“We’re holding it down. First few days back were busy. People coming in, showing support. The team is great—Shayla and JoJo are killing it in the kitchen, and Brooke’s got the front running smooth.”
“Good. That’s good.” I smiled even though she couldn’t see it. “Thank you for doing this, Mehar. I know it’s a lot.”
“It’s nothing. This is your dream. I’m just keeping the lights on until you come home.”
Home. I didn’t know where that was anymore. But I appreciated her saying it.
“How’s Serenity?” I asked.
A pause. Just a beat too long. “She’s good. You know Ren. Wild as always.”
Something in her voice. But I didn’t push. I had enough on my plate.
“Aight. Well, tell everyone I love them. And thank you. For everything.”
“I will. Love you, sis. Stay strong.”
“Always.”
I hung up and stood there for a minute, hand on my belly.
Mehar was holding down Sweet Zin. Prime was handling threats. My baby was healthy. Things were falling into place, even from behind these walls.
But there was one thing that stayed with me. One piece of unfinished business that I couldn’t let go of.
Thad.
I knew who he was now. Prime’s cousin. Part of the Banks family. Walking around free, living his life, while my sister rotted in the ground because of him.
I could tell Prime. One phone call. That’s all it would take. He’d handle Thad the same way he handled Mona. Quick. Clean. Final.
But I didn’t want that.
I spent five years not knowing where the man was who killed Zahara. Five years carrying that weight. Five years of nightmares and guilt and wondering if I’d ever get justice.
And now I knew. I finally knew.
That kill belonged to me.
Not Prime. Not Quest. Not anybody else. Me.
I wanted to look in Thad’s eyes when I pulled the trigger. Wanted him to know exactly why he was dying. Wanted him to see my sister’s face—my face—right before the light left his eyes.
And he wasn’t going anywhere. He was family. He’d be at Sunday dinners. At business meetings. At every event. Comfortable. Safe.
He had no idea I was coming.
Good.
Let him enjoy his last few months. Let him smile and laugh and think he got away with it.
Because when I got out of here—and I would get out—Thad was mine.
Vengeance was gonna be so fucking sweet.
11
PRIME
