Page 101 of Maceo

“Nah, this is perfect,” I said, thinking hard. “She just killed her partner. That’s one less person we have to worry about. We know she isn’t staying in the farmhouse. I say we take out her men on the ground. That leaves her open with no protection.”

“Maceo, the woman literally got herself off as she killed a man. I don’t think she’s worried about having protection.”

“Maybe not, but you heard her. She’s still trying to move shipments, and she can’t do that shit by herself.”

“True, but we don’t know who else is working with her.”

“What did Pops always tell us? Cut off the head, and the body will fall. If we take out her muscle, she’s gonna show her weakness. We have to draw her out.”

Jaeda sighed. “I guess we need to talk to Daddy and get a plan together.”

“I’m on it.”

I pulled out my phone and sent a message to the family group chat. I finally felt like we had something solid. All we needed was an even more solid plan. Whatever it was, the end result would be the same.

This Charity, Quinn bitch had to go.

“Do I look okay?”I asked Maceo as I smoothed my hands over my dress.

Tonight, my parents and my brothers were coming over for dinner. I’d been on a mission all day to make sure everything was perfect. I’d cleaned the house from top to bottom. I had groceries and fresh flowers delivered. I’d even cooked everybody’s favorite foods to soften the mood. My nerves were on ten.

“Baby, it’s just your parents.”

“I know, but they are so mad at me right now, Maceo. They’ve been disappointed in me before, but they’ve never been this upset.”

“They are only upset because they love you, baby. It’s been a little over a week. I’m sure they’ve had time to process things, and they’ve calmed down by now.”

“What if they haven’t?” I wrapped my arms around myself, attempting to self soothe. “What if they make me choose?—”

“They won’t.” Maceo came over and pulled me into his arms. “You’re my wife. They’re your parents. There is no choosing, and they know that. Everything is going to be fine. A little rocky? Sure. But it’ll be okay.”

He cupped my face and pressed his lips to mine. I could only hope that he was right. I missed my parents. My little brothers texted or called me every day since the wedding incident, to make sure I was okay. The most surprising thing was them telling me they understood why I kept such a secret. They also made sure I knew they loved me and that they supported me.

The sound of the doorbell ringing broke our kiss and took my already fragile nerves up a notch. Maceo grabbed my hand and led me out of the bedroom and downstairs. I took a deep breath as he opened the front door. Standing there were my parents and brothers. Kilow and Damaris smiled as they stepped in first to slap hands with Maceo, then hugged me.

“Hey, sis,” Kilow said, damn near lifting me from the ground with his hug.

“Hey, baby. I missed you guys.” I kissed his cheek, then Damaris.

“We missed you too.”

“Whatchu’ got to eat?” Damaris asked, rubbing his stomach. “I’m starving.”

I rolled my eyes. “That’s nothing new. Go on in the kitchen.”

He and Kilow slid around us, leaving us with my parents. I swallowed hard as I met their gazes.

“Mama. Daddy.”

I was hesitant, but I stepped up for a hug since it was the way we always greeted each other. I gave a sigh of relief when they returned the embrace.

“Y’all come on in,” Maceo said, stepping aside. “Shar’s been anxious to see you all day.”

My parents remained quiet as they stepped into the house and headed for the kitchen. I fought back tears because I hated this feeling. There wasn’t much that made me cry, but these people would get me every time. Maceo wrapped an arm around my shoulder and kissed my temple.

“I’m right here with you, love.”

“I know,” I said faintly.

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