by K'wan
Keith rose from his chair and continued his search for his sister, Maxine. He finally spotted her moving toward the kitchen. He intercepted her just as she was about to go through the swinging door. “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay, but it can wait for a minute. I’ve got something for you that I hope will pick your sour-ass spirits up.” Maxine smiled.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Keith asked, totally ignoring what she had just said.
“I kind of wanted to keep it a surprise. I came by this morning but—”
“A surprise that Darla was in town?”
“Darla? What the hell are you talking about?” Maxine was confused.
“I saw her in the Quarter last night, and she told me everything. Told me how you knew she was back in town and how you even were helping her out. What? Darla sells pussy for you too now?”
Maxine looked at Keith as if he had taken leave of his senses. “Killer, I don’t know if you’re high, drunk, or both, but you need to take a minute and listen to what I’m trying to tell you.”
“That’s the problem with the women in this family. You do too much talking and not enough listening!” Keith stormed. “You kicked all that shit about the importance of family, and how we should stick by each other, and I find out you’ve been conspiring with the girl who broke my heart into a thousand pieces!”
“Killer, right now you acting like a little bitch. If you got a problem with me, we can damn sure talk about it, but now ain’t the time or place. You need to tone that shit down,” Maxine said, trying to quiet him down. People were beginning to look.
“Don’t try to quiet me like I’m one of your whores!”
“You better watch it. You dancing a very fine line right now,” Maxine warned him.
Big John came over, intent on finding out why his brother and sister were showing their asses in front of all these people. “What the hell is wrong with the two of you?”
“I’m airing out a grievance, big bro. Mama always said that when two Savages have an issue, they should bring it to the table, so that’s what I’m doing. Or is that rule good only for Savages who are still actively robbing, killing, or selling pussy for a living?” The minute Keith said it, he knew he had gone too far, but it was too late. Maxine slapped him so hard that his ears rang. They now had a full audience.
“How dare you disrespect me like that!” she barked. “I don’t know who we picked up at the airport, but it surely ain’t Killer Keith. No way the little boy whose ass I wiped and secrets I kept would be standing here talking to me like that.”
“Max, I didn’t mean it like—”
“Did I say I was done?” she snapped, cutting him off. “My entire life has been spent looking after your ungrateful ass, tending your wounds, helping you with your homework, and even lying for you when I had to. And you got the nerve to be stunting me because I helped a friend of the family who had fallen on hard times? What you and Darla had was done with over ten years ago. She’s moved on, but apparently, you haven’t.”
“Who’s Darla?” a soft voice asked from behind Keith. When he turned and saw Bernie standing behind him, he could’ve fainted. He wasn’t sure how long she had been standing there, but the look on her face said long enough.
“Surprise, asshole!” Maxine shoved past Keith on her way into the kitchen.
CHAPTER 23
Keith sat on the edge of his three-legged bed, watching Bernie, who sat on a metal folding chair across the room. An awkward silence hung between them.
“So, when did you get here?” Keith asked, breaking the silence.
“A few hours ago. Maxine picked me up from the airport this morning,” she replied.
“I’m happy you decided to come, but I must admit I am surprised to see you.”
“Probably just as surprised as I am that I actually came. I wasn’t sure I’d go through with it until the plane was actually taking off,” Bernie admitted.
“I know it took a lot for you to make the trip. Thank you for being here for me, Bernie,” Keith said sincerely.
“Who says I came for you?”
“I’m sorry. I’d assumed you came to give me moral support.”
“Like you assumed that I wouldn’t accept you if I knew the truth about your past?” she retorted.
“Bernie, I told you that it’s complicated. My story isn’t a pretty one,” Keith said.
“I know. While I was waiting for you to show up, your mom and me finally got a chance to talk.”
“What did you guys talk about?” Keith asked, hoping his mother hadn’t offended her.
“A little bit of everything. Mrs. Savage is a very interesting woman, to say the least.”
“You don’t know the half,” Keith said sarcastically.
“After talking to your mother, I think I understand you a little better, but there’s still so much that I’m unsure about,” Bernie admitted.
“I’ll tell you anything you want to know. All you have to do is ask.”
“I want to know who you are.” Bernie got up from the chair and crossed the room. Keith thought that she was coming to join him on the bed, but she walked right past him. He watched her as she walked around the replica of his old bedroom, familiarizing herself with his past history. She looked over the posters on the walls, his sports trophies. She gently plucked up the picture from the night of junior prom and stared at it for a time. “Is this her? Darla?”
“Yes.”
“She’s pretty.” Bernie placed the picture back down. “I can see why you fell for her.”
“Darla is old news.”
“That’s not what it sounded like downstairs.”
“Bernie, it’s—”
“If you say it’s complicated again, I’m probably going to punch you,” Bernie warned. “Do you still have feelings for her?”
A lie sprang to Keith’s lips, but he decided not to tell it. “Yes.”
Bernie laughed to cover the sting of his admission. “At least you are honest about that.”
“Bernie, I care about Darla, but not in the way you’re thinking. We’ve just got some unresolved history.”
“Seems like you’ve got a lot of unresolved issues these days.”
“You could say that, but there’s only one issue I’m concerned about right now, and that’s finding out where we stand.” Keith got up and moved closer to her.
“We stand in your bedroom.” She took a step back.
“Quit playing.”
“I assure you that I’m quite serious, Keith. Don’t think that just because I showed up in New Orleans for the funeral, things are okay between us.”
“I thought you came down here so we could work things out?”
“I came because it was the right thing to do. I knew you having to face whatever demons chased you out of New Orleans in the first place wasn’t going to be easy, and I wanted to be there for you. That’s what a good woman is supposed to do. Hold her man down in times of need,” Bernie told him.
“So, you still love me?” Keith was hopeful.
“Of course I do, Keith. I can’t just turn that part of my heart on and off. But that doesn’t change the fact that you’re a lying piece of shit, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to trust you again.”
“Ouch.” Keith rubbed his chest, as if her words had struck him physically. His attention was drawn away from her when he noticed Ulysses standing in the doorway of his bedroom.
“It’s time,” Ulysses announced.
* * *
The sun had been shining the entire day, but as soon as Big Money’s service was about to get under way, thick storm clouds materialized, making it look like early evening instead of the middle of the afternoon. Thunder crashed in the distance, warning of an impending storm.
Keith escorted Bernie out into the backyard, where Big Money’s home-going service was to be held. The moment the two of them appeared in the doorway, they could feel the stares and hear the whispers. Keith ignored them and walked
Bernie down the aisle formed by all the chairs that had been set up, to the front row, where the immediate family was seated. Big John gave them an approving nod, and even Bug offered a smile of greeting to Bernie, but Maxine didn’t even look their way. She was still angry, and she had every right to be. It was yet another relationship Keith would have to repair before it was all said and done.
Keith was about to take the seat next to his mother, but she motioned to him that Bernie should sit there. When Bernie was seated, Keith was surprised to see his mother close her hand over that of his fiancée, as if giving and receiving comfort. As he took the seat on the other side of Bernie, he wondered what had passed between them before he showed up at the house.
Ma Savage had spared no expense in laying Big Money out. His casket was a shiny green custom box, stamped with dollar sign emblems. Inside it he rested on hundreds of dollars in shredded bills. Stuffed in his crossed hands were wads of cash. He had finally gotten his big score.
The preacher gave a good sermon, though he had to yell at certain points to be heard over the roar of thunder. He went on and on about how good a man Michael Savage was, and he even gave a spiel about him being a pillar of the family and the community. That went to show how little he knew about the deceased. The high point of the funeral was when two women, both claiming to be Big Money’s baby mama, met for the first time. The women’s children were about the same age. They nearly got into a fistfight, and as they circled each other, they nearly knocking the casket over. It took Ulysses, Big John, and Fire Bug collectively to separate the women.
While this was happening, Keith turned to Bernie and found her stifling a laugh. It was the first time he had seen her smile since they were reunited. Once the women were separated, and everyone sat back down, the pastor continued. Ten minutes later, just as the pastor was winding down, the storm made good on its threat. But the drizzle that fell was not what captured everyone’s attention.
Everyone was drawn to a commotion that had broken out near the house. They watched as the two gun-wielding men who were guarding the property attempted to block a homeless man from crashing the ceremony. He was dressed in frayed jeans that looked like they had never been washed and a dirty green parka, one much too heavy for the New Orleans heat. His hair was wild and matted and matched his thick, dust-filled beard. He appeared to become violent with the guards, and this was when Big John stepped in. He said something to the armed men, and the homeless person was allowed to enter the property.
Bernie watched with a look somewhere between disgust and pity as the homeless man shambled down the aisle. All eyes seemed to be on him. When he passed the seats in which she and Keith were sitting, she could smell the heavy stink of must and cheap booze. The homeless man reached the casket and stared at Big Money’s corpse for a long while. A lone tear ran down his dirty cheek. Once he had paid his respects, he turned his attention to the family. His eyes scanned each one of their faces, as if he was trying to remember them. They lingered on Keith slightly longer than on anyone else. The homeless man stepped away from the casket and stopped in front of Ma. To Bernie’s surprise, he fell to his knees, dropped his head in the older woman’s lap, and begun to weep uncontrollably. Ma somehow squeezed out of her seat, then excused herself and got Big John and Maxine to usher the homeless man into the house.
Bernie turned to Keith, who wore a worried expression. “Who was that?”
“My brother . . . Mad Dog.”
CHAPTER 24
The drizzle had stopped by the time Big Money was put in the ground. Everyone went back into the house for the repast. There was plenty of food and liquor, all of which the guest helped themselves to. Before long the living room, den, and even the front yard and the backyard were full of people carrying on. There was no shortage of stories being swapped among members of the Savage clan, but the story most were interested in hearing was being told in the kitchen.
After showering and changing into some fresh clothes—jeans, boots, and a sweatshirt—Mad Dog Savage looked more like himself. He still sported the shaggy beard, but at least he had allowed Maxine to comb it. Mad Dog had always been a handsome man, with rich brown skin, a nice build, and perfect teeth. Girls loved him even more than Keith when they were growing up. He wasn’t quite the pussy hound that his younger brother was in those days, though. He had a steady girl that he had been seeing since middle school, and he only had eyes for her until the day she was taken from him.
Keith watched from the doorway of the kitchen as Savages young and old vied for the attention of his mother’s favorite son. Mad Dog showing up at the funeral had ended up overshadowing Big Money’s passing. It had been nearly a year since anyone in New Orleans had laid eyes on him, longer still since he and Keith had spoken. Ma had made Mad Dog a healthy plate of chicken, greens, potato salad, and jambalaya. The way he was devouring the food at the kitchen table, seemingly not bothering to swallow, said that it had been some time since his last meal. From what Keith gathered, he had been living on the streets for a while. Mad Dog had always been somewhat of a nomad, but it wasn’t like him to neglect his personal hygiene in such a way. Keith couldn’t help but wonder how his brother had fallen into such a state.
Bernie walked up beside him. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m cool,” he lied.
“So, where you been, Mad Dog?” Dickey asked. He had been sticking to his brother like a shadow since he showed up.
“Here and there,” Mad Dog replied in between bites of food. “After that business with the Feds, I figured it was best I get ghost for a while. Spent some time hustling with some jokers I know out in Baton Rouge. When the spot out there got busted, I made my way north. Found some work at the shipping yard when I was in Shreveport, and finally, I ended up in Dallas. Purely by chance, I happened to run across cousin Oliver when he was passing through Dallas on his way to New Orleans. He was the one who told me about Big Money and made sure I got here in time for the funeral.”
“We tried to contact you, but nobody seemed to know where you were. We were afraid that something had happened to you,” Maxine told him.
“World can’t do nothing to me that ain’t already been done,” Mad Dog stated, then finished off his plate and motioned for someone to fill it up again. His mother placed a fresh plate in front of him, and he dug in. “So, you just gonna stand there gawking, or are you gonna say what’s on your heart?” he asked Keith without looking up from his plate.
“Just glad to see you home, Mad Dog,” Keith said, somehow unable to think of anything else.
“Likewise.” Mad Dog licked the gravy from his fingers. “I’d heard you were lost to us.”
“Not lost. Just finding my way,” Keith said.
“That yo’ lady?” Mad Dog looked at Bernie.
Bernie stepped forward and took the initiative. “I’m Bernadette.” She extended her hand. Mad Dog looked at her hand for a minute, and she wasn’t sure if he was going to bite it or shake it.
Quite unexpectedly, Mad Dog stood up from the table and hugged her. “Family don’t shake hands. We hug. And you kin now, ya hear?”
“Thank you.” Bernie blushed.
“Glad to see your taste in women has improved since the last girl you brought home to meet Mama, Killer,” Mad Dog said. Keith knew it was a shot at Darla.
“Bernie is going to make a fine wife,” Ma said sincerely, which surprised Keith. She had never paid a compliment about any woman he had dated. Whatever she and Bernie had talked about before he got there must have left quite an impression.
“I don’t suppose we should expect an invitation to the wedding. Keith ain’t too big on family, but I’m assuming you know this by now,” Mad Dog said to Bernie.
“I’d be lying if I said Keith exactly glows when the topic of family comes up, but what family doesn’t have its issues? I’ve got relatives that I don’t necessarily like, but I love them because they’re family. When Keith and I are married, you guys will become my family too, good, bad, or
indifferent,” Bernie told Mad Dog.
Mad Dog cracked a sly smile. “You are a wise and kind woman, Ms. Bernadette. Far too good for the likes of a Savage.”
“Your brother seems to feel the same way,” Bernie half joked. “Well, I know you guys have a lot to catch up on. I just wanted to make sure I introduced myself properly. It was nice meeting you, Mad Dog.”
“Likewise, Ms. Bernadette.” Mad Dog gave her a parting hug before Bernie left the kitchen. “That’s quite a woman you got there, Killer.” He sat back down at the table.
“I tell myself the same thing every day,” Keith said.
“To be young and in love. Must be nice, huh?” Mad Dog said.
“It has its moments,” Keith replied.
“Hold on to that one, Killer. Protect her and keep her close. The thing about love is, it’s such a rare thing that there are those out there who will try to snatch it from you if you take your eyes off the prize. Losing a loved one is a pain that can be dulled, but it’ll never go away. You’ll walk around with that hole in your heart for all your days. It never heals. Only stops spreading. You follow where I’m going?” Mad Dog gave Keith a serious look.
“Indeed, I do.” Keith nodded. Mad Dog, in his way, was addressing the elephant in the room. It was the reason why two brothers that had once been so close hadn’t spoken in years.
“No need digging up old bones,” Ma said, cutting in. “We’re just glad you’re back home with your family, son.”
“And speaking of family, Savage blood has been spilled. I’m sure I don’t need to tell anyone in this room what that means.” Mad Dog looked over the faces of those who had gathered around.
“It means Fire Bug make the trap go boom!” Fire Bug sang.
“That you will, little brother . . . That you will.” Mad Dog cosigned. “So, anybody know where I can get a line on these walking dead men?”
“Hold on, Mad Dog. We still don’t have all the facts. We’ve already decided that it’s a bad idea to run off half-cocked,” Keith told him.
