CHAPTER EIGHT

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Shakira Holness

                One by one everyone climbed out of the van that we were in. Jade and Omari who of course were the mom and dad of the group, made sure we were all accounted for before we made our way up to the house. All of us excluding Shai, of course.

Inside, a part of me leapt for joy but on the other I couldn't deny the fact that I knew it wouldn't last. I, was the only one out of group that knew the truth. The truth about Ray, who he was and why he was here. It wasn't something that I was happy about, in fact; it haunted me every now and then.

To the natural eye, Ray seemed like he wasn't capable of much. He played any role given to him very well. Ray was the perfect liar and most of all, the perfect crook. I hated his actions, hated the way he thought, the way he lied, the way he presented himself to be everything other than who he truly was; a snake.

The story of how we met was one I had tried to push to the back of my head for what felt like forever, but it just never seemed to go away. Every now and then it would haunt me like a fresh nightmare, reminding me of the fact that he was still capable of all the things that I feared. It wasn't just something I imagined him to be, sometimes I wished that it was because I couldn't stomach the reality of him.

Raymond Wentz...

I remember walking into the bank that day, presenting my things to the teller as I usually did when it came to cashing my cheque. I had just gotten my first job and was bringing in just enough to keep me going until my next pay. It wasn't the best way to live but it still was something. My mom was on disability at home and collecting cheques monthly, my dad worked; so all in all, I didn't have to worry about too many responsibilities other than my phone bill and an outfit or two if wanted it. We weren't rich, but we were comfortable enough to make do.

That day unlike any other, Ray stood next to the woman that I had always gone to when it came to this. We were well acquainted, I knew the routine, where to sign and how the process was step by step. This time however, was much different. Putting two and two together, I realized that he was an intern and was being trained. Since she knew me well, she asked if I minded him having a go at giving me the service I needed. I, being the nice person, I was said yes in a heartbeat. I should've searched his eyes longer, I should've watched the way his mouth curved when he smiled before saying thank you... Hell, I should've just said no!

                The teller stepped to the side, she seemed quite excited to finally be able to get a chance a way from the computer. I didn't blame her; it was Friday and the place were packed with people wanting to do the same thing as me. The lines were out the door and these people were probably here all morning. I get it, she wanted a chance to breathe... I expected her to many look over his shoulder, make sure he was doing everything accordingly you know? Talk him through it, maybe? That is what I expected but when she stepped to the side, she quickly got distracted by her coworker and eventually stepped off, leaving him with me.

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." He assured me. Although I smiled, I made sure to keep an eye on him as he followed the steps that I knew so well.

Wrapping things up he handed me back my ID, cheque and bank card; normally. I awaited my receipt and he took a while before finally handing it to me. I didn't think on it too much, he was new... he did a pretty good job with everything else so I couldn't complain about a silly receipt.

I checked it over making sure that everything was right and seeing that it was; the nerves vanished.  The teller returned right on time, letting him know he did a good job and could go on and clock out for the day. I thanked them both and made my way out to where I had parked.

I checked my surroundings before hopping into my car. I put on my music as I usually did and answered a couple of text messages from my girls before I decided to head on home. I checked my mirrors, shifted gears and before I could back up, I remembered him walking up to my window and gesturing for me to put it down.

Another opportunity where I should've really thought it through; but no... I thought 'this was a bank, there were more than enough people to bare witness if anything was to happen'. I put my window down without hesitation and he started off by complimenting me. Now, at first Ray was far from my type and I wasn't buying a thing he was selling. I tried to play hard to get but he made me laugh in that very moment and told me that the least I could do was take him number, he told me I didn't need to use or anything... he just didn't want to miss out on an opportunity.

I did just that, took his number for the sake of not wanting him to feel bad; nothing more, nothing less. We parted ways, I went home and spent my night as usual. Nothing felt strange even when it should've.

                This was just our initial meeting. Soon after that as I continued to cash my cheque week after week, he would always be there. We started off sharing small waves, to me finding myself waiting to be helped by him specifically. I don't know if it was the attention, but I found the casual flirting along with him showing interest to be quite enjoyable. At the time, I hadn't really hit the biggest stage of my glow up as yet. I was in between relationships and if I'm being honest, just... having a laugh out of it.

Eventually, I took that step and ended up using his number. We went out to eat the day after that, movies the night after that, for dinner the day after that and it went on and on for about two months. We had so much fun together, he was so passionate and adventurous; I couldn't remember a dull moment being in his presence. As we approached that third month, I found us growing serious... quite fast. I didn't question it because I didn't want the adrenaline to stop. I remember taking him home to meet my parents, my sister and my brother the same night that we finally sealed the deal by sleeping together. It was an experience that I told myself I never wanted to forget.

I thought Ray, was the one... I was ready for him to finally meet my girls and for my girls to finally meet him. A tradition that we only did within our circle if and only if we were serious about someone. Jade had Omari and Zuri was casually dating around looking for Mr. Right. Shai, was far too focused on school to really care much for being in a relationship, she dated here and there but nothing serious. As you can see, we had quite a uniqueness to our group and out of the three; I really looked up to what Jade and Omari had. I wanted to settle down and I decided that I might as well do it with Ray. It was soon, but my naïve self trusted him more than I should've.

                I wrestled with the idea of him meeting the girls for about a week before I decided to just tell him. Ray had been excited to meet my parents so I expected him to be just as excited to meet my girls, they were easy and I figured if he could get my dad and my heartless sister to like him; he could get anyone to do just the same.

I remember telling him after we had sex, simply because the mood in the room immediately switched. That was the day, he told me the truth.

"I'm going to tell you something... but I don't want you to hate me."

"I doubt I could ever hate you..." I laughed while tracing letters against his naked chest. I felt as his relaxed heart rate began to pick up. "What's wrong?"

"Look, I wasn't meant to fall for you..."

"Oh man, are you about to profess your love for me? Already? Are you sure you aren't just still on a high from that last round." I teased, awaiting his usual laugh... this time around, there was none. Ray turned to face me and I knew almost instantly, that this was serious.

"I... don't know how to say this..."

I sat up in the bed and so did he. "Just tell me! don't beat around the bush."

"No, I need to explain this before I do Kira. I need you to know that what I feel for you is so real... I thought I could just come into this and treat you as if you were nothing but I was wrong. Meeting you has been such a light in the darkest time of my life. I can see myself growing old with you, I could see a future with you which is so odd being as we practically just met."

"But..." I rushed him. "Just say it. You don't want to be with me, huh? Or better yet, let me guess... I was nothing but a side chick."

"No, no, no." he shook his head. "That's not it. I promise."

"What could it be then?! What's the matter?"

"I've been keeping a secret that I know is going to break your heart. I need you to understand that this was never intentional. I really like you and I hate that I have to do this to you..."

"What is it?!"

"I... I only got with you in order to get access to Shai-Anna Louis." My brows furrowed. "I know it sounds crazy but I can explain."

"Go on then, because this makes zero sense... you don't even know Shai-Anna yet. Apart from what I've told you."

"I know more than you think. I know her likes, dislikes, I know her favorite color, favorite food, favorite restaurant. I know that she prefers lowkey artist over the mainstream ones. I know that she likes to sleep on her left side over her right, I know that she's an only child, lives on Redwood Crescent, drives a white Lincoln MKZ; pink rhinestones on the steering wheel, pink carpets on the floor. I know she really wants to be a real estate agent... I know her parents are planning to move away despite her wishes to stay."

"... are you fucking her or something?"

"No," he shook his head. "Haven't met her a day in my life."

"Then h-." I squinted. "How could you possibly know all that?"

"Because I've studied her day in and day out the moment, I realized she was going to be my meal ticket to getting my sister out of jail."

"Wait... what?" I rubbed my temples. "You're not making sense right now."

"I know it's a lot to take in."

"Well yes, because it sounds like straight gibberish. What the hell?"

"Let me slow it down for you. Shai Louis is sitting on a lot of money that she doesn't even know about as yet. With her mom being sick, she made sure that Shai would get 100% of her earnings..."

"Her mom isn't even sick."

"She has cancer. Shai just doesn't know about it, so keep it to yourself."

"You're being weird Ray... I don't like this."

"No, no... wait because it gets weirder." He rubbed his hands together. "I was at work the same day her mom came in and I kid you not, then and there I knew this was fate. I had just found out that my sister's bail was posted for 1.5 million dollars... it was safe to say I was having a rough day."

"With bail so high, what the hell did she do?"

"Nothing... but take the fall for something I did." My brow twitched with fear, "but we'll get into that a little later. I want to finish talking about the meet up. So, yeah... her mom walks in and asks me out of all people if I could direct her to Brendon Smith's office. The man who just so happened to be my trainer at the time. With the mood I was in, I wanted so badly to tell the bitch to fuck off and ask someone else but... I didn't. I was heading that way anyways to tell Brendon I had to let go of my internship being as I now had to find a way to make that money. I knew an unpaid internship wasn't going to cut it so I figured maybe I could find a hustle. I knew the money would come in slower that way but it was better than nothing, right?"

"I ... don't want to hear anymore." I said.

"Too bad, because you don't have much of a choice." He smirked, "Now here's where it gets good. I walk this woman to the office, Brendon thanks me and just as she's about to go she ends up getting weak and dropping all her documents on the floor in front of me. I helped her of course but in the mean time I couldn't help but look and see that, the bitch was loaded! She had money in places that I'm sure she hadn't touched in ages. I wasn't sure what she did, or who she was ... all I knew was that it was a sign." Ray chuckled. "I followed that lady with a black ski mask and a hoodie for a good week or so, until I realized she never walked with cash, never stored it in her home or in her purse. The lady had one card to her name and a limit on it; trust me... I stole that and it failed to withdraw $100. She was smart! But I needed to be smarter than her."

"What's wrong with you..."

"Nothing sweetie. Nothing at all. But yeah, let me finish explaining!" he cleared his throat. "Anyways, I, of course did my research on her through volunteering to organize Brendon's files for him. What seemed like a sucky job for an intern was actually my opportunity to get all the information I needed. I saw everything from her medical bills down to a copy of her will which is when I realized, all that money basically belonged to Shai-Anna who I later found out was her only, beloved child." He teased. "I have a history in IT by the way, so digging up information on the family along with her daughter was easy. They played the middle class roll off very well and did a good job at raising Shai to believe that they were just that, but only myself and her mother knew the fortune she had awaiting her. I wanted in... and soon came to the understanding that just approaching her wasn't going to cut it. I needed in to her life, so that I could get that money without it leaving a trail, without me getting my hands dirty... and that is where you." he pointed, "came into play."

"You're sitting here, admitting all of this to me as if I can't just call the police... do you understand that?"

"I do." he nodded nonchalantly. "but I also know that you aren't stupid enough to risk facing jail time with me."

"I would not be going to jail with you hun. Not sure if you get how this jail thing works but I'm taking myself away from this crazy equation and doing the right thing by calling 9-1-1."

"Go for it sweetheart, I mean... it'll just be words that I can easily counter and make seem like a lie but if you want to take that route... feel free."

"You don't scare me Ray. Whether they believe me or not, all I know is that I want you as far away from me as possible... you sicko." I took my phone up and began to unlock it.

"Honestly, I'm all for the idea of you calling them but before you do... I'd like to put you on notice of the fact that... the minute they come is the minute I flag your account for fraud." My brows knitted together as I scoffed. "I'm talking about thousands and thousands of missing dollars that now sit, in your account."

"... what are you even saying?"

"Why don't you have a look at your account Kira,"

"NO, I'm calling the police."

"Trust me. it's best that you look at that account first... because I'll have you know. As a bank teller, it's my duty to flag fraud the moment I see it and now that we're talking... I do remember depositing a cheque last Saturday in account number 029384213. The amount of money that sat in the chequing's did raise a bit of question but I didn't think too much into it at the time. Today, however; you're really inspiring me to do the right thing and flag it."

I glared at him angrily before opening up my banking app and putting in all my credentials. The moment it loaded up and I saw that total sitting at the bottom; my stomach immediately began to turn. I felt weak, truly disgusted. "What the hell did you do?"

"Hmmm, just made myself an ally."

"I'm not going to help you with shit!" I spat, "this means nothing. It'll just lead to you!"

"About that." he smirked, "Actually, it leads back to you... adding zeros to every paycheque that you brought for me to deposit. Oh, trust me when I say everything is on file. Good thing I did my research first because I was in such shock when I saw that something like this was classified as a 1st degree Felony meaning that you could serve from 5 to 99 years here in Texas. Did you know that? cause it was news to me."

"Make this go away!" I said with tears rolling down my cheek.

"Oh, come on... don't cry now!" he leaned forward to wipe them but out of anger I ended up slapping him right across his face. While he groaned out in pain, I climbed out of my bed.

"Get out of my house!" I said, while grabbing my clothes from off the floor.

"You shouldn't of hit me..."

"I don't care about what you think I should've done! You're a sicko!" I shouted. "Get out of my house."

"If I leave, then who is going to fix it for you?!"

"I will find a way and I will find a way to make sure you end up in jail."

"Kira, Kira, Kira." He stretched his jaw making sure he was straight. "What do you not get about the fact that no one will believe your word over mine. I'm a credible source, my parents were good people, I have references from people that you wouldn't even believe! An honour student... I'm smart, educated and let's face it... as white as they come. Now you tell me, who do you think they're more likely to believe? Honestly?"

"Fuck you..." I said through gritted teeth while pulling my oversized t-shirt back over my head.

Ray laughed out loud, "it killlls me when women say that right after I've already finished killing their shit."

"Can you please just get out of my house!"

"Not until we come to a compromise."

"I'm not reasoning with you! Look at what you've done and for what?!"

"I told you for what, sweetie. Weren't you listening?"

"Unfortunately, I was..." I picked his things up and threw them over at him. "Please, can you just go. I won't call the cops. I just need you to go."

"I can't..."

"Please, just go." I sobbed, feeling my knees grow weak. "All I'm asking is for you to go. Please."

"I can't go as yet." He pouted while finally climbing out of the bed. Ray pulled on his boxers then slowly walked over to me. I backed away from him as much as I could until I found my back up against the wall. Ray placed his hand against my cheek and wiped away my tears. "Remember what I said about not wanting to have to do this?" he whispered. "I meant it, I honestly did... I'm really not a monster although I'm sure you probably think I am. I'm just between a rock and a really hard place right now and this is my only way out." I shook my head but before I could speak, he shushed me. "You don't deserve to be tied into this; I know... I should've maybe chosen Zuri or

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