love.”
I anxiously waited as Leon came on the phone. I didn’t care about being embarrassed. I needed to get out of this hellhole.
“Hello, Has. What’s good, man?”
“Man, you ain’t goin’ believe this bullshit. I’m over here in Rikers.”
“What the heck are you talking ’bout?”
“Man, long story that I can’t even get into right now. I’m charged with assault and battery on Imani. I have my first appearance at 10:00 a.m., and I need you to be there.”
“A’ight, bet. I’ll be there.”
“I ’ppreciate it. I’ll see you then.”
After I got off the phone, I felt a sense of relief. I walked back to my bunk and lay down. I didn’t socialize with these bum-ass niggas up in here, telling their jailhouse lies. Most of them were hardened criminals who didn’t deserve to see the streets again. But who was I to judge shit? My pockets were on swole because of dudes that broke the law.
That bitch Imani lay heavily on my mind. We’ve been through so much shit together that I would’ve never guessed she would go as far as pressing charges on me. That bitch was dead to me. I put that on my life.
I closed my eyes and tried to doze off, but sleep wouldn’t come. I was ready to get up out of here and file for divorce. After that bullshit Destiny pulled, I planned on not giving that ho a dime. I don’t give a fuck ’bout no alimony or child support. For all I care, that bitch can sell her pussy to feed her fucking daughter. I knew it sounded cold, but there was no love in my heart for that bitch, and the fact that Amaiya was part of that bitch, I didn’t give a fuck about her either.
“Ha-ha,” I chuckled as a thought popped into my head. I knew exactly how to get that ho back. When I filed for divorce, I was also going to file for custody of Amaiya. That would drive Destiny over the edge. I hoped it would drive that bitch to suicide. With that thought, I was off to sleep....
* * *
By 4:00 a.m. the next morning, the guards were hollering for people that have court. I was eager to get out of here because I knew I wasn’t going to be back in this dungeon. I packed up my cot, gave my bunkie dap, and strutted to the front where the guards were waiting to transport us to the court.
On the way to the courthouse that I was so familiar with, I whispered a few words to the man above. I was confident that my partner had me, but just in case, I needed extra cushion. I stayed quiet the entire ride, but the niggas’ mouths beside me seemed to have a severe case of diarrhea. One nigga said, “I can’t wait to get out so I can fuck the shit out of my girl.” Another fool stated, “I can’t wait to hit them streets. Oh boy, it’s on and popping.” I shook my head and closed my eyes. I really didn’t have any plans. For now, I only wanted to get out.
* * *
The bus arrived at the courthouse early, and we were placed in a holding cell. I hoped Leon was on his way down here. I needed to run my case by him before I went in front of the judge.
“Clarke, you have an attorney’s visit,” the tall, lanky guard said.
I got up and walked to the front.
Two minutes later, he escorted me into a room where Leon was waiting.
As soon as he saw me, he stood up. “Hassan, my man.” He gave me dap.
At that moment, I felt a little ashamed that my colleague was able to see me like this.
“All right, what the hell happened? I need to know everything, so I can go in there and fight for you.”
Even though I didn’t want him in my business, I had no choice but to keep it real with him. But I left out a few things which I didn’t think was his business.
“I warned you from day one, that girl was trouble.”
“Yea, well, there is something else. I didn’t meet her at the job. Imani and I been screwing around for years, even before I started law school.”
“Man, I don’t know what’s going on, but this is a felony you’re charged with. You already know this don’t look good for you. My goal is to get you out on bond, and the rest, we can figure out.” I could tell by the tone of his voice he was annoyed.
He left, and I was returned to the holding cell. Reality started to kick in. I worked my entire life to get this law degree, and all it took was a minute to jeopardize it. I knew I wasn’t going to give up that easy. The bottom line is, it was my word against hers. I knew it would be hard, but I had to come up with ways to discredit her story. There was no way I was going to prison—especially not behind a bitch that I took care of.
* * *
“All rise. The court of the Criminal Division is now in session. The Honorable Judge Braxton is presiding.”
“Be seated,” Judge Braxton said.
I’ve heard those exact words over a hundred times, but this time, it was surreal. I hung my head down in shame as I sat on the other side of the law this time.
“Your Honor, first on the docket, docket number 66421-53. The State of New York vs. Hassan Clarke.
“Defendant is charged with one count of First-Degree Assault. . . .”
I didn’t hear anything else until I heard my name mentioned.
“How do you plead, Mr. Clarke? Mr. Clarke, are you with us?” the judge said, interrupting my thoughts.
“Not guilty, Your Honor.”
“Court date is set for September 12, 9:00 a.m. Mr. Clarke, you are ordered not to go anywhere near the complainant or contact her in any way. If you violate this order, your bond will be revoked immediately.”
“I’m about to post your bond. So sit tight. You’ll be out in a few,” Leon assured me.
I nodded my head to acknowledge him. I was sick of this shit already.
I felt relieved because I had no intention to return to Rikers. I wasn’t a criminal, and I didn’t belong among those hardened criminals. I’ll be happy when all this bullshit ends, I thought.
Chapter Five
Destiny Clarke
There was something about this man that kept tugging at my heart. For years, I haven’t had sex or thought about being with another man. I took my vows very seriously, even though I knew I was faithful to a man whose cock was community property.
I tried to ignore the way I was feeling, but at night, I would lie in my bed, wondering what it would feel like to have a good man, one that knew how to treat a woman that had been broken. The thought of him sent chills up my spine. Yes, I’m talking about no other than Private Investigator Spencer.
My heart was a little reluctant, but I decided that going out to dinner with him wouldn’t hurt anything. Plus, it would help take my mind off some of the shit that was going on in my life. Without further hesitation, I dialed his number.
I got cold feet and was about to hang up when his sultry voice said, “Hello, there.”
“Hi,” I could barely say.
I felt like I was in high school, and he was my crush. Butterflies took flight in my stomach as I tried not to breathe too hard into the phone.
“How is the beautiful Miss Destiny doing this evening?” he asked.
Oh Lord, this man was putting his charm on me. I had to catch myself. I didn’t want to come off as thirsty. I was too old for that giddy-headed shit.
“I’m fine. I just called to see if the offer was still on the table, I mean, the dinner offer,” I said nervously.
“Yes, the offer is