Chapter 3
“So what’re we looking at?” Kannon asked, puffing on his cigar.
“Everything is set up to start distribution with the vamps.” KJ began.
“To kick things off professionally, I suggest we host a blood drive gala to announce the new collaboration. It’ll give us a good look to be collaborating with another non-profit that is dedicated to the community.
Phoenix has already done the paperwork on the backend to get things set up and make an announcement at the gala. ”
“When are we looking to host the gala?” Kannon said, twirling his cigar between his fingers in deep thought.
“Next weekend. Shipments will be sent out that following Monday to his camp for distribution to the society. We’re scheduled to do a follow-up check shortly after,” KJ reassured his father.
Kannon nodded his head because he liked what he was hearing. Since things have been piling up on his end with Washington Freight, he knew he could trust his eldest son to handle business.
“During the gala, we’ll also have a booth for blood donations.
Prior to the gala, every attendee will be screened to ensure they’re not infected.
Mom will put together shipments to distribute the testing kits.
” KJ cleared his throat as he continued, “A silent auction will be set in place to increase profit margins on the backend. If things pan out the way they need to, we should be closer to our financial goal. I’ll be getting together with Lyndon this afternoon to discuss numbers more in depth. ”
“Good job, son,” Kannon said as he patted KJ on the back. “You’re holdin’ it down makin’ sure things are running smoothly. I like that.”
KJ held his head up with pride. “Thanks, Pops.” He smiled and took a seat.
“Twins,” Kannon directed his attention to Sage and Salem. “I need y'all there at the gala to keep an eye on Phoenix and his crew. Although it’s been a few weeks, I still want to make sure he’s doing his part. No slick shit. We have too much weight on this operation for slipups.”
Salem and Sage nodded at the same time in understanding of their father’s request.
“I know you two still have the responsibility of watching after his daughter. So Sage, I want you to continue keeping an eye on her. Salem, keep eyes on Phoenix and the other vamps that will be there. I need you to pay attention to how they move,” Kannon continued.
“Got it, Pops,” Salem and Sage said in unison.
Kannon and Lyndon sat in the dimly lit office of the Washington Freight warehouse, the atmosphere tense with unspoken words.
Kannon poured two glasses of bourbon, handing one to Lyndon before settling into his chair.
He sat back and swirled the bourbon in his rock glass, his eyes fixed on the swirling liquid as he got lost in his thoughts.
Lyndon took a sip, his gaze steady on Kannon. “You’ve been quiet about the blood operation. What’s on your mind?”
Kannon sighed, taking a sip of the amber liquid in his glass. “I’m hesitant, man. Working with vamps–it’s not something I ever wanted to do. You know that.”
Lyndon nodded, understanding the weight of Kannon’s words. “I remember. The incident during our pledging...”
Kannon’s eyes darkened at the memory. “Yeah, that night changed everything. If you hadn’t been there, I don’t know what would’ve happened. That vamp almost took me out.”
Lyndon leaned forward, his expression serious. “I get it. That night was rough, but you can’t let that define your view on all vamps. I’m a hybrid, remember? I have the human in me to keep things in check. We’re not all the same.”
Kannon took a deep breath, trying to push away the haunting images of that night. “I know you’re different, Lyndon. But those full-blooded vamps, they lack self-control. It’s hard to trust them.”
Lyndon placed his glass on the desk, leaning back in his chair. “You’ve built this empire on trust and loyalty. You’re nervous about opening your arms to vamps, and I get that. But you’ve got to see the bigger picture. This operation is crucial for our future.”
Kannon rubbed his temples, the stress evident on his face. “The guys aren’t going to be with it. They’ve always known how I feel about vamps.”
Lyndon’s eyes flashed with determination. “Since when did you give a fuck about what any man thinks? You’ve always led with your own convictions. This is no different. You need to show them we can control the situation, that we’re not bending to anyone.”
Kannon stared at Lyndon, the tension in the room palpable. “You think we can pull this off without things going south?”
Lyndon nodded confidently. “I do. You’ve got me, and I know how to handle this. The human side of me gives me the restraint and understanding that full-blooded vamps lack. We can make this work, Kannon. But you need to trust me, and trust that this is the right move.”
Kannon took a long sip of his bourbon, considering Lyndon’s words. “I’ve always trusted you, Lyndon. You saved my life once, and you’ve always had my back. Maybe it’s time I let go of the past and look towards what’s to come.”
Lyndon smiled, a hint of relief in his eyes. “That’s all I’m asking for. We’ve got a good thing going, and with the gala coming up, it’s the perfect time to show everyone that we’re united and ready for whatever comes our way.”
Kannon nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. “Aight. Let’s do this. But if anything goes wrong...”
“It won’t,” Lyndon assured him. “We’ve got this.”
They clinked their glasses together, a silent agreement passing between them. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Lyndon by his side, Kannon felt a renewed sense of determination. Together, they would navigate the challenges and ensure the success of the operation, no matter the odds.
“You ready?” Sage said, straightening her collar in the full length foyer mirror.
Sage never misses a chance to turn any event into her own personal runway.
Amongst her and Salem, she's undoubtedly the most sharp.
Tonight, she wore a sleek wine-colored embroidered blazer with black lapels, paired with slim-fit black suit pants that accentuated her toned legs.
Her white button-up shirt was neatly tucked into her pants, with the top two buttons left open to reveal her gold chain and neck-to-chest tattoos.
She admired herself one last time, turning side to side to make sure her look didn’t miss a beat. “Hair up or down?” she asked Salem as he entered the room.
“Okaaaaay, Rico Suave!” Salem hyped her up. “High bun. Let the look speak for itself.”
Sage nodded as she took the hair tie off her wrist to pull her locs into a high bun. She grabbed her double-sided club brush off the foyer table to tame her shaved sides so they remained fresh for the night.
“Can you put these in for me?” Salem asked.
“Okay bitch–serve!” Sage said, hyping him up as she took cufflinks from Salem.
Salem has a fearless approach to both life and fashion.
Vibrant colors and striking patterns are his signature style.
Unconcerned with fitting the occasion's norms, he aims to make a statement wherever he goes.
On this occasion, he sported a velvet teal suit paired with a black silk button-up shirt, slightly unbuttoned to reveal a glimpse of his chest. Similar to his sister, he adorned a matching black chain, perfectly complementing his rich chocolate skin tone.
After completing their outfits, they hopped in Salem’s all-black Maserati and headed to the gala. A few minutes down the round, Salem got a call on his car Bluetooth.
“Hey Pops, what’s up?” he answered.
“Where ya’ll two knuckleheads at?” their father scolded them, growing impatient. “I told y’all to be here about forty-five minutes ago.”
“Um, you know we had to…” Salem tried to draft up a lie.
“Don’t worry. We’re...” Sage cut in to save him.
“Fashionably late, as always, is what you are.” You could hear Kannon roll his eyes through the phone. “Get with Felix when you get here.”
Before they could respond, the call ended. One thing their father hated was their incessant need to be late. Kannon learned to plan ahead because time doesn’t wait for the Washington twins.
Upon arriving, they were greeted by a valet concierge who took their keys at the door. They rushed inside, and Sage dialed Felix to find his location.
“What’s up, Sage?” Felix’s deep voice chimed into the line.
“Sup Felix?” Sage responded. “Pops said to meet up with you. What’s your location?”
“I’m in the back office.”
“Aight, we coming,” Sage ended the call, and they headed that way.
Salem and Sage greeted Felix as they entered the office.
“Have a seat,” Felix prompted as he sat behind the desk preparing small ear mics for them to wear. “Your father wants ya’ll to be mic’d up tonight in case anything happens.”
“What’s going down tonight?” Salem raised an eyebrow in skepticism.
Felix pushed Salem’s locs behind his ear as he slid the small earbud in and clamped his mic inside of his collar to go unnoticed.
He leaned over and whispered in Salem’s ear, “You know that’s above my pay grade, right?” Salem’s cheeks grew warm.
“Well, you know I can upgrade you whenever you’re ready.” Salem looked over his shoulder and smirked.
Felix smiled, showing his gold plated teeth. “I’ll keep that in mind.” He winked as he ran his hand down his full beard.
“Alright you two,” Sage said, breaking up the flirt fest. “Back to the reason why we’re here.”
“Right,” Felix cleared his throat. “Kannon wants ya’ll to stay tapped in for tonight. Report if you see any crazy shit.”
“Bet,” Sage said, nodding as Felix mic’d her up next.
“You’ll need to let your locs down to hide your earbud and mic,” Felix said.
On the way out of the office, Sage bumped into Salem playfully. “Why don’t ya’ll just fuck already?” she laughed.
“Girl, you know he’s trade. I’m not getting into that mess,” Salem said, flicking his hand in the air. “Plus, I enjoy keeping niggas on their toes.”
“Mhm,” Sage walked off, leaving Salem in his lies.