came from behind him.

Kahlir felt his heart dropped. Frankie. Hi, He said, smiling.

Frankie punched him in his face.

****

Lord, where’s my son? Lanora started walking down the hallway toward the stairs. Her spirit was perplexed, almost sorrowful. She took each step with ease, praying. When she reached the bottom step, she heard the footsteps on the porch. Please, Jesus, she said, aloud.

That’s exactly what he’s going to be saying when that boy walks himself though this door tonight, Carl said.

Carl, I’m worried, she looked at her husband. Something isn’t right.

How about the fact you let that boy run all over the place? I get so sick of this.

Carl! I said, something isn’t right! Do you understand what I am saying to you? She was almost screaming.

****

Kahlir woke up incoherent. At first, he couldn’t figure out where he was, so he closed his eyes to calm himself down. He was in the trunk of a car. He could smell the gas tank. He quickly did a survey within himself to see if he had been hurt. ‘Nope, not hurt.’ The space was a little tight. The last time they threw him in a trunk, he was 13. This time he was 15, much taller and a lot bigger. He tried to turn over on his back, but his legs were too long. He stopped moving when he heard Deante’s voice. De, that’s what they called him, always did the driving. Monte was in the back seat to his right. ‘Frankie?’ Kahlir felt his heart jump. ‘Oh, my God! What are they going to do with me? Where’s Jay; he’s gotta be here?’ Then he remembered the letter; he forgot to leave his ‘just in case something happened to me’ letter. ‘Okay, let’s think. You have thought about the possibilities, and this is just one of them. He started feeling around for his knife and his phone. The knife was there, but his cellular phone was gone. He searched his mind trying to remember, he had it on the roof, and he had called Keith. Frankie? That was the last thing he remembered. ‘Okay.’

Turn here.

‘Jay?’ Kahlir started feeling a sense of relief. ‘He won’t let to much happen to me.’ Kahlir and Jay’s mom were twin sisters. A couple of years back before Jay graduated from high school, he and the rest of them started hanging out with this guy named Bruce, Bruce Money. Bruce was older and into the drug scene. He preferred to call himself a pharmacist. Jay was always smart, and he could turn anything into a dollar. He and Robbre figured out a way to become suppliers without stepping on Bruce’s toes, and it actually created a profit for them. Robbre figured out a way to contact potential business on the Internet, and when it came to the personal touch, that was Monte. He could sell milk to a cow, talk the cow into drinking it, and believing it was good. Monte had a way with people. Frankie, on the other hand, was the bully. He came from a tough family that was used to the judicial system, and he was definitely a product of his environment. Once he became friends with Jay, he did seem to become a little mild mannered, but his temper was still short. Then there was De. He was 6’9 and about 340 pounds. He was the biggest teddy bear anyone could meet.

Man, you sure you want to do this? Robbre asked. He was sitting in the middle.

‘Do what?’ Kahlir asked himself. ‘First, we’re not going to panic, just listen and let’s see what’s up. All I have to do is plead with Jay and stand up for myself; he’ll respect that. I’ll let him hit me a couple of times, and then they’ll make me walk home.’

Yes! Any more questions? Jay answered.

‘He sounds mad,’ Kahlir thought. The car drove for what seemed like another 30 minutes or so.

Stop here, Jay said.

Kahlir could feel his heart starting to beat, so he made himself calm down again. ‘I need to pretend like I’m still out of it.’ He closed his eyes and started to control his breathing. He had practiced this many times. He placed his knife where it would be secure and where he could get at it, if needed. He listened for them all to get out of the car and then he waited patiently.

****

Natasha, you sure you don’t know anything?

No Ma’am. I saw him this afternoon after school; he went his way, and I went to band practice.

Lanora stood there looking at her daughter. Natasha was 14 years old; she made straight A’s and was in the band. She was student body president, lady chaplain of the Christian club, and she did everything, asked of her. You could place a dime on her whereabouts any given minute of the day, but no, not her brother, he was different.

Mom, Kahlir would say, A man gotta do what a man gotta do. If I don’t help, then who will? Ma! I know how to protect myself. Mom! I’m not crazy. Mom! Don’t worry; I got this. All those answers to a simple question, Kahlir what are you up to?

He had so much passion about everything. He maintained pretty good grades, but his biggest job was trying to stop every mugger, drug dealer, or anyone who did any wrong in this city. He was the town’s hero, and he was always trying to make everything right.

****

Get him out of there, Jay finally said.

It sounded as if it was De, who was coming. He could hear the heavy breathing, and then he heard the trunk unlock and felt the cold air hit his face. He didn’t flinch.

Hey, Jay, he still out, Deante yelled around the car.

Well, wake him up then.

Kahlir embraced himself for the impact. He felt the slap across his face and then he felt it again. He opened his eyes and looked straight into Deante’s.

Get out.

He quickly tried to survey his surroundings, but he saw only trees. He didn’t recognize a thing. Deante helped him out of the trunk, but before he could become stable, he dropped him causing him to fall to the ground into muddy snow. Slowly getting to his feet, he pretended to stagger a little. Deante helped him again by grabbing him by the collar and walking him over to where Jay was standing. He looked at his older cousin with little cousin’s eyes and a smile on his face.

Jay didn’t say a word.

Kahlir knew what was coming, and it came quicker then he could expect or was able to brace himself against. Pain was coming from everywhere. He was trying to fight back, but they were stronger and faster. There were too many of them. When he was hit from the front, he would be kicked from the back. ‘Oh, God,’ He could feel blood running down his face, and he could taste it in his mouth. A sudden blow to his nose was followed with a crack, and then he started choking because he felt himself swallow a tooth. He started screaming, Jay, please stop. Please, Jay, stop!

Pain was coming from both of his legs, his chest, and his head. He was losing himself, and he could feel himself on the inside falling. He opened his eyes to try to see, but what he saw was unfamiliar. ‘Jay?’ He tried to say. He tried to focus his eyes but something shifted, or moved through all of them, and then one of them picked him up and threw him. He could feel his body go limp in mid air and then he hit something, something that was very hard.

****

I heard you. What do you want me to do? Carl yelled.

Lanora could feel grief inside her as she walked out of the dining room into the living room, falling on her knees. Not knowing how to pray, she started humming to herself. It sounded so sorrowful. Oh, Jesus, please?

Carl walked by and saw her praying, so he turned the lights off on her.

****

Are we going to leave him here? Robbre was the first to speak.

They were all trying to catch their breaths. Man, I think he’s dead. Then Monte bent down to get a closer look.

Wrong, he’s not dead, Jay mumbled as he started walking toward the car, I just wish he was.

You want him dead, fine. Frankie reached into his pocket, pulled out his gun, and shot him.

Monte jumped almost ten feet screaming, ARE YOU CRAZY? The sound of the gun shocked and scared him, causing him to thrust himself backwards in defense. The echo of the gun was all he heard. That’s when he saw the blood coming from Kahlir, as he watched his hand move toward it.

Deante saw it, too. Oh, God, no! Deante started turning around in circles. Oh, God. Oh, God.

FRANKIE! Robbre yelled. WHAT IN THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? YOU JUST SHOT KAHLIR!

Oh, God, Deante was hyperventilating. What are we going to do?

Frankie placed his gun back in his pocket and said, We do nothing.

Jay? Monte yelled. Then he pressed his hand down on Kahlir where the blood was coming from.

Robbre started walking back to the car, Let’s get out of here.

Jay didn’t move. He just stood there looking into thin air.

Deante walked up to Jay and grabbed his arm. He didn’t move. It looked like he wasn’t there, as if he were in another world. Jay, Jay, come on and get in the car.

Monte had started picking up snow with his other hand and throwing it over Kahlir’s body. It seemed the more snow he put on him the redder it turned. Then he tried to cover their footprints. Once he heard them start the car, he shook his head and ran to get in, but before he could, Jay stopped him. Without looking at him, he took his hand and in one swipe, he wiped the blood off.

Monte just looked at him feeling his hand tingle, then turned and got in the car. The drive back toward the city was silent, except for Jay having to tell De, to slow down. They all watched the snow come down. It was heavy and mixed with rain. As Deante pulled off the exit toward Track, Jay started clearing his throat. Not one word! As far as anyone knows, we were all together at our hangout. That is it! Kahlir was my cousin, so I’ll play the family role. Get rid of the car and that gun, Frankie. I’ll see you-all tomorrow. Nothing much will happen tonight. Tomorrow, though, might be another story. So, people, especially you, Deante, stay cool.

****

Lanora had lost track of time. When she could get her eyes to focus, it was going on 1:30 in the morning. This is too late. She slowly stood up. Please, Jesus, wherever he is protect him. Each step she took up the stairs was painful. When she entered his room, she started looking around in his things. His mission impossible suit was gone. Kahlir always wore black jeans with a black T-shirt or sweater in winter. He had a pair of black sneakers, gloves, and a black leather jacket. He would even tie his dreads back with a black hair tie. She felt under the head of his bed; his knife was gone. Then she immediately looked into the top drawer, and the slingshot was gone, too. She started to panic, ‘Why didn’t I look earlier?’ She ran down the stairs, burst into the laundry pantry, and opened the freezer. His ice was gone. Oh, Jesus! She screamed at the top of her lungs, shaking the whole house. My baby. Oh, Jesus. My baby! NO! NO! She was screaming, NO!

Carl wasn’t asleep, but when he heard his wife, he jumped and in two steps, he was in the kitchen. When he got there, she was lying on the floor.

What? Lanora, what?

Carl, he’s hurt. He’s hurt out there! Call the police; my baby is out there hurt.

Mom? Dad? Natasha said in a sleeply voice.

Baby, call Keith! Now, please! Baby, please!

Are you sure? Carl looked at his wife of 17 years. She was scaring him. He knew that Kahlir could take care of himself. He taught him how. He picked her up and walked with her into the living room seeing her knee print in the carpet. Natasha, can you please make your mother some coffee and get . . .

She handed him the cordless phone, It’s Mr. Wallace.

Hello, Keith?

Carl.

I’m so sorry to call you at this late hour, but Kahlir hasn’t come home.

Man, Keith sat up in his bed.

Tell him he went out in black, Lanora added.

Do you think it had anything to do with your nephew? I got a call earlier from Kahlir, but when I answered the line, it went dead.

Keith, I don’t know. Lanora has been praying since about eight or nine. Now she’s screaming something is wrong with him. Man, this has never happened before; I admit he’s been late, but it’s going on two am.

I’ll be there in a couple of minutes. Just sit tight.

Thanks, man.

Carl clicked the phone off and then wrapped his arms around his wife, closing his eyes. He sat there listening to her sob as she called on Jesus. That was her thing, but if she was right, what in the world was he going to do? His eyes glanced over to the fireplace where Kahlir’s karate trophies were and Natasha’s awards for almost everything she had done. There were also pictures of them and other family members. He focused on his son, though, thinking how in the world could he live without him.

Their living room was on the right side of their home. When you walked in you had to turn to the right and it opened up. Their couch was up against the main wall and the fireplace was straight in front. They didn’t have a television in this room, just the CD player. There was a wooden coffee table in the middle of the floor with a country- style flower arrangement sitting in the center. Their carpet was a light brown, and their couch was dark brown with touches of the same color. It matched all the wood in the living room, and Lanora had touches of yellow here and there. She wanted a country warm feeling. He didn’t care. The stairs were in the center of the house. When you walked in the door, you were facing them. The dining room was to the left. You had to walk through there to get to the kitchen, and just past the kitchen was a smaller room that Lanora called the laundry and pantry room. It was where the washing machine, dryer, the deep freezer and extra cabinet space were. He watched his almost-grown 14-year-old daughter walk into the living room with six cups, a pot of coffee, sugar and cream. He watched her pour her mother a cup with only cream and then poured him a cup, with both cream and sugar. She made hers the same way. She sat down next to him and placed her head on his shoulder. He knew she was worried about her 15-year-old, almost-grown don’t-know-where-to-be-found brother.

Daddy, her voice was soft, I called your job and left a message for your supervisor, and I called mom’s job and left a message for hers. Then I called the school and left a message for them not to expect us tomorrow. I didn’t leave any details or reason; I just said it’s a personal family matter. Was that okay?

Yes, baby. Carl could feel his throat tighten up.

I called aunt Audrey and uncle Jimmy. They’re on their way, too.

Okay, baby.

Daddy, I’m scared. I’m so scared.

Baby, I know.

The place was quiet for about 20 minutes. When they heard cars pull up outside; a little life came back into them. When Carl opened the door he looked straight into Jay’s sleepy eyes.

Hey, Carl, Audrey said, hugging him as she walked through the door. Where’s my sister?

Carl pointed toward the living room. Jimmy didn’t say anything. He just pushed his son through the door. That’s when Lt. Keith Wallace pulled up with another squad car. Jamie stood outside with her uncle watching them get out. She didn’t know what to say, but she knew what he was thinking. Carl’s attention turned for a brief second when Lanora started crying again and Audrey had joined her. She was saying that she knew something was wrong; she could feel it. He really could use a cigarette right about now, but he had quit over five years ago. Good morning Carl.

Keith, officers, thank you for coming out.

Isn’t it a little cold out here? Keith was looking at the front door.

Yeah, Jay’s in there; and he has guilt in his eyes, Carl looked at Jamie when he said it.

Carl, I’m here; let me be the judge. Come on, Keith then reached for the door. The house was bright for 2:30 in the morning. When Keith walked in, he first reached over and took Natasha’s hand then spoke to everyone. He looked up at Jay, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, good morning, it’s been a while.

Jimmy’s whole demeanor changed with that comment.

Jay, I must say it’s been a few months. How are you?

Anyway, man, he said, in a sleepy voice.

Natasha, can you tell me when was the last time you saw your brother?

I was on my way to band practice, and I passed him in the hall.

Did he say anything to you?

No.

Did he look funny, or different? You know what I mean.

No, he was at his locker putting up his books, and I looked at him and he looked at me. I kept on walking.

During the course of the day did he say anything?

No, we don’t have that type of relationship at school.

Oh, okay. Umm, Jamie, you go to the same high school.

Yeah, I’m a senior this year.

What about you; did you see Kahlir today?

Yes, but I’m afraid I have to answer the same questions the same way. Kahlir is my little cousin and all, but we’re not like that.

What about you, Jay, did you have a run-in with Kahlir or any ice? Keith touched the dark black mark on his arm."

No, Jay cut his eyes.

Jay, Lanora said. Are you sure you or any of your friends didn’t see him today? Everything that’s missing says he was trying to stop someone from doing something.

And why does it have to be me? Jay’s tone was cutting. Man, I didn’t see Kahlir today or yesterday or the day before that. Man, this is crazy, why am I here? Jamie, take me home.

Why did you come in the first place? Carl asked.

Maybe because I am family and even though I can’t stand the punk, he’s still my cousin. Did it ever dawn on you that I might care a little? Jay yelled.

Jay, please, you only care about yourself, Carl was ready to jump.

Carl, Jay, Keith stood in front of them, please, if you know anything?

Aunt Lanora, Jay walked over to where she was sitting. Aunt Lanora, I swear I haven’t seen Kahlir, no matter what anyone here might think and forget the rest of you, Jamie, Jay started walking toward the door.

Keith stopped Jamie. Give me just a second, Keith walked out behind him. Before you leave can we . . .

You know I don’t appreciate that mess in front of my parents. Jay said, interrupting him.

Everything you do in secret you think won’t be revealed. I heard about a deal that you and your friends were supposed to do, and I heard about the fact that it didn’t happen. Funny, also I got a call from Kahlir around the same time. So, how did you say you got those bruises? You do know it’s his MO.

Jay stood there looking Keith in his eyes, Jamie, come on. Fairy tales are for kids. Then he walked off the porch.

Keith watched them drive away before he walked back in.

Mr. Wallace, Audrey stood as he came in the door. I know my son isn’t perfect, and I know he is a grown man, but I kind of got a little offended by your line of questioning.

Mrs. Maxwell, I don’t know how much you know about your son’s lifestyle. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, I’m going to see if I can get permission for an Amber Alert.

My baby may be dead by then.

Mom, don’t say that! Natasha yelled.

I know, Lanora, I am going to do all that I can. I promise you I will find him. He looked at the officers who were standing with him. I’m through. Do you have anything?

No, I’m sure we have a recent picture of him around the station, one of the officers said.

Then I think that’s it. Carl, Lanora, Kahlir can take care of himself, and I know with all the praying people you know, Lanora, we’ll find him, Keith shook Carl’s and Jimmy’s hands.

When will we hear something? Carl asked.

I don’t know, Carl, but I’ll tell you this, give me a day, and I’ll pull the local media into this. They know who he is and the fact that something might have happened to him; they would love it. Sorry, Lanora.

****

(Friday Morning)

The last time we had this many people in my house, it was a party, Carl took the last drag of his cigarette.

Yeah, and what they’re in there doing, verses what we’re out here doing, do you think this is helping?

Jimmy, I’m praying in my own way. My son is somewhere out there, it’s 9:00 am, and if I don’t smoke, I’ll drink. I can’t stand this. I’m leaving.

Wait, let’s look together; we can see more.

Where’s my son, Jimmy, where in the world is my son! Carl took the last swallow of his coffee and put the cup in the sink. Jimmy didn’t know how to answer him. He watched Carl walk over to the door that led to the pantry. Carl took the footstool that Lanora used for the top shelves and pushed it up against the wall. He reached far into the back and pulled out a bag. From inside the bag Carl pulled out a bright silver 45 revolver that was wrapped in a black cloth.

Carl, no? Lanora had startled him. Don’t, Carl, please.

Lanora, I’m going to go look for my son, and I don’t know what I might run into, I need to be sure.

Carl. I’m sure. We don’t know where Kahlir is, but Jesus does, and He’ll take care of him.

Lanora, I’m sick of you and your Jesus. You pray. I’m going to put some feet on your prayers. I want my son home safe, and when I get him back here, you can thank Jesus for that. In the meantime, I can’t spend my time here on my knees waiting for your Jesus to decide when He’s going to answer your prayers!

Lanora was in tears, and everyone in the house heard what he had said.

Jimmy, let’s go.

Don’t worry, Lanora; I’ll take care of him. Audrey, He then reached over and kissed his wife.

As they were walking toward the car, the pastor of Lanora’s church came out behind them, Brother Anderson?

Carl turned around slowly, determined not to be stopped. Yes, Pastor Paul?

I know your wife might not agree with what you are about to do, I just want you to know I understand. God came down Himself to redeem man; he didn’t send anyone. Sometimes you have to do things yourself. I just want to say, remember one member of your family is gone, there’re still two here.

****

(Saturday morning)

When Carl and Jimmy pulled up, the housed looked quiet and all the cars were gone. Walking in, they found the place empty and cleaned.

I’m going home; take a shower and get some sleep. Call me.

Thanks, Jimmy.

Carl closed the door behind him. He looked into the living room, which looked normal, and then he looked up the stairs. He took the gun he had in the back of his pants and placed it in the closet next to the stairs. Then he thought about it. He reached back in the closet and got it. He decided to put it back where he always kept it. That was the promise he made to his wife and he planned to keep it. He was tired, and the pull on his body going up the stairs was hard. When he reached the top of the stairs, he looked into his daughter’s bedroom. She was asleep. He walked around and looked into his son’s bedroom. Lanora was lying on top of his bed curled up in a ball. He walked around to their bedroom and stood there in the door. Walking over to their bed, he pulled the blanket off and walked back to his son’s room, closing the door behind him. He slipped out of his shoes as he placed the blanket over his wife, then he climbed in behind her. Lanora turned to face him, looking at him through sleepy eyes they started to filling with tears. Don’t, shh. He pulled her closer to him and she did the same, resting her head on his chest. He wanted to protect her from everything, but from this, he didn’t know how.

****

When Jimmy got home, he went straight to Jay’s room. Jay, get up!

What?

Get up!

Jay didn’t move.

Where’s Kahlir?

I don’t know where he is, Jay frowned when he said it.

Am I bothering you? Jimmy was standing over him.

Jay was lying on his front with his head turned against the wall pretending to ignore him.

Jimmy walked away from his bed, upset and tired. I always knew you were up to no good. You never listen! I’ve tried to tell you time and time again, if you go looking for trouble, you’ll find it. Jonathan! You never listened! You could be doing anything. You’re so talented; you can be doing anything but this. Jonathan, I said get up! Jimmy reached down, picked Jay up by his neck, and stood him on his feet.

Man, get your hands off me, Jay jerked himself away. I don’t know where Kahlir is, and I don’t care.

You’re lying, and I know you’re lying. We found Kahlir’s telephone on top of a building. We also heard that you, Robbre, De, and Monte were in that alley on Thursday. If I find out that you had anything to do with Kahlir’s disappearance . . .

What! What! I get so sick of this scene. What are you going to do, Dad? You care more for Kahlir than you ever did for me; it makes a man wonder, with mom and aunt Lanora looking so much alike. Just get up out of my face!

What? I . . . you know I am your father and you will not . . .

Whatever, Jay went to take a step to walk, but before he could, his father had hit him.

Jimmy had hit him so hard he could feel all the wind come out of his body. He watched Jay fall to the floor and watched as he urinated on himself. Like I said, I’m your father and this is my house! If anything has happened to Kahlir . . . Jimmy stopped mid-sentence. He looked at his son lying on the floor struggling for his breath.

****

(Monday morning)

Everyone was still tired from not doing anything on Sunday. Natasha got up for school, but her father told her not to go. The phone had rung early. Lt. Keith Wallace had called, but the news wasn’t good. It had been three days since Kahlir disappeared, and depression seemed to take over their home. They had no idea. Carl and Lanora couldn’t take the phone calls any longer, so Natasha was the one doing all the talking. Carl knew it was taking a toll on her, also. Maybe school would have helped. He could hear her at night praying and crying out for her brother. They’re closer than anyone realized. They definitely had their differences, but in a way, that’s what made them closer. There were times he would walk into his son’s room and hear him on the phone and walked into his daughter’s room and could have sworn that it was the same conversation.

Carl, here, put this on, Lanora handed him his dress coat.

Why I got to get dressed up?

Because we are going to be on TV, honey, and I want us to look our best.

For what?

Carl, please. Please, I can’t do this. I don’t have the strength, please!

He didn’t have the strength, either.

Mom. Dad. They’re here. Lt. Wallace is with them.

Lanora looked at Carl, and before she knew it, she was back in tears. Oh, God!

Carl picked