Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 101887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 509(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
“Aye, what about ye?” I reply.
“I’m good. I’m glad you could make it. I have a few friends I want to sit down with this evening before we get down to the business I have for the McGowan clan,” LaSalle says.
“Ya couldn’t schedule yer little party for another time instead of wasting me time? Do I look like I have time to sit around and bullshit with a bunch of lads?” I bite out with no real heat.
I’m annoyed more than anything. I wanted to be in and out. Maybe find a little time to visit the bird I hook up with from time to time when I’m in New York.
LaSalle smiles. “You know I wouldn’t waste your time. My guests will benefit us both. They play an intricate part in our plan.
“I believe they’re a mutual acquaintance. This meeting will offer you something in return for your presence.”
“Aye, ya best be sure of that. I know I taught the two of ye better.”
“What crawled up yer ass?” Logan chuckles.
“Ach, ya invite me here to this warehouse. Ya don’t have a pint of the black stuff or a steak for me, nor are there a pair of nex for me to shag in sight. This is a fool’s setup, it is. Why shouldn’t I have an attitude?”
They both laugh. I narrow my eyes at LaSalle. The kid has been around Dougie’s clan too much if he understood a word I said.
I didn’t slow down one bit for him. I shrug it off and have a seat at the table the two were sitting at when I arrived. I’ll admit, my interest has been piqued.
I want to know who these guests are and what they might have to offer me. I have come to know that LaSalle is good at finding out what others need and then delivering that need to them.
His gifts have built bridges for him. I like his style. He and Logan have grown before my eyes and I’m proud of the two. I wouldn’t tell them that, but I am.
The little cocky fuckers are making waves and earning respect. I’m always impressed to hear their names in the rooms I enter. I’ve seen the respect others have for them as well.
If I were younger, I’d be right on the front lines with them. I’m still in action, but not like they are. It’s been some time since my organization was at their level. The two are still building.
“Right on time,” LaSalle says, causing me to come back to the present and look to the door.
In walks Marlow Givens. One of the four horsemen. The only one who shows his face.
The horsemen are feared and respected. A Black organization running things out of Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem. At least when it comes to their low-level business. Those in the know are aware that Givens and the horsemen have business well beyond the streets.
Those are the connections I’ve been interested in when it comes to the horsemen. However, it’s his business partners I’ve been looking to deal with. Marlow and I are still building that trust.
The problem is, I’m not here in the States enough for him to feel like he can have that trust he wants. I’m not about to carve out time to spend with one lad for a contract or two, no matter how much I want the business.
I see an opportunity, but I know I’m not going to jump through hoops to get what I want. I had planned to find another way. As Marlow comes to greet LaSalle and Logan, before taking a seat, I decide to observe.
In a room full of ruthless men, it’s always smart to be aware of the details. I have learned a lot in my thirty-three years. I’m no longer the naive little shit who followed behind his big sister when she came to the States. Silence isn’t a weakness.
It’s strength many fail to understand or utilize. I might be young at heart, but I’ve always been old of soul. I tap into wisdom when needed.
“What can I do for you young men?” Marlow says to LaSalle.
“I know you’ve heard the rumors. Everything you’ve heard is true. You and I have always done good business. In and outside of the world we choose to hold at arm’s length.
“We’ve made a lot of money together. I see this as an opportunity to make more,” LaSalle says.
“Um, I’m listening. How exactly do I fit into this … for lack of a better word, takeover?”
“Aye, many see it as a takeover. That’s not what it is at all.”
“You’re looking to neutralize anyone who’s not a part of your alliance. How is that not a takeover?”
“Because it’s power to all those who are a part. Think of it this way. If we could show all our friends how to establish and run clean and lucrative empires like ours, we’d have less collateral damage,” LaSalle says.