"Really?" Kayla's dark voice sounded beautiful. She was beautiful. Sitting close to me she smelt beautiful. I felt her hand touch my thigh and I was smiling at her without realizing it.

"What were you talking about?"

Milk forced a laugh. "It might be better if we call John. We should probably talk about this with him."

"Were you going to call him just now? It didn't look like it. Were you going to bring Ellison to talk with John?"

I noticed that the ferret-man kept his eyes diverted from both Kayla and me. It was her presence that kept him at bay. She represented her husband, and it was clear that neither Bells nor Milk wanted to upset him. Their insinuation toward Kayla's safety a few nights ago was made with John Forrest's approval. Evidently, without him there, Milk understood the need for restraint.

"We came here because Ellison wanted to meet. Maybe he should tell you what he wanted to talk about."

"I already know what he wanted to talk to you about, Milky," Kayla said. "I thought you would listen."

"He was listening," I said. "We were just about to come to an agreement."

Milk Adderley looked at me seriously. "You don't know what you're doin', man."

"We could still make the deal," I said.

"I can't make that deal. It ain't mine to make."

"We're leaving," Kayla said.

"Wait a minute."

"No, Ellison. We're leaving."

She stood up. I got up with her. No one said a damn thing when we walked away from the table.

Kayla held my hand the whole time I led her out of the restaurant, to the elevator, down it and out into the evening air. Her car was parked right there on the curb and we both got in. Her bodyguard was missing. She drove us five blocks and suddenly stopped in front of one of the long rows of Bronzeville graystones. She jumped out of the car and I followed. We were standing on the curb and I was about to ask her what was wrong.

She slapped me hard across the face.

She grabbed me and looked at me with pleading, hurt-filled eyes.

I grabbed her back and kissed her, feeling her tears against my cheek. She tried to pull away from me.

I pulled her closer.

© 2008 ISAAC PERRY

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