Roses are Red ( Book 2 )

Three Sides To A Story continued…

I nodded standing to my full height. Her eyes widened, taking in my stature. I guess I was intimidating since, she seemed to shrink into herself a little. We were still in the alley and she looked around nervously. She shivered once her eyes landed on her boyfriend. She turned to leave and I followed behind . The madness pounded inside, screaming for me to finish the job . I paused, letting her exit as I turned to finish what he started .

" I don't think that's funny ...." said her voice again, clearing my mind . I stopped immediately fighting against the need to complete a task or follow my conscience . It only took a moment for me to snap out of it and tuck my old self back into that dark place . " Whatever you say Peaches" I spoke out loud before exiting the alley .

The woman was still there, freezing it looked like . " You alright ?" I asked her, making her jump . She nodded quickly but didn't answer . Just stared intently in her phone . " You need a ride ?" I offered pointing to my car . " I'm not gonna hurt you ." I told her as she watched me . " I promise." I added after a pause . I even smiled at her, which made her nod in acceptance.

With that, I headed for my car, assuming she would follow . She did, looking left and right all paranoid. I wanted her to feel safe now . I opened her door for her as she slowly came over . " I'm Jacob . " I told her nicely as she got in and I closed the door . I gave her my last name just to put up some boundaries . Jogging around, I got inside.

" I'm Lydia ." She responded quietly. I nodded, cranking up and pulling out . " Where to Lydia ?"'I asked, once we were on our way . She gave me some directions and I drove in silence. I let the radio talk as I stayed out of my own head . " Thank you ." She mumbled after I caught her staring. I shrugged. " What kind of person would that make me to walk away ?" I retorted .

That earned me a small smile . Lydia seemed to relax more in her seat, rubbing her cheek . " I can't believe he hit me ." She grimaced, checking her wounds . " Has it happened before ?" I asked, trying to understand. She paused but nodded, answering my question. " Then believe it . " I ordered, pulling up to her place . " You were too kind tonight." She spoke up , turning in her seat to face me . " Let me repay you somehow ." She begged, her eyes shimmering with excitement . I laughed softly and smiled .

" It's Nothing. Just take care of yourself." I said back, making her frown . " Nope" she popped the p . " not enough " She retorted . " can i borrow your phone ?" Asked Lydia with a grin . I slid my phone into her hand after unlocking it . " Thanks . My roommate can be a drag sometimes but she's moving soon ." She babbled on . " I'm throwing her a party, since she's leaving and you are invited." She stated handing me my phone back. " I don't like crowds ." I told her honestly .

" Why don't I find that surprising. " she laughed. " Jacob the mysterious. " she teased . I shook my head chuckling to myself . I wish she would just dip . The outside light came on at her apartment home. I assumed she texted her roommate from my phone . " I'm not taking no for an answer and I'll save you a shadow in the corner. " She winked before, quickly leaning in to kiss my cheek . " Thanks again !" She shouted before leaving .

I watched her go inside before pulling off . I shook myself mentally, feeling the nights affects sink in . I was losing myself. Rosalina's k********g had me all the way off my rocker . Normally I would be calm with everything under control but, The thought of harm coming to her and my child, f***s me up every time . I had to stay in motion . I had to find her .

I pulled up to my house just as my phone began to ring . I checked to see ShaMilla calling. I answered getting out of the car and heading up the steps to my house . Kailey and Priscilla was inside waiting for me and were probably mad at my lateness. We still had time to hit a few houses and I'll just buy her more candy .

Stepping inside, I went into the living room . " Ayeee nigga !" Shouted Milla through the receiver . "My fault, what did you say ? " I answered her, seeing my costume twin barrel into my legs .

" Where have you been !!!!" She snapped before, going in on me in Spanish. I moved past Scilla trying to listen to Milla instead. " There's no Kp without Ron stoppable Mir !" She fussed, putting her hands on her hip . Of course she was beautiful in her Kim Possible costume, with her beeper and all . I smiled at her but she rolled her eyes and fold her arms .

" Listen . I'll be there in like an hour . Meet me at Tat life so we can go over somethings." ShaMilla went on to say. I focused in on that part . " Bet, let me take Scilla out and then I'm there ." I told her . We said our goodbyes and hung up . I turned to Scilla, who wasn't too happy with me at the moment. I squatted down to her height . " Who wants to go trick or treating?" I asked as she eyed me .

" I dunno if I want to go anymore." She teased, looking away from me and shrugging. I chuckled, feeling that familiar happiness fill me . This child was something else and I loved her unconditionally. A smile played at her lips . " Hmph . Then I guess you can't help me with my mission . " I retorted, standing to walk away . " MISSION !!!! " she screamed, just as I started walking away .

" God Daddy ! God Daddy ! I forgive you !!!" She begged, hopping up on the couch and jumping on to me . " Are you sure ?" I exaggerated, tossing her gently on the couch . Scilla erupted in giggles as I teased and tickled before letting up . She sat up , turning to me and raising an eyebrow .

" What's the sitch ?" she proclaimed.

Dorinda

" 8,000 from the door . " said Juni as I typed away at me desk . " 13,480 from the bar . " I gritted my teeth in frustration, clearing what I just typed . " Each VIP has at least 4,000 underhanded sales going on , on the premises . I sent Vincent to handle that ."

" Mhmm . " I mumbled, quickly clicking .

" I told em to kill everyone up there ."

" good idea " I mumbled in response.

" Take all the money and dump the bodies . "

" Perfect . Send me an email afterwards." I said not really paying attention.

" DORINDA!" Shouted Juniper. My eyes finally landed on her . She wore a tight red dress, with a slit running up the side . Her hair was a vibrant orange with a deep side part that hid half her face . She was beautiful in her Jessica Rabbit costume. " Your not even paying attention. " she whined as her clipboard dropped to her side and she jutted out her hip with her fist resting on it .

I swiped my face , twisting in my chair . This was pointless. I had no idea what I was searching for . Just a name, " Sandra Ludo " . " I'm sorry Juni . My mind is elsewhere . " I explained. " You don't have to apologize Rinda . It's your club and it's Halloween . " said Juni, moving to sit in the chair adjacent to me .

" What's got you soo distracted ? We've been gearing up for tonight for the longest ." She asked as I pouted .

My workers had no idea Rose was missing . I doubted anyone knew, especially with how Mir and Meanor moved . Any outside help was frowned on . They barely let me do anything. I can't just sit here and do nothing . I had a name, which was more than they had . I let out a breath of frustration .

" I'm trying to find someone." I told her, editing a bit . " A woman that has some information I need but, I only have a name ." I admitted, shrugging. I placed my elbows on the table dropping my head . I wasn't good at this at all . I had no clue how to even research this b***h . Now I'm beginning to realize that I need to work with Mir and Meanor. The both of them gets on my nerves but, were better off pooling our information together.

" Oh that's easy ! " laughed Juni . " Scooch over then . " she demanded standing . She came over to my side of the desk, and I gave her access to my computer. " You were using google ?" She scoffed, changing the url . " first things first what do you know about her ." She asked me .

I pondered on that question for a moment. What did I know ? Sandra's a snake that needed to be dealt with . She held all the answers to finding Rose and she was Pre Med . " Uhm , well she's pre med and works at the hospital Down Bottom mostly for interning . She's older than me. I'm sure but, young enough to be close in age . " I shrugged not giving her much .

Juni just nodded, going on f*******: . " Are you f*****g kidding me Juniper!? f*******: ?!!!" I stressed rolling my eyes . She held her hands up in defense. " Hey you'd be surprised what f*******: tells you chile . " she explained.

" look hea ." Juni pointed at the screen . " There's 4 Sandra Ludo's in Detroit. 2 aren't from here and the others are from different states." She clicked one profile .

" See this Sandra is 19 so she wouldn't be who your looking for . " she explained as I eyed the screen . I guess Juni had a knack for this . I made a mental note to ask her about it . " that leaves this one ." She clicked on the final profile .

My stomach dropped as soon as my eyes landed on her . She was pretty and brown skinned. Maybe 26, I assumed . She looked innocent in her profile picture. Just smiling away like she wasn't scum . Her profile told me that she was pre med, and with that, I leaned forward and took over from Juni . I started scrolling her feed but found nothing useful. Juni remained quiet as I did this.

I froze, seeing she was from Atlanta just as I . It seemed she was going home soon . I clicked into her pictures, sifting through old and new photos . " BINGO !!!!" I exclaimed, coming to a certain pic . The picture held the hospital staff . Sandra in the middle, surrounded by co workers in scrubs and doctors smock . My eyes landed on Debra from the cafeteria in the back . " This is it ! " I celebrated . " Thanks Juni !" I cheered embracing her . She laughed but told me I was welcome . I printed the photo quickly, and damn near flew out the door . " Your in Charge Juniper !" I told her on my way out .

I was truly grateful to her . With her help maybe, this was all I needed to find Rose . I've been leaving the club alot lately, feeling restless and afraid. But now I had something and Jamir and ShaMilla had to let me in . I bolted out the back , heading for my car . I wore an exact replica of the clueless outfit, so I was freezing my a*s off . The bright yellow and black plaid stood out in the night . My hair whipped around me as the wind blew . I made it to my car and started warming the car .

I dialed Meanor as I waited . " Speak ." She answered making me roll my eyes . " Why you gotta answer like that ." I snapped, hearing her sigh . " Because I don't always know who's calling me . " she explained dryly. " Why isn't my number saved !" I stressed .

" Dorinda. Did you call to argue or get on my nerves ." She responded with attitude. I clenched my fist but otherwise let it go . I haven't seen her in a while and I didn't want to start off sour . " Remember when I told you I had something ?" I asked as she remained silent . I rolled my eyes taking her silence for a yes . " Well it was a possible name for a kidnapper and...."

" Be quiet !" She commanded interrupting me . Shocked, I stared at the phone . " But Milla it's a Lead !!!! And we don't have anything else !!! " I stressed, sick of being left out . They were going to let me in and WE were gonna find her together . " Dammit Rinda ! Shut the f**k up and hang up the phone! " she urged, before disconnecting the line . I stared at my phone stunned before, it vibrated in my hand .

Mean a*s ? : Don't talk . Meet @ Tat shop .

" You could have said that then ! " I shouted in frustration as I pulled out and headed there . ShaMilla always had to piss me off . I missed her stupid a*s and now when I see her Imma be mad . " Get on my fuckin nerves." I mumbled.

None the less, I'll be seeing her soon, as well as Mir . I mentally prepared myself for what I was about to reveal. Sandra was right here under our noses and she was from my city . I shook my head at the thoughts bouncing in my mind . Two weeks and here we were . Finally we had something.

I pulled over to the curb and locked my doors as I stepped out on the sidewalk. I folded my arms, trying to cover my body from the air . I hurried inside, surprised to find the door unlocked. I eased inside, sighing as the warmth enveloped me . I thought I heard voices in the back and followed them .

I came to find just Kailey in the back, on the long couch . She was getting off the phone as I came to sit with her . " Hey Rinda ! " she beamed looking me over . " Cute outfit! Party City ?" She asked me as I flipped my hair . " As If . Personal Designer." I boasted, before we both burst into laughter. " ShaMilla insisted I had it made . " I shrugged and she nodded .

" Her boughetto a*s ." She teased, getting comfortable . She was dressed comfortably in some black cargos and a cute fitted blue shirt, short sleeved . She also wore black combat boots and I had a hard time figuring out her costume. She noticed and chuckled. " I'm Wade from Kim Possible . " she explained as it finally clicked. She shrugged " Scilla got to me ." She stated and I understood. Priscilla was a powerful force.

" Where is she ?" I questioned, noticing we were alone . " She's with Mir . Lately she's been wanting to be up under him . She's getting too old for that ." She vented . I kept quiet. I was the youngest of 3 . I had no idea how to handle children and I didn't want to offend. " He is her father figure though. She's just a daddy's girl ." I spoke up .

" Father FIGURE. " she stressed. " Sometimes I feel like he's the parent and I'm the aunt ." She confessed somberly. " I love him to death and I'm grateful for his help but, he over steps alot . I'm not sure he understands someone is gonna fill that place . " she went on as I raised my brow .

" You mean Raw-lo ?" I asked boldly. She shifted in her spot . " It's that obvious ?" She sighed . " Yea, Its plain as day . If he didn't have so much on his plate . I think Jamir would have been ended it . " I added as she kissed her teeth . " I'm grown Dorinda. He can't end s**t . " she stressed pulling out her phone . " I like Raw-lo alot and Mir hired him, himself . If that's not enough then f**k em . " she went on, typing on her phone .

" What about Scilla ? Doesn't she get a say ?" I offered, making her look up from her phone . " Scilla loves Lo . Their always joking and playing around . " she explained confused by my question. " Yeah but don't you think your kinda pushing him on her .... Not saying you are ." I backed off seeing the look on her face .

" Look, Scilla is a good kid and she's nice to everyone around here. I get the feeling it's because she knows she's safe with them . I'm just saying, she's not gonna just accept Raw-lo over Mir . Lo is a friend to the family but Mir is her family." I tried to explain. I wasn't trying to offend but she wasn't thinking . Raw-lo might be a good fit for her but Scilla's feelings should be considered.

It seemed more like Kailey was distancing herself, as if she wanted Mir to know his place as an Uncle . Finding a man and pushing him to be a father to your child could back fire. Badly, no matter how well you think you know them but, what worried me most is why she would do that now ? Her brother was hurting and she wanted to give him space ? And take away his daughter, because lets face it . She's his .

" I hear you but it's really not your business. " she spoke, a slight sternness in her voice. " I know whats best for my daughter and I know my brother. Were good over here and I'm not taking her from Mir . That's her uncle and her God daddy but not her Father . " she finished, staring me down . I just nodded, deciding to leave it alone .

I was saved however, since Jamir walked in with Priscilla at his side . Scilla seemed to be enjoying herself but it seemed she didn't have much candy . " Hello Dorinda ." She smiled as I returned it . " Wassup Kp " I responded earning a toothy grin . Scilla came over to hug me before settling on the couch . " How was trick or treating? " I asked, watching her sift through her treats .

She shrugged closing her bag, and sitting up . " The rich people give out nasty candy . " she answered , sticking her tongue out . Jamir chuckled behind me . I looked to see him lounging against a wall . He was dressed to match the little one but, he was smiling and I was actually happy to see that . " Daddy said he will take me around here to get the good stuff ." She went on excitedly.

I laughed at her extraness . " Good for you . " I humored her . Kailey remained quiet, staying to her phone . The siblings didn't even acknowledge each other . " Happy Halloween ." Greeted Milla coming in with a huge bag of assorted candies . All king sized and in Scillas words " The good kind" .

" Meanor ! " cheered Scilla, launching from the couch and running to embrace her . " Where did you get these ! " she demanded, reaching for the bag as Milla held her away . " I'm not saying ." She chuckled as Scilla clawed at the bag, still unable to reach it . I found myself smiling too, watching them . I was surprised at how good she was with kids .

" Anyway..." she went on, handing the bags away . " I found someone outside. Come on !" She called out behind her . In came a reluctant Raw-lo, who was dressed exactly like Jamir . Kailey sat up in her seat . " It's a good thing too because, we ..." she pointed at Me and then Jamir . " need to talk . "

Jamir was on his phone at first but slide it inside his pocket hearing his name . He looked around the room as if, just now realizing what was going on around him . His eyebrows rose once they landed on Raw-lo . The room grew quiet before Kailey stood . " So me and Raw-lo are gonna take Scilla around the block . That should give you enough time to talk ." She said nervously as she moved towards Lo . He said nothing but Scilla paused her candy break . " I want to go with God Daddy ." She stated firmly.

" You heard her . " Jamir finally spoke, looking towards his sister . " Well that's too bad cause I already decided. " Kailey faked bravado, snatching Scilla's hand and making her drop her snickers . " Heey !" Whined Priscilla, trying to take her hand away . " We will get more . " snapped Kailey . " NO. I wanna stay ! " she screamed snatching her hand free but, Kailey quickly grabbed her up and turned to leave . " Yo Kailey, maybe we..."

" Let's go . " she interrupted Raw-lo, eyeing him before leaving . Scilla continued to fuss and struggle . Jamir stepped off the wall but, Milla Intervened . " We need to TALK." She leveled with him . He paused looking towards where his sister left and switched to stare at Milla . He seemed to make a decision and went to sit across from me, in his own chair . Jamir didn't look happy at all but, Complacent.

" Okae ." ShaMilla began . " We've been through the list and I haven't found a thing in those cities. What about you ?" She asked as I turned to watch Mir . " Nothing ." He answered without anything else . I guess he was back to being dry . " Well I had a feeling you would say that ." She went on, pacing back and forth .

" My guess is, Rose is either still here or her Kidnapper is ." She announced and I stiffened . This b***h was stealing my glory . " But I have no idea if this is true ." She conceded. Damn right . I thought to myself . " Rinda. You called earlier about something " . She asked me directly. My mouth grew dry all of a sudden. I wet my lips, swallowing alittle under her gaze .

No hello . Hey, how you doing . Just straight to the point . " How would she know anything." Jamir spoke up, bringing me back to things . " You let her in ?" He asked genuinely curious. " Don't you think that's dangerous. " he explained. " I know but she got it on her own . All we can do is use it and keep her safe ." Summed up Milla .

" Hello . Im right here you know . " I stated, bringing attention to myself . I gathered my courage and was ready to help . " I met the nurse lady that Checked Rose in at the hospital." I went on .

" When ." Spoke Jamir before I could continue. " When we went to check the videos and YOUR a*s TOLD ME TO WAIT ." I snapped, irritated at being interrupted.

" Anyway, we got real cozy and she told me about Rose's visit . Basically , the two of them had an argument and nurse Sandra had to intervene. " I explained, pulling out the f*******: photo and showing it to them . ShaMilla quickly snatched it from me ad Mir sat up, more alert . " That's the woman from the footage. She was there both days and led Rose away . " ShaMilla explained .

My heart clenched as I gripped my chest . I thought I would be happy hearing this . Relieved even but, All I felt was Rage and Sadness. " So her names Sandra ?" Spoke Mir in a menacing voice, that gave me goosebumps. " Got a last name ?" He asked, his eyes landing on mine . In that moment I saw just how much everything was effecting him . He looked different to me now .

" Ludo ." I answered him . " Sandra Ludo . Alright, we have a name . We know what she looks like . Now, we just gotta find her and get some answers." Milla plotted out loud . I followed her words, grateful someone took the lead . Glad that I did my part . " But we gotta move smart . That means plan it out . Together Jamir . No crazy s**t, just to speed things up . " she said to him as their eyes locked.

" I know you want her back but, you need to be smart . You want her back alive and not dead . Plus we don't even know why she was taken in the first place. " she continued as he listened. Mir nodded slightly and Milla left it alone . " Good work Rinda. " she congratulated me . " I didn't think you had it in ya ." She teased . I didn't know what to say to that .

Milla picked up on my mood . " Don't worry, with this information we can do alot . I bet well have her back by her birthday, if not before ." She reassured me . I smiled weakly before looking over to Mir . He was on his phone again. With everything that transpired tonight, he seemed pretty aloof . I wondered what had his mind so occupied.

Jamir looked up and caught me watching him . He said nothing but, slide his phone away . " Sounds like a plan ." He confirmed. " Nice work Dorinda. " he stated, finally looking away to roll up . " Thanks " I responded. I just hoped now we could all work together . We finally had some concrete leads and I'm sure Sandra will lead us straight to Rose .

I took comfort in that thought . Milla took the joint as Mir passed it to her . She took a pull of it . I noticed her costume then . She had on the outfit of Black Mamba from kill bill . It looked amazing on her curves and I realized we were matching . I laughed to myself, causing her to look my way, releasing smoke . " What ?" She asked, eyeing me . I trailed my fingers down the black stripe . " I like your costume. It's perfect for you . " I commented making her grin .

She passed me the blunt . " I guess it does ." She shrugged. " We got to work together. That means no holding out on information." She stated looking at me . " and no going off on your own." She eyed Jamir as he nodded .

" Cool, Now lets get to work ."