Deadly Saintes- The Complete Series, page 37
part #1 of Deadly Saintes Series
Lawrence and Reginald looked at one another.
Lawrence didn’t have the strength to look Darius in his eyes for longer than a second at a time.
Darius began to rise out of the chair. “What happened?”
“Son, please. We shouldn’t have to tell you like this.”
“Tell me what?” Their silence only fed his panic. “Tell me what?”
“RJ is dead.”
Constance burst through the door a second later. Her excitement level dropped mid stride. “What’s going on?”
All three men looked at her.
The doctor entered. Preoccupied with reading Reginald’s chart, he didn’t notice the tension. His walked slowed to half speed when he realized that everyone was looking at him. “Is this a bad time?”
"These are my children. You can speak freely."
“Mr. Sainte, you’re lucky you got here when you did or it could have been far worse. A change in diet and exercise will help you make significant improvement,. If that doesn't help, we may need to put in a stent.”
“So he’s going to be okay.”
“He should make a full recovery. I can provide you with some dietary information if you’d like.”
She requested it just to get him out of the room. She wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room. “What happened before I came in here?”
“We just told—”
“Why didn’t you tell me RJ was dead?” Darius said.
Constance’s knees weakened. She held onto Lawrence’s arms as he guided her to his chair.
Lawrence led Darius out of the room and down the hallway. They slipped into one of the empty rooms. “A lot has happened since you’ve been gone.”
“Yeah, my fucking brother is dead and my dad almost died.” He walked in a circle with his hands on his head. “Did anybody else die?” Lawrence’s silence was the only answer he needed. “Fuck, who? Please don’t say Malcolm."
“Jovan.”
“What?”
“Jovan died. In a car crash. Last night.”
“Wow,” Darius said chuckling. “Mom was right. Maybe I am the angel that keeps this family together.” He continued laughing. “So are you and Constance a thing now?”
“Working on it.”
“Good. I never liked that sorry punk anyway.”
They laughed as they hugged. “We didn't know how to reach you when RJ died. We’ve all been so busy trying to keep everything together.”
“Now that I’m back I can help.” Darius kept hold of Lawrence’s hand. “Who killed RJ? I want to make sure they feel the full extent of the Saintes’ wrath.”
“Trey killed your brother. He shot him in the head.”
Lawrence’s hand remained in place after Darius let it go. He watched as Darius walked away.
9
Constance realized she hadn’t given any thought to Jovan’s eulogy. She would have to deliver it, being that she was sure to be the only person in his life to speak on his behalf. Writing the speech was a good distraction from filling out the funeral information. To get in the mood, she looked over the record collection, pulling out a Coltrane album. She smiled. She had teased Jovan, saying he looked like a younger version of the musical genius.
She hummed through her thin smile. She sat at her desk and thought about better days.
Jovan 's smile was bright. He wasn't a big man, but he made her feel safe. He always sat by the window, walked closest to the street, and slept closest to the door.
As the horn began its crescendo, she wondered where it all went wrong, when he changed. She wondered how he went to an ambitious creative spirit to being content with living off her.
Lawrence entered the room, immediately noticing the balls of paper on her desk. He leaned across the desk and kissed her. “Been busy?”
“Trying to be. My mind is all over the place.”
“I don’t blame you. What do you want me to do?"
“I can handle it. It’s about doing it. You would think I would have an easier time since I did this before with mama.”
“Burying a loved one is never easy.”
She didn’t have the energy to correct him. She hadn’t loved Jovan in years.
She stood, wrapped an arm around his neck and inhaled his cologne. “What have you been up to? I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages. I hate waking up without you.”
“I have news,” Lawrence said.
Constance returned to her chair. “Good or bad?”
“I don’t know, given the current circumstances.” He told her that he put the tail on Jovan after she kicked him out. “He was definitely feeling the break up. He spent whatever money he had in the strip club.”
“Black Knights’?”
“Yep.”
She groaned as she massaged her neck. “That isn’t gonna make things any easier.”
“Neither is what I’m about to tell you.” He laid the pictures on her desk. Each of them featured Trey and Jovan. “I didn’t want my guy to get too close, so I don’t have the specifics about the conversations. I’m pretty sure we know what they were talking about."
Her nostrils flared each time she breathed. She never believed Trey’s agreement to a truce. She didn’t think he would partner with Jovan to take her down. But he was his father’s son.
She said, “I should have seen this coming. I need to find out what that sister of his is up to.”
“Sister?”
She smacked her forehead. “I’m sorry, I meant to tell you when I found out, but with everything that’s going on…Trey has a sister named Brooklyn. She surfaced at Titus’ funeral.”
“That must be who this is.” He laid down a picture of a young woman leaving a ragged apartment building. “They’ve been talking a lot. She’s going to be a problem. I had a hunch…” The next photo he laid down showed her and Santini cozied up at the back of a restaurant. “They’re working together.”
“Looks like they’re doing more than that. She’s Trey’s sister, and she’s sleeping with Santini.”
“Santini gives her unlimited resources. Trey gives her unlimited bodies.”
“And her working for the NYPD gives her unlimited protection.” Constance slammed her fist on the desk. “Fuck. I can’t catch a fucking break even when my husband dies. I’m sorry, I didn’t...”
“It’s fine. I understand.” He picked up the photos. "Have you been to the florist?"
"Not yet."
“I’ll handle it.” He stopped her before she had a chance to protest. “I wasn’t asking. You have to let me help you.” He kissed her. “I’ll be back later tonight. Keep my side of the bed warm for me.” Lawrence left.
Constance exhaled. Sifting through the papers, she found a picture that Lawrence had forgotten. Observing Brooklyn’s face, she couldn’t deny how beautiful she was.
Something on the side of her neck caught her attention.
She turned on the lamp and held it up the light. It was a small oblong shaped dark spot, no bigger than the size of a pencil eraser. A tattoo.
Constance wiped her mouth after coming out of the stall. She washed her hands and checked her makeup. Despite everything running smoothly, she couldn’t help but feel like disaster was only a moment away. It always was.
She splashed another handful of water onto her face. She patted her face dry and touched up her makeup. The door opened.
Jovan’s mistress said nothing as she removed her makeup kit from her purse. She applied a fresh coat of lipstick and mascara, blew a kiss at Constance and left.
Constance loosened her grip on the sink’s edge. She took a series of deep breaths and looked into the mirror. “Just two more hours. And then I’m the fuck out of here.”
Lawrence was waiting for her when she came out of the restroom. “You okay?”
“Ready for this to be over.”
The empty rows made the space feel bigger than it was. Only Jovan’s mother, sister, and two friends from his childhood were present, along with the members of her family. Jovan didn’t attend church, but Constance had asked the Sainte family pastor to preside.
Constance went to the podium. She focused on Joi, who was leaning on Lawrence. The microphone amplified the rumble in her throat as she cleared it. “Jovan’s mother would like to say a few words.” She helped his mother into place.
“My name is Mildred. I’m Jovan’s mother. I don’t know how any of you felt about my son, but I loved him. I know he was flawed. Some might call him lazy or uninspired, which he could be at times. But he loved hard. He loved his wife, and he surely loved his daughter, my granddaughter Joi.”
The back doors flew open. Trey stood in front of a crowd of about twenty people. Constance didn’t recognize anyone.
“I hope we’re not late,” Trey said. He wore a cocky grin as he led the group inside. “Hey sis.”
“What is this Trey?” Constance asked. “Who are these people?”
“These are the people that accepted Jovan for the man he really was. These are the people that really cared about him. I thought they should get a chance to say goodbye.”
“I don’t know any of them.”
“Maybe if you did, you woulda been able to appreciate Jovan more.”
Constance crumpled the funeral program in her hand.
“You’re really gonna deny Jovan the chance to hear loving words from his friends?”
“You should let them speak,” Mildred said.
Constance sat next to Lawrence, resisting the urge to slap his hand off her leg. “I will kill him,” she hissed. “Bringing a bunch of strippers and pimps in here.”
“Not the time or the place,” Lawrence whispered.
“As soon as it's over then.”
“He’s not worth it.”
The young girl climbing up the stairs pulled her dress down with one hand and held it up with the other. Her gum popped in the microphone, the audience able to see the change in its shape each time she chewed.
“Jovan used to be a regular in my station. I didn’t know him long, but we were close. I felt sorry for him because he sounded so sad when he would be telling me about how he was losing everything. I did my best to make him feel better. He was always smiling whenever he left. Thank ya’ll.” Her five-inch heels clacked on the hardwood as she climbed down the stairs.
The man that helped her down commended her on a job well done.
Lawrence felt Constance tensing up, gave her hand a squeeze and shook his head.
Another girl, equally undressed, made her way to the microphone. “I just wanna say that Jovan was a good tipper and that was a perfect gentleman most of the time. If I wasn’t in a relationship, I prolly woulda let him hit it.”
“That’s it.” Constance ripped her hand out of Lawrence’s grasp. She marched up to the podium and snatched the mic while the girl was still talking.
“Rude bitch.”
Constance’s eyes blazed. “Call me that again.”
The pastor stood between them. “Ladies.”
The girl backed down. “My bad, I was just sayin’.”
The pastor helped her down. “You’ve said enough. Thank you, all of Jovan’s friends for coming, but the services are concluded.”
Constance left the chapel. She held her hand over her mouth as she sprinted through the doors. Lawrence got up and followed he into the ladies' room.
She was on her knees, shaking as she held onto the toilet. He held her hair back while she let the sickness out. “We need to get you to the hospital.”
“I’m fine.”
“Throwing up out of nowhere isn’t fine.”
She flushed the toilet, using it to pull herself to her feet. She then sloshed a handful of water around her mouth before splashing her face. “It’s the stress. Can you believe Trey, bringing those people here?”
“He’s just trying to get under your skin,” Lawrence said.
“Well, it fucking worked.”
Mildred’s head popped through the door. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but Joi is asking for you.”
Lawrence double checked that she was okay before leaving.
Constance held her stomach as she examined herself in the mirror. Aside from her bloodshot eyes and a few new wrinkles, there was nothing that gave her immediate concern. She washed and dried her face and rinsed her mouth out a second time. “Let’s hurry and bury this motherfucker so we can move on.”
She opened the door and heard people arguing. Two large men shoved each other. The strippers had chosen sides and yelled encouragement as they tussled.
Lawrence had his hand on Joi’s shoulder. He stood between her and the confusion. He grabbed Constance’s hand.
“Let’s get out of here.”
10
Lawrence slid from underneath Constance without waking her. He made it to the door when he heard her stir. He looked back. Her eyes were half open.
“Stay.”
“I can’t.”
“Yes, you can. We're more than friends.”
He thought of his conversation with Joi. It still didn’t feel right given the short time that had passed since Jovan’s funeral. He kneeled in front of her, resting his chin on his forearms.
“I’m trying to be respectful and you’re making it very hard.”
“What kind of woman would I be if I didn’t?”
“Not mine,” he said with a smile. His kiss was sweet. “I'll make breakfast in the morning.”
“Promise?”
“I promise.” He kissed her again and swept a lock of hair off her face. “Sweet dreams, my queen. I love you.”
Constance gave him a sleepy smile. “I love hearing you say that.”
Lawrence winked at her and went to the guest room. Constance was barely asleep when her phone vibrated. She picked it up. She didn’t recognize the phone number. She answered anyway.
“Is this Constance Sainte?”
She sat up. It was after midnight. Any conversation that started with those words wouldn't be good news.
“Yes, this is she.”
“This is Nurse Fenton at Detroit General. Your father has taken a turn for the worse”
Constance swallowed hard. "It’s bad, isn’t it?"
"Your family should come right away."
The trip to the hospital was a blur. Constance had dealt with Joi while Lawrence called Darius. She left Joi to dress and went back to her room. Lawrence was ready to go.
“What about Eralia and Malcolm?”
She shook her head. “We have nothing to tell them. Let’s go to the hospital first.” She pressed her lips together. “What if he’s dead?”
Lawrence put his arms around her. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“I’m ready,” Joi said.
Constance wiped her eyes and squared her shoulders. “Let’s go.”
Constance walked like a woman on a mission. No one dared to look in her direction as she made her way to the two story office building. It was a location that was only used for emergencies. None of the Saintes had been there since the family’s matriarch died.
The security chief was wearing a dark suit and a white shirt. He had been with the Reginald for over a decade. He snapped to attention and let her in.
"Good afternoon, Colby."
"Good afternoon, Miss Sainte. I'm sorry to hear about your father. He was always good to me." Colby closed the door and locked it.
She nodded. "Thank you. He always had confidence in you. I have the same."
"I appreciate that."
"We're clean?"
"Yes, ma'am. We swept everything an hour ago. I have men in front and back, and another manning the cameras. You're good to go."
"Thank you."
He followed her up the stairs. The conference room was dark and empty when they arrived. Colby flipped on the switch.
“I left it like it was,” the security guard said. “I know Mr. Sainte liked things to stay the same.”
“Thank you, Colby.”
“Let me know if you need anything.” He eased his hand around his gun.
“I will.” She had scheduled the meaning half an hour after her arrival to give herself some time to think. She went to her father's chair at the head of the table. She sank in it and took a deep breath. It still smelled like him.
She leaned back and closed her eyes.
Daddy, I don’t know if I can do this without you. I couldn’t keep it together when you were here. How am I supposed to when you’re not? I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how you did it for so long. I’m sick of having to look over my shoulder. I’m sick of having to bury my family. It’s not worth it. We have more money than we know what to do with and look what it’s gotten us. You’re gone. Mama’s gone. RJ’s gone. Jovan’s gone. Malcolm’s in St. Gilbert. Darius left. People are attacking from all sides. I’m tired, Daddy. I’d give it all up if it could make things like they were. I want my family back.
The dam broke, and Constance sobbed. She cried for her parents. For her brother, and her husband. She went into the bathroom, washed her face, and reapplied her makeup.
Lawrence, Darius, and Colby were waiting for her when she went back to the conference room. A few minutes later, Kourtney and two of her goons arrived. Reginald’s chair was empty.
Constance greeted everyone and sat at the head of the table.
“I’ve called you call here today to discuss the direction of our enterprise. We've had a lot of tragedy in the last few months. I believe in karma.” She made eye contact with Kourtney. “My father wanted to get out of the weed business. Life is more important than money. That’s why I’ve decided we will go legit.”
A long silence followed.
Darius rested his chin on his fist. "That's the right thing to do. What about Malcolm and Eralia? What do they think?"
Constance lifted her chin. "I didn't ask. Malcolm wanted no part of the organization. I won't bring him in now. Eralia's never been involved. I'm sure that Daddy provided for her and David. They'll all be here tonight. She can plan his funeral, but not the family business."
