by T. Styles
“Of course not.”
“Then why won’t you let me kill him?”
“You know he has Baltimore in his pocket and I want it.”
“You could convince his partners to side with you. And then you won’t need him. There has to be another reason, a petty one, and I’m going to find out.”
“Leaf, it is not that deep.”
“Do you want to remain in this marriage or not?”
“Of course I do!”
“Well, never disrespect me again by being seen with another man. Am I clear?”
Nine crossed her legs. “I hear you, cousin.”
When the coffee was done, he poured her a black cup and sat next to her at the table. “For humor purposes only, I’ll answer your earlier question. No, I don’t think that you’re crazy. But what I do think you’re doing is taking on too much. The wine venture, the drug operation, Chipo, who I happen to like, and this wedding. Too much is happening, Nine.” He placed his hand on her thigh. “Bae, you spent all of your life beneath this house. Not inside of it. Don’t do so much where you lose your sanity.”
Nine gazed at him but she detached from the conversation a long time ago. She hated to be reprimanded. Suddenly she remembered his private text messaging sessions. “Leaf, there was a girl at the event last night. A pretty girl with long black hair and dark eyes. Do you know her?”
He removed his hand, guilt covering him like a coat. “Why would I unless I saw a picture?”
“Because she came into the party and just stared at me. Like she knew me.”
“Did she speak to you?”
“No.”
“Unless I saw her, I can’t be sure who she is. Besides, I know a lot of people.”
She stood up and walked in front of him. Bending down slightly, she kissed him on the lips. “I am going to take another shower. Thank you for loving me, Leaf.”
He laughed at her. The statement was her way of saying, you got your shit with you and so do I, and all he could do was smile.
When she disappeared into the house, he removed the cell phone from his pocket and called a number. When the person he wanted to speak with answered, he got right down to business. “This is my final warning and there will not be another. Stay the fuck away from my wife.”
“You’re a child, Leaf,” Gates responded. “Or should I call you Autumn? The birth name you were given?” He paused. “Whatever it is, what makes you think that you could handle a woman of Nine’s caliber? If I don’t try my hand, someone else will. Be grateful you know me. Better it be the man whose child you murdered than someone else.”
Leaf tried to contain himself although he felt his breaths weighing heavily within his chest cavity. “I’ve warned you and I will not say it again. Nine Prophet belongs to me. Since the day I found her under this house. And if you don’t respect that, there will come a time when you will beg me for mercy. And I will remember this moment.”
****
Since Chipo would be leaving in a few days to return to Africa, she decided to show Nine how to prepare a classic African breakfast called Fit-Fit (a type of bread). With the Prophet family being direct decedents of Africa, by way of Kerrick, she wanted Nine to know as much about her people and culture as possible.
Leaf was out of the house and Nine remained home because ever since Julius sipped the wine, he would cry every hour, drying out his throat and making himself hoarse in the process. Dr. Banning had been to the mansion five times, each time claiming nothing was wrong. Finally, three days had passed since the accident and he was able to get some sleep.
“This was Thandi’s favorite when she was a child,” Chipo said as she scooped a bowl for herself and Nine. “When she got older, and cared more for her figure, she wouldn’t enjoy it as much. Not around her husband anyway.” She grinned as if she could see her face. “But whenever she left Kerrick for the day and came home, we’d share the meal, no matter what time of day.”
Leaf was out with Noel and Banker was running errands so Nine cherished the moment alone. It was like she had her all to herself. “What was she like? Thandi.” Nine asked. She took a seat. “I am fascinated by the only woman grandfather ever loved.”
“Nonsense, I’m sure he loved your grandmother, honey.”
“He did not.” She shook her head slowly, remembering the distance Kerrick slid in between him and his wife. “I got the impression that every woman he was with was a consolation prize. Even my white grandmother.”
Chipo sighed. “Well, let me see. Thandi was spicy,” she giggled, “for lack of better words. But she was also as smart as a whip. A mathematician who had a deep love for astronomy. She always dreamed big and was interested in the universe. Yes…my sweet baby was born way before her time.”
Nine was surprised at how much they had in common. Thandi sounded as thirsty as she was for knowledge. “Why did she not go to college? And pursue her dreams?”
Chipo’s head dropped in shame. “In Africa, a woman’s place is behind her man. So she gave up the desire to reach heights for fear Kerrick would find her unattractive. However, I believe she had a plan. I believe if she made it to America, he would’ve had his hands full trying to control her.”
“Why do you say that?” she asked, glued on to every word.
“Child, I don’t know much but I know this. That baby of mine would’ve attended every college course available in your country. Such a shame that so many black women don’t take advantage of the opportunities. When people in my country don’t have many.” She paused. “Just the other day, Leaf showed me how to use the YoopTube.”
“YoopTube?” Nine giggled. “Do you mean YouTube?”
Chipo laughed heartedly and fell back into her seat. “Yes. The YouTube. I wanted to learn how to make a meal for Leaf, since you both showed me generosity. I was in awe at the different things you could learn! Whether it be how to play an instrument or how to prepare a meal, it’s all there.”
Nine grinned. “You and Leaf eat dinner together?”
“Oh yes, honey, on so many nights,” she laughed. “Since your maid has been on sick leave, we’d just sit at this table and talk about life.”
“Where was I?”
“Handling business,” Chipo said gazing into her eyes. She wanted her to remember her expression and be reminded of the importance of spending time with family. She was an old woman, but if she could get quality time with her husband, a sexier woman could too. “He’s so fascinating. Not sure where you two met but Leaf loves you very much.”
Nine lowered her head in shame. She would have to make it her business to treat him better or risk losing him, for this she was certain.
Suddenly Chipo’s disposition changed to a serious tone. “Nine, you are in the land of opportunity. What my ancestors, and yours, wouldn’t give for the chance to learn. To thrive! You can be whomever you want in here,” she pointed to Nine’s head, “and here,” she pointed at her heart.
“Oh, Chipo, please allow me to continue to send money to you in Africa,” Nine said excitedly. “It will be my pleasure to build more than one school in Thandi’s name.”
“You don’t have to do that, child.” She waved her off.
“I know. I do it because I want to.”
Chipo smiled and said, “Thank you. If the gift was just for me, I would refuse, but so many young people could benefit. So thank you again.”
When Nine’s cell phone rang, she was angry because Chipo was like an orb of energy and whenever she was around her she wanted to suck up as much of her wisdom as possible. “Excuse me. I have to take this call. I will be right back.”
“Go ahead, child. I’m here.”
Nine grabbed her phone and walked toward the living room when she saw Victory’s number on the screen. She figured she was about to ask about money for Bethany’s Benz, which Nine secretly had intentions on giving her anyway…just closer to the wedding day instead of now.
Victory was draining. Every five minutes, she asked for money
, when Nine knew full well what she gave her each month provided for her needs and then some. Where her money went, only Victory knew.
Furthermore, Kerrick left his fortune to her, without instructions on sharing. If she refused to give them a shiny cent, she would be well within her legal rights. It was Nine who decided to break bread with the family, as opposed to hoarding the cash for herself. Even though not one of them helped her in her hour of need.
“Yes, Victory.” Nine looked over at Chipo and smiled as she sang the song that always put Julius to sleep. “I am busy right now, so make it quick.”
“Something terrible has happened!”
Nine’s eyebrows rose. “What now?” she yelled, forcing Chipo to rush toward her.
“Samantha and Bethany are in prison!”
“For what?”
“Fighting on an airplane.”
Nine’s heart rate kicked up even though she remained as cool as the breeze. “Because of what?”
“Because of Noel! Oh, Nine, please come over! This is a family emergency and we need your help! I don’t know what to do. Bring your checkbook though because we will need an attorney.”
This can’t be happening right now, Nine thought. I just had a conversation with them!
“I am on my way!”
“But it’s not the worst of it,” she sighed.
“What can be worse than this, Victory? You have already single handedly ruined my day. What else could it be now?”
“I’m so sorry, Nine. But this issue has made it to the news!”
****
Nine sat in front of Harry Dance, the director of The Coliseum Winery, exhausted and anxious in the same breath. Despite all the money in her bank account, and all of the power at her disposal, at the moment, she felt like a child sitting in front of the school principal.
“Is it true?” he asked from behind his large, intimidating desk. His pointed nose sprouted unusually long hairs that flagged every time he breathed.
Upon his line of questioning, Nine moved uneasily in her seat. Antonius, who accompanied her, sat next to her for support because she was too embarrassed to tell Leaf about the ordeal.
She didn’t want him knowing that her family was caught up in the news for the fight and that they were facing federal charges. But more than anything, that she dropped one hundred thousand dollars for their legal defense and was begging the winery to keep the deal in place.
“Which part are you speaking of?” Nine asked.
“Your family.” He cleared his throat. “I received news that your family are in-breeders.”
Nine swallowed and crossed her legs, hoping to appear honest. “No. It is not true.” A small sweat bead rolled down her face and she swatted it away.
“Then why is Channel 9 reporting that your cousins,” he looked around his desk and located a piece of paper. When he found it he pointed at it and said, “Bethany and Samantha Prophet, were fighting on an airplane about who their brother loves most? Causing the plane to make an emergency landing at an unscheduled location.” He looked up at Nine. “Is it true?”
“I am not sure…I…”
“Sir, people make up things in the news every day,” Antonius interjected. “You’re a CEO and I know you know that. As a matter of fact, you were involved in a scandal with a young secretary—”
“And that was thrown out because the allegations were false!”
“Exactly,” Antonius said calmly. “When you have money, people lie. It comes with the business.”
He readjusted in his seat. “And you are?”
“I’m Mrs. Prophet’s business partner.”
The director sat back in his seat. “Oh…I see.”
Antonius looked over at Nine and when she didn’t appear ready to go through with the meeting, he proceeded. “Listen, don’t miss out on a major business opportunity with Mrs. Prophet because you believe a deception.”
The director moved uneasily in his seat. “I hope you are being truthful. I sure would hate to pull out of this deal but for the reputation of my company, I would have to.” He paused. “In other words, make this problem go away or we’re done.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“Thou canst not come to me: I come to thee.”
- William Shakespeare
The shades were drawn in Nine’s bedroom so that she could get some rest and possibly an escape from her ratchet life. First, she discovered that her family did exactly what she forbade them to do…get caught up in the press. And when she came home after the meeting, she found a goodbye letter from Chipo, only to learn that she left without actually saying goodbye.
The date for her departure was always the same. It was just that the troubles of the world caused Nine to forget that she was leaving.
She was about to roll over and get some more sleep when the phone rang. Instead of reaching for it, she pressed the pillow over her head. “Leaf,” she whispered. “Get that.” When the phone rang again she said, “Baby, please get the phone.”
When she threw the pillow off her head and rubbed her hand over the cool mattress, she sighed. He wasn’t there. Using the little energy she possessed, she crawled to the other side of the bed and snatched the phone off the hook, squashing the handset against her ear. “Hello.”
“Good morning, beautiful niece,” Victory sang. She was in the wrong mood. “I was calling to see how you’re doing.”
Nine sighed, rolled over on her back and placed her other hand on her forehead. “Did Samantha and Bethany get home yet?”
“Not yet,” she sighed. “But I know the prison will release them any day now. I’m just waiting for their bail amount from the lawyer you attained.” She paused. “Thank you for helping me pay for it.”
Helping? Bitch, I paid it all!
Nine tried desperately to hold her anger but she made a way. The only thing she wanted was to let the situation subside and get the Francesca venture off the ground. And if it meant keeping the peace with her family, then so be it. “Not a problem, Aunt Victory. When you get the exact amount let me know.”
She was about to hang up when Victory yelled, “Wait!”
Nine rolled her eyes. “What do you want now?”
“Wow, aren’t we grumpy this morning?”
“What do you need, Victory?” Nine said in a serious tone.
“I know you told me no about the car money because I keep asking but I’m really hoping you will reconsider. I still want to give Bethany a wedding gift but now there’s another problem.”
Nine sat up in the bed and crossed her arms over her chest. “What now?”
“It’s Isabel. I don’t know what’s going on with her. I believe it has something to do with her and Alice not talking anymore. They got into a spiff a few days back and neither is telling me what happened. But now…well now, she’s been mentally unstable. I might have to put her in a facility, Nine. Of course, I can’t afford to do it. Things are not like they used to be since daddy died.”
Breathing heavily through her nose, Nine said, “What is the matter with her?”
“Just a lot of snapping and talking to people who aren’t there. The usual but it’s just happening more.”
Nine sighed. “I will be by to check on her in the morning. I will make a decision then.”
“Thank you so much, niece.”
“I am talking about the facility, Victory. The verdict is still out about the car, since at the very least, the wedding will be postponed until next year. That is, if they do not get convicted.”
“I know and I love you so much for helping me.” She paused. “I’ll talk to you when you get here. Bye!”
“If I were you, I wouldn’t give her another dime, bae,” Leaf said walking into the room. He flipped on the light and sat on the edge of the bed. His body was glistening with sweat, which meant he had been in the gym downstairs working out. “She’s using you.”
“But she said it is for Isabel this time.”
Leaf sighed. “The nigga Kerrick le
ft you the money. If he wanted them to have it, he would’ve written it in his will.”
“The nigga you are talking about happens to be our grandfather. Not just mine.”
“I don’t respect a man who would demand that his children breed amongst each other. Why I gotta keep telling you that when you know my stance?” He paused. “Now look at the news. Every time I turn around, I see a story about you and me. And the Prophet family.” He paused. “People thinking I’m like them…with the incest and shit.”
Nine rubbed her temples. “Do you love me?”
“Yes.”
“Then you are with the incest shit,” Nine said emphatically. “If there is one thing about grandfather’s philosophy that I respect, it is that we are superior. And mixing bloodlines could taint that.”
“When I fell in love with you, I didn’t know,” he said standing up. He walked toward the window and opened the curtains. “There was no way I was going to turn my back and walk out on you at that point. I was already gone.”
Nine strolled over to him and snaked her arms around his waist. “What did you tell me when I was pregnant and had some reservations about us being cousins and in a relationship?”
He sighed. “I said that we were already in love and that our life didn’t have to be like anybody else’s.” He paused. “But sisters and brothers…I just can’t understand that.” He turned around and faced her. “At the same time, I don’t want this lifestyle for Julius.”
“Every family is given a set of rules by which they operate. Ours is in-breeding and getting money, cousin. And that is okay. If we are all in agreement, where is the dishonor in that?”
Leaf sighed, realizing he was not getting through to her. “I don’t accept it and I never will.”
“Unfortunately, that is a decision you do not get to make on your own. When it comes to Julius anyway. I am hoping that at some point, I will birth a beautiful baby girl. And then they can be together.”
Leaf pushed her away and walked toward his walk-in closet. “Let’s cross that bridge when we get there,” he responded, fully prepared to veto her decision at that time.
