“So Gage, what you doin’ in here?” he asked me. “Where’s Rayne?”

  “It’s a long story. What about you. Shouldn’t you be in Detroit working on some construction site? That's what Rayne told me.”

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought too. But it turns out …” he paused. “Look, I don’t think I should be telling you any of this. For all I know you might be in on it as well.”

  I grabbed the collar of his orange suit. “What the fuck are you talking about? Why would I be a part of you being in jail?”

  He shoved my hand away. “It’s your fucking warehouse, which means you aren’t the innocent upstanding citizen Rayne told me you were.”

  “Will you stop talking in riddles, man?”

  He continued as though he didn’t hear me, his voice becoming agitated. “I bet they caught you red handed, dealing.”

  “Dealing what?” I asked, losing my patience. “And what were you saying about my warehouse?”

  “Don’t act as if you don’t know what I’m talking about. The only reason I just saved your ass is because of my sister.”

  I took fistfuls of his collar, pushing him up against the wall. “You tell me plain and straight what you trying to say and stop with your nonsense.”

  “Alright, I’ll tell you since you don’t seem to know what your brother is doing.”

  “Braun?”

  He scrunched his face. “No man. Leroy. He sent me to Detroit to work in the warehouse, not no damn construction site like I told y’all. He said I needed to keep it under wraps.”

  “And?”

  “When I found out what was in that warehouse, I told him I wanted no part of it. I threatened to call the cops and next thing I knew some cop was busting down my door and saying I was a drug dealer,” he told me. “Look, I kinda knew you had nothing to do with it, but now seeing you here, I was suspicious. Sorry I accused you.”

  “Of what are you accusing me?”

  “Leroy is dealing drugs and guns from the Detroit warehouse.”

  Someone was snapping their fingers, snapping me back to my current location. I raised my eyes to Ron as he looked questioningly at me. Carlon knew a lot, enough to help me piece together the puzzle of why I was behind bars.

  “He’s innocent, just like me,” I informed Ron. If you can find a loophole to set me free, try finding one for him as well.”

  “Alright, I will see what I can do.”

  “Good.”

  With that out of the way, Ron wanted to know my next steps. “So Gage, what’s next?”

  “I’m moving home today.”

  Rising from his chair behind his glass top desk, Ron cursed under his breath. “What do you mean you’re moving home tonight? Didn’t you say Leroy installed a new security system that requires your fingerprint? And after what happened the other night, you don’t think he’s increase security?”

  I glanced at my watch. “You know, Leroy should be on his way to Detroit by now. And as for that fingerprint technology, that’s already dismantled.”

  My attorney walked to his left where there was a drink cabinet near the window. Over to the right of his desk was a bookshelf lining one wall. Immediately behind the desk were shelves with sports trophies and memorabilia. His diploma was placed high up on the wall along with a couple of awards.

  I turned my attention to him as he opened a bottle of bourbon and poured into a glass. He then brought it over to me, returned to the cabinet and picked up a bottle of mineral water.

  “I would take a shot, but I can’t drink while I work,” he said. “You drink that for both of us. Now tell me what you were saying about moving back home?”

  I downed the bourbon in one gulp and rose to my feet. “I will send you a photo tonight. In the meantime you start drawing up the paperwork for transfer of shares back to me. Don’t take long, I’ll need then by tomorrow.”

  Ron frowned. “What are you planning?”

  “I’ll tell you when the time is right.”

  As I started to leave, my friend grabbed my arm. “Be careful. Your brother has friends in high places, including a lot of dirty cops who are willing to do anything for money.”

  “You don’t worry about me.”

  6 – Gage

  Braun had informed me that the gate would open upon my entry and that the security post there would be empty. He was right, the gate gaped as soon as I drove up and I entered Wilder Oaks without incident. I’d just arrived when my phone alerted me of a text message. It wasn’t what I expected so I disregarded it. I was expecting a phone call and I wanted no distractions until then. When I reached the end of the driveway, I parked just outside the portico. Calvin and one of his dogs was guarding the front door.

  I debarked the vehicle and began to mount the two steps that led to the front door. The dog snarled at me while the guard tried to block me from entering the house.

  “Mister Gage, I can’t let you in.”

  “Get off my property now, before I lose my patience,” I grated. He stood his ground. I approached, leaning close to his ear while he tried to constrain the rabid looking animal. “I know you pulled that trigger and I can prove it.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Mr. Gage.”

  I gave him a deathly stare. “Do you really want to call my bluff Calvin? I’m not after you, so don’t make the mistake of making me your enemy, you will lose.” I paused to give him time to absorb my words. “Now, will you prevent me from entering my own house?”

  He stepped out of my path. “No, Mr. Gage.”

  “Now it’s time for you to decide. You stick with Leroy and you will go down as hard as he will. You stick with me and I can help you beat this. It’s time to choose.”

  I didn’t wait for an answer. I approached the door and pushed. The alarm as I expected was disabled. By the time my feet stepped over the threshold, my phone blasted. I touched the Bluetooth in my ear.

  “Been expecting you.”

  “Gage, it’s me,” Braun’s voice came on the line.

  “You know I’m expecting that call, so talk fast,” I growled.

  “I got held up after my early class, but I’m on my way. My friends will be there in five minutes to take care of the new installment and the delivery truck is on its way with your new bed.”

  “Alright, I hear something coming up the drive.”

  “See you later big bro.”

  “Yeah.”

  A dark green SUV was coming up the driveway. The vehicle parked behind my car and four youth, around Braun’s age alighted it. They were carrying laptops, tablets and other equipment I assumed were to be used for the installation.

  My phone rang again and this time I checked the device to make sure it was the call I expected. It was Braun.

  “What now.”

  “She’s there. I thought she was going out, but I discovered she cancelled her appointment. Sorry man.”

  I sighed. “No problem. I’ll deal with her.”

  Calvin did not prevent the small team from entering the house. The men barely greeted me before getting to work. I left them and climbed the stairs, thinking that it was time to take out the garbage. With my mind set, I approached my old bedroom. Without thinking, I gripped the knob and turned, pushing the door wide open.

  What greeted me was a woman wrapped in a plush robe, her hear damp and her skin glistening from the shower. I could smell her fruity shampoo from where I stood. Rayne’s eyes widened.

  “Gage, don’t you know how to knock?” she snapped.

  About to retreat with an apology, I recalled why I was there. I stepped in and shut the door. “You forget Rayne, this is my bedroom. Has always been.”

  “It doesn’t matter. You no longer occupy it,” she retorted, stepping closer to me. “When you reclaim this bedroom then you will have all the authority to enter without prior notice.”

  She was so close, I could smell her fresh breath with a hint of strawberries. “Is that so?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then consider it done,” I recounted

  Her face went blank. “What do you mean?”

  “As of this moment, I reclaim this bedroom and all that is in it, except for that bed.”

  “All, that’s in it?”

  Up until that moment, I had toyed with the idea of snatching Rayne from Leroy as revenge. I hadn’t really thought of what I would do with her once taken. I didn’t consider claiming my brother’s left overs as prize, even though she once belonged to me. But the thought of them fucking tore through me like tornado. The hate I’d built up for them both now rose up to my throat, choking the life from me.

  I grabbed her, pulling her up close and crushing her lips with mine. She whimpered, trying to detangle herself. I pulled her close, holding her like a vice. My tongue found hers, taking the kiss she was holding back from giving. When I had my fill of the kiss I broke free, only to twist her around, pulling on the string of her robe in the process. Slipped my hand around her waist and dragged her back up against my frame.

  “Gage,” her voice came out breathless. “What are you doing?”

  Dipping my head, I pressed my lips to the side of her neck, then grazed the skin with my teeth. She trembled as a groan erupted from her. Even the sound of her moaning as it reminded me of the passion we used to share was like a spear in my soul. I wanted to punish her, to make her repent of the sins she committed.

  I cupped a breast and gave it a not so gentle squeeze while my other hand laced through her deadlocks. Gripping a fistful of her sweet smelling locks, I pulled her head back, garnering a loud gasp from her. The opening of her mouth gave me the opportunity to demand another kiss. She owed me more than that.

  Roughly, I plunged my tongue into her mouth, taking hers even as my hand ran down her cleavage down to her belly. Her flesh quivered beneath my touch giving me an indication that I was still able to evoke some passion within her. My hand reached down and cupped her apparently freshly shaven bare flesh. Heat scorched my fingers as a gush of host sticky substance coated them.

  Unwittingly, a low rumble emitted from deep within me jarring me a little. I continued my assault on her mouth as a bolt of electricity shot through me, causing my dick to war against my slacks. With my pulsing dick and my body raging for attention, I plunge my index finger into her wet pussy.

  My thumb had just began to fiddle with her clit when the blast from my cell phone tore us apart. I released Rayne, wiped my sticky fingers on her breasts and turned my back, tapping the earpiece.

  “Yes,” I answered, my voice on edge.

  “You’re fucking dead, you hear me!” Leroy’s angry shout almost defended me. “Where is my merchandize?”

  “You will get your mechanize when you sign over back my shares to me. Sign the papers in the package that’s attached under the driver seat of your car. Follow the instructions included. When I have received confirmation that the papers have been signed and delivered, I will tell you were your goods are.”

  “Fuck the hell off, Gage. I will never give you back the company. It’s my birthright.”

  “Alright, Leroy. Have it your way. You will just have to make other arrangements with your clients who are on their way to you as we speak. Moreover, your suppliers are expecting you to make good on the arms deal tonight.”

  “I don’t have an arms deal tonight.”

  “By the way, check your phone in a few minutes. I have a surprise for you.”

  I hung up before he could question me further. Ignoring the ringing of the phone, I turned to find that Rayne had started dressing. I pulled her up to me, our eyes connecting. Her dark brown ones had questions, regret and heat all directing at me.

  “You don’t do anything unless I tell you to, got that?”

  She pushed against me. “What are you up to Gage?”

  “Undress and get into bed.”

  She looked at me in confusion. “Why?”

  “Do it now, Rayne. Otherwise I will throw you out of my house along with the rest of the garbage.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  I gripped her tightly. “Try me.”

  “You’re hurting me Gage,” she cried.

  My eyes dropped to my hand on her upper arm and I release her forthwith, feeling a tingle where her skin met my palm. She removed the shorts she had dragged on and climbed into the bed. I indicated that she also remove her underwear.

  I flung my jacket aside, kicked off my shoes and loosened my tie. At this point, I was winging it with no clear idea what I was doing. After removing all my clothes, I climbed into bed with her, tousled my hair and pulled her into my arms with my cell phone in hand.

  “What are you doing?” she whispered.

  “You ask a lot of questions, don’t you?”

  Taking a photo of us both, I sent it in a message to my brother. ‘I told you I would take back everything you stole, including your wife. One down, a few others to go.’

  7 – Leroy

  I gritted my teeth, my jaw clenching so tightly I felt the muscles tighten. That brother of mine was going down. I should have just killed the fucking bastard instead of sending him to prison. This time, I didn’t care whether he was blood or not, I’d do whatever it took to end him.

  Seeing that photo of him and Rayne in bed sent me over the edge. Angrily, I tossed the phone away, hearing it shatter as it hit the floor of the now empty warehouse. My merchandise was gone and I would be in deep shit if I was unable to deliver the goods I promised El Lobo. Paper needed to trade hands within the next thirty six hours or my ass would be toast.

  “Boss,” one of my men, Tundra approached me from behind. “El Lobo and his men are here.”

  “Damn it!”

  My appointment with the Latino chief was tomorrow night. How the hell did, El Lobo get the dates mixed? Then I remember that Gage told me I had a deal tonight? I could not fathom how he made the time switch. Gage was not aa man in the streets. He was clean … too clean, a business brain and not a thug. All I could think was that this was some mistake on my men’s part, because there was no way Gage knew El Lobo.

  Before I could consult with my front man as what to do, El Lobo was calling my name. “Leroy, let’s do business.”

  I began walking toward the entrance where El Lobo and his men entered. “Well here’s the thing, the goods…”

  “Boss,” Tundra cut me off, leaning close to me and speaking in low tones. “We found them.”

  El Lobo closed the space between us. “What were you saying?”

  I had to think on my feet. “The goods are at another location … for safety reason.”

  “And you made me come all the way here?” the Latino berated. “Are you messing with me? I left my parents’ anniversary celebration to come to you. You better not be wasting my time, Esé (homeboy).”

  “I wouldn’t dare waste your time, El Lobo.”

  Tundra quickly supplied the location where Gage had moved the merchandize. Gage was out of his league. I owned Detroit and nothing could get lost without me finding it. All it took was a few phone calls to have my boys check around for any movement within the last few days.

  We moved out immediately, heading to the storage unit Gage rented. El Lobo was not pleased about the situation and I couldn’t blame him. Deals like these were supposed to be solid. Shifting location after the buyer arrived was never a good call. Fortunately El Lobo knew I was a serious businessman and had never forfeited on a transaction before.

  The place Gage chose was on the outskirts of the city. Some of my men were already there and had opened the containers which housed the crates. I was impressed at the remoteness of the storage unit and the privacy offered that I considered that he did me a huge favor. It made me reconsider moving my business dealings to a place such as this.

  “Check the merchandise,” I instructed Tundra.

  Beckoning to the rest of the team of a dozen, they pried off the lid of the crates using a claw-bar. Breathing a sigh, I called over El Lobo to come and view the stuff. He and his men picked up a few of the high powered weapon from the top of the crates and examined them. I only traded the best and what Lobo was looking at was military grade.

  “As usual, you got some good stuff here,” he said. “How many are we talking about?”

  “There’s ten in each crate.”

  He turned to his team. “Dig them out guys. Let’s do this.”

  His men removed the top layer and lay the weapons on the floor. They then dug into the piles of dries grass that Gage used to pack the crates. When one El Lobo’s his men beckoned him my brain froze. The look on the man’s face told me that something was dangerously wrong. Lobo’s men drew their weapons and trained them on Tundra and the team while El Lobo turned to face me.

  “Is this some kind of a joke?” he spat. “I told you what happens to gringos who waste my time.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about man?” I asked, even as I indicated that my men should see what happened.

  Both El Lobo and I drew our weapons at the same time while I backed out of the storage unit. Tundra and a few of the boys went to investigate what had El Lobo worked up. I knew it was going to go down and all I could think that whatever it was, Gage was a dead man.

  “Boss!” Tundra ran out of the unit carrying a wooden weapon.

  More men were coming with wooden and plastic toy weapons. There was one with a water pistol. The blood drained from my head as even my hearts flipped over a few times. I could not believe that Gage would put my life in jeopardy this way. We were brothers for fuck’s sake!

  Yet again, I did try to off him in prison when I realized that the charges against him might not stick. I’d have to pay a couple hundred grand to some dirty cops to hide evidence. Now, here I was with a gun pointing to my face and all I could think of was killing the bastard for real.

  “Look, this is just a misunderstanding,” I tried to reason with the man although a ball of white hot rage was quickly engulfing me. “You see, my brother thought he’d pull one over on me…”

 

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