Back in the Hood Read Online Free

he’d be the one to inherit the throne.
    â€œHow’s Hal?” Mitch asked as he stood up and stretched. “She a’ight?”
    â€œShe was in the fucking rehab center. I had the mu’fucka shot up with her inside. Now she’s laid up on the fifth floor,” was all Malek could say, his voice cracking from emotion. Admitting to himself that Halleigh’s circumstance was his fault was like taking a bullet himself.
    â€œWhat?” Mitch asked. “What was she doing there? You should’ve made sure she was in pocket before you put that order in, fam. You know that. She should’ve been right underneath you, just so you were sure she wasn’t in harm’s way.” Mitch’s tone was more that of a concerned boyfriend than a supportive best friend.
    Malek didn’t like the way Mitch was coming at him, but he couldn’t really get mad, because everything Mitch was saying was right. He didn’t appreciate another nigga speaking on his relationship with Halleigh, but he was too tired to start anything. He held his tongue, unaware that Mitch had larceny in his heart.
    â€œI know, fam, I know. Don’t rub salt in it, my nigga.” Malek extended his hand to Mitch.
    Mitch embraced Malek and grabbed his coat as they began to leave. “I got to piss.” Mitch tossed Malek his car keys. “Go grab the whip. I’ll be out in a minute.”
    Malek nodded his head and exited the hospital.
    Mitch headed over to the elevator. He looked around inconspicuously before pressing the call button, and then slipped into the space unnoticed as he headed to the fifth floor. He walked casually down the hall, peeking his head into each room until he saw Halleigh’s silhouette in a darkened room. He knocked lightly but didn’t wait to be invited in before he stepped into the room.
    Both his slight knock and presence caused Halleigh to open her eyes from her light sleep.
    â€œWhat’s good, ma? How you feeling?” he asked as he walked over to her and sat on the edge of her bed.
    Halleigh sat up and nervously fidgeted with her hair. She never felt completely comfortable around Mitch because of the history they shared. She looked behind Mitch, expecting to see Malek walk through the door behind him. When he didn’t, she asked, “What are you doing here?”
    â€œI came here with Malek to check on you. I just want to make sure you’re straight.” Mitch looked over his shoulder to make sure the coast was clear. He turned his attention back to Halleigh and began to speak in a whisper. “Malek went a little bit crazy, Hal. I don’t know what’s up with him lately, so be careful, ma. I know you’re with him now, but I care about you, and I don’t want to see you caught out there on some bullshit.”
    Halleigh’s eyebrows furrowed, and a look of confusion washed over her face. “What are you talking about, Mitch?”
    Mitch began his infiltration into his comrade’s relationship with the girl he truly had desires for. “Malek thought you were stepping out on him, Hal. He had you followed and then gave the order to have the building you were in shot up.”
    Halleigh didn’t speak. She just lay there shaking her head.
    â€œIt’s true, Halleigh,” Mitch said convincingly. “He knew you were inside. His jealousy over you is crazy. I don’t want to see you hurt.”
    Mitch was manipulative. He knew he was planting seeds to cause problems in their relationship. His lies might not do much now, but they would remain in Halleigh’s head until they manifested into a bigger problem. He was going to chip away at Halleigh’s trust for Malek until he could snatch her, and then take the streets away from Malek.
    â€œNo, he wouldn’t do that,” Halleigh finally responded.
    Mitch stood up and nodded his head as if he understood her choosing to be in denial over her boyfriend’s