Pannel & Hook

Chapter 24: Queen of the South

TW: Murder, drugs, and adult language

My grandma Vee Vee used to tell us when we were younger and didn't tell the truth about something that "the good will have to suffer for the bad".

In some ways, I think this is one of those moments.

"Belle!". Nathan smacked her lightly to get her attention and went on pointing his finger at her and Kimi as he spoke.

"Go straight to this address and don't stop for nothing, not even gas. Fuck school and any other shit, there are 4 racks in this bag, when you get there, tell my sister I'm calling in another favor".

"Nate". I haven't seen him this serious since the raid and if I'm being honest, it still scares me every time.

"What, Peter?!". He snapped at me with fire in his voice and eyes. "Happy birthday".

Nate took a deep breath and nodded before giving them more instructions as well as his golden piece to Kimi.

The three of us left the house around 2:30 AM with Belle not asking any questions and following Nate's orders to the letter

Even though there was barely any traffic, the roar and hum of the engine from Belle's small stick shift were enough to lull me to sleep.

While I was dozing off, I figured I'd go over everything I actually know about my older sister.

For starters, we're half-siblings, with her having a different mom but we all shared the same dad even though the resemblance between Nate and I was barely there unless you look closely.

She doesn't drink or smoke is extremely petty, and makes it a point not to lie even if she's in danger unless she feels any is necessary or wants to know how it feels.

"Pete". It was pitch black outside still but we were being buzzed into this big gate that opened to a huge house that looked like it could be Wayne Manor.

Kimi could tell I was a bit nervous so she held out her hand, which I gladly took, and grabbed Belle's as well so she didn't feel left out while we were being escorted through this house of mysteries.

There were bright lights shining the way above these goons in black suits and ties until we got to two wooden doors that seemed different from the ones, we passed that had loads of bush and snow that made me feel like I had a second-hand high. 

One of the goons was texting something on his phone but put it away when he heard the Ding and unlocked the door only for us to get eclipsed by the crystal chandelier on the ceiling.

It felt like we were inside another world, inside this reasonably big room that had red carpeting and a white porcelain bathtub that contained the Queen herself.

The same goon took us to the side as there was someone speaking to her but it looked like he was talking to a brick wall and shitting bricks.

"Lady Calypso, I'm...I'm sorry, I don't know how that location got hit by 12 but I swear to God, I ain't no snitch and no one on my crew is either".

She had her braids tied up but still had her deep blue and gold eyeshadow that only brought out the green on the back of her eyelids, not to mention the bathtub looked like it was filled with milk just enough to cover her chest.

"I'm gonna be honest with you my love, I'm not upset with you personally and I will say this doesn't look good for you. It's very late so tell me...if you were in my position what would do?".

"Give me a chance to fix it-".     BANG. Belle screamed and cursed as loud as she could while my chest rose and fell in fear as I saw the man next to us wound him without making a sound before pulling the trigger.

"Please?". The poor bastard dropped to his knees bleeding through his thigh and begging for his life until the goon put one in his head and another in his chest before his corpse hit the floor.

"Nicholas, please share my level of disappointment with the rest of his squad, all except two though, Nina to lead and Tamera to remind her what happens if she fucks up".

WTF...anyways, Nicholas smiled giving a 'yes ma'am' while the rest of the merry band of women in the room made quick work of the body like it was nothing and left us alone.

"Hey, Petey". Nessa said with a big smile as she stood up showing everything in all her glory before drying herself off mostly and stepping into a silk kimono and crossing her legs as she sat behind her wooden desk.

"So...of all the doors you come knocking, why mine?". As we sat down, I went to speak but it felt like someone had their hands wrapped around my throat with her gaze falling onto Kimi.

"Pale Katalina". Nessa smiled speaking Haitian creole and leaning her head against her wrist.

"Katalina Madeline Perez-Garcia, ex-lieutenant and the third child of Adrian and Katalia Salt-". Before she could finish her sentence, Kimi had the gold piece halfway out, ready to use it until Belle and I stopped her even though the Queen didn't flinch.

"So that's what this is all about, Nathan couldn't bother to call again before dropping more bodies in my lap to take care of".

She sighed to herself before sitting back and visibly sizing all of us up with a sinister smile.

"Nicholas, baby, have Marlia send three fresh medium suits of clothes to the guest rooms...looks like they'll be staying a while".