Page 48 of Cannon (King Family Saga #3)

Cannon

“Listen, even though you got it to spend, nigga, my man can still give you a better deal on whatever whip you want. Remember, being rich isn’t just about how much you make but about how much you save,” Riot attempted to lecture me. I wanted to crack his jaw but he was just tryna help.

We were at the VIP Motor Club so that I could pick out my new whip. Even back when I was hustlin’ my ride was humble. I knew better than to spend racks on a luxury car because that would’ve brought unwanted attention.

“What? Why the fuck was you workin’ at that strip club then?” he asked, looking at me like I had three heads.

“The nigga I was stacking with died. We have our shit locked in a wallet but it requires both of us to unlock it to get access. He OD’d right when I got out of prison.”

“That’s insane. So you can’t get access to the money?”

“Nah, not unless I get someone to hack the wallet. I asked Creed if he knew anyone but he never got back to me about it. And then that shit with Smoke took precedence.”

“Why did you do that shit?” Riot asked, looking at me like I was stupid.

“I wanted to keep it super safe and then guarantee that neither of us would dip in it before it had matured. He was a good friend of mine. The money is extra secure if you need a two-person authorization. It’s gonna be really hard for it to be cracked by a hacker.”

“Hell yeah. Man, I’ll look into it for you though.

I can’t believe you had that discipline at such a young age to not spend that money though.

You a good dude. That’s why I think you should join the company.

You got your head on straight. Come in and run shit.

You can have way more than $20 million,” he encouraged.

“I don’t know man…”

“Stop being stubborn as fuck. You got a woman. Don’t you want legacy?”

Legacy. The word hit different when you’ve spent your prime behind bars.

I looked away from Riot, my eyes sweeping over the gleaming luxury vehicles that filled the showroom.

Each one represented something I’d never allowed myself to want before—not just transportation, but a statement about who I was becoming.

“Mr. King, good to see you again.” A dealership salesman in a tailored suit approached us, hand extended. “And you brought a friend today.”

“This is Cannon Price,” Riot said, clapping me on the shoulder. “He’s looking for something special.”

The salesman’s eyes lit up as he assessed me. “Of course. Any particular model you had in mind, Mr. Price?”

I wandered through the showroom, letting my fingers trail along the hoods of Bentleys, Maseratis, and Porsches. Each one sleek and powerful in its own way. But none of them felt right.

Then I saw it in the corner—a Black Range Rover Autobiography, sitting like a panther ready to pounce. Something about its commanding presence spoke to me.

“That one,” I said, nodding toward it.

The salesman followed my gaze and smiled. “Excellent choice, sir. The Range Rover Autobiography is our top-tier luxury SUV. Supercharged V8 engine, 557 horsepower, full Meridian sound system, massage seats…”

As he rattled off specs, I circled the vehicle, taking in the aggressive stance, the blacked-out trim, the massive wheels. This wasn’t just transportation. This was armor.

“It’s a good choice,” Riot said, nodding approvingly. “I got one in white. Smooth ride, bulletproof reliability.” He paused, smirking. “And the ladies love’em.”

I thought about Queen sitting in the passenger seat, her long legs stretched out, that rare smile on her face when she thought no one was looking.

“I’ll take it,” I said, cutting the salesman off mid-sentence.

“Wonderful! Would you like to take it for a test drive first?”

“No need.” I already knew it was right. “How soon can I drive it off the lot?”

The salesman blinked, clearly not used to such decisive customers. “Well, we can handle the paperwork right away. Financing options—”

“Cash,” I said flatly.

Riot laughed beside me. “Told you my man was serious.”

While the salesman scrambled to process everything, Riot and I waited in a plush lounge area with leather chairs and complimentary espresso.

“So,” Riot said, studying me over his tiny cup. “You never answered my question about legacy.”

I sighed, knowing he wasn’t going to drop it. “I’m thinking about it.”

“What’s to think about? You got skills most men dream of. Strategic mind, leadership, discipline. You could build something real.” I let the words sink in. Legacy. Queen’s face flashed through my mind, the way she looked at me like she saw something no one else did.

“Yeah, you right,” I finally admitted, running a hand over my close-cropped hair. “I’ve been fighting this shit for too long. Holding onto grudges that ain’t serving me.”

Riot’s eyes widened slightly, like he hadn’t expected me to give in so easy. “For real?”

“For real. I’ll join the board.” I leaned forward, my mind already racing ahead. “And I know exactly what my first project’s gonna be.”

“Let me guess…something to do with that club owner of yours?”

I nodded. “The bed and breakfast upstate. Queen’s dream. I’m making it happen.”

“Damn,” Riot laughed, shaking his head. “You gone soft over this woman.”

“Nah, I just know what matters now.” I met his gaze. “Time’s too short to waste it.”

He extended his fist and I bumped it with mine, a silent understanding passing between us. For the first time, I saw something in him I recognized, a reflection of myself in another man’s eyes.

“Listen,” Riot said, his voice shifting to something more personal, “Allure and I are having a dinner party this weekend. Small thing, just family and a few close friends. You should come through, get to know everyone better. Meet your niece.”

I hesitated for just a second, the idea of “family dinner” still foreign to me. But I nodded. “Yeah, I’ll be there.”

“Good. Bring Queen.” He looked like he wanted to say more, but the salesman returned with a folder of papers and a key fob.

“Mr. Price, everything is in order. Your new Range Rover is ready whenever you are.”

Twenty minutes later, I was pulling out of the dealership in my new whip, the engine purring beneath me like a satisfied beast. The leather seats cradled me like they were custom-made for my frame.

I cranked up the stereo, letting the bass thump through the premium speakers as I navigated through midday traffic.

For the first time since getting out of prison, I felt something close to peace.

I had money in the bank, a purpose ahead of me, and a woman who saw past all my walls.

The board position at King Industries was just the beginning.

I was gonna build something that would last, something Queen and I could share.

My phone rang through the car’s Bluetooth system, interrupting my thoughts. I hit the button on the steering wheel to answer, expecting Queen’s voice.

Instead, I heard a small, frightened voice that sent ice through my veins.

“Uncle Cannon?” It was Hunter and he sounded like he was crying.

“Hunter? What’s wrong, little man?”

“It’s Mama,” he choked out, his voice barely audible through what sounded like hyperventilating. “She’s going crazy, Uncle Cannon. She’s throwing things and screaming. I’m scared.”

“I’m on my way.”

I knew I should be staying away from Reese but I couldn’t with my nephews in harm’s way.