“I don’t know man.” George’s hand slid down the door frame. His feet stood steadfast on the threshold.
The chair screamed under Jorel’s forceful shove, his eyes still firmly set on Ronnie. He spun on his heel, the warmth of his anger gently reminding us of his looming presence. He moved with agility I had never seen before. And within a few steps was standing in front toe to toe with George.
His eyes barely shook as they traveled up the George’s nose and settled on his own eyes. “Don’tcha think it’s ironic that her ex-boyfriend would reference one of our songs moments before she was taken? And just a bit unnerving that the line he would use is yours? Out of all of our songs, he used lyrics you wrote. And uncanny that the officers would mention how they believe there is an accomplice, someone who could get close to her, without anyone knowing and give precious information to her ex-boyfriend. Someone who didn’t care whether she lived or not.”
If the moment were a cartoon, smoke would be pouring out of George’s ears at Jorel’s poorly lit notion. But he remained where he was, a vein bulging at the side of his neck. “Ronnie, you best control your mutt.”
George stomped away. From the corner of the room, Ronnie ran to Jorel’s side and whispered something in his ear. He relaxed if only for a second.
“We have no idea. Someone…someone very well could…”
“Even if there was, they would have no one to report to. He took two gun shots to the chest. They took him away in a body bag. I don’t have to worry. George is a friend of yours, of all of ours. I don’t think he would do anything to hurt me. I think we’re just letting a stressful situation get to our heads.”
“I don’t care. I find it just too…weird that he would quote George.”
“Maybe he looked through lyrics to countless songs of yours…what makes that one so special?”
Jorel’s shoulders dropped in response. He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, “You’re right. I just feel like…like there’s a message there. Something I’m missing. I really don’t know.”
“I think you just need to sleep.” She turned to Jordon, “you are welcome to stay here for the night. I mean it’s late anyway and all of you guys have been here since dinner. An empty stomach plays with a wandering mind.”
Her smile had the power to turn any of us to puddles at her feet. She was beautiful and genuine; something that was cleanly written across her teeth. It was true; we were all exhausted but knew that Ronnie held a special place in her heart for Jorel. Jordon, on the other hand, appeared to be growing more and more watchful of his friend, but nonetheless accepted him into his home with open arms.
I moved for Ronnie. “Hey sweetie,” I whispered into her ear. “I think I’m going to get out of here. If you need anything…” From over her shoulder I watched Jordon, his expression stern. I nodded. “…please, do not hesitate to call. I’m always going to be your friend.”
“Thank you Matt. I really appreciate it. But I think, I think I’ve got enough testosterone to deal with tonight.” Her fingers were cold, even over my long sleeve shirt.
“Good luck.” I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. No more than a few seconds and made sure it appeared nothing but friendly.
