AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I called my brother, hoping he was free to answer. It took three rings, but eventually he answered with, “You good, sis?”
“I am. Are you?”
“Yeah, just running a few errands. I need to talk to you when you get back. It’s something I’ve just been made aware of, and I want you to know too.”
“Okay. Um… I just wanted to make sure you were really okay with me moving. With Mama and Daddy being gone… I don’t want you to be alone.”
He chuckled. “Sis, live your life. You’ve been a kept princess since you were born. It’s time for you to get out the house, out the city, and do your own thing. Don’t worry about me.”
“I can’t help but worry about you. You’re my brother and I love you.”
“I love you too. I won’t lie and say I won’t be lacking without my shadow, but this is for the best. Besides, I’ll be heavy in the streets. You won’t have to worry about me, lil stinky.”
My eyes watered as I smiled. “Are you sure, Los?”
“I’m positive.”
“Okay. If you change your mind, promise me you’ll tell me.”
“I promise.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to you when I get home.”
“Aight.”
After disconnecting the call, I headed for Claudia’s office. I was surprised when, after a few minutes passed, I was informed it wouldn’t just be Beethoven’s name on the paperwork but mine too. I believed him when he said he wanted to have a true partnership, but this further confirmed it and increased my confidence in what we had.
The Next Morning
Carlos was waiting at the apartment when we arrived, which meant he was serious about needing to talk to me. Beethoven grabbed my bag as he said, “I’ll give y’all some privacy.”
“This concerns you.”
Setting our bags down, Beethoven sat next to me on the couch, while Carlos sat across from us in the recliner.
“Wassup?” Beethoven asked as I took his hand into mine.
“One of my pops trusted advisors came to me yesterday after our meeting. I mentioned there being some changes soon and he pulled me to the side to make sure that didn’t include me stepping down and giving the business to your father.”
“Why would he assume that?”
“Someone in your organization is talking. They’re saying Tim is about to take over and that if I don’t handle my business, he’s going to kill me.” Carlos sat up in his seat, forearms resting on his thighs. “But worse than that, they mentioned bugs that will soon lead to a raid. I’on know who it is, but y’all got a rat.”
I was confused as to why this involved me. I was never included in conversations like this.
“What does this have to do with me?” I asked.
Carlos breathed deeply. “Your name has been swirling around too.” His eyes shifted in Beethoven’s direction. “Apparently, whoever the rat is knows who killed Mama and it’s someone in his organization. They said we’re dumb as fuck working with and sleeping with the family who put Mama in the grave.”
The Glock Carlos rested on his thigh caused my heart to stop beating. My grip on Beethoven’s hand loosened, but he didn’t budge.
“Did you kill my mother?” Carlos asked. “And if it wasn’t you, do you know who it was?”
Beethoven chuckled as he sat back on the couch. His level of calm only made me more anxious.
“When you pull a gun out, ain’t shit else that needs to be said. It’s in your best interest to use that mothafucka now.”
“Wait, hold on.” Lifting my hands, I stood between both seated men on wobbly legs. “We’ve made great progress. Le-let’s not ruin that.” I looked at Beethoven, and the confident smile on his face was the exact opposite of my brother’s frown. Regardless of how dangerous and lethal Beethoven was, Carlos had never backed down from a challenge. If these two went at it, I honestly didn’t know who would make it out alive.
