Page 68 of Grown

Fourteen years old—that’s Shea’s age, a voice inside shouts. Poor Korey, he doesn’t even realize he was taken advantage of or how much he’s been hurt. Maybe that’s why he has such a dark side.

Judging my silence, Korey quickly adds, “But, I mean, I ain’t grow up like you, Bright Eyes. We all got... something.”

I shift closer, pay more attention to his game, loving him a little harder.

And if I love him hard enough, maybe, just maybe, I can keep the dark side away.

Chapter 49

Case File

NOW

SUMMARY REPORT OF AUTOPSY

Time of Death:Body temperature, rigor and livor mortis, and stomach contents approximate the time of death between 10:30 and 11:45 p.m.

Immediate Cause of Death:Multiple stab wounds to the chest and abdomen

Manner of Death:Homicide

Remarks:At the death scene, there was a large pool of blood in the bedroom, with secondary pools and stains trailing from the living room to the bedroom, blood splatteron the walls and door. Defensive wounds to hands, wrist, and arms.

EXCERPT FROM INITIAL DETECTIVE NOTES

Partial footprint found in bedroom near death scene. Impression lifted from blood splatter. Similar impression in living room carpet. Initial findings estimate the print belongs to a male, size 11—11½, left foot. Does not match any of the victim’s shoes or foot size. Sent for further analysis of specific footwear.

Possible third unidentified individual was in the apartment at time of death.

Chapter 50

Welfare Check

THEN

“Enchanted, would you come here, please?”

The word “please” is a stranger in this house. So when I hear Korey say it, I bolt out of my room and freeze on the first staircase landing.

At the front door is Tony, another bodyguard, Richie, Korey, and two police officers. I scurry down to join them.

The officers, a white man and a black woman, never cross the threshold, but their presence is loud, fills up the entire house.

“Yes?” I say, twisting a strand of Melissa around my pinkie.

“Are you Enchanted Jones?” the woman asks.

“Um, yes.”

“We need to talk to you in private.”

I look at Korey, unsure if I’m allowed to speak. He gives a small nod.

“About what?” I ask, my voice shaky.

Korey steps in, his voice light and pleasant. “As you can see, she’s not chained up in the basement. She has free range to walk around the house as she pleases.”

Something about his demeanor makes me think he’s done this before.