by T. Styles
She didn’t want to be in the position where she would have nothing again. “What exactly do you want me to do?”
“Set up a meeting with the Kennedys. Make sure it’s actually here, in the bunker. Use a van and have some of your people come with you. It’s important that you’re in the same van because that’s the only way you can get clearance to get onto the property. You’ll have to drive yourself and have the men hiding in the back.”
“And then?”
“You enter the property and find me.”
“By find you, do you mean come in blazing?”
“Yes.”
“So you want me to go to war with the Kennedys in their own home?” She paused. “Because that’s a suicide attempt.”
“They are not going to be expecting you to go to war on their turf. With the loss of Camp and the boy, they are vulnerable. Now is the perfect time to attack! There will be no other!”
Silence.
“Did I lose you, Yvette?” Mitch asked as his wife came out of the bathroom and kissed him on the cheek before lying on the bed to go back to sleep.
“No…I’m still here.”
“Can I count on you, Yvette? Can I make you more powerful than any Kennedy who’s ever lived?”
Before she could answer, Bambi and Kevin walked into the suite. Kevin looked emotionally beaten and so did Bambi. Bags rested under their eyes and their postures were not as tall as they were in the earlier months.
They walked deeper into the suite and Kevin said, “It’s over now, Mitch. We defeated the Russians and you are free to go.”
“I’ll call you back,” he said into the phone with his hand trembling. Mitch stood up and walked toward them. This was the first time he was happy about seeing a Kennedy.
His wife, who was normally asleep, followed. “So you’re saying, I’m free?” He was so excited even his eyes smiled.
“Yes,” Kevin said. “And I hope what we had to do won’t interfere with our future relationship. I respect you, Mitch. And I only wanted your safety throughout all of this. We have that now.”
Silence.
“You have no idea what you just did,” Mitch said with a grin. Although he hoped they took his comment lightly, he actually meant that they saved themselves more bloodshed by releasing him. “Our relationship is intact, Kevin. And I want to thank you so much for saving me and my wife during these dark days.” He paused. “I might not have agreed with your methods but I respect them now.”
He shook Bambi and Kevin’s hands. “So what’s next?”
“We have a car waiting outside for you,” Bambi said. “He’ll take you to the air strip where you can board one of your jets.” She paused. “And to be sure you get there safely, I’m coming with you.”
****
Mitch sat in the backseat with his wife who was asleep on his arm. The sky was brilliant purple indicating that night was approaching. Bambi was in the passenger seat and Race was driving quietly down the road.
Suddenly something hit Mitch. Every bone in his body seemed to tremble even though both Bambi and Race remained silent the entire drive. “You’re not taking me to the airport, are you?”
Race looked at Bambi and she looked back at him through the rearview mirror. “No,” Race said plainly.
“But…but why?” he asked huffing and puffing. “I’ve made you a multi-millionaire, Bambi!” he continued, looking at her. “I have taken care of your family when you needed me the most and this is how you repay me?” He paused. “Does Kevin know about this?”
“No, he doesn’t.”
Hearing the anxiousness in her husband’s voice, his wife sat up and rubbed her eyes. “What’s going on, Mitch?” she asked.
Race pulled over to the side of the road and drove threw a path that was hidden by trees. She parked the car and looked at Bambi.
“I don’t trust you, Mitch,” Bambi explained. “And I don’t let people get away from me anymore who I don’t trust. Especially now. You see, I did that before and now one of my sons is dead. So releasing you would become a problem for me later. And I can’t have that. I have one boy alive and I need him to stay that way.”
“But what about the operation?” he yelled. “I provide you with the purest cocaine ever. If you kill me, your business will suffer. You need me to run things! Don’t make an unprofessional move based on your emotions.”
Bambi laughed. “Nigga, I don’t love you.” She paused. “And since you’ve been in my possession, you’ve given Sarge the authority to act in your absence. As far as your people know, he will continue to do so until you give the word.”
“So you’re going to pretend that I’m still alive? Held up in your house like some slave? No one will believe you forever! Someone will come looking for me and they will be far more dangerous people.”
“I’ll pull that trigger when it’s time,” Bambi responded.
“You’ve been planning this the entire time I’ve been in your home. Haven’t you?”
“Yes,” she said matter-of-factly. “Goodbye, Mitch. May your soul fly free in Mexico.”
Mitch’s wife whimpered as Bambi and Race turned around and fired into the backseat. Killing Mitch and his spouse instantly.
EPILOGUE
THE BUNKER
Bambi and Kevin walked into Melo’s bedroom to check on him. After two weeks in a coma, he was finally home from the hospital. He made it. He was alive.
Standing by his bedside, Bambi took a seat and held Melo’s hand firmly in hers.
As in the days past, a helicopter circled overhead. Although it was more frequent than usual, they were used to it. A landing strip a few miles away from the gated property brought in many visitors.
Despite the tragic events, the best part about the ordeal was the son she thought was dead, the one who loved her, was actually alive. It was a guilty thought that Bambi kept to herself. She wanted both of her boys but if she had to choose, the decision would be easy.
“Hey, son,” Kevin said as he leaned in and gave Melo some dap. His touch was careful because he wasn’t trying to hurt him since he just got out of the coma. “How are you?”
“I’m making it, pops,” he said softly.
Bambi touched the top of Melo’s hand and smiled. “You hungry? Want anything at all?”
Melo rubbed his belly. “Actually yeah,” he grinned. “I could go for some of your fried chicken.”
Bambi giggled. “You got it, son.”
She was about to leave out to prepare his food when Melo said, “Dad, you mind if I talk to ma alone?”
“Of course not, son. I’ll be out there if you need me. Just hit the intercom button.”
Melo smiled and Kevin strutted out with his hands in his pockets.
Focusing on Bambi, he gripped her hand and said, “I didn’t know if I should say this now or later but I think it’s the right time.” He exhaled.
“What is it, Melo? You’re worrying me.”
“I wanted to tell you that Noah loved you, ma. He just didn’t know how to say it.”
Bambi shook her head, unable to deal with the pain of losing Noah and of hearing his words, which she believed to be untrue. “Melo, try not to worry about—”
“It’s true, ma,” he said interrupting her sentence. “He cared about you a lot. And the last thing he said before he was shot was, ‘Mama, I’m sorry. I love you.’”
Bambi’s eyes widened. “Melo, please don’t try and do this for me. I’m finally trying to make sense of my failures. And this is not necessary…”
He reached up and wiped the tears off her face with his thumb. “Mama, I wouldn’t lie to you. He loved you and he wasn’t able to express himself.”
“But what about all of those things he said to me? On the last night I saw you both?”
Melo smiled. “You still don’t remember do you?”
With raised eyebrows she asked, “Remember what?”
“The day before that event it was our birthday,” he said. “And even th
ough he didn’t say it, I think it hurt him that you and pops forgot. He was a big kid who was looking forward to the cake you always bake for us before Uncle Camp died and it didn’t happen.”
Bambi felt like she was struck by a dump truck. Their birthday slipped her mind before that moment. With her hand covering her mouth, she said, “I’m so sorry, Melo.”
Her fingers trembled against her lips. How could she be so careless?
“Ma, I don’t want you to be sorry. I love my brother and I love you too. I just don’t want you to forget about family. Don’t forget about why you and dad are doing all of this. Because you never know how long we’ll be here.” He paused. “Familia first. Always.”
Bambi’s heart thumped around in her chest. She had a moment of clarity in the worst way imaginable. And it was one she would never forget.
“Thank you, Melo,” she said touching the side of his face with her palm. “Thank you.”
He winked at her. “No problem.”
****
Denim and Bradley were in the tub together. He was sitting behind her and she was in front of him. Planting soft kisses on her neck, he was trying to warm her up for another round of fucking.
But there was something else on her mind.
“Bradley,” she said. “What happened to you in prison?” She grabbed the washcloth and wiped her legs. “Were you…I mean…”
Upon hearing her words, he stopped kissing her and pushed her away from him. Standing up out of the tub, his feet slapped against the heated floor. “What are you trying to say?” He yanked his towel and looked down at her.
“Were you raped?” Denim said as tears rolled down her face. “I mean…ever since you been back, you’ve been possessive and when I touch you on your back or thighs in the middle of the night you jump.” She paused. “Baby, if that did happen, I want you to know that I’m here for you no matter what.”
Bradley looked at her as if he wanted to say something and then just that easily, the expression washed away. “If you ever bring this up again, I’m divorcing you, Denim. You’ll never see me again.” He stormed out of the bathroom and slammed the door behind himself.
****
Race was in the bedroom with Ramirez talking about their marriage. Although she wanted a divorce, after losing Camp and then Noah, she decided that she would stick around and make it work.
They were lying face up on the bed when Race got up and said, “I got something for you.”
Ramirez grinned. “Is it some of that good-good?” he asked referring to her pussy.
“It’s better,” she responded.
“Well I can’t wait to see that shit,” he joked.
Walking to her dresser, she pulled out the divorce papers. Spinning around, she raised them up and showed him.
“Bay, what you doing?” His jaw dropped as he saw the documents in her hand. “I thought shit was sweet?”
“It’s better,” she winked before pulling out a pair of scissors and cutting them up. When she was done, he crawled off the bed and approached her.
“Race, you don’t know what this fucking means to me. To want something so badly and then to have it is the best feeling in the world. I will never let you down again.”
“I realize this is where I want to be. But I need you to be honest with me always, Ramirez. Is there anything else that I should know about? If so, baby, please tell me now. I don’t care what it is, if you let me know right now, I promise to forgive you. That’s on everything I love.”
Ramirez looked into her eyes and thought about Scarlett. Something told him to be real with her and he figured now was the time.
“I’m serious, Ram,” Race continued. “I can see you holding back. As long as you not fucking one of my sisters, I don’t care what it is.”
Ramirez swallowed, taking the secret with him. He placed her head between the palms of his hands. “I have nothing to tell you, baby. Nothing at all.”
****
Scarlett was in the part of the bunker where Mitch lived before he was murdered. It was her new home because she couldn’t live where she and Camp stayed anymore. Although the men thought Arkadi killed Mitch, she knew the truth. In a meeting after the murder, Bambi and Race told her and Denim what happened.
She killed him to maintain control of the industry.
Scarlett sat on the edge of the bed and unwrapped the new clothes she had for Master. Placing them in the drawers, she prepared for his arrival.
In two weeks, although the Walkers didn’t know it yet, she was going to get her son. Everything was planned out with her sisters. Bambi, Scarlett, Race and especially Denim agreed to help her in any way possible. With their support, she was praying to be a better mother.
The fellas didn’t know he was found but she would explain it to them later.
Not only did missing Master cause her to want to get her son, but also losing Camp meant that Master was the only trace of him she had left.
When the phone rang in the suite, Scarlett pushed the bags out of the way and tried to catch the call before the person hung up. Since she stayed in the suite, she alone was in charge of fielding all of the calls and inquiries about Mitch.
She did a good job of it too.
Her professional voice and quick thinking provided the space needed for Bambi to continue her charade. Although drug bosses thought that the decision-making was coming directly from Mitch, it was Bambi who was running things behind the scenes.
When Scarlett finally made it to the phone the person hung up. Instead, they left a voice message. Since it was recorded on a machine, she hit the button and a male’s voice rolled from the speaker.
Although the caller’s voice was in Arabic, his tone sent chills down her spine. Something about this caller told her things were different.
“Bambi,” she pressed the intercom button and called out into the house. “Bambi, come here! Hurry.”
Within seconds, Kevin, Bradley, Ramirez, Race and Denim came inside, each out of breath. It took a minute longer for Bambi to arrive since she was in the kitchen frying chicken.
Upon seeing Scarlett’s frantic face, slowly Bambi stepped ahead of her family and moved toward her. “What’s wrong?” she asked.
Scarlett hit the button on the machine and played the recording again. Bambi’s eyes widened and she fell on the bed.
“Who is that, baby?” Kevin asked sitting next to her.
“Abd Al-Qadir,” she whispered.
Kevin stumbled back into the wall and slid down.
“Well how we going to find out what he said?” Race questioned. “Nobody speaks that shit around here.”
Bambi blinked a few times. “I know what he means,” she advised. Having served in Saudi Arabia, she was fluent in Arabic although she never had a reason to use the language in the states until now.
“What did he say?” Denim questioned.
“That he is Abd Al-Qadir of Saudi Arabia. And that we have exactly one week to turn over Mitch or we will meet his wrath.”
When Kevin heard Abd’s name, he was immediately aware of who he was. This was the drama he wanted to avoid.
“Who is he?” Race asked in a heavy tone.
“The most dangerous man alive,” Kevin explained.
****
Yvette, Mercedes and Carissa sat in a black Yukon truck waiting for the person they hoped could save their lives in the event a war took place.
Yvette hadn’t heard from Mitch since she last spoke to him on the phone, and when she called the number he gave her, Scarlett would answer in his place. Not wanting her to know that she formed a relationship with Mitch, she would always hang up until she realized it was not smart to call anymore.
“I can’t believe you got us into this, Yvette,” Mercedes said from the passenger seat. “I mean, I’m just not understanding why you would go against the Kennedys.”
“Me either,” Carissa said from the back. “You got us into a war we don’t want to be a part of. When are you going to start t
hinking about everybody else instead of yourself?”
Yvette looked to her left, out of the window, and clenched the steering wheel tighter. “I know I made a mistake connecting with Mitch but hindsight is twenty/twenty. He isn’t answering my calls now and I think he may be dead. Now we need someone who can watch our backs. Someone smarter than that bitch Roman they have working for them.”
“Yeah right,” Carissa responded. “Good luck finding that person.”
“Vette, keep shit real,” Mercedes said. “Whoever this person is you asked to help isn’t coming into the picture to protect us. You’re going to try and have them kill Bambi aren’t you?”
Silence.
“What if I did?” Yvette asked looking into her friends’ eyes.
“This shit is so stupid, Yvette,” Carissa said. “I understand why you were depressed when we lost Emerald City. Everything we ever knew was there. But we run another profitable business now. Why bite the hand that supplies us?”
Silence.
“Because I think Bambi knows I was disloyal and that I was going to work with Mitch. When she met us the other day to supply those bricks she had a smile on her face but I saw behind that shit. She’s waiting for the right time to attack. She’s slow and sneaky and that makes me uncomfortable.” She paused. “And like I said, the person who I’ve hired is just here for protection. Unless we need something more.”
Mercedes sighed. “What’s her name?”
“She goes by Yvonna but I think Gabriella is her middle name,” Yvette said.
“Why you say that?” Carissa asked.
“One minute she asked me to call her Yvonna and the next it was Gabriella.”
“Sounds like the bitch is crazy to me,” Mercedes said.
“Since we gotta have her, I hope she really is as sick with the murder game as Roman. I’ve never seen somebody kill as smoothly as she does.”
