“Apparently people who thinks not sending a text message is the better option. They don’t want to be traced.”
He chuckled. “Well, this letter shit usually ain’t the move either.”
“That’s what I’m hoping.”
“Got something. Come check it out.”
I stood, moved around the desk, and leaned slightly to look at the screen.
“A’ight, so there’s several prints on this paper. I’m going to run it through the database, and it will be able to tell me who the prints belong to.” He hit a button, and pictures began populating at a rapid speed. A few seconds later, the pictures stopped and landed on some gruff-looking ass nigga.
Orlando Hardaway, age thirty-six, known for arson, was arrested two years ago for breaking and entering, attempted murder, and, of course, arson. He just recently got released six months ago, and this is his last known address. You know this nigga?”
“Nah, but print that shit. I’m going to run it by Yumi to see if she knows him. This nigga is clearly stupid as fuck to come for me or my lady.”
“Something tells me this may not be about you and your family for real. Why come for their lawyer instead of the people you got beef with?”
“That’s true, but we gon’ see. I’m about to pay his ass a visit to find out.”
Amari clicked a button and printed his information. I gave him the envelope filled with cash, then bid him a good day before heading to Mill’s house.
Juno pulled into Mill’s circular driveway twenty minutes later then let me out. William, his guard, nodded to me and opened the door for me to go inside. As soon as I walked in, my nephew Hassan rushed down the hall toward me.
“Uncle Em!” he yelled in excitement before jumping into my arms.
“Has! What’s up, nephew?” I asked after setting him on his feet. He was six, but he was tall as hell for his age. He and his older brother, Emil Junior, inherited their height from us and were sure to be towering over everybody soon.
“Nothing much! Are we going to the Disney store now?”
“I’m sorry, nephew. I got caught up, but I promise to take y’all tomorrow.”
He lowered his head in solemnity. “Aww man, okay.”
“Aye. What’s your last name?”
He lifted his head and poked his little chest out. “Aldana.”
“Do we get sad about shit that can be changed?”
“No.”
“A’ight then. Where’s your brother?”
“In the game room, playing the game. I was playing with him until I saw you on camera.”
I nodded. “Where’s your pops?”
“In the family room with Ma.”
“Okay. Here.” I handed him the bag I held in my hand. “That’s for you and your brother. I promise I’ll take y’all to the Disney store tomorrow.”
He looked in the bag and smiled widely at the Gameboys I gave them. “Thanks, Uncle Em!” He rushed off as I headed in the direction of their family room. Before I could enter, I heard their hushed voices that didn’t sound too pleasant.
“You can’t be serious, Emil!”
“Listen, the shit just happened. I wasn’t trying to disrespect you, Mina.”
“But you did! We have a family together. What if the other families find out about this? How the fuck do you think this is going to make you look? Us look?”
