Page 85 of Shadow
Joan
Shadow and the club brothers had been in the room for a while as I sat in the main part of the clubhouse listening to Ari, Kali and Vivi talk. While I tried to listen, I found myself bored to death. There were so many other things I’d rather be doing right now. Charity had taken off with Nevil and his brother Judd, leaving Faith with me and the other women, while Hope flat out ignored Angel.
Joy, however, was once again chatting up a Diamondback named Lips who was trying unsuccessfully to move away from the determined girl. A brother named Trigger was keeping Rebekah and Sarah busy with another girl, who I learned was Kali’s daughter Talia.
Looking at my watch for the umpteenth time, I heard Kali say, “I’m sorry, Joan. We’re not being very welcoming are, we?”
“You’re fine, Kali. I get it. You three have a lot in common. I’m new to this, but I gotta say, I don’t know how you ladies do it. Waiting around for the men? I’d go stir crazy if I had to do that every day.”
The woman named Vivi, who I learned earlier was the wife of the vice President, Pence laughed loudly. “Oh, honey. We’re not waiting for them. Hell, I’m only here because I finished with my last client early and was in the neighborhood. I’m an at home health care nurse.”
Kali nodded. “And I am only here to sweet talk Kansas into giving me the club building across the street. He’s been resistant, but I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
“I don’t understand.”
“There are so many homeless kids in this area and on the reservations. Kids nobody wants and because they are so close to aging out of the system, everyone ignores them. So, I’m starting up a new charity that helps displaced troubled kids who don’t want to be in the child welfare system but need a safe place to live.”
“I agree,” I said. “That system sucks.”
“You’ve been in the system before. Haven’t you?”
I nodded. “Yeah. There was a time when they forced me and my siblings into the system after the FEDs took our parents into custody. Though we didn’t stay long before our aunt came and got us. What time we spent there was enough to let me know that I never wanted to go back. Those places are horrible. Nobody gives a damn about those kids once there with a foster family. The stories I’ve heard, is enough to give anyone nightmares for years.”
“Exactly!” Kali exclaimed. “That’s why I’m creating the Diamond House. A safe haven for kids who don’t have a home or anyone but want something better than what the streets or the system offers. I plan on having licensed childcare providers, teachers, therapists, anything those kids will need. The Diamond House will provide a safe place to live, food, clothing, an education, everything a growing kid needs to thrive.”
“That’s great, Kali, but how are you going to bypass CPS because once they learn a child is without a family, they are obligated by law to step in and take the kid?” I countered.
Kali smiled, looking at Vivi. “We figured out a way around that. Every person applying to work at the Diamond House will be required to become a foster parent and must stay at least one night a week at the house.”
“Oh, I would love to help if I lived closer. I could cook for them,” Ari smiled.
“There are only the two of you. How are you going to get volunteers?” I asked.
“I volunteered,” Faith whispered.
“So did I,” added Hope.
“And I hoped you would help too,” Kali muttered. “I mean, now that you are with Shadow.”
Shaking my head, I grinned. “Now I understand.”
“Understand what?” Kali asked.
“How things really work around here. Yes, Kali, I would love to help. I’ll even mention your charity on my show and have them contact you for more information. You’ll get your volunteers. I know it.”
Kali squealed, hugging my neck tightly. “Oh, I knew you would fit in perfectly!”
Hearing my phone ring, I stepped away from the group and answered, “Hello?”
“Ms. Trinity, this is Detective Harris with the LPD. Am I calling at a bad time?”
“No detective. What can I help you with?”
“I’m calling to let you know that someone broke into your apartment again and vandalized it pretty bad this time. Your landlord called it in when he heard glass breaking. If you are in the area, I’m going to need you to stop by.”
Sighing, I looked around the room and nodded. “Sure,Mr. Harris. I can be there in a few minutes.”
“I’ll see you soon.”