Page 70 of Love & Vendettas

I make another call.

“Z, what’s up, big bro?”

Parker didn’t know who my real estate connection was, but it was my little brother, one of the twins, Aspen.

“You saw the news?”

“Yeah. What the fuck is going on?”

“I don’t know, but I’m getting to the bottom of it. In the meantime, I need a favor.”

“Let me guess. You need an estimate?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ll wait until everyone clears out before rolling through.”

“Aspen, you don’t have to do this yourself. You can send someone to roll through for you.”

“You’ve got me fucked up. You’ve sacrificed so much for us, Z. I can never begin to repay you. But when small favors like this pop up, I’m always happy to drop in and do my part.”

“Thanks, my guy.”

“Any time. I’ll holler at you when I get ready to head over.”

“Thanks.”

We end the call, and I call Zechariah.

“Hey, where are you?”

“At the ball court with Zayn. Getting ready to get some hoops in with a few friends.”

“Listen, I need y’all to play some shit close.”

“Wassup, OG?”

“I need you and Zayn to head back to the house. Call a few of your cats over and shoot some hoops there. Roll shit by me before you make any moves.”

“Word? It’s like that?”

“Yeah.”

“A’ight. You know that whining ass middle son of yours is gonna complain.”

“Put his ass on the phone.”

“Aye, Zayn!” I hear Zechariah shout. “Phone.”

I wait a few seconds before Zayn comes on the line.

“Hey, Dad. What’s up?”

“We’ve got some problems in these streets, and I don’t know where they’re coming from. I need you and your brother to head to the house. Make sure your mama, li’l brother, and auntie are good.”

“Their detail is there, Dad.”

“Yeah, but I don’t trust shit the way I trust family. Besides, y’all can shoot hoops at the house.”

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