Big Daddy D -slow updates

Resettled

"In breaking news, firefighters responded to a call about a car fire. When officials arrived on the scene, they found an SUV suspected in a drive-by shooting in flames. When the flames were put out, the charred bodies of six men were found inside."

Dazia walked by and turned off the television. "Duka, come eat and do your homework."

"I'm not hungry."

"At least drink the ensure."

He looked at the chocolate ensure in his sister's hand. Tears slowly filled his eyes. Jace always had a case of Ensure around because he sometimes didn't like to eat because of gastrointestinal problems. With tears rolling down his cheeks, he quietly sipped his drink. Dazia sighed and sat next to him.

He leaned into her and wiped his face. "What's gonna happen to us?"

She ran a hand through her braids and sighed. "I don't know. We'll be okay, though."

"How can you say that? Dayquan hates us and dad..." he choked on his words. "Dad is dead."

Dazia wrapped her arms around him as he cried. Their two main pillars were gone. Donnell was running back and forth between work, the funeral home, and the hospital. Even though Dayquan told them he didn't want to be in their lives anymore, he still needed someone to manage his post-hospital care. Donnell had to talk with the insurance company, social worker, and the physical rehab facility to make sure Dayquan was taken care of. Jace's funeral was arranged for a week later and he alone handled all the arrangements. Deedree was only going to be in town for the funeral and some legal proceedings involving Jace's estate.

Duka and Dazia tried to help Donnell as much as they could by staying out of the way. The stress was beginning to show on their older brother. His eyes had heavy bags under them. His cheeks were sunken in and his clothes were fitting a little looser. His happy personality was buried under a layer of gloom.

Around seven that evening, Donnell returned from work looking drained. Only in his early twenties, Donnell looked as if he'd aged several years. His eyes were dull and his clothes were looser than usual making him appear smaller. He put down his bag and sat at the kitchen table. He sifted through the piles of bills and useless ad flyers on the cabinet in the hall.

The police had come by the salon earlier that morning to update him on the investigation. A truck matching the description of the drive-by was found the night before. Six bodies were found inside. Since any identifying information had been destroyed, they were waiting on dna and dental records to identify the bodies. Walking to the kitchen, Donnell collapsed into a chair and covered his face with his hands.

Gio told him he'd take care of it. He didn't think this was what he meant. Not that he felt sorry for the men. He just didn't want anyone else in trouble for something he caused.

A knock on the door brought him out of his thoughts. He stood from the table and walked to the door. Looking through the peephole he saw an older woman with silver hair standing on the other side.

He opened the door and stared down at her. "Yes?"

She gave a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I am Mirelda Gomez. I'm a social worker with the Department of Families."

He looked her up and down before crossing his arms over his chest. Jace's body wasn't even in the ground yet and here they came knocking. "How can I help you?"

Her eyes scanned the room behind him. "Can I come in?"

Donnell's vigilance went up. He moved his body so that the entire doorway was blocked from her beady eyes. "Now isn't a good time."