No longer wanting to die on the streets of Harlem, Butta settled down with Arnessa in Charlotte. Though he and Arnessa had no immediate plans to marry, both knew that they never wanted to part.

Cenise finished her prison sentence. She was allowed by the state of South Carolina to serve out her house arrest at Butta and Arnessa’s home across state lines in Charlotte. Over the course of her time on the inside, Cenise had matured and her bond with Arnessa had flourished. Now that they were in the same house again, they were tighter than ever.

Kennedy and Chaz managed to wade through their problems and work out their marriage. They still had their share of ups and downs as in any relationship, but overall they were happy. Kennedy recorded one more CD, then decided to leave the music industry behind, choosing to devote her time to writing books and doing charity work. She rotated between their homes in Charlotte and New York.

Upon returning to her home in Charlotte, Kisa came across a letter from Eisani. She was shocked. It had been more than a year since they’d argued in the visitation room. At first Kisa was anxious to open the letter, but then she became a little apprehensive, fearing that Eisani was still angry. She knew that there was a good chance Eisani was writing to blame her for TaTa’s murder. Seven months earlier, TaTa had been found in a vacant lot in the Bronx badly beaten and with a bullet in her head.

After fretting for a little while, Kisa locked herself in the bathroom and began to read.

Dear Kane,

What up Cousin? I know its been awhile, but I wanted to drop you a few lines. First let me say congratulations on beating trial. That was a real good look for you. I guess you know by now that I copped a plea for a five year sentence thanks to Mazzetti. He still works miracles. I’m good though. The first year flew by, hopefully the next four will too. Anyway let me get to my real reason for writing.

I’m sorry for the things I said and the way that I acted the last time that we saw each other. I miss you and needless to say I still love you. I can still see the hurt expression on your face when I spazzed on you. It breaks my heart every time I think about it. I’m so sorry. I swear.