Page 14 of Tainted

“Kenyon,” Uncle Leonne smiled.

“What’s happenin’, Unc?” I stood up and walked around the counter to shake his hand.

“Good things, I hope.”

“You know it. How was the trip?”

“Smooth, how I like it. I’m going to check in on your mother later. Will you and Kross be joining us?”

“Nah, we’ll let you ‘old heads have that.”

“Old?” Uncle Leonne repeated. “I’ll show you old.”

I raised my hands, and he moved into a defensive stance. “I don’t want no smoke with you, man.”

Leonne smiled and gripped my shoulder. Now that Pops was gone, he made it his business to look out for us.

“How are you really doing?”

“I’m good. Why are you so worried about me?”

“Your father always did.”

His admission garnered a sideways glance. I wasn’t sure if that was true or if Unc was trying to bridge the gap between us like he always did.

“What was he worried about me for?”

“He always said you were the hardest book he ever tried to read. What did he mean by that?”

“You’d have to ask him.”

Grief filled Uncle Leonne’s eyes, discussing his longtime friend that way, but I didn’t have time to be sad about it. Right now, I had other shit to handle because I promised Sydney’s grandfather I would come to his birthday party tonight. I prided myself on being a man of my word, so I finished here, then went home and showered before driving to Sydney’s parents’ house.

As I made my way up the familiar path to Sydney's house. I couldn't help but glance toward the old oak tree in the yard of my childhood home.

I rang the doorbell, and shortly, John answered the door, surprised to see.

“Kenyon, I didn’t know you were joining us this evening.”

“Had to bring Pops his gift.”

“Right.”

“I caught your press conference earlier. Anti-corruption?”

“Well,” he started, then smiled to gather his words. “It’s never too late for a fresh start. I hope I can count on your vote.”

Wiping the smirk off my face, I replied, “That depends on you.”

We engaged in a brief stare-down. My presence annoyed John because it reminded him of where he had started. Syd flew down the hallway, doubling back when she realized I was at the door.

“Hey, Keyes.”

“Sup Syd.”

“C’mon. Papa has been asking for you.”

Dragging me through the crowded house filled with people dancing. I expected nothing less from a Jackson family function.

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