Page 56

“This why they say choose your baby daddy wisely,” I said, clearly aggravated. He looked at me and then fell out laughing, causing me to laugh with him. We were about to be at war over a puppy.

“She can sleep with us tonight, and we can get her some stuff tomorrow. The breeder gave me food for her, so just use some bowls in there for now. Are you good with that, mother?”

“Yup. First thing in the morning, we heading to Target. Our baby going to be boujie, so no Walmart for her. We need clothes, toys, bows, and a bed.” His head snapped around fast as fuck.

“Girl, my daughter only wearing designer. You got her fucked up.”

“Well, excuse me.” I looked down at Lovii Larue and back to him. “So, my daughter gone be dressed better than me,” I said, laughing.

“You better learn how to ask for what you want or throw some shit in the bag.”

“The last time I did that, you were ready to snitch on me for stealing.” Anton threw his head back and laughed hard, but I was serious.

“Bubbles, I meant the shopping bag. The one you put the stuff in and carry to the register.”

“Oh. You need to learn how to explain stuff better.” I smiled while shrugging.

“You need to learn how to shop without the lifting.” I hit him on his arm.

“Anton, don’t do me like that in front of my daughter.”

“I’m just saying. You not about to have my daughter banned from Dior.” He was laughing so hard, I couldn’t even be mad.

“Don’t listen to your daddy. I’ve never been banned from a store. The only time I got caught was by him because he was in my business. Mommy gone make sure you got everything you need.”

“She already do.” I turned and Anton was looking at me. I wanted to put Lovii on a leash and go fuck this man silly. As if he was reading my mind, he began whispering.

“We can put her in the guest room for a lil while. That shit ain’t gone hurt her.”

“Your daddy trifling,” I said, walking off. I was going to see if his theory would work. Lovii needed to let her mommy get some lovey. I laughed at my own joke, but I was so serious.

Anton “Tax” Hodges

“Do you know who I am?” That was always the first question that they asked. I never understood that. If I gave a fuck, the initial meeting wouldn’t have ever happened. Malcolm Whitmore made the mistake of getting too comfortable with his status, and in his own home. Now, he was sitting here face to face with death.

“I’m the nigga you decided not to pay his money to.” His expression changed as he leaned back in his chair, staring at me. “It’s tax time, nigga!” I watched the dots finally connect. It didn’t take long for his shock to turn into anger.

“If you ever thought I was going to pay you two hundred and fifty thousand dollars a month, you were sadly mistaken. You clearly don’t know who you’re dealing with. I have my people searching diligently to find you.”

“Now they don’t have to. I’m here.” I smirked and that pissed him off.

“Listen here, you arrogant motherfucker. I don’t know how you got in my house-…” I grabbed his head before he could finish, snapped his neck, and let his body drop.

“Nigga, shut the fuck up!” I reached into my pocket and dropped a receipt next to him.

DEBT 0.00

PAID IN FULL

Two hundred and fifty thousand wouldn’t have put a dent in Malcolm’s pockets. Now, I’m leaving them bitches hanging inside out. I took everything. From his personal accounts, business, even the hoe funds. He could have kept making his millions and paid the tax. Instead, he was dead and broke. I stepped over him and headed for the door. The house was quiet when I arrived, but when I hit the hallway, I heard movement coming from the kitchen. I stopped when the door at the far end of the dining room began to open. A woman stepped out carrying a glass. Thankfully, the kitchen had two entrances. One at each end. I slid into the kitchen while the woman was still in the dining room. I slipped out through the door in the back of the kitchen, took the service hallway to the side entrance, and walked outside. I walked to my truck and got in, where Key was waiting for me.

“Where to now?”

“Did the governor pay?” Key looked at me like I was crazy.

“Yeah, nigga! Quit looking for a reason to kill somebody. Damn!” I couldn’t do shit but laugh.

“I was just asking.”