"Jordan?" Lissa asked. Her heart started to beat wildly. She felt light headed. Hurrying to the bed, she sat down. "Baby?"
"Yes, sexy lady, it's me," Jordan said hoarsely.
"Oh baby!" Lissa broke down. She cried quietly. "Baby ..."
Jordan blew sloppy kisses. "Sweet baby," he said affectionately. "I love you. I miss you so much."
"Babyyy ..." she sobbed.
"Muah! Sweet lady, it's okay. It's okay. I'm pretty beat up, but I'll live. I'm not ready to leave this earth yet. Not before I taste your sweet plum." He chuckled.
After 1 AM - Jamaica time
King parked the vehicle in front of a private villa, and everyone behind him got out quietly. Zolah had fallen asleep, her head resting on the cabin of the vehicle. King looked at her for a beat, an emotion flickered across his face. She was angelic in sleep, if he could describe the way she looked.
After Brandon and Zane removed the bags, Zane came to the passenger side of the vehicle and gently touched his big sister's arm. She stirred and sat up abruptly, looking around her.
When she realized they had arrived safely at their destination, her eyes settled on King. She wouldn't say thank you, but she did nod at him. King's response was to lift an eyebrow above the other as she watched him. She cleared her throat, pulled the car door and stepped outside.
King smiled to himself and he stepped outside. He locked the driver's side door and armed the vehicle. He spun the key ring around his index finger and waited. Zane looked his way and motioned with a head gesture that he should follow them. He nodded and moved towards the house.
Following behind the family, his expression was like flint. He was aware that he wouldn't get much sleep that night. He loved his sleep above everything else, but the cash nestled in his pocket was a reminder that he was obligated.
Rebecca looked at him. "You can sleep here," she said, as they entered the verandah area. She pointed to the cosy couch among the fancy settees. King nodded and carefully placed his bag on the floor beside the large, cushiony furniture. He sat on it and leaned his head back, closing his eyes.
Zuzu looked at him. "Would you like some water?" she asked.
King nodded. "Thank you," he said quietly.
She was about to go get it when Zolah stopped her by touching her wrist. "I'll get it," she said.
Zane and Brandon looked at each other, but said nothing. Zuzu nodded. "Okay," she said.
Zolah entered the house and went into the kitchen. She brought back a plastic cup filled with cold water. She extended her hand to King, who stared at her for almost a minute.
"Yuh want it or not?" Zolah asked, feeling unnerved.
He took it from her, looked inside the cup then took a sip. The water didn't taste strange to him so he continued to drink it. His eyes perused her from head to toe. Zolah turned around with a huff, gathered her bags from the floor and went inside.
Zane gestured for King to follow him. He showed him where the downstairs bathroom was, which had a tiny section for bathing. King nodded. Zane gave him a curt nod and went back for his bag and his mother's bags on the veranda. He went upstairs pulling the bags behind him. He left his mother's bags by a white door and headed down the corridor.
All other doors were painted a metallic grey. King wondered about that contrast. Even the children's bedroom doors were the same grey color. He shrugged mentally. None of his business.
Zuzu smiled at King then looped her hand in Brandon's as she pulled him upstairs. That left only Mrs Wellington.
"Isn't life funny," she said, a sardonic smile on her face. "I never thought I'd see you again." She dipped her voice low. She crossed her arms and waited for his response.
King chuckled softly. "Indeed," he said, his voice deep and low. "But don't worry, I'm not here to mash up your pristine lie. Your husband paid me to do a job. That's all I'm here for."
Rebecca's lips twitched. "We'll see," she said. She walked away.
King waited until she was at the foot of the stairs, then said, "Focus on your children, Mrs Wellington. That will make this time much easier."
She whirled around and stared at him, her eyes shooting darts. He smiled. She could see that he was silently mocking her. She spun around and marched upstairs.
King stepped out onto the verandah and sat on the plush, grey couch. He chuckled to himself.
'Life was interesting,' he mused.
***
There were shots fired as Druz's men encountered the scout Mr Z sent out. N allowed him to walk passed so he could see where he would go. He never expected that there were two men from Druz's bodyguard personnel so close behind him. He watched from the tree top as Wink and Blaze, twin brothers, killed the young man and scanned the area.
"Where is he?" Blaze asked, looking around him.
Wink sucked his teeth. "Probably gone ahead," he said.
"And him never buck up on this guy?" Blaze asked.
Wink chuckled. "Maybe the great Sentinel is really a coward."
N scoffed in his mind. Or maybe I've gotten older and wiser, and have something to live for now that I have Izzie.
Wink touched his brother. "Let's go this way. You know Druz wants him dead by any means necessary."
"I think Druz should allow him to get tangled in the fighting and then when he's distracted kill him," Blaze said.
Wink laughed softly. "Little brother, we're not paid to think. Let's do what the boss says. It's easier for us." He playfully punched his brother on the arm.
Blaze sighed. "True, but I think that would have been better. Or better yet, leave him for Z to deal with him. Clean hands for us, no?"
Wink punched his brother's arm harder as a warning. "Let's go!" he said, feeling annoyed. He moved away quietly.
Blaze sighed and followed his brother. "Sure," he said.
N's eyes gleamed with anger. Forget Druz and this war with Z. He regretted ever bringing Izzie here. He was going back for her.
He climbed down carefully and made sure the balaclava covered his face except for his eyes. There was a cluster of trees that were growing tall in yards and springing up in abandoned houses. He walked among them like a shadow moving quickly as he doubled back to the Estate. He trusted Tulloch. He knew he would help him.
***
Later in the night, Zolah came downstairs for a drink of water. Afterwards, she was walking back to the stairs when a thought crossed her mind. She tiptoed towards the verandah and peered out. King was sprawled on his back. His eyes were closed, and his hands clasped over his naked chest.
She crept forward and almost jumped to the ceiling when she heard his husky voice greet her, "Can I help you with something?"
Zolah shrunk back from the couch. King sat up in the dark. "Everything okay?" he asked.
Zolah cleared her throat. "Yes, I'm okay," she stuttered.
He stood up slowly. She moved away until her back hit the wall. He came forward. Zolah stepped towards the door, but he blocked her path.
"You sure?" he asked. His arms were on either side of her, bracing on the wall
Zolah's breath hitched. "Excuse me. I'm going back to my room," she said, while her heart pounded.
She couldn't see his eyes clearly, but she could hear his breathing. It was coming out ragged and shallow.
"Was there something you needed?" His voice was gravelly and deep.
"N-No ... I, uh, I'm fine. I didn't need anything." Her pulse spiked.
King chuckled softly. "If you say so," he said, his voice holding a tinge of humour. He stepped back and she moved into the house. To her dismay he followed her.
"Wha ...What are you doing?" she asked, looking back at him. Zolah walked faster. She planned to run to the stairs, but was so engrossed with staring at him, she didn't notice the loveseat in the way. The back of her right leg hit it. She tripped and was falling backwards. King moved swiftly and grabbed her before she fell and hit her head. He pulled her upright, his arms circled around her, while her hands were wedged between their bodies--resting on his chest.
He braced himself, planting his feet apart so he wouldn't fall with her. He looked down at her frightened face. "You okay?" he asked. His eyes searched her face carefully.
Zolah swallowed. She could feel the hard muscles of his chest contracting beneath her fingers. "Let me go, please," she said hoarsely. He turned his body and lifted her out of the way of the comfy furniture and carried her to the bottom of the stairs. He released her reluctantly.
Zolah's heart raced as she realized how easy it was for him to lift and carry her to the stairs. Zaniv would struggle a little to lift her. Sometimes when they played and he chased her, he would grab her by the waist and attempt to carry her. He managed to lift her, but it was a struggle for him.
However, this guy carried her like she was a feather. She was tall. She inherited her mother's height, her wide hips and thick, round thighs. She was tall, but she still had to look up at him. He was maybe a foot taller than her, almost at her brother's height.
King stepped back from her. He wasn't sure what he was smelling on her, if it was perfume or lotion, but it was making his senses tingle with desire. He observed her eyes: saw the storm of emotions warring inside her and was tempted.
He reached up a hand to brush against her left cheek, but stopped it midair when he saw fear flicker across her face. He observed that her mouth was slightly parted and her breathing shallow as she looked up at him; her brown skin flushed, telltale signs of arousal. 'But she's afraid of me,' he thought. He dropped his hand to his side.
"Don't," she said softly, her voice shaking. She turned and ran up the stairs to her room. She closed the door behind her. Slowly, he climbed the stairs feeling as though a compelling force was pulling him towards her. He stood at the door, his heart pounding. He could feel the tension between them the minute he laid eyes on her back at the house.
He pressed his right ear on the door and listened. He could hear muffled movement behind it. He thought he heard a sob. He took a breath and concentrated. An unfamiliar emotion pierced his chest when he confirmed that she was crying. He felt the overwhelming need to hold her. He released the breath and sighed. Ordinarily, he wouldn't do this, but ...
He put his hand on the doorknob, squeezed and turned. The door was locked. He pressed his hand on the wooden frame--a feeling of frustration washing over him. He swore quietly, stepped back and was about to go downstairs when he heard sounds behind the white door. That was the room Mrs Wellington slept in. He was not interested in having anything to do with her, but he was still curious. He walked to her door, pressed his ear to it and listened.
***
Tulloch watched two of Druz's men walk passed him, heading towards the sleeping quarters. He had his own generals with him. Tank, Tick Boom and Bun Out flanked his sides. The other fifteen men waited patiently for N's signal, which was supposed to be a text message to Tulloch's phone.
A notification came in to his phone. 'Speak of the Sentinel,' Tulloch mused. He retrieved his phone from his pocket and read the message:
"Druz tried to kill me before the real war started. He has no honor. We're abandoning mission. Go and secure Izzie before I get there. I'm coming back. Moving through the West side of the community. On Bent Street." - N
Tulloch swore softly. "Tank," he said quietly.
His right hand man came up behind him, his body alert for action. Tulloch turned to him, his eyes unreadable. "Change of plans. We're abandoning this mission. Druz tried to kill N."
Tank eyes flickered with something murderous. "Is he okay?" he asked.
Tulloch nodded. "It seems that way. If he wasn't he would have said. Go and meet him and make sure you cover him on his way back. He says he's on Bent Street."
Tank gave him a nod and asked, "Can I bring two guys with me just in case?"
Tulloch nodded. "Yes, good idea. Take Trigger and Kisha with you." Kisha was the only female among the crew, but no one doubted her capability. She was also Tulloch's little cousin.
Tank nodded. He went over to the group and beckoned to Trigger and Kisha to follow him. Kisha looked in the direction of her cousin, who smiled briefly at her and nodded. She nodded back and hurried after Tank and Trigger.
Tulloch stared pointedly at Bun Out. The hairs on the back of Bun Out's neck stood up as he met his boss's stare. He came to him. "What do you need, boss?"
"Two of Druz's men just passed by here going to the sleeping quarters. Most likely they are going for Z's niece. N will be coming back. We're going to abort our support to Druz. He tried to kill N."
Bun Out's handsome face formed into a scowl. "What do you want me to do?"
"Go and bring the girl here. If Druz's men are a problem kill them," Tulloch said in a whisper. Bun Out nodded and left quickly.
Tulloch walked towards his men and quietly told them the change of plans.
"We're leaving as soon as N is nearby. Tick Boom, you will leave with your men, but pretend like you are going to the conference room to get a drink. There's a side door that hasn't been opened in a while but it leads directly to the outside. It's a latch door. Open it and go through. I'll allow you to leave. When Bun Out comes back, Marshall, you and your guys will leave with him."
Marshall was a short man, brown skin with wavy hair, but had a really cold demeanor. Marshall nodded. "Agreed," he said.
"Bun Out grew up in this community, and he used to live in this building with his family before Druz took it over. Tell him to lead you guys through the secret passage way," Tulloch instructed.
Marshall nodded.
Tulloch grunted his approval. "I will leave with Tank when he gets back with N."
Five feet away--hidden behind a wall, a thin body braced against the old jagged surface. Trudy listened as Tulloch instructed his men on what to do. 'I need to tell Mr Z about what's happening,' she thought.
Taking a silent breath, she crept away from the scene and went to her room. Locking the door behind her, she took a ragged breath and swallowed. She picked up her cellphone from the night table and dialed Z's number.
***
"Boss, I haven't received any text messages from our scout," Mountain reported.
Z sucked his teeth. His right hand tightened around his gun. "Let's move forward," he said through gritted teeth. His heckles were up, and he was angry that N had put him in this precarious position. He moved forward, his men behind him.
He wasn't very familiar with the roads of the community. He was usually guided by Dominic who would come for him. It had also been a while since he had been to the area, and now it was night. He remembered the way to the Estate, but only from the main road. He realized he was jeopardizing his men's and his life, but pride wouldn't allow him to turn back.
He felt his phone vibrating on his right thigh. He took it out and looked at caller ID. It said Spy No. 10. He answered,
"What do you have for me?"
"Boss," Trudy said, "Druz tried to kill N so now he's going back to get Izzie."
Z's eyebrows rose upwards. "Why would he kill his ally?"
"I'm sorry boss, I should have told you earlier, but I hardly get any time alone. Dom's woman is always watching me," she divulged.
"Okay, so tell me what's been happening," Z said.
"Boss, um ... your niece, Izzie ..."
"Yes?" Z slowed down his walking pace.
"Izzie is your niece, but Druz is also her uncle," Trudy said timidly.
"What are you talking about?" Z asked sharply. He stopped walking.
"Boss, you know that Marcia was with Morgan before she died ..."
"Yes?"
"But Morgan is not Izzie's father. A man named Diego is her father. That is Druz's nephew--Diego."
Z swore. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes Mr Z. I was there when Mr N brought Izzie and Mr Lequan to see Mr Druz," Trudy said.
"Repeat that," Z said, his eyes narrowing.
"Izzie is Druz's niece?"
"No!" Z said impatiently. He turned his head towards Mountain who was staring at him. "The part about Lequan."
"Oh ... yeah, N captured Lequan and brought him here. Then he told Lequan that as Bragga's son he was the rightful leader of the Black Diamonds crew, and ..."
"And?" Z's voice dipped lower.
Trudy let out a sharp breath. "And that you Mr Z killed his father."
Z gripped the phone tightly. "I never killed his father, Druz did!"
Mountain moved closer.
"That lying bastard!"
"Boss?" Mountain enquired.
Z started breathing through his mouth, his chest heaving. He held up his hand. Mountain held his tongue.
"Where is Lequan now?" Z asked. His mind was racing. Lequan was like a son to him.
"Boss, Lequan is dead," Trudy said quietly.
"Weh yuh mean him dead?" Z asked, his chest tightening.
"Mr Z ... Mi sorry ..."
"Druz found out that you ordered Lequan to kill his nephew," Trudy said. She looked around her room. She suddenly felt uneasy. "Druz made his son kill Lequan, but Lequan was able to hurt Dom. He's dead too."
Z's eyes narrowed. Druz would also want revenge for his son's death. His jaw clenched and he grinded his teeth.
"Who is Druz's nephew?"
"Mr Z, that girl you have a vendetta against because of the police man--the one you said killed your sister. He is her bodyguard." She took a deep breath and exhaled.
"Also, Izzie's real name is Marx. The bodyguard's last name is also Marx. The bodyguard is Izzie's uncle. His father's name is Jonathan Marx, Izzie's grandfather. So Druz is her grand uncle.
"Mr Z, you should know ... Marx is coming to Jamaica. He should be in the country by later today. I heard him speak to Druz, his half brother. He wants revenge on the person who ordered his son's death."
Z nearly dropped the phone. He was told that Marx was dead. He cursed a string of expletives. "Get out of that place," he said, "and see if you can get Izzie to come with you, try to convince her, but if she decides to stay that is on her." He now realized that his sister had lied to him about who the father of Izzie was.
"Boss, the problem is, Druz's men have gone to get Izzie," Trudy whispered. She was feeling paranoid, like someone was listening to her.
"I don't know what they will do to her. Tulloch is here. He sent someone to get Izzie for N. That's the next thing boss, Druz tried to kill N while he was on the mission to kill you. So N is coming back to get Izzie to take her away."
Z held his chest and doubled over. "Druz tried to kill him because of Lequan?"
"Yes boss," Trudy answered.
"Who else is here besides Tulloch?" Z asked, sweat sprouting on his brow.
Schande and Baker. Masters was here, but he left earlier. He hasn't come back."
Z closed his eyes. The traitors!
"Did any of them recognize you?"
"I-I don't think so," Trudy said, trembling.
"Leave," Z uttered hoarsely. "It's not safe for you. Go. Don't worry about Izzie, just get out of there." He ended the call and tried to breathe.
"Boss?" Mountain queried.
Z felt a dull ache building in his chest. Mountain touched one of the men. "Go call his son," he told the man.
The man trotted to the back of the group and tapped on Zahir's shoulder. Zahir looked up. He was wondering why they had stopped moving, but he was also relieved. He decided to take out his phone and text his new love interest, Ava. He was sitting on the sidewalk, exchanging sexy texts.
"Oye, your dad needs you!" the man barked.
Zahir ran to the front of the group. He saw his dad holding his chest. "What's wrong?" he asked, eyes wide.
Mountain spoke up, "We're not sure, but he got some bad news."
Zahir crouched down to his dad's eye level, who was still bent over. "Dad? What is it?"
The pain in Z's chest spread to his left arm. He fumbled and took out his phone. He gave it to Zahir. "Call your uncle Nes," he said breathlessly.
Zahir hurriedly searched for Nesbeth's number and hit 'call'. The phone rang five times then hung up. Zahir looked at his father. "Dad, I don't think he will answer," he said. He looked at his dad, fear growing in his gut.
"Call him again," Z rasped.
Zahir sighed and hit redial. The phone went to voicemail. A text came in. "I'm not ready to die yet, Zav. Why should I answer your call?" Zahir read N's text to his father.
Z chuckled. He sat on the sidewalk trying to breathe. "Tell him that he just gave Izzie to the devil, and if he wants her to live he must answer my call!"
Zahir sent the text. Within seconds Z's phone vibrated. Zahir answered and handed the phone to his father.
"Hello N," said Z, his voice grave.
"What are you talking about?" N asked, his voice sharp.
Z coughed. "Druz was the one who killed Bragga not me, first of all," he said.
"That's not what I heard," N quipped.
"Fuck what you heard!" Z barked. "This is the truth: Bragga was invited to Dominic's birthday party. I was invited too, but I declined. Danae and Zaniv were sick with a bad flu. I didn't want to leave them.
"Druz told me it would be a birthday party slash peace party for all the dons on the east side. I agreed to let Bragga go to represent me and himself. But I stayed home." He took shorter breaths to keep up with speaking.
N gave a mocking laugh. He shook his head. "Zav, you're not a good liar. I was around then, remember? I came back from England around that time. You forgot that you asked me to neutralize him? You told me to kill him?" he charged, his tone angry.
"I may have told you to neutralize him, but I didn't mean to kill him!" Z said. He sighed. "I found out that he was taking money from me. When the gun orders came in he was pocketing some of the money and telling me that some of the merchandise was bad and malfunctioning; missing critical parts, etc. I told you to make his life miserable--to neutralize him."
"No, Zav you meant kill him!" N was getting really angry now. "I heard you talking to Midnight about it. As for the pilfering of funds, I have no proof, but I believe it was Midnight who took the money."
"Why do you suspect him?" Z asked, eyebrows shooting up to his hairline.
"Because Bragga told me once that he was in the middle of handling a deal with a local gang and Midnight showed up saying that you sent him to make sure everything went well.
"Bragga told me he was glad to see Midnight and the other men who came. They became extra protection, but then Midnight started asking a lot of questions about the deal and insisted on transporting some of the cash. He told Bragga it wasn't good to have such a large sum on one person. Bragga was reluctant, but thinking the order came from you, he complied."
"I didn't know this," Z said frowning.
"Zav, you gave us extraordinary powers in the gang operations and in the business side. We were your enforcers. When people saw us it was like they saw you. No one would dare second guess anything we say."
Zavier sighed. "Why would he lie and say there were malfunctioning parts?"
"Maybe he didn't want you to worry. Maybe he thought you wouldn't believe him since he only had a hunch, not proof. He asked me not to tell you until he had evidence," N divulged.
Z felt his heart hammering erratically in his chest. He thought about the night he lost his best friend.
"When Bragga got to the party he called and told me that it was as Druz said. It was a birthday party. I told him have fun and hung up." Zavier took a deep breath. The implications of all he just heard was like a crushing weight on his chest.
"Marcia went with him. I didn't think anything of it," Z continued. "After he died you could have told me." Now Z wondered if the reason Midnight withdrew himself from the business was because he feared he would find out.
N thought about it. 'How could I tell him? Neither I or Bragga were sure that was what Midnight was doing. Plus, I was too caught up with Danae to care. Nothing else mattered at the time.'
"I had no proof," N answered, his voice tight.
"No, you were planning to take over. It was in your best interest that I appear weak and disorganized," Z spat out.
"I know that Izzie is Jonathan Marx's granddaughter."
"Who told you?' N asked, his tone cold.
"Don't worry about that," Z said. "Focus. I'm putting you on speaker."
"Why?" N said.
Z turned on the loud speaker feature. "Marcia saw when Druz made one of his men kill Bragga. Bragga was my best friend. My brother. I would never kill him!"
Z sighed. The grief of that time was flooding in. "She told me that she had just come out of the bathroom and had gone outside to smoke when she heard the argument between Druz and Bragga about some shipment gone wrong. I thought it was another guy who botched up the shipment of weapons. You remember Coley?"
N cleared his throat."Yeah, I remember." That was the day he asked Danae to run off with him.
"Bragga was the one who usually dealt with Druz. Coley dealt with him three or four times. If you play with a man like Druz's money, you will not get away unscathed. I'm sure he also believes that I had something to do with that as well." Z sighed. He coughed.
"What's wrong with you?" N asked.
"It doesn't matter," Z answered.
"Who are you calling the devil? Druz?" N asked.
Z tried to take a breath, a wheezing sound escaped from his lips. "Mhm, Izzie was safer with me. Even if I knew she was Druz's grandniece I wouldn't hurt her. She's my sister's blood."
"Why would Druz hurt her? She's also his blood. She's Marx's granddaughter."
"Does Marx know about her?" Z asked, sarcasm in his tone.
"No, not yet," N said with a sigh.
Z chuckled bitterly. "He could kill her and her grandfather wouldn't even know she existed. How did you find out she was Druz's family?" Z asked.
"Morgan told me before he died," N said. "He asked me to look after her. As you know, I have."
Z scoffed. "You have, certainly." He paused, then asked, "Nesbeth, have you been screwing my niece?"
N pursed his lips.
"Come! Come now! May as well fess up! I won't do her anything, she's my blood! And it may be too late to do anything to you," Z said.
"What do you mean?"
"Answer the question, Nes."
Nesbeth took a deep breath and released it through his mouth. He ducked into an abandoned building and sat down on the floor. He sighed.
"It wasn't supposed to happen, but it did. The night you and Danae had an argument about Marcia, and the police officer you think killed her, Izzie heard everything and called me."
"She was supposed to be at a party," Z said.
Zahir put away his phone and listened keenly.
"Well, she said when she went there it was a sex party. Her friend told her it was a little house warming party for a mutual friend. But when she got to the house there were people drinking, dancing and carrying on.
"Couples on the floor having sex. Young people all over the place engaged in oral sex: On the floor, on the stairs, and so on. Her friend tried to get her to go upstairs, but she turned around and took a taxi home.
"When she came home she had just entered the house when she heard you guys going at it. When you left for the poker game she called me. She told me that she saw her aunt drinking after you left.
"She had gone to your room to confront her about what she heard about her mother, but when she saw Danae drinking she went back to her room, and called me to come over. She wanted to know the truth. I told her what I knew. Or what I thought I knew."
"What do you mean?" Z asked, standing to his feet. He took steadying breaths: in through his nostrils; out through his mouth.
"Since I've been here, Druz has hinted that it wasn't that police guy who killed Marcia. He made it sound like he knows who did it," Nesbeth replied.
"Could ...?" Z's voice trailed off.
"Could it be Druz or someone associated to him?" N finished for him.
Z took a deep breath. He looked behind him, at his men listening to the conversation. "Yeah? What do you think?"
"I don't know. But if what Druz says is true that Marcia was carrying his nephew's child, I don't know why he would want to harm her."
"Unless Marcia found out something about Druz and wanted to warn me." Z closed his eyes and continued to breathe in and out slowly. The tension in his chest was easing a little.
"But I saw that cop standing over her with his gun in his hand," Z said, as his mind flashed back to that day.
"But did you see him fire at her, or could he have been helping her?" N asked.
Z's mind raced back to five years ago.
***
"Bro, bro, what's up?"
Zavier looked up as Marcia walked into the dining room, her hand linked into Izzie's hand. "I'm leaving your niece here tonight. I have that errand you asked me to do. Remember?"
Izzie rolled her eyes. "Mommy, I am not five, I can manage by myself!"
Marcia smiled. "You don't love your uncle Z?"
"You're staying. Gwaan upstairs guh look fi Zah and Zanza."
"Yeh man it deh here. Mi ask mi contacts. Yuh know that my people dem going to keep it real wid me."
"Suh how come I haven't gotten the same info?" Z looked at her feeling amused.
Marcia laughed and kissed her brother on the forehead. "Because my dear brother, you don't have a woman's touch!" she teased.
"A woman's touch, eh?"
She nodded. A wide grin was on her face
He took out his phone and called a number. A tiny smile played on his lips as he listened to the phone ring. He heard the line pick up. " Good day, shipment come already?"
He listened carefully. "Okay, good. Thank you." He ended the call and looked at his sister. "Okay, you've proven your point. So you're leaving to get it tonight?"
"Mhm." She picked up an orange from the fruit bowl on the table and used her long fingernails to pierce the skin. She pried it open with her thumbs and started peeling it off carefully with her hands.
"You don't like knives?" he asked, eyebrows raised in amusement.
She put her hands up and wriggled her fingers at him. "Why when I have these at my disposal."
Danae came downstairs, but when she saw Marcia at the table, the smile she had on her face melted away, and was replaced with a polite mask.
"Oh, you're here?" Danae said, her voice neutral.
"Sure am. You've been treating my little brother well, I hope?" Marcia asked with an overly sweet tone.
"You know I have," Danae responded with the same fake sweetness, but Zavier never noticed that anything was wrong.
She sat at the table and took out bread and buttered it carefully. She poured herself some coffee from the porcelain teacup, but did not offer Marcia any as was her usual custom. Zavier noticed and touched her shoulder.
"You didn't pour any coffee for Marcie," he said, lightening his tone, but his eyes were like cold flint.
"My bad. I see her peeling an orange, I assumed--"
Zavier cut her off. "Pour her the damn coffee!"
"That will teach you to be more careful!" Zavier said coldly.
He took his sister by the hand and was guiding her towards the only bathroom downstairs. "Let me put some first aid on that," he said.
Marcia's eyes shot darts at Danae while she followed her brother.
***
Z blinked and looked around him. He saw the men's worried faces and briefly closed his eyes. When he opened them he had made a decision. "Danae and my sister were having some kind of issue the same day she left to get the shipment." he said more to himself.
N remained silent. He didn't know that Danae and Marcia had any problems with each other.
"Take Izzie if you must. I won't stop you, but don't let Druz get her. I was told that he has sent men to fetch her, but Tulloch sent some of our men to intercept them." There was a pause then, "You were going to use my own men against me, N?"
"That's not a sign of my treachery, Zav. That's more a sign that you've been neglecting a lot of things," N answered.
"I'm going back to get Izzie. Me and the men with me are leaving. Druz cannot be trusted." N flexed his rigid shoulders.
"I heard he tried to kill you. I know about Lequan," Z said with a sigh. "You led him to his death. There are consequences for that."
N grunted. "I know," he said. He cleared his throat. "I never meant for that to happen. Lequan was like a little brother to me. Zav, you and I have the same intel. I didn't know the bodyguard was Druz's nephew.
"As for the men with me: It was easy to win them over. You don't touch base with them like you used to. Many of them don't even know you. If it wasn't me it would be another."
"Lequan was like a son to me!" Z said angrily. "Why?" he asked.
"Because I love Izzie," N said, his voice heavy with regret. "I can't afford for you to hurt her."
"I wanted to run 'The Shop', yes. But now, I'm willing to give it up to be with her," N replied. "If you let me leave with Izzie, you don't have to worry about a confrontation from me."
"Izzie isn't happy, Zavier. She's afraid of you and she's had self esteem issues."
"Self esteem issues?"
"Long story," N said with a grunt. "What you need to know is that, yes, I slept with her, but it wasn't supposed to happen. I was supposed to just comfort her. She was very distraught about what she heard you and Danae were saying about her mother's death."
Z regretted being hard on her, but it was to make her strong. "Go get my niece. I will deal with you later," he said, his voice strained.
"I would never hurt Izzie. Maybe punish, but I wouldn't hurt her. And Nes, I will find you, be sure of that."
'When this is over I need to talk to her and straighten everything out,' Z resolved in his mind. He signaled to his men to advance. They moved across the silent landscape like deadly shadows.
***
"I know," N said then hung up. He stood to his feet and looked around him. He stepped out of the derelict house and heard movement behind him.
"Old man!" Wink called out. "Yuh think you lost us?" He laughed vulgarly. "We're good at our jobs, just like you used to be."
Wink came forward out of the darkness. His brother Blaze was close behind him. "Now you're old and careless. The mighty Sentinel will die like a dog!" He laughed. N stood still and watched them coming towards him.
Wink moved off to the left while Blaze moved to the right. "Time fi yuh dead!" Wink said, raising the muzzle of his handgun.
"You act so confident," N said, goading them, "but you're cowards hiding behind guns."
"What did you say?" Blaze asked, stepping forward. Wink held up his hand, stopping his little brother from getting closer.
N chuckled. "I called you both cowards. You have the legendary Sentinel before you, and all you want to do is fire a gun. Aren't you curious to see if you can beat me?" He flashed a mocking grin.
Blaze charged at him first while Wink watched. N stood and waited. At the last second Blaze jumped in the air to use his gun butt to hit N across his face. N dived to the ground and rolled to his right. He settled on his hunches and produced a triumphant grin. He heard quick footsteps behind him, he leapfrogged out of the way of Wink's metal boot.
"Arrgh!" Wink screamed angrily. "Stop running away. You're the coward!"
N laughed. "I should allow you to hit me? Aren't you lazy? Drop those heavy guns and fight," he said, still in a crouched position.
Blaze dropped his gun, and ran blindly into N, who shifted slightly and used his left leg to trip him. He fell on the ground. Wink threw his gun aside and moved forward: a sharp blow landed on N's right ear.
He dropped to his knees, but managed to block the next punch from Wink. N used his shoulders to knock Wink off balance then pulled out his knife from his leg strap and stabbed him in the neck. The blade slid deep only leaving the handle sticking out.
The sick, gurgling sound of blood flowing down Wink's windpipe made Blaze shake with rage.
"Troy!" Blaze called out. He pushed himself up and lunged again at N. N moved to his left and used his palm to deliver a deadly blow to the region of Blaze's chest in line with his heart. Blaze doubled over in pain, gasping--trying to breathe.
N used the palm of his right hand to strike Blaze on his chin, violently whipping his head back. Now that Blaze's upper body was exposed, N moved closer and delivered several hits on his torso like he was a Muk Yan Jong.
Every blow was lethal, penetrating bone and muscle to affect critical organs. N stepped back and Blaze fell to the ground unconscious. N's face was a mask of cold precision when he lifted Blaze's head. Circling his arms around Blaze's neck, N twisted maintaining pressure until he heard a faint but noticeable: Crack!
He dropped Blaze's lifeless body and pulled his knife out of Wink's neck. He punched Wink hard breaking his neck. As he stood up, he heard a clapping sound. He looked behind him to see Tank, Kisha and Trigger stepping into view.
"So the legend is true," Tank said, his face filled with admiration. He smiled at him as he approached.
"What legend?" N asked, relaxing his posture.
"With one punch Sentinel can kill a man," Tank said, grinning.
N chuckled. He shook his head. "Let's get back."
He jogged ahead of them and they followed. He heard Kisha say, "He didn't even need us!" In a hushed but reverent tone. N smiled inwardly.
***
In the distance, Z spotted Druz men coming up the road. He touched Mountain and lifted index and middle finger pointing to his left. He touched his son and said. "Take ten men with you and hide over there."
He pointed to his right. Mountain moved quickly to the left with the thirty men he brought with him. Meanwhile, a wide eyed Zahir looked behind him. Z stared as well. Ten men stepped forward including Karey Browne aka Beownie. Zahir nodded at them and moved to the right, The men followed him. That left fifty men in clear view.
"Let's wait," Z said loudly. He did not move, but waited for Druz and his crew's cautious approach. A frightened Zahir turned off his phone, but not before texting, "I love you", to Ava who he had just convinced to be his girlfriend. He crouched down with the men and waited.
As Druz and his men approached, Z decided to hit him where it hurt.
"Drew, long time no see," he shouted. "Old friend, I thought you were dead or crippled." His face bloomed into an ugly snare.
Druz laughed harshly as he continued his slow approach. "Z, old friend, you've aged. It seems time isn't on our side at all."
"My, my, aren't you bitter! A man like you that commits so much evil, do you think God's blessing would be on you?" Z asked mockingly.
"Oh please! Look at you talking about God! Pfft! I doubt you even have a soul left," Druz threw back. "Why are you here Zavier? Deals aren't done this late. What do you want?"
Druz stopped three feet away from Zavier and his men.
Z laughed. "First of all, I came for my niece who Nes stole from my home," he said. His thumb pulled back the hammer of his gun. "Secondly, I heard that you and my friend, N, want to kick me out of the empire I built. And third, I've been hearing that you're spreading lies against me: saying I killed my best friend, Bragga."
A look of interest flickered across Druz's face when he heard that last part. "You've been speaking to Izzie?" he asked.
Z shook his head. "No, I still haven't heard from her, but I will find her, and when I do I will straighten out her foolishness," he quipped.
Druz eyes narrowed. "How did you ..." His voice trailed off. "Your men called and told you my business eh?"
Z chuckled, but said nothing further. Druz wished he could wipe that smirk off his face.
"No matter, in a few minutes from now I should get a call to tell me that your beloved right hand man is dead," Druz said.
Z's smile turned sharp. "He is no longer my right hand man. He's a traitor who shall be dealt with accordingly."
"And what of my grievance, Z?" Druz said, his tone bitter. "I gained my grandniece, but I lost my son! You seem to have a vendetta against my bloodline!"
"What are you talking about?" Z asked, feigning ignorance.
"I'm talking about the fact that you sent men to kill my nephew," Druz barked. "And don't say you didn't know the young man you sent men to kill was my blood.
"Oh, the bodyguard?" Z said chuckling. "Actually, I had no idea he was anything to you. I tried to kill him for different reasons, but if I knew that killing a family member of yours would have flushed you out of your dark, dank hole, I would have done it sooner."
"If yuh think yuh bad, come closer," Druz warned, his voice an almost snarl.
Z chuckled softly. He stopped moving. He locked eyes with the older man and stared at him.
"Son of bitch!" Druz lowered his gaze, feeling rattled.
"What? N told me you're accusing me of killing Bragga when you and I know you made one of your men kill him. Don't bother denying it. My sister saw you give the order. She saw when he was shot." He paused.
"Is that why you killed her?" Z asked.
"I don't know what you are talking about!" Druz barked. "Marcia killed Bragga!"
"What are you talking about?!" Z roared. "Telling lies on the dead?!" He lifted his gun and aimed it at Druz's head.
"Bredda, mi old now. I have no time for pointless games. I'm telling the truth. I know you love yuh sister, but she was no angel!" Druz shouted in anger. "Why would I kill the woman who made my nephew happy. She did have her dutty ways, but she made my nephew happy, until she didn't."
Druz stepped forward so the muzzle of Z's gun was in the middle of his forehead. "I swear to you," he said. "I never killed her and I never killed Bragga."
"But you know who did?" Z asked.
"Yes, I know who killed her, but you already know the truth, if you dig deep. As for Bragga, Marcia killed him because he found out about her relationship with Diego and threatened to tell your father. Bragga figured because you loved her so much, you would hide the truth from the Don. You would be upset, but you would protect her. Your father, though old, was still a wicked, wicked man. He would punish her harshly, you know this. And that would mean certain war between our families."
Z grimaced. A memory resurfaced. Marcia would often insist on taking a young Izzie into Druz's territory. She said it was to make their business partners familiar with her.
Druz coughed. His body was shaking from the intensity of the laboured breathing. "One day she came here and Bragga was here finalizing a deal. I didn't know she was coming, if I did I would have told my nephew not to let her come. But he hid their rendezvous from me."
Bragga saw them together: laughing and kissing. He confronted her and told her he would tell her father. He knew the bitter rivalry between Krome and Gremlin when they were younger. Though Gremlin was dead, your father still hated us. She grabbed Diego's gun from his waist and shot Bragga."
Z lowered his gun and put it at his side. "And this story about me killing him?" he asked.
Druz chuckled then cleared his throat. He coughed up phlegm and spat it out on the ground. "That was Marcia's idea," he answered.
A shadow of pain passed over Z's face. He hadn't heard about the rumor until now. "Why? Why would she tell a lie like that?" he asked, perplexed. He loved his sister. He would do anything for her.
"Good question. Why would she?" Druz asked, sarcasm in his voice.
"Why are you talking in code now?" Z asked in frustration.
Druz gave him a melancholy smile. "A man who is oblivious of what's happening in his own house is a fool," he said.
Z frowned at him. Druz grunted when Z shoved his gun in his belly. He cackled. "I was never your enemy Zavier. The real enemy is in your own camp."
"You talking about Midnight?" Z asked, brow furrowed.
Druz smiled cheekily, his eyebrows rising in mischief.
"Or are you referring to Nesbeth, who you teamed up with, and now want to kill?"
A look of annoyance flickered across Druz's face, but quickly disappeared. "You've heard from him?"
Z nodded, feeling amused. "Yeah, he told me that you tried to kill him, but that man is like a damn cat. Hard to kill." His mouth curved into an impudent smile.
Druz shook his head, a laugh rising from the pit of his stomach, bubbling up into his mouth. "Women were always your weakness." He cocked his head to one side, observing Z with an air of disdain. Z watched him, his face a mask of anger.
Druz stepped back from him. "It doesn't even make sense mi war wid yuh! Yuh is a fool! Your beloved sister tried to take over the business. She was planning on making you look incompetent in your father's eyes so he could give full authority to her," Druz revealed with a crooked smile.
"One more lie Druz. One more and I will kill you," Z threatened.
Druz laughed, his body shaking with the effort. "Ask Midnight. Ask him. Hopefully, he will tell you the full truth."
Z withdrew his gun and lowered it. His dark eyes bored into his opponent. Druz laughed again, his eyes mocking Z. "She almost succeeded, but someone stopped her. I wonder who that was?" His eyes glowed with unreserved mischief.
Druz's phone rang. He answered and listened. His carefree demeanor shifted to anger. "You! You planned this all along!" he said to Z. He turned to one of his generals. "The Estate is on fire!"
"Yuh nasty--" Druz bellowed.
Bang!
Z shot Druz in the chest.
The men with Druz drew back--stunned.
Bang! Bang!
Druz held his chest and fell to his knees. Z kicked him over. He fell on his back. Z lifted his left hand and Mountain and his men stepped out. He lifted his right and Zahir stepped out of the dark with his ten men.
"Drop your guns!" Z barked. "Drop them or you're dead!"
Druz's men put their guns down and lifted their hands above their heads.
"On the ground!" Mountain shouted. "Lay straight out on the ground."
Druz's men did as they were commanded.
Z signaled to Zahir. He came to stand beside his father. "Go ahead. I'm coming. Just follow the road until it reaches the end. You should see a big, ugly building on fire," Z said in amusement.
Zahir nodded. He turned to the men behind him and gestured with his head. He moved off quickly and they matched his pace.
Z walked over to Druz squirming on the ground. "You old, tough bird: three bullets and yuh still nuh dead?!" Z laughed and shook his head. He bent down and grabbed Druz by the collar.
"You filthy piece of shit! You know, I actually believe you about my sister. I do. My sister was very ambitious. She once told me that she was the older one and she should be in charge. But our father didn't think she could handle the pressure," Z spoke softly. His voice was deathly calm.
"And thank you for the advice. I would ask Midnight to explain a few things to me, but he should be dead by now." His mouth twisted into a garish smile.
"You are a fool, Z!" Druz rasped. "I was going to die soon anyway." He cackled and spat up blood. "I don't live with you, and I knew what was going on in your house, but somehow you couldn't see it."
"One more word, Druz," Z warned.
"Hah hah ah ha ha hai!" Druz laughed vulgarly then coughed up more blood.
Z pushed his gun to the corner of Druz's mouth.
"One more word, you piece of shit! One more!" Z blustered.
"Suck yuh madda!" Druz mumbled.
Boom! Craaackkk! The sound of the gunshot echoed far into the distance.
"Fuck!" Z flashed the blood off his hand while standing to his feet. He used the sleeve of his shirt to wipe the blood splatter from his face and neck. He wiped his mouth. Blood smeared his lips. He cursed.
Mountain dug into his pockets and handed a handkerchief to him. He took it and wiped his face thoroughly then his hands. Looking back at Druz's men, who were staring at the remains of their leader, a snare developed on his lips. Half of Druz's face was gone.
Z looked at Mountain and grimaced. "Thank you," he said. Mountain nodded, his expression blank.
He crumpled the cloth and threw it to the ground. He doubted his new right hand man would want it back. He took two steps forward and turned around as if he forgot something.
"Kill them all," he said, then continued walking.
He heard the heavy, popping sounds of slugs hitting multiple bodies. He didn't look back.
***
"Oh, Zavier, thank God you're okay!" King heard Rebecca say. There was a brief pause then, "How could you, Zav? How could you send someone to kill my husband? You didn't even warn me. Suppose he shot at my children or me?"
King's hands clenched into fists as he listened. He took out his phone from his pocket to record what she was saying. He crouched down and pushed the speaker section of the phone in the tiny space between the door and the floor. He continued to listen while his phone recorded everything she said.
***
Z was near the old building. He stopped to stare at it. He could see its ugly frame breaking off piece by piece as the fire consumed it. Golden light brighter than the few street lights around burned into his retinas. He blinked and rubbed his eyelids.
He started walking again when he felt his phone vibrating. He dipped his right hand into his pocket, thinking it was N asking if he was enjoying the show, or informing him that Izzie was safe. But it was Becca on the line. Something was wrong. He answered immediately.
"Hello," he said, his voice dropping a semitone. He would definitely leave Danae for her.
"Oh, Zavier! Thank God you're okay!" Becca said, her voice hoarse. There was a brief pause, then, "How could you, Zav? How could you send someone to kill my husband? You didn't even warn me. Suppose he shot at my children or me?"
Zavier stopped walking. "What are you talking about?" he asked. His heart began to beat rapidly.
"Cut the crap, Zav!" Becca yelled. "The young man you sent to kill my husband, Kyle made him a better offer!" She took a deep breath and released it in a rush. "And this young man, this King guy, is working for Nesbeth."
"I'm putting you on speaker," Z said, his blood boiling hot.
"Okay," she said.
He turned on the loud speaker feature on his phone. "Where are you?" he asked, trying to breathe evenly through his mouth.
"At a private villa we own," she answered.
"I thought you said you loved me?" she asked, her voice breaking--her throat constricted.
The pain in her voice struck a nerve in him. "Becca, honey, I do. I do love you." He sighed. "Your husband has been plotting with his lawyer friend. They tried to have me lost in the prison system in the Seychelles."
Rebecca's heart thudded hard against her ribcage. She swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. "I didn't know," she said, her voice now subdued.
He took a shallow breath. "I know," he said tenderly.
"Zav, the children are afraid. They heard their uncle Zav tried to kill their father. You're not their favorite person right now," Rebecca said, sitting up on the bed.
"Really, Zav? You don't think sending someone to kill their father would hurt them?" Rebecca hissed.
Zavier softened his tone. "Baby," he began coaxingly, "I promise you, I would never hurt them. I love you and I love your children. To be honest, they should have been mine, especially Azuri."
Rebecca made an impatient sound in her throat. Zavier noted it but said nothing.
"I'm so mad at you right now," she said.
"Baby, I'm sorry. Call it temporary insanity. But as I said, your husband tried to ruin me."
He needed to calm her down. She wasn't supposed to know. He was going to kill King.
"He didn't try to kill you!" she shouted. "You haven't changed."
Zavier bit his bottom lip. She was really angry. He took a deep breath and sighed. "Becs, I'm truly sorry," he said, trying to sound remorseful. "If Kyle behaves then I won't do anything to him, okay?"
She scoffed.
A smile quirked up his lips, but he made sure his voice was contrite. "Becca, he's not even treating you well. The last time we spoke you told me he wasn't paying attention to you. Don't you see? He's been spending his time plotting to destroy me. I can treat you better than him. You should be mine.
"Come be with me, Becs. I promise to take care of you, in every way," His voice dipped intimately at the 'in every way' part.
Heat coiled in Becca's loins. "I love my husband," she said.
"I know, but I know you love me too," he said confidently.
"How do you know? I never said." Sarcasm laced her response
Zavier chuckled softly. He lifted his head when Mountain and the other men approached him. He nodded to Mountain and used his gun to direct them to go ahead of him. Mountain nodded and walked past, the men following him.
"Because of the things you do. You call and the first thing you ask is if I'm okay," he said with a smirk.
"That could just be friendly concern. I've known you for a while now. You and my husband used to work together," she said, but her voice was playful.
"No, no, habibi, I know you want me. I can hear it in your voice, and when we see each other I can tell by the way you look at me."
Becca's loins clenched when she heard the term of endearment. "Okay, so I care. So what?" she asked, teasing him.
"I'm coming to get you. Take you back with me. I'll leave Danae in a heart beat, if you tell me you will come to me," Z said seductively.
"I know you like when I bend you over and put this rod inside you, hard and strong, just the way you like it," he breathed. His voice dipped low as he closed his eyes. "I know you think about it, baby. Tell me you want it."
"I ..." Becca swallowed. Why does he still have this effect on me? She sighed. "I can't," she whispered.
"You're saying one thing, but your voice is giving you away. I know you want me. Stop resisting me. I'll take care of you, and we'll explain to the children together."
"Will you try to kill my husband?" Becca asked, her heart skipping a beat.
"No baby, I won't. Be with me, Becs. I need you. Every night my body cries out for you. Tell me you don't feel the same way?"
Becca remained silent.
Zavier laughed triumphantly. "I knew it!" he said grinning.
He looked ahead of him at the burning building, only the metal frame standing tall now. He heard gunshots echoing. "Give me about an hour. Don't tell the kids I'm coming. I'll take you guys back to my house," he said lovingly.
The gears in his mind started to turn. "Where is Kyle now?" he asked.
"Zavier, I'm warning you," Rebecca said, her voice sharp.
"Honey, I love you. I give you my word. I won't harm a non-existent hair on his bald head ..."
Rebecca giggled like a school girl. Zavier listened to her, his loins stirred with desire. He would wrap this thing up in an hour, no more.
"I don't know. He stayed behind at the house because King told him that Snake suspected he was lying," she answered.
"I see," Z said. He would check with Snake later, if he survived. Midnight was no longer young, but he was still a formidable opponent.
"Call off Snake and tell him not to harm my husband," Rebecca demanded, but her tone lost its edge.
"I will. I'm sorry, baby. Just give us a chance," he said softly. He was lying. He would allow Snake to end Midnight, if he was that skillful. Then he'd tell her that by the time he gave the order to spare his life it was too late.
Rebecca twirled her hair. She took a deep breath, then released it through her mouth. "Okay, I ... There's something you need to know," she said. It was about time she told him the whole truth.
His brow furrowed. She sounded serious. "Okay," he said. "Don't tell the kids. Give me an hour. I have something to wrap up at work. Then I'll come for you. Send me your GPS coordinates so I can see where you are."
Rebecca smiled. "Okay," she said softly.
"Can't wait to hold you," he told her.
She laughed a little. "Me too, you jankro. I can't wait to see you too."
Zavier laughed. "Only you get to call me that," he said warmly. God, he loved her!
"I know," she said, twirling the lock of hair.
"Soon come," he said.
"Okay," she said.
Zavier ended the call. He heard a ping. She sent him her location.
He dialed a number. "I'm gonna need transport," he said. "Yes, big, sturdy vehicles that can hold several people. Okay, yes, four or five will be good. Black preferably, yes. Thank you." He gave them his location, then hung up. Smiling, he ran towards the burning building like a man on fire.
***
King saved the audio file and put his phone away. He walked downstairs into the kitchen. He was pacing the floor, thinking of what he should do when he saw Zane walk into the room. Zane nodded at him. King nodded back. Zane retrieved a 16 oz sized bottled water from the fridge, pulled the cap off and started drinking.
Zane watched King. He was still pacing. "Bro, what's wrong? You look like a caged animal," Humour flickered across Zane's face. King swore quietly. Zane looked at him, his eyes narrowing. He sobered. He walked towards King. King stopped pacing and looked up at him.
"What's wrong?" Zane asked, his grey eyes assessing King calmly.
"Your mother ..." King began.
Zane's grey eyes glinted with a warning.
King briefly lifted his gaze to the ceiling then looked back at him. "Your mother is planning to leave your dad for Mr Z," he said quietly.
Anger flashed in Zane's eyes. "Bruh, that is not funny," he said, his demeanor becoming cold.
King took a deep breath and released it slowly. He took out his phone and played a part of the recording. It wasn't very clear, but Zane knew his mother's voice: her tone, the cadence in her speech.
Zane listened. It was her. "Why were you in here walking back and forth like that?" he asked, his expression unreadable.
"Trying to figure out what to do," King confessed. "Z knows I'm here protecting you guys, which means he knows your father isn't dead, which--"
"Which means he's coming here to kill you and God only knows what he'll do to us," Zane said, cutting him off.
King nodded.
"Play the full recording," Zane requested. King nodded and he played it from the beginning.
Zane's eyes narrowed as he realized that his mother, whom he loved dearly, was having an emotional affair with Mr Z, and may have had a sexual affair in the past. 'Is this what she and dad were arguing about?' he wondered.
He remembered his father said, "Ask your mother". His lips pursed together. "We can't let the girls know about what their mother has been up to," he said quietly.
King nodded. "Understood," he replied.
"I don't think he'll hurt us, but he will definitely kill you," Zane said ruefully.
King's lips curled up in dark humour. "I expect he would," he quipped.
"But to surrender and wait for Z to come for us would be betraying my father," Zane said, his mind calculating. King watched him. Zane stared at the floor.
"How much gas is in the tank?" Zane asked, lifting his head to look at King.
"It was about a little over half," King told him.
"How long ago did you hear her talk to him?"
King assessed him. "About ten minutes ago. You thinking of leaving here?"
Zane nodded. "We have no other choice," he said. "I respect Mr Z, but I am my father's son, and he tried to kill my dad. That is unforgivable. I won't align myself with him." He put the bottle to his mouth and quickly gulped down the last bit of water. He threw the bottle in the trash can by the kitchen counter.
He walked away and came back with three grocery bags. Fill these with the stuff in the fridge," Zane said. "I'll be back. Leave the raw stuff just baked items, pack snacks and any ingredients you think are useful."
King said, "Will do."
Zane jogged upstairs and knocked on Zolah's door.
"Who is it?" she said.
"Me, Zane?"
He heard the door unlock and she opened it. She looked up at him then behind him. Zane looked at her quizzically. She looked afraid of something.
He brushed past her into the room. "We have to leave," he told her. She turned around and closed the door behind her.
"Why? I haven't even gotten a good night's rest yet."
"I need you to trust me, Zo," Zane said, his voice steady.
She crossed her arms over her ample chest. "Why? Why should I trust you Wellington men? First, dad hires his would be murderer, now you want us to leave and we just got here."
"King got some intel--"
"King? That criminal? That liar! You trust him?"
"Stop!" Zane said, his tone encased in steel.
Zolah opened her mouth then closed it. Her jaw tightened.
"When matters of emergency arise, who is in charge if dad isn't around?"
"Mom and me!" Zolah blurted out.
"No!" Zane said firmly. "When there's danger and dad isn't around, who does he say should take charge?"
Zolah rolled her eyes.
"Who Zolah?" Zane demanded.
"You," she said angrily.
He walked towards her and reached out his hands, rubbing them on her arms. She felt icy cold.
"Are you sick?" he asked, looking at her in alarm.
She shook her head. "Just tired," she said, averting her eyes.
"Zolah, please, trust me," Zane said smiling at her.
"I trust you," she said with a brief sigh. "I don't trust him."
Zane nodded his head. "That's fair, but trust me to use my judgement where he's concerned."
She made a sound of exasperation. "Okay," she said. Zane chuckled and gave her a hug.
"Get your bags," he told her.
"Okay, I'll wake up mommy afterwards," she said.
"I'll wake her," Zane said quietly.
He knocked on Zuzu's door. He knew that his best friend was sleeping in his little sister's room. He wasn't sure what he would find, but he turned the doorknob and looked inside. Brandon was laying on his back, Zuzu's arm draped across his chest. Her head rested on the nook of his arm. Zane paused and looked at them for a minute. He was happy he could trust his friend. He walked silently over to them and touched Branno's arm. Immediately, his friend's eyes flew open.
Brandon looked up at Zane's face, then gazed down at Zuzu, who was still sleeping beside him.
"We have to go," Zane said.
Branno shifted slowly, lifting Zuzu's head so he could move from under her. He sat up and move to the edge of the bed. He rubbed his eyes and yawned softly.
"Bredda, what time now?" Brandon asked amused.
"Around 2 o'clock," Zane said.
Branno's grinned as he continued to whisper. "Weh we going? Yuh forget we are in the middle of bush Nobody's around us?"
Zane did not smile back. Branno stretched. Zane moved towards the door. His eyes indicated he wanted Branno to follow him. Branno sat up straight and stretched again. He walked over to his friend.
"What is it?" he asked, his brow furrowed as he realized that his friend was in a serious mood.
"My mother betrayed my dad. Instead of staying loyal she called uncle Zavier to find out if he's okay. I think they're having an affair," Zane said bitterly, his voice dipped low.
"What?" Branno asked, his brown eyes wide with shock. He looked at his little cutie and shook his head.
Zane patted him on the chest to get his attention. "We don't have much time," Zane replied. "Z is coming here."
"What?" Brandon's voice almost came out in a squeak.
"Your dad made a deal with my dad. If Z knew you were here he would probably kill you," Zane said, his chest burning with anger. "Bro, I've got to get you out of here: You, Zo and Zuzu. You didn't unpack?"
"No," Branno said, shaking his head.
Zane nodded. "Good. Wake Zuzu up. Giving you five minutes to get her ready."
Branno nodded.
Zane walked to the door. He turned around. "And thanks," he said.
Branno looked at him, puzzled. "For what?" he asked.
"For not taking advantage," Zane said. He pointed to the bed, to his little sister who was still asleep.
Branno brushed his hand through his hair and smiled. "I told you Zane, I love her."
Zane nodded. "I believe you." He opened the door and stepped outside.
Brandon moved quickly to wake up his girlfriend.
Meanwhile, King stood in front of the bathroom mirror. He took a quick shower in the downstairs bathroom and brushed his teeth. He only had a navy blue polo shirt as something clean. No alternative for the blue denims he was wearing, but at least he brought a fresh pair of underwear. He stuffed the dirty one and the shirt he took off in his bag.
The clean shirt was tight on him, now that he had gained muscle over the past few months working out at Machine's gym. He admired his gains in the full length mirror: Flexing his biceps and making his pectoral muscles bounce. Which reminded him, he needed to get some gym stuff for himself. A tiny smile curved up his lips. That confrontation between him and Druz was epic. The old geezer still had fire in him.
He chuckled to himself and stepped out of the bathroom with his bag over his shoulder. He was relieved to see toilet paper and soap when he entered. He didn't bring a toothbrush with him, so he decided to use the one he saw along with the half used tube to toothpaste. Hopefully, no one would care much that he used them.
Zolah came downstairs with her two bags. When she looked up, King saw something hard in her pitch black eyes. He felt ice cover his heart. Her walls were up again. Fine. So was his. He walked to the front door.
"Tell your brother he has ten more minutes before we leave," he said.
"What sort of game is this, eh?" Zolah said in an angry whisper. "You love playing games?"
King sighed. "Listen, Miss, I don't have time for your tantrums. Your brother is doing what he feels is best. Also," He turned to look at her, "your dad entrusted your care to me. All of you are my responsibility." 'Unfortunately,' he thought.
"You told him a lie. My uncle Z would never hurt us. He wouldn't hurt my dad either," Zolah declared, her eyes cold.
King chuckled, shaking his head. "You poor thing. You've lived in a fairy tale all your life. You have no idea who Mr Z is. I'm not gonna die for a princess who doesn't realize her castle is burning." He stepped onto the verandah. He projected his voice, "Tell your brother he has ten minutes."
Zolah marched upstairs, her chest tight with the angst that was lodged in it. She was so angry.
'Why did daddy have to use this man!' she thought. 'Utterly disgusting!' Zolah's chest heaved as she was passing her mom's room heading to Zane's, but she heard his voice and her mother talking in urgent tones. Were they arguing? She pressed her head to the door and listened carefully.
"It doesn't make sense you lie to me, mother!" Zane said, his tone was like a whip. "I heard your convo with uncle Zavier! You sounded like you were talking to your lover."
Zolah put her hand to her lips to stifle the shriek that almost escaped her lips. 'What? What is Zane saying?!'
"It's not what you think," Rebecca said, trying to remain calm. "Zane, you know I love your father, very much." She sighed. "Things haven't been as it should be for awhile now."
"So what is it like mother? Tell me?" Zane challenged. "I heard you telling uncle Zavier he should have told you he was going to kill our father, your husband! You didn't sound angry that he would do it."
"You don't understand--" Rebecca tried to say.
"Don't understand what? That you played the harlot for a man my father doesn't really like! A man who hates our father, your husband!"
Rebecca rose up, and stepped towards her son. She looked at him with a coolness that froze over his heart as he stared at her. "I will not tolerate your ranting," she said, composing herself, but her voice shook with indignation.
"I love your baba very much, but he betrayed me. He slept with your aunty Dan Dan. I was devastated. I shouldn't have, but yes, I slept with uncle Zav as revenge. In a way, I care for Zavier, but my heart is still with your father." She put her hands on Zane's trembling shoulders.
"Noor Ayni (نور عيني - Light of my eye), you and your sisters mean so much to me. I would never hurt you, please believe me. I ask you to forgive your wayward mother. Ana makhroub fehakkak, hal toghfer li? (أَنَا مَخْرُوبٌ فِي حَقِّكَ، هَلْ تَغْفِرُ لِي؟ - I have failed you--wronged you--greatly, will you forgive me?)"
Zane sighed. He shook his head. "I love you mommy. But to forgive you, I can't, not right now." He wiped a tear that was streaking down his face. "We're leaving," he said. "Uncle Z is coming for you, and us. God knows what he will do to us."
Rebecca shook her head. Her own eyes welling up with tears, but she blinked them back. "Zavier loves me. He also loves you children, he will not hurt you."
Zane stepped back from her embrace. "So you admit that you have feelings for him?" he asked incredulously.
"What?" his mother blinked twice, feeling confused. "Zane?"
"Mommy, you just said he loves you. How would you know he loves you if he never told you, and how would he tell you if he didn't feel confident that you have similar feelings for him?!" Zane shouted angrily.
"I ...I." Rebecca's voice trailed off.
"Exactly," Zane said, his eyes red rimmed. He stepped back from her. "We're leaving mommy. If you want to stay, so be it, but we're not staying."
He walked to the door and opened it, but paused when he saw Zolah standing in the doorway. Tears were running freely down her face.
"That man downstairs says we have ten minutes, but I suppose it's no longer ten minutes since I've been here a while," she said, her breathing ragged.
Zane put his hand on her arm. "Let's go," he said gently.
Zolah brushed off his hand and looked at her mother. Her eyes becoming fierce with anger. "I will never forgive you!" she whispered harshly. She spun on her heels and ran downstairs.
Zane bowed his head and sighed. He pulled the door to him, his shoulders hunching with an invisible weight. His breath caught, but he cleared his throat. His voice came out deeper, harsher, "You have two minutes to decide, mother." He lifted his head, straightened his shoulders and closed the door behind him.
***
Zuzu, Zolah and Branno carried the bags down. King already packed what groceries he could salvage in the trunk. He was in the driver's seat waiting, his seat belt already buckled.
Zane slid into the front with him. King glanced at him, then looked at the rearview mirror as Zolah slid into the back with her sister and her boyfriend. He stared at the glass willing her to look his way, but she stared out the passenger side window.
"Let's get out of here," Zane said bitterly.
King looked at him. "Mrs Wellington isn't coming?"
Zuzu perked up. "Mom's not coming?" She looked behind her at the house.
Zane was thinking of what to say.
"Mommy got a call from dad. He's on his way, so she's gonna wait for him," Zolah answered.
"If dad's coming we can wait on him then," Zuzu replied. She was relieved to hear her father was still alive.
Zolah shook her head. "No, dad will take a while to get here and he wants to talk to mom about something privately. So he wants us to go ahead first and then they will follow once all is sorted out."
Zuzu was confused, but said, "Okay." Branno rubbed her shoulders.
King started the engine and drove through the already opened gates. He maneuvered the vehicle onto the road and pressed down on the gas. The vehicle lurched forward and picked up speed.
Zane's hands shook as he retrieved his phone from the back pocket of his jeans. He texted his father:
"Baba, I pray you are still alive. I wish to watch the sun rise with you one more time. Our mother has chosen to be with uncle Zavier. King overheard her on the phone talking to him. I tried to talk sense into her, but she is stubborn. I think she loves him. It is not safe for us at the villa, especially not safe for Brandon. We have decided to leave. We are going to a friend's house. He is not expecting us unfortunately, but he is a good friend. He will help us. Keep safe baba. Please contact us as soon as possible. We love you. - Your devoted son."
Zane sent the text message then called Kwame.
***
Nesbeth squeezed Izzie's hand and pulled her into his lap as the car raced towards a safe place Baker knew about. Nes kissed her tenderly. He didn't care that Baker, Tulloch and Schande saw them. Izzie kissed him back her emotions raw.
She had screamed her head off when two men shot off the lock on the metal door to her room, and rushed in to grab her. But another man quickly stepped in and killed them. He extended his hand to her and gave her a charming smile. He told her that N sent for her. At first, she was reluctant, but he told her that N was coming back for her, that her uncle had tried to kill him and he was done with the war.
She was fearful, but she went with him. He took her straight to Tulloch, who spoke gently to her, and hid her among the men. When N told them he was nearby, Tulloch called Baker and Schande telling them they were leaving. They made their way to his location quickly and while they waited for N, he explained what happened.
Tulloch entrusted Izzie to Bun Out, who was quite captivated by her. He never left her side. With big, bright eyes Izzie asked him why he was called 'Bun Out'. He gave a charming smile, winked at her, and told her it was a long story and he wouldn't see her again. It didn't make sense he told her the origin of his street name. She nodded, but still didn't understand.
The fighting started in earnest when Druz's men, who remained behind, realized that Nes was indeed alive and had revenge in his eyes. He stormed through the Estate and shot at Druz's men who were foolish enough to attack him. He picked them off like he was at a shooting range.
Bun Out shielded her with his tall, powerful frame. Five of the men, including Marshall, followed him as he guided them through the maze of the secret passages. Twice, he had them double back in confusion, but then he closed his eyes, and recounted the days he lived in the building now called the Estate, once called the Factory. He took a deep breath and remembered the front of the building faced East. He released a soft breath and took Izzie's hand. He moved with her, the men following closely behind. No one wanted to be lost.
By the time he led them outside they heard men still inside shouting, "Fire! Di mad gyal set the place on fire! Fire! We dead now!"
Izzie saw Trudy running from the building. She stopped her. Trudy looked at her like she had seen a ghost. Her eyes wide, her face pale and her hands were shaking.
"What's going on inside?" Izzie asked alarmed.
"Cristal set the place on fire! She seh she wants to see Dom again!" Trudy's voice trembled. Her instincts were right. Someone was listening to her. It was Cristal. They had tussled, but she managed to get away from her.
Truly heard Cristal's loud scream and watched her take Dom's lighter from her skirt pocket. Trudy could tell she was teetering on the brink of insanity. She looked around her. Druz's men were being cut down all around her. Cristal's baby father was already taken from her. She had no idea that Druz was dead, but knew that he wouldn't return to a fallen relic. He would flee.
Dom's children were sleeping at the Palace that night. She had taken them over there personally upon Druz's request. Cristal flicked her thumb over the lighter and lit the curtains in Trudy's room first, then her bed. Trudy tried to stop her, but she looked like a mad woman when she whirled around to grab at her. Something sinister passed across her eyes and Trudy's blood ran cold. She backed away and watched helplessly as she set her clothes on fire.
When Cristal moved, Trudy followed her into the conference room and saw her light the only curtain in the room. She heard Cristal's blood curdling laugh and she beat her chest. She felt sorry for her. She saw men going through the door they always kept closed. Cristal saw them too and laughed like a mad woman. That was when she made a decision. She couldn't help her.
She tried. "Cristal, remember the children," Trudy said, her voice trembling.
Cristal shook her head. She didn't care. Her world was already gone. She sobbed as she flicked the lighter, the fire coming up one last time. She lit a sheet of paper and placed it on a pile of papers and folders. The fire lapped up the material hungrily and spread through it quickly.
Cristal smashed the lighter against the wall. The glass broke, leaking out its incendiary content. She sat down in one of the chairs, a wide grin on her face. Trudy ran past her to the unlocked door and hurried around the side of the building to the back gate. That was how she managed to escape and run into Izzie and N's men.
The fire raged high and hot. It seemed impossible that anyone was left alive inside that inferno if they hadn't escaped. But then among the cracking of boards being consumed and metal bending under intense heat, they heard someone yelling for help. After another second it wasn't just one voice, but several crying out.
Bun Out squeezed Izzie's arm. "Princess, I have to go back in. The other guys don't know the way out. I have to show them," he had said, his voice sincere. Trudy stared at him. She knew who he was.
"Marshall," Bun Out called to Tulloch's fourth man in charge. Marshall looked at him. "Watch her till N comes for her." Marshall nodded. Bun Out touched her face. Her eyes fluttered as he stared at her intensely. He smiled at her and ran back into the building.
Izzie watched as he left her, her gut churning with dread. She never saw him again. When she turned around Trudy had disappeared. When N saw her, he gathered her in his arms, but she was numb. She wondered if her new friend had made it out alive.
She placed her head on Nesbeth's neck. Sensing her sadness, he rubbed her back gently. "It's okay, baby. Everything will be okay."
She only sighed. She remembered those intense dark-brown eyes staring at her. The gentle touch on her cheek. She hoped he was safe, even if she never saw him again.
Meanwhile, Z looked at the bright, amber color radiating from the building. "Estate my ass!" he scoffed. He saw his son emerging from the side of the building. Z walked towards him. "Are you okay?" he asked.
Zahir nodded. "I don't think anyone survived." Both men looked at the engulfed building: The blaze was still going strong.
"I may hate your uncle Nes right now, but I know he will make sure your cousin is safe. We just need to find her. But right now we need to do something else," Z said.
Zahir's eyes flickered with interest as he stared at him.
"It seems your uncle Midnight is still alive," Z said, a hint of amusement in his voice. Karey shifted on his feet.
"No matter. His children and wife are at some villa. I have your aunt Becca's location. I'm going to fetch them. Would you like to tag along?"
Zahir nodded slowly. He didn't think his father was actually giving him a choice in the matter. Z slapped him on the shoulder. "Good. Let's go!" he said, obvious enthusiasm in his tone. Zahir was a little puzzled by it, but did not question him.
When the men gathered around, Z lifted his voice, "Good job today. Although, it seems N did most of the work for us." He chuckled. He looked at his new first in command. "Mountain, you and your thirty will go home and get some rest."
Mountain nodded.
"The rest of you go home also. My son and I, and these men here, will take it from here." Z gestured to the ten men who had followed Zahir including Karey. The other fifty that were present murmured quietly, but stepped back and moved into the darkness.
Z looked at Mountain. "I will pay the men well. Let them know."
Mountain bowed his head. "Yes boss," he replied. He turned to his men. "Let's get ready and go." He nodded to Zahir and retreated behind a cluster of abandoned houses. His men followed him.
"We have another rendezvous. More domestic," Z said, turning to the men now standing with him. "No using guns unless absolutely necessary. The targets are Midnight's wife and children, but I do not want a hair on their head damaged. Do you hear me?" He looked at each individual's face. Karey nodded. So did Zahir and the other men.
"Good. Let's go," He walked ahead of them.
"How are we going to get there?" Zahir said.
Zacier smiled. Just then five black SUV's pulled up, one behind the other.
He walked briskly to them. Zahir and the men he chose followed his lead. Karey typed a text to his friend, Snake, as he settled in the comfortable seat.
"Druz is dead. Where are you?? We're going on another mission as I send this text. Z knows that Midnight is still alive. He's going after his wife and kids! What happened with your brother?? Run."
He pressed send.
He discreetly tucked his phone back into his jeans' pocket.
***
Jamaica Time - 4:00 A.M.
"Corporal Stewart!"
Ryan looked up. He saw Inspector Simpson walking briskly towards him.
"There has been confirmation from our source that there are shots being fired. Seems to be a turf war between the Black Diamonds and the No Ease Up gangs," Inspector Simpson divulged. "We have been instructed to go in, proceed with caution, but ensure we do our best to protect the innocent. We are allowed to use extreme force if warranted."
Corporal Stewart nodded. He smiled at him. He was waiting by a police cruiser to see who would join him. "How come you're on this operation? Weren't you on a case in Duhaney Park?"
Simpson nodded. "I requested it. I heard you brought in the intel. I wanted to make sure it all went well. Besides, that case has been resolved. Not glad to see me?" He chuckled.
Ryan grinned at him. "Actually, I am. I need men I can trust. Who will be leading?"
Simpson pointed to himself. Ryan's eyebrows lifted. He nodded. "Okay, I have no problem with that."
"The gang's all here!"
They both turned around to see Reynolds, Morrant and Sangster walking towards them.
Ryan was grateful. "Mark, aren't you on leave?" He reached out his hand to shake his colleague's hand.
Sergeant Mark Reynolds grabbed his hand and shook it. "Not till next week," he answered. Ryan stepped forward and slapped Constables Sangster's and Morrant's shoulders. They looked at him with big grins on their faces.
"Well, I was supposed to be on a likkle ends, right now," Sangster said, his eyes squinting, "but Inspector Simpson called and said you may need back up."
"Psshh, on ah endz, which woman want you?" Morrant chimed in.
Sangster pushed Morrant's shoulder. "Don't confuse me with yourself!" he shot back, but he was smiling.
"Okay children, settle down," Sergeant Reynolds said sternly, his lips twitching with humor. Ryan shook his head and smiled. He was glad to see them.
Inspector Simpson cleared his throat, though a faint smile graced his lips. The men sobered quickly. "Alright men we have our orders. Besides us there are twenty more officers. We'll go in convoy. Our intelligence has informed us that gun fire is being heard as we speak. So let's go." The other men agreed and dispersed to go into their respective squad cars.
With Inspector Simpson leading the convoy of lawmen and women, the officers proceeded to the community under siege. Contables Morrant and Sangster rode with Sergeant Reynolds. Corporal Stewart rode with Inspector Simpson, Constable Crawford and three other officers.
On their way they heard that a large old industrial type building was on fire. They were told that several Jamaica Fire Brigade trucks were en route to the location.
When they arrived the building was blackened. The fire fighters had managed to contain the blaze to the building. The remains stood as a caricature of what it once was--a blackened shell drenched with water. Police men and women stepped out of the squad cars and looked around. Sarge Reynolds moved among the rubble, going from room to room.
Sangster and Morrant walked behind him. "Do you think we should be walking around in here?" Sangster asked. "It's still hot."
"You can stay outside," Sergeant Reynolds answered. He continued to move from room to room. There were a few charred human remains in several rooms. One was chilling to the young police officers with Reynolds.
It was the figure of what appeared to be a woman sitting in a chair. A charred hand at her jaw, her head bent forward. The other hand was holding something that looked like the remains of a photograph. A chill passed through Morrant as he stared at the blackened figure. Sangster squeezed his arm. He looked at his colleague. His eyes were wide with shock and fear. Sangster pulled him into another room. Morrant allowed himself to be dragged away on wobbly legs.
"No sign of life," Sarge Reynolds reported back to Inspector Simpson. Morrant walked several meters away from the building and vomited. Sangster went into the squad car and brought a bottle of water to him.
Corporal Stewart observed him with sympathy. "What did you see?" he asked
"Bodies burned to a blackened crisp," Reynolds said bluntly. Corporal Stewart grimaced. He nodded. He understood Constable Morrant's distress.
When the Brigade trucks left, the police cordoned off the area with caution tape. Only Dr Bromfield and his team were allowed to go beyond the barrier to collect evidence. The process took another two hours before they bagged the evidence they could salvage and left.
Corporal Stewart looked at the building and thought of Jhonie. He wanted to see her. This whole thing made him realize how fleeting life was. The charred human remains were also removed to have autopsies done on them. He couldn't imagine. He didn't want to imagine what being burned alive was like. He shuddered. Swallowing hard, he walked back to the police vehicle and sat inside.
"Are you gonna be sick too?" Simpson asked. His expression was grave.
Stewart shook his head. "Just drive," he said.
Inspector Simpson nodded. He started the vehicle's engine after the other officers settled in, and pulled away from the scene.
***
The heavy banging on the front door made Rebecca run downstairs to open it. Z walked in and lifted her in his arms. He kissed her passionately, possessively as if she was not another man's wife and he was not another woman's husband. He gripped her hard and pressed himself into her. He groaned her name and sighed. "I have missed you so much," he whispered fervently.
Though she felt guilty, somewhere inside her, there was a feeling of relief. Relief that she no longer had to pretend she didn't have feelings for Zavier.
He let her go and looked around him. "Where are the kids?" he asked. Zahir stepped into the room while the men stayed in the vehicles. He too was looking forward to seeing his 'cousins'.
Zav," she said, clasping her hands.
He looked at the empty room and cast his gaze on her, his eyes narrowing.
"Zane heard us talking on the phone. He knows about our affair. Zolah also knows," she said apologetically
Zavier's eyes darted between her and his son. Rebecca stopped talking. "I ... Zahir." She saw the look in the young man's eyes and bowed her head.
Zahir looked at the two of them. His father did not look remorseful, at least aunty Becca looked ashamed. "Okay, I see," Zahir said and stepped out of the room.
"How did they find out?" he asked. His finger digging into her flesh. She flinched, but he did not release her.
"Kyle and I had a fight at the house. He knows we had an affair years back." She started to cry. Zavier took her hand and led her to a large, posh-looking, tan colored couch. He made her sit on it.
"Tell me everything," he said tersely.
"What part? The part where I told him about our affair or the part where I confronted him about his affair with Danae?" She was wracked with guilt.
Zavier's eyes darkened, turning as black as coals. "What did you say?" he asked, his voice deathly calm.
Rebecca looked at him and sighed tiredly. "I found out Danae slept with Kyle around the same time you and I started our affair. Actually, I ... I slept with you because I found out your wife slept with my husband. It was a revenge thing at first but then." She paused and glanced at his cold expression. "Then I fell for you."
Zavier's hands curled into tight fists. He tried to control his breathing. "So you're telling me that my wife was sleeping with your husband and you didn't tell me?!" He stared at her, his eyes boring into her.
"Zav, I'm sorry. I was hurt and angry," she said.
"You used me?" he asked, his tone accusatory.
"Zavier, I'm sorry. You said you want us to be together. We can be together. I don't want to go back to him."
He jumped on her, his right hand closing around her throat. He squeezed. She pushed against him to get him off her, but he was too strong for her.
"Listen, you bitch! I love my wife. I loved you too, but Danae is the mother of my children. I thought I loved you." He shook his head. "You're not worthy! I thought when you decided to give us a chance it was because you wanted me, because you loved me."
"Zavier!" she croaked. "You were cheating on Danae with me. You pursued me!"
"I was getting bored in my relationship. I just wanted to spice things up a little."
He released her. She wheezed and tried her best to breathe. He looked at her with disgust in his eyes. "You never wanted me. You never loved me. You used me to get back at Midnight. You used me to soothe your bruised ego. If you truly cared you would have told me my wife was cheating on me!"
"Zavier, you were cheating too!" she said vehemently, though her throat hurt.
He took out his phone and dialed Midnight's number. He listened as the call picked up, but there was no sound on the line, only silence.
"Midnight, you old wicked. I know you're on the line. Listen carefully, I have your wife. I know you slept with my wife, and I know, you know I was screwing your wife. I'm giving you 12 hours to show up at the loft. Otherwise I'm going to kill Becca. Yes, you heard me! I'm going to kill her! How dare you touch my wife!"
He heard a low chuckle, but no words were spoken. "Twelve hours Midnight! Twelve hours to put your house in order and come see me. You will come if you still love her. I'm also going to hunt your kids down one by one!" Z shouted. "Sleep with my wife. My Danae! Crazy!"
He heard manic laughter. "Pot calling kettle black, Zav? You slept with my wife, didn't you?"
"You slept with my wife first, Kyle!" Zavier shot back, feeling enraged.
"She was dishing it out. Why shouldn't I take some?" Midnight answered in amusement.
"What are you saying?' Z asked, his eyes narrowing.
"I'm saying I wasn't the only one who got a sample of your beloved Danae, Zav, old friend," Midnight answered in a mocking tone.
"As for my wife, I'll think about it." Midnight ended the call.
Zavier looked at the phone and put it in his pocket. He remembered what Druz said earlier. He grabbed Rebecca by the arms and pulled her to her feet. He shook her.
"Zav, you're hurting me!" she cried. Tears were streaming down her face.
"Answer me this question and I may let you live," he said through gritted teeth.
She nodded still crying.
"Who else slept with my wife?"he asked.
"I ... don't."
"Becs, tell me!" He shook her harder until her teeth chattered.
"Nesbeth," she said whimpering. "Nesbeth slept with her." Zavier pushed her to the floor.
"You lie!" he roared. He took out his gun from its holster and pointed it at her.
Rebecca cried louder. "I swear to you, Zav. I swear, I'm not lying!"
He remembered what Druz said, "A man who is oblivious of what's happening in his own house is a fool."
He put his gun away. Something came to his consciousness. "Answer me one more question," Zavier said.
"Did my sister know? Did Marcia know Danae was sleeping with Nesbeth?"
Rebecca nodded while she cried. Z's jaw clenched as the revelation began to settle in. Now everything Druz said was making sense.
He walked to the door. "I would advise you to leave this place. Matter of fact, you and you children have 24 hours to leave Jamaica. If I see any of you here afterwards I will kill you, no exceptions, even little Zuzu will die." His voice was cold--emotionless.
"Zav, I thought you said you loved me?!" Becca asked in despair.
"Guess I don't love you enough," he said flatly. "Twenty-four hours, Becca. You and your kids leave this country and don't come back. Oh ... as for your husband. I lied. I was going to let Snake kill him, but it's hard to find competent staff these days." An annoyed look crossed his face. "It seems I have two more people I need to kill along with your husband."
Zavier opened the door and stepped outside, leaving Rebecca crumpled on the floor--tears falling, snot flowing from her nose.
Z slid into the middle of the waiting SUV beside his son. "Drive," he said to the driver assigned to his vehicle. The black SUV moved off quietly.
Zahir looked at his father. "So you slept with her?" he asked.
Zavier looked at his son, his gaze piercing. Zahir did not look away this time. Zavier studied him. He sensed that something had changed in his son. He nodded. "Yes, but that was long ago. Looking at her now makes my skin crawl. I love your mother and only her."
Zahir nodded. "Okay," he said.
Zavier leaned forward and touched the driver's shoulder. "Change of plans," he said to the man. "Take us home. Let the other drivers know they should drop the men home as well."
The driver replied "Yes sir," while taking out his cellphone.
Zavier gave him a curt nod. He leaned back in the seat and closed tired eyes. Zahir watched him for a minute then took out his phone. He turned it on and began texting Ava again.
***
Jamaica Time - 8:30 AM
Dr Wesley Gordon looked at patient John Doe's chart. His vitals had stabilized and he was lucid. When asked questions about how he was he answered without hesitation.
The police insisted that he be referred to as patient John Doe though Wes knew that his name was Jordan Marx. To the other hospital staff however, except for the hospital's Medical Director, he was known as John Doe.
Jordan turned his head and opened his eyes. His eyelids were a little puffy and he was pale faced, but Wes noticed that his eyes were sharp as he observed him. Wes smiled at him. "Mr. Doe, you're awake. How are you feeling today?"
Jordan took a shallow breath. "Much better," he answered, his voice sounding weak and distant.
Wes watched as his patient looked around the room. "You mentioned yesterday that I'm at a private hospital?" Jordan asked.
Wes nodded. "Yes," he answered. He told him the name. Jordan nodded. Wes came closer and checked Jordan's pulse, then made a note of it on the chart in his hands.
"So tell me, how bad is it?" Jordan asked.
Wes looked at him, his eyes assessing him. "You're lucky to be alive. The bullet only grazed your liver and lodged in abdominal muscle. I guess all those ab crunches paid off," Wes said, trying to lighten the mood. He cleared his throat when he saw that Jordan wasn't amused.
He cleared his throat again. No jokes. "My apologies. I don't mean to make light of your situation. The surgeon who worked on you before you got here is world renowned. He's retired now, but his reflexes are still sharp. To be honest he is the one who offered to pay for your stay here."
"Why would he do that?" Jordan asked, feeling puzzled. Not that he wasn't grateful, but he didn't think he knew him. "Do I know him or does he know me?" he asked.
Wes looked at him, his brow furrowed. "I don't think so, but I don't know anything about him, or you for that matter."
He cleared his throat and looked at John Doe's chart. "We managed to remove the bullet and cauterize the bleeding. We also gave you 1800 ccs of pure plasma. Now you're getting 1200 ccs." He pointed to the half empty IV bag hanging on the drip stand. "Tomorrow we'll give 1000 ccs more and then a saline drip will be added afterwards."
Jordan listened keenly. "We removed the bullet?" he asked.
"Yes, Dr Knowles, the surgeon I mentioned, myself--Dr Gordon," Wes touched his chest identifying himself, "and Dr Wright, a colleague of mine, were on the scene."
Jordan nodded. "Thank you for helping me," he said.
Wes inclined his head in response. "Are you feeling stronger today?" Dr Gordon asked.
"Yes, I am. Thank you," Jordan said, cracking a smile. Wes nodded and walked towards the door. "I'll make sure the nurses bring you iron and B12 rich foods."
"Tell me ..." Jordan called after him.
Wes stopped, turned round and took a step towards Jordan's bed. "Yes?"
"Are you the chief doctor here or surgeon? Or ...?" Jordan's brow was knotted in confusion.
Wes smiled. "You could say I'm more of a consultant on your case. I'm a senior resident at the University Hospital, but because I am closely acquainted with ... uh, your situation, the police asked me to manage your case. This hospital has been very accommodating, I must say."
"Oh, I see," Jordan said, looking at him with fresh eyes.
Wes chuckled. "You're in good hands Mr Marx," he replied.
Recognition that this man was no ordinary doctor flickered in Jordan's eyes, but he did not press further. "There's something I need from you," he said. He hoped Dr Gordon would help him.
Wes was feeling amused. "Oh? What's that?"
"I-I know I have to keep lowkey, but I really need to speak to someone. It's very important I speak to her," Jordan rasped then coughed.
"I was told that it may be risky to make calls right now," Wes answered.
"I know, but I know a way to make a call using a fake number. I just need to borrow your phone," Jordan said, his eyes pleading.
Wes looked at him. He looked like a broken man. He sighed. "This woman, who is she?"
Jordan smiled. "My fiance," he answered.
Wes nodded. "Okay, I think I get it." He took out his mobile phone from his overcoat and handed it to Jordan.
Jordan took the phone from him and looked at it. "Iphone?" he asked.
Wes nodded. His interest grew when he saw an emotion that resembled relief flicker across Jordan's face. With trembling but determined hands, Jordan turned the back of the phone to him and pulled off the protective rubber casing, then he pried off the back of the phone and removed the battery. He took out the SIM card.
"I thought you said you needed to make a phone call?" Wes asked him, puzzled.
"I do," Jordan said, smiling mysteriously. "Do me a favor, please. Ask the staff for the hospital's WiFi password."
Wes nodded and left. When he returned two minutes later he had the code written on a piece of paper. Jordan handed Wes's SIM card to him. Jordan snapped the battery back into place and turned on the phone. He took the paper with the WiFi password from Wes. When the phone's homescreen appeared he went into Settings and entered the code into the phone. It indicated that it was connected.
"Do you usually backup your files?" Jordan asked.
Wes frowned. "I do. Yes."
"Trust me," Jordan said.
Wes's frown deepened. "What are you going to do?"
"Wipe your phone to factory settings."
"What? You--"
"Doc, your phone will be fine. Trust me."
Wes sighed. He nodded.
Jordan selected the account name. He took a shallow breath and clicked on iCloud Backup. The process took twenty minutes. He then quickly restored the phone to factory settings and selected the United States as the default location of the phone, and input other information when prompted. Surfing online he downloaded a VOIP app and opened it.
Wes watched him closely. He couldn't get a view of what Jordan was doing so he came around to the left side of the bed to watch him. With eyebrows raised, he observed as Jordan was about to make a call without a SIM card.
"Aren't you clever?" Wes said, his tone hushed.
Jordan chuckled softly, but ended up coughing a little. "Seven years in the US army. If I never learned anything I would be an idiot," he replied.
Wes looked at his face. "I see."
Jordan dialed his cellphone number. Remembering that he had given Lissa his phone, and he lost hers in the alley the night he almost died. He put the phone on hands-free so Dr Gordon could hear his conversation with Lissa and trust him.
***
Lissa was eating breakfast when she heard the phone in her bag vibrating, then it started to ring. It was across the room in a tiny closet space reserved for patients' personal items.
She rose to her feet and walked as quickly as she could to it. Digging into her bag, she retrieved the phone, but was surprised the number was an overseas one. She figured it must be Jordan's dad. She answered quickly.
"Hello," she said.
Coughing and raspy breathing greeted her. "Mr Marx, is that you?" Lissa asked.
Cough. "Yes, but not my dad," Jordan rasped.
"Jordan?" Lissa asked. Her heart started to beat wildly. She felt light headed. Hurrying to the bed, she sat down. "Baby?"
"Yes, sexy lady, it's me," Jordan said hoarsely.
"Oh baby!" Lissa broke down. She cried quietly. "Baby ..."
Jordan blew sloppy kisses. "Sweet baby," he said affectionately. "I love you. I miss you so much."
"Babyyy ..." she sobbed.
"Muah! Sweet lady, it's okay. It's okay. I'm pretty beat up, but I'll live. I'm not ready to leave this earth yet. Not before I taste your sweet plum." He chuckled.
Wes shifted on his feet uncomfortably. Lissa sniffled then made a melancholy sound that wasn't quite a laugh. "You're terrible," she said, smiling.
Wes noted that his patient sounded stronger.
"Where are you?" Lissa asked.
"I can't tell you, babe, I'm sorry."
Lissa sighed. "I miss you so much," she told him.
"Um, Shane told me you were at a private hospital," she said, probing for info.
Jordan chuckled. "You little minx, stop fishing. I can't tell you."
She sighed. "I understand. I wish I could touch you."
Jordan smiled. "I know. I can't wait to touch you."
Wes cleared his throat.
Lissa heard it. "Who is that?" she asked.
"My doctor, giving me a very disapproving stare." Jordan cackled softly. He cleared his throat.
"Baby, I can't stay long, just tell Aurora you heard from me and I'm okay."
"Will do," Lissa said.
Jordie?"
"Your dad says he's coming down to see you. What should I tell him?"
"When did he say?" Jordan asked, looking at Wes's concerned face.
"Maybe a week from now, he's trying to get time off from work," Lissa replied.
Jordan looked at his doctor as if to say, "Got that?" Wes nodded. He understood the look Jordan gave him.
"Okay, baby, by then I'll probably be moved somewhere else, where you guys can visit me." He wondered where he could go to recuperate. "You can tell him I called you, okay?"
"Okay baby, I love you so much!" Lissa said. She felt like her heart would burst with gratitude from hearing his voice.
"I won't call you again on this line, okay? So don't try to call it back, it's a made up number."
Lissa's eyes widened. "O-Okay," she said.
"Baby, I gotta go. I love you," Jordan told her.
"I love you too," she said.
He ended the call. Lissa dialed Sophia Aurora's number.
Jordan looked up at his doctor. "One more call, then I'll hand the phone to you."
Wes nodded looking at him.
"I need some privacy," Jordan told him.
Wes frowned, but did not answer. He left the room quietly.
Jordan sighed. He typed a code before dialing an encrypted number.
***
He turned from his side onto his back. He opened his eyes and did a lazy yawn. 'Morning wood' greeted him as he looked down at himself. It was a clear reminder that he was alive, and that maybe choosing to walk away was the best decision he made so far.
Snake sat up slowly. He looked around his bedroom. He reached for his phone as was his usual habit and checked if there were any messages. He heart stopped and started when he read Karey's text. He sucked his teeth. He needed to get lost before Z found him.
He thought of her. Her timely warning may have saved his life. After she hung up, he had moved further into the yard and looked around. He walked up to the living room window facing the street and peered inside.
Every room was in darkness. He also observed that the perimeter lights were turned off. Even if a family were asleep. They wouldn't leave their yard lights off. The lights would be an added layer of protection to ward off possible intruders.
Coupled with the fact that his brother was no where to be seen, and he heard that young woman's voice on the phone, Snake assumed King had changed allegiance. Which meant Midnight would know he was coming. He didn't know if Midnight was in the house waiting for him, or if he and his family had fled, but he wasn't being compensated to find out.
Z didn't pay him enough to risk his life so carelessly. Plus, he was thinking about his pretty butterfly. He needed to make sure she was safe. He couldn't protect her if he was dead.
He sighed and took a long breath, then exhaled sharply. Z knew Midnight was still alive. He would come after him and King for disobeying him. Kadian and her family could be caught up in the cross hairs. He needed to ensure she was protected. He reached for the phone and called her.
He heard a soft groan and bit his bottom lip. "Pretty butterfly, you sound so sexy on the phone. What are you up to?" His gravelly voice dipped intimately.
"Good morning. I was just stretching," she said with a sigh.
"That was all? You sounded like you were, you know ..."
"What?" she asked, giggling.
"Sounds like you were touching yourself," he replied softly.
Kadian did a little laugh. "What if I were?" she asked in a teasing tone.
Snake chuckled. The grit in his voice making him sound almost feral. "I would love to watch you."
He shifted on the bed as his 'morning wood' began to throb with need. "Do you sometimes?"
"Touch myself?" Kadian asked, feeling her heart rate spike.
"Mhm, yes. Do you?" He started to breathe through his mouth.
"Yeah, I do sometimes," Kadian answered feeling shy.
Snake closed his eyes. "What do you think about when you do it?"
"I ..." Kadian faltered. Lately, she had been thinking about him. She didn't know how he would feel if she told him that.
"Pretty butterfly, what's wrong?" He swallowed the saliva pooling in his mouth. "You can trust me. This will be between us, okay?"
Kadian remained silent.
Snake frowned a little. "Kay? Baby? You sleeping?" He opened his eyes.
"N-No," she answered.
"Talk to me, Kay," he said softly. "You can trust me, okay."
"It's just that, I ..."
"Okay, never mind. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. I'm sorry, I shouldn't be pushing you to tell me."
Kadian closed her eyes, took a ragged breath then exhaled. "I think about you, " she confessed, her voice shaky. "Sometimes when I ... you know, I think about you."
"About me?" Snake was pleasantly surprised. His body responded to her.
"Pretty butterfly, I've been thinking about you too," he told her.
Kadian couldn't believe it. "Really?" she asked surprised.
"Mhm, ever since I ate your food: that fricassee chicken, I've been thinking about kissing you and doing other things."
"Other things like what?" Kadian bit her bottom lip as she waited for his response.
"Touching your body: feeling your skin on mine. Things like caressing those perky breasts and wrapping your long legs around me." He deepened his voice. "I wanna know what your cupcake tastes and feels like."
"My cupcake?" she asked, her heart doing several flips.
"Yeah," he replied seductively, "your tight, little nookie."
Kadian swallowed. "I, um ..." Heat pooled in her moist valley below. Is this real? Does he like me too?
Snake chuckled softly. "Did the doctor say when you can leave the hospital?"
"Dr Gough said maybe another day and then I can go home," she said quietly, her voice hesitant.
"You okay, baby?" Snake asked, brow furrowed.
"Do you like me? You ... I mean ..."
He wished he was with her to show her what he was feeling. He sighed. "Yes Kay, I really like you," he said. "I want to get to know you better.
"You're young and maybe there are some things you've never experienced, but I want to give those experiences to you." A thought came to his mind.
"Kadian, have you ever been with a man before? Have you had a boyfriend?"
"In what sense?" Her breathing quickened.
"Are you still a virgin?" He held his breath for the answer.
Kadian cleared her throat. "What if I am?"
"Are you?"
She nodded her head, though Snake couldn't see her, and said, "Yes."
"You are?" he asked. His heart started to beat faster.
"Yeah, I am," she said. Her reply coming out breathy.
Snake bit his bottom lip. "Hmm ..." Was the guttural response.
Kadian's loins clenched when she heard the deep groan. She wondered what he would do to her if he were with her at that moment.
"I was actually calling to let you know that I want you to stay with me for a while," Snake said. His voice was raspy. "It's not safe not just because of your dad, but something happened last night that would jeopardize my safety and yours; your family too."
Fear gripped her chest, and felt like it was constricting her breathing. "What happened?"
"I can't tell you, but I will talk to your mommy. If she agrees I'll come for you and her, and Shanice if she wants to come too. You guys can stay with me at a place I own out of town. Otherwise, if your mom has somewhere else in mind I'll take you guys there. But you can't stay in Kingston for right now."
"Oh, okay," she said. Her left hand formed a tight fist. She tried to steady her breathing.
"Okay pretty butterfly," he answered softly. His tone was intimate to her ears. "I'll see you later."
Kadian sighed. "Okay, Dante, see you then."
Snake smiled and ended the call. He liked the way she said his name.
***
Monday morning 10:00 a.m. - Jamaica Time
"Okay, I'm here," Sophia Aurora said bursting through the hospital door. "What was so important that you were yelling for me to get here pronto!" She stared at Lissa, realizing that her demeanor had changed significantly from what it was yesterday.
She dropped the bag she had in her hand and covered her mouth. She moved quickly to Lissa, her eyes beginning to well up with tears. "Is this what I think it is? Did you hear from Jordie?" she asked.
Lissa smiled broadly. "Yes! Aurora, he called! He called on some fake number or something like that, but he called!"
Sophia Aurora slumped on the chair in front of the bed, her legs feeling like lead weights. She put her hands over her eyes and started weeping. Lissa reached for her and held her close. Her own tears flowed as she squeezed Aurora to her. Aurora hugged her.
"He's okay," she said, rocking Aurora back and forth.
"I need to tell daddy," Aurora said, pulling away from Lissa. She dipped into her jeans skirt's back pocket and took out her cell phone. She sniffled and wiped a tear with the back of her hand.
"Daddy! Good news! Jordie is okay. He called Lissa!" Aurora handed the phone to her.
"Hello?" Lissa said.
"My dear," was the grave reply, "how are you?
"You've heard from my son?" Jonathan asked.
"Yes sir," she beamed.
"How did he sound?"
"Kind of weak, but in good spirits."
"If you don't have your phone and you have his, how did he call you?" Jonathan asked. Could he trust her?
"I'm not sure, but the call came as an overseas number. At first, I thought it was you. He said it was a fake number or something like that."
'Sounds like my son,' he mused. Before he went on any mission, Jordan would call him and use one of those weird made up numbers. He did a sigh of relief. He didn't think she would have prior knowledge to make that up. It also meant Jordan felt his life was still in danger. I'm coming Jordie, hold on.
"I told him you should be here in a week's time," she said smiling.
He cleared his throat. "There's something you need to know."
"What?" Lissa listened carefully.
"Change of plans on my part. I told you that I will be here next week, but I was able to get the time to come today."
"Where are you now?" she asked, her heart beating fast.
"Well actually I'm at the airport I should be in Jamaica within the next hour," he revealed.
Something was off. How would he be able to get such an early flight if he hadn't booked one from at least the day before? Did he lie to me before? The fingers of her left hand toyed with the bedsheet.
He noticed her silence, and chuckled softly. "Can't wait to meet you," he said, softening his voice. Sophia Aurora got up to retrieve her bag and lock the room door. She came back to the chair and sat down watching Lissa.
"Okay, that is good," she said, but felt uncomfortable. 'Why would he lie to me?' she wondered. "Uh, Sophia Aurora is here, would you like to talk to her?" she asked, her voice losing its natural warmth.
Jonathan's eyebrows rose slightly. "Okay ... uh, sure. Yes, give her the phone." He felt like a naughty child being dismissed to his room. He was even more curious about meeting her.
Sophia Aurora chatted with her dad for two more minutes then hung up. She looked up to see a deep frown on Lissa's face. She touched her arm. "What's wrong?" she asked.
Lissa smiled at her though cheerfulness did not transfer to her eyes. She shook her head, "Oh, nothing," she said. Who was Mr Jonathan Marx? That reminded her, she needed to tell Shane something very important.
She touched Aurora's shoulder. "Can you do me a favor, please?"
Aurora smiled eagerly. The news of Jordan's phone call lightened her mood. "Sure," she said.
"Can you go to the cafeteria and get me a chicken cup soup, please? Ask them to pour some hot water in it for me," Lissa said smiling at her. She took up her purse and took out a thousand dollar bill. "If there's change left buy a box of orange juice or some type of cookie for me."
Sophia Aurora sprang quickly to her feet. "Sure. Soon come." She left almost skipping through the door. Lissa sighed. The uneasy feeling in her chest would not rest. She checked the charge on Jordan's phone: 24%. She grimaced.
She opened Aurora's bag and found a charger. She tried it and was relieved to see that it fit the charging port on the phone. She dialed Shane's number. She listened to the ringing and plugged it into the wall outlet. She lay down on her right side close to the edge of the bed so that the charger wouldn't be pulled out of the power supply.
***
He was preparing to go to work. He was very happy. Shaun warned him about not letting his guard down and having premarital sex with Dana. Out of respect for him and what he wanted for himself, he repented of his initial plans and brought Dana home last night. He only gave her a peck on the cheek and left.
He was glad to see that Shaun was warming up to her little by little. And, because she was gaining Kerry's trust, he was trying his best not to appear like a sour puss. Everything seemed to be going Shane's way.
He sipped his coffee quickly after wolfing down scrambled eggs and toast. Somehow it reminded him of Lissa, but it wasn't a gnawing ache or longing. Neither was it a strain of bitterness.
Though their last conversation didn't end well. He hoped she was alright. It was just that he would no longer be her knight charging in to rescue her.
His farm had turned a profit. He would call Marcus as soon as the tax he had to pay was calculated, then he would see how much he would allocate as a way to show he was truly sorry for everything that happened.
He was about to grab his car keys when his phone rang. He frowned as he looked at the number. It wasn't one that he knew. He deliberated on whether he should answer, but decided he may as well hear who it was.
"Hello?" he said
His deep voice resonated across the line, causing Lissa to pause for a millisecond.
"Hey," she said, her voice hesitant.
"Hey," he said. His lips curved up slightly. "How are you?"
"I'm okay," she said, then cleared her throat, "Shane, I'm sorry about the other day. The way I acted, I ..."
"I understand," he said softly. "I didn't want to ask, but the night you were in trouble I didn't feel it. It seems the bond we have is gone. I was curious because of that. I didn't mean to offend you."
"Oh ..."
"Yeah," he said. 'She still sounds sexy over the phone,' he mused, before catching himself thinking it.
Shaking his head, he spoke softly, "So yuh good?" Down boy, remember who you love.
"Yeh, yeah, I-I'm feeling better," she answered.
"It's all good, Melissa. We're good."
Lissa was taken aback by the use of her name. 'He sounds different,' she thought. 'Oh yes! The engagement!'
"So you made an honest woman out of Dana?" she asked.
Shane chuckled softly. "Mhm, something like that." Taking up his car keys he walked to the door.
She said, "You have a fiance now?"
"Yup," Shane answered, while opening the front door.
"Congratulations. I'm happy for you," Lissa replied. It was as if her heart was being squeezed through her chest, but she ignored the feeling.
"Are you really?" he asked, left eyebrow raised above the other. He closed his front door and headed to his vehicle. She heard the chirping of the alarm indicating that it was turned off.
His words struck her like a slap. She sighed. "Shane, I'm really sorry about everything. I never meant to hurt you."
He entered his vehicle and put the phone on the tablet mount. He took a breath and exhaled slowly. He put the key in the ignition and turned it. The vehicle purred to life.
"Melissa, I'm sorry too. I hope all will go well with you and Jordan. I'm more sorry for all the things that have happened because of this Z guy," he muttered angrily. He adjusted his rear view mirror, pulled away from the sidewalk and headed down the road.
"That's what I want to talk about," she said.
"What?" he glanced at his phone, then focused on the road.
"Last night I had an unwelcome visitor," she said quietly, taking a ragged breath.
"Who was it?" Shane asked.
"I don't know him, but he says he works for Mr Z."
Shane's hands gripped the wheel tighter. "Are you okay? Did he--?"
"Yeah, I'm okay. He didn't hurt me or anything." Just a mild choke. "Said he didn't come for me. He said he was helping a young girl whose father abused her."
Shane's eyes flickered, his shoulders went rigid. "What else did he say to you?" 'A murderer with a conscience? How poetic.' He grunted.
"I mentioned that I was your ex and he immediately recognized who you were. I said you were the cop Mr Z wanted to kill, and he said the cop who killed Z's sister."
Shane looked at the phone. "Z's sister?" A frown materialized on his face. "He said Z wants to kill me because he thinks I killed his sister?" He made a right turn and sped up his vehicle.
"Mhm, yeah," she answered.
There was silence on the line.
"Ask what you have on your mind, Lissa," he blurted out. He suddenly felt hot in his uniform.
"Well--"
"No, I did not kill his sister. I have no idea what that maniac is talking about!" he exploded out of frustration.
"Shane, calm down."
"I can't believe you would think--"
"Shane, I'm sorry, but maybe you shot her because she was doing something illegal. Couldn't that be it?"
He sighed. His fingers coiled tightly around the steering. He tried to calm himself by taking quiet, shallow breaths.
"That was five years ago. Maybe you don't remember," she said. Her heart was beating fast.
"I have never killed a woman. Never," he said through gritted teeth. "I always try to disarm without discharging my weapon. It's a last resort. I have never shot or killed a woman. If there is a situation where I have to defend myself, I will, but fortunately I have never been met with resistance from a female suspect that required me to shoot them."
His chest burned. He made a sound that wasn't quite a laugh. "You never knew me after all," he said quietly.
Lissa's heart sank.
He sucked his teeth. He was near his police branch. He needed to speak to Superintendent Dacres right away.
"Melissa, thank you for this information. I appreciate you reaching out. Again, I'm sorry about everything. I promised I will make it up to your family, and I will." He took a shaky breath and released it slowly.
"I gotta go," he said, and ended the call.
Lissa looked at the phone. She breathed in and out. 'Why is talking to him so hard these days?'
When Sophia Aurora came with the heated ramen cup, Lissa smiled and took it from her. She ate it immediately, twirling the noodles around the plastic fork to get them out of the way so she could sip the hot liquid. "I need a favor," she asked.
Aurora perked up. "Okay, what can I do for you?" she asked.
"I need fresh change of clothes and toiletries, and I also need to borrow your charger, just in case Jordie calls again."
"Done, done and done," Aurora said, a wide grin on her face.
"Thank you," Lissa said smiling, but behind her smile was a heart filled with grief.
***
Seychelles Time - Afternoon
Danae fell asleep in Mael's arms after she ate the cheesy omelette he prepared for her. He pulled her into his lap and kissed her nose. He talked with her and rubbed her back until sleep took over. Then he lifted her in his arms, brought her to his bed and laid her down gently. While she slept, he snuggled up to her and decided to take a nap as well.
She woke up to see Mael still sleeping. She checked her phone and realized that there was a notification for a missed call.
Did someone call while I was sleeping? Nah, the sound would wake me up.
When she phoned Zaniv earlier, she assumed that he was the one who called during her and Mael's steamy, sex session. Her legs were still weak and her nether region ached a little.
She smiled to herself as she remembered how good he felt inside her. He gave her three orgasms. She wouldn't forget him, that's for sure.
She stared at the phone. With brow furrowed, she wondered who it was. She clicked on it and realized that it was Zahir who had called.
She sat up and hit the 'call back' feature.
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