“Be careful. Patterson’s dick still gets hard over you. I’m sure he thought it was a way to get to me. I’m gonna put a few people on him, to see what he’s up to. If he’s watching you too closely, I’ll handle it.”
“Fuck him. I’m not a snitch, so that was a waste of time if that’s what he really thought.”
Ace lowered his fork and leaned back in his chair, studying his brother. “Did he offer you something? A way out?”
“What?” Ace’s question caught Vega off guard.
“That night that he pulled you over. Did he offer you anything for a walk?”
Vega considered it for a minute. If Ace was asking, then he already knew. He was calculating that way.
“I did time, so you know what my answer was.”
Ace nodded and lifted his fork again. “He has a routine. He knocks dealers when he knows they are carrying. If they hand over the product and keep their mouths shut, they walk. If they don’t, they do time. I’m sure he wanted you to cooperate.”
“I would never do that.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you bringing it up? Seems to me like you think I would.”
“We’re family, Vega. You wouldn’t fuck me like that nor would I you. My point is, I’m here to help. Stop fighting me.”
Vega considered his response and nodded. “I hear you.”
“Good.”
“I’m about to roll out.”
“Aight, be easy, and like I said, let me know if you need anything.”
“If I do, you’re the first call I make.”
Vega had his back to his brother and was about to leave the kitchen when he heard Ace speak again. “The girl.” Vega stopped but didn’t turn to face him. “You really like her?”
Vega smiled, grateful his brother couldn’t see his face. “Yeah. She’s worth putting some time in.”
“Damn it’s like that?” Ace grinned and Vega turned this time to answer.
“Just like that.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“Because every time I’m around her, my first thought is that I don’t deserve her and that makes me want to get my shit straight so I do.”
Ace chuckled and nodded, understanding the feeling. “You’re in trouble, baby brother. I hope you’re prepared for it.”
“Not even close, but I’ll figure it out.”
Vega left it alone because his word was bond. He was more than willing to put the work in where Nyelle was concerned and nothing was going to get in the way of that.
12
“Hey, boo. I was just about to call you.” Nyelle sang cheerfully as she held her phone to her ear with her shoulder. “Hang on, Joi.”
She wiped her hands on her shirt then placed the call on speaker and the phone on the counter right after.
“Okay, I’m back.”
