“And they won’t ever be, if I don’t come up with some money… fast,” Alani said. “I’ve got to go, Nannie,” she said. “I need to catch the bus to pick up my car before they close, and then get to work so I can clock in on time. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Give him that pie! You always feed a fine man,” Nannie yelled, as Alani headed for the door.

Alani turned around, frowning. “I never said anything about the way he looks. You’re a trip, old lady,” Alani said, smiling for the first time in days.

“Yeah, all that sugar you put in your voice about how he was so nice and so understanding told me he was fine,” Nannie shot back.

Alani snatched up her purse. “And I got your old lady, little girl!”

Ethic pinched the bridge of his nose, in frustration. He wasn’t used to his time being infringed upon. In the streets, he moved at his own pace, even when he was a young hustler, working blocks, he held some authority about himself. He was a one-man show, and he got money without anyone expecting anything from him - besides good product. Going legit meant that he had over 50 employees calling on him, depending on him, what seemed like every second of the day. It seemed like the boss was always needed, and he was slightly irritated that his day was being disrupted. He hit a U-turn in the middle of the street.

“Daddy, where are we going?” Bella asked.

“I have to make a quick stop,” Ethic said.

He saw her face fall and he quickly eased her disappointment. “I promise, and you know I don’t break my promises,” he said, with a wink. She smiled and infected him, as his lips spread in happiness too. His children were the only people who got to see his vulnerability. They were of him, composed of the same blood, his legacy and the keys to his heart. He considered Morgan a part of that sentiment, which is why he expected so much of her. He pulled up to the shop.

“Aww, man, we have to come here? It’s going to take all day,” Eazy whined.

“Big man, stop whining. What I tell you about all that whining? It’ll only take a few minutes. Climb out,” Ethic said, as he opened the back door to his Range.

He could see that the woman was giving Redneck Larry a run for his money, before he even stepped inside. Her mouth was moving a mile a minute, and a thick vein of discontent had appeared down the middle of her forehead, showing her frustration.