Prologue #2
“All we know is that the infection can be detected in the bloodstream. And we don’t know how or what it is.
Without knowing what’s going on, how can we even decide whether or not we can continue business as usual?
” Kaliyah let out a deep groan in frustration.
She was on the verge of wanting to scream.
The OneHeart Donation Center was her baby.
Back when she was an RN, she did everything she could to save the lives of her patients.
Even after retirement, she still wanted to be involved in the community in any way possible.
“I know, baby, I know.” Kannon stood behind Kaliyah, rubbing her shoulders, hoping she’d release some stress as she dropped her head to the table.
They both were distraught. Not knowing what moves to make or where to even get answers drove Kannon insane.
He always was ten steps ahead, but this was all unexpected, putting him in a bind.
The last thing Kannon needed was his operation to flop.
OneHeart wasn’t only Kaliyah’s baby, but it was the source of how he washed his money to hide his dealings.
On one hand, he understood Kaliyah’s fear about losing the center to continue helping her clients, and on the other, his main focus was ensuring that things remained consistent to cover his tracks.
Kaliyah lifted her head from the desk and took a sip of her merlot, leaving her pallet dry.
She stared into the glass as she swirled her wine, hoping it could drown out her thoughts and worries.
“The hospitals are tied up with this virus. The last thing they are checkin’ for is blood donations.
With their hands being tied up and no donors showing at our door, it may be time to put things on hold for..
” before she could finish her statement, Kannon interrupted.
“Baby, you know we can’t do that. We just cut a big deal in the operation and the last thing we need is to have to make a big decision like that in the midst of it.”
“Well, what is it you suggest then, huh?” Kaliyah was unconvinced. “I know you have an operation to run, but there’s no other way. Our hands are tied.”
Kaliyah was well aware of the business Kannon was running under her nose.
Although she married a man in the cartel, she wanted no parts.
She just wanted to run her center and fulfill her dream of helping patients in need of blood donors.
The passion within her ran deeper than the money laundering scheme Kannon was pulling.
Kannon walked around the desk to face Kaliyah.
“I need some time to figure things out. Give me a few days.” He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.
“It’s gonna be alright, shug. Let me handle this and then I’ll let you know what the next move is.
The last thing I want you to do is worry your pretty little head off,” he said, grabbing her chin and pulling her in for a kiss.
He looked her in the eyes, searching for her trust. Kaliyah relaxed her shoulders and smiled.
“Alright, Mr. Washington. Do what you gotta do.” Kaliyah winked. She stood up and leaned over the desk to take Kannon in for another kiss. Before their lips could reunite, Kannon’s pocket buzzed.
“Hold that thought,” Kannon said, placing a quick peck on her lips.
Kannon pulled his phone out of his pocket and read the name Don. “This is Don,” he said. “I gotta take this. It may be about…” He didn’t finish. Kaliyah shooed him off with her hand, permitting him to leave the room.
“Handle your business,” she said. Kannon kissed her hand as he placed the phone to his ear, mouthing, I love you.
“What’s up, my man?” Kannon was shocked to receive this phone call after not hearing from his brother in weeks. “It’s been a minute.”
“Not much,” Lyndon began. “You know, I just got back in town from taking Serena to Bali.”
“I know she loved it, man,” Kannon chuckled. “Serena has been talking Kaliyah’s head off about that trip since y'all been back.”
“It was definitely much needed. You know, after having babygirl, me and Serena needed to get back to us,” Lyndon said, smiling through the phone.
Serena was the apple of his eye, his wife, his confidante.
There was nothing he wouldn’t do for that woman.
“How you been though, man? I’ve been anticipating coming back to the office.
I got an opportunity for you I wanna chop it up about. ”
“It’s been a lot on my end, Don. You know, since the outbreak, money with the center has been looking funny. We may need to do a little clean up.” Kannon sighed deeply as he ran his hand through his gray curls.
“Yeah, man. I think I got something that’ll change all that and bring in some money to the center to keep business as usual.
” Lyndon was going to wait until he got back to the office to bring up cutting a deal with Phoenix, but now was the perfect time.
With everything going on, this’ll be a deal Kannon can’t afford to lose.
“Aight, let’s hear it,” Kannon was anxious to hear the offer. Lyndon’s call was hopefully the answer to both his and Kaliyah’s prayers.