Soul of the Phoenix

Chapter 5

After hearing the words from Mr. Black's lips, Sakiya was more intrigued than ever. This could perhaps add to the answers she's been looking for. Although Sakiya only has certain memories of her mom and dad, she knows them to be good people who tried to take care of her to the best of their ability. She didn't know they were running from someone, but she also had considered that as a possibility considering the way they were living before she was taken.

"I take it you two have been thinking over my suggestion?" Monticello asked the Cohens. They both looked at each other before looking back at Mr. Black, a nervous smile on both of their faces. "We have, and I'm not sure if now is the time, Mr. Black. We have a lot to work out within the state, and I think we should wait until our next meeting to make a decision." Holly answered. Sakiya had no idea what they were referring to, and that made her easily on edge.. "Suit yourselves. I do know though, I will prevail in the end. As I'm sure you two have known, I'm a big contributor to the state of children in their care." Mr. Black smirked. Sakiya's heart dropped, he couldn't be suggesting what she was thinking, could he? Control yourself, We need to listen more carefully Sakiya told herself. "If that's the case, Mr. Black, we'll be hearing from Ms. Buchatti concerning the matter. We would take your word for it, but our license is also on the line, you see?" Holly replied. Mr. Black didn't seem to like her response, and he had a funny way of showing it. It seemed like no big deal to him. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about your license, Mrs. Cohen, I'm sure there are more important things to set your mind on." He chuckled, his face in a twist that Sakiya wasn't sure how to decipher. All she knew was that something was wrong, and she was itching to know the answers to it all. She would't be handed them though, that's for sure.

"You wanted to discuss the King, Mr. Black. What did you have in mind?" David questioned him, seemingly taking the attention from his wife. Mr. Black looked over at David, staring him straight in the eye. "They think they may have an accomplice to the other two who were charged and sentenced, Mr. Cohen." Monticello said, twisting his lips upward in a cocky smile. David had a visible gulp within his throat, and Sakiya started getting shivers within her body. She could already tell how this man plays those around him, however, she couldn't be positive about it. It was just a gut feeling, a feeling she intended to follow.

As they all continued to listen to Mr. Black's rant, the Cohen children were visibly shocked. Anyone in this room could tell the contention of the subject. They knew what Mr. Black was referring to after his previous comments. "Mr. Black, are you insinuating that the council may think we could be involved? That's preposterous!" David spoke aloud. "Well, I do know a way to keep them from thinking as such." Mr. Black rubbed his chin, his sly remark registering in the ears of those at the table. "What do you mean?" Holly asked. Her children had a blank stare, taking in everything that was being said so far, although not adding their own commentary on the conversation and leaving it to their parents. "What I mean, Mrs. Cohen, is there is a way to prove to the council that you're not involved." Mr. Black chuckled. Holly looked nervous, but was willing to listen to what he had to say. "If you would consider what I had mentioned earlier, I may just be able to give the proof they would need to rule you out." Mr. Black continued, his sly smile making its way to the feelings of those around the table. They were all visibly scared, not only of the man in front of them, but scared of what the near future could hold. Sakiya was dumbfounded. This was the first time she had heard of some sort of council.

"I'll leave you to it, Mr. and Mrs. Cohen. I'll call within a week to negotiate. Otherwise, be expecting my call. Thank you for the hospitality." Mr. Black commented before getting up from his seat and heading towards the doors of the dining room. "Wait!" Sadie had called out. Mr. Black stopped in his tracks, turning around to face the young woman. Her parents and brother were obviously confused, but she paid no attention to them. "If there's anything I can do to help, Mr. Black, feel free to reach me." She smiled. He nodded his head before turning back around, continuing his exit. Once they were sure he was gone, they let out deep breaths. That man's presence had everyone on edge, even the ones who weren't directly involved. He was the type of man to make one's hairs stand on end, and not in a good way. He was creepy.

"What was that about?" Sylis asked his parents. They were silent, refusing to answer his question and completely changing the subject. "Well, It looks like I have a meeting to attend. Sakiya, you'll be coming with me." Holly interceded, standing up from her chair, walking over to interlink her arm in Sakiya's. "What for?" Sakiya asked. A light sting had adorned Sakiya's cheek as she looked to the floor. "Don't you ever question me, understand?" Holly firmly stated, her hand still in position incase Sakiya decided to retort back. Sakiya nodded while holding her cheek, not wanting to anger her any further.

Today was the day Sakiya would meet with her case worker, Mara. She knew she had to attend regular meetings to check how things were going in her home and how she was fairing along. It was standard procedure within the foster care system, especially when being adopted. However, Sakiya had a feeling there was more to it than that. As she walked alongside Holly, they made their way to the latter's office to commence. Once they had arrived, Sakiya sat in the chair opposite Holly's glossy black desk, an empty chair awaiting beside her. Holly had pressed a button on her landline sitting on the desk, speaking to her assistant as she was an office woman after all. "Send her in, Jeanette. We're awaiting her visit." Holly stated, a cold chill running through Sakiya's veins. What else could possibly go wrong She thought. The little voice in her head was worried, but also willing to put the worry aside for the answers she wanted to seek. It seemed like something bigger than her was going on, and this was only the beginning. "Hello, Sakiya." A woman's voice boomed in the office, revealing Mara coming through the door and approaching the chair next to her. Sakiya suddenly felt like the vibe had changed in the room compared to previous visits, and she wasn't sure what to expect. She just knew something was wrong, something was very wrong about all of this.