Chapter 18
We were sitting with the rest of the family at the big house, waiting for my father to get here. Jaeda had already broken the news of her findings to him, and he was pissed, to say the least. He’d already dug into my ass about it, but in the next breath assured me that we were going to handle this shit. I was just ready for it to be over.
The team wasn’t handling David’s death well, and there was still no sign of Zeno. I’d even had Jaeda track his location, but she came up with nothing. The last hit she got on him was from days ago, and right around the time David was killed. I couldn’t help but to think he was gone, too, and we were just waiting for a body to fall.
“This nigga just been doing the most this year,” Steel said, breaking me out of my thoughts. He slapped my shoulder with a grin. “Trickin’, secret missions, now he’s getting married.”
Shar had already called Salima first thing this morning to tell her about our engagement. She told my brother, and, of course, he told everybody else.
“I knew you were gonna follow in Deuce’s footsteps,” Smoke said. “Ol’ simping ass muthafucka.”
“Y’all leave him alone,” Jaeda defended, hugging me. “I’m happy for you and my girl.” She kissed my cheek. “She’s gonna make a beautiful bride.”
“How did you propose without a ring, Maceo?” Mia asked. “I would have said no until you came correct.”
“Who would you say no to?” I fired back. “You don’t have a man.”
“I could have had a man if you, your brothers, and y’all’s daddy wasn’t cockblocking at Mama Steph’s wedding.”
“No, the fuck you couldn’t have,” Deuce snapped. “I’m just getting used to my mama being married. You and Jaeda ain’t about to run my blood pressure up.”
Jaeda scoffed. “How did I get into this!”
“’Cause I know your ass is still looking at niggas online. Didn’t I tell you to stop that?”
“Stanley, I’m grown, and you are not my daddy. Didn’t I tell you that?”
“You’re getting beside yourself, lil’ bit.”
Mia jumped to her defense. “Don’t talk to my sister like that.”
“Shut the hell up!” My father’s voice boomed as he walked into the room. “Every time y’all get together, you start all that damn arguing. Zip it.” He took a seat at the head of the table. “It’s time to stop the babbling. We have business to attend to.”
Everybody gave him their undivided attention. I sat with my head down. This shit was really fucking with me. Jaeda reached over and grabbed my hand. When I glanced at her, she gave me a soft smile.
“Chin up. We all make mistakes.”
I squeezed her hand and lifted my head. I did make a mistake, and I was man enough to own that.
“All right,” my father said. “By now, you all know what’s been going on. Seems like one of us may have a target on our backs, and you know how I feel about that. It’s family over everything. I don’t care what your opinion is. I don’t give a fuck about your thoughts on the situation, we protect our own by any means necessary.” He looked to me. “Maceo, I’ve made arrangements to take care of David’s funeral. His family will be compensated.”
“Thank you, Pops.”
“Don’t thank me just yet.” He refocused his gaze on the table. “Jaeda, tell them what you found.”
Jae ran down the information she’d already shared with Shar and me about the whole black-market operation. Everyone listened attentively. Every so often, I could feel all eyes on me.
“The good thing is, they don’t know what we know about them,” Jaeda said.
The good thing about Jaeda being the tech in the family, was nobody knew about her skill set. Without her, we wouldn’t be able to do half of what we did undetected. It wasn’t a secret she was a Dillinger, but she was the least suspected of us all. If I’d had her on my team, we probably wouldn’t be in this shit right now.
“I’ve had Quame taken care of,” Pops said nonchalantly. “Quinton too.”
“Damn, Daddy,” Smoke said. “How did you get on that so quick?”
“Money talks, son. I might not be as active in the field anymore, but I’ve got eyes and ears everywhere. If you thought I wasn’t putting a nigga in the dirt over mine, you thought wrong.”
Jaeda took over again. “The problem is still Blane and Charity. I’m still trying to figure out how she’s tied into all of this, but I know for certain he’s the head nigga in charge.” She turned to me. “I’m sorry about your friend, Maceo. I checked the traffic cameras at the time of the shooting and cross-referenced that with his location. He was there. A white van pulled up in front of him, and when the doors opened, the shooter opened fire. He didn’t have a chance to run, react, or anything.”
I sighed. “Anything on Zeno?”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry. There is a missing person’s report out on him. My connect down at the police station will keep me on standby if they hear anything.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
My father spoke up. “All right. We don’t know how many people there are in this little operation—what chances are if the boss is here, the minions are not far away. This goes without being said, but stay strapped. We are not moving like some bitch ass niggas that are afraid to take a bullet. We’re moving smart. Maceo, you and Shar need to lay low.”
“Um…. that may be easier said than done,” I said, scratching the back of my neck. “We’re getting married.”
His eyes widened. “Since when?”
“Last night.”
“He proposed without a ring, Daddy,” Mia revealed.
My father shook his head. “She should have said no.”
“Shar isn’t like most women. My lady likes spontaneous shit. She knows that when I present her with a ring, it’s going to be the best of the best. My jeweler is already on standby, and I’m headed there after this.”
My father smiled, and I think it was the first one I’d seen in days. “Well congratulations, son.”
“Thanks.”
“I guess we need to get this over with sooner rather than later. You have a wedding to plan. I’m sure Sharina wants something extravagant.”
“Actually, she wants something small and intimate.”
They all looked at me, then at each other and laughed.
“Shar?” Deuce said. “Small and intimate? That doesn’t even sound right.”
“Don’t do my girl like that,” Jaeda said. “I’m sure whatever y’all plan will be beautiful, Maceo.”
“The question is, have you asked Mr. Paul’s permission?” Smoke asked. “You know that nigga has a couple of loose screws. He might shoot your ass.”
“I’m gonna swing by and talk to him today,” I confirmed.
“Good,” my father said. “It might sound sexist, but it’s different when you have daughters, and she’s his only daughter. Whatever man Jaeda and Mia end up with better ask for permission to take my babies.”
“I’m getting married in secret before y’all can scare my husband off,” Mia declared.
“We can still scare him off,” Steel told her. “Marriage ain’t nothing but a piece of paper. Yo’ nigga better come correct or come up missing.”
Mia stuck her middle finger up at him, and my father laughed. “Mia needs a man that’s just like y’all so he won’t be a pushover.”
She frowned. “Ew! I don’t want a man like any of them. He should be sweet and wholesome?—”
Steel cut her off. “Oh! So you wanna rule over him? Got it.”
They started arguing, and all I could do was shake my head. I got up from the table and dapped my pops so I could leave. He walked me to the front door and out to my car.
“I’m sorry about this shit, Pop,” I said, sincerely.
“No need to apologize now, man. What’s done is done. We’re gonna take care of this problem and move on. I hope you’ve learned your lesson about why we don’t work with outsiders anymore. It’s very, very rare we let anybody infiltrate our circle for this very reason.”
“I get it. I’m done with that shit.”
“Listen, if you want more responsibility, I’ll let you split running point with Deuce. You have to know you are his right-hand for a reason, Maceo. Remember that when you feel like you are disposable.”
I nodded.
He pulled me in for a hug and kissed my temple. “I love you, son.”
“I love you too.”
“Now, go get my daughter-in-law her ring. It better be a nice one too, nigga.”
I grinned. “Only the best for my baby.”
We dapped each other again before I climbed in my car and made my way to the jeweler’s.
“Oooo, what about this one!”
Salima pointed at a beautiful ring with flawless diamonds in the center display case.
“Let me see that one, Enzo,” I said to my jeweler.
“Now that’s a nice one,” he said, opening the case. “Vintage. Three carats. I’d cut you a nice deal on this one.”
He pulled the ring out and handed it to me. I inspected it carefully. It was definitely top of the line and one of a kind. When I turned to Salima, she was giddy with excitement.
“You think she’ll like this one?” I asked.
She nodded as she took the ring from me and slipped it on her finger. “I think she will love it. It’s not too big that it would weigh her finger down, but it’s definitely a conversation piece. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
“I actually designed this one myself,” Enzo said.
She gasped. “Really! You do custom pieces?”
“All day, every day. Just tell me your vision, and I can bring it to life.”
She smiled and looked at me. “I’ll keep that in mind when I ask your brother for jewelry.”
I shook my head. “Here you go. I’ll take it, Enzo.”
“Great. Just let me polish it to give it that extra shine, and I’ll box it up for you.”
“Bet.”
Salima went to slip the ring off, and the smile dropped from her face.
“What?” I asked.
“I can’t take it off.”
“Whatchu’ mean you can’t take it off?”
“I can’t take it off! It’s stuck!”
“Dammit, Salima. How am I?—”
She laughed loudly as she slipped the ring off and handed it to Enzo. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Don’t have a cow.”
“You play too much, woman.”
Enzo chuckled. “Give me a few minutes.”
He disappeared in the back, leaving us alone.
“I can’t believe you two are getting married!” Salima said excitedly. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you, sis.”
“I remember when Shar first admitted she liked you for more than a fuck. She was a little afraid you didn’t feel the same way.”
“Yeah, she told me that. The whole time my ass was falling in love.”
I’d been in slight denial about our relationship for a little bit. I’d convinced myself we were just a lil’ friends with benefits type of deal, but it was clearly more than that. I spent most of my free time with Shar. I brought her around my family, and I went around hers. I paid her bills, bought her shit, and gave her spending money. We were out here doing relationship shit without a title.
I didn’t do that.
It didn’t take me long after that to realize I’d met my best friend. The fact that I had no qualms about doing anything with or for her let me know I was feeling her more than I admitted. It was only natural to make her my lady, and I asked her at the most random time.
We were sitting in her living room where she had me taking her braids out so she could wash her hair. My damn fingers were cramping up because she had these little ass braids, and we’d been at it for what seemed like hours.
“Yo, you bet not ever get shit this small again,” I fussed.
She laughed. “You volunteered to help me.”
“That was before I knew what a job it was.”
“You have sisters. They’ve never made you help take braids out?”
“Hell no. That’s why they have their mamas.”
“What about your little bust downs?”
“Bust downs don’t get this type of treatment.”
“I must be special then.”
“You ain’t no bust down.”
She looked back at me. “Then what am I?”
I thought for a moment. “I guess you can say you’re my lady.”
“You guess?” She turned all the way around and looked at me. “That’s how you ask me to be your woman?”
I reached out and cupped her chin. “I fuck with you, Sharina. Truth be told, I fuck with you and only you. I know we said we’re just having a good time, but I enjoy being with you. If I’m being honest, I look forward to it. You haven’t been just sex … ever. I don’t know how you would feel about it, but I want you to be my lady. Only mine.”
She searched my eyes for a moment before breaking into a smile. “If you agree to only be my man. I fight bitches, so don’t have a ho coming to me on some woman to woman shit over you.”
“Never that, love.”
“Good.” She rose to her knees between my legs and wrapped her arms around my neck. “Then I’m yours.”
I smiled at the memory.
Enzo returned with the ring, and after picking up a few more things, I paid for it, and Salima and I left the store.
“Just so we are clear,” Salima said, as we hit the street, “I’m glad you’re giving my girl a proper proposal.”
I chuckled. “I know. Everybody said she should have said no without a ring.”
“I can see that, but you and I know Shar. All that matters is you’re doing it now, and I get to be a part of it. I’m on my way to the office now. I’ll see you later.”
“Later, sis.”
She started to walk to her car but came back and hugged me. “Thank you for loving her, Maceo. That’s my sister, and her happiness means the world to me and Darlyn. I love you for taking care of her heart.”
“I love you too.”
She kissed my cheek and rushed off to her car as I climbed into my own. Settled inside, I pulled the ring box out and opened it. I looked down at the vintage three-carat diamond engagement ring in my hand with a smile on my face. I was confident that Shar was going to love it. She was always complimenting my grandmother on her ring and had stated several times that she would love one similar. I’d dropped a cool fifteen grand on this baby, but she was worth it and more. The more came in the form of a matching earrings, bracelet, and necklace set for her to wear on our wedding day. That was another twenty bands.
Tucking the jewelry bag into my center console, I cranked up the car and pulled out of the parking lot to head for the Gladden house. I was a little nervous to ask for Shar’s hand in marriage, even though she had already accepted my proposal. We agreed not to tell her parents until after I spoke to them.
Shar didn’t know it, but I already had a real proposal in the works. Salima was in on the whole thing. I’d gotten up early this morning and went over to talk to her about it. Needless to say, she was excited and happy to help. I knew Shar didn’t mind the proposal she’d gotten, but every woman deserved that special moment, and I was going to give her hers.
I hated to feel like we were rushing shit, but this whole thing with Blane and Charity was slightly unsettling. Speaking of that bitch, it was time to put her ass out of the hotel. I’d already put in a word with Kelly to terminate her ass. If she was working with this nigga, she didn’t need my money, anyway. I’d never hated a bitch more than I hated her right now. The crew and I had risked our lives to save the group of people she was found with, and for her to possibly be the opp pissed me off.
I dialed the hotel’s front desk number and waited for the line to pick up.
“Thank you for calling The Cardinal. This is Tracy. How may I help you?”
“Tracy, it’s Maceo Dillinger.”
“Mr. Dillinger, how nice to hear from you. What can I do for you?”
“I have a guest in room 756. I need their stay terminated and for them to vacate it immediately.”
“Oh… okay. Just let me double check.”
I could hear her clicking away on the computer for a few seconds before she spoke again.
“Um… it looks like Ms. Lynn checked out about a week after you checked her in.”
“What?”
“Yes… what was that?” she asked someone in the background. “You should have gotten an email receipt. Maybe check your spam. My co-worker said she left with a gentleman.”
“One with a scar on his face?”
She relayed the question. “Yes.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
I hung up, frustrated that this bitch was now in the wind. There was nothing I could do right now, so I guess it was just a waiting game. Shaking the thoughts from my head, I went to the side of town where Shar’s people lived. Fifteen minutes later, I swung my SUV into the driveway and got out, shoving the ring box into my pocket. The garage was up, and Mr. Paul was sitting in his favorite recliner, watching a football game on his flat screen and smoking a blunt. Just from the smell, I could tell he was smoking the weed I’d given him for his birthday.
He looked up at me, giving me a head nod. “What’s up, nigga?”
“Ain’t nothing.” I dapped him. “I see you over here, lit by yourself.”
He grinned. “This is some good shit.”
“I know.”
The side door opened, and Ms. Cicely walked out with a sandwich, chips, and a beer. Kilow and Damaris strolled out behind her.
“Hey, Maceo,” she said, handing him the plate and offering me a hug.
“How you doing, Ms. Cicely?”
“I’m good, baby.”
“What’s up, bruh?” I asked, dapping Kilow and Damaris.
“Ain’t nothing,” Damaris answered. “Dad, we’re about to go play ball at the courts.”
“Be back before it gets dark. Y’all know how those fools get as soon as the streetlights come on.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kilow looked up at me with a grin. “You seen my lady today?”
“Boy, get your ass outta here.” I playfully slapped the back of his head.
He was never going to let me hear the end of my little sister liking him back. He laughed as he and his brother ran out of the garage.
“What brings you by?” Ms. Cicely asked.
“I uh… I wanted to talk to y’all about something.”
They looked at each other, then at me. Mr. Paul set the plate down, then pulled his wife into his lap.
“Speak on it,” he said.
“Well, y’all know how much I love Sharina. That’s my baby. I can’t picture me without there being an us. I um… I wanted to ask?—”
“Oh my God!” Ms. Cicely squealed, covering her mouth. She slapped her husband’s arm. “He’s gonna ask to marry her!”
“Well, let the nigga get it out, baby,” Mr. Paul said, chuckling. “Go on, Maceo.”
“I did want to ask for your blessing. Shar would be in good hands. She already has everything she could want and need, and she’ll always be protected and taken care of. I hope that you can trust me with your daughter because I want her to be my wife.”
Mrs. Cicely started crying as she stood to hug me. Mr. Paul stood as well and pulled me into a hug.
“All right now,” he jested. “You take her, you can’t bring her back.”
I chuckled. “I wouldn’t think of bringing her back. Once she’s mine, she’s mine until my eyes close.”
“Do you have a ring?” his wife asked.
I nodded as I pulled the ring box out and handed it to her. When she opened it, she gasped.
“Oh, Maceo. That is beautiful.”
“Damn, nigga!” Mr. Paul exclaimed. “You want somebody to snatch my baby’s hand off?”
“I got bullets for anybody that thinks to try her like that.”
Mrs. Cicely clapped her hands. “I know that’s right. Oh, she’s going to love it.”
“I’m actually planning a surprise proposal. I’ll let you know the details once it’s finalized.”
“We will be there,” her mother stated. “Oh, I can’t believe my baby is getting married!”
“She has to say yes first,” Mr. Paul reminded her.
“She’ll say yes. I see the way Sharina looks at this man. My girl is completely in love. Plus, you know her and Salima can never do anything without each other. Of course, they would marry brothers.”
I chuckled. “Lucky us.”
I sat talking with them for a little while longer. Of course, Mrs. Cicely had to pick my brain about the proposal idea. She wanted to be a part of it, and I was okay with that. That meant Salima’s mama was going to be a part of it, too, because just like Shar and Salima, the two of them did everything together too. I told her to just get with Salima, and we would go from there.
After saying my goodbyes, I climbed into my car and backed out of the driveway, heading for home. As I neared the stop sign, my phone chimed with a message from Shar. When I opened it, there was a picture of her looking fine as a muthafucka in the sexiest, next to nothing piece of lingerie.
The caption read: Your wives are requesting your immediate presence.
I grinned as I texted back, Wives?
She responded with, Me and this wet ass pussy.
The video that followed was of her playing with said wet ass pussy.
“Bet.”
I tossed my phone to the side and pulled off from the stop sign. I couldn’t keep my wives waiting.