Page 22 of A Toxic Redemption

I took the can of gasoline and doused it all over the red and black furniture. With the way the paint was chipping and the floorboards squeaked, I was doing them a favor. Once I was done with the sitting area, I made my way to their rooms.

"Shit," I hissed when I got to what appeared to be KJ's bedroom.

The only thing in the room was a twin-sized bed and a small dresser. It wasn't the best-looking space, but it was cleaner than the front of the house. I quickly looked around and checked to see if there was anything of value in there, and it pissed me off that there wasn't. My baby didn't even have a decent wardrobe. Everything in here seemed to have come from a discount store. My son didn't even have the first toy in this muhfucka, and that pissed me off.

Deciding not to do anything to his room, I made my way further down the hall to the bedroom I assumed Kaine and Miashared. For a moment, I just stared at the bed. Flashes of them came to mind, and I was enraged. Like a Tasmanian devil, I tore every inch of that room apart. From pictures of them on the wall to mirrors holstered on the dresser, I smashed everything in sight. Going into their closet, I frowned at the things I saw. There were designer clothes all in here, but there were hardly any for women. Kaine was always a selfish nigga, and it looks like that hasn't changed.

As I poured gas from wall to wall, something at the top of the closet caught my eye.

"Life comes at you fast, my boy." I simpered as I opened the medium-sized duffle bag stuffed with cash. "Give me my shit, bitch."

After also finding a small keepsake box that held some of KJ's things, I poured the rest of the gas through the house and prepared to make my exit. Going back out the same way I came, I stepped onto the porch and took one last look at the raggedy ass shed for a house.

"Too bad you two weren't home," I spoke as I struck a match. "I was going to send you bitches right where the fuck you belong."

Flicking it toward the front door, I watched the house become engulfed in flames for a few moments before I made my way back to my truck. I placed the bag of money and KJ's belongings inside before I hopped back into my ride and left the area. What I did was going to have a domino effect, but I was ready for it. Kaine wanted to start a war, and I was going to finish it.

After returning to the main highway, I reached into my cup holder and retrieved my phone.

Me:Make sure you're face down, ass up when I get there. I want to drown while I eat that pussy from the back.

After responding to Lucky, I placed my phone in my lap and smirked as I turned up my stereo. My mind was clearer than it was moments ago. If Kaine wanted to beef with a nigga, I was going to bring the heat, literally.

CHAPTER

SIX

KHALIL

"Good morning. May I help you?"

Walking into the office of Monarch Project and Development, I was taken aback at how nice it looked. The marble floors shined, and everything looked brand new. For the past few years, my father has lived a few towns over, and this is my first time visiting this place. Until now, I've never had to.

"Um, good morning," I greeted the receptionist as she eye fucked me. I'm not sure what she saw because a nigga was dressed in a pair of Levi jeans and a hoodie, but I could tell she wanted to rip it off a nigga. "I'm here to see Ceaser Mitchell."

"Ceaser, huh?" She leaned over the counter, making her breasts sit up to her fuckin' chin. She was a pretty older lady, but she needed to relax. A nigga wasn't about to fuck her and get the worms or some shit. "Are you sure that can't wait? You don't want to talk to me instead?"

"Ma'am." I chuckled as I stuffed my hands in my pockets. "If you don't go get that nigga, I promise you that I have something tucked in my waist that will put holes all in these muthafuckin' walls." I smirked as the smile on her face dropped. "Tell him Khalil is here to see him."

Hurriedly, she began typing on her keyboard as she picked up her phone and paged him. She asked me to take a seat and wait for him to be with me shortly.

I nodded and told her thanks as I looked around the lobby. Plaques hung along the walls with his many accomplishments and contributions to the community over the years. One that stood out was his donation to a local housing authority. I won't lie and say the shit wasn't dope because it was. I wanted to build a center of sorts for similar kids, so I commend him on the work he's done. Too bad that same time and effort was never put into his own child.

"Khalil."

Turning around, I was face to face with Ceaser. Draped in a suit that I'm sure was expensive, the man looked like money. Extending his hand out to me, I was hesitant for a moment before I accepted. Yeah, I know we recently shared moments, but I still wasn't fucking with this nigga because of how he did my mother and me.

"I'm happy to see you. Come follow me." He turned and led me past the front desk. "Cherise, hold my calls and visits until my son leaves."

"Y-yes, sir," she stammered, smiling as best as she could. "If you guys need anything, let me know."

Chuckling, I shook my head and followed my father to what I guess was his office. As I walked inside, even that shit looked dope. It was nicely decorated in black and gold, with an enormous mahogany desk in the middle of the room. The floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city are what I liked the most about it. There was a small kitchenette and what appeared to be a bathroom located inside here as well. Glancing around the room, I appreciated the boss appeal it showed, but what caused me to pause in my tracks were the framed photos on the wall.

"The fuck?" I mumbled as I walked to get a closer look. "I know damn well this ain't—"

"Yeah, it's you up there." He chuckled as he came and stood beside me. "I was never too far from the major milestones in your life."

I had no words as I looked at the wall and took in all the photos of me from over the years. From the time he held me when I was born, to my kindergarten graduation, to my first school dance, to my high school graduation, and everything in between. This man really had me plastered all over this muhfucka, and I didn't know how to feel.

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