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Gideon Locke’s father came from one of those old Black political dynasties with one foot in public service and the other wherever it was convenient. Gideon didn’t follow him into politics. He went into real estate instead but moved through the world in the same way.
I didn’t catch what he’d said to Belle in that alcove at the party. I’d seen her body language though, the way her posture stiffened before she realized I was standing there. Belle was good at composing herself fast, so the fact that I’d even caught that much said whatever he said really had her shook.
I knew something besides our arrangement had been eating at her for weeks now. Gideon was starting to feel like the reason why.
I called Priest.
He picked up on the second ring. “Yerrr.”
“Fuck you sound all chipper for? It’s 7:00 a.m.”
“Ain’t been to bed yet. Was over my baby mom’s crib last night.”
“I thought you wasn’t fucking her anymore.”
He sucked his teeth. “Nigga, you called to grill me about my business or you need something?”
“Gideon Locke,” I said. “Congressman Joe Locke’s son. I need to know his connection to Belle. I know they dated, but I need a little more insight than that.”
“How soon we talking?”
“Forty eight hours.”
“Say less.”
I kept telling myself I had this shit under control. But real talk? I was playing a dangerous game with myself as much as her. You could only fight what you felt for somebody for so long before that shit started fighting back.
I got out of bed and got ready for Marco to come over.
He showed up a little after nine with two bagels.
“How’d last night go?” he asked.
I took the bag from him as he sat at the island. “She pissed Haynes’ wife off, so she’ll be able to handle her own with the other wives. But I need you on something else”
He glanced up. “What’s good?”
“Belle needs a security detail.”
“Okay…” he frowned. “Have Priest find one of the young boys to do it.”
“I want you to do it.”
“You’re for real?”
“Yes.”
“Dez. I’m not trying to babysit your girl, man,” he groaned. “We got this shit with Solomon—”
“Especially because of Solomon. That nigga is still in the wind and there’s something between her and Gideon Locke.”
“You gonna have that woman punch you in the face again.”
“She’ll be aight.”
He sat forward. “She’s already pissed about the marriage and the job situation. And now you’re about to put a whole shadow on her.”
“Priest is too busy trying to figure shit out with the port stuff with Yomi. I don’t trust anybody else.”
