I got right down to business. “I found someone to be trained for our operation in the Midwest. If we continue to keep things the way they are, we will continue to see our profits diminish. Obviously, no one is taking Kon Li seriously. My recommendation is already familiar with the work, he learns fast, he’s hungry, and you wouldn’t have to worry about him double-crossing the operation.”
“Why wouldn’t he double-cross the operation? What stakes in our organization would he have?”
“First off, he’s not built like that. He has morals. He understands and lives by our code. Also, there’s me. There is a small bond between him and me. Or should I say, more of an unspoken bond.”
“Sounds as if you are pretty familiar with this candidate. And I must admit, you have me curious.”
“I only ask that you give him a fair chance, Father. And don’t hold his past against him.”
“So, you are vouching for him?”
“I am, but I have some conditions.”
“Who is he? Tell me.”
“Trae Macklin.”
My father swiveled in his chair, turning his back to me.
I stood up and went over to my father with my head and my voice low. “Yes, I do still have feelings for him. With him under your wing, you can make sure he is the man who is fit for your daughter. Father, I rarely ask you for anything. So you can grant me this one request.”
He spun around to face me, with the look of disappointment evident on his face. “You can’t be serious. You almost lost your life because of this man. We lost one of our most trusted soldiers, who was also my friend and most trusted confidant, because of him. And have you forgotten that the man is married? Charli, I’m going to ask you to rethink this. Not only is your suggestion absurd, but you are asking me to groom him so that you can marry him? Charli, he is already married. And if he wasn’t, I still would never even consider such a thing. This man is beneath you.”
“Father, have you forgotten that you owe me one? And you gave me your word, remember? Your honor is all that you have. Keep your word, Father, or disgrace the honor of this family.”
My father laughed. “I owe you? And me bring disgrace to the honor of this family? Little one, have you forgotten that I built this family? You are only here because of the work of these hands.” He held both of them up for emphasis. “And now you want me to honor a thug?”
“Father—”
“Your judgment is clouded, little one. And that explains the stunt that you assigned Yao to. Never do that again.”
“Father, I can explain. It was supposed to be her car, with her and her kids in it. She killed my baby. Why do hers get to live?” I tried to assert myself.
“Charli, Charli, Charli. Leave me now.”
I wanted to plead my case some more but decided against it. I obviously had bad timing. But I was not done with this. My father owed me, and this was how he was going to repay me. Whether he liked it or not. I was in love with Trae Macklin and I wanted him to be a permanent part of my world. And this was my way of getting one step closer. I stood, bowed, and walked out.
TRAE
It was seven thirty in the morning, and I had been out walking for an hour, trying to clear my head. I had left Jaz and Faheem in Atlanta. I told Faheem that he was hot, and he needed to wait a while before he made any moves. He agreed but admitted that it was going to be hard. I know that I wouldn’t be able to just chill either and let none them muthafuckas breathe. But I know from past experience that when you move on emotions you fuck up. His head isn’t clear and he needs to calm down and think this thing out. The police in the A is a lot different from the ones up north. They will crawl up your ass with a microscope until they get whatever they want to arrest and charge you with.
Tasha was mad at me because she lost the last argument. Marva and Kyra were still at the hotel, but I made Tasha and the kids go to the other house. She was walking around pissed. However, I really didn’t give a fuck.