The center was a place of safety where kids that had been made to grow up far too young could be kids again, if only for a few hours. Today the entire vibe was one that made his gut clench. A gentle hand landed on his forearm. “They’re scared.” It was a simple statement, but one that showed how much the woman beside him understood the subtleties of gang life.
He glanced at her, a question on the tip of his tongue, but then changed his mind. Now was not the time to try and unravel the secrets of the beautiful woman who was becoming somewhat of an obsession in his mind. Instead, he nodded. “They are, and it’s not a vibe you normally find here. Ward has worked hard to make this a place of safety and inclusion for everyone.”
Frida glanced at the gang of youths of around thirteen to seventeen, who were watching them with an edge of fear on their faces.
“It’s the car. It’s expensive and one they wouldn’t usually associate with me. The fact they can’t see inside because of the tints makes them nervous.”
“But who put that fear there?”
Malco glanced at the oldest youth, a girl of seventeen called Danie Du Toit. She was dressed in a short denim skirt, a bright pink crop top, and an oversized hoodie that hid her face. Her face was heavily made up, her hair braided and hanging down one shoulder. That all seemed normal for what he knew of the girl, but her face had an expression he hadn’t seen before. She was usually so happy and confident. One of the few who had a plan to get herself free of this life, but today her sparkle was dulled, her shoulders slumped. “I have no idea what they fear, but I’ll find out.” With that, Malco slowly opened the car door and drew himself to his full height. As if on a wave, the kids before him relaxed their shoulders, the tension leaving them.
“Malco, man.” One of the younger boys, Aston, moved forward, his hand out.
Malco took it and did the elaborate hand greeting. “How’s it going?” He asked the question as he usually did, but the answer was so much more important today.
Aston shrugged. “Same shit, different day.”
Malco nodded, not wanting to push as the others moved toward him with genuine warmth on their faces but where that warmth had previously held trust now it was now muted.
“Any word on Tycen?” Danie moved closer; her eyes kept moving to Frida as she asked the question.
Malco, not willing to admit they had jack shit, instead decided to introduce Frida. He turned and opened his arm wide and she moved in closer with a smile.
His actions told the kids he trusted her, and she was with him. “This is my friend, Frida. She’s a lawyer here in Miami and wants to help.”
A snort came from one of the older boys who had been painting the wall. “A lawyer. Why would she want to help us?”
Malco was all too familiar with the attitude and knew it would take time for these kids not to fear that every authority figure was out to get them. Placing his hands on his hips, Malco went to put the kids straight. He understood being weary, but he wouldn’t accept bad manners from anyone. A hand on his bicep stopped the words from leaving his mouth.
He glanced at Frida who had a look of deep understanding and determination on her face. “Let me.”
Malco had a moment of inner struggle while he tried to decide why he felt the desire to protect this woman who clearly didn’t need it. After a moment, he nodded, knowing she needed to show strength if these kids were ever going to trust or respect her. A look of pleasure crossed her face, that he felt an answering pleasure from it told him the impact she’d already made on him.
Frida turned to the kids then. “I understand you don’t know me, and God knows you have no reason to trust me or any kind of law enforcement, but if you let me, I’d like to help.”
“Why should we trust you? You don’t know us, and we don’t know you.” Aston was the one who spoke.
“You’re right, but why don’t we go in off the street, and I’ll tell you a little about myself?” She didn’t push, just stood still, and waited for them to decide. Malco found he too waited for the answer, hoping he might get some insight into the woman with a sharp brain and a razor-sharp wit, who held a gentle vulnerability close.
“Sure, let’s hear it.” Danie smiled as she spoke and then turned and led the way inside. Malco shook his head as he followed, surprised at the ease with which she had been invited into their safe place.
As they sat inside the large lounge area with a slightly scarred pool table and several games consoles, Frida felt slightly nauseous. Was she about to open up her past to these kids? Could she tell her past in the hope that it would serve as a hope for these kids, that if she could survive and thrive, then so could they? Would it show them she understood in a way few, if any, people in her position could?
As she took the cup of coffee Malco handed her with a smile and saw the same resolve to help these youths in his eyes as was in hers, she resolved to do whatever it took.
“Thank you.”
He cocked his head. “You sure about this? I don’t know what this story
