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The steam from the shower had finally lifted some of the heaviness off me. It had been two weeks since I’d done more than throw on a robe and cry myself to sleep. Today was different. I had somewhere to be. I stood in my closet staring at rows of clothes. My fingers stopped on a cream-colored pantsuit. Once I found a pair of shoes to go with it, I went to my vanity and started on my makeup. I had made a hair appointment for tomorrow. It was long overdue. In the meantime, I pulled the bonnet off and ran the blow dryer through my hair to stretch it so it could go into a sleek ponytail.

After I was satisfied with my face and hair, I put my clothes on. I followed it with my custom watch that Rah bought for our anniversary and his favorite perfume. My wedding ring hit the light and caused me to slow down for a minute. I could feel the sadness trying to sneak in.

“Ky, boss the fuck up. Shake this shit and let’s handle business,” I told myself in the mirror.

I grabbed my purse and phone and walked down the stairs with my head high. This was the first time that The Royal Flush doors were going to be unlocked for a staff meeting since the murder of Rah. It was like I wanted to get to the bottom of who did this to him, but I had to keep his dream alive at the same time. When I walked outside, Shameek had the King’s motorcade waiting for me. He refused to just let me drive anywhere alone anymore. I had to beg him and Pops to let me drive my husband’s car to the lawyer’s office. He had it set up just like it was when Rah was alive.

“I can’t drive today?” I asked Shameek.

“Here,” he handed me another set of keys. “He bought you this three months ago. I was hiding it at my house until your birthday. He had it customized. It’s bulletproof glass and all.”

My eyes shifted to where Shameek was pointing, and there was an all-black Maybach. I was confused because I told him I didn’t want anything this year but us to go out of the country and spend some time together without all the noise.

“I think he’ll be mad if it sits and collects dust,” Shameek stated.

I just held on to the keys.

“I can have one of the drivers drive if you want.”

“I’ll drive it.”

Shameek and I walked over and he opened the door for me.

“You’re safe. I’m right behind you and it’s two in front of you leading the way.”

I nodded as he closed the door. While he got in his car, I got my seat adjusted and started the car. My fingers ran across the initials of me and Rah and the steering wheel.

“I love yo, Rah.”

As we made our way to The Royal Flush, I took in my surroundings. Every time I passed the spot, I found my husband; my heart would drop. As we got closer to the Flush, I replayed that night and wondered if he saw anyone following him. It was unlike Rah to not be aware of his surroundings. I had so many questions that no one was giving me. It wasn’t like I had the time now to sit in and figure the shit out. We were now pulling up and security was outside waiting for me. I knew most of the employees because Rah would do an appreciation party once a year, usually around Christmas. I parked, and my door was opened.

“Thank you,” I told the security guard.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. King. I should’ve followed him that night.”

I pulled my shades off my face and looked up at the security guard. His name tag read Grif. I could’ve blamed him, but it wasn’t his fault.

“It’s okay. And call me Kyenna.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Please no, ma’am. Just Kyenna.”

“Yes ma…okay,” he corrected himself.

“You good?” Shameek asked as he stepped to my side.

“Yeah, I’m good.”

“Well, let’s do it.”

I walked through the door and the staff stood waiting for me. The music was playing and the tables were set up and ready for the dealers to go to work.

“Thank each of you for the flowers and phone calls. Y’all meant a lot to my husband. He knew each of y’all by name. I plan to keep the exact same energy he had. If you have any complaints, let me know so we can work through them.”

Everyone nodded and smiled as I made my way to Rahmelo’s office to have a meeting with all the managers. As soon as the office door was opened, I could smell him. The picture of himself above his chair was so him. I smiled as I headed to his chair. Slowly, I eased into his chair as Shameek stood at the door and the managers stood in front of me.

“First things first, nobody in this building will be losing their job because Rahmelo King is dead,” I said. “He built this place with love, loyalty, and respect. We’re going to honor that. The checks are still going to clear. The doors will still be open. And if anybody in this city thinks Rah’s death means they can play with what belongs to the King family, they got me fucked up.”