Page 3

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I dropped my head and rolled my shoulders. The sun was set to rise in about an hour, and I needed to be on my way. Last night, I decided to take Sandra up on her dinner date offer. She and I have been dealing with each other for a few years now. Nothing with us has ever been serious, and I doubt that it will ever be. She wasn’t the only woman I entertained, but she’s been around the longest. She’s familiar, and in my line of work, I can’t take chances with new people if it’s not necessary. She didn’t know anything about my illegal dealings, nor did she inquire, and that was all that mattered to me.

“Hm… why are you up so early?” I glanced back at the sound of her sultry voice. She sat up slowly, and I couldn’t help but lick my lips at the silk sheets that fell from her chest. “I know you’re not about to leave.”

“I am.” I stood from the bed and stretched. With my jobs, both legal and illegal, it was rare that I ever had time off for myself. Today was Sunday, and while I wanted nothing more than to sleep the day away, my heart was telling me that I needed to be in church. “I need to get going so I can make Sunday Service.” I bent over and picked up my joggers from the floor. “Sweets would kill me if she knew I had the day off and didn’t make it into the Lord’s house.”

As I continued to get dressed, I couldn’t help but chuckle as I thought about how damaged I was. Those closest to me often joke about how I should burst into flames as soon as I step on church grounds. How can I be a hired killer and still find time to praise and worship my creator? I have no clue. What I do know is I’m a child of God, and although I’m not perfect and will have to answer for the sins of this life, he loves me anyway.

“Well, if you wait for me, I can go with you.” Sandra entered her bathroom, and I could feel my dick twitch. She was so pretty to me with her coffee skin tone, expressive brown eyes, and an ass that sat up higher than two bunk beds. “I would love to see your grandmother again.”

Over the years, there have been times I had functions to attend, and I would have Sandra accompany me. She works for one of the vendors we use at Boudreaux Enterprises and made it known every time she came into the office that she wanted me. I’ve never been one to mix business with pleasure, but since she didn’t work with me directly, I saw no harm. She’s met my grandmother a time or two, but she’s never been known as anything other than a friend.

“Maybe some other time.” I locked eyes with her in the mirror as I washed my face. “You know how Sweets is… she will start thinking we’re a couple and?—”

“Is that a bad thing?” She stepped closer to me and allowed her naked breasts to rest on my torso. “We’ve been doing this same song and dance for a few years now, and I would like to put a label on things. I love you, Dre, and I want to be with you. Why is it so hard for you to be with me?”

Looking into her sad eyes, I felt bad for how things have gone. I know she loves me, and I have love for her too. The love I have is on the friend tip, though. It just so happens that she’s a friend I’m fucking.

I lifted her chin and brought her eyes to mine. “You know I can’t do that, baby. I have love for you, and I want to see you happy. I tell you all the time that the man you’re meant to be with isn’t me. You said you understood…”

“I do.” Tears welled in her eyes, and I sighed heavily. “I know we can be good together, Andre, and you know it too.”

“I gotta go, baby.” I kissed her forehead, gave her a quick hug, and let her go. Side-stepping her, I made my way back into her bedroom and grabbed my keys from the dresser. “Come lock up, and I will talk to you later.”

Hearing her sniffles behind me didn’t make me want to reconsider my words. I never wanted to hurt Sandra, and I felt like shit for doing it, but she knows what this is with us. I’ve given her outs on several occasions, and she’s always made her way back into my bed. She even knows about the other women and has stated that as long as she gets her time, she's not worried. I thought we knew what this was, but now it may be time to cut ties. Andre Boudreaux isn’t a man who does relationships. The expensive suits, tattoos, and deep pockets are what draw the ladies in. The charm and sense of humor I possess are nothing compared to the darkness and demons within me. Still, I wouldn’t change a thing about my life.

Sandra lived in the heart of the city, so it was going to take me well over an hour to get back to the compound. Looking at the dashboard, I decided to make a quick stop at Waffle House for breakfast.

“Shit… looks like I came just in time,” I muttered to myself.

Looking up from his phone, I locked eyes with Jules. The place was fairly empty since it was so early in the morning. The club crowd was gone, and soon, patrons who were attending early morning services would be filing in.

“What’s up, bro?” I reached across the table and gave him a fist bump as he cut into his waffle. “What are you doing out this time of morning?” Giving me a slow smirk, I chuckled at his subtle answer. “You know what? Nevermind. How about you come to church with me this morning? Seems to me… I’m not the only one that needs a little bit of prayer.”

“Is that right?” Jules replied as the waitress came over and took my order. “Make sure you add my stuff to his ticket, beautiful. This nigga is loaded.”

Shaking my head at his antics, I ordered my All-Star breakfast and made idle chit-chat before my food was presented to me. Blessing it quickly, I dived straight in.

“So, which one of those fast-ass hussies were you booed up with last night?” he asked, causing me to choke on my juice. “I might as well beat Sweets to the punch because you know she is going to ask.”

“I was with Sandra, and I think it was the last time.” I shook my head as I chewed my bacon. “She told me she knew what this was with us, but every time I look up, she crying and talking about how much she loves a nigga. I don’t want to hurt her any more than I already have, so I’m going to just cut her off.”

“Why are you so opposed to settling down, Andre?” He wiped his mouth and eyed me intently. “You’re crazy as hell, and you’re good nigga. Do you not want a family? A warm body to go home to every night?”

Continuing to eat, I mulled over what he said in my mind. Yeah, it would be nice to have a family and someone to love, but that’s not in the cards for me. My life consists of Boudreaux Enterprises and the Family. There’s no room for anything else.

“My father loved the ground my mother walked on before he died. The love they had for each other was borderline insanity.” I scoffed as I thought about all the times they tried to kill each other over money and infidelity. “I saw what work, women, and money did to him. I don’t want that for me.” I wiped my mouth and eyed my watch. I still had another forty-minute drive before I even got to the family compound. “I’m good on all that, bro.” I stood from my seat and pulled a couple of hundreds from my pockets. “I gotta head out. Kiss Bunny for me.”

“I’ll turn you into a snail right now, nigga.” He mugged me, and the smile I was sporting dropped. “Talking about kissing my damn girl for you like I won't ruin your fuckin’ day. Have you ever wondered what it was like to be a beetle, bitch?”

“Aight, I’m gonna head out.”

I threw up the deuces and got my ass out of there quicker than I came. I know that my sin is no greater or lesser than the next man, but Boko is by far the craziest and scariest nigga I’ve ever met. I thank God daily that he’s my boy because I would hate to have to deal with that witch shit. Looking at my watch once more, I knew I would be pushing it by heading home first to shower and change while trying to make it to church on time. However, a piece of the word is better than none at all. Late or not, the house of God would be seeing me.

* * *

“Too many times, we focus on things that can go wrong. We sit back and wonder how we’re going to make it out of our storm. I’m here to tell you today… that I serve a God that can calm the most raging sea! No matter how much it seems you are drowning, My Father can step in, scoop you up in his arms, and dry you off with the flick of his wrist!” Pastor Jones shouted from the top of the pulpit.

“I’m here to tell you today to not let your fears consume you! Don’t let the ‘what ifs’ cripple you! God sees all and knows all and will make it alright!” He stepped from the podium and made his way toward the congregation. “God wanted me to tell you that no matter what’s bothering you, come to Him. Are those kids stressing you out? Give it to God! That man can’t stop cheating and wants out of the marriage? Give it to God! That woman is no longer in love with you and found comfort in another? Give it to God!”

Like I knew I would be, I was late getting to church. The reverend sounded as if he was on the tail end of his sermon, and I hate I missed it. The members of the congregation were shouting and on their feet. Stepping inside, I glanced around and found Sweets on the front pew. It wasn’t hard to miss her because she always wore the biggest hat, knowing the people behind her couldn’t see.

“Take your time, Pastor!” my grandmother waved and shouted. She stood to her feet right as I slid in beside her. Smiling at me, she turned her attention back to the reverend. “Let him use you!”

“Is your job stressing you out? You feel like your actions, duties, and obligations are putting you in a space that has you at war mentally and spiritually?” he continued as he looked directly at me. Walking over, he placed his hand on my shoulder. “Give it to God! Romans Verse 23 says… we all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory! Do you think just because your neighbor’s sin is greater in your eyes that your chances are better than theirs at getting into Heaven? Whether it’s adultery or murder, we all have been tainted one way or another by the ugliness of this world.”

I nodded my head as I gazed up at his piercing glare.

“I serve a God that sits high and looks low. He died so that we may have a chance at life. You will not get into Heaven judging the next man because of what he does. Jesus loves us as God loved Him.” He gave my shoulder a tight squeeze before he continued his quest and wrapped up his sermon. “I’m here today to tell you… it’s time to get your houses in order. Don’t let another day pass you by and you don’t know my Father for yourself. I can’t get you into Heaven. That praying grandmother can’t get you into Heaven. He is the way, the truth, and the life. All of the praises and glory go to Him!”

By now, the entire congregation was on their feet. Even I clapped and felt chills all over from the power of his words. I’m not a perfect man—I’ve sinned and taken many lives, but I love the Lord. I know what He has done for me and my life. I know when this life is over, I have to atone for the pain I’ve inflicted in this life. No matter how much of a demon I might be, I still have my faith.

“The doors of the church are open!” he panted as he wiped the sweat from his brow. “Choir, do your thing.”

It took no time for the benediction to wrap up, and church was over. My grandmother embraced me in her arms, as only she could, and told me how glad she was that I attended. One introduction to a few members turned into an entire meet and greet. While I was over it and ready to go, I would never tell Wanita that.

“You look good today, Sweets.” I grinned as she looped her arm in mine as I led her out to the churchyard. “You should let me take you out to dinner today.”

“And risk running into one of your little girlfriends…” She huffed as she squinted up at me. The sun was shining bright, and it was pretty warm outside today. “I’m feeling good from the pastor’s sermon, and I don’t want to have to put my religion down and whoop some tail.” We shared a laugh as I walked her over to her new Cadillac sedan that I’d purchased this past Christmas. “Besides… I’m cooking today, and I would love for my grandson to come by.”

I wanted to decline because I knew there was a chance my mother would be there. She and I haven’t had much of a relationship these past three years. We didn’t see eye to eye on the subject of my father, and it wasn’t up to me to convince her of the truth. That was her husband, and if she wanted to be loyal to him, even in death, based on the vows she took, that was on her. As for me, my loyalty died when I found out how much of a bastard he was.

“He won’t be able to go anywhere but the emergency room if he doesn’t unhand my wife.”

Chuckling, I glanced over my shoulder and locked eyes with Pastor Jones. My grandfather was a man of God, but many, including me, knew not to try him. He hasn’t always been in the church, and he was aware of some of my dealings. Between him and my grandmother, I need the closest connection with God I can get.

“Hey, Pop.” I extended my hand for him to shake, but he pulled me into a hug instead. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too, son.” He patted my back and looked me over once we detached. “It was good to see you in church this morning. I was going to call you tonight for prayer.”

“Sorry, I was late,” I said as I held the door open for my grandmother. “It’s hot out here, and I don’t want this sweet lady to melt.” I smirked as he frowned. “I’m going to follow you guys home.”

After helping her inside the car, I watched him get into the Cadillac truck that matched hers. One thing I’m going to do until one of us leaves this world is spoil them both. Most of the members were gone, while a few lingered and gathered in the lot. Watching my grandparents pull away from the church, I did the same and followed them the short distance to their home. Not even fifteen minutes later, they were pulling into their modest four-bedroom home. I’ve wanted to buy them a new house several times, but they always declined. There was nothing wrong with what they had; I just wanted them to have the best.

“So, how’s business with Boudreaux Enterprises?” my grandmother asked as she took her seat beside me at the table. Today, we were having a pot roast and collards, and I was full as hell already. I know for sure I’m going to take a nap before I go home. “Your cousins called me the other day and checked on us. I love them so much. That Jules is an angel.”

“A what?” I yelled a little louder than I expected. “We can’t be talking about the same Jules, Sweets.”

Earl and Wanita Jones are my mother’s parents, so they weren’t aware of Boudreaux Mafia or the Family. They knew I was the Vice President of Boudreaux Enterprises and that my line of business sometimes causes me to incorporate fatal punishments. They know I’ve taken lives, but they never ask questions about it. They don’t approve of my work beyond the office or my lifestyle, but they never judge me for my sins.

Sweets smiled as she sipped her tea. “He’s a sweet young man, and he’s respectful. I told him and his brother to bring those kids over here and let me see them—those wives of theirs too. If Jules can settle down and get engaged, I know there’s hope for you yet.”

I knew it wouldn’t be long before she started with me getting a woman. Looking over to my grandfather for help, all he did was shrug as he continued to eat. Thankfully, there was a knock on the door that pulled their attention from me.

“Mama, whose car is that in the yard?” I stiffened at the voice and the steps that came closer. “It’s nice and—oh… it’s him.”

“Hey to you too, Mama.” I nodded and looked over toward the entrance of the kitchen. The look of disgust on her face broke my heart. At the end of the day, it hurt knowing my mother hated me. “You look nice today.”

Dressed in a simple royal blue maxi dress and sandals, Mattie Boudreaux was beautiful. With her chocolate skin and high cheekbones, she looked like the younger version of my grandmother. She was a plus-sized woman who always carried herself with confidence. She and I had the absolute best relationship when I was a kid, but when I got older, things changed.

Taking over as an enforcer in Boudreaux Mafia, my father wasn’t happy about it. While he was the right hand to Rosier’s dad, he felt that we were the ones who truly ran things. I never felt that way, and eventually, he stopped speaking to me about the secret animosity. I guess that left room for him to confide in my mother about things she had no business knowing. She always felt she was better than Ma Ros and wanted the spotlight that came with being with the head Boudreaux in charge.

“Come on in and grab a seat, dear.” My father stood and hugged his daughter. “It’s been a while since we’ve sat and ate dinner as a family.”

“Who said we’re going to start back today?” She continued to frown at me as she set her purse on the counter. “How dare you come here and act as if it’s not because of you and that family of yours that my husband is dead?”

“Mattie… please don’t start this again, honey.” My grandmother sighed as she went over to the stove and began to fix my mother’s plate. “Claude died in a car accident that he caused when he decided to drive drunk. You need to accept the fact that?—”

“I’m not accepting a damn thing!” she shouted as she shot daggers my way. “Claude was next in line to take over as head of the Family, and Dre knows that! They killed him because they knew he would be better suited for mafia life and undo everything Samuel did as Boss! My husband should have been the one with the money and power.” She stepped to me, and I kept my face neutral. “How can you still work for them knowing what they did to him? Do you know all of the things those people have done? That damn mafia?—”

“Ma, you don’t know what you’re talking about, and it’s best you be quiet when speaking on matters you know nothing about either,” I stated as calmly as I could, causing her to pause. “Mafias haven’t been a thing for years. Even if it was, speaking on matters like that can get you and the ones you loved most killed.”

“Are you threatening me?” She gritted her jaw together as she clenched her fists. “Is that why they killed your father?”

“Dad died in a drunken crash.” I stood and eyed her, stuffing my hands in my slacks. “Was it the guilt of his brother being killed that consumed him? Maybe. Or… maybe the guilt of preying on kids and adolescents was too much on him.” I could hear my grandmother cover her mouth and gasp. “I loved Dad too but let us not pretend he was a good man.”

Whap!

Slapping me with all of her might, she eyed me with so much hate. Slowly turning my head and dragging my eyes back to her, I took a gradual step in her direction. I could hear a chair behind me scrub against the floor as it was pushed back from the table, but I never took my eyes off her.

“You better watch your fuckin’ mouth, boy!” she shouted as tears flooded her eyes. “You helped them kill my husband, and now you want to sit here and lie on his name! You’d better hope I never find out what happened to him because I’m going to make you all pay! I’m going to see to it that each and every one of you go down for this! You better hope I don’t kill you myself!”

“Is that right?” I chuckled menacingly. I took another step toward her and this time, she did the right thing by retreating. “You think you have it all figured out? I’ll humor you, Mama. Let’s say this said mafia exists. Do you think they take threats lightly? If they hypothetically killed someone in their organization for betraying them, what do you think they would do to someone like you? Someone who means nothing to them? Not only that, but this isn’t the old days. They have killers who don’t give a damn about harming women and children. They won’t wait until you sleep and creep into your home like a thief in the night.” I smirked at the tears that flowed down her face. “You think they care about your tears? No… they will kill you in broad daylight and lick those tears as they slice your neck from ear to ear.”

“Okay, Andre… that’s enough.” My grandfather grabbed my wrist and pulled me back from my mother. I hadn’t realized that I was now directly in front of her. “She gets it, son.”

“Do you, Mama?” I pulled from him and angled my head as I eyed her. “Do you understand that your idle threats can cause you a world of pain simply because you want to speak on things and threaten people that wouldn’t give a damn if you were related to them? Are you sure that’s the game you want to play? You really want to summon the Grim Reaper?”

She sobbed quietly, and I took the time to examine my mother. Mattie was someone I couldn’t recognize. I never wanted to threaten her or, even worse, kill her, but she needed to let sleeping dogs lie. In my father’s case, a dead one.

My grandmother walked over and touched my cheek. “That’s enough, baby. She gets it.”

“Get what?” I blinked a few times and peered down at the eyes of my worried granny. I smiled at her sweetly. “Everything I mentioned was hypothetical.”

Bending, I kissed her cheek before turning to my grandfather. He said nothing as he pulled me into a hug and kissed my temple. “I love you, son.”

Saying nothing, I gave my mother one last once over and accepted the hatred she displayed for me. No longer wanting to be in her presence, I gathered my things and left. Unbuttoning my dress shirt, I felt as if I was suffocating. I panted heavily as I sank into the driver’s seat of my whip and gripped the steering wheel. Taking a life is easy for me, but never have I been this close to taking my mother’s. Once my breathing was paced, I started my car and called up the only person I needed to talk to. After a few rings, the call connected.

“What’s up, man? How was church?”

“Zoo…” I ignored his question, looking through my windshield so I could pull away. “We have a problem. However you want to handle it, I accept it.”

This was the last call I wanted to make, but the choice wasn’t mine. At the end of the day, it was my sworn duty as the Boss’s right hand to report all matters that could be detrimental to the organization. The noise in his background faded, and I knew I had his full attention, so I continued, “There’s a potential threat I need to tell you about.”

“Who?” he asked. I could hear the curiosity in his voice. “Let me know who’s getting this work.”

“My mother.”