Page 107 of River & Crown
"You heard me."
"I did, but I don't get it."
"The dad's side don't ever get time with the kid. They're the ifno one came to see you Otiswas a person."
"Nigga, what?" This time she laughed hard as hell, causing me to smile. Syn was good people, and knowing we were somewhat at odds didn't feel right. "I swear I hate you."
"You love a nigga. That's why you've been in your feelings."
"No, I'm in my feelings because of how you came into my brother's house and treated me like the enemy. We've been through too much for you to think I'll willingly let someone come into Ember Hills and step on your toes."
Even though she couldn't see me, I nodded my head.
"You're right but look at shit where I'm coming from. A Mancinelli came to collect money and started talking about someone trying to fuck up what I have going on in a city that's run by you and your brother. If I was supposed to hear that shit from anyone, it was supposed to be from you."
"Lynx should have been the one to tell you. He handles shit out here. Niggas answer to him, but he didn't know someone wanted to set up shop. Didn't you have someone rob one of your spots seven months ago?"
"Yeah, we shut things down after Wolfe got married and went out of the country."
"And let me guess, Lynx knew nothing about that, either?"
"None of us did. The nigga who opened the trap did so, thinking he'll make the boss proud," I told her.
"I'm not telling you how to run your business, but don't count anybody out. Wolfe and Honor are your brothers. They'll die before they betray you, but everyone else needs to be fair game. Snakes don't hiss loudly. They move quietly, and slither where the grass feels safe and like home."
"Damn, Syn, you fucked my head up with that one." I sighed, tugging on one of my braids. I needed my shits done over. I thought Four might've been up for the challenge, but when I got home last night with her food, she was knocked out.
"I'm just saying keep your eyes open... especially with the ones you think are solid."
"Nah, I hear you. Lowkey that's some shit Honor might've said if his head wasn't in the clouds."
"Honor distracted? Nahhh!"
"This type of shit happens when you get into a relationship. Find someone your mean ass can tolerate, and you'll see," I joked.
"Nope, I'm fine being lonely. I like my peace too much. I've been meaning to ask, who all is supposed to be at this meet?"
"Shit, the regular people. Me, Honor, Wolfe, and Choyce. I'ma have Rize and Lynx stay at Four's party to keep an eye on shit."
"How is she doing?"
"Nah, who the fuck am I on the phone with?"
"Will you stop? I know what she means to you. You mean a lot to me, so I care about her... kind of." She laughed, knowing that shit was a lie.
"Yeah, ight, she's good though. Still trying to figure out what happened with her car."
"I had a job recently out in Jersey. Shawty, I caught my mark with was a racer. She told me a new team's been making noise on the racing scene."
"Get a name for me and I'll float it by River."
"I got you."
"Ight, I'll see you Saturday. Make sure you bring a card and money to the party."
"Bye, Crown!"
Hanging up, I left my phone on the couch and stood up to wake Four. I reached the steps, then stopped when I heard her coming down the hallway. It took her a little while to descend the stairs, but when she did, I stepped back, allowing her to fully come down.
