Chapter 27
Blood, Baptism, &legacy
“Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.”
I said as I sat in the confessional at the chapel. I never confessed my sins out loud because I would never let another living soul know everything I’ve done.
I killed my father… and all of my brothers.
Truthfully, they deserved it.
But who am I to take a life I didn’t give? That’s why I repent. I may be a sinful, dangerous man. I forgive, but I never forget. Justice will always be served—whether I take it into my own hands or leave it to my Lord.
After my confession, I stood and saw my nietos walking into the chapel. They looked too clean, too innocent for the life waiting on them. I walked over, kissed each of them on the forehead, and we took our seats to listen to the priest’s homily.
I looked toward the altar as the priest said,
“Lord God, I believe in your power to raise me to new life. I have already begun to experience your eternal life through Baptism. Teach me each day to share more deeply in your life, in the life of your Son, and in the life of the Spirit.”
I knew the message about new life wasn’t meant for me. It was for my grandsons sitting beside me. The abundance they were about to step into would change their lives forever.
When Mass ended, I took them to my warehouse. I had unfinished business with one of my former workers—the man who tipped off the policía.
My grandsons stood quietly in the back as I walked toward the naked, filthy man tied to the chair.
My assistant stepped forward, taking my jacket before removing my dress shirt, leaving me in my white T-shirt and dress pants.
I stared at the man.
“So… you snitched on me.”
He said nothing.
“And then my people caught you in the act of sleeping with an underage girl.”
I paused, waiting for a response.
Silence.
“I guess you can’t speak. That’s fine. Listening is what makes a good student.”
I paced slowly in front of him, speaking to him as if he still had a chance to live. In reality, my Lord and Savior knew this man had already signed his death certificate the moment he opened his mouth about me.
I grabbed him.
“This is for that little girl.”
Children are off limits.
I mutilated him before stepping away.
My assistant handed me a towel, and I calmly wiped my hands clean.
Then I removed his tongue.
“Loose tongues destroy lives.”
I tossed it aside before looking at my men.
“Put him in the retort. Send his ashes to his family… along with my condolences.”
Without another word, I walked upstairs to my office. My grandsons followed.
I washed my hands in silence.
“Tell the girls to get dressed. I’m sending the driver to bring them over. Tonight we’re having a family dinner.”
Then I texted Clover an address.
“Tomorrow morning, when you leave here, go there. You’ll be pleased.”
Donny pulled out his phone. I assumed he was calling Junebug, the young woman who reminded me so much of the amazing Rudy.
“Lovebug, get dressed. Papi’s sending a driver. We’re having dinner with my grandfather.”
By the time we arrived at the house, Scarlet, my chef, was already finishing dinner.
She had prepared baked chicken, potato salad, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, fresh biscuits, and had sweet tea delivered from my favorite vendor.
I made sure she understood that tonight was about spoiling my grandchildren.
When dinner was finally ready, the girls arrived looking beautiful in matching beige knitted outfits.
The thick one immediately slipped Clover’s jacket off his shoulders before checking him from head to toe like she was his wife instead of his girlfriend.
I smiled to myself.
She wasn’t intimidated by him.
She cared for him.
I could already tell she was built for this life.
We all sat together around the table, laughing, eating, and enjoying one another’s company like a real family.
Junie had fire in her soul.
Donny had a gentle heart.
She would become the fire he needed whenever life demanded strength.
After dinner, I kissed each of them on the forehead the way a grandfather should.
“Go back to the villa,” I told them. “Pack your things. Tomorrow begins a new chapter.”