Free Behind the Hood (Behind the Lives) by Marita A. Hansen Page B

did. He was really upset about Maia getting hurt. He said Tama’s gang chased her into the video store.”
    Nike’s jaw set. “Did he mention any names?”
    “Only Sledge and Tama.”
    He stared at her in disbelief. “Sledge wuz there?”
    “Yep, he helped Tama kick down the door to get at Maia.”
    Nike clenched his hands. What the hell was wrong with Sledge? The guy’s own mother had been killed in a knife attack; he should have helped Maia not Tama.
    “Wait till Ash finds out,” he said. “He’ll rip his bro a new hole.”
    Jess grimaced. “You want lunch now?”
    “No, get Jakey. I wanna go visit Maia before headin’ back to Ash’s.”
    “But, I don’t want you goin’ there again.”
    “I’ve already told ja Ash is a mate—”
    “I don’t care! The police should deal with this, not you.”
    “The police? They’ll do jack shit.”
    “Only cos you don’t give them a chance.”
    “I’m gettin’ Jakey and we’re leavin’ now.” Nike headed for the house.
    “Nike!” She followed him inside.
    He picked up Jake and walked past her.
    “Will ya stop ignorin’ me,” she shouted.
    He opened the van and strapped Jake into his carseat.
    “Nike!”
    He turned around. “I’m doin’ this whether you like it or not, so lay off!” He swore under his breath as Jess started to cry. “Shit, don’t do that.” He went to pull her into his arms.
    “Don’t touch me.”
    “Jess, baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to yell at ya. But, I hafta do this or those arseholes will keep doin’ this shit to my family. You know what Tama’s like, and his mates are just as bad. And, I’m only goin’ over there to tell Ash—”
    “I don’t see why you can’t do all that over the phone.”
    Nike rubbed his forehead. “Ash needs to be told in person. What Sledge did will hit him hard.”
    “But—”
    “Please, Jess, just trust me.”
    She wiped her eyes. “I’m scared.”
    He pulled her into his arms. “I know, but Tama won’t go back there now. So, there’s no need to worry.”
    “I couldn’t handle it if I lost you.”
    He kissed the top of her head and gave her a squeeze. “That ain’t gonna happen.”
     

 
     
     
    13
     
    Maia
     
     
    Maia lay in her hospital bed, staring at the wall. She felt like crap. Not only did her back hurt like crazy, but she had an enormous headache, the type brought on by a skinny white bitch constantly whinging. She wished Stella would quit making her feel guilty. She didn’t mean to puke on her; it was the damn medication’s fault, not hers. Plus, she’d apologised enough.
    “That cow did a shitty job,” Stella whined. “I can still smell your disgusting spew. I reckon she did it on purpose. The snobby bitch was constantly patronising me when all I was doin’ was tryin’ to help her.”
    Maia rolled her eyes. She understood perfectly why the nurse had gotten annoyed. Stella wouldn’t stop swearing the whole time the nurse and janitor were cleaning up.
    Stella continued, “Man, you’d think I was fuckin’ five years old with the way she was talking. I hate being patronised.” She stopped for a moment. “Oi! Are you listening to me? Turn around.”
    Maia closed her eyes.
    “I said, turn around.”
    “I’ve got a headache. Leave me alone.”
    “ You got a headache? Bloody ‘ell, I’m the one with the banged up head.”
    “Fuck off!”
    “I beg your pardon.”
    Maia opened her eyes and stared up at an annoyed looking nurse. It was the same woman Stella had sworn at.
    Maia grinned before she could stop herself. “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”
    The nurse glowered. “I don’t think that kind of language is funny, young lady.”
    Man ... her involuntary grin always got her into trouble. And no one believed her when she tried to tell them she wasn’t being rude. Especially her stupid teachers. The amount of times she’d gotten detention because of it pissed her off. In the end it was just easier to skip school. Well, until that