Black Rose

The Announcement

22 years later

It’s the end of spring and the weather is getting warmer for the beginning of summer. The night breeze is still cool despite the May heat during the day. This is the perfect weather for a party and Leon Crawford plans to celebrate, not only did he live to see another birthday, but he was planning on stepping down from the family business and announcing his replacement. “I wish you were here my old friend, to see her blossom into the most beautiful rose” Leon thinks looking at an old picture of a younger version of himself with Thomas, smiling. 

Downstairs, the party is in full swing with a live band playing loud jazz music. It is a little unusual to have a masquerade party in May but when the head of the cartel says he wants a costume birthday party, you put on your best attire  and show up. His second in command was no exception, although parties were not her style. Dressed in a red hooded cloak with a split on both sides so the front and back flowed around her legs showing off her black leggings, it still fit her body like a glove, displaying her curves to anyone who was paying attention. You could barely see her face under the hood and black lace mask, but her storm like eyes were a dead give-away. With her back against the gold sheer curtains on the wall, she observed the partygoers with a look of boredom. The ballroom in the Crawford estate could hold more than 400 people and nearly that many people came to celebrate Leon’s 58th birthday. His wife had really outdone herself with the gold masquerade theme since everyone needed to be in costumes. The whole room illuminated with bright lights that bounced off the gold decorations, almost made it impossible to find a dark space to hide. Almost. 

As the band was getting ready for their next song, a man dressed like a lion approached her. This was Isaac Williams, third in command and head of security for the Crawford family. 

“Blackmore, the boss is asking for you in his office.” He told her gruffly. She smirked to herself and thought, “Finally. It’s about time old man.” Nodding to Isaac, she headed to the stairs towards Leon’s office. 

Before knocking on the door, she could hear angry voices over the music from downstairs. It sounded like Leon’s two children, Luka and Daynara. 

“Daddy, you can’t!”

“Dad, you can’t be serious!”

Blackmore could tell they were upset about Leon’s decision to step down from the business but because of the loud music she couldn’t make out everything they were saying although she did hear Leon say loud and clear, “This is my final decision! Luka, you are not ready to handle the responsibilities of being head of the cartel. Onyx is more than ready, and she has proven her loyalty. Instead of throwing a tantrum, you both need to respect my decision.”

Deciding that she had eavesdropped enough, Onyx knocked on the cherry stained door.

“Come in”

“You asked for me?” Onyx asked. When she entered the room, though the mid spring air was warm, it was ice cold in Leon’s office. The man dressed in all black and the woman was wearing a princess costume, just more slutty than normal, scowling at her. “If looks could kill, no guessing where’d I be right now.” She thought trying to avoid their glares. Leon smiled at her warmly.

“Please sit-down Rosie. I was just explaining my newest decision to your siblings” Leon said, sighing in frustration. Onyx sits down in the chair opposite of him and crosses her legs. She tries not to notice Luka’s eyes shift from her face to legs than back to her face. Daynara huffs in annoyance and crosses her arms over her chest almost making her breasts pop out of her tight pink dress. 

“She isn’t even our real sister” Daynara mumbles under her breath. Leon looks at Onyx with apologetic eyes for his children’s behavior.  Onyx slightly shakes her head at him and gives a small soft smile, silently dismissing his apology for there was nothing to forgive; their disdain wasn’t new to her and she was used to it by now.

“Will you be making the announcement tonight then? I think everyone is here for your birthday party. Lou really outdid herself this time” Onyx commented, praising Charlotte Crawford, Leon’s wife.

“Yes. Once we leave from here, I’ll make the announcement that you are the new head of the family. My successor.” Leon said happily. Luka and Daynara started to protest again but he quickly silenced them when raising his hand. “That’s enough from you two. My decision is final!” Standing up, Leon looked at them with a stern face that only a father could pull off. Luka looked away in defeat while Daynara pouts. Sighing, Leon walked over to Onyx and squeezed her shoulders before heading to the door.

“Well now, let’s get this show on the road. I believe there’s a red velvet cake with my name on it, literally”, he joked. Daynara followed her father with Luka behind her, cutting their eyes at Onyx with jealousy as they passed her. Onyx sighed and took off her mask, with one more look at the office she went back to join the Crawford's on the veranda that overlooked the ballroom. Leon, standing in middle with his wife and daughter to his left, Luka to his right, and Onyx behind him. He grabbed the microphone and began his announcement.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! My closest friends and family. I am so happy and honored to have you all here tonight to celebrate my 58th birthday. It’s a true blessing to see another year with my family by my side. Over the years I have watched the business grow and flourish and in order to continue expanding I have made the decision to step down and retire my position. I pass on my legacy to someone loyal and trustworthy. She is my pride and joy, the black rose of our community, Onyx Blackmore” Leon announced confidently and turned to Onyx, gesturing for her to come forward. She beamed at him briefly then glided to the front and took the microphone.

“Thank you. I know this change is unexpected, but rest assured that I will continue the Crawford legacy and bring an even brighter future. We are more than a cartel, we are a family, a strong community and I plan to make us even stronger. I ask that you all put your faith and trust in me as you’ve done with Leon and continue to support me.” Onyx started looking around the crowded room. Slowly everyone began to clap and cheer, showing their excitement for this new development.

Leon embraced Onyx in a half hug and exclaimed, “Now let’s eat cake! I’m not getting any younger and I know that you all are in good hands with Onyx.”

Laughing. Charlotte signaled the caterers to bring out the 5-tier red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, on the top was a huge number 5 and 8 candles in royal blue; his favorite color. Leon, unable to contain his excitement, leads his family to the center of the room so he can blow out the candles. The band started playing the birthday song while everyone was singing to him. Leon embraced his wife and blew out the candles. For a second the lights were out and all that was heard was a single gunshot. the lights flashed on immediately and frantically everyone ran roaches. Leon grabbed his gun and yelled for Luka to take his mother and sister to safety. He looked around for Onyx, she was only a few feet away from them when the lights went out. As the  crowd started to thin out, he could see red stains on the floor.

“Boss, look!” a young man in a green suit pointed ahead. Leon saw Onyx crumble on the ground in a pool of blood, her steel dagger clenched in her hand and her left side bleed profusely.

“Onyx! Hold on! Somebody get the medic now!”, Leon ordered cradling her head, putting pressure on her wound. She blinked at him, her face grimaced in pain as she tried to sit up.

“Stay down. You’ll make the bleeding worse. Just stay conscious” Crawford gently urged but a lot of blood was gushing out of her body. Onyx’s head started to bob back and forth, trying to stay awake waiting for their personal physician.

She looked up at Leon and noticed his eyes were wet with tears that he refused to let fall. Onyx wanted to smile but the pain was too great, she reached up her hand slowly to touch his face but she stopped mid-air as her head fell back and her mind drifted into a dark abyss.