New Beginnings

Confused.

I took a breath then turned around. Mirza was standing there with a huge belly.

“I- I don’t understand.”

“I had him a few months early. He’s a early bird like his mom and uncle Cam.”

“You had a son?”

“De’Andre Barakah Brown. Born November fifth at two thirty in the afternoon.”

I walked up to her and showed her a picture of me and Tariq with him.

“I’m having a girl. Arianna Marie Rodgers.”

“My middle name?”

“Well I did make you a promise.”

“We haven’t talked in months.”

“Because you told me what I didn’t want to hear. And now I understand that you were trying to help me and I listened. Brandon and I have an apartment together, both working, and focusing on school.”

“Well that’s good. I have to go.”

“You just got here.”

“To get my school stuff. I’m finishing online and working more.”

“Where’s you son?”

“Cam and Camilia are watching him. Tariq has to work today and I have meetings to go to.”

“Like that? We both know you never go to meetings in shorts.”

“I’m going back home and changing.”

“Please Sophia. I want to talk to you.”

“Well we all want things that we can’t have.”

“Your comments won’t hurt me. I know who you really are.”

“No, if you knew who I really was you wouldn’t say s**t to me.”

She shook her head.

“You’re soft to the core and you know it.”

“Say that to the men that have looked down the barrel of my gun.”

I walked away with Kyle and we went inside. I walked to the office and grabbed my books then I got a call.

“Hello?”

“Hey it’s Francis.”

“What’s up?”

“Are you near Kankakee?”

“Yeah?”

“Can you come to my apartment? We need to talk about something.”

“I’ll be there soon. Send me the address.”

“Okay.”

I hung up and walked out of the office. I was walking through the hall to get outside.

“Sophia?”

I stopped then turned around. Jordan was standing there.

“You look, good.”

“Thanks. I had my son a week ago.”

“A boy?”

“De’Andre Barakah Brown.”

He chuckled.

“I know for a fact you picked the name.”

“Yep.”

I showed him the picture of Tariq holding him.

“You guys look happy.”

“We are. And we are getting married next year after I graduate.”

He smiled.

“Well I’m happy for you two.”

“Thank you. I have to get going.”

He smiled then I kept walking out. This girl shoulder checked me.

“Umm excuse you.”

She turned around quickly and scoffed.

“And you are?”

I smiled.

“The wrong one. Now take your baby ass to class.”

“Who do you think you’re talking to?”

“b***h did I stutter? I don’t think I did.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Post up then.”

“You must obviously not know who she is if you’re telling her to fight you.”

Kyle walked up.

“She’s just all talk.”

“She’s not at all. This girl could kill you without batting an eye.”

“Liar.”

She stepped at me.

“If you’re going to step then swing little girl.”

She dropped her back leg and I did hesitate to swing first. As soon as my fist made contact with her face she flew into the locker. She dropped to the ground and her friends surrounded her. I pushed them away from her and grabbed her by the back of the head. I dragged her through the main hall where everyone saw us and into the nurses office.

“She’s going to need a lot more than ice.”

I went into the principal's office.

“Why are you here?”

“You’ll get a message in a second or two.”

The talkie went off.

“Fight in the central hall. One girl in the nurse's office, the other disappeared.”

“She’s in the office with me.”

He shook his head.

“Seriously Sophia?”

“She shoulder checked me. I told her to apologize, she didn’t and thought she was all tough, I gave her a few warnings along with Kyle, she dropped her back leg which meant she was about to swing at me, I didn’t let her get the chance to hit me, and I knocked her on her ass. Sorry about my language.”

He shook his head.

“I’m going to watch the footage.”

While he watched the footage, I texted Tariq.

“So I just got into a fight.”

“Lord.”

“She shoulder checked me. I checked her and she went to swing at me.”

“I can’t stand you.”

“I know. All I did was defend myself.”

“How much trouble?”

“I don’t know. He’s watching the footage right now.”

I looked up at him and he was still watching it.

“She was across the hall and walked up to you. She initiated the fight.”

“Told you. All I did was defend myself.”

“Why were you walking in that hall?”

“I was taking a shortcut to the parking lot. I came to pick up some books and go to work.”

“Right, you had a baby right?”

“Yeah.”

I showed him a picture.

“You’re very young. Are you sure you are ready?”

“Not really. But I have an amazing support system and his family has been super welcoming to me.”

“What about your family?”

“My father knows but he’s dying. My mother and stepfather probably know but I don’t talk to them. I moved out.”

“I’m aware. Look I’m not supposed to get involved personally but I want you to know you have a support system through the school as well. If you need help, just call.”

“I know and I appreciate it. My brother and best friend are watching him right now so I can get to work and not worry about anything.”

“Well that’s good. I know you have a lot going on and you didn’t initiate the fight so I’m letting you off with one detention. It can be a lunch detention or after school detention.”

“Thank you.”

I left and walked into the main hall. Several people tried talking to me but Jordan and Kyle walked me out of the school.

“Thanks you two.”

“No problem.”

“That was funny. You hit her once then dragged her.”

“Hey, gotta teach her a lesson, don’t mess with upperclassmen.”

We all laughed then I got in my car. I drove over to Francis’ apartment then knocked on his door.

“Come in.”

I walked inside and he walked out of his kitchen. He was wearing sweats and his glasses. He was shirtless and he had a pretty good looking body.

“What’s up?”

“Sorry I called you like that.”

“It’s alright. What’s going on?”

“So you told me that if I found anything weird, call you. I was doing a little bit of digging around in the system and I found transfers that aren’t in the books.”

“What kind?”

“Money. And a lot of it.”

He showed me and every month on the first, there is a transfer of ten thousand dollars to an account. 

“Can you see who is transferring it and where?”

“Come on, do dogs bark?”

I chuckled.

“Okay so who is it and where?”

“The where is a bank account in Italy. The who is weird, her name is Armilia Greco.”

“Who is sending her the money?”

“Elijah.”

I looked at him.

“What are you talking about? There is no way that he could-”

“Sophia it’s right here. Maybe it’s to support her or hush money. Whatever it is, he’s taking money from the gang's funds.”

“I will talk to him. See what this is about.”

“Are you sure? You are the closest person to him and-”

“That’s exactly why I have to talk to him about this. I thought I knew him but I don’t.”

“Alright.”

I walked out and got back in the car. I drove to the warehouse and walked inside. He was training the newbies.

“Ahh, Sophia. Listen up everyone, this is who is taking over after me. Respect her or else-”

He went to grab my arm but I twisted it and grabbed his. I spun around and threw him over my shoulders then when he hit the ground, I twisted his wrist and kneeled in the middle of his spine.

“This will happen to you. I don’t like disrespect so I will treat you like an equal as long as you treat me like one.”

I got off of him and helped him get up.

“You’re getting rusty old man.”

“Hey don’t forget I taught you that.”

“I need to talk to you. Privately.”

“Ten minute break everyone.”

We walked to his office and he sat at his desk.

“What’s up?”

“Who’s Armilia Greco and why do you send her ten thousand dollars a month?”

He stiffened his core.

“How’d you find out about her?”

“I have one of the best hackers working for me. I asked him to dig around for any suspicious things going on in our system.”

He nodded his head.

“Before I started this gang I lived in Italy for a while. I fell in love with her but she wasn’t made for this life. We talk daily and I send her money to take care of herself. And our son.”

I looked at him funny.

“I thought you didn’t have any kids.”

“I didn’t know until a few months ago. When I take vacations, I go there and I visit her. Well the last time I was there, she told me she was pregnant.”

“That’s why you are rushing to have this house built. So you can marry her and raise this baby together without being in the gang.”

“And why I am rushing to get you to take over.”

“Well I’m happy for you. I can take over at any minute, just give me the word.”

“I know. I want you to spend time with your son first.”

“I want to as well. But I have a responsibility to almost a thousand other people as well.”

“I know. This makes your life difficult.”

“And yours. You have a whole life besides this that I didn’t know about. It hurt that I had to find out through transactions. I thought you trusted me.”

“I do more than you know Sophia. I was planning on telling you but the both of us are very busy people.”

“I get that but I always thought of you as a father. Elijah, It hurts.”

“I’m so sorry.”

He pulled me closer and hugged me. We stood there for a moment before he let me go.

“Are you okay now?”

“Yeah. I’m sorry I pressured you like that, I just didn’t want it to be something bad.”

“I get that.”

We walked out of his office then he went back to training the newbies.

“Since you’re here, why don’t you show us a few things.”

“I have a lot of work to get to. But, I think I can spare a few minutes.”

I got in the ring with Elijah and he handed me a pair of gloves. I got in my stance and scanned him. He was putting more pressure on his left leg and his right shoulder seemed to be bothering him. I chuckled.

“You first boss.”

He went with a left hook and I ducked. I kicked his right leg and made him fall. I wrapped my leg around his right arm and put him in an armbar. He used his upper body strength and flipped me onto my stomach. He went to pin me down but I spun around and threw him back.

We got back in our fight stances and threw a few rounds. I walked backwards and once I was close enough to the rope, I got on the first rope and got on top of him. I got on his shoulders then made him fall backwards, knocking the wind out of him. I pinned him down then he tapped out. We stood up and everyone was shocked and we laughed.

“She’s handy with a gun too.”

“I don’t have enough time tonight but when I start training you, you’ll learn a thing or two from me. I have to head out but have fun!”

I ran out of the warehouse and started driving home. Tariq texted me.

“How’s it going?”

“Damn, you’re in so much trouble you can’t respond?”

“Baby are you okay?”

“Okay that’s it, I’m picking you up.”

“Where are you parked?”

“You’re not here, where are you?”

I called him back.

“Where are you? Are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m sorry. I went to Francis’ because he had some information that he needed to show me then I brought it to Elijah. I’m not in trouble and I’m on the highway back home now.”

He took a slow, shaky breath.

“I was scared something happened to you.”

“I’m okay baby. I’m on my way home to change and go to a few meetings. Elijah and I did box a little bit in front of the new people which was entertaining.”

“What was the information?”

“Classified.”

“Babe it’s me.”

“I know but it’s still classified. You don’t tell me the details of your part of your jobs and I literally can’t tell you mine. My job is a higher risk than yours is.” I realised how bad that sounded. “I’m sorry, that sounded asssholish.”

“It did but I know what you mean. Your job brings more danger than mine does.”

“That sounds way better than what I said.”

We laughed.

“Well now I know that you’re okay, I’m going to get back to work.”

“Okay baby. I love you and be safe.”

“I love you too and be safe.”

I hung up the phone and went back to driving. I drove for an hour then got back home. I ran to my room and changed into a black pencil skirt and a low hanging white blouse. I put on my gun holster and blazer. I threw on my black block heels then did my make up really fast. 

I went downstairs and got in the safe. I grabbed my gun and loaded it. I put it in the holster and went to Cams room. Camilia was sitting on his lap and they were making out, naked.

“Jesus f**k-”

I turned around and they scrambled to get dressed.

“Sorry to barge in like this.”

“Yeah yeah, the hell you want? I was busy.”

“Remember where you are motherfucker. I was wondering how De’Andre has been.”

“He’s okay. He’s sleeping in his crib right now.”

“Okay. That’s all I wanted to know.”

I shut the door then went to De'Andre room. He was asleep in his crib and he looked at peace. I kissed his head then left for my meetings. I went to the conference building and I walked straight inside. The front desk woman greeted me.

“You look astonishing today boss.”

“Thank you. Time to get to work.”

“They are waiting for you.”

I smiled then walked into the room.

“Sorry for the wait gentlemen. I had to check on my son.”

“No worries boss. How  are you feeling now that you’ve had him?”

“Better. Now I am no longer getting kicked every hour.”

We all chuckled.

“Now the sales have been doing amazingly because of the election. We need to keep these numbers and bring in more people. We need to update our stocks and add a couple of pool tables and dart boards.”

“I will contact all of the managers and get on that as soon as I can.”

“Thank you. And we need to focus on the training. We need to know what we are working with and who we need to straighten out.”

“Yes boss. What about Elijah’s retirement party?”

“Later next year. After I graduate and get married he’s going to step down and I am going to take over entirely.”

“Alright. Now what about the job we have in the Bahamas?”

“What about it?”

“Well the details say that you are going to oversee it.”

“That’s correct. I’m taking a team down there and we are going to handle a job. The rest of the details are classified due to who hired us.”

“But we are your counsel.”

“No you are Elijah’s counsel. Once I take over I am making sure that you all retire as well and live comfortably. I am going to have a counsel that I trust with my life. No offence to any of you gentlemen.”

“None taken. It’s been a pleasure working with and for you Sophia.”

“All of you as well. Now we have a new job that needs to be dealt with. There are people causing issues for our contacts in Canada.”

“I’ll go. I have family there that will help us.”

“Good. Take a sniper and Lucas with you.”

“Lucas?”

“He’s good with poisons. He can kill him in minutes and it’ll be untraceable.”

“Okay boss.”

We sat there and discussed what we needed to talk about. We all left after another hour and I went to my second meeting for the day. As soon as I walked in I saw a familiar face.

“Well isn’t this a surprise.”

“Still as stunning as ever. And it looks like you had your son.”

I smiled. Leith became someone that I worked with more after he calmed down and his family was back together.

“Yes he’s at home.”

“And I don’t see Tariq with you.”

“He’s doing a job right now. What can I do for you?”

“I was wondering if we can talk about what’s going to happen after my father passes.”

“Well once everything is in your name, we are going to renew our contract and change it from your fathers name to yours. Everything will be the same but we will have to work closely together for a short period of time for safety measures.”

“You know I love being close to you.”

“Again, I’m about to get married and I have a son.”

“A little bit of harmless flirting won’t kill you Sophia. Also, may I see what he looks like?”

I chuckled then showed him a few pictures.

“He looks just like you.”

“He’s got his dad’s nose and eyes. But he has my hair and face structure from when I was a baby.”

We talked about De’Andre for a few more minutes before everyone else showed up for the meeting. We went into the conference room and talked about what will happen further with his people and mine. We talked for around thirty minutes before they left for their hotels and I went to yet another meeting. I waited for everyone else then there was a knock on the door.

“Come in.”

I looked up and Tariq walked in with a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

“Hey baby.”

He walked around and gave me a kiss.

“I thought you were working?”

“I was but I took a break to see how you’re doing.”

“Well so far everything is going okay. I have one more meeting then I have to teach the newcomers how to handle a gun without shooting themselves.” 

He chuckled.

“Well I brought you something to eat and drink.”

“I see. Thank you.”

He sat down and we started eating. We talked while we ate then we finished.

“Well since you are busy I’m going to head out and get back to work.”

“Okay. Thank you for bringing lunch.”

He gave me a kiss.

“Always. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He left and I sat there for a few minutes before my assistant walked in.

“Miss. Jones, they’re here.”

“Send them in please.”

I sat at my desk and waited for them to enter the room. Once everyone was seated I smiled.

“Hello everyone, thank you for coming on such a short notice. I have been informed that one of you have been talking with the feds. Now, we already have one of the moles and he already squealed like a pig. So you have one chance to speak up now or else I will kill one of you every five minutes until I get a name.”

They all looked at each other.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Neither do I. Sophia, you know my loyalty goes to you and only you. You saved my daughter and my wife while I was in a different country.”

“I know what I have done. Which makes this more difficult for me. I have treated every single person in this room like family and I get laughed at and it is thrown back in my face. I will not tolerate this when I am in charge so fess up now our this will end very badly.”

One man looked very nervous. I stood up and looked him in the eyes.

“If you aren’t guilty, why are you so scared right now?”

He started stuttering so I pulled out my gun.

“S- S- S- Sophia I- I-”

“Spit it out.”

“I’m sorry. They told me that if I started snitching that my family wouldn’t get deported.”

“We already took care of that! I promised absolute safety for your family and yet you have no faith in me?!”

“They took my wife!”

“And I could easily get her back! All you had to do was tell me the truth and we wouldn’t be here!”

“You can kill me but please, don’t hurt my family.”

‘You are the one who did wrong by me, not them.”

I c****d back my gun and shot him in the heart.

“Segador toma su alma, porque él ha hecho mal por mí.”

I looked around the room and everyone was a little frightened.

“I am sorry that I had to do this but everyone in this room would have done worse. He had to be taken care of because we cannot risk having a mole in this line of work. I hope this doesn’t change much between any of us.”

“Sophia you just locked us all in a room and held us at gunpoint and now you expect everything to go back to normal?”

“Don’t act like you are some angel. You would have shot every single one of us as soon as we walked through that door. That was mercy and you know it.”

He scoffed.

“If you disagree with me you are more than welcome to join him.”

He clenched his jaw.

“We’re good boss.”

“Good. Now, call Frankie to come clean this up. Everyone’s dismissed.”

Everyone left besides one man. Once everyone left he walked up to me.

“Can I-”

“You shot one of my men.”

“You’re going to have to do a better job at explaining. I’ve shot a lot of people.”

“At the gym.”

I nodded my head.

“He was harassing me then followed me to my car. He pulled out a gun and tried to assault me.”

He shook his head.

“That’s not what he told me.”

“Well that’s what happened. He walked up to me while I was working out, he tried hitting on me so I told him off but he didn’t listen. When I left he followed me to my car and tried forcing me into the backseat with a gun to assault me. I pulled out my gun and grazed his ear and left. Now I could have killed him but I didn’t.”

“Well now I’m going to kill you.”