Page 9 of Tainted

“I’m out. Make sure you lock up and set the alarm,” I announced, and Sydney nodded, disappointed that I was clothed on the opposite side of the glass door. “Call me if you need me.”

Sydney sucked her teeth, picking up on the concern in my words. “Bye, Keyes.”

I locked up and drove to the warehouse, pulling around and keying in the security code. Shaudi and Nolan were sitting at theround table with a few of our lieutenants already and a few still missing.

“Preciate’ you covering the count,” I said, greeting Nolan with dap before turning to Shaudi.

“Kross pulled up, so we had an extra set of hands.”

I nodded, sitting beside Shaudi and propping my feet on the table. "How is everything looking?”

“Streets eating this shit up like candy,” Nolan replied.

“That’s what I like to hear. Everybody on time?”

“Yeah, Trindon is on his way.”

“Cool.”

Kross emerged from the back, wrapping up a phone call. After sliding his phone into his pocket we slapped hands.

“Can you meet with Javier? I got some shit to do at the club.”

“Nigga, no. It’s your turn. Figure it out.”

“It’s your turn,” Kross mimicked, “Grow up and stop bitching.”

My parents always said I marched to the beat of my own drum. Kross said I just liked doing the opposite of what’s asked to piss people off.

“Says the nigga that can’t balance his priorities.”

“I came in early to help with the count. Now, I have something to do, so have your ass at the meet.”

“My father is dead. I don’t need another one.”

Kross tilted his head because the shit coming from my mouth still surprised him. “What is wrong with you?” I shrugged, and he shook off my comment, which dredged up old emotions.

“I have club business to handle. I’m out.”

“What do you pay Megan for if she can’t get it done?” I asked, referring to the club manager.

Kross damn near chained himself to Utopia like it couldn’t function without him despite having employees in place.

“That’s the price you pay for accepting deals. I’m out.”

“The contractors are coming in two hours, and I have to be there.”

“Stop running your mouth and take Javier his cash,” Kross smirked, heading toward the back door.

“Just remember yo’ Daddy ain’t here to stop me from whooping your ass,” I yelled just as he reached the metal door.

“You couldn’t take me as kids, and you can’t take me now.”

People who didn’t know us would be alarmed by the way we spoke to each other. They’d assume it was a deeper issue, but that’s how we talked. Kross got on my nerves, but there wasn’t a nigga walking this earth that could take up that tone with my brother and not have to see me for it.

2

Zara Canton

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