She's always been off-limits to everyone on the block-until a fearless new guy moves in and changes the rules.
ps. This my first book, don't be shy to comment and give suggestions!
This Morning, the sun was barely up, but I was already in motion. My mind had been buzzing all night, replaying Keisha's words: Kemo's moving on your dad's corners.
It wasn't just disrespect—it was strategy. Kemo wasn't the type to make reckless moves. If he was coming for my pops' spot, it meant he thought he had a real shot. And if that was the case, I needed to figure out why.
I parked my Jeep in the lot of a run-down café on the Eastside, a spot where the workers didn't ask questions and the customers didn't leave tips. Keisha was already inside, tucked in a corner booth with a cup of coffee and her phone in hand.
"Morning," I said, sliding into the seat across from her.
"Barely," she said, glancing at the clock on the wall. "What's got you moving this early?"
"You know what," I said, leaning in. "I need details. Kemo's got people switching sides, but that's not enough for him to think he can take Pops' spot. What's he got that we don't know about?"
Keisha sipped her coffee, her eyes darting around the café like she was making sure no one was listening. "Word is, Kemo's been working with some out-of-town suppliers. Big ones. He's promising better product, faster turnaround, and higher cuts. That's why some of the runners are starting to look his way. He's got people thinking he can do it better than your pops."
I felt a knot form in my stomach. Pops had always been loyal to his suppliers, even when newer players came onto the scene. It was part of his code—he valued loyalty over flashy promises. But in this game, loyalty only went so far.
"What else?" I asked, my voice low.
Keisha hesitated. "There's more. I heard Kemo's been talking to some of the small-time guys Pops used to work with. Folks who got pushed out when your dad leveled up. He's stirring up old grudges, trying to build alliances. And the crazy part? Some of them are listening."
I leaned back, my jaw tightening. Kemo wasn't just coming for Pops' customers—he was trying to dismantle everything Pops had built from the ground up.
"This ain't just business for him," I said, shaking my head. "It's personal."
Keisha nodded. "Exactly. He's got a chip on his shoulder, and he's making moves while everyone's distracted. Your dad's been quiet lately, trying to keep things smooth. But Kemo's betting on that silence to make his play."
I drummed my fingers on the table, my mind racing. If I brought this to Pops, he'd tell me to stay out of it, that it wasn't my problem to solve. But I knew better. Pops wouldn't make a move until it was too late.
"Kemo's got a meet tonight, right?" I asked.
"Yeah, off Cullen. It's risky, though, Zhá. If he catches wind that you're poking around—"
"He won't," I cut in. "But I need to see what he's up to. If he's meeting with new suppliers, I need to know who they are."
Keisha raised an eyebrow. "And then what? You gonna tell your dad?"
I paused, the weight of her question settling over me. That was the smart move, the safe move. But part of me didn't want to wait for Pops to act. If Kemo was willing to play dirty, maybe it was time to show him what happens when you cross the wrong family.
"I don't know yet," I admitted. "But I need the info first. Once I have it, I'll figure out the next step."
Keisha gave me a long look, then sighed. "Alright. Just don't get caught, Zhá. Kemo's not stupid. If he sees you snooping, it won't end pretty."
I smirked, standing up and grabbing my bag. "Don't worry about me, Keish. I've got this."
But as I walked out of the café and into the sticky Houston morning, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was walking into something bigger than I'd planned for.
One thing was clear: if Kemo wanted to play games, I'd make sure he learned the hard way that this board was already mine.
