Page 1 of Essence of his Soul

Chapter 1

A grin slid across my face as I whipped my Denali off the interstate.

I’m back, baby!

The Army? Man, it had taken everything I had and then some. I rolled with it and did what I had to do, but those holidays away from home? Yeah, those hit differently. Two long years in Korea, and now here I was, finally touching down on U.S. soil. Six weeks of leave, no strings attached. I was ready to soak up every damn second.

Rolling past the mall, I couldn’t help but laugh. Delaware’s finest were out there trying to untangle the mess of holiday shoppers with their whistleblowing and hand signals like they were in the middle of a championship football game. Christmas was creeping up fast, and folks were swarming the parking lot like their lives depended on it. I’d be in that mix tomorrow, trying to snag last-minute gifts like everybody else. And you know what? I wasn’t even mad about it. A brotha was actually looking forward to it for once.

I slid into Encino Estates, Wilmington’s little pocket of luxury, tucked away like a secret. The neighborhood was already doing it big for the holidays—lights strung up everywhere, wreaths on every door, Christmas trees shining through the windows. It was like I’d stepped right back into the past. Nothing had changed, and that was exactly how I wanted it. My parents’ crib? Oh, it was always the crown jewel of the block. I could already picture it—reindeers on the lawn, Santa posted on the roof like he owned the joint. As I hit their street, a chuckle slipped out. There he was, Old Saint Nick, doing his thing likealways. I wondered who my mother had conned into getting up on that roof this year since Pop had retired from that game after his back went out a couple years back. As I stepped out of the truck, the cold slapped me like,Welcome home,soldier. Delaware winters? Yeah, they don’t play. But hearing that familiar laughter spilling out of the house? That was the real warmth right there. They had no clue I was back early. This little homecoming was gonna be a surprise worth more than any gift under the tree. Sure, I could’ve called ahead and gave them a heads-up, but where’s the fun in that? Seeing the look on my mom’s face when she opened the door? That was about to be priceless.

Seconds after the doorbell rang, Kelly swung the door open, arms crossed and attitude on full display. “Look at you,” I said, grinning down at my five-foot-three baby sis.

My little sister might’ve grown up, but no matter how grown she thought she was, she’d always be my kid sister. Petite frame and all, she’d inherited Mom’s slim figure, but that deep mocha complexion? All Pop. And that old-school ponytail she used to rock as a kid? Gone. Now she had this fly, natural curly cut framing her face. Real grown-woman vibes.

“Whassup, Kel?” I opened my arms, expecting the warm hug that never came. Instead, she hit me with a look that could curdle milk. “Wow! That’s how you greet your big bro after two years?” I teased, shaking my head. Kelly just rolled her cinnamon-brown eyes and hit me with the one-two punch.

“Be glad you’re even allowed in this house.” She spun on her heel with a dismissive wave, leaving me at the door.

I chuckled under my breath, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. Some things never changed.

“Yo, Kel!” I called, following her into the foyer. “What’d I do now?” Without even looking back, she shot over her shoulder, “You already know.”

I scratched my head, genuinely confused. What did I miss? Maybe it was because I forgot to call her on her 24th birthday last month.

Women, I thought, smirking to myself. Always a mystery. Can’t live with ’em, but I sure can’t live without ’em. And speaking of women, one fine sister had been on my mind since I landed. I needed to track her down and see what was up.

I shrugged off my leather jacket and hung it on the coat rack. The familiar warmth of home wrapped around me as I moved across the gleaming hardwood floor into the kitchen. That smell? That was homemade chili, the kind that instantly pulled me back to childhood.

Mama was at the stove, stirring the pot, and when she heard me, she glanced over her shoulder. The surprise on her face was priceless.

“Mark, you’re home!” she said, dropping the spoon and coming over with a laugh.

“Hey, Mama.” I grinned like a kid again.

She pulled me into one of those hugs only mamas know how to give. “Welcome back.”

I hugged her tight, her arms always making everything feel right again. “Glad someone’s happy to see me,” I joked, kissing her cheek.

She held me at arm’s length, taking me in with teary eyes. “Let me look at you. Still the same... maybe a little lighter,” she said with a smile.

I chuckled. “A few pounds, maybe.”

Mama winked. “Well, we’ll fix that real quick.”

“I know how you do.” I looked down at her, thinking she hadn’t aged a day. Big, expressive eyes, smooth skin—she was where Kelly and I got our looks from, no doubt. But that love in her eyes? That’s what really made her beautiful.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming early?” she asked,her brow furrowing.

I flashed her a bigger smile. “Wanted to surprise you for Christmas.”

Her smile widened. “Best gift I could ask for. Wait ‘til your father hears. He’s gonna lose his mind.”

My dad, George Saunders—retired police commissioner, still spent his days hanging around the precincts. Old habits die hard.

Mama turned to Kelly, who was now sitting at the kitchen table, side-eyeing me like she had something to say.

“Kel, it looks like we’ll need to plan a big dinner for Christmas. Everyone’s going to be thrilled to see you, Mark.”

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