Page 32 of Justice II

And then I saw them. Arm in arm, walking into the court room. She kissed him. Rubbed his back for consolation. While they both let the prosecutors paint me as a monster who neglected my kids.

The gun was to turn on Roman if he ever broke into my house again. And it was locked. I know it was. How could I be so stupid? I didn’t have cameras in my house. Any woman getting domestically abused should have cameras in the house.

Somehow, he snuck in and unlocked the safe. I know he manipulated my son into playing with the gun. Probably told him the chamber was empty. And that it was okay to pull the trigger. Play cops and robbers with your sister. Play like you’re in war. It’ll be okay.

And it wasn’t.

The guilt Keenan has been feeling is probably tearing him apart. And with a father like Roman, he’s not getting help for it. And Aria’s selfish ass isn’t going to get him help either.

“I didn’t flinch because I’m past her. I do wonder if he’s abusing her like he did me. Well, of course he is. A tiger doesn’t change its stripes. Just its hunting ground.”

“Damn. Do you think she deserves it?”

“Doesn’t matter what I think. Actions have consequences. And now it’s time for me to act on mine,” I said, standing up to hug Duke once more.

“Get that phone,” he reiterated.

“I will. I’ll be seeing my son on Monday.”

11

Justice

The steakhouse was dimly lit and halfway full by the time I got there. My choice. It was one of, if not the best in the city. If I thought that the restaurant business would generate some serious cash, I’d open one under my family’s name. But they’re way too much work for the reward.

Roman’s cocky ass was already seated at the table when I swaggered in. His son sat across from him dressed in a black and white checkered button-down and a pair of black jeans. His line-up was fresh and his fade led to kinky coils.

When his head tilted up underneath the slight light, I noticed that he had a black eye. He was barely able to look at me. It was in that moment that I saw it. The resemblance. He looked so much like her. How could I not have noticed it before? They shared the exact same eye shape and the same pain behind those eyes.

Was Melody telling the truth about Roman?

“Aye what’s up?” I greeted. They both stood as I approached, shaking my hand.

“Just getting settled in. Wifey and I decided to temporarily move up here while we’re working on this contract with you. It’s easier to oversee everything than flying up every week from Atlanta.”

“Where are you staying?”

“We’re renting a house in Bethesda. Gotta stay away from the riff-raff,” he replied, waving his hand.

“I understand.” I eased into the seat. Though this was my fave spot, I’d lost my appetite. I was still putting together what Melody told me about this man. That he was the reason her daughter was dead. That he was an abuser.

My eyes surveyed him up and down. I looked over at Keenan who looked scared as hell for some reason. Had he always had that expression on his face?

There was no way in hell I was going to ask Roman about Melody. Loose lips sink ships. I needed to get to the bottom of this on my own.

Bringing her up to him could put her in more danger if what she said was true. And if he really did abuse her, my family would have to cut ties with him. Would have to put his ass in the ground for what he did to her.

I needed to be absolutely sure. Believe women, they say. I’ve seen women straight up manipulate and lie. I was raised by a notorious liar and manipulator. A woman who was a narcissistic abuser. Melody could be like my mother. Or it could be Roman.

“It’s cool if I brought Keenan?” he asked after we sat in silence for a beat.

“Oh yeah. Lil’ man gotta learn the ropes of the business,” I said, smiling at him.

“Yeah, you see the vision. Gotta train a child up in the way he should go. You got girls, so you ain’t really gotta get them all that involved.”

“Why not?” I raised an eyebrow.

“This is a man’s game. They’re too emotional and fragile for this.”