Chapter 20
Got You Covered
Sammy
As I sit at Black and Lock, after my morning hacker training, I take a deep breath to clear my head. Uncle Noah promised we could go downstairs for combat training as soon as he’s done with his cases and paperwork. I have enjoyed my time here.
Everyone has treated me as if I’m one of their staff members here to learn the ropes. I have done my best and stayed in the present as much as I can when they are teaching me. Uncle Felix has been patient with me and seems to know when I’m overwhelmed or when I can’t give him all my focus.
“You want to help me out after your break?” Uncle Felix asks.
“Yes, I would like that. Just give me five minutes to finish what I started.”
I have been using the notebooks Mom gave me to write down my dreams and visions, trying to make sense of them. I still don’t understand what changed with the lady with the blue eyes or why she’s coming back. What I do know is that she’s opening more doors that were closed, bringing my wrath closer.
Her actions will be the catalyst for me being soaked in blood. I haven’t seen why yet, but I have heard the words. I called Mom and Dad to tell them of this development. It’s not new—hearing things instead of seeing them. I was just able to explain it more this time when we spoke.
What I have seen are two weddings. Uncle Brooklyn and Auntie DJ are at both of them. They are the bride and groom.
However, I haven’t seen an alternate ending for Miss Onyx yet. I haven’t stopped trying and I won’t stop. There has to be a way to change it.
“Hey, what are you always writing in that thing?” Uncle Ryan asks as I sit at the desk that was assigned to me.
Uncle Braxton even made me a nameplate for my desk with my name on it. I liked that very much. I have kept my space clean and organized. Uncle Joe tells the others they should learn from me.
I have even helped to break a few of their cases and earned a commission from my work. This has been a great experience for me. I believe I analyze my visions better because of it.
Allowing me to decipher their meanings. Black and Lock has been good for me. Although I know I will have to return home soon, I like it here.
I work here during the mornings and get to hang with my friend Jordan at night. I can see why I will care about her so much when we are older. I have her by four years, but she’s smart and observant like her dad.
“It’s notes on my dreams and visions,” I reply as I look up at Uncle Ry.
“You don’t go to school? You’ve been here for what? A month. It’s about time you started getting a check around here. You let me know if you need representation. Child labor is illegal,” he says.
I knit my brows as I stare up at him. In my mind’s eye, I can see he’s messing with me and waiting for me to have a comeback.
“Someone needs to fix the paperwork you don’t do or don’t do correctly. Maybe you should hand over your paycheck to me. I would like a few new outfits since I can’t go back home yet and leave you here on your own without supervision,” I reply.
Uncle Ryan scoffs a laugh. He has a huge smile on his face as he pats my shoulder. I smile back, happy with myself.
“Oh,” Uncle Noah and Uncle Braxton croon as they laugh.
“Good job, Sammy. That was quick and sharp,” Uncle Brax says.
“Thank you.”
I go back to writing as today has been a day filled with tiny details. Many things that feel irrelevant and others that feel like I will need them to piece bigger things together later. I’ve been seeing keys all day.
They are color-coded and look as if they fit different locks. I have written down the colors I’ve seen and the order I’ve seen them in. I’m annoyed because today seems to be one of those days when I see in part.
That’s not always the case. I like days when I have fuller pictures. That helps me to understand more.
“Hey, kid, good news.” I look up at Uncle Wyatt as he stops before my desk.
“Hey, Uncle Wyatt.”
“I have something for you,” he says and places a manila envelope in front of me.
Picking it up, I then peer inside. I turn it over and a set of keys falls out. I then reach in and take out the papers.
I love it, Sammy. It’s so beautiful here.
My heart swells as I hear the words in my head. She will be happy with this one. Looking through the paperwork, I see everything is in order.
A huge smile comes to my face. California has been a success. It’s been a month. I believe I’m ready to head home. I have more friends to see.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. That place is a gem. The property values in that neighborhood have been on a steady rise. In ten, fifteen years, you’ll be able to turn a nice profit if you like.”
“No, not for this one. It will be mine. You have all done just what I needed. Uncle John, you will be a father again.
“You two will learn to push through the fear together and it will happen. Mena isn’t meant to be your last. The time just isn’t now.”
I then turn to Uncle Wyatt. “Be patient. She will pay for what she has done, but it has to be at the right time. She won’t taunt Auntie Nellie again. I have taken care of that myself.
“In three to six months, you will have the opportunity to make her pay and then you will decide if it’s worth it to you or not. I will give you the call with the green light when the time comes.
“Ignore me, and you will not like the outcome or consequences. You will cause Auntie Nellie more pain and sorrow.”
“For the next year, you’ll all want to do things as by the book as possible. They are watching and looking for an opening. John, this goes for you too.
“Anything you do here in California needs to be by the book. I will tell my father this. He will not compromise you or your family.
“Again, I thank you all for all I have learned. Thank you, Uncle Wyatt, for securing this property for me. Maldonado and I will take our leave in the morning. It is time I go home.
“Uncle Felix, I will be in touch for continued training remotely as you promised. Uncle Joe, take Auntie Cass on that vacation when Granny McGowan returns home. You both need the rejuvenation. Uncle Felix, I am ready to work; my break is over.”
Wyatt
My head is still spinning from this afternoon. None of us knew what to say after Sammy’s words. I damn sure had plans to make Kennlee’s life hell.
Come to find out, Nellie’s siblings and dad knew nothing about what she was up to. However, Sammy’s words have given me pause. The last thing I want to do is hurt Nellie in any way.
Pushing my thoughts aside, I pull my phone to send LaSalle a text.
Sammy just left with Ryan to have dinner with Carmen’s family.
Although my interest has been piqued by Sammy’s sudden interest in seeing Kiyoshi Matsumara-Nash and his son Ne, I need to let the kid’s parents know he wants to come home.
Me: He wants to come back. I will see him to our jet in the morning. Would you like to know what all he’s been up to?
LaSalle: No. I don’t think that’s necessary. He will tell me what he wants me to know. Thank you. I will cover the fuel for your jet, or I can have mine there by morning.
Me: Don’t even worry about it. Tack it on as another part of his birthday gift. We love that kid. He’s awesome.
“Holy shit. Ain’t that a bitch?”
I look up from my phone as Felix whistles at his computer screen. I move to see what he’s looking at.
“What’s up?”
“Sammy was right. We are being watched. It’s that task force LaSalle and Logan shut down. Apparently, someone hasn’t gotten the memo.
“And here I found out why you should hold off on teaching Nellie’s stepmom a lesson. Mr. Hamilton has stage-three cancer.
“Yeah, his wife has everything you planned coming to her, but I don’t think he was in on it. Sounds more like she’s been the problem for years.
“I don’t think Nellie would want this, not given how she lost Miss Nora. I’d wait out the kid and his green light.”
I flop down into the nearest seat. How could an eleven-year-old from New York know all of this? I’m flabbergasted.
“Well, damn.”
“What? What else is it?” I say.
“Guess who the head of the task force is related to?”
“I have no idea.”
“Nellie’s stepmom.”
Well, I guess that answers a lot. For now, that bitch gets tabled—only for now.