The Bryson Blood Wars

by Cynthia Blue

  “Are you still mad at me?” Calista asked with sad puppy dog eyes. Bray was highly pissed when Calista told him what was going on. He wasn’t too happy with Calista for keeping it from him.

  “A little, but I’m calming down,” Bray said with a sigh.

  “That didn’t stop you from getting the pussy last night,” Calista shot back.

  “I love the pussy. It was you I had the issue with?” Bray replied with sarcasm.

  Calista gave Bray a playful punch in the arm. “Keep playing nigga! Keep playing!” She said and the two shared a laugh.

  “All kidding aside, you are my wife and this is our home. It’ll kill me if anything happened to you and I wasn’t able to do anything about it,” Bray said and pulled her into a long kiss. “I love you girl.”

  “I love you too,” Calista said back. “Thanks for keeping me safe.”

  Bray and Calista went back to looking through the security system packets and decided to check out the one that was a client of Skyla’s. The doorbell rang and Bray yelled out, “Who is it?”

  “Solomon and Richard,” Solomon answered.

  Bray walked over to the door to let them in. “Hey, what’s up?” Bray asked as he let Solomon and Richard in.

  “This is so fucked up!” Solomon said with frustration.

  “What’s wrong?” Calista asked.

  “Somebody knows,” Richard answered.

  “You mean somebody knows about you two?” Bray asked and Richard nodded his head for yes. “Who?”

  “I don’t know but they know,” Solomon replied.

  “This motherfucker is blackmailing us!” Richard yelled as he was waving a large envelope in his hand. “He even took pictures of us. Look....”

  “That’s okay Richard, I’ll take your word for it,” Bray interrupted as Richard was about to pull the pictures out of the envelope. Bray never wanted to see anything like what he walked in on in Charlotte ever again.

  “When did this start?” Calista asked.

  “About three weeks,” Richard answered. “Actually, he’s really blackmailing me. I didn’t tell anyone. Not even Carter, because knowing him, he’ll probably burn down the whole city of Atlanta if it meant finding this nigga. I just told Solomon about this today. If I don’t pay him off he’ll expose us.”

  “How much is he asking for?” Bray asked.

  “First week, it was five hundred thousand dollars. Second week, it was a million dollars and now, he’s asking for five million dollars. Here’s the note.” Richard explained and gave the note to Bray and he read it aloud:

  If your faggot ass lovebirds want to stay on the down low bring the bags containing five million dollars at Centennial Olympic Park by the dumpsters where X marks the spot at 8PM tomorrow.

  “What you going to do?” Calista asked with concern.

  “I don’t know,” Richard said, “I guess all we can do right now is pay.”

  “We need to figure out something because this bastard is not cleaning us out!” Solomon said with anger.

  “Look, we got you. I can transfer some money from my trust fund to you.” Bray offered.

  “You don’t have to do that Bray,” Richard said.

  “Look, you guys are our people. We got you.” Bray insisted.

  “Thanks Bray,” Solomon said with gratitude.

  “Let me get my laptop,” Bray said. He went into the bedroom to get his laptop. He came back to the living room and plugged it up. Solomon gave Bray his banking information in order to complete the transfer. “There we go.”

  “Thanks man,” Solomon said.

  “No problem,” Bray said. He was about to close his laptop when something came to him. That part in Richard’s note about X marks the spot had him thinking. It was all coming back to him. He was starting to remember where he saw the X heart-shaped tattoo. Bray saw that tattoo on Xizzy when he and Sharp broke up the fight between her and Calista. He had to be sure. “Solomon what was the name of that girl from the news report you told me about?”

  “Harissa Strawn,” Solomon answered. “The reason I remember her name was because Harissa is my cousin’s name and Mrs. Strawn was my favorite teacher from high school. Why do you ask?”

  “If what I’m thinking is right,” Bray said as he did a Google search on his laptop and the news report came up with Xizzy’s picture and the tattoo that helped confirm her identity. “There, I knew I’ve seen that tattoo before!”

  “What?” Calista asked.

  “That was Xizzy,” Bray said and started skimming through the news report. “She was found at the bottom of the lake. She was last seen at her job at Burger King. According to the date, it was the week after Aunt Clover and Uncle Sharp’s anniversary party at the park three years ago.”

  “How did you guys know her?” Richard asked.

  “Long story,” Calista said with an aggravated sigh. “The short version was Xizzy threw herself at Bray. She tried me and I had to beat that ass,” She recapped. “Afterwards she got a ride home from Wallace and....uh oh!” Calista stopped in mid-sentence because she had a disturbing theory about how Xizzy ended up murdered.

  “Doc, you don’t think?” Bray read her mind.

  Calista shook her head because she wasn’t exactly sure, but had a strong hunch, “I don’t know, but we might have stumbled onto something huge.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Clover and Sharp invited Laliyka and Ray over for dinner. The occasion was to celebrate Lil’Sharp and Ray taking home third place in the debate competition.

  “Thanks for having us over for dinner Aunt Clover and Uncle Sharp,” Ray said as everyone enjoyed their meal at the dinner table.

  “Of course sweetheart, this is a special occasion. A congratulations to you and Lil’Sharp,” Sharp said.

  “We came in third place,” Lil’ Sharp said with little disappointment.

  “It doesn’t matter. You came back with something, right?” Sharp said.

  “He’s right. Cheer up Lil’Sharp,” Ray said.

  “Yay!” Myk cheered.

  “Way to go!” Sami joined in.

  “Thanks you guys,” Lil’Sharp said with a smile. He always wants to do his best. Sharp admired his oldest son’s determination.

  “Laliyka, I meant to tell you in the feature for the upcoming hair show you was looking good in those pictures,” Sharp complimented. He was referring to the hair show where Laliyka was going to be a judge.

  “Thanks, Sharp.” Laliyka said with a smile. “You know how I do.”

  “My momma’s a boss!” Ray cheered.

  “You tell them baby!” Laliyka said and gave Ray a high five.

  “I picked her outfit and suggested her hairstyle,” Ray volunteered. The outfit Ray picked out was a beige halter jumpsuit with matching stilettos and hat with her hair in free flowing curls.

  “My baby has great taste,” Laliyka said with a smile.

  “What can I say? I learned from the best,” Ray said.

  “And you know this,” Laliyka said. She looked over at Clover and noticed she was very quiet through the entire meal. “Clover, girl you’re pretty quiet over there.”

  “Huh!” Clover said shaking her head trying to get out of her daze. “Oh was I?”

  “You did your thing with this lasagna,” Laliyka complimented hoping it’ll lighten up Clover’s mood.

  “Thanks,” Clover responded dryly.

  I’m getting to the bottom of this! “Kids wash the dishes and clean up the kitchen and dining room. Laliyka can you help them out?” Sharp requested.

  “Sure,” Laliyka agreed because she knew Sharp and Clover needed to talk.

  Clover walked out of the dining room and Sharp caught up with her. “Clover!” Sharp called out.

  “Yes Sharp,” Clover said as she turned around to face him.

  “What’s wrong baby? You were pretty quiet at dinner,” Sharp pointed out sharing his concern.

  “I was?” Clover asked as she gave off a shaken vibe.

>   “Baby, what’s going on? You’re shaken up. What happened?” Sharp asked with more concern added with worry.

  Clover didn’t want to tell Sharp about Wallace’s pop up visit but now it was time to take her own advice that she had given to Calista. “Okay I’ll tell you. Let’s go in the sunroom.” Sharp followed Clover into the sunroom and closed the door behind him. He turned on the lights and he and Clover took a seat on the couch. Clover took a deep breath before spilling her guts. “Calista’s last day here before Bray came back from New Orleans, Wallace dropped by.”

  “What?” Sharp asked with disdain. “Why the fuck did he come here?”

  “He was very upset?” Clover asked.

  “Why?”

  “He was upset about the family’s objections to the marriage. He was pissed with me in particular because in his eyes I was the ringleader. He was downright furious with me,” Clover explained.

  “What did he do?” Sharp asked already anticipating the worst.

  “He didn’t do anything, but it was something in his voice,” Clover said.

  “Something in his voice?”

  “Yes, his voice. It was threatening,” Clover described. “I’ve never seen that much hatred, rage and hostility from anyone. Well, other than Kayson and I don’t think Opal has either.”

  “He threatened you?” Sharp wanted to know everything. He wanted to know if he needed to kick some ass up in here.

  “Not really,” Clover answered.

  “What did he do? What did he say?”

  “He said I better back off or I’ll regret it,” Clover replied.

  “That sounds like a threat to me!” Sharp was fuming but let Clover continue.

  “I wasn’t frightened. I don’t think he’s crazy enough to try to physically assault me or anything like that.” Clover said, in order to keep Sharp from finding Wallace to teach him a lesson.

  “At least he has a little bit of fucking sense,” Sharp was still fuming but was calming down.

  “Listen, I’m fine. Wallace didn’t hurt me and I’m not afraid of him believe me, but his behavior had me wondering about his capabilities,” Clover said.

  “You’re worried about what he might be bold enough to do?” Sharp guessed.

  “Wallace’s erratic behavior has absolutely convinced me that we have to stop Opal from walking down the aisle,” Clover said.

  “I see what you mean and, don’t you worry, I’m here all the way,” Sharp said as he pulled Clover into his arms.

  “Thanks Sharp,” Clover said, and gave Sharp a kiss on the cheek. “Sharpie! Sharp!” Clover teased and started tickling him.

  “Girl, stop! You know I’m ticklish!” Sharp struggled to say while laughing hysterically. “Girl, stop! You know two can play this game!”

  Sharp caught Clover off guard, pinned her down and started tickling her. “Sharp! I can’t stand it!” Clover said as she laughed like a hyena.

  “Clover!” Laliyka called out as she busted in the sunroom.

  “Hey girl! What’s up?” Clover asked as she and Sharp regained their composure from their tickle fight and helped each other off the couch.

  “I found your phone on the charger. Your security alarm at the bakery went off.” Laliyka informed and gave the phone to Clover. Laliyka advised Clover to get the same security system she has for the salon. This particular system has a phone app that gives alerts if anything happens.

  “What?” Clover responded.

  “The police should be on their way right now,” Laliyka guessed.

  “Shit! I need to get down there!” Clover was in a panic.

  “I’ll drive you,” Sharp offered. “Laliyka, can you stay here and watch the kids?”

  “I got them. Go ahead!” Laliyka said and Clover and Sharp headed straight for the bakery to see what the hell happened.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Clover and Sharp arrived at the bakery in light speed and found the place up in flames. They couldn’t believe their eyes. The place was surrounded by firetrucks and police cars. Sharp helped Clover get out of the car and they slowly approached the fire chief.

  “No! What the fuck! No!” Clover screamed in horror and fell to her knees.

  “I’m so sorry baby,” Sharp said and lifted Clover off of the ground and held her tight to keep her steady.

  “Mrs. Bryson,” The fire chief greeted Clover.

  “Yes that’s me,” Clover said trying to keep her cool.

  “I’m her husband. What happened here?” Sharp asked.

  “Thanks to the security system we were able to arrive on the scene right away. No one was hurt. We were able to contain the fire. There’s an average of fifty percent of damage. It was a good thing the trophy case, safe and file cabinets were all fireproof,” The fire chief explained.

  “How did this happen?” Sharp asked.

  “We suspect arson,” The fire chief answered.

  “Arson? This shit was deliberate!” Clover yelled.

  “Yes, and there’s something else. We did a preliminary check and discovered that this bakery is uninsured,” The fire chief informed.

  “Uninsured! That’s fucking impossible!” Clover yelled in disbelief.

  “We checked three times to be sure. The bakery is not insured. That’s the main reason why we suspect arson,” The fire chief said.

  “Clover baby, do you know how your business insurance ended up cancelled?” Sharp asked.

  Clover took a deep breath and tried to think. “I don’t know but.....I got to call Opal to see what the fuck is going on.” Clover took her phone out and dialed Opal’s number. Opal picked up on the first ring. “Opal!”

  “Hey! What’s up?” Opal asked.

  “The bakery is on fire and they’re saying the bakery is not insured. I need you to come down here and straightened this shit out!” Clover said frantically.

  “Shit!” Opal cursed. “Clover, let me explain.”

  “Opal, there’s no time to explain,” Clover interrupted. “Get down here now!” She hung up before Opal could talk.

  *****

  Opal arrived at the scene with the copy of the new insurance policy. The fire was almost completely out. She couldn’t believe what was going on. She approached Clover and Sharp and Clover was the first to speak. “Opal, they’re saying the bakery is not insured. Please straighten this out.”

  “It’s insured,” Opal insisted.

  “Okay now, why would they think it’s not insured?” Clover asked trying to stay calm.

  “Please listen to me; the bakery is under a new insurance company,” Opal confessed.

  “Excuse me? Why?” Clover asked with confusion.

  “I’ll handle this,” Sharp said to Clover. “Opal, do you have the new policy with you?” He asked her.

  “Yes I do,” Opal answered.

  “Great,” Sharp said and Opal walked over to the fire chief to give him the policy. “See Clover this whole mess will be cleared up in a few moments.” He assured her.

  “I don’t understand? How did this happen?” Clover asked.

  “Don’t worry baby. They’re going to catch the bastard who did this.” Sharp said.

  “I know, but why would Opal switch the policy without telling me?” Clover was puzzled about the situation.

  “I don’t know, but maybe she had a good reason,” Sharp said.

  The fire chief came back with Opal in tow looking like a little kid about to get a whooping. “Excuse me, this company doesn’t exist.” The fire chief informed.

  “What?” Clover and Sharp yelled simultaneously.

  “I don’t understand. Wallace set the whole policy up!” Opal blurted out.

  “Wallace!” Clover couldn’t believe her ears when his name came up. “What the fuck does Wallace have to do with any of this?”

  Opal tried to explain. “This is Wallace's company....”

  Clover didn’t need to hear anymore. She already drew the conclusions. Opal switched the business insurance with Wallace’
s fake ass company and gave her payments to him and now she can’t be compensated for the repairs and other expenses because she has no insurance. Clover was officially thirty-eight hot. “You stupid bitch!” Clover yelled and lunged at Opal and slapped the shit out of her. “How the fuck could you do this to me! You dumb ass bitch! I hate you!” Clover kept slapping Opal with tears and fury in her eyes. It wasn’t easy but Sharp managed to pull her away.

  “Clover I’m sorry!” Opal said with regret. “You don’t understand! I didn’t know! I had no choice!

  “Opal Reese-Brown.” A police officer interrupted. “You’re under arrest.”

  “I’m being arrested? For what?” Opal asked as the police officer put the handcuffs on her and read her Miranda rights.

  “Insurance fraud. Theft by deception and accessory to arson,” The police officer listed the charges and led Opal to the police car.

  “Please Clover! Help me!” Opal desperately pleaded as she was being pulled into the backseat of the police car.

  “Fuck you bitch!” Clover lashed out. “I hope you fry! I hope you burn in fucking hell! I’ll never forgive you! You hear me! Never! I hate you! Dumb ass bitch!”

  Clover continued her hateful ranting towards Opal until Sharp managed to pull Cover in the passenger seat of the car. At that moment, the Reese sisters had one thing in common from a completely different perspective. They lost everything they held dear because of Wallace.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Laliyka and the kids were watching The Incredibles in the family room when they heard the front door open and close which meant that Clover and Sharp had returned. “Lil’Sharp and Ray, stay here and watch over Sami and Myk,” Laliyka instructed.

  “Yes momma,” Ray said.

  “Will do Aunt Laliyka,” Lil’Sharp said.

  Laliyka left the family room to check on Clover and Sharp. She went upstairs to their room and was about to knock on the door when Sharp came out and closed the door behind him.

  “What’s wrong Sharp? What happened?” Laliyka asked. She could tell by the look on Sharp’s face some real shit went down.