Page 115 of Stolen Matrimony

After my own failed attempt at getting ahold of Ezra, I stopped by his house since it was on the way to The District.

Pulling up to his house, I cut the engine and stepped out of the car, making my way to the house. Ezra’s car was parked in front of his garage so I knew he was home. Ezra lived in a high-priced area. Most of his neighbors were doctors, other lawyers, or held other jobs like them. Walking to the door, I tried to pull the screen door open, but seeing it was locked, I opted for the doorbell.

Just as I was about to hit it again, I heard the locks move then the front door opened. Ezra was dressed in a suit which meant he more than likely had just gotten home from the office. He unlocked the screen door and held it open.

“Big bro, wassup?” He grinned.

“Your mama been trying to get ahold of you.” I stepped in the house. My eyes circled the small entryway.

“I just got home. I’ve been in court all morning.” He loosened his tie and started toward his living room.

“Make sure you call her.”

“I will… later.”

“You look stressed. Everything good?”

“Court kicked my ass today.” He yawned, plopping down on his couch.

“You started your trial with Felix Benson?” I asked, referring to Wise’s little brother. He was caught up on racketeering charges.

“Yeah. The little cocky bastard pisses me off. If I wasn’t being paid so good, I’d hand him off.”

My brows furrowed hearing thumping from overhead. “Someone else here?”

A sly grin formed on Ezra’s face. He leaned back and kicked his feet out, crossing them at the ankle.

“Let’s just say that blogger chick won’t be an issue anymore.” Mischief played in his eyes.

I studied my brother and flicked my eyes upward. “What the hell did you do?”

“She caught me breaking into her house so I had to do something to calm her down.”

“I told you to scare her, not kidnap her.”

“You chained your wife in your basement because you found her in your house. Are you really the one to talk?”

Laughing, I bobbed my head. “Touché, but what’s your plan? You can’t just keep her here.” Our family had too many connections to be worried about him getting in trouble, but he still couldn’t be too reckless. My brother normally wouldn’t do something this outrageous and risky without a plan.

He shrugged. “I haven’t decided yet, but me and Miss Ziora are gonna come to an understanding before I let her go.” The twinkle in my brother’s eyes showed me it was more to the story.

“As long as you know what you’re doing. Don’t fuck this up, Ez.”

“I won’t. Don’t worry.”

“Good. Keep me in the loop and let me know if you need me.” I stood to leave.

“What’s the status on Neil?”

“I got Emmet checking a new angle to find him.” Neil was hiding well. I had spoken to Major and he had no insight on where Neil could be. Once he realized Neil was into shady side dealings and trying to undermine him, he washed his hands with him and left him to fend on his own.

“Call your mama!” I walked to the entryway. The banging sounded upstairs again. I glanced toward the steps and shook my head, opening the door. I didn’t know what the hell Ezra was up to, but if I knew my little brother, it would turn out to be entertaining in the end.

____

My phone rang, interrupting my concentration as I went over things for the club. The shooting didn’t slow business down, if anything it only made it increase. I was debating if I wanted to increase the number of pills I brought into the club again. With business increasing, the demand for them was too.

I checked the screen and saw it was Emmet calling me. I had been waiting for his call all day.