The Don.

28.Betrayal Uncovered PT2

Xavier was dragged back to the warehouse, his clothes torn and bloodied. His face was swollen from the beating he had received. His hands were tied to a chair in the center of the dimly lit room, the only light source a single bulb hanging from the ceiling.

Taji stood in front of Xavier, his eyes cold and calculating. The air was thick with tension as Grease and the others stood by, watching intently. Taji circled Xavier, his footsteps echoing in the silence."Xavier," Taji said, his voice low and menacing, "yuh know why yuh deh ya."Xavier looked up, his eyes filled with fear and regret. "Boss, mi sorry, mi beg yuh."Taji ignored his pleas and grabbed a nearby tool, a pair of pliers. He held them up, the metal gleaming in the light. "Yuh think mi can forgive yuh just so? Nah, yuh ago feel di consequences."With a swift movement, Taji clamped the pliers onto Xavier's finger and squeezed. Xavier screamed in agony as Taji twisted the tool.

Blood dripped onto the floor, mingling with Xavier's sweat and tears."Yuh work fi di enemy," Taji said, his voice ice-cold. "Now yuh ago tell mi everything yuh know."Through the pain, Xavier nodded frantically. "Mi ago tell yuh, mi ago tell yuh everything!"Taji loosened the grip on the pliers but didn't let go completely. "Start talk."Xavier's breath came in ragged gasps. "Di Southside don pay mi fi information 'bout yuh moves. Dem plan di ambush, an' mi give dem di details. Mi swear, Taji, mi just waan di money."Taji's eyes narrowed. "Money? Yuh betray mi fi money? Money weh mi coulda gi yuh?"Xavier's head hung low, snot running from his nose. "Mi mek a mistake, boss.

Mi regret it, mi swear."Taji tightened the pliers again, causing Xavier to scream. "Yuh nuh even understand di gravity a yuh actions. Yuh put mi woman, mi crew, mi empire in danger."Grease stepped forward, his expression grim. "Boss, wi need fi know if him did a work wid anybody else inna di crew."Taji nodded, releasing the pliers. "Answer mi, Xavier. Yuh have any other traitors inna mi crew?"Xavier shook his head vigorously. "No, mi swear, mi di only one. Dem promise mi protection and nuff money."Taji looked into Xavier's eyes, searching for any sign of deceit. "Yuh better tell di truth,"Xavier sobbed, his body trembling. "Mi a tell di truth, dawg. Please, mi nuh waa dead."Taji stood back, thinking. He turned to Grease and the others. "Wi done wid him fi now. Keep him yaso, but nuh kill him yet. Wi need fi make sure him nuh lie."Grease nodded, understanding the unspoken command. The men secured Xavier more tightly to the chair, ensuring he couldn't escape.

Taji stepped outside, the fresh air a stark contrast to the suffocating tension inside the warehouse. As he walked away, he pulled out his phone and dialed Tris. "Keep digging. Mi want every detail 'bout Xavier's dealings and anybody else him might be connected to.""Got it, boss," Tris replied. "Mi nah stop until wi find di truth."Taji ended the call and took a deep breath. The weight of leadership pressed down on him, but he knew he couldn't afford to show any weakness. He had to protect his empire, his crew, and most importantly, Zahara.When he arrived home, Zahara was waiting for him, her eyes filled with worry. "Everything alright?"Taji nodded, pulling her into a tight embrace. Everything good mami But mi need fi know yuh safe."Zahara looked up at him, her eyes fierce with determination. "Mi safe as long as mi with you, Taji."He kissed her forehead, drawing strength from her unwavering support. "Mi love yuh, Zahara."Mi love yuh too, Taji," she whispered back.The night passed in a haze of restless sleep and anxious thoughts. Taji knew the road ahead would be treacherous, but with Zahara by his side, he felt ready to face whatever came his way. The betrayal of Xavier was a harsh reminder of the dangers they faced, but it also reinforced Taji's resolve to protect what was his. As dawn broke, Taji prepared for the day ahead, knowing that the fight was far from over. But with each step, he reminded himself of the love and loyalty that surrounded him, and that was enough to keep him going.