“The cops, for starters,” Raven shot back.
Monica snorted and rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that worked out really well. I was in there every day trying to get updates on Beverly’s case.”
“Ah,” Raven nodded, taking another fry out of the bag.
Monica frowned, “What does that mean?”
“You’re one of those people,” Raven chewed as if in deep thought. “I guess I pegged you wrong.”
“I am not one of those people!” Monica’s voice rose as she glared at Raven, then realized something. She didn’t know what in the hell Raven meant. “What kind of people?”
“You have to control everything, or it’s all going to fall apart if you don’t.” Raven didn’t hesitate in her answer. “You can’t hand over responsibilities for fear of losing control.”
“That’s not true,” Monica defended herself, but when Raven gave her a sideways look, she sighed. “Okay, maybe there’s a little truth in that, but dammit, it was my sister. And now I find out that her piece of shit husband, whom we all trusted, is the reason she’s dead.”
“Listen, I’m not saying what you’ve done is a bad thing, Monica,” Raven said, her voice calm and sincere. “I’ve never had a sister, so I can’t even imagine what that feels like, but I have lost someone who was like a sister to me. I was the same way until I realized I needed help. That I couldn’t do it all myself, it wasn’t as if I gave up trying to find her killer, but I realized that if I wanted true justice, I needed to allow those who cared for me to help, and honey, Kane cares for you.”
Tears filled her eyes, blurring Raven until she blinked them away with a nod. “I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Tracy would have liked you.” Raven gave her a sad smile. “You actually remind me of her. Tell me about your sister, Beverly.”
Monica kicked off her shoes and then climbed further onto the bed, curling her feet underneath her. “She was my best friend. I mean, we had our sisterly fights, but they never lasted long. After Dena was born, she started law school. She was so smart, way smarter than me. She was funny and was the best mom. God, I miss her.”
“What about her husband?” Raven ventured her eyes, narrowing slightly. “They have a good relationship?”
“I mean, yes and no,” Monica replied, a crease forming between her eyes. “Most of their issues were about money. He could never hold a job, and he had a lot of them. He would either quit or get fired, but it was always because of something the employer did. He was also job hunting while trying every get-rich scheme out there.”
“Makes sense,” Raven said thoughtfully.
“Now knowing what I know, it does...kinda. God, how could he do something like this?” Monica felt a sense of rage boil insideher again. “He worshiped my sister. How could he put her in danger like that? When things were good, not that they ever got that bad, they were so happy it made me nauseous at times. Seriously, gag worthy.”
“Money is the root of all evil,” Raven sighed, sitting up. “I’ve seen it so many times. The saddest thing I’ve ever seen is mothers and fathers trading their kids for money to buy or trade for Crimson Rush. The world we live in is fucked up.”
“I used to try to look for the good in everything, but since this happened, I just can’t.” Monica frowned, then grabbed the bag and dug through it, bringing out a few fries. “I’ve been lied to, betrayed, and defeated. That does something to a person after a while.”
“Unfortunately, that’s life.” Raven sighed with another shrug.
“Yeah, well...” Monica dug back into the bag and pulled out more fries. “It sucks.” She then shoved the fries in her mouth.
“Yes, it does,” Raven smiled, watching Monica. “I knew you were hungry.”
“Shut up,” Monica replied, but a half grin tipped her lips.
Raven stood, “Come on, let’s go see if there’s any information yet.”
Monica frowned in mid-chew. “You’re letting me out of my prison?”
“Yeah, smartass,” Raven nodded, then waved her on as she keyed in the code. “If you try to run, I’ll catch you and kick your ass.”
Frowning, Monica stood slowly, crossing her arms over her stomach. “I told Kane I’d never forgive him,” Monica said, not really knowing why she told Raven that, but it was bothering her. He was putting himself in danger for her family, and she had been a real bitch. “I’m a bitch,” she said, thinking out loud.
“Ain’t we all,” Raven laughed, shaking her head. “Monica, if you only knew the shit I’ve said to Charger in the heat of the moment. These men, Guardians, are a breed like no other. He will get over it, and well, sometimes we have to be bitches to be heard with all that testosterone that bleeds through their pores. Kane will forgive you for not forgiving him, and if not, just strip naked and dance around.”
Monica thought about that for a minute, then nodded. “I can do that,” she replied, then grabbed the bag of food and headed her way out of the room.
Raven laughed, “I really like you, Monica. Bitch and all,”
“Good because you scare the shit out of me,” Monica said with a smirk, but actually, it was true. For a woman who looked like Raven that could keep up with men like Charger and Kane, holy shit.