“I guess you know everything then, Sloan,” Cassidy replied sarcastically.
“I know enough to know that you’re capable of snapping out and that people should fear you,” Sloan replied, standing to her feet. Cassidy didn’t rush to join her.“Ellie and Papa Whitlock seem happy that you’re home, and I’m happy for them because I know what they went through when you got locked up. Ellie was a wreck. Your mom was heartbroken, but you deserved every year they gave you, Cassidy. A man that’s capable of losing control like that, for no reason at all besides his own selfish plans to take something he didn’t earn…” Sloan scoffed.“Yeah, I’m afraid of a man like that.”
“Is everything okay in here?” Ellie’s voice interrupted them, and Sloan was grateful for the intermission.
“Yeah, E, everything’s good,” Cassidy lied as he stood to his feet.“I’ma head out. I’ve got a big day tomorrow. I’llsee you at the toy drive,” he said.“Mama’s car is in the garage. The keys are in her jewelry box. Good seeing you, Sloan.”
Sloan didn’t respond, and Cassidy brushed by her and off into the night.
Ellie looked at Sloan in exasperation.
“What the hell was that about?” Ellie asked.
Sloan shook her head.“Nothing, girl. I’ma call it too. I’llsee you tomorrow. Welcome back.”
Chapter 4
December 19
Ma, why do we have to come to this? Papa said he was going to take us Christmas shopping today,” Brooklyn huffed as she got out of the car.“And Daddy is supposed to pick us up.”
“Because y’all need to learn about giving and not just receiving,baby. Come on,” Ellie said as she let Tessa out of the backseat. The event didn’t start for another hour, and there was already a line of people around the block. She made her way to the door.
“I’m Ellie, Cassidy’s sister. My girls and I are here to volunteer,” she said to the woman at the check-in desk. They let her in without a fuss, and she entered the lounge.
“Wow,” she said. She was impressed. This wasn’t just a cigar lounge; it was a luxury spot with a full kitchen, bar, and televisions throughout. There was a stage for a live band and all. Christmas décor was being set up throughout. She spotted Cassidy, and she made her way over to him.
“I want you to meet my partner, Loyal Brier; this is my sister, Elliot Campbell,” Cassidy introduced.
“Nice to meet you,” Ellie said, smiling.“These are my daughters, Brooklyn and Tess. Where y’all need us? All the girls are coming to help out as well.”
“My nieces can come with me,” Cassidy said.“We’vegot activity stations set up all throughout the back parking lot to keep the families occupied. United Way is here, Big Brothers Big Sisters, a few local businesses, all types of vendors. You can kind of just hang out, get in where you fit in. Go have a drink at the bar, grab some food. You and your girls start a tab and just chill.”
“Get in where I fit in?” she repeated as she watched Cassidy whisk her kids away.“Okayyy,” she sighed.“So does that mean my helpain’t wanted?”
A hint of amusement played on Loyal’s face, and Ellie focused on him for the first time. He was mysterious. He was casual enough in denim, a hoodie, and a pea coat. Only a keen eye would notice that the casual wear was really designer, and he was wearing over ten thousand dollars in clothing. The watch wasn’t bust down, so it wasn’t flashy, but she clocked another $60,000 just on his wrist. She appreciated that he wasn’t dripped in chains, but the Cartier shades were another few thousand— easily. He was fine, and he was paid.
“I think we got enough help here, honestly. He told me you’re in town for the holidays. I think he just wants you to enjoy yourself while you’re here,” Loyal said.“Let the workers work.”
“Well, what are you going to do?” she asked.
“I’ma secure my investment,” he stated.“North side of Flint, huge crowd. We got to make sure it stays peaceful out here. It’s Christmas; everybody wanna make it home.”
She frowned, looking at him curiously.“So, how exactly are you involved with my brother? What do you do?”
“She’s suspicious,” he noted.
“She’s protective,” Ellie corrected.“Cass just got home, so if you’re some street nigga who thinks he’s about to clean drug money through my brother’s legit business, it’s not happening. He can’t afford to slip up, and nobody’s sending him back to jail.”
“That’s not what this is, but as loud as you are, you’re going to have people thinking otherwise,” Loyal said.“Have a drink with me.” It wasn’t a question. It was a command. He pulled out one of the bar stools behind her, and she reluctantly sat as he took his place next to her. He didn’t face the bar. He half faced her, and half faced the door.
“What can I get you, boss?” the bartender asked.
“Boss?” Ellie asked, looking at him skeptically.“Investor equates to boss, now? I think I’d like to see the agreement between you and Cass.”
“And you’re the little sister?” Loyal asked.
“The little sister who has an MBA in business. I’m well versed in contract law,” she informed. Ellie hadn’t used that degree in over ten years. When Cairo had convinced her to become a full-time, stay-at-home mom, he had promised to take care of her. She was out of practice and out of work all because she had believed in love. His salary had been more than enough to provide them with an opulent life. When he left, she was so far behind her colleagues that jumping back into the workforce felt foolish. She would be starting over, working her way up from the bottom with college graduates who were almost half her age. Still, she wasn’t so rusty that she couldn’t make sure Cassidy wasn’t being screwed.
