By the time I walked out the bathroom, Kong was pouring himself a drink. He looked at me and shook his head while releasing a hearty laugh. He was always tickled when I ain’t ever find shit funny.
“Keep trying to be captain save a hoe,” I said.
“You the only hoe I’m saving nigga. Why you keep doing these niggas like that? They just trying to make some bread.”
“Burger King always hiring. He better get right,” I said taking a seat at my desk.
“Nigga you hell. Why you here anyway? You ain’t ever here for check-ins.”
“I needed to holla at you ‘bout this wild ass shit Daisy done let me in on. Rhema’s mama passed and she was the guardian over my mama’s estate. Some nigga named Yonnis Taylor wrote a letter telling me to come claim that shit.” I kept it brief cause the walls had ears. I knew better than to say too much.
Kong’s face expressed the same look I did after I read the letters for myself. I was confused but also not in a rush to claim shit. I had more than enough attached to my name and that ten million was made in a quarter of the year. Daisy told no lies on it being chump change.
“So, what’s up? You gon’ claim that shit or nah? I mean, you already reaped off Bentayga, why not add yo’ mama to the mix. It’s definitely dope to hear she ain’t leave you out this bitch empty handed though. She thought ‘bout you and that’s more than what I can say ‘bout mine,” he vented.
Kong’s parents were products of the street. Hell, if I was being all the way one hunnid, they were part of the long list of fiends getting served. One hit of the rock and they was hooked like a fish. He played like he wasn’t hurt by their choices, but I knew better. To have them still alive yet never get to hold conversation was hurtful. His last time hearingI love youfrom them was when he was in grade school. All he had was me and Daisy as family.
“You ever heard of Sage Springs?”
“Hell nah. Shit sound like some countryside town. The fuck is in Sage Springs?”
“Apparently my mama side of the family. I asked Daisy ‘bout it but all she said was it was hell on earth. I ain’t trying to step into enemy territory without knowing what I’m dealing with.”
I knew all too well how that shit felt. Over the years of my reign, I done had plenty of uninvited guests try to claim what was mine. Each and every single one of them left in a box. I wasn’t looking forward to that same fate by visiting fuck ass Sage Springs.
“Then don’t go. Have them niggas come to you then,” he replied.
“I thought on that too, but I’m real private ‘bout my shit. I don’t want my shit touched in any way shape or form. Thepapers in the car. When we finished with the check ins, walk with me to it so you can see the letters and shit. If I do go out there Kong, I need you to run this thang with a fine tooth comb.”
“Nigga, that’s always. I ain’t going against the grain, my brotha, or the set. You already know how I’m coming. If you do go, when you plan on leaving?”
“Shit, prolly within the next week or two. I’ll let you know fa sho after I hit up Yonnis.”
“Who the fuck is Yonnis?” Kong asked with dipped brows.
“The Atkins family attorney. You think I should get Windale in on this too?” Windale Simmons was both me and Kong’s attorney. He was who got us out of trouble whenever it occurred.
“Run it by him, but I don’t think he’s needed. This shit lowkey sound legit. Damn, my fault. Condolences to you and your family on your loss my nigga.”
I waved him off. “I don’t need them. I don’t know shit ‘bout them folk and really don’t care to know. I just want what my mama left, and I’ll be back in Florida living the life they built for me,” I reassured him.
Didn’t shit sound pleasing about Sage Springs. My mama ran from that place and my aunt had nothing nice to say about it. I’d be a damned fool to think otherwise. I was gon’ go see what Yonnis was talking ‘bout, claim Rhema’s properties and inheritance, then get the fuck on. It was as simple as that.
“You sure ‘bout going on yo’ own? I can go with you if need be.”
“Nah, I need you where I need you. I can handle me, believe that.”
He handed over a glass of cognac and we touched glasses. I trusted him to manage the crew. He did it on a daily basis so at least I was comfortable in that area. Visiting an unknown place had me nervous as fuck though. I couldn’t lie. Daisy said my uncle Royce was mean as a snake and my mama had a lovehate relationship with him. I couldn’t help but wonder how he planned on stepping when I touched foot on his grounds.
Smiling, I said, “I’m ‘bout to wreak havoc. I can feel it.”
4
ENZO
Taunting Bentley was a dangerous pastime, but it was an enjoyment, nonetheless. Seeing him lose his cool was quite hilarious. I knew I was pushing his buttons, but it was a tactic to learn this nigga. He was never really around, and the crew always dealt with Kong. The only person who really knew him was Kong. That was of no benefit to me.
Grinning mischievously, I limped out of Kong’s office. I didn’t give a fuck ‘bout what none of these other niggas had to say. None of them could beat my ass. If I was being truthful, Bentley couldn’t either. I let him think he was bodying me, but a nigga was just taking notes. He was as soft as they came in my opinion which was why he let Kong run shit. He couldn’t see none of the crew for real, especially not Zone Four.
