On the Other Side by Michelle Janine Robinson Page A

can’t take the hood out of the girl. And yes, after what you told me, I’m worriedabout you. I wish I could say all of this is ludicrous and there is no possibility that it’s true, but I can’t and that’s what frightens me. If my husband is going around following the people in my life, he’s an even greater threat than your ordinary, run-of-the-mill, abusive husband.”
    â€œSo what’s the plan? You know I’m down.”
    â€œThe plan, Ms. Carmella, Super Sleuth , Ortiz, is for you to keep a low profile and let me handle this. For some reason, Missy, you have gotten under my husband’s skin big time. So, it’s best that you and I limit our interactions. Do you believe he actually accused you, me and Brandon of having a ménage a trois?”
    â€œSo I’m supposed to stay away because he’s a nut job?”
    â€œI need to figure out what I need to do. Think about it, if he’s following you, is it such a reach to think that he may be keeping an eye on my mother as well?”
    â€œDo you really think he would do anything to hurt your mother? You need to go to the police.”
    â€œThere are so many reasons that could be a problem, not the least of which is with no proof, I won’t even be able to get the police to listen to a word I’m saying.”
    â€œShow them those bruises under all that makeup and they’ll listen to you.”
    â€œYou don’t really believe that, do you? How many stories have you heard of women with orders of protection that ended up six feet under?”
    â€œI know one thing; it’s not going to be you.”
    â€œI hope you’re right. Carmella, I never thought I’d be that girl that would end up with broken bones and bruises. I should have listened to you and my mother. I married Neal for all the wrong reasons and I got exactly what I wanted. I wanted a powerful man and I got that.”
    â€œDon’t get it twisted, sweetie. That husband of yours ain’t powerful. He’s another scared little boy, inside the body of a man. If not, he wouldn’t be a coward that beats women. I noticed that you’re moving a little slow and you haven’t taken those gloves off. What bones are broken?”
    Damita took off her gloves. “He broke two of my fingers and one of my ribs.”
    â€œThat bastard! Damita, say the word and I’ll have somebody break his fucking legs!”
    â€œThat won’t solve anything.”
    â€œYes, it will.”
    â€œWhat will it solve?”
    â€œIt’ll make me feel better. Where is that asshole anyway?”
    â€œHe checked himself into rehab.”
    â€œHow noble of him. So, this is the part of the program where he’s remorseful and wants to save the marriage?”
    â€œThat’s exactly what he said. You know what’s even more fucked up than what he’s done? I actually still love him. Sure, the smart, logical part of me knows that I have to leave, but there’s another part of me that is hoping he can change.”
    â€œLet me help clear your mind, sweetie. Men like that never truly change. He may even come back here after rehab looking like every bit the knight-in-shining-armor that you married. But, I can assure you, it’s all smoke and mirrors. A leopard doesn’t change its spots.”
    â€œYou’re right. I really do need to get it together, but I need some time for all of this to sink in.”
    â€œDee, you do know there is a bright side to all of this?”
    â€œWhat on earth could that be?”
    â€œSome women have to wait a lot longer than two weeks before a man shows his true colors.”
    â€œLucky me. I didn’t even have to wait a week. The first time he hit me was on our wedding night.”
    â€œI’m so sorry, Damita. You don’t know how much I wish I was wrong about him.”
    â€œI feel like I haven’t had a moment of happiness since I said I do.