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“Bartender, another round for the house! Shots are on me tonight!”

I looked around the small hole-in-the-wall bar and watched the patrons cheer and surround Westley. Cigar smoke and burnt cooking oil filled the air as they all celebrated with the man who was set to die tonight. Little did he know, the celebratory shot he was about to take with the room full of guests would soon be his last.

“Hey, handsome! Would you like a free shot of Jack?” The waitress approached me as I sat in the darkened corner. “Wes is in a good mood and is buying them for everyone.”

“I’m good,” is all I said to her as I continued to watch him. “I have a long drive ahead of me tonight, so this Hennessy and Coke will be fine.”

“Well, my name is Leann if you change your mind.” Giving me a sultry smile, she nibbled her bottom lip before nodding and turning on her heels to walk away.

I took a quick moment to appreciate the way her ass spilled from the bottom of her cutoff shorts. The bar gave a Western vibe with hosts dressed in tied-up flannels, denim shorts, and cowgirl boots. There was even a mechanical bull that fit the aesthetic. The tunes that flowed through the speakers had the patrons running to the floor to show off their skills to the latest line dances. It was a nice vibe, and any other time, I would have been more inclined to kick back and enjoy the festivities, but tonight, I wasn’t on that. Tonight, I was on my reaper shit.

Taking a sip of my drink, I let my eyes trail Mr. Westley. They turned to slits as I watched him throw his head back in laughter as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Standing close to five feet, five inches, the little man carried himself as if he were a giant. By day, he was a businessman who owned some of the most popular gambling houses in South Florida. The funny thing is he has a gambling problem himself. He owed the Family more than five million dollars in loan money and fees and has made no efforts to pay us back. Buying the fastest cars and spending money on women wasn’t the way to go when you’re indebted to the most ruthless nigga in the South. Rosier is not for all of the running around, and he made it clear what his fate would be if he didn’t adhere to the terms and conditions of their agreement. It was time for us to collect what was owed to us tonight. Too bad it would be paid with his life.

“Make a move nigga…” I spoke to myself as I watched him flirt with the waitress who had spoken to me moments earlier. “I don’t have all night.”

Gripping her ass, he pulled her closer to him. She nibbled on her bottom lip and giggled while he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. He couldn’t care less about his wife and three kids at home, which makes killing his ass that much easier. Growing tired of watching them grope each other, she finally said something to him before taking his hand in hers. Leading him through the small sea of people, they disappeared to the back of the bar. I waited a few moments before placing my hoodie over my head, standing, and following where they went. The further I got down the hall, the more the music began to fade. Before long, the only thing that could be heard in the hallway was the low moans coming from the utility closet.

“Oh my gosh!” Leann cried over the sound of skin slapping. “Right there, baby!”

Glancing over my shoulder to ensure I was alone, I placed my hands inside a pair of leather gloves before easing the small door open. As I peeped inside, I could easily see them in the far corner of the room, with her bent over while he fucked her roughly from behind.

“Fuck! This pussy is good.” I scrunched my nose as he slammed in and out of her. “Take this dick, bitch.”

Creeping into the room unnoticed, I looked around to see if there was anything in here I could use without it being too messy. Usually, I wouldn’t do this in a building full of people, but Westley needed to be taught a lesson. He thought he was untouchable because of certain relationships he’d maintained, but I was here to remind him he wasn’t. Tiptoeing to the side of the wall, I remained as quiet as possible as I located some rope wrapped around a small stand. Taking it into my hand, I watched as the two of them continued to fuck like rabbits.

“Throw that ass back and fuck me like you want me to pay that rent of yours.” He gritted his teeth as he held onto her waist. “And you better make it good.”

Changing their stance, I watched as she bent lower to grab her ankles, and he positioned himself to remain still while she did her thing. Once they were in a rhythm and he threw his head back in ecstasy, I knew I had him. Wrapping the rope around each hand, I crept up behind him like the prey that he was. Before he knew what was happening, the rope was around his neck as I pulled with all my might.

“Ugh.” He grunted and clawed at the gloves, but it was no use.

“Oh shit, Wes!” Leann continued to fuck him, oblivious as to what was going on behind her. “Let me do my thing and stay still, Daddy. Just like that.”

Grunting and groaning, he tried his best to fight me off, but it was no use. I towered over his weak frame, and even if he did manage to get away from me in this instance, he still wasn’t leaving this room alive. Pulling the rope tighter and tighter, I knew it was only a matter of time before he was dead as his movements became limp.

“Oh shit, Wes!” Leann cried out shakily. “I’m about to come, baby!”

I peered down at her body, shaking from her orgasm as he went still. Seeing as though the life had left his body, I released the hold I had on him, causing his limp body to fall on top of hers. Taking small steps back into the darkness, I kept my eyes on her as she struggled to remove herself from underneath him.

“Dammit, Westley… I can’t breathe,” she murmured as she tried her best to lift him from on top of her. “Did you hear me? Wes, I said—ah!”

Her piercing screams filled the dark room as I slinked out the same way I came. Closing the door quietly behind me, I looked to make sure the coast was still clear as I made my way back toward the front of the bar. The music was still blasting as the people continued to dance their night away. Nothing seemed amiss, and that was the way I liked it. Canvasing the booths, I found my table was still empty. Going back over, I took my seat, removed my burner cell, and shot off a quick text to Zoo and Mimi.

Me:

Mission Complete

With both of them giving me a thumbs up, I placed my phone back inside my pocket. I wasn’t worried about security cameras with me on film because my cousin, Mimi, was a tech whiz. Deciding to get comfortable, I removed my hoodie and bobbed my head to the sounds of Shaboozy.

“Is there anything I can get you, love?” a different waitress came over and asked. “You’re handsome, but you would look even better with a drink in front of you.”

“You know what?” I chuckled as I locked eyes with her. She was more hospitable and less thirsty than Leann. “Let me get a Hennessy and Coke.” I pulled a hundred-dollar bill from my pocket and handed it to her. “Keep the change.”

Eyes lighting up brighter than the stars in the sky, she smiled and told me she would be right back with my drink. Leaning back in the chair, I threw my arm over the back and continued to vibe for the night. Another day, another nigga bites the dust because he thought he could fuck with my Family. Wes should have known better, and now his ass is dead. Thankfully, I handled this promptly because of my early morning flight to Milly Grove. My job here is done and I can now head home before I leave town, but one last drink wouldn’t hurt.

A few minutes went by before Leann was running to the front of the bar, crying and begging for someone to come and help her. The owner rushed to the back before coming back up front and screaming for someone to call 9-1-1. I sipped my drink and watched as chaos unfolded before my eyes. Satisfied with my handiwork, I finished off my drink and stood to leave. People ran around and panicked as I walked cooly to my unmarked car for the evening. Once inside, I turned the ignition and took a few breaths before pulling my cell phone from my pocket. Pressing one on the keypad to dial the programmed number, I leaned back in my seat and listened as the phone rang before it connected.

“Are you okay, baby?” my grandmother’s soothing voice greeted me immediately. “Where are you?”

“Out,” was all I said as the flashing lights appeared to the side of me. I watched as two squad cars pulled up and the officers rushed into the building. “Can you pray for me, Sweets?”

“Sure, baby.” I heard a small rustling and knew she was stepping into her prayer closet. As of late, she’d been spending more and more time there because of me. “Close your eyes and clear your mind, baby.”

Doing as I was told, I closed my eyes and waited for her to continue.

“Heavenly Father, we come to you as humbly as we know how. We ask that you forgive us of our sins and lead us on the path of righteousness. You told us that you will never leave us nor forsake us. You told us that by your stripes, we will be healed. We know that doesn’t mean just healed from internal sickness, but mental as well. We lay our sins at your feet, Father, and ask you to forgive us for not walking in your truth and your light. Cleanse us, Lord, and make us in your image so that it’s pleasing to you. We all have fallen short of your grace and mercy, but you love us anyway. Protect, heal, and strengthen us, Father. Forgive our trespasses as well as the ones who have trespassed against us. Restore us, Lord, because our soul rightfully belongs to you. All these things we ask and pray… in Jesus' name. Amen.”

“Amen,” I murmured as I opened my eyes. People were now filing out of the club as the paramedics were headed inside with the gurney. Putting the car in drive, I pulled out of the lot and entered the dark highway. “Thank you, Sweets.”

“You’re more than welcome, baby.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “Are you headed home?”

“Yes, ma’am.” I nodded as if she could see me. “I’m less than an hour away from the city.”

“Call me when you get there. I will be waiting up until you do,” she stated sternly, and I couldn’t help but smile. I’d made the mistake of not doing what she’d asked before, and she had no problem pulling up to my house. “I love you, baby.”

“I love you, too, Sweets.”

Disconnecting the call, I rode the lonely road in silence. Even though I’ve been doing this for a while, that doesn’t mean the heaviness isn’t there with each life I take. As I made my way back home, I played the same song I did after every kill: “Deliver Me” by Le’Andria Johnson. I know it’s going to take more than prayer and a gospel song to save my soul with all of the foul shit I’ve done, but that will never stop me from at least getting a consultation with the Big G on my judgment day. I hope my remorse can at least get me into the cooler parts of hell.

***

“It’s been almost a month since we’ve broken ground in Milly Grove, so does someone want to tell me why I’m looking at an aerial view of a bulldozer and pile of dirt?” I glanced from the monitor to the scared faces around the conference room. Leaning against the edge of the table, I eyed the six men in attendance one by one. “Someone has about three seconds to answer my question before I fire every single one of you.”

Some days, I feel like being an assassin is easier than holding a leadership role in corporate America. Niggas act as if they’re incompetent in doing their jobs at times, and if they knew how badly that shit made my trigger finger itch, they would do what’s required of them the first time it’s asked.

“Mr. Boudreaux… the crews are tired.” My head of commercial development was the first to speak up. “I’ve been trying not to overwork my best guys because of some of the members slacking. I want to fire them, but that’s less hands I’ll have.”

“I see.” I stuck my hands into the pockets of my slacks and walked the room. “Why wasn’t this communicated with me?” I stopped pacing and eyed John. “We could have rectified the situation, and I could have been in contact with Mayor Mills about this. We have a very exclusive and extensive contract with his city. I don’t want him to think we’re incapable of doing the job. So… how are we going to fix this before I communicate with him?”

While I hold my team to a high standard, I’m not heartless. I know that even a dog gets tired, and if my guys needed a break, they could get that. They’ve been working nonstop for the past year with the rebuilding of Milly Grove, and I know they needed rest. I’ve offered them breaks and vacations on more than one occasion, and they haven’t taken me up on my offers. I guess their bodies were finally feeling the regret of the declined rest, and now their work ethic had declined. I was more than willing to give the men whatever they needed. I’m more so pissed about the lack of communication.

He glanced at the other men and gulped before nodding his head in agreement. Before I could continue my brainstorming, John chimed back in. “I was thinking we could hold a job fair of sorts. We could hire about ten more guys, so the ones we have won’t be stretched thin.”

“How long will that take?” I crossed my arms as I walked over to the windows overlooking the city. It was a gloomy day, and I was more than ready to take my ass home. “The hiring and training included?”

“Three weeks,” he said instantly, causing me to turn and face him. “I’ve already started the process. All I need is your permission to continue.”

“I hope with hiring new members, you’re going to fire the ones who don’t want to do their jobs. I’m not paying anyone who doesn’t want to work.” I was adamant about that. One thing I didn’t like was laziness. “I trust you, John. You’re in charge of construction for a reason. Bring me the details when they’re final, and we can discuss it. Also, let the guys know the site is shut down until you have the replacements.”

“But… Mr. Boudreaux, those men need to work.” His eyes widened as he spoke frantically. “They love their jobs… they just needed a break?—”

“Relax, man.” I chuckled as I returned to my seat, right as there was a knock on the door. We all looked as Rosier entered the room quietly. Giving me a curt nod, I returned it before giving my attention back to my men. “I know those guys are good because I’ve seen them in action. I want them to come back focused and well-rested. The amount of time it’s going to take you to find new members to add to the crew, I want them to take that time off—paid. I also want to get with you on an acceptable vacation and pay package for the fellas. Let’s give them a raise and incentive on a job well done.” I stood from my seat and offered him my hand to shake. He hurriedly stood and accepted. “You’re doing a fine job, and so are the guys. Let the site supervisors be hands-on in the hiring process as well. When all this is squared away, let them know they’ll have time off too. They deserve it just like their team.”

I’m a firm believer that when you’re good to your team, they’re good to you. I made sure the guys didn’t need anything else before I let them know to keep me updated, and they were dismissed. Loosening my tie, I watched as the men shook hands with Zoo and filed out of the room. Once gone, he closed the door before walking over to dap me.

“What’s up, bro,” he greeted before taking a seat across from me. “You look like you need a vacation your damn self.”

“Who would help you run this shit if I take one?” I eyed him with my brows raised. “Jules? You want that, Rosier?”

Chuckling at the thought, he threw his hands up in surrender. “You might be right, my boy.” He nodded before he turned back serious. “What’s up, though? I haven’t heard from you since the other night. I assume there weren’t any issues?”

After killing Westley a few nights ago, we’ve been keeping tabs on the news and his family. We were never worried about anything leading back to us because I’m well-versed in what I do. Witnessing the fallout of our actions, though, was mandatory. Like the fools before him, Wes didn’t think there would be any consequences to how he moved. The waitress, Leann, was questioned because she was the last one to see him alive, but she was let go. His poor wife found out he died while in some pussy and damn near lost her mind. She refused to spend any money on his burial, so he became property of the state. It’s not like she had much money to do it anyway. He’d fucked up all of their assets, so she had to sell what she could and move her kids out of state, causing them all to go live with family. The bank was auctioning his businesses and was in the process of selling them to Boudreaux Enterprises. One way or another, we always got what belonged to us.

“Everything is what it’s supposed to be.” I left it at that because we only speak about mafia business in certain locations. “How’s the family? I need to get by there and see Auntie soon. I know she’s going to be talking cash shit.”

With our fathers being brothers, my cousins and I were damn near raised as siblings by our mothers. Even with the underlying beef between my dad and his, our relationship with each other never changed. Rosier and Jules were my brothers, and nothing would ever come between us.

“The family is good, man.” He beamed with happiness as he spoke. “Gabby and Baby Rosaria are great, while RJ is getting bigger by the day. I’ve been trying to put another baby in Gabby, but she ain’t going for it.” He looked off and shook his head before turning back to me. “Speaking of family, when are you going to settle down? You know there’s nothing wrong with having someone to go home to after a day of chaos? You need a little peace in your life.”

“Let me find out you’ve been talking to Sweets.” I smirked as I stood to leave the room. It was almost four in the afternoon, and I wanted to respond to a few more emails before I left for the day. “You know she’ll marry me off at the first chance she gets.”

Sweets was my maternal grandmother and the apple of my eye. I gave her the nickname when I was a baby because she was the one who gave me all the candy and cake I wanted. I loved her more than life and would do anything for her. She’s privy to some of my actions because I know that when things get heavy, she’s there to speak life into me. One of the main things she is vocal about when it comes to my life is her wanting to be around long enough to see me married with kids. I fear that won’t happen, though. Not because I don’t want it but because of my profession.

“Sweets is one of the smartest women I know. She’s not going to tell you anything wrong.” We walked down the hall toward the elevators and my office. “I want you to think about it, Dre. Don’t let none of this shit consume you to where you end up alone forever. I know you have your roster of ladies, but there’s nothing wrong with finding your one.” He patted my shoulder before turning to press the button to call the elevator. “I’m going out of town with Gabby for the weekend but call me if you need me. Ma will have the kids, so pull up on them. She’s most definitely going to get in your ass when you go over there.” Rosier chuckled as he stepped onto the elevator, holding his arm out to keep it from closing. “How much longer are you going to be here today?”

“About an hour…” I looked down at my watch. “Y’all be careful. If anything pops off, I’ll enlist your dumbass brother.”

After seeing him off, I trekked back to my office to finish up for the day. Business-wise, I was on my shit without a fault in sight. My personal life needed a little work, but I was good with how things were for now. I needed a level head in this line of business, and a relationship is nothing but a distraction. Distractions can get you killed, and dying isn’t on my agenda.