I placed Stormi on the doggy bed we had down here for her before stalking through the kitchen to the fancy coffee maker that was here when we arrived, needing coffee, to ground myself in something other than the echo of Pepper’s absence. But deep down, I already knew that no amount of work or money was going to quiet the storm she had started in me from the moment we met.
The dining table was covered in more paperwork than breakfast. Deeds, contracts, old investment ledgers, and a few boxes of their grandfather’s personal files. Aren had ended his call with his assistant Missy. He now sat cross-legged in his chair with his laptop open, scrolling through character sketches for his game. Alestar had torn his eyes away from his laptop and was currently combing through a stack of binders in front of him, glasses sliding down his nose as he combed through code reports for our app expansions. I sat between them, a mug of coffee cooling by my hand, staring at what was left of our grandfather's legacy. I forced myself to focus on the task at hand, pushingPepper and her absence to the back of my mind. This is what needed my attention most right now.
“Missy says the new build of the game is almost ready. If the testers don’t shit on it, we can launch the demo in about six weeks. Horror is hot right now. I could retire after this if we do it right.”
“The companion app is doing numbers overseas in the beta testing based on the data Missy sent. If we expand the multiplayer integration, we could be talkin’ generational wealth within five years.” Alestar said, as he flipped a page.
We could go over that data after we decided what we’re keeping and what we’re selling from the estate. From what the papers said that a majority of these businesses run themselves, all we have to do is oversee everything or hire a representative to do it for us. With the rollout of the game and app we already have a lot on our plates, so I was thinking we put someone in place to oversee our new responsibilities.
“Yeah, but you know me, I don’t trust banks and I damn sure don’t trust boardrooms. I trust the numbers on a screen I built with my own hands.” Aren huffed.
“It looks like his lawyers left a list of potential candidates for the position that have all been vetted by the firm. All you would have to do is your own check and interview. But like you said you can always choose someone you've selected.” Alestar said, looking up from the pile of papers in front of him. “On another note, I also came across this,” he said, pushing a folder toward me.
I flipped it open, expecting another deed, but froze. These weren’t estate records, they were letters, notes scribbled in their grandfather’s boxy hand. One line stuck out, underlined twice with black marker.
“She’d been seen at a trap house on 2nd run by Ernesto Marchello, three days before Stanton’s death.”
“This is about Amanda.” I said, my chest tightening.
“That was the same house she left us at.” Aren said, leaning over, reading the piece of paper. His expression shifted from curious to cold.
Alestar pointed at another page of an old newspaper clipping tucked inside. A local story about a drug ring taken down a few months after our father’s death. A list of names was blacked out, but two remained, Ernesto Marchello and Amanda.
“He must have thought she was caught up with Marchello’s crew or maybe just with him. “You think that’s why he never trusted her after your dad died?”
“Seems that way. She must have known he found out about her connection to Marchello and instead of facing the fallout, she dipped. Left us in that house like trash she had no use for anymore.” I said, my fists clenching around the paper. Silence hung heavily until Aren broke it with a bitter laugh.
“You know the part that stings the most. Instead of making sure we were safe she left us in possible enemy territory to save her ass from our grandfather.” Aren said.
I came to terms a long time ago that Amanda didn’t give a fuck about anyone but herself. But that didn’t stop me from wanting to know where she went after she left us.
“So, what’s the play?” Aren asked, knowing I wasn’t gon let this go.
“We follow the breadcrumbs the old man found and then use them to get to the truth. Somebody knows something.”
“Aight, now that we got that out the way. We need to talk about how Sis got you walkin’ around here looking like you just lost ya bestfriend. We ain't never seen you act like this over a female before. I mean Missy been tryin’ to lock you down for years.” Alestar said, looking at me like he was waiting for an answer.
“Man, fuck ya’ll. Ain't nobody did shit to me. And me and Missy ain’t got shit goin’ on other than business. She knew from the beginning I ain’t want nothin’ serious.” I gritted, knowing damn well Pepper had my dumb ass fucked up about her already. She would come around and I was gonna be waiting for her when she did.
“Yeah okay. She damn sure wasn’t acting like she knew what it was last night. I heard her trying to check Sis about you.” Aren said, smirking.
“She did what?” I roared.
“Yeah, but Pep shut that shit down immediately. I don’t know what she said to Missy, but she was white as paper when I walked up to them. You know I called her out on her bullshit too.”
“Good, cause she don’t want me to remind her.”
“I got you, bruh,” Aren laughed. “Shit I can see the wheels in your head turning now. You probably got y’all whole life mapped out.” He joked.
“Go to hell nigga. I’m not fuckin’ with ya’ll today. We got shit to figure out.” I said, changing the subject. I didn’t need them reminding me about Pepper right now or we would never get anything done. So, I went back to combing through the piles of paperwork in front of me. The soon we finished here the sooner I could come up with a plan to win over my girl.
Chapter 10
Pepper
ONE WEEK LATER
“Girls, I’ll be home tomorrow afternoon. Make sure to take out the chicken for dinner too please. Don’t forget.” Ma said as she got ready for her date with her longtime boyfriend Mr. Washington.
