Reckless

Legend 18

I was playing a dangerous game, it's crazy how you're in the most danger when trying to keep the peace; Renee and Epic wouldn't be dissuaded from their collision course and I was still trying to find a way to avoid it. Epic was my brother and while we didn't have the best relationship he was still family and I knew how deadly Renee could be when she wasn't playing with her food and I also knew how Epic could get when he was serious..... Renee on the other hand seemed solely focused on Epic's suffering, she didn't want him dead (her words) but she wanted him to feel the pain that he's caused on others. I was caught in the middle, worried about the innocent people who would inevitably get hurt once they both got serious, like Titan's mom and the many faceless others who were at the wrong place at the wrong time. Then there was still the Edmund connection, the conversation we had, though brief, it added a new variable to the equation that I still hadn't fully figured out. I led Renee into the dining room, grabbing a bottle of this liquor that was as smooth as wine, I couldn't tell you the name... it was a gift from my cousin and it was so damn good that I rarely drank it. We sat down and Renee looked at me, a smile dancing on her face as I pour two glasses and slid one to her.

"What are you really doing here Renee? You've never been the 'shopping' type... you'd send one of your many lackeys to do it for you and on the rare occasions you do step out to shop, you never like to be in there longer than an hour... I know Chess and I've been shopping with LaChae... an hour is how long they spend in one store." I said looking into her eyes.

"I want to help you... I fully intend to take Epic's kingdom and while I have no intention of ruling, we both know what happens when there's a power vacuum, someone unfit takes over and those who don't know how to navigate the complexities of running a city tend to choose violence." Renee said taking a sip. "I know you don't want to take Epic's spot but it's either you or Edmund." Renee said.

"Edmund made it clear once he's finished with his business here he's planning on heading east.... Boston is what he told me..... Which is exactly what you wanted to know.... I'm definitely distracted with other shyt so I may slip up a few times." I said shrugging, me and Edmund discussed a few other things as well but Renee didn't need to know that.

"Icon doesn't have the temperament or judgment to led..... Hezekiah will follow me wherever I decide to go once my job here is finished.... Legend, you don't see your own potential, I see it and I want to nurture it, help you reach your full potential." Renee said eyeing me.

"I like what I got going on.... real estate is honest work, me and my brothers have works for us." I said holding her gaze.

"And what happens when you lose all of it? What happens when your clients find out you're caught up in a murder investigation? Now I'm not threatening you... I'm warning you. I told you that you'd be interested in hearing about the moves Epic has been making behind your back.... don't you find it funny that as careful as you and Jizzle were, all of a sudden you have two detectives asking questions?" Renee asked and despite my calm poker face, on the inside, I felt a flicker of irritation.

"Epic......" I couldn't say that he wouldn't because Epic would definitely pull some shyt like that if it benefitted him in some way. "How do you know it was Epic?" I asked suspiciously.

"I have connections in high places.... He may not have said your name outright but he definitely pointed them in your direction. I know why you did what you did, I remember your disgusting uncle eyeing me and Eileen when we were in high school.... and I've heard the stories." Renee said shuddering a little. "While I understand, there are some who feel strongly against those who take the law into their own hand." Renee said.

"That's unfortunate..... but I'm sure it'll be a minor inconvenience, nothing I can't handle." I said grabbing my glass because it was all I could do to keep from calling Epic. "I did want to talk to you about the incident at the park." I said trying to change the subject.