Pretty Dangerous Read Free

MiMi. “Tell me
you didn’t try to play detective and ask these women about DR
banking and transferring cash.”
    “No. I mean, I asked some very general
questions about crime, and you know, my father might send me
money,” MiMi said and winced when Jazz groaned.
    “We definitely got to get you outta here,”
Jazz said.
    “What? They know my boyfriend effed up and
got me arrested. Most of the women are in here because of a man,”
MiMi protested.
    “Exactly, they’re all hooked up with thugs.
One of those dudes could be hooked up with Felipe or some other
American gangsta. They’ve got the money and they don’t want
questions asked,” Jazz replied.
    Jazz’s harsh whispered reality scraped over
MiMi like hot barbed wire. “I wasn’t specific. I swear, very vague
like I was curious about them and they’re experiences.”
    “We’re pushing your lawyer into action. Your
daddy better stop this tough love crap and use whatever influence
he has.” Willa stood and slung her leather hobo purse over a
shoulder. “You stay out of trouble.”
    “I’m, I’m going to be okay.” MiMi tried to
sound sure, but the crack in her voice betrayed her.
    Willa gave her a hug. “Sure you will. Jazz
was just laying out theories why you should...”
    “Gee, this visit has me feeling so much
better,” MiMi grumbled and folded her arms tight against her
body.
    “Hey, if your new buddies really like you
then you’re gold. Keep your head up and your mouth closed.” Jazz
planted both fists on her hips. Her purse swung from the crook of
one elbow. “We got you on this. Right, sis?”
    “We expect to get you out soon, and I’m not
just saying that. Bye.” Willa went to the door and tapped. “Sir,
ma’am, whoever, we’re ready.”
    “Bye, girl. Look, I talked to Tomàs, the cute
tall guard. He’s gonna look out for you, too. Him and me might have
a date later.” Jazz winked at MiMi.
    “Lord, give me strength,” Willa muttered.
    The “cute” guard led them out. Jazz put a
little extra sway in her hips as she walked behind Willa. She gave
the guard a coy smile. MiMi nodded in approval and laughed. Jazz
would never need coaching in the ways of handling men. The female
guard appeared seconds later and motioned for MiMi to leave the
small room. With a sigh, MiMi complied. This particular guard
didn’t like MiMi one bit. No amount of charm had softened her. It
was Tuesday and Officer Alvardo had just started her five day
shift. The next few days would pass slowly.
     
    ****
     
    That evening MiMi, Luz and Diana relaxed
outside after dinner on a small concrete patio. MiMi and Diana sat
in plastic chairs, while Luz leaned against the cinderblock wall.
They watched other female inmates play a lazy game of soccer on the
grass portion of the prison yard. Even at six o’clock in the
evening, the warmth and humidity still hung on. MiMi used a hand
towel as a fan.
    “Ugh, I can’t wait to get out of here. A
month seems so far away. Ah.” Luz sucked in smoke from her
cigarette and blew it out.
    “Yeah, well you better get some patience.
Stop messing with Lola. One more fight and that month will turn
into six.” Diana waved at another inmate.
    “Tell her to leave me alone. She’s from your
town, one of your old friends,” Luz retorted.
    “Okay. Have it your way. Don’t cry to me when
you end up with a longer sentence.” Diana shrugged and lit up her
second cigarette. She offered a half smoked one to MiMi.
    “Not even being in here makes me want to
start that habit.” MiMi made a sour face.
    “Uh-huh, in America they’re big on no
smoking. I need to quit if I’m going to find a nice American
husband.” Luz looked at her cigarette and then took another
puff.
    “Yeah, I can see you’re making a real
effort,” MiMi joked. She ducked when Luz took a playful swing at
her head.
    Diana watched them for a few seconds. “You
want to smell all fresh for that rich boyfriend of yours when you
get out, huh chamaca?”
    “I