The Foundation

Back On The Grind

I woke up with a splitting headache.

"Who da fuck hit me?" I ask slowly easing up in bed and looking around the room.

"He was some new guy that I have never met.” Scarlett responds, nursing my throbbing temple. That's very warm of her.

"Ice, it's good to see you awake." Desiree says, very happy to see me.

I look around the room some more, hoping to see Brown's body on the floor. No such luck.

"He's gone, Mister Roman, but he did say he'll call." Scarlett says. She must've seen the look of disappointment on my face.

I looked over at the clock, 9 in the morning. I saw I was still hooked up to a hanging IV. I need to get up and hit the streets, and this IV would cramp my style.

"Desiree, get the nurse to come pull out this shyt, then reach in the closet and get me some gear." I command.

"Mister Roman, you can't even think you're going to go out in this condition I won't..." Scarlett starts, but I put a look on her, she stops mid thought, and follows Desiree out of the room.

The nurse comes back in with that concerned mother look on her face. I keep on my 'I don't give a fuck' look. Guess what? I win. She pulls out the IV and bandages up the wound. She says nothing and leaves the room as Desiree returns with some freshly cleaned and ironed clothes.

"I knew you would want to get up and out." She says smiling.

Good ole Desiree. Only been around a little bit, and the only one who doesn't question my every move. She helps me put on my clothes, and stand up. I'm a little wobbly, but I'm up. I grab my wallet and keys as Scarlett comes back into the room.

"You're drivin'," I tell Scarlett tossing the keys to her, "Desiree, you're coming too."

I leave my room and slowly walk through the house. Desiree has kept this place immaculate. I walk into the office and out the door to the car. Scarlett has let the top down, and Desiree is holding the door open for me. I flop myself down into the back seat. Desiree gets in and we're off.

"Mister Roman, where are we going?" Scarlett asks, eyeing me through the rear-view window.

"We're going to Byers's election office." I respond. She returns her eyes to the road.

Desiree turns and puts her back to the door so she can see me. She is smiling real big.

"Ice, I'm so happy you're up and back with us." She says, now showing off a toothy smile.

"It's good to be up and out, Desiree. Now, I have some business to attend to because the bills don't pay themselves," I say, now turning my gaze to Scarlett, “Miss Green, what scheme does your boyfriend have with a hundred mil pay-off?"

She just drove in silence for a sec, I guess contemplating her answer, or thinking of a lie to tell me. My instincts tell me that the councilman doesn't have that kind of money, and a hundred million is a bit much for blackmail involving a mistress. Mr. Brown has another hustle going, and I really need to find out what. I also need to know where I fit in in all of this. Hell, I'm also wondering do I get a cut, or will I get a casket? I'm hoping I get a cut, because death and I don't get along too well.

"I don't question motives Mister Roman, I only do as I am told." Scarlett says. I sort-of expected that answer from her.

We arrive at Byers's office. I walk in with Scarlett and Desiree in tow. The receptionist greets us at the door.

"Good Afternoon, how may I help you?" She asks smiling like a Stepford wife.

"Tell Mister Byers that Eric Roman is here to see him." Scarlett says before I could get my mouth open.