Page 40 of Serenity
“Love.”
Outside, the weather was docile. A blanket of orange, yellow, red, and brown announced the heart of the fall in Paramour. As much as I moved around, I couldn’t deny that the city was a fucking stunner. I watched from the large windows as my fingers worked, dialing yet another number. He answered on the third ring. He always answered on the third ring.
“Son.”
“Don’t let Junior hear you say that,” I warned, plastering a grin on my face.
“I would tell you to carry a message to him, but I’ll tell that old nigga myself when I see him.”
“Golf next Wednesday?”
“On the green. You know how we roll. What ails you? I know you didn’t call to speak on me and your father’s routine.”
Forward and direct, he always knew how to shoot.
“I’d like to have lunch soon.”
“For what?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“Best you say it now, then, Duke. If you announce it beforehand, it’s best you tell it all where I’m concerned. Prefaced intel isn’t my ministry.”
He was right. He never cared much for an introduction to whatever needed saying. He was a straight shooter in real life and when he spoke. I shifted the phone.
“Mr.—”
“—When you were a boy, you always did that. Revealed your hand by calling me Mister. Something rests on your heart, yet you fear it will weigh heavier on mine.”
“Well, that’s because it will.” I started, still watching from the bedroom window as a small cyclone of leaves swirled at ground level.
“I have eyes, Duke. Eyes everywhere. I respect your calling, but I already knew.”
I sighed. “That fast?”
“What kind of man would I be if speed wasn’t within my grasp? I’m patient, but not that patient.”
“Heard you,” I spoke, padding through the hall toward the living room to pull back the drapes. Groups of conference attendees had gathered under the hotel’s portes-cochères. The evening lights of the grand entrance illuminated.
Few souls huddled and tugged their peacoats closer to their frame in a vain attempt to hide from a wind chill. Just a few weeks prior, we’d been basking in the remnants of summer. The sudden change of weather got ahead of me, besting my immunity.
“I don’t know much, but I know enough. I was concerned, but your call has put me at ease somewhat. It further confirms my beliefs about you.”
“And what’s that?”
“A man of integrity, Duke. You don’t disappoint. Did you speak to—”
“I’m already on it.”
“Good. Good. I see speed is within your grasp as well. I suppose I’ll be seeing you and Junior next Wednesday.
“I can’t do next—”
“You better,” his voice deepened. “Or I’ll be explaining to Junior why his son is in a coffin.”
He hung up.
I blinked twice, not permitting the threat to marinate. He may have meant every word, but I didn’t fear the nigga in the slightest. My guns could shoot the same as his, and bullets didn’t miss. Still, I respected his sense of urgency. A precious jewel hung in the balance. I’d called out of respect, and despite his threat, that reverence never once faltered.