“Not because I didn’t believe in you, but because they did too. Daniels did. That’s why he tried his hardest to put you under. You would’ve swept him without question. He was playing dirty. You wanted to keep your hands clean. Those aren’t my hands, Ishmael. When motherfuckers go low, I meet them in hell. I am a handler. I handle shit. It’s my fucking job.
“You can’t destroy us because you can’t handle what comes with that. The moment you hired me, your fate was sealed. I’m not a loser. I do not lose! As long as you’re with me, you will not lose. It’s unacceptable. I will fix every fucking election you apply to if I have to. That’s how I operate. If you want it, it’s yours.
“You’re no different. If I want it, no matter what it is, it’s mine. That’s how we are built. That’s how we will build our family. And that’s how we will build our legacy. You’ve made promises. Promises you can’t take back. Or, I swear to God, you won’t be able to shit out of your own ass. You don’t get to quit me. I do the quitting.
“Unless you want Janis cleaning your shit bag for the rest of your life, then I suggest you come home. I suggest you acceptmy apology. I suggest you get it through your skull that I’m for you. I’m in your corner. I’m not starting over with anyone else, Ishmael. So be upset. Be pissed. But, be home before the street lights come on or I’m coming to find you. I won’t be empty-handed.”
“You’ve betrayed my trust, my baby.”
“Then punish me. But, not with your silence. You’re killing me, Ishmael.”
“You’re killing me.” He sighed.
“I’m sorry.”
“I just need you to believe in me. Don’t hide shit from me. If that was your plan all along, then you should’ve told me. Instead, you’re hiding shit. Making me think I’ve won this from a fair fight. That couldn’t be the furthest from the truth.
“I feel like a fucking fool. Like I can’t trust you, Royce. I don’t like that feeling. So, spit. I don’t want to be in the dark about shit. If there’s anything you’re hiding, tell me right now. Wipe our slate clean. No more secrets.”
I inhaled.
“Ishmael, please.”
“I’m in no mood, my baby.”
“We’re in the middle of the street.”
“And motherfuckers better move.”
He slammed his hand against the dashboard, cutting on the hazard lights.
“Talk.”
I shook my head.
“Ish.”
“Talk.”
“Just know that I believe in you. And, if I’ve lost your trust, I will work to regain it.”
“Nah. Tell me what’s on your dome.”
Silently, I ran a hand across my lips.
“I’m listening.”
“Now is not the time.”
“Now is the perfect time.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat.
“Royc–”
“Daniels wired two hundred and fifty dollars to your father’s bank account the day before the images of us released. It wasn’t a stranger. It wasn’t a random guy. It was your father. The meeting was nothing more than a set up. He wasn’t sure how your night would unfold, but he was certain you’d end up on the street where we met.”
The tires were rolling again. Ishmael listened, taking in the new information.
