Page 127 of Smoke

“I owed that family a lot of money… Patrick’s stash is gone. I just need to pay?—”

“It’s not gone,” I said. “I took it.”

He glared at me. “I need that money.”

I chuckled at him, sounding like TT from Set It Off.

“This shit ain’t funny! They’re gonna kill my family!”

“Oh, you mean like y’all were threatening to do Romi? You think I care? Nigga, fuck you and your family. You and your son terrorized my woman for months. As far as I’m concerned, once I kill you, whatever happens to your people is fair game. That ain’t got nothing to do with me.”

Derrick was breathing so hard, I could have sworn I saw steam coming from his ears. He looked from me to my uncle to Roux.

“Just kill me now and get it over with.”

I shook my head. “I told you, it doesn’t work like that. The only way you’ll speed the timeline I have for you is if you off yourself, and you ain’t got that in you. I’ma see you though.”

I tapped the side of his face before walking off. I’d only made it a few steps when I heard a gun go off and Derrick scream. I turned to see that Roux’s ass had shot him in the foot. I shook my head as she walked off.

“You couldn’t help yourself, could you?” I asked as we headed back to our cars.

“I told you I was gonna shoot him if I broke a sweat.”

Uncle Blake snorted. “Unstable ass woman.”

Roux shot back, “Unstable, but a woman of my word. Check that. Listen, Smoke. The next time you call me, it better be to tell me this nigga is dead. You playing with my emotions. You know I don’t like having unfinished business.”

“I agree with Roux,” my uncle said. “Playtime is over. The next time better be the last time. I get avenging your lady’s honor and all, but cut this shit short.”

He dapped me and headed for his car. Roux turned to me with her arms crossed.

“Your ass is in love, aren’t you.”

I chuckled. “Dangerously in love, Roux.”

She smiled. “I love that for you. Make sure you treat her and those babies right, Smoke. I’ll fuck you up on her behalf if you don’t.”

“I hear you, man. Be easy.”

We shared a hug before climbing into our respective vehicles. I guess they were right. It was about time to end this all.

“Mama!”Devin yelled as we walked into his mother’s house.

We’d just gotten to her house for Sunday dinner. The moment we stepped inside, my mouth watered at the smell coming from the kitchen. We’d been here a few times, and Ms. Allison could cook her ass off. Every time I ate, I needed a good nap.

She came from around the corner with a frown on her face.

“Must you do that? You can announce you’re here like regular people.”

He chuckled. “Ain’t nothing regular about me.”

She rolled her eyes as she came over to hug him. I giggled as she pushed him away to hug me, then picked Korri up.

“How are you, my babies?” she asked.

“We’re good. You have it smelling amazing in here.”

“Thank you, baby. I’ve been working on this all day. Maceo and Shar are gonna join us. They should be here soon.” She kissed Korri’s cheek. “I missed your pretty face.”

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