Page 74 of A Don & His Doll

Monroe chuckled. “Thanks Muffin. You know ya daddy is really that nigga,” he said, combing his fingers through his beard. “You know you get’cho good looks from me.”

Monae cracked up laughing. “Oh my God! You are so conceited.”

“Call me later, a’ight?” Monroe said.

“I will,” Monae said, grabbing her phone, scrolling to YouTube to start her GRWM video.

One Hour Later…

Monroe killed the engine, but made no attempt to get out. Instead, he leaned back in his seat and stared through the windshield as private jets taxied back and forth across the runway. Normally, business trips didn't require this much thought. He'd hop on a plane, handle what needed his attention, and was back before most people got their day started. This time was different. He wasn't chasing money. He wasn't settling a debt. He wasn't putting out another fire for The Black Family Empire. This trip was the most personal one he’d made in years.

His fingers drummed absentmindedly against the steering wheel while he replayed the previous night in his mind. Sienna's tears. Monae's smile. Promise's voice. Macie's lies. Every memory collided until they became one tangled mess he couldn't separate no matter how hard he tried. Monroe had always prided himself on making calculated decisions, but there was nothing calculated about moving off emotion. That wasn't leadership. That was wild work, and only reckless men moved like that.

Every major decision he'd made in business had come with clarity. This one didn't. That alone told him he was making the right call by stepping away instead of forcing an answer his heart wasn't ready to give. Therapy had taught Monroe something the streets never could. When his mind became louder than his spirit, it was time to stop moving long enough to hear the difference.

Monae.

Promise.

Sienna.

Macie.

All of them played a different role, his relationship with each one of them was different, and he felt responsible for all of them. Monroe stepped out of the truck and adjusted the cuff of his Armani jacket. The early morning air hit different. It carried a stillness he hadn't felt in weeks. He wasn't leaving because he was confused. He was leaving because the clarity he sought couldn’t be found in the midst of confusion.

A few minutes later, after settling into the leather seat nearest the window, Monroe pulled out his phone and dialed Mitch from an untraceable line. He looked out the window as he waited for his uncle to answer the phone.

“What’s the move, nephew? Mitch answered on the second ring, almost as if he was expecting his call.

Monroe smirked to himself. His uncle always seemed to know when something was brewing. “I gotta bust a move for a minute, Unc.

Mitch listened attentively.

“I need you to hold it down for me while I’m away,” Monroe didn’t beat around the bush. “Promise, Monae and Sienna is covered, but I need Sienna’s mom to be protected too. I’ma send you her location.”

“Already,” Mitch replied, knowing not to ask where he was going, or why he’d chosen to go. He wasn't the head of the family for nothing, he’d been overseeing the whole situation and understood why this was necessary. He knew this day was coming. “How long?”

“I’on know yet, Unc. I’ll be in touch.”

There was a brief pause on the line before Mitch said. "A'ight."

When the call ended, Monroe stared out across the runway as the engines roared to life. New York had given him everything he'd ever wanted, but all he wanted in this moment was clarity and peace.

“Aw shit! Who done pissed in yo’ coffee this mornin’, sis?” Syn asked, walking through the door for his one-on-one session.

He’d noticed the somber expression on Promise’s face, and immediately tried to brighten her day just like a younger brother would naturally do.

“Oh no, I’m good,” Promised lied. “I’m just a little tired today.”

Syn knew she wasn’t tellin’ the truth, but he wasn’t going to pry it out of her. That was his mans’ job to do, there was only so much he could do anyway.

“How does Amor feel about the daddy and daughter formal coming up next month?” Promise asked, quickly changing the subject.

“Yea, I thought about what you was sayin’, and decided I ain’t want my daughter comin’ up here to see me like this,” Syn told her honestly. “She too innocent, and I know she ain’t gon’ be able to handle it when it’s over, and she gotta leave. I’on wanna put her through that shit.”

“What about Amor or any of your other baby mama’s? Are they willing to come see you?” Promise pressed further.

“I’m the one who fucked up,” Syn said. “I just wanna do my bid, and get the fuck outta here. I’on deserve to be in none of their presence.”Syn shrugged.