Deadly Saintes- The Complete Series, page 43
part #1 of Deadly Saintes Series
“What was your relationship with Mr. Webster?”
Constance sighed. She tried to blink back the tears. “His father and mine were best friends. He was like a little brother. We had a misunderstanding. I’m sorry we could never resolve it.”
“A misunderstanding? About what?”
Constance shrugged. “He thought we were responsible for his father's death.”
“How did he die?”
“Heart attack.”
“That doesn’t make sense, Ms. Sainte.”
“I agree. He was drinking and partying too much after his father died. He was paranoid.”
Lawrence stood her hand. "I think she's had enough for today, Detective."
Sherman stood. "I'll probably have more questions."
Lawrence flexed his fingers. "I'm sure you will. Right now my fiancee needs to rest. You've been at it for over an hour."
Sherman left, and Lawrence rubbed Constance's arm. "Are you okay?"
As many times as she threatened to shoot someone, Constance had never done it before. The metallic smell of Trey’s blood was still in her nose. The tip of her finger still tingled from pulling the trigger. She never wanted to kill Trey. In her heart she knew that would work it out, eventually. Life has other plans. Despite it being ruled self defense, the guilt of taking another person’s life was still present.
“You did the right thing.”
“Doesn’t feel like it.”
He pulled her to him and rested his cheek on her head. “I’d rather it be him than you. And I think our son would agree.”
"You know, a part of me still loved him. I still saw the little boy at our dining room table. I know I did what I had to do, but it still hurts."
11
Constance looked at Lawrence when he pulled into the courthouse parking lot. He was tightlipped helping her out of the car. She was still at a loss while she waited in the lobby. There was no use in trying to read his lips as he talked to the receptionist. The smile on the young girl’s face sparked her curiosity. She looked away when they glanced in her direction.
“What’s going on?”
Lawrence ignored her, too busy playing with Jackson.
After several minutes, a man dressed in a tan suit greeted them. Walking them a nave like area, he excused himself.
“Lawrence, what’s going on?”
The man returned, this time wearing a long black robe. “If you’re ready.”
Her steps were cautious as they walked toward the front of the room. She was sure Lawrence could feel her shaking as he took her hand.
“What a wonderful day it is to get married,” Tan Suit said.
“Married?”
Lawrence chuckled at her bugged eyes. “We have the license. You said you didn’t care about a wedding. And since Jackson came early, why keep waiting?”
“We don’t have rings.”
Lawrence pulled a small box out of his pocket. “Got it covered, love.”
Tan suit looked at Constance. “He wanted it to be a surprise. Lawrence wrote his own vows. Shall we get started?”
Lawrence repositioned his feet and wipe imaginary sweat from his forehead. He cleared his throat three times. “Constance, I’ve loved you since the day we met. You are my best friend. You’ve always been there for me. When my dad left. When my mom passed. When I graduated law school. When I won my first case. You’ve been the constant in a sea of change. I’ll never be able to thank you for the joy and stability you bring to my life. I really have no idea how I would survive without you.” He chuckled as he wiped a tear. “That’s why I’m keeping you forever. I want you now more than I ever did. I thought I couldn’t be happier, but then you gave birth to our beautiful son. My life is complete. I love you. I promise to prove that to you every day. I promise to give you the security you give me. You’ll never be alone again. I love you with all my heart.”
“Beautiful words,” Tan suit said. “Constance, when you’re ready.”
She swiped at the tears trailing down her cheeks. “I don’t even know where to begin. You’ve always been full of surprises. Today is no different. And it looks like your son is already following in your footsteps. As much as you say I’ve been there for you, you’ve been there for me twice as much. You were my rock when I had lost so much. I’m not the most emotional woman. You never let me run from how or what I was feeling. I could only imagine the bitter, resentful woman I would be if I didn’t have you. So, thank you for that. Thank you for sticking around. I know I’m more than a handful. But you always stayed. You always fought for me. Even when I didn’t want you to. I appreciate that more than anything. You’ve always been my guardian, my protector. And now you’re my husband. I’ll have to find the journal, but there’s an entry from when I was ten years old. I knew that day that we would get here. I’m looking forward to what life has in store for us. I know as long as you’re by my side I can get through anything.”
“Please exchange the rings.”
Constance flexed her hand after the ring was in place. The silver band complimented the massive diamond perfectly. “That looks good on you.”
“Not better than yours looks on you,” Lawrence said.
“If there are any objections,” Tan suit said, “speak now or forever hold your piece.” They all laughed at Jackson’ cooing. “You may kiss the bride.”
Lawrence pumped his fist as their lips came together. “We did it, Mrs. Dixon.”
“We sure did.”
Constance plopped down on the sofa. “Give me my boy.” Her energy returned as soon as he was in her arms.
Lawrence sat next to her and let the baby grab his finger. “What’s wrong?”
“Trey said something before he died. Something about Darius and daddy.”
“He was probably just trying to get under your skin. Take it with a grain of salt.”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I would be able to lie if I knew I was going to die,” she said.
“Well, what did he say?”
“When Daddy got shot the first time. Trey said it was Darius. He said Darius set the hit up on Daddy. I don’t want to believe it, but I can’t shake the timing. Darius disappears as soon as someone shoots Daddy, then reappears after Daddy dies? That is entirely too convenient. I know Trey is--was a liar. But Darius keeps talking about how he needs to make something up to the family.” She let out a long breath. “This is shit isn’t going to end.”
He hugged her. “It’s already over.”
“Doesn’t feel like it.”
“Wasn’t Darius with him? Didn’t he get him out of the way?”
“Probably a change of heart.” She buried her face in his chest and groaned. “Every day I lose another member of my family. Damn it. Can’t even trust my own brother.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions. Like you said, Trey was a liar.”
“But why would Trey lie? Maybe that’s why Darius was so eager to help. That’s why he wanted to get close to Trey. He either knew that Trey knew or thought he did. I’m surprised he didn’t take him out himself.”
Lawrence said, “Ask him. That’s all you can do at this point.”
Constance could do nothing but shake her head at the thought of losing yet another brother. At the rate things were happening, she would be an orphan and an only child before she knew it. It dawned on her that none of the people she loved the most were there to see her get married. She may not have wanted a wedding, but she did want to celebrate with them. She wanted to dance with her father like she did when she was a little girl – barefoot, standing on his shoes. She wanted to hear RJ, Darius, and Malcolm threaten Lawrence to treat her right. She wanted her family.
Patches of blue appeared in the clouds as she stared through the skylight.
“Why can’t life every be easy? I just want a break.”
The clouds gathered, darkening the space. Thunder rumbled across the roof.
Constance called Darius over early the next day.
She stared at the plane ticket. After closing the door, she removed Moby Dick and three other books from the shelf, revealing a small safe. She took out forty thousand dollars. More than enough for a fresh start. She put the money in an envelope and sealed the flap.
The plan was to never see him again unless there was an emergency. Reginald always taught her when they were no chance at reconciling with a loved one, it was best to love them from a distance. Just as before, she followed his advice through and through.
“Darius, would you come in here for a moment?” she said.
“I’ll be right back, Nephew.” He was so happy that he practically skipped into the office. “He’s beautiful, sis. I can’t wait to babysit.”
“Have a seat.” Her tone was professional. “I want to ask you something. And I need you to be honest with me.”
“No problem. What’s up?”
She put her elbows on the desk and laced her fingers. She rested her chin on her hands. “Trey told me something before he died. About you.” She met his gaze. “About Daddy.”
Darius shifted in his seat, crossing one leg over the other. “I don’t know what that could be.”
“I think you do. So I will ask you one time and one time only. As one of my last living relatives, tell me the truth. I think I deserve that much.” Her eyes closed as she inhaled. “Did you set Daddy up to get killed?”
His mouth dropped open. “No, I, why, he told you that? Trey said that?”
“Yes or no Darius.”
“No, of course not. Why would I? I loved Dad.”
“Then why did you leave? You left before his body turned cold,” she said.
Again, he struggled for an answer. Rubbing his hands on his pants did nothing to stop them from sweating. His eyes danced around the room, landing on everything except hers. “I can explain.”
“You don’t have to.” Constance slid the ticket and envelope cash across the desk. “From this day forward, I will not allow you near my family. I will not allow you in the city.”
“Constance I—”
“There is nothing you can say, Darius. You set our father, my father, up to be killed. You’re a threat. And I can’t have threats around my kids.”
“I would never hurt them.”
“You’ve proven otherwise. Your flight is a few hours, so you’d better take advantage of the time you have left with Jackson.”
Darius didn’t protest. He said nothing as he lifted himself from the chair.
She called him when he opened the door. “If you come back without my permission, for whatever reason, I will kill you.”
He nodded. He stood and looked at her for a long time. “I love you, sis. I really do.”
She met his gaze and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t want to see or hear from you again.”
He took a step toward her, hesitated, and left. He gently closed the door behind him.
Constance broke down after the door closed. She cried for all the things she had lost, calling out everyone’s name. Then she wiped her eyes.
She wouldn’t lose again.
12
“I don’t think we should sell anything,” Constance said. “We can run the farms ourselves. We should probably think about moving to the island, anyway. could use a change of scenery.”
Lawrence held his chin out of the way as she fixed his tie. “You’re sure that won’t be too much on you? We still have the other businesses.”
“We can get someone else to run those. I’m tired of them. I’m tired of being here.”
Checking his watch, he said, “We can talk about it later. We’re about to be late. I’ll meet you outside.”
Joi was playing with Jackson in the backseat when Constance climbed into the car. “I told you mom was slow.”
“You can’t rush beauty, baby girl.”
Lawrence closed his door and started the car. “Seat belts.”
Constance smiled at the shining clear sky. Not a cloud was in sight. She hoped it was a signal the future would be better. She was tired of the rain. With Darius safely in Miami, she could check another item off her to-do list. She relaxed into her seat after Lawrence rested a hand on her thigh.
It was a joyous occasion, Jackson’s christening. They planned a small event, only inviting immediate family, which was quickly becoming a theme.
“You got him?” she said to Joi when they arrived at the church.
“Yep.” Her face beamed with pride as she pulled him out of his car seat.
Lawrence reached for the baby and saw the look that passed between mother and daughter. “I’ll take him inside.” He cradled Jackson against his chest and mounted the steps.
Constance hugged her daughter. Their embrace lasted a full minute. “I just wanted to tell you how proud of you I am. You’ve been handling everything like a champ.” She laughed. “You’re growing into a beautiful young woman.” She missed the tear that bubbled on her bottom lashes. “Thank you for taking everything so well. I honestly don’t know how you do it. You make it look easy.”
“I watch you,” Joi said, grinning.
Constance pulled her into another hug. “I love you so much. You’re such an amazing daughter.”
“Love you too, Mommy. You’re the best.”
“You really think so?”
Joi nodded. “Of course. If only you could hear the stories the other kids tell me about their moms at school.”
They walked arm in arm to the door.
The nave was empty when they got inside. Lawrence came out of the pastor’s office, doing his best to keep hold of Jackson as he squirmed. “He’ll be out in a second.” Leading the way to the front pews, he darted out of the room without explanation.
Joi asked, “Does he do that a lot?”
“He must have something planned.”
Lawrence returned a moment later. Malcolm followed him inside, more of his teeth showing as he neared them.
“Where’s my handsome nephew?” Malcolm hugged and kissed the ladies before lifting Jackson over his head. They all giggled after Jackson landed an impressive left hook. “We gotta prize fighter in the family.”
“No way in hell he’s boxing,” Constance said. “Basketball or baseball.”
“There you go being all over protective. He’ll be fine. Don’t worry little man, she was the same way with me. She’ll loosen up when you get older.”
Pastor Richard entered. “Sorry, folks. I made the mistake of thinking I could drink some milk. The Lord corrected my ways with a quick vengeance.”
Everyone gathered around the small basin, Jackson’s face twisted as he took in the faces hovering over him. He splashed and kicked at the water, his sweet hiccups echoing throughout the space. They all held hands.
“Father in Heaven, first thank you for letting everyone make it safely. You’ve brought us together to bless this beautiful baby boy. He’s made in your image and through you he will made perfect. We ask you to protect and guide him as he grows. Your love is everlasting. May it fill his heart for the rest of his days.” He splashed Jackson three times. “Your sins are cleansed in the name of the savior Jesus Christ.” He sprinkled water on the baby’s head.
Jackson looked at the minister and screwed up his face.
Malcolm bounced Jackson on his knee as Constance debriefed him on the recent happenings.
“You can go see Darius whenever you want. He just can’t come back here.”
“Can I be honest?”
“No.”
Malcolm rolled his eyes and laughed. “He didn’t know what he was doing. It was my choice not to get involved, but we kind of cast him aside. He just wanted to feel like he was part of the family.”
“He could have picked another way to do that than side with our enemy.”
“You’ll come around.” He blew a raspberry on Jackson’s stomach. “Won’t she, little man? She pretends to be hard, but we know the truth. Your mom is a big ol’ sweetheart.”
“Quit lying to my son before I kick you out too.”
“Can’t do that.” He gave Jackson to her before standing. He called for everyone’s attention. “I know things have been tough, but they’re about to get a whole lot better because I’m running for senator.”
Just like that, it sucked Constance back in, her mind churning with ideas of how she could cash in.
Nothing could keep them down. The Sainte Family would always be on top.
THE END
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Constance sighed. She tried to blink back the tears. “His father and mine were best friends. He was like a little brother. We had a misunderstanding. I’m sorry we could never resolve it.”
“A misunderstanding? About what?”
Constance shrugged. “He thought we were responsible for his father's death.”
“How did he die?”
“Heart attack.”
“That doesn’t make sense, Ms. Sainte.”
“I agree. He was drinking and partying too much after his father died. He was paranoid.”
Lawrence stood her hand. "I think she's had enough for today, Detective."
Sherman stood. "I'll probably have more questions."
Lawrence flexed his fingers. "I'm sure you will. Right now my fiancee needs to rest. You've been at it for over an hour."
Sherman left, and Lawrence rubbed Constance's arm. "Are you okay?"
As many times as she threatened to shoot someone, Constance had never done it before. The metallic smell of Trey’s blood was still in her nose. The tip of her finger still tingled from pulling the trigger. She never wanted to kill Trey. In her heart she knew that would work it out, eventually. Life has other plans. Despite it being ruled self defense, the guilt of taking another person’s life was still present.
“You did the right thing.”
“Doesn’t feel like it.”
He pulled her to him and rested his cheek on her head. “I’d rather it be him than you. And I think our son would agree.”
"You know, a part of me still loved him. I still saw the little boy at our dining room table. I know I did what I had to do, but it still hurts."
11
Constance looked at Lawrence when he pulled into the courthouse parking lot. He was tightlipped helping her out of the car. She was still at a loss while she waited in the lobby. There was no use in trying to read his lips as he talked to the receptionist. The smile on the young girl’s face sparked her curiosity. She looked away when they glanced in her direction.
“What’s going on?”
Lawrence ignored her, too busy playing with Jackson.
After several minutes, a man dressed in a tan suit greeted them. Walking them a nave like area, he excused himself.
“Lawrence, what’s going on?”
The man returned, this time wearing a long black robe. “If you’re ready.”
Her steps were cautious as they walked toward the front of the room. She was sure Lawrence could feel her shaking as he took her hand.
“What a wonderful day it is to get married,” Tan Suit said.
“Married?”
Lawrence chuckled at her bugged eyes. “We have the license. You said you didn’t care about a wedding. And since Jackson came early, why keep waiting?”
“We don’t have rings.”
Lawrence pulled a small box out of his pocket. “Got it covered, love.”
Tan suit looked at Constance. “He wanted it to be a surprise. Lawrence wrote his own vows. Shall we get started?”
Lawrence repositioned his feet and wipe imaginary sweat from his forehead. He cleared his throat three times. “Constance, I’ve loved you since the day we met. You are my best friend. You’ve always been there for me. When my dad left. When my mom passed. When I graduated law school. When I won my first case. You’ve been the constant in a sea of change. I’ll never be able to thank you for the joy and stability you bring to my life. I really have no idea how I would survive without you.” He chuckled as he wiped a tear. “That’s why I’m keeping you forever. I want you now more than I ever did. I thought I couldn’t be happier, but then you gave birth to our beautiful son. My life is complete. I love you. I promise to prove that to you every day. I promise to give you the security you give me. You’ll never be alone again. I love you with all my heart.”
“Beautiful words,” Tan suit said. “Constance, when you’re ready.”
She swiped at the tears trailing down her cheeks. “I don’t even know where to begin. You’ve always been full of surprises. Today is no different. And it looks like your son is already following in your footsteps. As much as you say I’ve been there for you, you’ve been there for me twice as much. You were my rock when I had lost so much. I’m not the most emotional woman. You never let me run from how or what I was feeling. I could only imagine the bitter, resentful woman I would be if I didn’t have you. So, thank you for that. Thank you for sticking around. I know I’m more than a handful. But you always stayed. You always fought for me. Even when I didn’t want you to. I appreciate that more than anything. You’ve always been my guardian, my protector. And now you’re my husband. I’ll have to find the journal, but there’s an entry from when I was ten years old. I knew that day that we would get here. I’m looking forward to what life has in store for us. I know as long as you’re by my side I can get through anything.”
“Please exchange the rings.”
Constance flexed her hand after the ring was in place. The silver band complimented the massive diamond perfectly. “That looks good on you.”
“Not better than yours looks on you,” Lawrence said.
“If there are any objections,” Tan suit said, “speak now or forever hold your piece.” They all laughed at Jackson’ cooing. “You may kiss the bride.”
Lawrence pumped his fist as their lips came together. “We did it, Mrs. Dixon.”
“We sure did.”
Constance plopped down on the sofa. “Give me my boy.” Her energy returned as soon as he was in her arms.
Lawrence sat next to her and let the baby grab his finger. “What’s wrong?”
“Trey said something before he died. Something about Darius and daddy.”
“He was probably just trying to get under your skin. Take it with a grain of salt.”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I would be able to lie if I knew I was going to die,” she said.
“Well, what did he say?”
“When Daddy got shot the first time. Trey said it was Darius. He said Darius set the hit up on Daddy. I don’t want to believe it, but I can’t shake the timing. Darius disappears as soon as someone shoots Daddy, then reappears after Daddy dies? That is entirely too convenient. I know Trey is--was a liar. But Darius keeps talking about how he needs to make something up to the family.” She let out a long breath. “This is shit isn’t going to end.”
He hugged her. “It’s already over.”
“Doesn’t feel like it.”
“Wasn’t Darius with him? Didn’t he get him out of the way?”
“Probably a change of heart.” She buried her face in his chest and groaned. “Every day I lose another member of my family. Damn it. Can’t even trust my own brother.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions. Like you said, Trey was a liar.”
“But why would Trey lie? Maybe that’s why Darius was so eager to help. That’s why he wanted to get close to Trey. He either knew that Trey knew or thought he did. I’m surprised he didn’t take him out himself.”
Lawrence said, “Ask him. That’s all you can do at this point.”
Constance could do nothing but shake her head at the thought of losing yet another brother. At the rate things were happening, she would be an orphan and an only child before she knew it. It dawned on her that none of the people she loved the most were there to see her get married. She may not have wanted a wedding, but she did want to celebrate with them. She wanted to dance with her father like she did when she was a little girl – barefoot, standing on his shoes. She wanted to hear RJ, Darius, and Malcolm threaten Lawrence to treat her right. She wanted her family.
Patches of blue appeared in the clouds as she stared through the skylight.
“Why can’t life every be easy? I just want a break.”
The clouds gathered, darkening the space. Thunder rumbled across the roof.
Constance called Darius over early the next day.
She stared at the plane ticket. After closing the door, she removed Moby Dick and three other books from the shelf, revealing a small safe. She took out forty thousand dollars. More than enough for a fresh start. She put the money in an envelope and sealed the flap.
The plan was to never see him again unless there was an emergency. Reginald always taught her when they were no chance at reconciling with a loved one, it was best to love them from a distance. Just as before, she followed his advice through and through.
“Darius, would you come in here for a moment?” she said.
“I’ll be right back, Nephew.” He was so happy that he practically skipped into the office. “He’s beautiful, sis. I can’t wait to babysit.”
“Have a seat.” Her tone was professional. “I want to ask you something. And I need you to be honest with me.”
“No problem. What’s up?”
She put her elbows on the desk and laced her fingers. She rested her chin on her hands. “Trey told me something before he died. About you.” She met his gaze. “About Daddy.”
Darius shifted in his seat, crossing one leg over the other. “I don’t know what that could be.”
“I think you do. So I will ask you one time and one time only. As one of my last living relatives, tell me the truth. I think I deserve that much.” Her eyes closed as she inhaled. “Did you set Daddy up to get killed?”
His mouth dropped open. “No, I, why, he told you that? Trey said that?”
“Yes or no Darius.”
“No, of course not. Why would I? I loved Dad.”
“Then why did you leave? You left before his body turned cold,” she said.
Again, he struggled for an answer. Rubbing his hands on his pants did nothing to stop them from sweating. His eyes danced around the room, landing on everything except hers. “I can explain.”
“You don’t have to.” Constance slid the ticket and envelope cash across the desk. “From this day forward, I will not allow you near my family. I will not allow you in the city.”
“Constance I—”
“There is nothing you can say, Darius. You set our father, my father, up to be killed. You’re a threat. And I can’t have threats around my kids.”
“I would never hurt them.”
“You’ve proven otherwise. Your flight is a few hours, so you’d better take advantage of the time you have left with Jackson.”
Darius didn’t protest. He said nothing as he lifted himself from the chair.
She called him when he opened the door. “If you come back without my permission, for whatever reason, I will kill you.”
He nodded. He stood and looked at her for a long time. “I love you, sis. I really do.”
She met his gaze and narrowed her eyes. “I don’t want to see or hear from you again.”
He took a step toward her, hesitated, and left. He gently closed the door behind him.
Constance broke down after the door closed. She cried for all the things she had lost, calling out everyone’s name. Then she wiped her eyes.
She wouldn’t lose again.
12
“I don’t think we should sell anything,” Constance said. “We can run the farms ourselves. We should probably think about moving to the island, anyway. could use a change of scenery.”
Lawrence held his chin out of the way as she fixed his tie. “You’re sure that won’t be too much on you? We still have the other businesses.”
“We can get someone else to run those. I’m tired of them. I’m tired of being here.”
Checking his watch, he said, “We can talk about it later. We’re about to be late. I’ll meet you outside.”
Joi was playing with Jackson in the backseat when Constance climbed into the car. “I told you mom was slow.”
“You can’t rush beauty, baby girl.”
Lawrence closed his door and started the car. “Seat belts.”
Constance smiled at the shining clear sky. Not a cloud was in sight. She hoped it was a signal the future would be better. She was tired of the rain. With Darius safely in Miami, she could check another item off her to-do list. She relaxed into her seat after Lawrence rested a hand on her thigh.
It was a joyous occasion, Jackson’s christening. They planned a small event, only inviting immediate family, which was quickly becoming a theme.
“You got him?” she said to Joi when they arrived at the church.
“Yep.” Her face beamed with pride as she pulled him out of his car seat.
Lawrence reached for the baby and saw the look that passed between mother and daughter. “I’ll take him inside.” He cradled Jackson against his chest and mounted the steps.
Constance hugged her daughter. Their embrace lasted a full minute. “I just wanted to tell you how proud of you I am. You’ve been handling everything like a champ.” She laughed. “You’re growing into a beautiful young woman.” She missed the tear that bubbled on her bottom lashes. “Thank you for taking everything so well. I honestly don’t know how you do it. You make it look easy.”
“I watch you,” Joi said, grinning.
Constance pulled her into another hug. “I love you so much. You’re such an amazing daughter.”
“Love you too, Mommy. You’re the best.”
“You really think so?”
Joi nodded. “Of course. If only you could hear the stories the other kids tell me about their moms at school.”
They walked arm in arm to the door.
The nave was empty when they got inside. Lawrence came out of the pastor’s office, doing his best to keep hold of Jackson as he squirmed. “He’ll be out in a second.” Leading the way to the front pews, he darted out of the room without explanation.
Joi asked, “Does he do that a lot?”
“He must have something planned.”
Lawrence returned a moment later. Malcolm followed him inside, more of his teeth showing as he neared them.
“Where’s my handsome nephew?” Malcolm hugged and kissed the ladies before lifting Jackson over his head. They all giggled after Jackson landed an impressive left hook. “We gotta prize fighter in the family.”
“No way in hell he’s boxing,” Constance said. “Basketball or baseball.”
“There you go being all over protective. He’ll be fine. Don’t worry little man, she was the same way with me. She’ll loosen up when you get older.”
Pastor Richard entered. “Sorry, folks. I made the mistake of thinking I could drink some milk. The Lord corrected my ways with a quick vengeance.”
Everyone gathered around the small basin, Jackson’s face twisted as he took in the faces hovering over him. He splashed and kicked at the water, his sweet hiccups echoing throughout the space. They all held hands.
“Father in Heaven, first thank you for letting everyone make it safely. You’ve brought us together to bless this beautiful baby boy. He’s made in your image and through you he will made perfect. We ask you to protect and guide him as he grows. Your love is everlasting. May it fill his heart for the rest of his days.” He splashed Jackson three times. “Your sins are cleansed in the name of the savior Jesus Christ.” He sprinkled water on the baby’s head.
Jackson looked at the minister and screwed up his face.
Malcolm bounced Jackson on his knee as Constance debriefed him on the recent happenings.
“You can go see Darius whenever you want. He just can’t come back here.”
“Can I be honest?”
“No.”
Malcolm rolled his eyes and laughed. “He didn’t know what he was doing. It was my choice not to get involved, but we kind of cast him aside. He just wanted to feel like he was part of the family.”
“He could have picked another way to do that than side with our enemy.”
“You’ll come around.” He blew a raspberry on Jackson’s stomach. “Won’t she, little man? She pretends to be hard, but we know the truth. Your mom is a big ol’ sweetheart.”
“Quit lying to my son before I kick you out too.”
“Can’t do that.” He gave Jackson to her before standing. He called for everyone’s attention. “I know things have been tough, but they’re about to get a whole lot better because I’m running for senator.”
Just like that, it sucked Constance back in, her mind churning with ideas of how she could cash in.
Nothing could keep them down. The Sainte Family would always be on top.
THE END
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Nico Jackson, Deadly Saintes- The Complete Series
