Read Online Pride and Consequence by Altonya Washington - Free Book Online Page A

smooth curve of his jaw. “There’s not much to say.”
    â€œYou haven’t noticed anything?”
    â€œSweetie, it could be business or any number of things. You know how Malik is,” Tree observed, hoping he sounded convincing.
    Zakira appeared crestfallen. “Yeah, I know how he is. But Tree, I know something’s not right with him.”
    Tree ran one hand across his close-cut hair and grimaced. “Z, maybe he doesn’t want you to worry.”
    â€œSee, that’s it right there!” Zakira shouted, pointing a finger at Tree. “This may be something I need to know. I don’t care what it is. I have to know. Wondering is driving me crazy.”
    Tree left his chair and walked around the desk. He knelt before Zakira and pulled both her hands into one of his. “Shh…stop this,” he soothed. “You’re starting to upset me.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” she whispered, sniffling softly. “You’re right. Maybe I am making a mountain out of a molehill.”
    Tree squeezed Zakira’s hands. “Why don’t you go home and try to calm down. Malik will come clean with you, if there’s anything to tell.”
    â€œYou’re right,” she said, nodding as she absently smoothed her hands across Tree’s shoulders. “Lemme get out of here.” Tree stood and pushed his hands into the deep pockets of his trousers. As soon as the door closed behind Zakira, he was dialing Malik’s number.

    â€œDoctor McNeil, I’ve got Doctor Douglass Burns on the line for you.”
    â€œThanks, Simone,” Dr. McNeil told his secretary. “Hey, Doug.”
    â€œSed, it’s been a long time.”
    â€œI’ll say. I don’t hear from you every day,” Dr. McNeil told his old colleague,
    Burns chuckled. “Well, I’m actually calling about one of your patients.”
    McNeil frowned. “Which patient?”
    â€œMalik Badu.”
    â€œMalik Badu? How do you know him?”
    â€œHe called to get some information on our center here. He liked what he heard and plans on admitting himself.”
    â€œYou’re kidding, right?”
    â€œI’m afraid not.”
    â€œHe hasn’t mentioned it to me,” Dr. McNeil said, as though he were speaking to himself. Douglass Burns was chief of staff at The Enlightenment Center, a cancer treatment facility staffed exclusively by specialists. “I wonder if he’s told his wife yet?”
    â€œI’m not sure about that. The reason I’m calling is to see if you’ll send me his medical records. I have his consent.”
    â€œCertainly,” Dr. McNeil promised, still somewhat surprised. “I’ll have my assistant get right on it.”
    â€œHe seems to be quite a young man,” Dr. Burns observed.
    Dr. McNeil grinned. “You’re right, but he’s rather stubborn, full of pride, as I’ve told him several times.”
    â€œI agree. He was very adamant about not wanting to discuss surgery or treatment. It’s almost as if he’s afraid to get his hopes up.”
    â€œMalik Badu is a man who hates for anyone to see him down,” Dr. McNeil noted. Especially his wife, he silently added.

    Tree sighed as he reached for the phone. He had been trying to get in touch with Malik since Zakira left his office earlier that day. Unfortunately, he had been unable to contact his old friend.
    Before he could pick up the phone it rang. “Yeah Carrie?”
    â€œTree, Malik is here to see you. Have you wrapped up everything?”
    â€œYeah, thanks. Send him on in.”
    Tree waited for Malik to walk in and close the door before he lit into him. “Your wife was here asking about you. When are you gonna come clean with Zakira, man?”
    Malik raised his right hand and walked farther into the office. “I already decided to. Soon. But there are some things I need to take care of first.”
    A fierce