Page 64 of All's Fair In Love & War

I turned the screen so he could see. “Control. The system touches everything under the south corridor. Once the contract clears, we can move our product under the city without interruptions, eyes, or rivals watching our every move.”

Khalil studied the plans. “It’s too clean. They’re gonna dig.”

“I’m ahead of them. I’ve got three companies standing in as subcontractors. They’re all clean and all under fake ownership. The city won’t look past the paper trail, especially once the feds start matching grant money.”

He looked up at me. “You serious about this?”

“I am. This is something I want to put my name on. I’ve put in the work for years for the family, and now I want to do something for myself. I want to give my wife and future kids something built off my vision. Something that’s ours.”

Khalil nodded slowly. “Who’s the holdout?”

“Councilman Rosario. He’s dragging his feet. I need him leaned on.”

Khalil didn’t hesitate. “You want pressure or persuasion?”

“Whatever gets it done. I want that bid.”

He gave a short nod. “I’ll make a call tonight. You’ll have your yes.” He then paused for a moment as if thinking things over once more. Then, he asked, “You sure this is worth the heat? People will come for something this big.”

“Let them. I’m not building it for now. I’m building this to last.”

Khalil nodded again.

“I need you to keep an eye out for private investors.”

“I had a feeling you were gonna go through with this, so I put eyes out for them already,” Khalil replied like the know-it-all he was, a slow, mischievous grin stretching across his face. “If anyone outside our circle tries to sneak in through a third party, I’ll handle it before it becomes a problem.”

That was exactly what I needed to hear. Khalil was a strategic monster, and I had no doubt he would make sure this deal went through without interruption.

I sat back, satisfied. “This project is big, Khalil. I had a lot of time to think during those months I was down after I got shot. I need this.”

“That’s why I’m making sure no one gets in your way.” He said as he stood and adjusted his Rolex. “Give me a week, and this deal will be locked in without a single obstacle.”

“Make sure of it.”

Khalil reached the door, pausing just before stepping out. “I will. This is gonna put you on another level. Just make sure you’re ready for what comes with it.”

“I was born ready,” I replied, staring him directly in the eyes, my gaze never wavering.

Khalil chuckled, shaking his head as he left. “I don’t doubt it, big bro. Not one bit.”

“Thank you. It’s good to know you still have faith in me.”

He paused at the door, smirking. “You might make questionable decisions when it comes to Tatum, but every player fuck up sometimes. I’d be no better than our enemies if I switched up on you just ‘cause you went after what your heart wanted. You know that ain’t my style. Loyalty over everything, tender dick ass nigga.”

“Fuck you,” I spat, laughing under my breath as he walked out.

Almost immediately after, Chachi, my secretary, spoke over the intercom, “Sir, Mr. Jayce is on the line. Should I put him through?”

I pressed the button to reply and picked up the phone all in one motion, “Put him through.”

“Yes, sir. I’m putting him through now,” Chachi said before the line clicked, signaling she’d pushed him through.

“Boss, it’s Jayce. I tried your cell a few times, but it kept going to voicemail. Apologies for the interruption, but Mon said you texted wanting an update on your wife's whereabouts.”

I did. Tatum turned off her location hours ago. That alone told me she didn’t want to be found, and possibly doing something she had no business doing.

I didn’t like being in the dark about anything.

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