Chapter 9
Nine
Andre
My heart beats faster the longer Tinsley stays out on the porch.
My men held them at the gate as long as they could, but it seems Grandpa is in an episode and does not want to go with her.
What I need is Tinsley inside and safe, because the people about to climb out of that car would cause her stress, and that is the last thing she needs right now.
“Tinsley, Grandpa is good to stay. I need you inside right now,” I snap harshly, not to do anything but snap her to attention and get her moving.
“Okay, Andre,” she says, her tone letting me know I’ll pay for that tone later.
My heart rate slows as pride fills my chest because every time she doesn’t fight me in public and allows me to lead, I know she is perfect for me and the family. I just have to convince her we’re a perfect match. She walks through the door and closes it behind her, not saying another word.
“What’s the plan, Boss?” Bryce speaks quietly so only I can hear him.
“Fuck if I know. They showed up out of the fucking blue. At this point, Kingston is pissing me off, and it’s time to remind him who the fuck we are,” I growl, rage scorching my soul at the blatant disrespect of what he just did.
The back door is thrown open, and out steps Otis, looking around as if he is searching for something.
Coming around the back of the vehicle is Kingston with a matching glare on his face.
I don’t move from my place on the top step, standing with my hand behind my back, glaring down at them.
We all stand there sizing each other until Silas stands from his rocking chair and goes inside.
“Mind explaining why you just showed up at my home with no warning?” I snap, already done with his shit.
“If I recall, I did reach out to you and even talked to your second, letting him know we would be coming to see you,” Kingston shrugs like him being here happens every day.
“You see, context matters, and the last you told Vito was that you would come for a visit and would be in touch with a day and time. Since then, you and your misfit haven’t been in contact at all. So again, why are you here unannounced?” I demand.
Kingston sighs. “You're right. It was disrespectful, and for that I apologize. Between this deal not going so well and the fact we’re still looking for that wayward sister of ours, we’re just a little antsy.”
“Regarding the deal issues, you can call and set up a time to come by and discuss them. Your wayward sister isn’t my fucking problem. Now leave my property and reach out when you’re ready to be fucking respectful,” I throw out before turning to go back inside.
“Andre, please.” Kingston steps forward. “Just hear me out.”
I stand with my back to him, trying to decide if I want to entertain them or continue being an asshole.
“We need to get this shit straightened out,” Bryce murmurs. “His brother needs to get fucking gone. I agree with Vito. He needs to be put down like a rabid dog.”
“Kingston, you can come in and meet me in my office. Otis, you can stay right where the fuck you are and hang out with my man Bryce here,” I call over my shoulder.
Otis’s words stop me in my tracks. “I’m going to be looking for my sister. I know I saw her go into the house as we were pulling up.”
I spin, gun raised. “I don’t give a fuck who you are or who your goddamn family is. I will put a bullet in your head if you ever disrespect me ever again. If you want to have an in-person meeting and speak about your concerns and your sister, it will do you well to keep him in check.”
Kingston stands there with a glare on his face. “Otis, you’re going to stay here. Do not do a damn thing.”
“Fuck you, Kingston. You're fucking weak, just like our fucking father. I should’ve killed you along with him and our mother. That way I would be running things, and my doll would never have gotten away,” Otis shouts, glaring at Kingston, and pacing in front of him.
Kingston stands there with a look of complete shock at his words. “Otis, what the fuck are you talking about? It was an accident.”
Otis lets out a humorless laugh. “Are you fucking blind and stupid? Do you really believe that?”
The door behind me bursts open, and before any of us can react, Tinsley has blown past us all and is down the stairs, in Kingston’s face.
“I fucking told you he killed them,” she screams. “You told me I was crazy and making things up because I was a child. I tried to warn all of you he was going to hurt everyone if he got sent to away to school. I fucking told you.”
I take the steps two at a time to reach her before she slaps him. Both Otis and Kingston are so stunned by her sudden appearance that neither of them moves, giving me the time I need to get Tinsley behind me and Bryce in front of us both with two guns, one each, pointed at the men.
Otis moves towards us, screaming, “Do not fucking touch her, you disgusting motherfucker. She is mine, and I’m going to kill you for touching her like that.”
“I’ve never been yours. I’m his damn sister, and it's fucking nasty,” Tinsley’s tone is so quiet and deadly that even I pause. “Why Otis? Why did you take them away from me?”
Otis stops moving, and a satisfied look crosses his face. “I told you if you defied me and locked your bedroom door or told father anything that I would. Have I not always done exactly what I told you I would?”
Tinsley presses her front to my back before she speaks. “You’re right. You did exactly what you told me you would. Now it’s time for me to return the favor.”
She moves with such ease and efficiency, pulling the gun from the holster at my back and shooting Otis right between the eyes.
His eyes go wide right before he drops to the ground dead.
I turn, pulling the gun from her hand, passing it to Bryce before I sweep her up in my arms as she sobs into my chest.
“I’m going to get her settled and then I’ll meet you in my office,” I drawl over my shoulder as I walk away.
“Andre, can I say something to my sister?” Kingston calls at my back.
I stop walking and look down at Tinsley, who just nods her head. “You have a single minute.”
Kingston comes around me and places a hand on her head. “I’m sorry, Tins. I don’t know if you’ll ever be able to forgive me, but I will work every day to earn your forgiveness. I’m so fucking sorry.”
Tinsley just nods against my chest, then I walk away, taking her up to my bed. I lay her in it, pulling the throw off the end and over her.
“I’m going to meet with Kingston, but I’ll send the new nurse up to check on you and bring you some food.” I whisper against the side of her head.
“Where did you bring me?” she murmurs, her eyes nearly closed.
“You're in our bed—in our bedroom,” I state matter-of-factly.
A small smile spreads across her lips. “We still have so much to talk about and decide on.”
“We will. Rest for now, and then once I’m done talking with Kingston we can talk about things.” I kiss the side of her head before I make my way across the room to leave.
“Andre?” she calls out.
I stop walking and turn to look at her. “Yes, Tesoro?”
“I want to talk with Kingston before he leaves,” I tell him.
“You got it. Now rest. You’ve had an eventful couple of days.” I turn, leaving to get some fucking answers, finally.