The Black Sheep, Part 2: Greed (The Seven Deadly Kins #4)

Chapter Twenty-Five

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

The Bible and the Floorboard

D id you know that fortune cookies were invented in Los Angeles, California? Have an amazing day! Genesis Caldwell.

Grandpa Wilde read the strange writeup on his phone and shook his head. He had no intention of sending the young woman an email, telephone call, or one of his friendly visitors—he simply wanted to delve deeper into her background.

He sat in his garden after a long morning meeting with some of his investors. Business discussions. He glanced back down at his phone and smirked. What a strange woman. Word had gotten back to him that Roman had recently got engaged to a very attractive lady who worked a rather ho-hum, low paying job. A dental hygienist for a highly rated dental office. She wasn’t destitute, per se, but there was nothing remarkable about her, with the exception that she was definitely a head turner. Nevertheless, the woman appeared, at least on paper, to be quite intelligent, was easy on the eye, and came from a decent family. Parents still married. Big brother who was a Marine and owned a coffee shop. Nothing strange or out of the ordinary.

He had his suspicions about how the two had met, though some of that information couldn’t be confirmed. Apparently that brother of hers was Roman’s friend going back quite a long time. Odd of him to mix business with pleasure. She’ll make robust babies, he thought to himself as he sized up her body. I see a lot of awards in high school for spellin’ bees, debate team and such. Stint in gymnastics, too. Strong. No children or marriages. Looks like she dated some celebrity at one point, too. Everyone has something going on… She couldn’t possibly be this squeaky clean.

He’d been provided with her social media footprint. She had a ton of friends and associates; seemed to enjoy life, too. The thing was though, the woman had a strange knack of writing long-winded posts and providing useless facts that led to even longer conversations about said information. She used big words, and people were actually interested in her drivels. Two hundred Likes here, fifty comments there. From that standpoint, he couldn’t see what Roman saw in her, but then, it dawned on him…

Roman’s mother, Bonnie, was like that, too.

Grandpa smiled as he took a seat next to large, flat stones being used to create a new pond. It was a chilly day in Houston, yet sunny and not a cloud in the sky. He decided to give Roman a call. Perhaps this time, the son of a bitch would pick up and respond.

Roman answered on the second ring, sounding a bit out of breath. Perhaps he was fucking? Fucking to the sounds of ‘Rocky Mountain Way,’ by John Walsh? That’s what he heard booming in the background until it faded into a whisper.

“It’s the crusty, decrepit worm from SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom. What do you want?”

“Worm? Looks like I caught me a fish… I have somethin’ to say.”

“Well, at least that makes one of you. Someone, due to you, can’t talk.”

“…And I wish that someone was you . Be quiet. Firstly, I’m sick and tired of your shit, little boy. I’ve been more than patient. And let it be known, you are the one that forced my hand in reference to your father. Blame yourself for that. I love my son… but there’s consequences. No one is above Wilde law.”

“Ohhh, this oughta be good! And just how did I manage that, huh? How did I force you to have your own damn child attacked behind bars?” He heard tinkering and water—a bit distracting.

“Your father threatened me before his unfortunate fight in prison. Told me in no uncertain terms that if I didn’t leave you alone, he’d have me fixed.”

“And you would have done the same if you were in his shoes, you damn hypocrite.”

“Oh no, boy. Let’s jog your memory. You assaulted me in that restaurant. It was only fair that you be punished, and he as well.”

“You popped up in a place you weren’t invited, interrupted my business dinner, and tried to blackmail me. You got what the hell you came there for. I should’ve choked you the fuck out and not gave a damn.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way.” He shrugged. “We can call it even and start afresh.”

“We can’t ever get back to square one, we can’t ever be even Steven, we can’t ever be right as rain again . That bridge is burnt down to the motherfuckin’ ground. That’s your son, you piece of shit! He still can’t talk, and he may never again do so on account of you. You aren’t a real father. No wonder my dad is all fucked up in the head and resorted to drugs. Look who raised him?”

“Your father had all the finer things in life, was offered an education and all that comes with being a Wilde. He squandered it, ran behind his mama’s coat until she died. He was a spoiled brat who couldn’t take the pressure of hard work. Proverbs 10:31 states, ‘The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.’ He threatened me with that same tongue. And now, those vocal cords are paying the price. I cautioned your father over the years. He didn’t heed the warning, and now, the consequences have come home to roost. Your time is running out.

“I will let you know where we will meet for you to sign your contract and do what was requested of you. It may be here at the compound, or elsewhere. You will know soon. If you do not do as stated, Roman, per our agreement, your journal will be turned over to your supervisor, and I will ensure that the casino also knows about your little evening of fun, so they can possibly file a civil suit.”

“I don’t know anything about a journal.”

“That little game of yours can only take you so far. We both know you’re bluffing, and you’ll lose. Oh, and though I found it interesting how you’ve killed quite a few people who’ve gotten in your way over the years, I find no reason to try and pursue that.”

“I don’t know about any killings, but how thoughtful of you.”

“Oh, let’s not play coy. There was someone in the Marines who disappeared… There was that guy that your brother, Jordan, owed money to, who threatened to kill him. He suddenly disappeared, too. Then there was the father of that little girl where you used to live, whose folks said he was molesting her. It went to court, he admitted it, and got a slap on the hand. Tsk. Tsk. He vanished, too. You lived right next door. Now, you didn’t say it was you, but you mentioned these incidents, and funny how you were always a stone’s throw away. It seems the majority of the homicides were rightfully earned, Marine. You did some of your famous magic tricks, and made these folks disappear.” He chuckled. “I knew you weren’t afraid to exact a bit of revenge. You are a Wilde, after all. Nevertheless, if this information regarding the theft of a lifetime gets to the wrong people, it’ll ruin your life, Roman.”

“Ruin my life, huh? Wow. Ya don’t say. I have some paint to watch dry. Anything else?”

“You can pretend to be calm, cool and collected all you want. We both know you’re a greedy bastard who prides himself on having complete control. Things are out of control right now. Completely out of control—but they can be right on track, if you do as you’re told. If you try and test your luck, I fucking guarantee you, you slick, smarmy bastard, that you’ll lose your money due to losing your job and being required to give restitution. Oh, the lawsuits that will roll in! One after another! Some of them fake just to get a dig at the millions you have! And knowing you the way that I do, you won’t be in a marrying mood after all of that. The one woman who made you, the playboy of the century settle down, will be gone with the wind. Congratulations on your engagement, by the way.” He stroked his beard as he thought about his grandson’s gorgeous lady. “You have fine taste. Genesis… the first book in the Bible…”

“Is this the part where you send my cousin Sam after her? The one who is still in physical rehab last I heard, after Kage and Lennox strung him to a tree and tore his ass up?” Roman laughed.

“Oh no… I’d never do such a thing. Do you know what the book of Romans is about? The one that is in the Bible, boy?”

“I sure do, so you don’t need to—”

“I know your mama took you and your brothers to church every now and again, but you’re not a believer like me. See, the Good Book says in the book of Romans that God’s virtue is divulged through the blood of Jesus Christ, delivering salvation and redemption to all who believe. All of us are sinners and fall short of God’s grandeur and glory, son. It’s our faith that keeps us grounded to God, you see? Jesus’ death and resurrection provide everlasting life. So, understand that God forgives you, as long as you believe, child.”

“Well, that’s funny ’cause I believe in God, but not in Santa Claus. I believe in good and evil, and I believe that a bullet to your head would be far too nice. Your time is comin’, Grandpa.”

“Yes, it is. And your time is coming, too. Since you are a man of faith after all, then I suggest that you better believe in what I’m saying to you because if you don’t, I’m gonna getcha… and getcha good!” He laughed. “If you don’t fall in line, I’ll make you fall to your knees and pray that God takes your soul before I find you.”

“Grandpa, I’d rather be fastened to the back of a NASCAR driver’s race car while he drags my bare ass and nuts on hot asphalt down a track going 200 mph on a road covered in broken glass, than work for the likes of you. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve enjoyed this little Bible study lesson with you this evening. It’s amazing how many Bibles are apparently handed out in hell, making it easier for you to obtain one and read about yourself when Lucifer is discussed. Did you break your leg when you were cast out of heaven? That’s the reason for your cane, ain’t it?” Grandpa laughed at that, then shook his head. “Also, just a little reminder, a good Marine has no issues taking proper instruction. Ain’t shit about you proper though, and you ain’t my boss, my mama, my God, my daddy, or my woman, so ain’t a damn thing you can say to me to make me fall in line, fall to my knees, fall for your bullshit, fall back, fall to pieces, or fall from grace.”

“That’s a lot of tough talk for a dead man walkin’. Maybe your Genesis, your perfect little tooth fairy that God created in seven days and crown-molded from your rib, knows of your sordid, shameful past?”

“That was cute.” Roman chuckled.

“Perhaps she does not. I saw she is a member of the African American community.”

“And you’re an affiliate of the Kiss My Ass Club for trolls. Not just a member, but the president. You’re a demonic specimen featured in the book of Repulsions and Revelations. Since you want to discuss race, and the Word and glory of God, let’s talk about you and all of your moral splendor. What’s your point?”

“Well, it just seems that my grandsons have a taste for chocolate as of late, is all. It’s amusing.” He grunted. “That’s fine, I suppose. Nothing wrong with a bit of black pepper in the soup. Besides, this Genesis gal has a stellar reputation. I doubt she’ll want it destroyed by the likes of you. No criminal record, barely even a parking or speeding ticket. Either way, the shit will hit the fan if you make me pull down my trousers, then turn the blower on top speed. If I do, it’ll be full blast and have no off button.”

“Well, in order to receive a full refund, you must return that faulty fan to this address: 123 Fuck You Plaza, at the corner of Deeze Nuts, and Sleeper Hold Lane.”

“Roman, as always, it’s nice to chat with you. Make sure to send your mama some Ozempic and my regards, and tell your father, Helen Keller, to speak now or forever hold his fucking peace.”

He hung up and turned up the music on his battery powered radio. Jimi Hendrix’s, ‘All Along the Watchtower.’

What a truly beautiful day to be alive…

Roman looked at his phone and slid it on the floor beside him. Grandpa had hurled more threats, but this time, put a little bit more funk on it. He went back to working on Mama’s sink. After a few minutes, he’d managed to contain the leak. She’d need a couple of parts, he figured he’d swing by the hardware store and grab them, but he would handle that in a bit. The most pressing matter was stopping the seepage. Toby approached him, a little green ball in his mouth. Roman smiled at the tiny dog, rubbed his head, took the ball and hurled it into the living room. Toby went after it as fast as his little legs could carry him. He got up, washed his hands, then downed a cup of water. When he had his mind right, he picked up his phone and re-read Daddy’s email. Off he went down the hall towards Mama’s bedroom.

The door was closed. He wondered if it was locked, too. He looked at it for a second and couldn’t recall too many times entering that dwelling without knocking first. Daddy had drilled that into him, and his brothers. When he got a little older, he realized it was because the lock never worked quite right on it, and they were probably in there doing things that would make him go blind if he saw it in action. He chuckled at the thought of it and opened the door. There in the middle of the room with the wooden walls that mama refused to part with, was a big, canopied bed. It had about a million pink and white pillows on it. In the corner was a case full of old dolls, only these didn’t look creepy.

Perhaps because Mama had them dressed in bright clothes and turned towards the window—not making direct eye contact. On the walls were photos when he and his brothers were children, all the way into their high school years. There was her wedding photo with his stepfather, Ronald, too, and Mama’s strawberry pie that had gotten first place in the local paper about ten or so years ago. As he neared the area Daddy mentioned in his email, he suddenly felt a heavy weight on his soul. His face dripped sweat, and his brain went white. He clung to a pole of the bed, his imagination getting the better of him. Toby suddenly appeared, the ball in his mouth again.

He pet the dog in a halfhearted way, removed the moist ball from his mouth, and threw it, but only this time, perhaps because he was still holding onto the bed and trying to make out what was happening to him, it hit the door frame instead, then rolled onto the ground, right back towards him. Toby looked mighty underwhelmed and disappointed. He, on the other hand, was in awe. He removed his phone from his pant pocket once again, and read his father’s email.

Roman,

Thank you for the money in my bank account. That was mighty generous of you. I’m still in this recovery facility but due to return to the reformatory in three weeks. I put a retainer down on an attorney for the assault and lack of action by prison staff. Everything has to be in writing now. I don’t have much hope that I’ll get my voice back. If I think about it too much though, I’ll want to use. A relapse is out of the question right now. The therapist said with my specific injury, some of it should have come back by now but it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. I haven’t written your grandfather and don’t plan to right now. There’s honestly nothing for me and that man to talk about. I thought about what you said at the hospital.

I thought about your phone call to me the other day, too. I listened. I promise I did. You knew I couldn’t respond, but I listened to every word you said, son. Thank you for everything. For loving me when I wasn’t worth loving. I know you said that you’re working on getting out of this mess with my father, but I want to help. That’s why I told you to go to your mother’s house. I have never given you much in life. I rarely had any money. I didn’t teach you well by example, either. I tried to be a good father, but more times than not, I failed. I drank too much, used drugs, and cheated on your mama. Jordan is having a hard time of it, and so is Dakota. All three of y’all have grievances against me, and I earned that resentment.

I can’t change the past though, Roman. I’m lucky to have such amazing children. I don’t deserve any of you. Not even the little baby girl, your older sister, Bella, who passed away only a few days after birth. I thought about how you said you asked your mother and girlfriend to pray for me, and you prayed for me, too. That brought tears to my eyes. Son, I finally have something to give to you. Something that can help you. I had a journal too.

It wasn’t written down, but you could see it with the naked eye. When your mama and I bought that house you and your brothers grew up in, and she still lives in with that fucker that stole her from me, one of the floorboards was bad. I fixed it, but not before hiding something beneath it. Something I kept in case I needed it, and as a reminder for myself, a reminder of something horrible that affected my life forever. I told you about the floorboard previously, but here are the final details. It’s in a brown paper bag, and inside of that bag, is a letter that I wrote to myself. That letter is in an envelope and is taped to a VHS tape.

I was planning to use it for my own needs, but you need it far more than I do now. Get the tape and the letter, put the floorboard just as it was, and read the letter after you watch that tape in the privacy of your own home. Tell no one where you got it. Use it at your discretion. You will find it on the fifth board from the left side of the bedroom. A small dark stain shaped like a heart.

I love you,

Daddy

Roman swallowed, slipped the phone back into his pocket, and looked at the green ball sitting there on the floorboard Daddy had described. Fifth board over, small dark stain shaped like a heart. He dropped to his knees, as if in prayer, and began prying at the wood with his bare hands but couldn’t find the weak spot. He pounded, pulled and tugged. He screamed and cursed. After a few minutes of this, he hopped up, ran to the kitchen, and returned with one of the tools he was using for the kitchen sink and pried it little by little until the board popped up just enough for him to see beneath it. There, underneath the wood plank, was an old brown paper sack. The kind used to wrap around a liquor bottle. He grabbed it, and the worn paper rattled in his shaking fingertips.

Toby came over and sat beside him, as if sensing he needed comfort. He removed the old, dusty tape from the bag, and pulled out an unlabeled VHS tape. He ran his hand over it… wondering what in the world could be recorded on it. He flipped the VHS tape over, and there attached to it, was an envelope with what appeared to be a letter, taped to it, too. Just as Daddy had said. He gave everything a onceover, but didn’t open the envelope, per Daddy’s instructions. A few minutes later, he’d placed the floorboard back, grabbed Toby’s ball and he and the dog left Mama’s bedroom, closing the door behind him…