Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 81488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 407(@200wpm)___ 326(@250wpm)___ 272(@300wpm)
She burst out laughing so hard, her stomach hurt. Her entire body vibrated as she fought to catch her breath. Finally, she managed to respond to the man’s antics.
“I know Rosie can be a bit much. She is insane, and evidently, so are you based on this episode you just had with me on the phone. Nevertheless, she really is a great person.”
“I’m sure she is.” He didn’t sound convinced. “’Bout as great as a zombie apocalypse, where the livin’ dead can only be killed if you recite the Kawishana alphabet backwards while wearin’ a five pound sombrero from Tepoztlán, Mexico, and twerkin’.”
“I can’t stand you!” She howled with laughter. “Oh boy.” She held her stomach and tried to settle down, feeling the heat all along her face from laughing way too much. “Roman, why are you like this?!”
“I don’t know.” His tone was filled with mirth. “I don’t mind you laughin’ at my expense, but I’ve spoken to Rosie about her concerns. I understand her, but she is free to ask me questions versus snoopin’ around. That was a waste of time, money, and energy. Anyway, I wanna talk to you about something, honey, but it’ll be better face to face.” Suddenly, he sounded rather serious.
“Is something wrong?” She sat up straight and placed her beads down.
“It’s not somethin’ you discuss on the phone. And it doesn’t have anything to do with us, so please just relax.”
“Why’d you even bring it up then if you’re not going to tell me now? I don’t want to wait until this weekend to—”
“Okay… you’re right. Please swing by later tonight, if that’s okay. ’Round 9:30?”
“…Yes. I’ll be there.”
“Good. I love you, Gen. I gotta go.”
“I love…” He ended the call before she could fully respond.
The night air was sweet. Roman glanced at his watch, knowing he had to leave his office soon and meet Genesis at his place. He’d given her the key to get in for times like this, but he didn’t want her there by herself for too long. Phoenix sat back on his motorcycle under the lights of the empty parking lot that spanned the tall buildings. His cousin’s straight dark brown hair waved in the breeze, and the large lion ring on his finger sparkled. Phoenix was the perfect combination between preppy and hippy. He looked easy going, but had a temper on him like one wouldn’t believe. He had the perfect beard—silky, dark and thick in all the right places. Perfectly trimmed. His face was angular, his cheekbones prominent, and his eyes a glimmering light gray, slightly slanted like a cat’s.
“It’s only a matter of time,” Phoenix cut into their momentary silence. “So, if Uncle Reeves wrote that, then you know what it means.”
“Yeah… I do. I know you worked for Grandpa for a short period of time, then bailed. Was just tryna pick your brain a bit.”
Phoenix shrugged. “He’s a maniac. Deranged.”
“That ain’t no new information. Stevie Wonder can see Grandpa is crazy as can be.” He laughed dismally, then pulled out a letter from his pocket.
“What’s that? Your contract?”
“Naw. It’s an email from my father. I printed it out.” They both stared at one another, not saying anything.
“When did you get it?”
“Yesterday. It kinda makes some things clear, but on the other hand, it makes things worse.”
“I gotta go visit Uncle Reeves. He’s a real one. One of the few that stood up to the old man.”
Roman nodded in agreement, turned on the flashlight on his phone so he could see better, and unfolded the letter…
Roman,
I get released from this hospital next week. I have to go into a rehabilitation center, then I’ll be back in that hellhole prison. I spoke to the lawyer, well, not spoke obviously, but emailed the lawyer that you recommended to me. He can help you, he said, but just you, because he is only licensed in Texas. He recommended someone else to me who practices in Louisiana. Hopefully, it’ll help me with getting out of here sooner. I promise you that if I survive this shit, I’m never coming back to prison, son. I can’t afford to.
I had to have another surgery the other day. My lungs had started filling up with water, and I was bleeding. I believe your mama told you. I don’t know how much time I have left, so I am giving you a gift. Roman, I’ve never told anyone what I’m about to tell you. This email is comin’ from a private server. Another inmate showed me how to do it, so the staff here can’t read or see it. Something about encryption, too. Not sure how that works, but you should know. After you read this email, tear it up and throw it away.”
He paused, glanced at his cousin who was hanging onto his every word, then continued.