Plans

Plans
Chapter 33

Catalina bit down her lips as she stared at Mr. Kenneth as he walked away.

She knew exactly what both men could do.

The little gift Jamal was talking about what could it be, she muttered softly.

She needed to do something.

Anything at all to help her out of this mess.

Her mind was racing as she stood there frozen in the hallway. The way Jamal had looked at her before he walked away with Queenie kept replaying in her head over and over again. That cold expression on his face. The way his eyes had darkened when he looked at her. She had seen that look before and it never ended well for anyone on the receiving end.

She wrapped her arms around herself trying to stop the trembling that had started in her hands. What kind of gift was he talking about. The way he said it didn't sound like anything good at all. It sounded like a warning. Like a promise of something bad coming her way.

Mr. Kenneth's footsteps had faded away completely now but she could still feel his presence. Still remember the way he had looked at her too. Like she was nothing but trouble. Like she had made a huge mistake tonight.

And maybe she had.

Maybe she should have just stayed away from Queenie. Should have minded her own business. But it was too late now. Too late to take back what had already happened. Too late to undo the damage she had caused.

She pressed her back against the wall trying to steady her breathing. Her heart was pounding so hard in her chest she could hear it in her ears. What was she going to do now. How was she going to fix this situation before it got worse.

She knew Jamal's reputation. Everyone did. He wasn't the kind of man you crossed and got away with it. He was powerful and he had connections everywhere. People feared him for good reason.

And Mr. Kenneth was no different. Maybe even worse in some ways. The two of them together. She didn't even want to think about what they could do if they decided to come after her.

She needed to think. Needed to come up with a plan. But her mind felt blank. Empty. Like all her thoughts had scattered the moment Jamal had mentioned that gift.

Her phone felt heavy in her pocket but she didn't reach for it. Who would she even call. Who could help her against men like them. Most people would be too scared to get involved. Too worried about what might happen to them if they tried to help her.

She was on her own in this.

The realization hit her hard and she felt her legs go weak. She slid down the wall until she was sitting on the floor. Her hands were shaking worse now. She clasped them together trying to make it stop but it didn't help.

Think Catalina think, she whispered to herself.

There had to be something she could do. Some way to get out of this mess. But what. What could she possibly do that would make a difference.

Maybe if she apologized. Really apologized. Made it clear she didn't mean any harm. Would that be enough. Would Jamal accept that and let this go.

But even as she thought it she knew the answer. No. It wouldn't be enough. Not after what she had done. Not after she had tried to cause trouble between him and Queenie.

She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her forehead on them. This was bad. This was really bad. And she had no idea how to fix it.

______

Jamal and Queenie entered the room Allan was sitting on the bed scrolling through his phone.

What took you guys so long to come back he asked looking up from his phone.

Jamal rolled his eye balls as he sat down.

Was dealing with some pest. He muttered before turning to Queenie.

Are you okay, he asked.

His voice had changed completely. It was soft now. Gentle. So different from the hard cold tone he had used just moments ago outside. The change was instant. Like flipping a switch.

Queenie nodded softly.

She was still processing everything that had just happened. The confrontation with those men. The way Jamal had handled it. The look in his eyes when he warned them. It was a side of him she hadn't really seen before and it left her feeling a bit unsettled.

We're leaving. Jamal said.

Allan looked at him.

You looked pissed Jamal what's the problem man, he asked.

He sat up straighter on the bed. He could tell something had definitely gone down. Jamal didn't usually leave his place this early. And the look on his face right now was telling Allan that whatever happened wasn't good.

But Jamal just rolled his eye balls before walking up to his car keys and he picked his keys.

He wasn't in the mood to explain. Wasn't in the mood to talk about those idiots or what they had tried to do. He just wanted to get Queenie out of here. Take her somewhere else. Somewhere better.

I'll see you tomorrow, he said before turning to Queenie. Let's go. He muttered.

Queenie turned to look at Allan before she offered him a smile.

I'll see you next time Allan, she said.

She felt a bit bad about leaving so suddenly like this. Allan had been nice to her. Welcoming. And now they were just rushing out without any real explanation.

Allan nodded.

Alright sister in law, he replied as he flashed her a smile.

He was trying to lighten the mood. Make things less awkward. He could see Queenie looked uncomfortable and he didn't want her to feel bad about whatever had happened.

Queenie made her way out with Jamal.

As they walked towards the car, she could feel the tension from Jamal.

It was radiating off him in waves. His whole body was stiff. Rigid. His jaw was clenched tight and his eyes were focused straight ahead. She had never seen him quite like this before and it made her nervous.

But the problem here was, she didn't know if he was angry at her for disturbing his peace.

Maybe this was all her fault. Maybe if she hadn't come tonight this wouldn't have happened. Those men wouldn't have approached them. Jamal wouldn't be angry right now. Everything would still be fine.

The thought made her stomach twist with guilt. She bit down on her lower lip as they reached the car. She wanted to say something but didn't know what. Didn't know if she should even speak right now or just stay quiet.

Are you angry. Queenie asked immediately they entered inside the car.

The question came out before she could stop it. She needed to know. Needed to understand if he was mad at her or not.

Jamal nodded softly.

The simple gesture made her heart sink. He was angry. She had been right.

She bit into her lower lips.

I'm sorry, she said.

Her voice was small. Barely above a whisper. She couldn't look at him. Just kept her eyes down staring at her hands in her lap.

Jamal looked at her and chuckled.

The sound made her look up in surprise. Why was he chuckling. She had just apologized and he was laughing. She didn't understand.

Why are you sorry, he asked.

There was something in his voice. Something soft. Almost amused. Like he found her apology funny for some reason.

For making you angry, she replied.

She still looked confused. Still didn't understand why he was reacting this way.

Jamal looked at her.

And who told you, I'm angry because of you he asked softly.

He reached over and took her hand in his. His thumb brushed across her knuckles gently. Back and forth in a soothing motion.

Look Queenie I'm not angry at you.

He wanted to make that very clear. Needed her to understand that none of this was her fault. That he could never be angry at her for something like this.

I'm just angry at those idiots because, they ruined my mood.

His grip on her hand tightened slightly as he thought about them again. About the way they had looked at Queenie. The way they had tried to approach her. Touch her. It made his blood boil all over again.

I hate it when someone tries to claim what's mine.

The words came out possessive. Firm. Because that's exactly what Queenie was. His. And no one else had any right to look at her the way those men had. No right to touch her or speak to her like that.

They ruined the plans I had for you tonight, Jamal said.

He let out a frustrated breath. He had everything planned out perfectly. Had wanted to make tonight special for her. But those idiots had to go and mess it all up.

Queenie looked at him.

What plans do you have for me she asked.

Jamal smiled softly before he bent to her level and kissed her.