Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“And you know that I do not give a fuck.” Banks went over to the last man who was undeniably the most flamboyant of the group, from his sparkling green shoes to his equally flashy green fedora. “And last, but never least, Flashy Freddie.”
Freddie gave a dramatic bow, his gold-toothed grin evident as he rose.
“O-kay. . .” I waved at them all. “Nice to meet you.”
Chen shook his head. “This is unnecessary. Four Aces have always been able to protect a Friend of the Syndicate by ourselves.”
“I bet the Killer Crows would disagree with that statement after Leo killed Romeo and Chanel.” Banks put his attention on me. “These are your guys. They will die for you, if necessary.”
“No one is dying.” My voice trembled.
“You’re right about that, Moni.” Banks gestured to the suitcases. “Also, your new clothes are in there.”
“Thank you.”
“And Moni.”
“Yes, Banks?”
“Make sure no blue covers you or I will hear about it.”
“I’ve got it.”
“Not a blue watch, blue sock, or blue bonnet.”
“I don’t have any hair so I’m not wearing a bonnet.”
“White washcloths and towels are in there too. I’m serious about no blue touching your body.”
“Clearly, Banks.”
“No excuses. I don’t even want blue berry juice dripping on your shirt. Be careful with what you eat.”
“Boy, would you chill out?”
“Not even a drop of blue ink from a leaky pen gets on that white, cause then my boys are allowed to pull their triggers.”
“Banks, that is—”
“Better write with a pencil.” Banks directed his glare at Chen. “I’m not taking any fucking excuses.”
Chen took in the five guys.
Banks returned his view to me. “When Aunty passed, I let you all stay quiet in Glory, thinking everything was okay, but that you needed time to grieve. I assumed that if you needed anything, you would call. Now I see the mistake. I’m here for you. There won’t be any more money problems or guys showing up scaring you. Got it?”
And though his words were meant to be reassuring, the promise of violence lurking beneath them was undeniable.
I swallowed. “I’ve got it, Banks.”
“Good.” He winked. “Then, I’ll be counting down those seven days, until my cousin is done.”
Chapter seven
Alliances in Hues
Once Banks and his crew left, we headed back.
However, Chen’s men had a different agenda. As we began our ascent, I noticed the mini army of blue didn’t fall into step behind us. Instead, they remained positioned by the massive mountain gate, like sentinels guarding a fortress.
Hopefully, Lei is more reasonable than Banks.
To my right, the sun was setting. It’s descent represented a vivid masterpiece of fiery oranges and soft pinks lathered in purples and golds.
I gazed up ahead of me.
The mountain path stretched on, a seemingly endless ribbon winding its way up to the peak. Its rugged terrain, combined with the occasional rustling of leaves and distant bird calls, heightened by the sunset’s tranquil beauty.
With each step I took, the weight of the situation bore down on me, like a cloak woven with threads of anxiety.
My heart rate quickened.
A gust of wind, swept past carrying with it the cold touch of the mountain’s altitude and making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
Chen walked beside me, silent as a shadow. His face was set in a deep frown.
Every so often, I would catch him casting discreet glances back at the five men trailing us. Those men from Banks, with their green clothes and suitcases they carried, were like foreign elements in this landscape.
Yeah. . .Lei will be reasonable. Right?
The air grew thinner as we ascended, and my breaths came faster. Still, it wasn’t the altitude that bothered me but the heavy weight of uncertainty. The contents of those green suitcases, the pristine white clothes, were at the core of my dilemma.
I could feel the men’s eyes on me, their silent presence a reminder of my cousin’s protective, if overbearing, nature.
I walked closer to Chen and kept my voice low. “So. . .I’m sorry about Banks.”
Chen kept his view on the path ahead. “Banks was Banks.”
“Well, I’m not used to him being so. . .rude and threatening.”
“No, Monique.” Chen shook his head. “If anything, Banks was on his best behavior.”
“That was good behavior?”
Chen nodded. “No one died. Probably because you were there.”
That wasn’t particularly reassuring.
Also, I didn’t want to unpack the fact that Banks killed people.
Don’t think about it. Pretend you didn’t even hear it.
We returned to silence and my mind went back to what had just occurred.
Banks had been clear. Wear white, show everyone that I was neutral.
I just need Lei to see that, but Chen. . .he thinks Lei won’t get it.
Soon, we entered the camp.
Many rushed about with hurried movements and excited chatter.
To my left, two large men struggled with a massive roasted pig on a spit as they made their way past us and further up the mountain. A mouthwatering aroma wafted by me. The pig’s skin appeared perfectly crisp. Juices dripped and left a trail.