What the fuck did I just do? I saved me and my family. That’s what. But at what cost? Hurting Tasha, again? It was just business though, that was all. Just business. That was what I had to keep in my mind to make sure this shit didn’t eat at me. Either way, I would make sure she never found out about this shit.

KAYLIN

Trae obviously handled his business with Charli because I was basking in the red-carpet treatment. I was in the Jacuzzi. I had a lobster meal and two ladies came in and offered me a fuck. I respectfully declined and instead I opted for a massage and a manicure and a pedicure. I was so damn proud of myself.

They had just dropped off some bubbly and strawberries as Trae, Charli and I sat around the conference table.

“Why can’t we use the phone?” I asked Charli.

“We can’t afford to compromise the mission, Mr. Santos. The meeting has been arranged, and in forty-eight hours my father will be here.”

“We have to wait forty-eight hours to let our families know that we are fine? They haven’t heard from us, Charli. C’mon now. And we have to stay locked in this suite?”

“No more than forty-eight hours, Mr. Santos. I’m sure you can bear to be locked into this suite. This meeting cannot be compromised. Whatever you need, just let me know.”

“I need to take my ass home. Yo, excuse us. Let me have a word with Trae.”

Charli stood up. “A few more hours, gentlemen.”

This was my first chance to talk to Trae since I choked him up in the van. As soon as she left out, I moved to where he was seated at the end of the table.

“How are we going to get the fuck out of here?” I whispered.

“They aren’t telling me shit other than be ready to leave at a moment’s notice,” he whispered back. “So, stay ready.”

“I’m ready. But what are you supposed to say to Li? What is this meeting about? Why is it so important?”

“I was told I would be given instructions. Until then, wait it out.”

“This don’t sound right. It doesn’t feel right. It makes no sense to me.”

“Me neither. But ain’t shit we can do but wait it out.”

“Have that bitch get us a burner. Just in case.”

“I tried. It ain’t happening.”

“Shit! The dick obviously wasn’t that good.”

“Fuck you man!”

CHARLI LI

I failed myself. This was supposed to be all business. And I damn near compromised the mission. I was worried, but then again, I wasn’t. I set out to do a mission of my own and that one would soon be fulfilled once I clicked send.