Chapter 12: Revenge's price.

"We have been friends for nearly forty years. Almost forty long years, good and bad times. I have always been loyal to you. I have covered your tracks and your ass a million times, as you have done mine. But it seems my loyalty almost cost me my zuhūr na'imah (زهور ناعمة - delicate flower). I am your friend but I will choose my family every time."

 Zuzu felt weirdly dazed with Branno laying on top of her. She looked up at his face. She saw fear but also something else. She wasn't sure if it was anger or determination or both. Glass shards fell around them. He flinched when they hit him but he didn't move away from her. He held her close to him. She wrestled a little to get her arm out of the sheet wrapped firmly around her.

"Don't move," he whispered.

"I have to," she replied.

"No, you don't," he declared. 

She wriggled underneath him until her right hand got loose. She reached up and carefully removed tiny slivers of glass resting on his eyebrows. He closed his eyes while she brushed tiny specks away and used her fingers to pick off the slightly bigger pieces. When she was done, Branno opened his eyes and looked at her. His gaze softened as he looked into her eyes.

Bullets were still flying above their heads but in that moment it was as if he was really seeing her.  He touched her face. "Are you okay?" he asked. She nodded. 

Zuzu combed her fingers through his hair trying to remove the bits of glass that were lightly blanketing his head. "Close your eyes," Branno said. She did as he told her. Branno shook his head and used his hand to shake off the slivers from his hair. A few specks dropped on her face. "Don't move," he told her. Carefully he picked off each tiny bit of glass from her face. 

He kissed her brow and she opened her eyes. Branno looked into her eyes and read something so deep, so beautiful in their depths he didn't dare look away. He lowered his face to hers and gently kissed her lips. So beautiful, so sweet, he thought. He lifted his head and looked at her again. He smiled at her. A smile slowly formed on her lips. 

"You are beautiful," he said.

He lowered his face and kissed her. It was a slow, tender kiss. He pulled on her full bottom lip and suckled it gently. She moaned softly and reached her free hand up to touch his face. He groaned, realizing that he needed her. He felt his body harden for her.

Branno deepened the kiss by capturing both lips, suckling and pressing his lips on hers. He felt a shock of pleasure flow through him when her hand moved to caress the nape of his neck. He groaned and used his tongue to tease her lips. Zuzu moaned and opened her mouth for him. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth and was pleasantly surprised that she tasted like cherries. 

He groaned deeply and kissed her more intensely. He trailed soft kisses from her lips to her neck, pulling on the soft flesh gently. Zuzu closed her eyes. He squeezed her and felt her body move under him. He wanted her really bad. He wished things were different. He wondered what being her boyfriend would be like. He hungrily kissed her lips again. 

As he kissed her, he thought of all the times they would play together as teenagers: the times he would chase after her in her family's large backyard, or swim in their pool together, and she would grab him and tickle him. He closed his eyes. 

He remembered the times they would cook together, and he was the first to taste her pastries and cakes. The other times they would play video games together, or he would sleepover in Zane's room, but sneak out by 2 a.m. to go to her room to watch anime. He would fall asleep with his arm around her, but by 5:00 in the morning, he would sneak back into Zane's room, and go back to sleep. Zane was a heavy sleeper so he knew nothing of what was going on. 

He remembered her sweet sixteen birthday and the sexy dress she wore. It was a yellow dress that was a striking but beautiful contrast to her dark, glowing skin. She looked beautiful. He never forgot it. She asked to dance with him. And he was eager to. 

The birthday party was set up in the back yard near the pool. He danced with her: one hand resting on her shoulder, the other on her waist. He had guided her slowly across the grass and looked into her eyes. That was the first time he felt a strong attraction to her, but suppressed it. He didn't know she had feelings for him. 

He felt Zuzu's grip on the back of his head tighten. He opened his eyes and looked at her. He wanted to make love to her, but not now, not in this situation. He would however tease her just a little. 

He listened keenly and realized there was a pause in firing. He was relieved. He needed to take her somewhere safe. He figured the bathroom was the best place since he had a metal door installed two months ago. Okay, I'll make a move, he thought.

He lifted himself slightly and opened the sheet he wrapped around her. He laid his body on her again, this time with his hands touching her soft skin. He tightened his embrace around her and heard her moan. Hurriedly, lifting her in his arms, he carried her to the bathroom and locked the door. 

"We're safe in here," he told her. Tenderly, he cupped her buttocks and hoisted her in his arms, wrapping her legs around him. 

Zuzu moaned, feeling breathless. Why was she feeling like this? She knew they were in danger, but was feeling 'hot' for Branno. She circled her arms around his neck. Feeling somewhat weak, she bowed her head and rested her face on his shoulder. She wanted to just lay back and let him do whatever he desired to her. No one else made her feel like this.

Branno observed her body language. He knew she was aroused. He could also feel her body trembling slightly. He wished he could take the edge off for her. 

Briefly closing his eyes, Branno turned his face towards hers and kissed her brow. She opened her eyes and looked at him. She lifted her head and took him in. He was watching her. 

She took in his sleek but thick eyebrows, his distinguished jaw line; his soft lips and the black curly hair that crowned his head. His skin was perfectly flawless, brown and smooth under her finger tips. Those honey brown eyes and thick lashes were very sexy. She smiled at him. He was very handsome to her.

"I love you Branno," she said.

His eyes showed an emotion she couldn't quite read. He touched her face, adjusting her body between himself and the bathroom wall. "I-I really care about you. You're very special to me," he replied.

Zuzu nodded. "I know," she said. "No pressure, but I don't want to hide how I feel anymore," she told him. 

Branno leaned forward and kissed her brow. He looked at her and gave her a soft peck on the lips. Feeling crazy inside, Zuzu deliberately licked her lips. She wanted him to see how he made her feel.

Branno felt his body respond. Seeing her tongue move in a seductive way turned him on even more. He blew in her ear and heard her gasp. Then he trailed soft kisses from her neck, up to her jaw, her cheeks, then lastly her parted lips. She was moaning softly. He captured her lips and groaned as he slipped his tongue into her mouth. She reciprocated, eagerly greeting his tongue with her own. Her fingers stroked his hair. Branno pressed her gently into the wall, bracing her against it. 

He kissed her passionately and felt her body shiver. Tearing his lips away from her reluctantly, he kissed her forehead and stroked her face. Things were getting too hot between them. He needed to cool it down. She moaned his name, "Ohh Branno, I love you. Hmm ... Branno!"

Oh god, I can't help it! She tastes so good!  Brandon hungrily captured her lips again. He cupped her buttocks and squeezed her passionately. "Zuzu, I wish I was inside you right now," he growled. Zuzu tilted her head back and moaned his name. He watched her. "You're so sweet. I want you. Can't believe how crazy you make me feel right now," he spoke softly. His voice dipped to a husky timbre.

Zuzu's eyes were closed. She was biting her bottom lip while he caressed her buttocks. Branno observed her aroused expression. He placed a soft peck on her neck. He wanted to satisfy her; desired to hear more of her moans. He was curious to see her shivers of ecstasy. He took deep breaths trying to control his raging libido. 

He pursed his lips, trying to centre himself. He looked away from her, the look on her face was very tempting. Teasing her was not a good idea. Matter of fact, it was downright dangerous, moreso for him. He could lose control. If he were to make love to her, it would be when he knew he deserved to have her. He wasn't ready for her.

He reached up and touched her face. She opened her eyes and gazed at him. He was mesmerized. Her eyes were grey with light tinges of green in the irises. In my own way I love you, he thought.

"Talk to me. How are you feeling?" he asked, moving his head back just a little. He gently stroked her face. "I've wanted this for so long. I've wanted to be with you like this, but I didn't want the friendship damaged. Zuzu, I want you to the point it hurts." Branno inhaled her perfume. He really needed her. 

Zuzu's breathing was more labored, she was unsure about what she should do. "Branno, I want you. I wish we could make love," she said with a sigh. 

"I'm also scared. Why are they firing at your house? Who are they?" she asked. Branno shook his head. He didn't know. "I don't know," he said. "But I'm gonna keep you safe. I promise." He kissed her tenderly again for almost a minute. Reluctantly, he loosened his embrace and allowed her to put her feet on the bathroom floor. 

He gazed into her eyes. Yes, he could fall for her. He bent his torso and placed a soft peck on her lips. 

Just then, they heard banging on the front door downstairs, then a crash. Whoever was outside was now inside. Branno squeezed Zuzu close to him. 

"I'm gonna lock this door. Stay quiet. Don't make a sound. Okay?"

She nodded her response.

"What are you going to do?" she asked, her eyes wide with fear. 

"Protect you," he said simply. 

He decided to leave his phone with her but turned down the ringtone's volume. He briefly kissed her lips and told her he would be back soon.

He opened the door and stepped into the bedroom to retrieve the bathroom's door key from his chester drawer. He locked the door then pressed his head and right hand on it. I won't take long my Zuzu, he thought, I'll keep you safe.

***

"Lissa! Lissa!" Constable Walker rushed into the interrogation room where Lissa, Constable Campbell, Supe Dacres and Inspector Lindsay, the resident detective, were questioning the young man who gave his name as De'aundre. Lissa stood up and looked at her friend. She was puzzled at her sweaty, harried demeanor. Constable Sudanie Walker bent over, her hands on her knees as she tried to catch her breath. 

Inspector Lindsay was annoyed. "Well, out with it! You barge in and even now you can't say what would warrant such behavior," he said.

Constable Walker held up a hand. She took in deep gulps of air. She began to speak, though her breathing was still ragged. 

"I ran here," she said.

"You ran?" Lissa asked. She wondered what was wrong to warrant her friend's behaviour.

"I was on duty in Cross Roads with Crawford and Stewart doing traffic control when we heard on dispatch about a gun attack. Lissa, it's your house!" Walker said.

"What?" Lissa said feeling distraught. She looked at the time on her cellphone. It was 2:30 p.m. No one should be home at that time, but she wasn't sure. Branno could go home early instead of going to hang out with his friends. 

She took her phone from her jacket pocket and called her brother's mobile phone. The phone rang six times then went to voicemail. She tried again. Her heart was pounding. Please Branno, answer the phone. This time the call got picked up after the third ring, but it wasn't Brandon who answered. She heard a girl's voice.

"Hello?" she said puzzled. "Who is this?"

"This is Azuri. I'm Brandon's friend. I'm stuck in the bathroom. There are men in the house. They were firing a lot of gun shots but now they're inside. Please send help!" the girl whispered.

Lissa knew Azuri. "Zuzu, this is Lissa, Brandon's sister, so you're saying persons were firing at our house?"

"Yes," Azuri said fearful. 

Lissa looked at Constable Sudanie Walker. "Police dispatched to my house?"

Sudanie nodded. "Someone named Zane called it in, said he was on his phone talking to Branno when he heard the shots. Sargeant Crawford and Corporal Stewart are en route. I asked them to drop me at the bottom of the road so I could let you guys know."

Lissa sighed, feeling relieved. Zane was Zuzu's bigger brother. "Zuzu, honey, everything will be okay. Your brother Zane called the police. And a police unit is on its way and we're coming as well. Just be brave, okay?"

"Okay," Zuzu tearfully answered. 

"Hold on a minute hun," Lissa said to her.

"Okay," Zuzu answered. 

Lissa moved the phone from her face.

Supe Dacres stood up. He looked down at De'aundre, who by now had a broad smile on his face. "Young man, I think you should cooperate with us, or it will not go well with you if any of my colleague's family members are hurt or killed," Supe said gravely.

De'aundre laughed. "I would rather have hot oil poured down my ears than betray Mr. Z," he answered.

"That could be arranged," said Inspector Lindsay. De'aundre's confident smile turned to a scowl as he directed his gaze to the Inspector. "And that would be the last thing you do," De'aundre said. 

Inspector Lindsay reached over the table, grabbed De'aundre by the collar and shook him. Supe Dacres walked towards the front door. He said, "We're going over to Lissa's place. You good here?" he asked, looking back at his colleague.

"Very good," Inspector Lindsay said, his eyes still boring into De'aundre face, who no longer looked confident. 

Supe nodded. He said,"Let's go."

"I'm coming too," Lissa said. She lifted the phone to her face. "Zuzu?" 

She put her phone on loud speaker.

She heard the young girl answer, "Yes Lissa. I'm here."

"Where are you now?"

"I'm in the bathroom. Branno locked me in here," Zuzu said.

"Where is Branno?" Lissa voice cracked with fear.

Zuzu started to sob. "He said he was going to protect me. He locked me inside here and said he would be back for me. Lissa, please hurry up and send help. I love him. I'm scared."

Lissa heard what she said and felt her heart leap. What was he up to? "Okay hun. The police are on their way. Put the phone on silent, so no one will hear it ringing."

Zuzu said, "Yeah, he did that already." 

"Okay hun. Be brave," she said, "we're coming."

She ended the call.

Supe Dacres opened the interrogation room. Walker, Campbell and Lissa rushed out behind him. On their way out Lissa heard De'aundre grimace in pain. She didn't know what Inspector Lindsay did, but it served him right, deceiving her; making her believe he was afraid of Mr Z and was kidnapping her under duress. Campbell said she needed to make a quick run to the bathroom. Supe said, "Make it quick!" He stepped towards the front door.

Lissa was surprised to see Derrick still sitting in the administrative section of the station. She had told him when he dropped her off that he could leave, that she would be fine. He stood up as she approached him. "Everything okay?" he asked. He saw her worried face. 

Constable Campbell paused and looked at the interaction between Lissa and the tall brown skinned gentleman. He was handsome she would give him that. But she was loyal to Sarge. In fact, to her, Sarge Crosby was the ideal man. But she wouldn't say anything. She figured nothing would come of her crush anyway. She watched them closely.

"Mr Z sent goons to my house and shot it up. Rick, my brother and his friend are at the house. I spoke to his friend. She said Branno locked her in the bathroom and is now somewhere in the house pretending he's some hero! I don't know what that boy is thinking!" Lissa said angrily.

Derrick pulled her to him and touched her face. He circled his arms around her and hugged her. Lissa rested her head on his chest. It was more solid than she remembered and felt strong. She sighed and closed her eyes. 

"Thank you Rick, I appreciate you," she said. "You are a good friend."

Derrick smiled and gave her a little squeeze then released her. "I wish I could be more, but I understand. I'm here if you want to talk. Please let me know how it went with your brother."

"I will," she said smiling at him. He smiled back and exited the station.

 Constable Campbell walked briskly to the bathroom. After closing the bathroom stall, she called Shane on his new phone number, that she alone had. "Sarge, your girl's in trouble," she said. 

"Yeah, her house is under attack right now! Apparently her brother and his girlfriend are trapped. We're heading over there. Okay, will do. Okay." She hung up. She did need to pee. She did that quickly, washed her hands and headed out the door without drying them. 

When she exited the bathroom she realized that everyone was waiting for her on the outside. She jumped in the unit with Constable Walker and Supe Dacres, Corporals Barracks and Kelly, while Lissa rode with Sergeant Reynolds, Corporals Anderson and Brodber. 

Constable Dana Campbell looked across at Melissa Dixon. Lissa was a good looking woman. Dana understood why Shane was smitten by her. Skin light brown; so soft and smooth like churned cappuccino; dark brown irises set in milk white eyes; an oval shaped face with nicely set white teeth; wide hips, thick thighs and a round butt, and a round, large bosom. 

Dana realized she couldn't compete with that. She had wide hips but her derriere wasn't as endowed, though it was fluffy enough, as far as she was concerned. She shook her head. She hoped Sarge knew what he was doing disrupting a five-year long relationship.

 Lissa looked up and saw Dana watching her. She smiled at her but Dana turned her head and looked straight ahead. Lissa wondered what was up with her. Dana was like a lone she-wolf. She only mingled with the same people at the station, namely Reynolds, Crosby and Crawford, mostly males. 

She would talk with Constable Walker and had a good rapport with her, but she preferred hanging with the guys. She wasn't the girly type. Some would consider her a tomboy, a tomboy with a very curvy body. She hoped she was okay. She would try to talk with her when she had the chance. Lissa took out her phone and called her dad.

Supe Dacres requested more units and was informed that two more cars were en route to Lissa's home. Lissa was grateful. She prayed that Branno would be safe. 

***

Shane grabbed his service revolver and his privately licensed firearm. He looked at them. He had a double shoulder holster he had bought last year when he went on vacation in Florida. He strapped the holster across his back and shoulder, and tucked his guns in place. 

He had a 'Rambo' knife in his possession. He dug in the bottom of his duffle bag and took it out. He unsheathed it and looked at the blade. He returned it to its leather covering. Just in case, he thought. 

Right now Lissa needed him. He opened the door and stepped outside, locking it behind him. He moved briskly down the stairs and mounted his bike, put it in gear and rode off. 

***

After Branno locked Zuzu inside his bathroom, he put on a pair of Timbaland Worker boots with the steel toe covering. He laced them up snugly then went into the closet and retrieved his metal baseball bat from the top shelf of his closet. 

He had a black balaclava mask he brought back with him when he was in England. He pulled it over his face, leaving only his eyes visible. He practiced his swing a little then positioned his hands around the handle of the bat then quietly opened his bedroom door. He heard movement in the kitchen. He closed the door behind him and locked it. 

There was a small space, a little nook between the guest bedroom and his parents bedroom walls. This was where they stored the 'dry mops'. The wall was made of three (3) inch thick celotex insulation boards and was installed after their parents discovered a secret room in the house, after they bought it six years ago.

Over the years, the board walls began to wear and there was now a small gap where it met the tiled floor. Right there, in that gap, was where Branno hid his keys. He pushed them as far up as his fingers could reach. He had a way of getting them out. 

Holding the bat slightly over his shoulder, he walked slowly back to his room's front door. He leaned against it when he observed more men walking in, about four of them. He suspected that others were already in the house. 

The men were heading towards the kitchen. When they were out of sight, Brandon moved stealthily down the stairs to the front door, avoiding the broken glass. He looked outside. There were two black cars outside but no one was in them. He needed to move Zuzu. He thought of attacking them but he was outnumbered. They had guns, he only had a baseball bat.

He climbed the stairs quickly. He went to the small crevice and took out a magnet from his pocket. He moved the magnet slowly side to side at the edge of the hole, getting it to pull on the keys. 

When they got closer, he groped and grabbed them to him. He went back to his room, opened the door and locked it behind him. He opened the bathroom door.  Zuzu jumped into his arms. She hugged him tightly. He kissed her forehead. 

"Zuzu, I gotta get you out of here, the front walk way is clear, but I don't trust it as an exit. Wherever they are they can come out from there at any minute." He exited the bathroom and went to stand at the window. The glass was completely broken through. He sighed as he looked through the empty space that was left. 

Across from where he stood, his neighbors' windows were also broken through. He wondered if anyone was still in the house. He went into the bathroom and took up his phone. He went into the phone's camera feature then turned on the zoom. He went back into his bedroom and aimed the camera towards the window.  He zoomed in carefully.

He saw movement. Those folks did not look like Pastor Richard Gayle and his wife Elizabeth. Fortunately, they weren't firing. One man was on a cellphone while the other was looking at him. He wondered what was going on over there. He hoped his neighbours were okay. He and Zuzu needed to get out of here, he thought. What could he do? He had to take her through the front door. Branno sighed. He would die trying.

He retrieved the sheet from the floor and went for her, shaking off the broken glass. He wrapped it over her head and shoulders. "We're gonna have to go through the front door," he told her. "There are look-outs across the street in my neighbors' house. They can see what's happening in the back of the yard, but not the front." 

Zuzu nodded her understanding, her eyes wide. "I'm scared," she said.

"I know," he replied. "Me too, but I'm gonna make sure you're okay. Okay?"

He lifted her and brought her to his bed. He kicked away a few pieces of glass to clear a path for her, allowing her to stand barefoot. Quickly, she stooped down, pushed her hand under the bed and retrieved her flip-flops. She pushed her feet in them and looked up at him smiling. "Ready," she said. He nodded at her. "Let's go," he replied.

She nodded, looking up at him. His eyes held a determination she admired. He put his left arm around her shoulder while the right hand held the baseball bat. He told her to open the door. She opened it slowly. He stepped through with her but stopped and listened. He heard talking. He looked at her "Now," he whispered, "we're gonna take our time going down the stairs." She nodded. 

Quietly, they walked down the stairs together. At the bottom of the stairs they heard glass loudly breaking in one of the rooms. Zuzu flinched. Branno covered her mouth with his hand. Her eyes wide, she stared at him. "Shhh..." he mouthed, but not making the corresponding sound. They were trashing his house. His heart felt like it was being pierced through. 

He guided her to the front door. The door was already open. They walked through safely. He took her towards the front of the yard to the gate. He opened the gate and held on to her wrist.

He pulled her and ran with her as quickly as he could. They sheet fell from her shoulders. He looked back at her and pulled her harder. Zuzu ran as fast as she could. She tripped and fell. Branno bent down, lifted her up and hoisted her over his shoulder with her torso hanging over his back, his hand holding her legs. He still had the bat, but in his left hand. 

As he ran, they heard shouting behind them. He looked around and saw two men chasing after them.  Branno ran as fast as he could, stretching his long legs to help him lengthen the distance between them. 

He turned down an adjacent street and was thrilled to see a police unit coming up the road. He fanned it down. He told them who he was and that there were men chasing them. The officers told them to hide. So Branno jumped over a nearby wall and helped Zuzu over it also. He laid his bat in the grass and pulled off the mask tucking it in his jeans' back pocket.

After another minute they heard gun shots. Zuzu screamed. He held her close to him. He ran up to the front door of the house and knocked on the door. He knocked on the door and cried out, "Help! Please help!" 

More shots rang out. Branno banged the door harder. 

***

Dr. Vanessa Gordon sat on her couch flipping through newspapers while her brother, Wes, prepared lunch for them. He came over to spend time but would be back on the road by 7 p.m. that evening. She was getting married and he was helping her decide on the decor and color scheme for the wedding. No matter the occasion, he had a very good eye for detail. 

She was enjoying the aroma of saltfish and baked beans, and freshly roasted breadfruit when she heard knocking on the door. It was an insistent, aggressive knocking. She and her fiance, DeMarco, had just moved to this community so she wasn't sure who it was. Matter of fact, she hadn't met her neighbours yet. 

She stood up and went to the door. She listened to the knocking. It was quite aggressive. She then heard a male voice say, "Help! Help us please!"

She ran back to call her brother and dragged him to the door. "Someone's out there crying for help, but I don't know, you know you can't be too careful." 

"Please help!" the voice said. They listened but did not respond. Then they heard a female voice behind the door. She sounded frantic. "Please! Please help me and my friend!"

"Who are you?" Vanessa asked.

"We're coming from the next road over. We're sorry for the inconvenience, but please help us!" the male answered.

Wes looked at his sister. "Go for the wedge knife," he told her. She ran quickly for it and brought it back to him. 

He held the knife behind his back and slowly unlocked the door. He pulled it towards him. He looked and realized that he knew one of the individuals at the door. Branno's face cracked into a smile. "Dr. Gordon, thank God! Let us in please."

Wes stepped back and allowed them to enter. He looked in the yard, but saw no suspicious movement. He closed the door. He turned around and looked at his sister. "Vanie, this is Brandon, his sister was a patient of mine. I treated her while I was staying over in Westmoreland those four months."

Vanessa looked at Branno and smiled. Next, she focused her gaze on the young lady clinging to his arm. Brandon cleared his throat. "I-I'm sorry. This is Azuri. She's ..." He looked down at her. "She's my girlfriend."

Azuri looked up at him stunned, then hugged him happily. Branno turned towards her and kissed her forehead, closing his eyes. Wes watched them, he looked at his sister, his eyebrows raised. Vanessa smiled slightly. 

"You were calling for help?" Wes asked looking curiously at them. 

Brandon opened his eyes and looked at him. "Remember what we told you happened to Lissa?"

Wesley nodded.

"Well, they came back for blood. We're not involved, it's Lissa's police boyfriend that's the problem. They started firing like crazy. Only by the grace of God we escaped. We were running down your road when we saw cops coming up the road. We told them what was happening and they told us to hide," Branno said stroking Zuzu's head. 

He felt her body shaking. He put her away from him so he could see her face. She was crying silently. He embraced her, rocking her side to side. "Zuzu, baby it's okay. We're okay." Branno felt something vibrating on Zuzu's body. He looked down and noticed that she had a phone tucked in her waist. He pulled it from her waist and realized it was his phone. He answered, "Hello?"

"Branno, thank God!" she exclaimed. "Where are you?" Lissa asked.

"I'm at a neighbour's house, but you wouldn't guess who it is," he said looking at Dr Wesley, who smiled.

"We're at the house now," Lissa replied. "The police were able to apprehend one of the men but the others fled." Brandon heard his sister sigh. "Branno, I'm so glad you're okay," she said. "Text me the address.

"Will do," Branno said looking at Wes and Vanessa, They both nodded. He nodded back at them. Vanessa told him the address of her newly bought home and he texted the info to his sister.

"Okay," Lissa said. "I'll be around in a couple minutes." She hung up.

***

Shane was relieved to see that Lissa was okay. He watched her from a distance, perched on his bike. He texted Constable Campbell and told her 'thank you' for letting him know. He was somewhere nearby but wouldn't approach. He told her to keep an eye on Lissa for him and if anything happens she should tell him immediately.

Campbell texted back that Lissa's old friend, Derrick, was at the station today. When Shane saw the text he felt a little puzzled, he asked if she knew why. Campbell called his phone. He picked up the call.

"Hey Sarge," she greeted him.

"Hey, Dana." he answered. "Tell me what happened."

"This guy came to the station saying he was looking for Miss Dixon. He claimed he missed a session with her last week because she cancelled. According to Ms Dixon when she went to check her files, she realized that he wasn't on record, but by the time she turned around to address him, he had drawn a knife on her. He then told her some cock and bull story about Mr Z killing his mother and sister if he didn't get her to cooperate with him.

"She went with him. She told Sudanie that the guy was her cousin so Sudie thought nothing of it. Miss Dixon claims while they were standing at the intersection of Knutsford Boulevard and Trafalgar Road, Derrick showed up and helped her thwart whatever plan De'aundre and Mr Z had for her. The guy, De'aundre, fled the scene but we were able to apprehend him." 

Dana paused. She felt bad having to tell him these things, but maybe he needed to know. "Derrick was at the station a few minutes ago waiting on her. He gave her a hug and she told him thanks. He left afterwards."

Shane sighed. "Thanks Dana, from now on let me know whenever you see him coming around Lissa again."

"Will do Sarge," Constable Dana Campbell said, then hung up. 

Shane looked at the house and at his fellow officers walking around the scene. He saw that one of the bedroom windows was thoroughly busted out. He grimaced. Lissa's parents would be very angry. He started his bike's engine, revved it a couple times, turned the motorcycle around and rode away from the scene.

He needed to move quickly. He wasn't going to lose her. She belonged to him.

***

"Sir, Lequan just called, he said they found a cellphone in one of the bedrooms of the house. He says you're not gonna like it." Mr N said.

A tall dark skinned man stood up from his desk and walked to his window. He took in the view of the New Kingston skyline. He glanced at his watch. "Where is he now?" the man asked.

"They're heading back to the loft," N said his brow knotted, waiting for his boss's instruction. 

"Tell Alexander to find out what's happened to my nephew. As for Lequan, I'll wait to see what he's talking about," the man said.

'N' nodded and left the large room. The man looked down at his right hand. On the middle finger was a gold studded ring with a purple stone. On each side of the ring, the letter 'Z' was engraved. He kissed his ring and went to sit in his leather chair. 

The sharp sound of his cellphone vibrating cut through his thoughts. He answered, putting the phone on loud speaker.

"Hello," he said.

There was a pause. Then the caller on the line said, "We have been friends for nearly forty years. Almost forty long years, good and bad times. I have always been loyal to you. I have covered your tracks and your ass a million times, as you have done mine. But it seems my loyalty almost cost me my zuhūr na'imah (زهور ناعمة  - delicate flower). I am your friend but I will choose my family every time."

The man sighed. "What is this about Kyle? What has happened?" he asked.

"Your blood thirsty, vengeful spirit may have cost the life of my daughter!" Kyle shouted. "Zavier, you have been my oldest friend but this is where I draw the line!"

Zavier sat up and turned off the loud speaker. He put the phone to his ear. "What are you talking about?"

"My daughter, your god-daughter, Zuzu, was at the house you sent men to shoot up today!" Kyle shouted angrily.

Zavier leaned back in the chair. He chewed his bottom lip and listened to his friend vent.

"This vendetta you have against this police guy is now becoming a liability to me. The woman you're target is seeing is Melissa Dixon, she's the daughter of an acquaintance of mine, a fellow King's Counsel," Kyle said trying to compose himself.

"We worked at the same firm when we were interns then Junior Associates. He has gone on to doing commercial contracts while I've found myself representing litigants in the justice system. His son is best friends with my children. My youngest daughter was at their house hanging out with their son. You shot up their house while she was there!" Kyle shouted that last part.

Zavier closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the chair's head rest. He would never want Zuzu to be hurt. She was like a daughter to him. "Where is she now?" he asked. In fact, one day he hoped she would marry his son, Zahir.

Kyle swore at him. "I don't know," he shouted. "But so help me God if they find her dead or injured in any way, I will take a match and burn down everything you've built myself. Yuh know weh mi come from. Yuh know weh mi born and grow. I may have become soft around the belly, but my hands are still strong, and I still know how to use those fancy guns you have for your bodyguards."

Zavier chuckled. "It hasn't come to that old friend. I pray she is okay." Kyle was once his strong man and enforcer until he met Rebecca at a party and wanted a different life. He knew his friend's threat wasn't a weak one. He however had the bigger stick, but good friends were hard to find, especially with the lifestyle he lived. He wouldn't want to violate the years of loyalty they had together.

He sighed. "I am very sorry for everything, my friend. My intel was limited. I did not know your children knew the young woman's family." he said scratching his head. He pressed a button under the top of his desk. Mr N quietly stepped into the room. "Give me a sec Kyle. Hold on," he told his friend.

Kyle hissed his teeth but said nothing further. Zavier smiled. He looked up at Mr N, then said, "Apparently Midnight's youngest daughter was at the house when the men were firing shots. Tell Lequan I want him to report to me immediately."

N nodded. "Yes boss," he exited the room quickly.

Zavier lifted the phone to his mouth. "Kyle?"

"Yes I am here," came the terse reply. "I heard you using my old gang name. You know I hate when you call me that," Kyle said.

Zavier chuckled. "It's for the purpose of keeping your identity safe from my associates. And isn't that what you wanted? To be anonymous?

Kyle hissed his teeth. "You need to fine tune your operations, you can't be sending people out with limited information. Innocent people will get hurt. I thought you said you were done with this type of life, hmm?"

"I am, but I have this thing to clear up and then I'm done," Zavier said smiling.

"Be careful this vendetta doesn't destroy all you've built in the last ten years," Kyle warned.

Zavier leaned his chair back so he could see the ceiling. He tiredly closed his eyes. He wondered what Danae was preparing for dinner.

"You're getting sloppy my friend. Time for you to retire from the game," Kyle told him.

"I will," Zavier said.

Kyle grunted in disgust. "I don't believe you. The illegal side brings in too much money. But you're limited and you're getting old. Your mistake may have cost my daughter's life."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know your daughter knew those folks," Zavier said.

"You don't tell me what you're up to so how would you know?" Kyle shot back.

"Well, you told me about fifteen years ago that you were no longer interested in knowing what was going on at 'The shop', so I keep stuff to myself," Zavier said smiling slightly. "I've sent for my point man on this job, he'll let me know if they saw Zuzu. Lequan knows her."

"I hope so. I'm not planning on burying my youngest. As a matter of fact, yuh see from now on, I need to know every damn thing, and you're going to do another thing for me," Kyle said angrily.

"What's that?" Zavier asked, listening to his friend. 

"You're going to fire your current attorney and put me on retainer. I want you to put me on retainer, $2 mil a year. I'll be your attorney and also help you manage your operations as an active chairman, so to speak. I also want a trust to be opened for my children, your God-children. I want $500,000 US in that account each year until Zuzu is 30 years old. They'll share the money three ways obviously. I want you to ensure that that trust is a separate one from what you have for Danae and your sons."

"That's it?" Zavier asked feeling himself growing restless. Friendships have their limits. 

"No! No, you old reprobate! The manufacturing company you have, I want to have a 20% stake in that business."

Zavier cleared his throat and opened his eyes. "Let me stop you there. Why in the hell should I give you that much stake in the company? None of my private or public investors have such a large share on their own. You're pushing it, my friend."

Kyle laughed harshly. "Oh... I'm pushing it? Let me remind you that we don't know if my last born is still alive. Oh ... Oh, let's not forget that Zolah is supposed to be married to your oldest son, Zaniv, next July. You are very fond of Zo Zo, aren't you? And your son is smitten with her, very smitten."

Zavier gripped the phone in his hand. "What would you do?" he asked his voice dipping to almost a whisper.

"Call off the bloody wedding! And I would tell my daughter how you people really make your living," Kyle said, his voice cracking like a whip. "Do you really think my daughter would want to marry the son of a murderer if she knew the truth?"

"But she would also lose respect for you. How do you think she will feel when she finds out that her dad was an ex-gun man, an assassin in the 90s? The son of a politician's enforcer, who followed in his father's footsteps?" Zavier asked, his voice going deathly soft.

"My daughter may hate me, but she will see the changes I have made in my life and forgive me. You on the other hand are just her uncle, and not even a real one. You only come bearing gifts Christmas time and they do sleepovers with your family once in a while, that's it."

Z thought about what Kyle said. That wedding would be the event of the year, and would solidify the polished corporate image he had been working to build over the past five years. Not only that, Zaniv was completely in love with Zolah. He was so in love that when Zolah insisted they waited for marriage before having sex, he eagerly agreed. Zolah said she was a virgin and Zaniv believed her. They held hands, they would peck each other on the cheek and hug, but nothing more. Zavier thought his son was crazy, but he said Zolah was worth it. He hoped he was right.

"Deal, on one condition," Zavier said, his lips curling into a devious smile.

"Mi nah negotiate bredda. Habibi, I have done so much for you. It's time for me to collect," Kyle said his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Zavier noted the term of endearment and laughed.

"And you forget who helped you be the topnotch lawyer you are now. Who helped you do that, hmm? You were a poor bwoy with no money, only ambition and nothing else. I gave you the money you needed to send yourself to university while feeding you.

"I also find it quite interesting that your daughter is MIA and instead of looking for her, calling the cops or calling her friend, you're on the phone negotiating ways to further line your pockets. Maybe I care more about little Zuzu than you do. I would imagine Becca being disgusted if she could hear how you're talking now," Zavier said. His voice was low and menacing.

"You can tell her if you want," Kyle said feeling his temper rise further. "You think I don't know you want my wife? You've probably had sex with her in your mind a thousand times. But she wants me," Kyle answered laughing harshly.

"You have 24-hours to consider what I'm offering and my terms. I know how to straddle both worlds, corporate and the underworld," Kyle continued. "I can make sure you don't make mistakes like that again."

"After 24-hours what will you do?" Zavier sat up. He didn't take threats lightly.

"I told you," Kyle replied. "For one, that sham of a wedding is off. I'll be sorry for Zaniv's broken heart. I actually like your son, he's half decent considering who his father is. Must be his mother's influence. Unfortunately, Zahir is just like you."

"I see," Zavier said looking at his ring. He clenched his fist and opened it repeatedly. 

"My counter offer is this: I give you what you ask for; the wedding between Zaniv and Zo Zo goes on, and ... you also allow Zahir to marry Zuzu," Zavier said.

He raised his eyebrows when he heard Kyle go off on a string of expletives, then said, "Yuh lick yuh head? You're crazy! Zuzu doesn't like your son. She hates every bone in his body, down to his pinky toes," Kyle shifted his phone from his right to his left hand. "Nobadda give me joke yah. My offer is my offer, right now you need my benevolence more than I need this friendship between us." 

Kyle paused and took a ragged breath. Zavier listened to him quietly. "Anyhoo, you better pray my baby is okay or what I just offered will be off the table," Kyle said incensed. "24-hours Zav, that's all you have to give me an answer. And don't try anything drastic towards me or my family. I have files that will go straight to the police and the media, and your corporate friends, the minute anything happens to me or my wife, or kids."

Kyle hissed his teeth. "24-hours Zav!" He ended the call.

Zavier put the phone down. In the last twelve years he learned the hard way that brute force and 'badness' wasn't always the right way to get what he wanted. He would go along with him for now. He thought he knew how to handle Kyle --'killing him with kindness'. But maybe he needed a new strategy. He reached down into his pants' back pocket and retrieved his wallet. He opened it and took out a photo of Becca. They were lovers once. Kyle never knew this. He kissed the photo. Let's see how much heat his friend could handle.

***

Later that day, Lequan came into Zav's office and brought a cellphone with him. Z looked at the pink, glittery phone case shaped like a butterfly. He smiled. This was definitely Zuzu's phone. He kissed the screen. The screen saver was a picture of all three of Kyle's children. He would never hurt them, no matter what. He however couldn't say the same about their parents. 

"Did you or any of the men see a dark skinned girl with gray eyes?" he asked Lequan.

Lequan cleared his throat. "Davian said they saw a guy and girl running from the house, so maybe it was her," he answered. 

"Did anyone fire at them?" Z asked feeling a little anxious, not because he feared his friend now frenemy, but because he did love Zuzu dearly. She should have been his child, but Becca ended their love tryst and decided to commit herself fully to Kyle. A couple months later she was pregnant.

Lequan shook his head, indicating 'no'.

"We're taking a new approach," Z told his number one. "Just the cop alone. You are to leave the woman and her family alone. Zuzu and Midnight's other children are friends with them. We don't want any unnecessary trouble."

Lequan nodded. "So she and her family are off the table?" he asked.

"Yes," Z nodded. "It's a possibility Zuzu or the other children may hang around them. I can't risk any of my babies getting hurt."

Lequan nodded his understanding. "Understood," he answered.

"As for the cop, have you identified where he's hiding?" Z asked.

Lequan shook his head. "No," he said, "Our source says he went on leave a couple weeks ago, and hasn't been reporting in to his superior, nor have any of his colleagues heard from him. Also, he hasn't made contact with his family in a while. It's like he's invisible or a ghost."

"And he hasn't been to his houses?" Z asked.

Lequan shook his head. "No," he replied.

Z chewed his bottom lip. He nodded. "Let me know the minute you hear anything," he told him.

His number one assassin nodded. Zavier smiled at him. "How's your sick mother?" he asked the young man.

Lequan smiled slightly. "She's feeling much better sir. Thank you for the advance. The medication we got for her is working really fast."

Zavier nodded. "Glad to hear it. So she'll be strong enough to prepare her world class curry goat and rice for our Christmas dinner this year?"

Lequan nodded. "She should be," he said smiling. 

"Good," Zavier said, his smile broadening. "Take the rest of the day off. Izzie was asking about you."

Lequan smiled happily. Isabel aka Izzie was Mr Z's adopted daughter and she was beautiful. "Tell the men they can take a month off from searching for the cop, let things die down for now. Midnight is also pissed off at me," Z smiled ruefully. "Let the spies do their job."

Lequan nodded, eyebrows raised. All the men knew of the legendary Midnight. He was not one to be crossed. "Okay, sir will do." 

Z nodded at him. Lequan gave him a faint smile and turned to leave, then paused and looked around. "Sir, where did you say Izzie was?"

Zavier smiled, feeling amused. Young love. He chuckled.

"She's at home," he told him, "but make sure you remove your gear." Z looked him up and down. Lequan was wearing a brown polo shirt underneath a black leather vest, which hid his gun tucked away in its shoulder holster. Black jeans which partially covered black boots. Lequan smiled. "Yes, of course. Thank you sir. I will call the men now."

Z nodded.

Lequan left the room.

Zavier went to his desk to retrieve his phone. He called back his old friend. 

"You've reconsidered," Kyle answered

Zavier laughed softly. "Still thinking, my friend. I have something of Zuzu's here. Her cellphone is here with me. I pray she is okay. Have you heard anything?"

"Yes," Kyle said, "Her brother was able to get in contact with Melissa's brother. She is okay and at the police station in New Kingston. I'm going for her now. As for her phone send it over by courier," Kyle said tersely. "And Zav, it better not be tampered with, no app, no bugs."

Z bared his teeth. He was glad Kyle couldn't see him or read his mind. His friend's new found boldness was getting on his nerves. You know me too well, Z thought. Alright I'll not do that. "I promise. I love Zuzu. I told you my intel was limited."

"One piece of advice," Kyle said. "It's best you focus on your main target and not go off your mark. When you lose focus it leaves room for errors, like today. An error that could have taken the life of someone you say you love. You named her."

Zavier sighed. He was right. From now on that was what he was going to do. Since Zuzu had a connection with this girl's family she would always be vulnerable. "I promise to just go after the cop. I'm sorry about today."

"Apology accepted, but my offer still stands," Kyle said.

Z chuckled. He thought of Becca's soft, fragrant skin on his lips. She said never again concerning their sexual relationship, but he would see about that.

"You drive a hard bargain, but okay. Deal. We can chat more tomorrow. Come to my salon's office at about 4:00 p.m. In the meantime, I will make my courier company drop off Zuzu's cell today," Zavier said smiling wickedly.

"Okay, agreed," Kyle replied feeling pleased. "Tomorrow."

"Okay," Zavier agreed ending the call.

He looked to his right and read the ancient Chinese proverb inscribed in gold writing on a large black plaque on the wall: Zhī jǐ zhī bǐ, bǎi zhàn bù dài (Know yourself, know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles). He smiled, sat down and opened an app with the itinerary of what Becca had to do tomorrow, based on what his spy sent to him.

No one threatens me and gets away with it, not even my best friend, he mused.

***

When Kyle and Rebecca arrived at the police station, Marcus and his wife, Sandra, were already there speaking to their daughter. Zuzu was sitting on a chair, her eyes closed, head resting on her friend Brandon's shoulder. Her left hand was clasped in his. Kyle watched at the doorway as Branno lifted his head and placed a soft kiss on his daughter's forehead. He smiled. That was the alliance he wanted. He and Marcus could start a practice together. He would encourage this relationship. Sorry Zav, your luck just ran out, he thought feeling amused.

After Rebecca parked and armed the car, she came up behind him. She touched his shoulder. She too saw what was happening between her daughter and Brandon. "She looks happy," she said. Kyle turned his head slightly and blew a kiss at his wife. "Reminds me of you and me," he said smiling at her cheekily.

Becca laughed softly. "Maybe, I'm so glad our baby is safe. We owe that young man a debt of gratitude. I heard he made sure to protect her."

"Who told you?" Kyle asked.

Becca smiled mysteriously. "I have my ways," she said.

Kyle shook his head. He would find out what she meant later, but for now ...

He pushed the police station door open, holding it for his wife to slip through then he let it go. The door slowly swung back in place. Zuzu looked up, saw her parents and ran to them. She threw herself in her mother's arms first, then Kyle circled his arms around them both. 

Lissa and her parents looked at them. Lissa felt guilty for what happened. She wished things were different. She stepped forward. "Mr and Mrs Wellington, I-I'm really sorry," she said. She was remorseful. 

"What my daughter is trying to say, is that she regrets that her stupid choices have led to this situation," Sandra said. She moved towards the Wellingtons. "Becca. Kyle I am so sorry for everything," she said.

Becca smiled at her. "Do they know ... Do the cops know who those men were?"

Sandra shook her head. "We assume they're working for this crook called Mr. Z, who's been after my daughter's baby father," she said with disdain. Lissa grimaced. She knew her mom was tired of the whole situation, but it hurt the way she was talking now. 

She would have to move out and stay away from them whether Shane came back soon or not. She couldn't risk their safety. She felt ashamed. Feeling contrite, she said, "My mom is right, when it comes to love I have made some very stupid choices from age seventeen upwards. I am very glad your daughter is okay. Please accept my apology."

Kyle stepped forward and gave her a hug. Lissa started crying. Zuzu looked at Branno. He looked back at her. The whole situation was a mess. Kyle rubbed Lissa's back. 

He put her away from him and looked at her. He wondered if Z had ever seen her. She was gorgeous. A bit on the heavy side but absolutely beautiful. Did they say she was pregnant? Best he kept that info to himself. He wasn't sure what Zav would do if he knew this beautiful woman was about to have a child with his enemy. 

He rubbed his hands on her arms. "It's alright. This boyfriend who is he? What does he do?"

"He's a police officer," Sandra volunteered. He looked over at her. He could see that Sandra was fed up. He smiled kindly at Lissa, who looked at him teary eyed. 

"Sometimes we make choices not knowing their outcome. All is well, don't beat yourself up too much, okay?  Everything will be okay. God was on our side. My daughter is safe and so is your son," he said this while looking pointedly at Sandra. He looked over at Brandon. He moved away from Lissa and extended his hand for a handshake. Brandon shook it feeling bashful. 

"Thank you for looking out for my daughter. I hear you were very brave," Kyle said smiling at him.

Branno glanced at Zuzu and smiled. He stood up still holding Kyle's hand. "Sir," Brandon said, "Zuzu has always been a very good friend to me. My very best friend besides Zane, but over the past few weeks I've become very fond of her in a different way. I-I would like to date her, if ... if that is okay with you?"

With eyebrows raised, Kyle looked at Marcus. He didn't know Brandon had intentions for his daughter, but didn't mind. This was a good thing. So the gestures of affection he saw earlier were indeed deliberate. Marcus looked back at his colleague and long time friend. He too was surprised, but not opposed to it. He nodded. Kyle smiled back at him. 

He turned to Brandon. "I have no issue with this," he said. He looked behind him at his wife. Rebecca smiled and nodded. He looked at Sandra but she was looking at Lissa. He grimaced. He felt sorry for Lissa, her mother was on the war path. He looked at Zuzu. "Zuzu, baby, do you like Brandon? Would you like to date him?"

He saw her expression: her lovely eyes and bright smile gave her answer. She also nodded, then said, "Yes daddy, I would like that very much." 

Kyle smiled at Brandon. "You have our permission. Not a problem. We like you." Rebecca came up behind her husband and put her hands on his shoulders, smiling at the young couple. Brandon grinned. He was so happy. He pulled Zuzu to her feet and hugged her tightly. She was giggling, her eyes closed. 

Kyle was very pleased. It would give him a good excuse to link up with Marcus and his family more often. Right now he would see if he could help them with the damage to their house.

***

When Brandon got home, he and his dad and mom did some cleaning up of his room and also nailed boards across the window space. Lissa wanted to help but Sandra told her she had done enough. Lissa retreated to her room feeling dejected. 

After cleaning up all the shards of glass around the house, Marcus said they would get a man to come to the house that weekend to measure the space to make new windows. Brandon's room was dark. He hated the dark. His mom and dad told him they were sorry about everything. Brandon told them it was fine. When they left his room, Lissa knocked on the door and came inside. She sat on the bed and squeezed his ankle. He was laying on his bed texting Zuzu. 

She told him that when she got home her phone was mysteriously on her bed. Zane told her that a man said he saw the phone on the road somewhere, picked it up and figured out how to get information from it that led him to her. At first, she was skeptical but she didn't know how to explain how the phone got in her room. She decided to shrug off the niggling feeling she had, until she got more information. 

Brandon was telling her that he wanted to take her some place special for her first time. But only if she wanted to. She replied via text and told him she wanted that very much. 

He smiled and typed:

"I'm longing to explore every beautiful inch of you. I'm going to kiss every part of you, from your finger tips to your toes and in between." He pressed send. He also sent her a peach emoji. She sent a heart eyes emoji and a heart. 

Brandon wanted their first time making love to be special. He wouldn't rush her, though he knew she was eager to have that encounter with him. He wanted her to be sure. Plus, he really wanted to save it a little. He didn't want to treat her like the girls before her, he wanted to wait for her too.

Lissa tapped on his feet. Branno looked up at her. She smiled sheepishly at him. He sighed then texted Zuzu that he would text her in a minute, his sister came to apologize. Zuzu texted, "Okay."

Branno put down his phone. "What do you want Lissa?"

Lissa sighed. Her eyes were puffy. She had been crying.

"Branno, I'm so sorry for what happened today. Mom and dad are considering closing up the house and moving, at least for a while. I told them that I would move out, so they won't have to."

Branno sat up. He was angry with her but not that angry. "I don't know if that is a good idea," he said. She held her head down.

"What did mom and dad say?" he asked.

"Mommy wants me to move out but dad is saying that is not necessary, especially since I'm pregnant and it's kind of high risk, but I can't, I can't live with this guilt. It's eating me up inside. Branno, I'm really sorry," she said crying. 

Branno scooted down to the edge of the bed and reached for his sister. He hugged her and rubbed her back. "Lissa, I won't deny that I'm a little angry with you for this whole thing, but I can't really blame you. You didn't know this would happen, and yes I know Shane had no clue this would be happening to him right now either. I agree with mom and dad that maybe we should get somewhere else for a while. I can get a part-time job to help with rent if necessary." Brandon squeezed her closer. "Mom and dad are angry, especially mommy, but they love you."

Lissa moved back from his embrace. "I feel like a fool. Shane hasn't contacted me. Surely he must have heard what happened today? You mean to tell me that no one has seen him or heard from him to tell him what's been happening?" She couldn't believe he knew and didn't come to see her. She allowed tears to stream down her face silently. 

She stood up and dried her tears with her hands. "I am very sorry. Somehow I have to make things right," she said. She left his room. Brandon didn't like how that sounded. He picked up his phone and texted:

"Hi babe. I'm back. I'm worried about my sister. I know she feels guilty, but she's acting weird."

Zuzu texted back: "I'm sorry darling. Maybe you should watch her carefully and see what she'll do."

He smiled at the phone then said, "My time is limited, but yeah I will keep an eye on her. My baby, tell me what you are wearing."

Zuzu sent a heart eyes emoji and GIF of a girl in a bathing suit.

Branno bit his bottom lip. "A bathing suit?" he asked in his text.

"No, lol. I mean panties and bra. The night feels hot, so when it's like this I sleep only in underwear," she said.

Brandon sighed happily. Out of this situation, something good happened. He felt his body respond to her. "I can't wait to have you like that with me," he texted. "But for now, good night darling." He would use the term of endearment she called him. He smiled as he waited on her reply. He lay back thinking about her. She was taking a while. 

She sent a picture of herself in bed, the covers wrapped around her except for her left leg being exposed, resting seductively on the bed sheets. He saw a hint of the sexy, round curve of her bottom and groaned softly. Very tempting.

Branno bit his bottom lip. "You are so beautiful. I want to make sure your first time is extra special," he texted. "Good night darling."

"Good night honey," she replied.

Branno put his phone on the night stand. He hated the dark. He was a grown man now but he still hated being in a very dark room. He turned on his phone's flashlight and aimed it towards the bathroom so it wouldn't distract him from sleeping. He closed his eyes. He sighed and tried to relax, breathing in deeply. He decided to think about her. 

My beautiful, sweet Zuzu. She's mine now. He was happy. He knew Zane may have an issue with it but he didn't care. He was going to be a good boyfriend to her and maybe one day he would be her husband. 

He thought about this. Yeah, I like that. Being her husband in the future is something I can work towards, he thought. What about Yanique? his conscience asked. Oh yeah, Yanique. Our friends with benefits arrangement needs to end ASAP. He was about to become a 'one burner' again, and gladly. 

***

Lissa cried her eyes out as she lay on her bed. She knew this much emotional trauma wasn't good for the babies, but she couldn't help it. She reached for her phone and called Shane, but the phone went straight to voicemail. She hit redial, the phone went to voicemail. She decided to leave a message. 

"Shane, honey, I miss you," she said through tears. "I and your daughters miss you. You said once we were going to have girls," she laughed softly, trying to lighten her mood. "Baby I miss you. This distance is killing me. It's been almost three months. Honey, I need your touch, and now I need a place to stay. I've decided to move out. A man from Mr Z came to the station to kidnap me, but I saw Derrick on the road and he helped me. 

"Shane, Mr Z sent men to shoot up my house. All of this happened today. Baby," she said sadly. "Branno was in the house with his friend. I almost fainted when I heard that. As long as I am around my family they are targets. We're still at home. Mom and dad are thinking of renting somewhere. We're here, we're gonna sleep here tonight, but we're under police guard. Reynolds and Crawford are outside watching our house. Honey, I'm scared. I need you." She took deep breaths. "Baby, please come back to me. I can't take the distance between us. It's driving me crazy." She cried softly on the phone line. She hung up. 

She lay on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. The phone rang. She answered, hoping it was Shane but it wasn't him. It was Derrick. She answered sobbing quietly. 

"Lissa, honey, are you okay?" he asked. He was fearing the worst. "Is ... Is your brother okay?" 

"Yes, he is," she said. "Rick, I'm scared."

"Where are you?" he asked.

"I'm at home," she said. "We have police officers outside watching our house but just for tonight. Tomorrow we're gonna have to find a place to stay for awhile. The police came and took evidence, bullets, etcetera. I told my parents I'm moving out and my mother cussed me out. But what can I do? I'm putting my family at risk by being around them."

Derrick listened to her. This was his opportunity to help her and he wasn't going to miss this chance.

"Let me help you," he said.

"Rick, I'm sorry. I can't risk your safety too. They almost killed my brother and his girlfriend. I would die if something were to happen to you because of me," she told him. 

"This is a risk I'm willing to take for you. Lissa in a way, this is my fault. If I wasn't cheating, you and I would still be together and you wouldn't have gotten involved with your friend, and your family wouldn't be caught up in this mess. Please let me help you. I respect the fact that you've moved on. But let me help you. We're still friends and I still care about you."

Lissa sighed. "Okay, I need a place to rent. I know your sister is a realtor. Can she find somewhere for me?" she asked.

"Yes she can, but I was thinking more about you staying with me."

"Derr ..." she said before he interrupted her.

"Here me out. Lissa, please hear me out. There is another bedroom at my place. You know this. You're pregnant. You would need monitoring. Tell me, what did the doctor say about your pregnancy?"

Lissa sighed. "She said because my body is depleted of minerals and vitamins but especially iron, my pregnancy is a risky one. She prescribed multivitamins along with iron pills for me to take every day.  Because of the stress of the situation I almost lost the babies."

Derrick paused. "Babies?" he asked.

"Yeah, I'm pregnant with twins," she replied.

 "Twins?" he asked feeling his heart pound.

"Yeah," she said touching her tummy. "Shane is actually a twin. His brother has twin boys. Shane thinks we're having girls," she said smiling sadly. She adjusted the phone near her mouth.

"Lissa, there's something I need to tell you," Derrick said. He swallowed hard. 

"Okay," she said feeling curious.

"Remember that night we made real love? The night you asked me not to wear a condom?" he asked.

Lissa nodded though he couldn't see her body language. She wondered why he said "made real love". Weren't the other times real?  "Yeah, I remember." It was one of their best sexual experiences for her.

"I was reluctant to, you know, do it without a condom," he continued, clearing his throat.

"Yeah, you were," she said.

He bit his bottom lip. He wanted to hold her. "At first I was fearful but as we, as we continued, I enjoyed myself with you that night, a lot more than I want to admit. Being in you naturally felt much better than in rubber," he said chuckling. "I came really hard."

Lissa remembered. They made love twice that night 'bare back'. She enjoyed his passionate thrusts and the way he called her name, but then the next day he was awkward towards her. It felt like a rebuff. For two days he refused to touch her. 

"I also remember that the next day you didn't want to touch me. I felt like a pariah," she said angrily.

"Lissa, I'm sorry. Afterwards, my body craved to do it again. I was kind of afraid that if I touched you soon afterwards we would make love like that again. I wanted to be careful."

"So you ignored me for two full days?!" she asked.

Derrick sighed. He regretted everything that happened the past three months. "Lissa baby, I'm sorry. It was hard for me to process what I was feeling. You drove me crazy that night," Still do, he thought, "and I wanted to experience you that way again. You were so wet and tight. I mean, I know you feel good with a condom on, but I didn't know it was that good." He was aroused just thinking about that night.

Lissa felt hurt. Why all this now? "What would have been so hard to say so, Rick?" she asked. "Wouldn't it have been better to tell me how you felt than to shut me out? And what if we did it again? Would it have been so bad? We were together for five years. You know I wanted a baby."

Derrick sighed again. Knowing that she was currently pregnant made him jealous. He wished he was the father, maybe he was. He cleared his throat. "Lissa, the thing is, twins run in my family. Obviously, I'm not a twin, but I have twin cousins and other people in my family have had twins."

Lissa was stunned. Her heart started to beat fast. "Wha-What are you trying to say?" she asked.

"I know you say they're Shane's, but we made love. We really made love that night. Could it be possible that you're pregnant for me?"

Lissa felt like her head was spinning. "No, I-I don't think so because of what the doctor said, how far along I was at the time I found out. It would be impossible." Could he be right? She bit her bottom lip. No! She was already with Shane. This couldn't be happening.

Derrick sighed. "I don't mean to upset you, but I need to know. When next will you see an OBGYN?"

"I have an appointment for next week Thursday, but because of what happened today. I-I don't know, I may cancel. I haven't really been to a gynae or OB because of this whole mess," she said. She was feeling confused now.

"You're not going to cancel. I need to know if these babies are mine, and you should know too," he told her.

Lissa felt weak, like she was going to faint. "I-I."

"Lissa, we need to talk. You may not want to be with me again, but I need to know if these babies are mine. Also, I can help. You need the support right now. No pressure to get back with me. Just let me help you."

What was he saying? Get back with him? What was he talking about? I don't want him back!  "Derrick, what you're saying is crazy. I've moved on," she said. "And what if the doctor confirms that according to the time the babies belong to Shane?"

"If they're his I will be happy for you," he replied. "And I will still be here to support you until he comes back. I love you Lissa. I have been a fool, let me make it up to you. And if they're mine I will be here to support you whether we get back together or not."

"Okay, Rick. Thank you," she said quietly. She was speechless. Her mind was racing. He wasn't behaving the usual arrogant way she expected from him.

Derrick smiled. He wished he was with her to comfort her. "You're most welcome. I'll call you tomorrow. Is it okay if I come see you?"

"Yeah, that's fine," she said feeling dazed. His revelation about his family bowled her over. She was with him for five years and never knew this about them. She felt sad. Did she really know him?

"Good night Lissa," he said.

"Night," she said and hung up.

She turned her face to the wall and cried. "Oh God," she said, "help me please. I need you more than ever."

***

Shane listened to Lissa's voice note. He heard her pain. But his hands were tied. He needed confirmation that his lead was accurate. Maybe he could try to see her just briefly to reassure her. He laid back on his narrow bed. 

"Oh God, hear this prayer. Send my wife-to-be comfort at this time. Lord, please help her," he prayed quietly.

He was going to have to find a way to let her know that he still thought of her and he was okay. He dialed his brother's number.

"Shaun," he said as he heard his brother answer the call. "Yeah, I'm okay. I need you to do me a favor."

 <-- Chapter 11           Chapter 13 -->