by Ashley
Breeze felt badly for the people in the pictures, but she was raised up in a game where death was an everyday factor. She had lost everything and no one was sitting back mourning for her . . . feeling sorry for her. Breeze had experienced it all and she was still here, standing tall. She gave no fucks about anybody who was outside of the scope of The Cartel family. If her brothers had executed anyone, they had deserved it. As many losses as The Cartel had taken, she felt no qualms about the losses of others.
“These are sympathy tactics you use on a jury Daniel. Cut to the chase. What do you want?” Rosenberg asked.
“I would like to put a deal on the table,” Broome said. “When I get the jury to convict, you will go away for the rest of your life. You are a young woman Breeze. You don’t want to grow old in prison. If you give me the cocaine supplier we can shift the focus of this case to a larger entity.”
Breeze remained stoic as she sat back judging the suit and tie, white-bred, lawyer. He has no idea what he is up against, she thought. I’m never going to cooperate. This is a waste of my fucking time. Snitching wasn’t an option. Emilio Estes supplied The Cartel so she would only be freeing family to enslave family. It was a catch 22.
“Can I have a moment with my client?” Rosenberg asked.
Breeze raised her hand. “We don’t need a moment. There’s nothing to talk about. We’ll pass,” she said.
Breeze stood to her feet, signaling that the meeting was over. Rosenberg followed her lead. “See you in court.”
Breeze walked out of the office and bumped directly into a girl.
“Excuse me,” the girl said. She quickly turned her head and kept walking but her presence made Breeze freeze in her steps as she watched the girl make a hasty retreat.
Goosebumps formed on her arms as her heart beat rapidly as her fight or flight instincts kicked in. It was as if she had seen a ghost. The girl had only spoken two words to Breeze but that was all that was needed for Breeze to recognize the voice. There was a murder mama in town and as Breeze high tailed it out of the office fear chilled her to the bone.
“Breeze! Is everything okay?!”
Rosenberg didn’t even get a response. All he saw was Breeze’s shaken facial expression as she disappeared behind the closing elevator doors.
* * *
“Miamor!!!”
Leena and Miamor stood to their feet in alarm as they heard Breeze’s distressed voice break through the mansion.
“What’s wrong?” Leena asked as Breeze entered the kitchen, where they had congregated for lunch with the children.
“Ask her,” Breeze said as she pointed toward Miamor.
Miamor frowned as she withdrew the bottle from baby Carter’s mouth. “Lower your voice please before you scare the kids,” Miamor said with authority. “Have a seat, pour yourself some wine, and calm down before you talk to me.”
“Fuck the wine. I saw your friend today at Daniel Broome’s office. She walked different and she talked different but it was her. The bitch who helped kidnap me was in his office! I bumped right into her.”
“My bitch,” Miamor said with a smile.
“What? You knew she was here?” Leena asked distressed.
“Let’s pour some wine. Let me explain,” Miamor said. “But first are you absolutely sure it was her?”
Breeze shot Miamor a look that could kill. “It was her but why is she here?”
“I went to visit Aries to see if she could help me get to the P.A. She turned me down, but I guess she’s had a change of heart,” Miamor replied.
“Listen Miamor, I forgave you because my brother loves you but I don’t fuck with your clique. I don’t know them. They brought harm to the people I love. She is not welcome in Miami. If I have to I’ll put money on the problem to make it go away,” Breeze said threateningly. Had Breeze been any other person making any other threat Miamor would have bodied her, but Breeze was her sister. She had to remedy things between Aries and Breeze in order for everything to work.
“I need you to trust me Breeze. You are my family and I love you as such. She is not here to bring any more harm to you. I promise you on my son’s life that she is here to help,” Miamor reasoned.
“I don’t care what she is here for. I don’t rock with Aries,” Breeze said. “And I don’t deal with people who deal with my enemies.”
Breeze stormed out of Miamor’s home livid as hot tears burned at her eyes.
“Breeze?!” Leena called.
Miamor sighed. “Go after her. Make sure she’s okay. Li’l Money can stay here with us. You have to meet the accountant tonight anyway. You can pick him up in the morning.”
Leena kissed Miamor on the cheek. “I hope you’re right about your friend being in town to help. We don’t need anymore betrayal amongst us.”
Miamor watched as Leena departed. She immediately picked up her phone and dialed Aries’ number. Her presence could only help bring Carter back home . . . that’s if Breeze didn’t put her newfound power into play first.
* * *
Candles flickered and the scent of sea salt filled the humid air as Leena walked into the five-star restaurant. White clothed tables and couples in love filled the space as Leena made her way to the table where Odom was seated. She was conservatively dressed in a flawless vintage Chanel pant suit. She didn’t want to give the wrong impression, but her beauty made it hard to hide her appeal. Her curves were sharp and as she walked she turned the heads of everyone around her. She came up behind Odom and said, “I have to say, I don’t appreciate the change of venue. I was expecting a more appropriate environment.”
She shifted uncomfortably, visibly displeased. Odom stood and placed his hand on her back as he guided her to her chair. He pulled it out for her before reclaiming his own spot. “I’m a fan of the steak,” Odom dismissed.
“Hmm,” Leena smirked. “We’re here to talk about business. Lets be clear.”
“Relax Ms. Devereaux . . . Leena, I understand your position. That doesn’t make me any less intrigued by you. I must be honest. You seem more like a woman who prefers legitimate money.”
“Money is money,” she responded.
“I guarantee you Leena it isn’t. No cop, no district attorney, no enemy can come and take my money away,” Odom said. “My wife will be secure forever.”
His words evoked something within her because she completely understood what he was saying. Just because it was truth didn’t take the sting out of the words.
“An accountant’s money can’t afford me,” she replied, slightly offended.
Odom smirked as the waiter walked up with a tray full of food. “I took the liberty of ordering.”
“You don’t even know what I like,” Leena said.
“That’s why I got a little bit of everything. It’s good to try something new every once in awhile Ms. Deveraux. You never know, you just might like it,” Odom answered suavely. She cut her eyes at him but the scent of the five star-cuisine invaded her senses as the waiter set the meal out in front of them. If this had been a date, she would have surely been intrigued by Odom. He was an eligible bachelor . . . charming, handsome, and well-off but he was too slow for Leena. The white-collar job was too safe to ever make her panties wet. While his efforts were flattering, they were in vain. In the end, all she wanted was the money. Odom thought that Monroe was deceased, otherwise he would never have the moxie to push up on his lady. While Leena was determined to draw a professional line clearly in the sand, Odom seemed insistent on crossing it.
“Tell me Leena, how does a woman like you end up in such a delicate predicament?” he asked.
“What’s delicate about it? I have access to more money than people see in two lifetimes. Monroe left no stone unturned. My son and I will be well taken care of,” she reminded. “Once you hand over the funds that is.”
“It is very hard to produce that much money in cash without implicating myself. It would be much easier if I could arrange a trust for the three of you and your children,�
� Odom said seriously.
“We want cash. Cash is untraceable,” Leena said.
“Liquid cash is also dangerous. A trust makes you legitimate. That’s what you want for The Cartel am I right? Legitimacy,” Odom countered. Leena’s mental wheels turned as he spoke. She was savvy when it came to business and she knew that he was right. If he set up the trust correctly, he could make it appear as though it was earned from legal sources. Cash would be risky. Every purchase would be scrutinized and they would be able to secure no lines of credit. The cash would make them hood rich but Leena and the girls were trying to establish an empire that could rival the likes of the Trumps and the Rockefellers.
The sounds of Nina Simone cut through the air as a live band began their set.
“Dance with me,” Odom said, his white smile decorating his face nicely.
Leena cleared her throat and reached for her wine glass. She took a sip, extending her long neck upwards as she took her time responding. Her red lipstick left a kiss of seduction on the glass.
“That would be inappropriate,” she answered.
“Maybe, but it would also be fun.” Odom stood to his feet and extended his hand to her.
Leena smiled. She would have to watch this man. He was too smooth for his own good. “You gone leave me hanging. Don’t make me tuck my tail in embarrassment. One dance,” he said.
Leena rolled her eyes and gave him her hand while simultaneously throwing her napkin on the table.
“One dance,” she shot.
She stood and he escorted her onto the floor with the other patrons who were gently swaying to the music.
Odom pulled her close, but still left space between them so that she was comfortable. “When is the last time you had fun?”
Leena’s mind went down memory lane but she knew that it had been so long ago that she couldn’t recall exactly.
“Every day of your life should be fun Leena, carefree, comfortable,” he said. He lifted his hand and spun her, then pulled her back close.
“Maybe in another lifetime,” she said. “I’m sure you are a very good man. In fact you seem like the perfect man, for a different type of woman. I am flawed. My life isn’t black and white. I’ve been living in the gray for so long that I could never go back. A square life doesn’t suit me.”
Leena let go of his hand as the music faded. “Now if you don’t mind, let’s talk more about this trust . . .”
* * *
The water parted like the red sea as Monroe’s hands moved rhythmically as he swam with aggression. 50 laps had become light work for him. The early morning sun was just rising. He could feel it warming his muscular back. He came up on the edge of the pool, panting as he finished his a.m. workout. He admired the orange rays of morning light as they slowly seduced the slumbering earth into awakening. He eased his body out of the water and stood in tight swim shorts, the V-cuts of his lower abdomen toned and defined. Monroe was built like a Greek God. He was completely conscious of what he put into his temple. After surviving a near death experience he wanted to take care of himself and live as many years as he could. He was still playing catch up for the five years he had lay in a coma. Feeling his pulse racing as he pushed his body to the limit made him feel alive. He did any activity that made his heart pump blood to his organs. Yoga, swimming, basketball, golf, weights, it didn’t matter . . . movement made him feel most alive. He grabbed the towel from the Saudi Arabian woman who awaited poolside. Draped in beautiful fabric she was his personal assistant. The Saudi’s had been very accommodating to them and he felt completely comfortable in the far away land. Carter had instructed them to put home in the back of their minds but being the control freak that he was he always kept an eye on Miami, even from Saudi Arabia.
Monroe walked over to the poolside spread that lay out for him. Breakfast and a USA today were neatly placed out for him. It was a routine that he had done since leaving the states. It was his way of staying abreast in a world that was now so foreign.
“Shall I set a place out for Mr. Jones?” his lovely assistant asked, causing Monroe to raise his head. He saw Carter emerging from the immaculate resort and headed toward him. He wore a casual confidence on his face and a controlled arrogance led the cadence of his footsteps as he approached. For the first time in years Carter wasn’t strapped. He was completely carefree in Saudi. No one posed a threat. They were amongst allies and it felt good. The only thing that was missing was his Miamor. In her absence one thing was very certain, the ladies still swooned over him. Even within a society where religion was so thick and women were held to a higher standard, he still turned their panties to puddles whenever he entered a room.
“Yes, you can set up a place for him. Thank you,” Monroe replied. “Its kind of early for you huh bro?” he greeted. “I know you ain’t trying to join me with the morning routine. From the looks of things Saudi is treating you good. Nigga getting a gut and all.”
Carter chuckled. “I don’t do that sweating shit bro. I leave that for you. I’m feasting like a king, this that money gut play boy,” he cracked jokingly.
Carter sat across from Monroe and graciously accepted the coffee that Monroe’s servant poured for him. “Is there anything else you need Mr. Jones? I would love to oblige any request,” the girl cooed as she batted her eyes.
Monroe smiled as Carter shooed the girl away, requesting privacy.
“Get your own desert girl. That’s all me,” Monroe said.
“Ladies recognize real muscle. That gym shit ain’t working bro,” Carter teased. The men shared a friendly laugh but Monroe could see there was something Carter had come to get off his chest.
“I know you ain’t up at the crack of dawn to banter. What’s up fam? Speak your piece,” Monroe invited.
“I know I’ve told you and Zyir to dead all communication back home, but I’ve kept my eyes and ears open to the circumstances of The Cartel . . .”
“As have I,” Monroe admitted.
Carter pulled a burner phone out of his pocket and pulled up a picture before passing it to Monroe.
The average person wouldn’t have been able to see the anger that suddenly struck Monroe but Carter noticed the tension that had filled his jawline. As Monroe stared at Leena dancing closely with their accountant Odom, he was livid.
“Apparently, Odom hasn’t given up the money in the Swiss accounts yet. I’m told that Leena is being compliant to his dinner requests, his impromptu business meetings, just to keep things running smoothly until he turns over the cash. He thinks your dead. Leena is a beautiful woman.”
Monroe slid the phone back over to Carter. “Don’t worry about it,” he said arrogantly. “That square ass nigga don’t got a chance with my girl. If a nigga can pull my bitch he can have her.”
Carter nodded. “Just wanted to let you know what Leena and the girls are up against.”
“Who do you have as your eyes in Miami?” Monroe pondered.
“F. Boogie, who else?” Carter answered, matter of factly. “Miamor doesn’t even know that I’m in communication with him yet.”
Monroe nodded. “He’s a smart kid. Definitely need to promote him for his loyalty when we return,” Monroe said. “I’ll get with you later fam.”
Monroe headed up to his penthouse suite. Although he didn’t wear his heart on his sleeves he was highly bothered by Odom’s blatant lack of morals. He hadn’t been “dead” long enough for anyone to push up on his lady, especially not a close family friend. There were two things that Monroe didn’t play games about. His money and his woman.
Chapter 7
“The young diamond princess always has been easily shaken.”
—Aries
Miamor knew Aries well enough to know that when the time was right she would make her presence known. After Breeze’s spotting Miamor decided not to call her old friend, but instead to give her room to work. What the hell do you have up your sleeve Aries? Miamor wondered. She looked at the text message she had received from an undisclosed sen
der. Anonymity did little to hide the identity of the sender, it was Aries. As Miamor went to the place she used to call home so many memories flooded her system. Miamor was headed to her old condo in Miami. It was the one that she had sat in with all of her girls, including her sister, plotting in. It was the place where she had first realized that her love for Carter was real. It was familiar to Miamor and when she pulled in front of the building she smiled. It was nothing like the castle she lived in now, but at one time in her life it had been home. She left her car on the street and fed the meter before heading up. She was cautious because she feared being under the federal scope. She drove around in circles for at least an hour before heading to her true destination. She took the steps, an old habit from her hit-woman days. She never liked closed off spaces. Elevators left her vulnerable. She would rather go up and down a million stairs than to be a sitting duck in a confined space. Her calfs burned until she conquered the fifteen flights that led to her old doorstep. A light sweat had formed under her clothes and she gave herself a moment to still her racing heart.
“It’s a lot of steps right?”
Aries voice echoed in the stairwell causing Miamor to spin around. Aries was one flight above her. She was the only other person in the world who would have opted for the hard route. They were one in the same.
“Bitch I should have known,” Miamor said. “Now you mind filling me in on how you weaseled your way inside the P.A.’s office? You nearly sent Breeze on a tirade after she bumped into your ass. Thanks for the heads up!”
“The young diamond princess always has been easily shaken,” Aries recalled. “Let’s go inside, I’ll explain everything. I think I have something that can help you.”
Miamor watched as Aries unlocked the door and walked inside. The apartment was white walls and white carpet; bare with the exception of a blow-up mattress that filled the space.