Unfinished Business

Chapter 71: The Temptation

Que sat in his car, fingers drumming on the steering wheel, eyes locked on the city lights spread out before him. His phone buzzed again, the same number lighting up his screen—his old neighborhood friend, Rico. They used to run together back in the day, handling business on the streets, but Que hadn't heard from him in a minute. This wasn't just a casual call; Que could tell Rico had something planned.

He finally picked up, bracing himself. "What's good, Rico?"

"Ayo, Que, long time. Got somethin' big lined up, man. Real clean, real fast. One-time deal, no strings. You in or not?" Rico's voice came through, smooth but layered with that familiar edge.

Que swallowed, calculatin' the risk. This wasn't the life he wanted no more. He'd left it behind for Lena and Amina. But Rico wasn't just talkin' about a small payday—he was talkin' about a life-changin' stack, the kind of money that could put their family on a whole new level.

"You really think it's that easy, huh?" Que asked, keepin' his tone steady. "One-time, no strings?"

"Just like that, homie. You in or not?" Rico pressed, the pressure heavy even through the phone.

The Struggle

Que thought of Lena's face, her smile, Amina's laugh when she got excited about the littlest things. He wasn't tryin' to put all that at risk, but he also couldn't shake the thought of what that money could mean—maybe a bigger house, more security, an easier life for all of them. One last time, he told himself, just one.

"I'ma think on it," Que finally replied, feelin' that familiar rush, but a naggin' doubt tugged at the back of his mind. "Don't go countin' on me yet."

"Clock's tickin', Que," Rico said before hangin' up.

Confrontation with Lena

Back at home, Lena was sittin' on the couch with her feet tucked under her, flippin' through a magazine. She looked up as Que walked in, brows furrowin' when she noticed the tense look on his face. "Everything good?" she asked, her tone cautious.

"Yeah, just... work stuff," Que replied, tryin' to play it off as he dropped his keys on the counter.

"Don't start lyin' to me now, Que. I know that look," she said, not lettin' it slide. She stood up, arms folded, her gaze firm. "What kinda work are you gettin' into that got you lookin' like that?"

Que felt cornered, and part of him wanted to brush it off, but he couldn't hide this from Lena. "I ran into Rico. He offered me a deal. One-time thing, big payout."

Lena's face tightened, and Que could see the hurt and frustration flash in her eyes. "Why do you need to do this job? We're good, Que. We have plenty of money," she said, her voice firm. "What's missin' that you feel you gotta do this?"

Que looked away for a second, then sighed. "I just want that big payout, Lena. This'll be it. One last time, and I'm done."

Lena shook her head, her voice steady but full of conviction. "You always say it's the last time. Ain't you learned by now? There's no end to this game, Que. All it takes is one thing goin' wrong."

Decision Time

Que felt the tension thick in the room. He knew Lena was right, but that promise of quick cash kept whisperin' in his ear. This could set them up for life, just like he'd always wanted. "I'm goin' through with it, Lena. Just once more, and we're set. I need you to trust me on this."

Lena stared at him, hurt but resolute. "I'ma stand by you, Que, but don't make me regret this."

He nodded, reaching for her hand, but she pulled away, leavin' him alone with his decision.

With Rico

Later, Que called up Rico and gave him the answer he'd been thinkin' about all day. "I'm in. Set it up, but remember—this is it."

Rico's laugh came through the phone. "Good man, Que. You won't regret it. One-time only, and you're golden."

But deep down, Que couldn't shake a small doubt, knowin' the risk he was takin'.