I kept an even expression, but on the inside, I cringed. My dad’s retirement was around the corner, and since I was eleven, I had been working to secure his seat. The last thing I needed was for a money move to be put on hold because of me. We didn’t do business with outsiders often, but Kilo had been pressing my elders about moving weight in the casino. I didn’t think the meeting would go anywhere since we handled pills, money, and guns, but for some reason, my elders agreed to meet.
“Did I miss anything at The Sinner’s Spot?”
“Actually, you did. Some white boy came through on a cardholder’s guest pass and lost $150,000. He kept trying to win it back, but he just kept losing more. I already sent someone by his place to remind him to keep his mouth closed about being underground.”
The scent of fresh baked goods coasted through the house, offering a warmer welcome than I received from my father. Though he had always been a provider and a protector, Ryan Sinner never offered too much affection. Since my mom disappeared, the house staff and an occasional nanny filled the void my parents abandoned.
“Where’s Easy?” I asked when we reached the golf course behind his house.
“Echo took him to the barbershop. Next to his movie collection, you know your brother acts like the fucking world will end if there’s a hair out of place.”
“As he should. My dawg is too playa to not have his shit crispy.” My top lip got sharp. “I don’t appreciate Echo taking him, but I’ll tell themniggasabout themselves when they get back.”
“You worried about the wrong shit, Nep. You skimmed over what I asked you earlier,” he reminded me while inspecting his golf club.
“You didn’t ask me anything. You were too busy telling me shit.”
“All right. Now, it’s your turn to tell me something. Make me understand why you disappeared and abandoned your responsibilities. That’s not how you move when you’re close to taking over the biggest underground casino on the West Coast. What the hell is going on with you?”
“I needed some space,” I answered after the silence made the air thick. “I’ve been at the casino nonstop. I’ve put my hands on folks a lot lately. Killing aniggaain’t never kept me up at night, but having to run a business while doing it is heavy. I just needed a minute to breathe.”
The man who knew me better than anyone stared me down with skepticism narrowing his light-brown eyes. From the day I woke up sitting outside of my car, I knew I wouldn’t tell anyone what happened. It was bad enough I had to go hard because my senior thought my heart condition would be my downfall. If I told him a group of women had me in a dark room for days, I would never live it down.
“I don’t buy the bullshit you’re selling, but I don’t feel like beating the truth out of you. How’s everything going with Chrissy?”
“Why does that matter?”
“You know why! Her family has connections. That’s the only reason I pretend to tolerate that bitch.”
“I know, and you don’t have to do that anymore. We’re done.”
His broad shoulders plummeted. “What the fuck, Neptune? We talked about this! Did you forget the plan?”
“Change it! I’m not putting up with a disloyal bitch just to have a baby.”
“I can’t blame you. Aside from your fucked up heart, you are your father’s child. Just like your mama, Chrissy was a fucking nag. After Valerie left, I sent her a thank you gift for doing me a favor. That bitch couldn’t be a good mother or wife.” In a split second, my father’s tense brows settled. “Despite that, you claim you know the rules like the back of your hand, but there’s always one you keep putting off.” He took a drag of his cigar. “Let me hear it!”
I bit into my jaw to control my sly comeback. Even when he pissed me off, I would never jeopardize our connection by being disrespectful.
“A man with no family has nothing to lose. To sit on the board, a man must have caught a body, had a baby, and made the family a bankroll.”
“And why do we move that way?”
“To ensure the business, the secrets, and the legacy stay in the hands of the Sinners.”
“Exactly! When I step down, you’ll take my spot, but what happens when you retire? If circumstances were different, you could put your niece or nephew in position, but I doubt Easy is dumpin’ nut in anybody.”
My eyes turned into slits. “Chill on my brother. He’s different, but he’s still a man.”
He waved me off, knowing he could never win an argument with me about Easy. “Don’t forget what I said, Neptune. These broads ain’t good for much, but you need one. You better figure it out before you lose your spot.”
I studied his body language, noticing the way he casually rubbed his arm and forced his breath out on a whistle.
“You love to mention myfucked upheart. What’s going on with your body? When’s your next appointment?”
“I’m not going to no fucking appointment. The day I leave this earth, the world will lose a king, and you’ll inherit the throne. Focus on that. Don’t worry about me.”
Our back and forth came to a halt when Easy and Echo joined us on the golf course.
