Page 36

ADIR

“Settle in with me, baby.”

Pretty climbed between my thighs and rested her head on my abs.

“What are those?” she asked while looking at the tapes.

“Genika’s recordings. I’m about to listen to them. I don’t know what’s on them—”

“I’m okay to listen,” she said.

Picking up the tape labeled as number one, I placed it inside a recorder, then pressed play as I trailed my fingers through my wife’s hair.

“Hello. My name is Genika Grace. These recordings are for my protection. While I pray nothing happens to me, should they, the people responsible will be on these tapes.”

She sighed heavily.

“Adir. I loved you, and I didn’t want to do this, but you left me no choice. I’m going to show you just how much your family can be dismantled.”

The recording ended, then started back seconds later.

“Hey, baby.”

“Hey, my love. I’m so glad you came by.”

“What’s up? You got me curious ‘cause this is a lil’ out of the blue.”

“I’ve just been tired. You’re here now, so can we talk?”

“Yeah.”

“A few months back you told me that you wanted Adir out of the way. Is that still true?”

DJ chuckled.

“I told you that in passing, my baby.”

“Yeah, but you were serious.”

“I was… Why you wanna know? You tryna set me up or some shit?”

“Absolutely not. I want to help you.”

“You wanna help me? Ain’t no way.”

“There is.”

“Look… Marco and I tried forcing his hand. That didn’t work.”

“Marco? And why try to force his hand?”

DJ’s heavy sigh was audible.

“Yeah, Marco. You know as well as I do that Adir killed Hakeem. Forcing a war will pit him against the McAroy family. He doesn’t want that. Meaning he’s scared of those muhfuckas.”

“Or it means he just wants peace.”

There was silence.

“Fuck his peace. He’s a snake.”

There was silence again.

“Well, what if I told you that Coco is his weakness—”

“Nah, I’ain doin’ that shit. She has nothing to do with this.”

“Wait… You feelin’ her or something?”

“Mane, hell naw. I’m just sayin’ his wife and kids have nothing to do with it.”

“Okay. I’ll leave it alone then.”

There was another moment of silence before the recordings started again.

“I’ve been calling you all day. Why haven’t you been answering?”

“Because, Duval, I’m fucking tired, alright.”

“Be tired some other time.”

“What do you want?”

“The same thing you want. My son told me about the conversation the two of you had.”

“Oh, really?”

“Mm, hm. So, do you want Adir back or not?”

“By any means necessary.”

“That’s my girl.”

Another break happened before it started again.

“That was wonderful, baby,” Genika crooned.

“I know right.”

It sounded like kissing before DJ said, “I’ve been thinking about what you said. Coco is the only way to truly break Adir.”

“Right. So, what is your plan?”

“I’on know yet.”

The recording switched again.

“Duval, I’m tired of you showing up unannounced.”

“And I’m tired of you letting my son stick his dick in you.”

Genika’s gasp was audible.

“What? You don’t think I know everything about what my son does? He tells me any and everything. Like the fact that he and Marco made a deal to get Adir outta the way. I just might use that to my advantage. Oh… And like the fact that the two of you been fucking for the past year. We laughed about it, actually.”

“Okay, whatever, Duval. Is there a reason for this visit?”

“Yep. He ordered the hit on Adir. You should probably lay low until it all blows over.”

“Why? My name isn’t tied to anything that has to do with Adir.”

“Oh, but it does. Like I said, DJ tells me everything. And if Adir finds out either of you are involved, he’s gon’ kill you both.”

“Why are you smiling like that’s funny?”

“Because it is. Why would you lay with that son of mine anyway? He’s no good for you. He isn’t even fit enough to lead this family.”

“Is that all you think about?”

“It is. I deserve to be in that position.”

“I thought DJ deserved to be in that position.”

“DJ doesn’t deserve shit. He’s a waste of an heir. If I could ruin him further than I already have, I would. Especially since you gave him what belonged to me. I’ve been begging you to give us another try.”

“Duval, that was one time. You’re paying for this place because I threatened to tell Maddie.”

“That’s not an excuse.”

“You’re married…”

“And?”

“And? Am I supposed to just parade around with a married man—”

“You’re willing to do it for Adir.”

“You’re not Adir!”

A loud smack sounded, shocking Pretty.

“Shut up! Don’t you ever disrespect me like that ever again!”

“I’m sorry,” Genika cried.

“Now… Once things are done, I’ll be back by.”

The next clip, Genika was clearly crying.

“I’m feeling conflicted. On one hand, I want Adir back. On the other hand, I don’t trust Duval for one second. He’s crossing his own son, which is crazy to me. If he can wish ill on his DJ, he means no one else any good. I’m starting to hate that I even let myself get this gone over a man. From now on, I’m going to distance myself from everyone. If the fire gets too hot, I’ll just relocate and pray they never come for me.”

As the tape clicked off, Pretty and I stared at each other.

“That’s just one tape,” she stated.

Her eyes dipped to conceal the concern there.

"I'm sorry, baby. Honestly, a small part of me hoped I was wrong even if it meant Genika's baby was yours. I know how you feel about your family."

“I’ve never doubted that you were right, my love. Hearing this shit proves even more that I married my soulmate and that everything we have is absolutely perfect as fuck.”

I picked her up so that she straddled my lap.

She leaned down to kiss my lips.

“I love you,” she said.

“I love you, Pretty Bell.”

She laid her head on my shoulder as we sat in bed and listened to the rest of Genika’s recordings.

With each one, more and more anger seized me.