Zuri deplaned the twenty-hour flight from Tanzania, spent the night at O’Hare International Airport because of the eight-hour time zone difference, then took an Uber to the Second Chance at Life Women’s Shelter the following morning.
Her mind raced during the fifty-minute drive as she took in the sights along the Edens Expressway on the north side of the city to the Dan Ryan Expressway on the south side. She never knew how different the two sides of town were since she’d never been on the south side in the five years that she’d lived in Chicago.
Zuri’s life had consisted of going to class on UIC campus in the West-Loop, working in the university bookstore, and patronizing the local eateries. Occasionally, she and a few classmates would venture over to Millennium Park or Buckingham Fountain in the downtown area or catch a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field on the far north side during the summer months.
The driver traveled up the exit ramp on Seventy-Ninth Street, and Zuri didn’t know what to think. Droves of young men hung out in the corner parking lot of a fast-food restaurant. Their pants hanging off of their backsides, loud music blared, and the smell of marijuana engulfed the car.
She had second thoughts and almost asked the driver to take her back to her dorm on campus, but two things stopped her. One, she trusted her Mama. If this was a place she recommended, Zuri knew she did it for a reason. Secondly, Baba might have taken a flight out of Tanzania and followed her. The first place he would check would be the University of Illinois at Chicago.
“Thank you,” Zuri said to the driver as they pulled in front of a massive white building on the corner of Seventy-Ninth and Cottage Grove. The place had large picture windows and a glass door with Second Chance at Life Women’s Shelter above the entrance. She clutched her duffel bag under her arm and left the vehicle.
The driver pulled away from the curb, leaving Zuri entranced by the questionable surroundings. Backing toward the building, a red muscle car pulled into the intersection and came to a screeching halt. Two men jumped out of the backseat and yelled vulgar obscenities and ran in her direction with guns in their hands. Zuri yanked the door open and dashed inside, bumping into a man, knocking him to the floor.
“I am so sorry, sir,” Zuri said, pushing the door closed and turning the lock.
“Boss, are you okay? asked a copper-toned woman in a white blouse, polka dot circle skirt, and red heels. She rushed from behind a desk to the man’s aid.
“Yes, Skyler,” he responded, getting to his feet and wiping off his slacks. Moving forward, he asked, “May we help you?”
Zuri gave the man a once-over. His green eyes seemed kind, especially for someone who had just been knocked down by a stranger. No form of anger was present in his handsome sun-kissed face with a five o’clock shadow that gave him an edge or in his body language.
“I am looking for Mariano DeLuca,” she said, squealing from the police sirens zooming down Cottage Grove.
“No need to worry about that. You’re safe in here,” he reassured, gesturing for Zuri to come further inside. “I’m Mariano. How may I help you?”
Zuri scanned the lobby. She’d been in a shelter before in Tanzania while volunteering with her school, and it didn’t look anything like this. Where were the cots? Where were the workers? Soft elevator music played in the background, reminding her of a hotel lobby.
“I am not sure,” Zuri countered, slowly stepping backward. “This does not look like any shelter I have ever seen.”
“Our first floor is designated for client intake. We want to make the women feel as comfortable as possible in an uneasy situation, hence the mellow music and homestyle seating and lighting,” the woman said as she came over. “I’m Skyler Pierson, Mariano’s assistant.”
“Zuri Okusanya,” she said, moving forward and claiming a seat on the round sofa chair.
“Okusanya,” Reno repeated, narrowing his eyes as he lowered his bottom in the seat across from Zuri. He placed a hand under his chin and gazed into her dark brown orbs, putting Zuri on edge.
She felt transparent as if he were looking right into her soul.
Skyler observed for a moment before she continued, “The living quarters are upstairs so the women can have maximum security and privacy. Safety is our top priority.”
Reno’s hand slid into his lap. “You’re Suby’s daughter.”
Zuri flinched, causing every hair on her body to stand at attention. “How did you–––?” She paused, taking a deep breath and shifting in the seat. “You knew my Mama.”
“Knew,” Reno echoed, leaning forward with a bewildered expression.
“She passed away a few days ago,” Zuri whispered, lowering her gaze to her lap.
“Sorry for your loss,” Skyler said, touching a comforting hand to Zuri’s shoulder before walking away.
“Me too,” Reno added, reaching his hand toward her, but pulling back before contact was made.
Zuri saw the gesture. It was sweet of him to try to comfort her, but all she wanted to know was how Mariano knew her Mama. How and when did someone like him and her cross paths? What made her trust a man? The men from where she came from only wanted the women for sex slaves, childbearing, and to work from sun-up to sundown, all while pleasuring them and raising their kids. The women’s happiness never factors into the equation.
“I appreciate that, but how did–––?”
“I met Suby at a women’s conference at McCormick Place a little over five years ago.”
“Sorry for interrupting, but how did you meet her at a women’s conference?” Zuri asked, gazing at Reno. “I thought you had to be a woman to participate.”
“True, but the founder of the conference was aware of the service I provided for women and allowed me to speak,” he explained, putting his weight on the arm of the chair. “After the conference, Suby introduced herself. I could never forget that moment.”
Intrigued, Zuri asked, “How so?”
“The tenderness in Suby’s voice through her thick African accent was different than any other I’d ever heard before,” Reno said, smiling. “And she smelled like berries. Not perfume, but fresh berries picked from the garden. Kind of the way you smell right now.”
Heat rushed beneath Zuri’s cheeks, and she was grateful that she had a dark complexion, or else Reno would have seen her blush.
“Suby asked me about the shelter and the programs I ran to help women get back on their feet. She told me she had a daughter and that one day, you may need my help. She asked for a business card and said, “I am trusting you to do right by my girl if she ever graces your door.” And then she left. She never told me your first name,” Reno stated, shaking his head. “But when you said your last name was Okusanya, and the fact that you have Suby’s soulful eyes and the same exotic dialect, I just knew.”
Zuri placed a hand over her heart. “I am still learning about the depths at which Mama has gone to protect me.”
They sat in silence for a moment as Zuri absorbed Mama’s foresight. She loved her more every day and wished things could have been different.
Skyler resurfaced with a serving tray and a sympathetic expression. “Zuri. Would you like some coffee, tea, or water?”
She reached for the bottle of water, nearly knocking it over at the loud voices of men swearing as they hovered around the entrance.
“You don’t have anything to worry about,” Reno reassured. “That’s normal.”
“Baba may have sent them …” Zuri said with a trembling voice, brushing past Skyler and hiding behind the front desk.
Reno and Skyler rushed over.
“Zuri,” Skyler said in a tender tone. “You’re safe. We keep the door locked. No one’s coming in here. You have my word.”
“But I came in without any issues,” Zuri shot back.
“That’s because you caught me on the way out,” Reno explained, moving closer to the desk. “I unlocked the door, then realized I left my phone in the office. I had gone back to retrieve it and was leaving out when we collided. That was my mistake. One that won’t happen again,” Reno added, extending a hand, hoping Zuri would trust him enough to grab hold. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I promise.”
“You can trust Mr. DeLuca,” Skyler soothed, her manicured hand stroking the woman’s trembling one. “He helps women every day who need a safe place to stay.”
Zuri knew she could trust Mariano because her Mama had. That was all the confirmation she needed. The element lurking outside the door was another thing.
Reno turned on his heels and maneuvered briskly toward the entrance. He swung the door open and shouted, “Take that mess down the street before I call the police.”
Zuri peered over the desk while Skyler kept hold of her hand.
“Ain’t nobody scared of you, white boy. Go help them strung-out chicks in your hood. You don’t belong here,” the man spat in Reno’s face.
“Dude. You got one minute or else I’m putting in that call, and they’ll be here quicker than you can move your ass off the curb.”
“Man, please,” another guy chimed in, waving Reno off. “The Po-Po don’t move that fast around here. You got your zip codes mixed up.” He slapped hands with his buddy and laughed.
“But they will if I call them. Do you wanna find out?” Reno glanced down at his watch. “Thirty seconds.”
“Whatever, with your privileged ass,” the first dude said, pursing his lips. “I’ll see you around.”
Once Reno closed and locked the door, Zuri stood and glanced in his direction. “Thank you.”
“We’ll take good care of you,” he vowed, returning her gaze. “Can we start your intake paperwork, and you can tell me in further detail why you think your father’s after you?” Reno’s phone chimed. He shoved a hand in his pocket, and the ringing subsided.
“Sure.”
“Come with me,” he instructed as they moved into a small corner with a desk, Mac, and two swivel chairs, and a partition for privacy.
Reno’s phone rang a second time, then a third. He ignored those calls, too.
“I can wait if you need to answer that,” Zuri said, taking a seat and pulling the duffel bag into her lap. “I do not mind.”
Reno parted his lips. “Let’s get–––”
“Excuse me,” Skyler said, stepping halfway inside the cubicle. “Here’s your water.”
“Thank you.” Zuri twisted the cap off, then took a few sips.
“If you need me, I’ll be at my desk.”
Reno nodded, settling into the office chair. Skyler smiled and sauntered away. The clicking sound of her heels faded into the background.
Things had started off a bit rough when Zuri first arrived at the shelter, but she was starting to feel more comfortable, especially after witnessing Reno handle those men. She believed him when he said he’d protect her. This was the first time she trusted a man ever.
“Why would your father send men after you?” Reno asked, resting his hands on the desktop.
Before she could reply, they both zoned in on the fast approaching clicking sound against the floor.
Skyler knocked on the partition and rushed in. “You have an important call.”
“Take a message. I’ll call them back.”
“The man said to tell you it’s Kaleb Valentine. I’ll finish,” Skyler insisted. “Go on. We’ll be okay.”
“Thanks,” he said, then turned to Zuri. “I’ll be right back.” Zuri nodded and gave him a wan smile.
He maneuvered from behind the desk and jogged out of the cubicle.
“What is your job here?” Zuri asked, glancing at Skyler.
“I help Mariano with whatever he needs. Intake, place orders, phone calls, but mostly, I’m here to serve the women and make sure they’re doing okay.”
“It is so quiet,” Zuri commented, scanning the immediate area. “Kind of hard to believe this is a shelter.”
“I can see how you’ve come to that conclusion, but we’re definitely in the business of helping women. During the day, most of the clients are at work, job placement programs, trade school, individual and-or family therapy,” Skyler explained, leaning her backside against the desk and crossing her ankles. “The kids are in school, but now, during the summer months, they’re at day camp or have tutoring sessions to keep them on task for the following school year.”
“That is a lot for one person to take on,” Zuri said, sipping more of the water.
“I’m happy to do it,” Skyler countered, moving to the empty seat next to Zuri and lowering her bottom into it. “I was once a client of the shelter after my husband kicked us out to play house with his mistress. Pregnant with one child and another one in tow. It took me two years to get back on my feet. Mariano helped me in ways I could never repay him for, like giving me this job. So, I’m more than happy to give back to him and be whomever he needs me to be for the women that are here.”
“I understand.”
Skyler’s empathy for the women oozed into Zuri, and she knew exactly why this was the right place for her. At least, until she graduated and could find an apartment in an area that was nowhere near campus, which would throw Baba off of her trail.
“What forms do I need to fill out?”
Skyler rose, moving around the desk when Reno rushed in, almost knocking her down.
“I have to go,” he said, pulling keys from his pants pocket.
“What about me?” Zuri shot back, confused by the man who just entered the cubicle. He wasn’t the person who left five minutes prior. His demeanor and facial expression were panic-stricken.
“Please don’t leave,” he begged, taking her hands in his. “Someone close to me has been shot. I have to get to him.” He waited a few moments for that to absorb. “I can help you. Promise you’ll stay here with Skyler until I get back.”
Zuri gazed into his pleading green eyes and got lost in the trance. Hypnotism was real. If she wasn’t a believer before, she was now. After holding his stare for what felt like an eternity but was closer to a few seconds, Zuri glanced downward.
“Reno, you need to go,” Skyler reminded him, clearing her throat.
“Not until I get an answer,” Reno insisted, squatting beside Zuri and lifting her hand into his.
Zuri quivered at the unfamiliar surge that ran through her body from his touch. She’d never felt that before. She liked it. Channeling her focus back on Reno’s face, Zuri pulled her hands away and responded, “I’ll stay.”
“Great.” He smiled and shot out of the cubicle faster than an Olympic sprinter.