Page 115 of Cannon
“This is Cannon Price,” Riot said, clapping me on the shoulder. “He’s looking for something special.”
The salesman’s eyes lit up as he assessed me. “Of course. Any particular model you had in mind, Mr. Price?”
I wandered through the showroom, letting my fingers trail along the hoods of Bentleys, Maseratis, and Porsches. Each one sleek and powerful in its own way. But none of them felt right.
Then I saw it in the corner—a Black Range Rover Autobiography, sitting like a panther ready to pounce. Something about its commanding presence spoke to me.
“That one,” I said, nodding toward it.
The salesman followed my gaze and smiled. “Excellent choice, sir. The Range Rover Autobiography is our top-tier luxury SUV. Supercharged V8 engine, 557 horsepower, full Meridian sound system, massage seats…”
As he rattled off specs, I circled the vehicle, taking in the aggressive stance, the blacked-out trim, the massive wheels. This wasn’t just transportation. This was armor.
“It’s a good choice,” Riot said, nodding approvingly. “I got one in white. Smooth ride, bulletproof reliability.” He paused, smirking. “And the ladies love’em.”
I thought about Queen sitting in the passenger seat, her long legs stretched out, that rare smile on her face when she thought no one was looking.
“I’ll take it,” I said, cutting the salesman off mid-sentence.
“Wonderful! Would you like to take it for a test drive first?”
“No need.” I already knew it was right. “How soon can I drive it off the lot?”
The salesman blinked, clearly not used to such decisive customers. “Well, we can handle the paperwork right away. Financing options?—”
“Cash,” I said flatly.
Riot laughed beside me. “Told you my man was serious.”
While the salesman scrambled to process everything, Riot and I waited in a plush lounge area with leather chairs and complimentary espresso.
“So,” Riot said, studying me over his tiny cup. “You never answered my question about legacy.”
I sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to drop it. “I’m thinking about it.”
“What’s to think about? You got skills most men dream of. Strategic mind, leadership, discipline. You could build something real.” I let the words sink in. Legacy. Queen’s face flashed through my mind, the way she looked at me like she saw something no one else did.
“Yeah, you right,” I finally admitted, running a hand over my close-cropped hair. “I’ve been fighting this shit for too long. Holding onto grudges that ain’t serving me.”
Riot’s eyes widened slightly, like he hadn’t expected me to give in so easy. “For real?”
“For real. I’ll join the board.” I leaned forward, my mind already racing ahead. “And I know exactly what my first project’s gonna be.”
“Let me guess…something to do with that club owner of yours?”
I nodded. “The bed and breakfast upstate. Queen’s dream. I’m making it happen.”
“Damn,” Riot laughed, shaking his head. “You gone soft over this woman.”
“Nah, I just know what matters now.” I met his gaze. “Time’s too short to waste it.”
He extended his fist and I bumped it with mine, a silent understanding passing between us. For the first time, I saw something in him I recognized, a reflection of myself in another man’s eyes.
“Listen,” Riot said, his voice shifting to something more personal, “Allure and I are having a dinner party this weekend. Small thing, just family and a few close friends. You should come through, get to know everyone better. Meet your niece.”
I hesitated for just a second, the idea of “family dinner” still foreign to me. But I nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be there.”
“Good. Bring Queen.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but the salesman returned with a folder of papers and a key fob.
