Ryan relaxed a little as he watched the door close. He rounded on her. "Did you call him to come see you?" His eyes flashed accusations.
Lissa sat up. Fluffing her pillow, she said bitterly, "What is wrong with you men? He was just asking me if I've been sleeping with my boyfriend and now you're accusing me of cheating on him!"
Ryan walked to the chair beside the bed and sat on it. "I'm sorry, did you just say he asked if you and Jordie have been sleeping together?"
Nesbeth deftly scaled the neighbour's fence to the right of Z's house and walked cautiously through the backyard. He looked through the spaces of the nicely designed concrete fence and saw the black sedan still parked across the street. A little boy slipped through the back door of the house and stood on the back steps staring at him.
"What are you doing in my grandma's yard?" the little boy asked. Though startled by the boy's presence, N managed to compose himself. The boy looked around ten years old. Nesbeth smiled at him. "I'm playing a game of hide and seek with a friend of mine." The boy observed him, a skeptical look on his face. "Where is your friend?" he asked, his little eyebrows raised.
Nesbeth smiled at him. "He's across the street." He beckoned to him. The boy looked at him warily. "It's okay, I won't hurt you," he said softly. The little boy looked at glistening steel strapped under the man's arm and shook his head. He placed his hands at his sides, fingers curling into themselves.
Nesbeth stooped down on his haunches. He took a deep breath and gave the little boy a genuine smile. "My name is Nesbeth. Can you tell me your name?" he asked. The little boy shook his head slowly. "Mommy and grandma says I shouldn't talk to strangers."
Nesbeth chuckled softly. "Your mom and granny are right, but I'm not a stranger anymore. I told you my name. It's Nesbeth, and I'm from England. Was born in Bristol." He extended his hands to the young boy still smiling. "See. Nothing in my hands. I won't harm you. I promise."
"So what are you doing here, if you were born in England?" the boy asked.
Nesbeth's lips twitched in amusement. "I came here for primary school. I was living with my granny in Bristol then my mom and dad brought me here to live," he told his young friend.
The boy smiled. "You've been here all your life?"
Nesbethe nodded. "Mhm ... Most of it, since I was 8 years old. I used to go back to spend summers with my aunts and grandma, but this is where I live."
He noted that the little detective relaxed a little. Nesbeth kept his tone pleasant. "Are you the only one home or is mom and grandma at home?"
"Grandma is home, but she is sleeping. Mommy's at work."
Nesbeth nodded his understanding. "Do me a favor ... first give me your name."
The boy assessed whether to give his name or deny the request. In the end he smiled. "It's Rashawn."
Nesbeth smiled back at him. He loved kids. "Nice talking to you Rashawn," he said smiling. "Okay, I want you to do me a favor, okay? I promise to reward you afterwards."
Rashawn nodded. Nesbeth beckoned for him to come to him. Rashawn came off the steps and moved closer. Nesbeth whispered in his ear. The little boy listened and smiled. "Okay!" he said, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
***
Lequan adjusted the lever of his car seat and pushed the seat back so he could relax. His neck felt stiff and his back ached a little. He was in his car from the night before. He barely got any sleep.
He scrolled through his social media feed, while ever so often checking the house. It would seem weird that he was staking out the house at the back, but he knew N was very cunning. N wouldn't take Izzie through the front door if he suspected he was being watched. In any case, he had set up a decoy in one of the neighbouring homes to watch the front of the house. She had moved in a week ago and was the tenant of a nice elderly couple.
Lequan was scrolling through some pics of the new girl the men were raving over. Her name was Peach. She wasn't a bad looking girl. More on the chubby side, so not really his type, but she seemed to be down to do whatever he asked her. He respected her loyalty.
He however missed Grace. She was a natural at being a courier and decoy: Kept her mouth shut unless spoken to; moved around like a shadow. Very inconspicuous, you wouldn't notice she was there if she never spoke. She said she wanted out and he would have helped her if he knew she was serious. She only mentioned it once that she wanted to do something else. He hoped wherever she was, she was keeping a low profile. He could forgive her, but N and Z would not.
He focused his eyes on the phone. Peach was dressed in something like lingerie, but covered in a t-shirt. She called herself 'Peach' because she had a big, round ass. He scrolled down to video and curiousity got the better of him. He pressed play and heard some Dancehall music playing in the background.
His eyelids fluttered as he watched her do a playful striptease and removed the t-shirt. She was about to loosen the cords on her lingerie corset when the video ended there. A smirk formed on his lips. He assessed her, his eyes roaming over her curves. She had nice legs. He chuckled softly and shook his head. Girls these days were such teases.
Out of the corner of his eyes he saw something flash past his window. He sat up becoming fully alert. He grabbed the gun holstered at his hip. It was a Magnum desert eagle with custom made fibre glass hand grip and the latest spring-loaded striker mechanism for smooth trigger action.
He lightly placed his index finger at the trigger. Closing his eyes, he took slow steadying breaths. When he opened his eyes he inhaled through his nose and exhaled slowly through his mouth. Who wants to play games with me?
He heard a woosh sound and felt the car sink. Some bastard was deflating his tires! He unlocked his car door and scrambled outside to see a little boy about ten years old, stooped near the front left tire of his vehicle. He had a small knife jabbing at the tire.
"Oye! Likkle bwoy weh yah duh?!" Lequan shouted.
The little boy looked up, eyes wide. He fell backwards on his bum and dropped the knife.
Lequan walked towards the boy and put his gun to the boy's head. "Lukkle bwoy yuh nuh hear mi ah talk to yuh? Weh yah duh?! Dead yuh wah dead?"
Big round eyes looked up at him. "No sir! Please don't kill me sir, please!"
Lequan fingers grazed the trigger as he pressed the muzzle into the boy's temple. "Weh yah duh that fah?"
"Because I told him to," N said.
Lequan felt the cold hard steel at the back of his neck. He chuckled. "N aka Sentinel, shudda know seh is you. You have no qualms about using children to do your dirty work." Lequan said bitterly. N moved over to Lequan's right.
"Give the boy the gun," N said calmly. Lequan's right arm twitched. N pressed the gun into the base of Lequan's head. "Dead or crippled: pick which one is your destiny," N said coldly. His British accent was thick now that he was angry.
Lequan turned his head slightly. "I choose neither," he said. He held the gun by the handle and the boy stepped forward and took it from him. Rashawn looked at it, his eyes wide before handing it to N.
"Stand behind me, kid," N said. Rashawn did as instructed. "There are two one thousand dollar bills in my right back pocket. Take it out, go home. Don't look back."
Rashawn dipped his fingers in N's pocket and found the money. He grinned from ear to ear. "Mr Nesbeth will I see you again?"
N didn't look at him, but he sensed young Rashawn was looking up at him. "No, I don't think so. Go home, and tell your mom and grandma you got that money because you helped a neighbour clean up some weeds in his back yard. Give the knife to me."
"Okay, I will. Thank you Mr Nesbeth." Rashawn tucked the knife in the pocket where he found the money.
N nodded. "Good boy," he said. "Go on now."
"Thank you sir," Rashawn hugged N's waist. "We needed the money."
N's shoulders sagged a little. He sighed. Lequan noticed the shift, his body tensed. N moved the gun up to Lequan's head. "Wait until he's gone, okay?"
Lequan grunted his agreement.
"Goodbye Mr Nesbeth," Rashawn said smiling.
"Goodbye kid. Now go on and don't look back."
Rashawn ran back to his house. Lequan was tempted to look, but N tapped his gun's muzzle on his head. He stood still. N looked behind him, and when he saw that his little friend was safely inside his house he released a tiny sigh. He dropped his gun and stepped back.
"I could kill you know, but I don't think your family would approve," N said, placing Lequan's gun in the waist of his pants.
Lequan turned around slowly to face him. He saw that his gun was at N's waist. "Be careful you don't shoot your balls off," he quipped. N gave him a cold smile. He took a step towards him. Lequan stood his ground.
"You're how old now, Lequan? Twenty-seven, twenty-eight?" N said moving closer. Lequan took two steps back. "Don't you wonder what happened to your dad? Who killed him?"
Lequan knew N was good at manipulation and mind games. "Your little psychology shit won't work on me, N. I know the police killed my dad," Lequan said quietly.
N shook his head. "Negative," N said. "The one who became a father figure to you was his killer."
Lequan frowned at him. "Who are you talking about?" N raised an eyebrow at him. "Who has been you 'dad' since sixteen, Lequan? Sent you on your first kill mission at seventeen, a year after your dad was murdered. You thought Z was sending on the mission to prove your worth, but he was sending you to die. He hoped you would die. Sending a seventeen year old against three hardened criminals is an execution."
N cocked his head to the right while looking at Lequan. Something like admiration shone in his gaze. Lequan dismissed that thought. "But you lived," N continued, "you proved you were truly your father's son, and Z made you his number one at twenty-one."
Lequan hissed his teeth. "Z sent me because he knew I was ready. I was training on weapons with you for a year, remember? And Wallie was teaching me how to fight. If you objected to Z sending me on the mission why didn't you say something?"
"I did," N said, "but at the time I was caught up with other issues in my own life. I did speak to him and told him he should send you to college and not allow you to get mixed up in anything, especially since you were your mother's only son. If you died who would carry on the family name."
Lequan laughed vulgarly. "Since when has the Prince name mattered to you?"
"It always mattered Temar. I owe your family a debt."
Lequan's eyes widened. How does N know my real name? Did Z tell him?"
N noticed the bewildered expression on Lequan's face. "I know a lot about you including the fact that it should be you running Z's gang. Z is a usurper. Your grandfather left the operations of the Black Diamonds gang to your father, but he brought in Z because he was Krome's son and wanted a merger between crime families.
Lequan's hands curled into fists. "You're lying," he said then laughed loudly. His back rigid, his hands in tight fists, he was ready to defend his family's and Z's honor. N knew what he needed. He put his gun in his holster and then removed Lequan's gun from his waist. He threw both guns and holster into the bush off to the side of the road.
"Come," he said calmly. Beckoning to him with his hands. Lequan looked at him like he was crazy. A mocking smile materialised on N's face. "I know you fantasize about beating me to a pulp. So come on, here's your opportunity."
"You'll regret this. If I overpower you I'm taking Izzie," Lequan said, his tone harsh.
N chuckled. "If you think you bad, come then!"
Lequan gave him a comical look, then shook his head. "Bredda nuh try speak patois again. You're pathetic!" He lunged forward at N who quickly sidestepped him. Lequan turned around and moved quickly to give N a right hook, but N blocked him, lifted his palm to hit Lequan's chin, and delivered a stronger blow to his chest.
Lequan stumbled back, startled. He worked his jaw trying to ease the pain. His chest felt weirdly heavy, but he ignored it. He charged at N again, right fist extended.
Stepping to his left and bending forward at the waist, N used his right leg to sweep away Lequan's feet. He grabbed Lequan's wrist while flexing his hips forward, he flipped Lequan over his shoulder. Lequan fell to the ground, wind knocked out of his and feeling disoriented. N walked towards a breathless Lequan. "Had enough? Got it out of your system?"
Lequan chuckled softly. Hell no! he mused. Not done yet. Breathing in short spurts and coughing, he nodded. "Sure, I'm done." N moved to help him up. He kicked out his feet catching N off guard. N rolled to his right and sprang to a crouched position, his legs firmly planted. He watched his opponent carefully.
"You and your karate bullshit!" Lequan spat out. N was close to the guns, but he was closer. At this point it didn't matter what gun he killed N with. He got up and moved quickly to grab one. N pushed off on his heels and somersaulted in Lequan's direction unfurling his feet to hit him on his legs. Lequan fell on his belly. He turned over and wrestled with N.
He tried to push him off, but the older man was very strong. N braced against Lequan's hands, overpowering him and punching him in the face. Lequan was dazed, his movements sluggish as the pain from the punches set in. With open palm N delivered a devastating blow to Lequan's forehead making him more dazed, then slapped both hands hard over Lequan's ears. He yelled in pain. His ears were ringing violently, the world around him--spinning. N punched him out cold.
***
Izzie paced the floor of the living room. "God, please make Nes be okay," she said. There was a knock on the front door. "Izzie baby, let me in!" N shouted.
"Oh thank God!" she said. She ran to the door her heart beating fast, She opened it and saw how disheveled he looked and hugged him. When she stepped back she saw that his knuckles were bleeding. "Baby, your hands?!" He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. She pulled him into the kitchen and went into a cabinet for some vinegar.
"Wash your hands baby," she said.
N went to the sink and did what she instructed. He turned to her. She tore off a piece of soft paper towel and poured some vinegar in a small bowl she filled with water. She dipped the towel in it and dabbed it gently on N's knuckles. His only reaction was to grit his teeth.
She slapped his arm. "Always acting so tough," she said pouting. After carefully cleaning the bruises on his right hand for a minute, she threw away the water, washed out the bowl and put it back where she got it. She threw the towel in the trash bin behind them. She leaned on the counter observing him. "I hope we'll be done with this soon. This fighting," she said her countenance sober.
He smiled at her. "I promise we will. Just let me do this one thing, okay? And then I'll be yours." He looked out the kitchen window. "But I had to do this just now." He turned to look at her. "Lequan is one tough son of a--" Izzie lunged at him and kissed him passionately. He squeezed her in his embrace reveling in the feel of her body.
He eased back, looking at her from head to toe. She was wearing a white t-shirt and figure hugging leggings. She looked good enough to eat. She had her phone in her hand. He took it from her and put it on the coffee table. "Z can track your phone. Leave it," he told her.
She nodded. "I have a tablet he doesn't know about. Can I take it with me?"
N looked at her hopeful expression. "Okay," he said a faint smile ghosting the curve of his mouth. She kissed his cheek. "Thank you!"
She ran upstairs and brought it and its charger down with her. She stood in front of him, her eyes glowing. She vibrated with excitement.
N chuckled softly. He slowly circled his arms around her waist and kissed her passionately. When he came up for air he moved past her and walked into the foyer to grab her bags and his. He carried all of them to his car. "We don't have much time," he said looking at he worried face. "I tied up Lequan, but he'll wake up soon. You'll sit in the front seat with me."
He went back to the house and locked the front door and threw the key in the grass. He walked back to her standing in the driveway and placed his hand on her tummy. "You okay?"
She nodded at him. her eyes filled with adoration. "Yes baby, I am fine." She touched his face. He used his car's key fob to unlock the front passenger side door.
"Okay, get in," he said, his hand on her lower back.
She shook her head. "I can sit in the back. That way if he wakes up I can warn you. You said you tied him up, right?"
N nodded. She placed a tiny peck on his lips. "I'll be fine. I can use a gun, remember? And I do remember the little self defense that you taught me." N stared at her in her leggings, her long legs captivating his gaze. He smiled as he looked at her face. "Okay my fierce warrior." He observed her with admiration welling up in his chest. She wasn't afraid at all.
"Let's go," he said. She followed behind him, and helped him pack the bags into his trunk. He unlocked the back door for her and kissed her cheek. She slipped inside the vehicle, a wide grin on her face.
As the car moved off, Lequan slumped towards her, his head falling into her lap. Her lips twitched in amusement. She pushed him back and carefully rested his head on the car window. "Lequan, why so bold? I don't know you well enough for that," she said softly, while chuckling under her breath.
N looked at her through the rearview mirror. "You okay baby?" he asked.
She nodded, beaming at him, humor in her eyes. "Quite fine baby," she answered.
***
While Ryan was gone Lissa lay back on the bed and closed her eyes. Shane moved to sit on the edge of the bed, staring at her. He sighed. "I was going to tell you about the engagement," he said.
Lissa nodded her head, but did not open her eyes. "I know," she replied.
"I'm sorry for everything. Somehow I feel this may be about me." Shane took a deep breath, held it for a second then released it. "I still don't know who Z is, not really. Your dad had a hunch, but we never got the chance to follow through on it." He stared at the walls, then a thought crept into his head.
"Lissa?"
"Hmm ?"
"The men who approached you and Jordan, did you see any notable marks on them: tattoos or anything like that?"
Lissa opened her eyes. She shook her head indicating no. "And only one man approached me and Jordan. He lured him away to the others who were waiting for him."
Shane reached out and patted her hand. "This may not be any of my business, but I need to know something," he said staring at her, a look of concern on his face.
"What is it?" Lissa asked, feeling tired.
"Remember I told you about the bond I share with you. It's more so on my part..."
Lissa nodded.
"I-I think it's completely broken now. The other times you were in distress I could feel it. This time I felt nothing. The thing is, I was actually nearby last night. I was making arrangements at a restaurant nearby to plan the engagement dinner for Dana." He saw the sadness in Lissa's eyes and paused. He squeezed Lissa's hand.
"What are you asking me?" she asked, her voice revealing her irritation.
Shane looked at the hand he was holding. "Have you slept with Jordan?"
Lissa pulled her hand away from him, her eyes wide with shock. "Why are you asking me this? You're getting engaged. How is my sex life any of your business anymore?"
"It isn't I know, but ..."
Ryan opened the door and stepped inside. He noticed the shift in the mood of the room and crossed his arms over his chest. "Maybe it's time you left," he said, turning his scorching gaze towards Shane.
Shane stood up and approached him. He stood before Ryan. Staring into his eyes, Shane said, "I'm glad you're okay, Lissa. If you need anything please let me know."
Lissa grunted.
Shane brushed past Ryan making sure his shoulder pushed into him as he passed by. Ryan's fists curled, and he was about to go after Shane, when Lissa called to him, "Rhy! Don't bother, please."
Ryan relaxed a little as he watched the door close. He rounded on her. "Did you call him to come see you?" His eyes flashed accusations.
Lissa sat up. Fluffing her pillow, she said bitterly, "What is wrong with you men? He was just asking me if I've been sleeping with my boyfriend and now you're accusing me of cheating on him!"
Ryan walked to the chair beside the bed and sat on it. "I'm sorry, did you just say he asked if you and Jordie have been sleeping together?"
Lissa nodded, with a deep sigh.
"I'm going to warn him to stay away from you." Ryan's shoulders were rigid.
Lissa closed her eyes and rested her back on the pillow. "Don't act like you aren't curious too!" she snapped.
Ryan leaned back in the chair as if slapped. "What are you talking about?" He rose to his feet. "Do you want me to leave? Is that it?" He stared at her.
"Yes!" she said. Her voice was hoarse, her emotions raw. "Leave me the hell alone!"
Ryan took a deep breath, his fists clenching and unclenching. "I tried Lissa. I've tried to get through to you. Maybe I was rash in how I handled things, but this is not my fault. I came back to tell you that it was this Mr Z guy who ordered a hit on you and Jordan because your dad tried to bury him in prison in a foreign country."
Lissa's eyes widened. She stared at him. Tightly clutching the sheets, she croaked, "My dad? My dad has something to do with this?"
He nodded. "I'll see what I can do to protect you." He rubbed his right hand over his face and head. Taking a deep breath, he tried to calm his emotions. "I care about you, and a part of me still wants you, Lissa. I miss you." He laughed, but it was a dry, hollow sound. "I respect Jordie. If he makes you happy, then I'm happy for both of you."
He walked to the door and touched its handle. "I'll ask my immediate superiors if they can send a police guard tonight, since you don't want me here." He opened the door and stepped out before she could muster the courage to say sorry.
"Ugh!" Lissa groaned in disgust with herself.
***
Dr Jhonie Barnes walked over and touched Ryan's arm. She had just finished her rounds for the morning and was craving something sweet. She was half hoping that Corporal Stewart was still here, and was glad to see that he was. He looked at her. She saw the guarded look in his eyes, but still smiled at him. "I was wondering if you would join me for brunch. I have an hour to spare," she said.
He looked at her, his chocolate-brown eyes appeared to soften as he studied her. "Today is actually my day off." He chuckled ruefully. "I never expected to spend it like this though."
She looked at him sympathetically. "Well, as I said I have an hour's break, thank God!" She sounded relieved. Ryan's smile broadened. He nodded. "Okay, I'll join you for brunch." He gestured for her to lead the way, and he followed behind her noting the gentle, almost unnoticeable sway of her hips. Her lab coat did a good job of covering her figure. She had buttoned it up. He smiled as he watched her walk before him.
They sat in the cafeteria while he enjoyed a ripe banana and she ate a bun and cheese. She decided to drink boxed orange juice with it. Ryan watched her. "Bun and cheese was all you wanted?" he asked amused. She looked up, noticed the look in his eyes and laughed softly.
"And you only wanted a banana?" she asked, her eyebrows drawing close together.
He was beginning to notice little quirks about her. He chuckled softly. "It's to get my energy up," he said. His smile broadened to an infectious grin. Jhonie's lips dropped to a lopsided smile. Heart racing, she stared at him. Her palms felt sweaty. Gosh, he's handsome!
He looked at her, noting how she watched him. "What is it?" he asked. He moved his hand closer to hers on the small dining table, but didn't touch her. She shook her head, looking at the table.
"Dr Barnes," he said softly, "I think we're becoming friends, don't you?" He took a breath then reached out and grabbed her hand. She tried to pull it away, but he held it firmly. He clasped it and looked at her. She lifted her head, her eyes wide with alarm.
"If anything is wrong, I can help," he said. He allowed his voice to dip a semitone and softened the syllables.
She cleared her throat. Her chest felt like it would burst open. You like him Jhonie. You asked him to join you for brunch, you may as well woman up and be bold.
She swallowed her saliva and smiled nervously at him. "I-I guess while you were laughing I noticed how the sunlight makes your eyes twinkle, a little," she whispered just loud enough for him to hear.
His heart stirred as he saw her shy and awkward behavior as she spoke. Her words were a surprise to him, but they made him feel seen--appreciated. Maybe it was a good thing Lissa didn't want him around her. He covered her hand with both of his and squeezed gently. "Thank you for the compliment," he said, his voice a little husky. "You're also a very attractive woman."
She cleared her throat, then cocked her head to the left. "I sense that you and ... you and my patient have a history."
Ryan's brow creased as he heard her statement, though it was more of a question. He nodded slowly. "A few months back," he said quietly. "But that's the past."
With right eyebrow raised she assessed him, her gaze kind. She moved her hand and he released her, but she turned her hand over and grabbed his right hand. She cleared her throat. "I-I think I like you ... uh, I mean I-I like you. You're very attractive," she said, heart in her throat. Her armpits were sweaty as she spoke the words that she herself was surprised she said.
Ryan's heart skipped a beat. He gave her a boyish grin, thinking about how fortunate he was after all. "I like you too," he told her. He squeezed her hand. The bones of her hand were slender and delicate. He released her and leaned back in the chair.
"I would like to get to know you," he said.
Jhonie nodded. "I would like that," she said smiling.
"So Friday?" he asked. "Is dinner a possibility?"
She bit her bottom lip and Ryan felt his loins stir as he observed her soft pink lips. "I'm not sure. I would have to change my shift around with one of my colleagues." She had a pensive look on her face as she wondered who she could ask to change shifts with her.
Dunbar can be an ass sometimes, she thought. I don't want to deal with him. I could probably ask Martinez, but she would use it to her advantage another time. The only person I could ask is Gough. Mimi already has her plate full. I can't do that to her.
She sighed. "I don't think I will be able to. I'm sorry, I have a late shift and I've already asked for a shift change with a colleague of mine. I can't put her in more strain."
Ryan nodded, though he was disappointed. "No problem," he said, "We'll make the most of now, and lunch on Friday." He smiled at her and her shoulders sagged a little as she relaxed. He was happy to see that.
"Tell me about yourself: siblings, aunts and uncles?" he asked, smiling.
Jhonie laughed a little. "Aunts but only in-laws. My family produces boys. I'm the only girl by birth. I have two older brothers."
Ryan chuckled a little. "I guess your mother knew what she was doing," he said, admiring her smile.
Jhonie touched her hair and blushed. Ryan felt a satisfying feeling swell in his chest. Making her smile was something he could get used to doing.
***
Sophia Aurora brought fruit for her as well as fricassee chicken and white rice. She ate the fruit, but told her she would eat the chicken and rice later in the afternoon. Aurora nodded that she understood. She reached out and squeezed Lissa's hand.
"A policeman came to Jordie's door asking questions about the incident," Aurora said, her eyes large. "At least I think he was a cop."
"Standard uniform?" Lissa asked.
Aurora nodded.
"Did he give you his name?"
Aurora nodded eagerly. "Told me his name was Inspector Simpson, but he says I can call him Detective."
Lissa's lips formed a faint smile. "I know him. Brown skinned, quite handsome with a pencil thin moustache, face clean shaven?"
Aurora nodded emphatically.
Lissa chuckled softly. "He's a cop. Did he ask about me?"
Aurora shook her head. "No," she replied.
Lissa pursed her lips.
"I told daddy," said Aurora, bowing her head. "He says he's gonna ask for time off. He's hoping he can get at least a week, but he's hoping to get ten days off. He says he hasn't taken any time off since he started working at his job, so he hopes they will give it him."
Lissa watched her future sis-in-law's expression. Sophia Aurora was still a young girl, just twenty-two. Lissa observed her take a shaky breath, and felt sorry about the whole situation She squeezed the hand she was holding. "He'll be okay," she said.
Aurora looked up at her. Her eyes glossy with unshed tears. "The detective said Jordie ..."
"I know, but I don't care what they say," Lissa spoke emphatically. "God has spared Jordan's life so far. I believe He will help him to recover fully. We just have to believe, pray and do all we can to help him."
"Mommy's in England. She says she can't get away at this time, but I should keep her posted," Aurora said. "As soon as she can she will come back. She hopes she can spend a month here."
Lissa's chest tightened. She wished these weren't the circumstances through which she would meet his parents, but she hoped they would accept her because she wasn't going anywhere. Even if she had to spend the rest of her life taking care of Jordie, she wouldn't leave him.
***
Lequan stirred and opened his eyes. Sitting beside him was a vision of beauty. He thought he was dreaming, but then she turned to look at him and sneered. His countenance darkened when he felt something rough and restrictive against the skin of his wrists. He looked down and realized his hands were tied with rope, and so were his feet. He swore quietly.
Izzie laughed. "Finally awake?" she asked, a mocking smile on her lips.
He looked out his window; ahead of him, then through Izzie's window. "Where are we?" he asked. There were houses on either side of them. Some of them looked like they had been firebombed a long time ago. Blackened, run down walls stood eerily around them. There was no sign of life, not even a dog walked past.
"I don't know, but I guess when Nes comes we'll find out. Relax," she said amused. "It's not like you can go anywhere."
He used his elbow to press on his right jeans' pocket.
"Nes has your phone," she told him, one eyebrow lifted above the other.
He hissed his teeth and Izzie laughed. She bent her head and continued to scroll on her tablet.
Lequan leaned back in the seat and side-eyed Isabel. Even in simple leggings and a t-shirt, being close to her made his heart rate accelerate. He cleared his throat and she looked up at him. His dark almost black eyes looked her up and down. "Does N know we almost kissed?" he asked.
Isabel's eyes narrowed as she looked at him. "No, and you're going to make sure he doesn't," she said, her tone cold.
He leaned back resting his neck on the head rest. "So you're screwing him?"
She hissed her teeth. He closed his eyes. "Izzie, you know I like you. I've liked you since I was sixteen and Mr Z told me to guard you. Your uncle even approves of us." To this Isabel scoffed. He stared at her now his eyes boring into her. He didn't know where Z had gone, but he would talk some sense into her while he still could. His hands and feet were bound but his mouth was not bridled.
"Izzie untie me. Pull these ropes and I'll cover for you. I'll tell Z that N held you hostage, that you wanted to be with me all along, but N manipulated you. Yuh know mi check fi yuh on a different level." He smiled at her. Izzie turned her head.
Jealousy flared in his chest raw and ugly. "So yah tell mi seh him give yuh di best grind yuh ever get?" His voice was hard and cold. He turned his torso to her, but she kept staring out the window. "I am better than him! What can his little dick do?"
Izzie turned around, her eyes flashing danger. "He's not little by any imagination," she said, her voice low and mocking. "And when he grips me with those hands I go weak. The first time we had sex I could hardly walk afterwards. You're just jealous because you want what you can't have!"
He looked at her, his gaze cold, unreadable. Izzie smirked. "Anytime we make love I always get what I need. And I scream because he's so good."
Lequan flinched. He wanted to slap her for her insolence, but his hands were tied literally, and he remembered that she was his boss's niece.
"And I guess he sucks your p*ssy too, uh?" His eyes scanning her face with disdain.
She chuckled softly. "And if he does, so what?" she asked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. She uncrossed her legs, spreading them so he could see her camel toe clearly visible through the dark blue leggings she was wearing.
He averted his eyes, heat flooding through his loins. She's really fat, he thought. He was even more angry that N got it before he did. He swore softly.
He took in a sharp breath and she laughed, shaking her head. She crossed her legs. "No, he doesn't," she said quietly. Lequan looked at her, eyebrows raised. She shook her head. "Happy? He doesn't give me oral sex."
He looked at her. Was this a bone of contention he could exploit? Maybe, but he would never go down on her. Admiration towards N flickered in his eyes. Izzie sucked her teeth and she looked out the window again.
His heart stirred within him because he saw she was sulking. He was curious, he didn't know why. But ... "A man doing that to you ..." Lequan swallowed his disgust. "You want that? You like it?"
"Lequan, just leave me alone, please. N will be here any minute now." She stared out the window.
He wasn't interested in doing it to any woman, but he was still curious. He cleared his throat. "Izzie." He tried to soften his tone. "I don't like to see you sad, okay?" He leaned forward and used his tied hands to brush on her thigh. She looked at him. "What is it?" she asked, annoyed.
She stared ahead of her. "Has anyone done it to you?" she asked.
He turned his head and looked out the window. "Yes, I've had it done to me," he admitted.
She studied his side profile, curiousity brimming in her gaze. "What's it like?"
He closed his eyes. "Like I'm about to lose my mind. A million nerve endings tingling, my body's tense and then it happens. I lose control and I feel like I can hardly breathe." He turned to look at her. His gaze dropped to her lips. She has really sexy lips. Imagining her doing it to me isn't hard.
"You don't think a woman deserves to feel like that?" Izzie asked, her brow furrowed. He could tell she was aroused by the breathy sound of her voice. He looked ahead of him. "I've never thought of doing it to a girl because I was told it's nasty. You guys have periods and stuff," he said, feeling exasperated.
"That's only for five or seven days, Lequan," she said rolling her eyes. "And it's necessary so we can create life inside us." She folded her arms across her chest. "For a guy who got all grade ones in your CXCs you're very dumb," she said.
He was about to say something harsh when he saw N approaching the car. He whispered, "If I did do it to a girl she would have to be really special to me." She looked at him, one eye brow raised above the other and scoffed.
N opened her passenger side door first, "Leave your tablet in the car. No one will touch it." Izzie nodded and left it on the seat. N took her hand and she stepped out.
Lequan felt a stirring in his chest, a feeling of something he couldn't fathom. Was it the way what he said made her hot and bothered, or the fact that her desire for oral sex made him curious about her? Either way he didn't think he could. As for doing it for the right girl. He didn't think so. He only said that because he saw the way she was looking at him, like he was small and ignorant.
N opened his passenger door. Bending forward he took the knife he strapped to his leg, and cut the cords that bound Lequan's feet. N grabbed his arm, pulling him up to stand. His icy blue eyes looked at Lequan with a warning. He pressed his key fob and the car alarm chirped, indicating it was armed.
N shoved Lequan forward. "Walk!" he barked.
Lequan walked slowly before N and Izzie. He had to admire N in a way. For an older guy, he was very strong and moved very quickly. He had underestimated him earlier. He wouldn't again.
He looked behind him. His gaze floated to Izzie, at her shapely legs evident in the leggings she wore. He shook his head. A thought flashed in his mind of her legs on his shoulders and her hands pushing his head down ... down to her soft, delicate centre; her sexy voice calling his name.
His eyes drifted down to her crotch. Realizing where his thoughts were leading he snapped his head up. His eyes locked on hers and recognition showed in her face. Her lips parted and she blushed--looking away. He felt the unmistakable tightening in his loins and berated himself for even thinking about her in that way.
"Izzie?" N was looking at her, his countenance calm. She snapped out of her forbidden reverie and came forward to him. He put his arms possessively around her, pulling her to his side as they walked. "Stay close to me," he said, his tone reassuring, but she detected a hint of cold edge to it. She nodded, her eyes wide as she stared at him. His murderous gaze was focused on Lequan.
Lequan turned around and continued walking. "Where are you taking me, N?" he asked.
"To the truth," N replied, his tone cold.
Lequan's back stiffened. "To kill me then?"
N chuckled. It was a humorless sound that made even Izzie stare at him in shock.
"Not quite. There's something you need to know about your dad. How and why he died," N said. They were coming up on a large building that could have been an industrial manufacturing complex decades ago. But now it was old and run down with window spaces that were boarded up.
"Approach the red door and knock," N said behind him as they got closer.
Lequan quickly glanced behind him. He caught Izzie's eyes watching him. She looked away. What was her problem? he wondered.
He knocked on the door, and they heard movement inside.
"Who dat?" came a menacing voice.
"The bird has returned to its sanctuary," N said, raising his voice just a little.
There was the sound of a heavy latch being pulled and the door swung open. A man stepped forward at the threshold eyeing them warily. He looked at Izzie, his gaze lingering at her bosom. N stepped before her.
"Lusting for your cousin now, Dom?"
Dom's head snapped up to look at N. His eyes narrowed as he stared at him. N nodded slowly. "Dom," he said, stepping aside, "let me introduce your cousin to you." He reached behind him, put his arm around Izzie's back and drew her forward.
"This is your cousin Isabel aka Izzie Rashford," he said.
Izzie, who was looking at the ground, lifted her head, her eyes scanning N's face for answers. Lequan looked at her and N. What is he talking about? Her last name is Morgan, he thought.
"Nes, what are you talking about?" Izzie asked, her eyes as large as saucers. She looked at the man, who had the murderous look on his face earlier, to see him smiling now.
"She does look like grandma Esmie," Dom said as he watched her.
He turned his gaze to look at the young man before him. "Who him?" he asked, brow furrowed. His countenance darkened as he sized up Lequan.
N slapped his hand on Lequan's right shoulder. Lequan did not move. He kept his eyes on Dom. If N had a death wish good for him, but he would find a way to get him and Izzie out of here as soon as he could. He'd heard of Dom. He was supposed to be Mr Z's ally, but Z didn't trust him completely.
"You're looking at royalty, my friend," N said amused. He observed how the two men were watching each other. "Do the names Wild Goat, Russian, Dandimite, Termite and Fiyah mean anything to you?"
Dominic stepped back. "Of course, Dandimite was my grandfather," Dominic said, a whimsical smile on his face.
"Russian was my dad's good friend," N said. Dom nodded. "Mi know that," he said.
N smiled. "Well," he said, "This is Wild Goat's grandson." He squeezed Lequan's shoulder. Dom looked Lequan up and down, then looked at N. N nodded smiling. "It's true. He's a Prince."
Dom stepped further back and swung the door wide open. A smile on his face for Lequan. "Come een man. Come inside." Lequan turned to look at N.
He nodded. "Go on," N said. "It's time you know the truth." With left eye brow raised above the other, Lequan stepped into the building, and was greeted by a dank, musty smell. He brushed his fingers over his nose.
Dom chuckled. "You'll get used to the smell, don't worry about it. Walk this way," he said.
"Are the elders waiting on us?" N asked.
Dom nodded. "Crab and Machine are here. Stop Light arrived a few minutes before you came. My dad is in the judgement hall. N nodded at him. "Lequan, you know Bull Dog, don't you? Z must have mentioned him a few times," he said, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. Lequan looked at him then at Dom.
"Yeah, I have heard of him. His uncle's name was Knife, his father is called Druz. He's in command of the No Ease Up gang. Aka Bull Dog, real name is Dominic Black."
Dominic smiled.
Lequan sighed. "You have a solid reputation, even Z wouldn't dare to cross you," he said grudgingly.
Bull Dog laughed. "Z knows who has the real muscle." He turned to N. "Tulloch is already here. He says the other men will be here in the next hour."
N rubbed his hand on Izzie's back. She stared at him in a daze. She had so many questions to ask. "I ..."
"Everything will be explained at the meeting," N said, seeing her confusion. "Trust me?" he asked. She nodded. He kissed her hair. Bull Dog shifted on his feet. Lequan's lips twisted into a frown.
"Let's go," N said softly to her. He looked at Bull Dog. "Lead the way," he said. Dom nodded and gestured before him. "Follow me," he said. Lequan was about to follow behind Bull Dog when N said, "Wait!"
Lequan stopped. Dominic turned around. N moved from Izzie's side and took out his knife. He cut the ropes off Lequan's wrist. "Royalty should never be tied up." he said smiling at him. Lequan looked at him suspiciously, but nodded, rubbing his wrists.
"Okay, Dom, lead the way," N said.
Dominic nodded. "Okay," he said. "Come with me. Whatever you do keep your heads down."
As they entered a large room, Izzie was struck by how spacious it was. There was barely any furniture except for a few chairs and a couch. A man was sitting on a large chair in the center of the room. As if sensing that someone was watching him, he lifted his head and stared right at her. A tiny smile quirked up his lips.
"Dom moved closer to the man in the large chair and touched his hand. He bent his head staring at the floor. "Boss, Nesbeth has brought your niece to see you. Isabel Rashford."
"Isabel, this is your uncle Andrew Rashford also known as Druz, leader of the No Ease Up gang." Dominic still had his head bent. Druz reached out and touched his son's shoulder. Dominic looked up at his father.
Isabel kept her eyes on the floor. She was shaking. N squeezed her hand.
"Step forward young lady. Let me get a closer look at you. You may look up and come closer," Druz said, his gravelly voice uncharacteristically gentle.
Isabel lifted her head and stared at him. She looked at N who was staring right at Druz. Fear gripped her heart. Didn't that guy N said was my cousin say we should keep our heads down. She looked over at Lequan who had his head down and eyes closed.
She stepped forward. "Please forgive Mr N for his disobedience, sir. Please don't kill him." Her voice cracked. Druz looked at her indulgently. He looked over at N.
"She doesn't really know who you are, eh N?" Druz said, chuckling softly. N stepped forward and touched her arm "Baby, it's okay. Don't be afraid. He won't hurt me," he assured her.
"But he said we should keep our heads down," Izzie said, pointing to Dominic.
Druz laughed, he cleared his throat and coughed a little. "N is foundation, my dear, like an old don. His respect is large here."
Izzie turned to look at N, her eyes wide. N moved closer and put his arms around her waist and kissed her brow. "It's okay," he soothed her, rubbing her back. He could feel her body shaking.
"Maybe we should let her stay with my baby mother until she calms down," Dom aka Bull Dog suggested.
"Would you be okay with that?" N asked. His brushed his lips on her forehead. "Izzie, you're gonna have to trust me. Okay?"
She looked at him feeling lost. He sighed. "They were things you should have known earlier, but now is the right time. Z isn't here and I can protect you." He gestured to the man sitting on the throne in the empty wasteland. "Your uncle can protect you. I love you. Trust me."
Lequan's emotions were warring in his chest. He curled his fists. Even now N must be lying to her and him. Can I really trust these people?
Izzie looked angrily at her lover. "You knew these things and never told me!" she said coldly. N touched her face and she flinched.
Lequan ran over to N and pushed him off Izzie. In one quick movement Dom's gun materialised in his hand and he pressed it into Lequan's right temple. "You may be Wild Goat's grandson, but in this territory you have respect," Bull Dog barked.
"Ha ah!" Druz said, lifting his left hand. Dom backed away. "He's Wild Goat's grandson?" Druz queried.
N nodded. He walked back to Izzie, but she turned her body away from him. She went to Lequan. N's eyes bored holes into Lequan's back, but he ignored him and put his arms around Izzie's shoulder. Dom put away his gun.
Druz cleared his throat. Dominic looked at his father. "The shock of everything is too much for her. Take her to stay with Cristal and the kids."
Dominic nodded. He extended his hand to her. "Cuz Isabel, I'm sorry about everything, but we promise not to hurt you. Come with me. You have to meet your little cousins and my wifey."
She looked up at Lequan with large eyes. He wanted to keep Izzie with him, but he needed to know the truth about everything. Maybe the details would upset her further. He also figured if these people were her family they would do her no harm. He brushed his fingers gently on her face. Out of the corner of his eye he saw N's body tense. He ignored him.
"Go with him. I'm here. I won't leave you," he told her. Izzie turned and walked to Doninic who took her hand and led her out of the room.
N was moving towards Lequan when Druz stood up and knocked his cane on the floor. "I will not have any fighting over a frock tail in my judgement hall."
"Nesbeth, Goat's grandson, control yourselves," Druz demanded.
They faced him reluctantly. N was seething with anger, but Lequan looked pleased with himself.
Druz chuckled softly then sat down. "Goat was always a lady's man. I remember we were supposed to go on a mission and that man was late because of a woman." He cackled as the memory became vivid to him, but the laughter descended into heavy coughing.
N moved forward to help him, but Druz shook his head. "I am okay, my friend. There's nothing you can do for me now." He looked at Lequan, taking in his physical features. "You do look like your father," he said feeling amused.
Lequan cleared his throat. "N said he brought me here to find out who killed my father," he said, shooting Nesbeth a side glance.
"Have a seat." Druz gestured to his left. Lequan sat on the couch. "N, sit on the other side," Druz said, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
Nesbeth went over to sit on one of the chairs.
Druz leaned forward, his eyes watching Lequan like a hawk. He said, "Your grandfather brought in Z into the crew because Krome was his friend, and he had always wanted an alliance between the East and the West. But Krome was reluctant to merge, thinking the friendship would be tested when money came into play. He didn't want Goat as an enemy, so he told him they should just collaborate every now and then, and not merge.
"After the police killed Krome, Goat took Z as his adopted son. He brought him under his wing and helped him. Z and Bragga, your dad, were already good friends, so when your grandfather suggested that he and Z run the Black Diamonds gang together he didn't hesitate. Plus, your dad was interested in Z's sister. But that's a different story."
Lequan tried to process everything. He thought of Izzie. "You said Isabel's name is not Morgan, but Rashford like you. Who is her real father?"
Druz coughed then swallowed. "My younger brother's son Diego is her father. Marcia had a secret love affair with him. My older brother and Krome were enemies. So Krome forbade her from having anything to do with any of us, but Isabel's mother was stubborn, and she was in love."
"Who is Diego's father?" Lequan asked. He caught N folding his arms across his chest as he listened to Druz. He turned his body to Druz so he wouldn't be distracted.
"His name is Jonathon Marx, different father, same mother. We call him Marks because of his skill with guns."
N's eyebrows lifted. He vaguely remembered the legend of the rivalry between Krome and Gremlin.
"He's dead now right--Gremlin?" N asked.
Druz nodded
"What about Marks, is he still alive?"
Druz looked at him, then turned to Lequan. "Do you understand?" he asked.
"Kind of," Lequan answered. "But why call her Rashford and not Marx? If that is her father's real last name, then why?" he asked.
Druz took a deep breath and coughed. "My decision. My little brother was a reckless man--a hot head. If he knew that he had a grandchild out there under Z's thumb, the war would have started already. Also, when Diego died, he mourned deeply for his son. He would have wanted revenge. Z didn't kill him, but he orchestrated his death.
"My little brother fled abroad with his woman and son, and never looked back. If he knew about her all now the war wouldn't done. And for Izzie's safety it made sense, maybe Z would have harmed her. So Marcia told Z her baby father was Leslie Morgan. Morgan was in love with her so he agreed to stand up as the father, and after Diego was killed, she had a serious relationship with Morgan up until she died."
Druz cleared his throat and looked in front of him, staring but not seeing anything. "There is a rumor out there that a cop killed Z's sister, but that is not true," he said.
N perked up and paid attention. As Druz spoke he had drifted in his thoughts because all that the older man was telling Lequan he knew already. But this about Marcia's death, he didn't know.
"Who killed her if not that police officer?" N asked, leaning forward.
"The truth will surprise you," Druz quipped, eyeing N.
"Who killed Morgan?" Lequan asked.
Druz chuckled. "He died of a broken heart. Basically drank himself to death. After Marcia died, he never touched another woman. Grief took over, he had a heart attack and died."
N grimaced. He had heard of that. He thought of Izzie. If something were to happen to her, he didn't know if he would be able to go on. He cleared his throat and said, "Tell Temar who killed his dad. He doesn't believe me."
Druz snickered. He looked N dead in the eye and said. "It was supposed to be you, wasn't it?
N swore. Druz laughed. Lequan looked at the two men, his gaze bouncing between them.
"Mr Rashford, sir, this isn't funny. I want to know," Lequan said.
Turning to Lequan, he smiled kindly. "N being Z's enforcer was in charge of the 'clean up' activities of the gang, like you are now, but N refused." Druz looked over at N.
N coughed. His voice hoarse, he said, "I didn't understand why he needed to die. They were partners, gangster royalty if you will. Goat gave them his blessing before he died. He took Z in and then Z betrayed his friend. I didn't like it. They used to play marbles together as kids. I refused to do it so Z took care of it personally."
"What are you saying?" Lequan asked, heart pounding.
"Z killed your father," Druz said quietly. "Lured him to a party and got Bragga's own men to disarm him. Z came up in his face, put his gun muzzle to your dad's right eye and blew his brains out."
Lequan felt the room spinning. His heart hammered in his chest. He gripped the arm of the couch and squeezed. He looked at the old cracked tiles of the floor, then up at Druz and tried to breathe evenly.
"How do you know this?" Lequan asked. He couldn't breathe.
"It was a party. All the gangsters were there. I was there," Druz replied.
Lequan bent over holding his chest. He tried to breathe, but his chest felt tight.
"Do you need some water?" N asked, shifting forward in his chair.
Lequan shook his head. "Why? Why did he kill him?"
"Why does any man kill without a moral reason: for control, for money," Druz said, smiling ruefully.
"With Bragga out of the way, Z could run the crew how he saw fit, and not have to share the lion's share of the profits. A group of us tried to stop him, but he had control over a few lawmen. He has top ranking police officers loyal to him to this day, because of Krome's influence."
"But you did business with him?" Lequan charged.
"Black Diamonds is the largest gang with great territorial influence. At that time I had just started my operations. If I or the other men hadn't joined with him to do business we would have been shut out. It was a survival thing."
"Why now?" Lequan asked, his chest felt heavy.
"Because Izzie is old enough to understand, and there is dissention in the Z camp. That is something we can exploit to bring him to his knees.
"If you want to take back your rightful legacy you will help us." Druz watched Lequan go through a myriad of emotions. He turned to N. "Be his sponsor on this one," he said to N.
N nodded. "I already decided I would," he replied.
"Sponsor?" Lequan was puzzled and also angry that no one told him all of this sooner. As far as he was concerned all of these men who knew and did nothing were either cowards or opportunists, or both.
Z's empire had tentacles in several industries in the country. At the end of the day, they all stayed quiet because it served to their advantage, leaving he and Izzie as pawns. She may not want him, but even more now he needed to protect her. He didn't trust N with her: he knew everything, but did nothing.
"If you are Wild Goat's son there is something you should be able to do that many others can't do," Druz said, watching him carefully.
Lequan's thoughts were pulled back to the here and now. "What's that?" he asked, curiously.
Druz stood up slowly, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Follow me," he said. Lequan stood to his feet to follow. "N you can come too." Druz said, his voice held a hint of humour. N got up from the chair and walked behind them.
***
Izzie lay on the couch they told her to sit on. Someone, a young girl, not Cristal, brought her a glass of water. She drank it but told them she needed something stronger. So they gave her a half glass of whisky in a square-looking glass tumbler. She sipped it at first then gulped it down.
Afterwards, she felt woozy so she lay down. But then she sat, she was nauseous and needed to throw up. She called out to Cristal and told her she needed to throw up.
Cristal guided quickly through a heavy metal door to a well manicured backyard. She looked around for a brief minute. It had a garden area, but off to the right there were board structures set up like cubicles.
"That's the shooting area," Cristal said, smiling. "I come here to garden or relax, but when the men do their shooting practice I stay away."
She placed her hand on Izzie's back and gently pushed her forward to a gravel covered area further left. "You can vomit here if you need to," she said.
Izzie nodded, but she didn't feel so bad at the moment. She took large gulps of air instead. She looked to her right to see Lequan, N and Druz come through another door. She watched them.
The old man called Druz, her supposed uncle, handed Lequan a gun. She watched as he spoke to him. She observed Lequan taking a deep breath, and pulling back the safety on the gun.
What? Why was Lequan doing that? Was Druz threatening him to do it? Why was N allowing this to happen?
She opened her mouth to shout towards them, but Cristal touched her shoulder. "It's a test. He needs to pass it or Druz will kill him," Cristal said.
Izzie swung around to look at her. "But N is there."
"He'll kill N too for bringing an impostor if your friend fails," Cristal said matter of factly, her voice devoid of emotion. "Don't interrupt them. If he misses he may be allowed to leave here, but he won't last 24 hours after that, neither will N."
Izzie pursed her lips and put her hands over her mouth. She looked at the men and saw that Lequan was taking his time to assess the distance between himself and the target--a small, red bucket. She watched terrified as Lequan closed his eyes. N was saying something to him. Then Lequan fired off four shots, and it was over.
Dominic came through the same door as the men. Druz said something to him and he went across the lawn to retrieve the bucket. Izzie could see that there was a black spot in the centre of it, and Lequan had shattered the bucket right through that spot.
She turned to look at Cristal, who was smiling. "He did well," she said. "No one will die today."
Relief washed over Izzie, but also a sense of foreboding. No one will die today?! What does that mean?
She suddenly felt light headed. She grabbed onto Cristal's arm. Cristal tried to steady her. Izzie turned her gaze back to the men. Though seeing Lequan's relieved smile, a feeling a fear gripped her that made her stomach churn. She bent over and threw up everything she ate and bile also.
The men heard her retching and looked in her direction. N moved towards the women first, then Lequan, Dom and Druz. N touched her hot skin. He looked up at Cristal. "What's wrong with her?" he asked, his voice urgent.
"A shot of whisky to calm her nerves," Cristal said. "But I also think being here is overwhelming for her."
Izzie retched again, and N took her from Cristal and put his arms around her waist. Izzie looked up at Lequan, and said, "I'm glad you passed the test." Her voice was hoarse and weak.
Stunned, Lequan looked at Druz. "That was a test?"
Druz looked at him pointedly. "What do think it was?"
"What would have happened if I didn't pass?" Lequan asked, his eyes wide.
"He would have killed you and N," Izzie said coughing, and spitting out bile.
N rubbed her back. Lequan looked at him. "You knew this?" he asked, his eyes darkening.
N didn't look at him, but said, "If I told you your nerves would have gotten the better of you. But you passed. All is well."
"The f*ck!" Lequan exclaimed.
"Don't be upset young blood," Druz said smiling. "N had faith in you to bring you here. If he didn't he wouldn't have brought you here."
Lequan's body was rigid with anger. He looked at Izzie. Feeling his eyes on her, she looked at him. She smiled weakly at him, but before she could say a word, she threw up again. "Agh!" she grimaced
Druz walked a few feet away and spat on the ground. He shook his head. "Get her cleaned up." He looked at her with pity.
"Dom," Druz called to his son.
"Yes Dadda?" Dominic said, coming to his side.
"Help me to the conference room, the elders are waiting."
Dom nodded. He took his father's arm and walked with him to the door and helped him inside.
Lequan reached for Izzie, but N resisted. Lequan reached for her again. Izzie pushed away N's hands and went to Lequan. With a mocking gaze, Lequan lifted Izzie in his arms and turned to Cristal.
"Lead the way," he said. Cristal nodded, but glanced briefly at N whose eyes looked glacier. She chuckled softly and led them back to the door she and Izzie came through.
***
Bent over, Izzie bit her bottom lip, and whimpered when she felt strong hands grab her waist. She pushed back on him and moaned. He lifted her and laid her on her back. Her eyes were closed.
The hands caressed her breasts, her thighs, squeezing and rubbing her sides. She opened her eyes, but instead of Nes it was Lequan who stood before her. His chest bare, his dark eyes devouring her.
She stared at his hard muscles, her body trembling with fear but also anticipation. He sat down and gently caressed her thighs, and she arched up.
Parting her legs as he looked at her, Lequan hands caressed her inner thighs. "Izzie, you alone mi ah duh this fah," Lequan said, his voice gruff. "Mi love yuh. Me duh anything fi yuh," he said, affectionately. He bent his head and kissed the curve of her outer thighs, then trailed kisses to her inner thighs down to the junction between her legs, and stopped.
Izzie's head arched back as he kissed the sensitive flesh of her groin near her pubic bone. She took his hands and touched her breasts, He caressed them for her. Making muffled sounds, she called his name.
He paused and looked at her. "Yuh likkle nookie pretty babes," he said softly.
Laying before her, he squeezed her mound, and she arched up to him. Moving closer, he looked at her. He bent his head, closed his eyes and kissed her delicates.
"Ahh!" Izzie cried softly.
"Yuh like it?" Lequan asked her, his eyes burning with controlled passion.
She nodded her head, panting softly. Taking his fingers he parted her folds and kissed her, then looked at her face. He took a deep breath, exhaled then opened his mouth, and tentatively stuck out his tongue to lick her slowly.
Izzie grinded on him, moaning his name. He increased the strokes of his tongue, putting more pressure on her sensitive nub. Izzie moaned louder, and rocked her hips back and forth.
Lequan inhaled her scent and sighed. He lifted his hands up and squeezed her breasts. Izzie moaned louder, her mouth slightly open.
"Mmh, Izzie mi neva know yuh would feel like this," he said, his voice breathy. He gripped her thighs and she whimpered. He intensified what he was doing and she closed her eyes, her body trembling. "Ahh ... Lequan! Ohh! Ohh!" She gasped as the sensations took over her body
"Hmm..." he grunted. "Babes, yuh sweet!" he said. She held his head as she shivered in his arms, and he groaned her name when he felt her body shaking. "Izzie! Hmm!" He suckled her gently and she released a soft breath--her body convulsing.
"Hmm ... Mi neva know yuh would taste suh good!" He pushed two fingers into her and she cried out, her body jerking and grinding on his fingers.
Moving his fingers in and out, Lequan watched her body responding to him. Breathing through opened mouth, he panted softly, overcome with desire. He blew her tender kisses. Izzie bit her bottom lip as she watched his mouth move. His lips were full and soft. She could hardly believe he had gone down on her with them.
"Hmm ... baby mi need it bad bad!" Lequan told her.
He withdrew his fingers and squeezed her bottom. Standing upright, he unbuckled his pants' belt while Izzie looked at him, her eyes half closed. He grabbed her up and started kissing her lips, then trailed fiery kisses down her neck while she moaned his name.
Calling her name, he groaned, "Izzie! Izzie, mi luv yuh!"
"Izzie!"
"Izzie?"
Someone touched her arm and she opened her eyes. She saw Nesbeth's worried face as he stared at her.
"You okay?" he asked, tenderly brushing his hands on her face.
She saw movement in her periphery and glanced up to see Lequan sitting in a chair, his eyes boring into her. His gaze held something deep and mysterious, like he could read her mind. It made her heart flutter. Her cheeks tingled with embarrassment. She looked away from him and focused her eyes on Nesbeth.
"Baby, are you alright?" Nesbeth asked, brushing his hand on her left cheek. As Nesbeth sat down beside her, she noticed that Lequan turned his head away.
***
She had fallen asleep after throwing up from just one shot of whisky. He carried her to Dom and Cristal's bedroom, and promised he would watch her while N spoke to Druz about keeping her with them. While she slept she started to groan and make funny noises he now realized were muffled sounds of pleasure.
He felt uncomfortable listening to her, but when he heard her call his name he became alert, listening to the sounds she made and the words she said. He was surprised that she was dreaming about him. At some point he heard her cry out his name and saw the slight shiver of her body. He wondered what she was dreaming about. He wanted to know what he was doing to her in this dream. He was definitely curious.
When she looked up at him, he could see that her eyes were filled with guilt. Her moans turned him on, and again he wished he was the one with her and not N. She looked up at him and a thought came to his mind.
Slowly, he raked his tongue across his lips, then seductively bit his bottom lip, to see her reaction. Izzie's eyes widened, a stunned look on her face. She turned her head, but before she did he saw a flicker of something else. Was it longing? He pursed his lips and closed his eyes. He would have to disappoint her.
***
Sunday Night
After Z landed he made Snake come pick him up. He was calling Lequan's phone, but he wasn't picking up. He also called Davian and Jack but none of them answered.
It was a Sunday night but they all knew he would be arriving soon and they would have to make themselves available at a moment's notice. He frowned as he put his phone back in his pants' pocket.
A chill ran down his spine, as he thought about all he knew about Lequan. He felt something was off. Even if the other men would flake on him, Lequan would never. His frowned deepened as he wondered if his number one was in any kind of trouble. Nesbeth can be very cunning.
He packed his luggage in the back of Snake's old Mazda, then took Zahir's bags from him and tucked them in the trunk also. He sat in the front passenger seat while Zahir sat in the back.
"What's been happening?" Z asked.
Snake cleared his throat. "Um ... boss, there's some bad news." he replied.
Z's brow furrowed with hidden anxiety as he looked at his subordinate. "What?" Out of the corner of his eye he saw his son's body tense as he listened.
"The men you sent after the girl and her bodyguard. They're dead. The bodyguard killed Jack and Davian, but Cash was shot and killed by a cop." Snake looked over nervously, then focused his eyes on the road. Z's hands curled into tight fists."
"When did this happen?"
"The night you sent them to beat up the girl and kill her guard."
Z took out his phone and called Lequan again. The call went straight to voicemail again. Lequan never told him about this. "Lequan didn't say anything to me about that." he said, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the road.
Snake swiveled slightly in his seat. "Boss, you should know ..."
Z's eyes snapped back to look at Snake with razor sharp focus. Snake kept his eyes on the road as he drove. "Lequan got some new guys to go after the bodyguard. Four guys I think. Guys his age, in their twenties.
"Have you heard from him?"
Snake shook his head. "No boss."
"Change of plans, take me home," he said. He had a sinking feeling in his gut.
"Yes boss," Snake answered.
Z looked back at his son who happened to glance at him as he turned his head around. He smiled at him. Zahir smiled back, though his mind was far away. He felt a little guilty for leaving his mom and Zaniv behind.
He knew Zaniv would make sure their mother was okay, and dad needed him. But he still wished she was with them. He missed her quirky personality and bubbly laugh. He nodded at his dad and turned to look out the window.
Zavier stared at his son. He could sense his sadness. He's probably missing his mother, Zavier mused. Well it was time he came from under that frock tail anyway. He would have preferred Zaniv come with him. If he had to leave one behind it would have been Zah.
Zanza was the more level-headed of the two and had a sharp business mind, but Zahir was fiercely loyal. He had to accept that his two sons were vastly different--like night and day. He loved them both, but he appreciated Zahir's loyalty more.
He turned around and stared ahead of him. He was thinking of heading to the loft first, but if Lequan was in trouble he needed to see what was going on.
He looked at Snake. "You have your spare Beretta?" he asked. Snake nodded. "Glove compartment," Snake gestured his head slightly. Z nodded and pulled it open and took out the weapon. He looked at its sleek design. "I've always said of all the men you have great taste," he said quietly as he admired the gun. He tucked it in his waist.
Snake smiled.
Twenty minutes later they were in front of Z's house. Zahir got out first. He flung the gate open, jogged up to the front door and knocked. "Cuz, open the door!" he said loudly.
Silence.
He called Izzie's phone. He heard the phone ringing in the house. Zavier came out of the car and slammed the door shut. Snake released the trunk and Z went to retrieve their bags. He dropped them on the sidewalk.
"Zah!" Zavier called to his son. Zahir looked around at him. "Your bags."
Zahir nodded and came forward. He took up his two bags. "Daddy, Izzie isn't answering her phone."
Zavier looked towards the house. A frown formed on his face. It was in complete darkness. "Okay. Let me check." He took out his phone and dialed her number. No answer. He dialed again while walking up to the house, his bags in his left hand. He heard the phone ringing. It sounded like it was in the living room.
Zavier's frown deepened. He looked at Snake who was watching them. Snake got out of the car and closed his driver's side door. He walked through the opened gate up the driveway. He came up to Z, his eyes scanning the house.
"Looks like no one's home," Snake said, his eyes narrowed.
Zahir opened a side zip on his bag and searched for his keys. He held up the door key and pushed it in. He turned it and the door clocked open to eerie silence. Z walked in and flipped the switched on the wall.
"Izzie!" he yelled.
No one answered.
He walked into the kitchen. Zahir saw the light in the kitchen turn on. He looked around them decided to go upstairs. He bounded up the stairs to Izzie's room. He tried the door. It was locked.
Snake came up the stairs behind him, his gun in his hand. "No one's here kid," he said.
"Uncle Nes was here with her. What if another gang found out dad wasn't here and kidnapped her?"
Snake looked at him feeling amused. "I highly doubt it," he said. "Your cousin is a young woman. She's probably gone out partying or sleeping over at some friend's house."
The phone's shrill sound started up again. Zahir jumped--startled. He looked down stairs. Zavier appeared at the bottom of the stairs with Izzie's phone in his hand.
"She's not here, neither is N," Z said but his eyes were on Snake. "Find them." He cut the call, the phone stopped ringing.
"I'll do my best, but you know N, when he wants to get lost he's good at it," Snake drawled. He descended the stairs slowly.
"I don't care. Find them. You have 24-hours to report back with them, or with some info on where they are," Z huffed.
"Will do," Snake replied. As he turned to the door a smile curved up his lips. So it was true that N was seeing the little princess. He closed the door behind him.
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