Black is the Color of Beauty

Chapter 14

Bo's POV

March 14, 2019 

11:00 a.m.

WM Public Housing Projects

Cleveland, Ohio

  " Are you sure this is the place? " I squint my eyes at Leo as he pulls the all black 2018 Jeep Compass up to the curb. " Yes boss, my sources tell me that NiNi's cousin hangs out here," Leo's deep voice replies to my question. I take a moment to observe outside. The first thing I noticed as multiple small groups of elderly people sitting around tiny tables playing dominoes. The sight of this causes me to raise my eyebrow. It is like 20 degrees outside! This type of weather is not old people friendly at all. Yet, here they are bundled up wearing thick coats, scarves smiling and chit chatting as if its a warm breezy May day. I can't help but to smile because seeing them reminds me of my grandparents playing Chinese checkers with their friends. Damn, I can't wait to get back home. I pray to Buddha that my plan to get Ty approved for a summer program in Shanghai worked.

  " Boss, I know that her cousin hangs out here. But, are you sure this is a good idea?" Leo inquires. His question snaps me out of the day dream like state I was in. There are two things I've learned about Leo throughout our whole relationship. 1.) Leo is loyal first and everything else second. He will do what is asked of him almost always. 2.) Due to his unwavering loyalty, Leo rarely ask questions or challenge my plans. So, if Leo is asking a question that must mean that he must sense something is off. After processing that Leo asked me a question, I decided to take in our surroundings. I was so wrapped out in seeing the elderly people enjoying themselves, that I didn't notice the grim environment that they were living it. Behind their dominoes tables, were a row of brick homes with screen doors and flat windows. Each house had a window or two, and each window was protected by bars. There was a small rusted empty playground off the side of the complex. The sidewalks were filled with cracks and holes. Upon closer inspection, I realize there was only one street. One way in and one way out. Everything was gray. All you saw was bricks and concrete. The lack of color was depressing. For some odd reason, this place from so unrealistic yet so familiar ."Yeah, some of the most dangerous parts in Cleveland are the projects. I was born and raised in them. If I had to describe it, its cold, jail like and hopeless. Its a concrete jungle." NiNi's voice echo in my mind as I recall a previous conversation we had about her upbringing. So, this is the projects I slight shiver run down my spine. As much as this made me uncomfortable, it was either all or nothing.

    Before I can process anything, a tall lean figure opens up the door to a house directly in front of the Jeep. Could this be? " This might be Ke'on boss. So, we should prepare ourselves just in case," he say to me. Right? I cover up the bottom half of my face with a black bandana. I glance over to see Leo doing the same thing. " Make sure you have your gun just in case," I remind Leo. My plan is to come in peace, but you never know how a person might react if they feel cornered. The figure walk out on the sidewalk and  tilt his head up to the sky as if inspect the clouds. Light brown complexion, broad smile with a low hair cut. " Boss, that's him." " Hold on one second, I'm just waiting for one more...." I didn't even get a chance to finish my train of thought. The figure raised his right hand up to shield his eyes from the sunlight. On that hand, there was a tattoo with the name " MIMI". Bingo. That's him. Without even thinking twice, I hop out of the Jeep and walk up to Ke'on. 

    Ke'on immediately reach for his waistband. Shit, I was not expecting this. " Listen, I come here to talk about NiNi, ". He momentarily stands still before nodding his head at the seniors. As if on cue, all of them begin to scatter. I guess the less witnesses the better. After all of them are gone, Ke'on returns his attention back to him. First, his eyes zero in on Leo standing behind me. He stiffens up. I can't give him the opportunity to assess the situation more.... the longer he looks at us the more he will think we are a threat. Which technically, we could be if things doesn't go as plan. Hurry up and speak Bo. " Listen, I met your cousin last summer when she visited her friends Shanghai....." For the next five minutes, I explain to him my involvement with underground activity in China ( barely), how the Greeks are after the girls (not all the details), that I love her (yeah, love is a bit strong) and how we are engaged to be married. I didn't get to the part about us returning to Shanghai because Ke'on cuts me off. " Listen up Jackie Chan, I don't know who the fuck you're but let me make one thing clear. My cousin isn't marrying no 'shrimp fried rice' ass dude. Plus, I already promised the boss NiNi's hand in marriage in exchange to become his second in command. So, with that being said get your ass...." by this time we are face to face. " ...out of here. Spineless ass bitch." I feel a drop spit land on my bandana. Yup, this guy is disrespectful. Now, the easy way or the hard way. In a blink of an eye, Leo makes the decision for me. He press a Glock 22 to the left side of Ke'on's temple. "How do you want to do this boss?", Leo's cold ass stare made him look every bit of the Russian killer he was meant to be. Mhmmm, I guess the hard way it is then.