Stir

The night of the BBQ I went and spoke with my father. I told him of my dilemma and he told me that no matter what my inheritance was mine and any decision I make he would support me. Believe it or not, that cemented my desire to work for our family business. His complete acceptance of my choice, no matter what it is, proved that my family's love for me and mine for them was unwavering and worth preserving.

So, I told my father I wanted to move back to Florida and run the operations there. He stood up, shook my hand and welcomed me to the business. He also informed me he was going out there to deliver a car to new customer that ordered bullet proof windows and alloyed metal on their car. Since I was headed there, I told him I would be happy to do it.

When I told Imogen that I was going out of town for the day, I sort of insinuated that it was to get some things together for prom and that is sort of true. I asked my mom what color her dress was and though she didn’t tell me, she did say that if I were going to buy jewelry for her to wear, platinum would be best. So, that is what I did. Well, sort of.

When I got to Miami, I first went to the shop, met with the managers and then toured the warehouse.

I met with everyone there and my father joined us over video conferencing. He introduced me as the new Operating manager for the corporate shop. I have never felt as much pride as I did at that moment.

Then, I met with a realtor and gave her my specs for what I wanted and my email address to start sending me listings.

After the meeting, I enrolled in business classes and some automotive courses at Florida Miami University. I have grown up around cars my entire life and I know how to fix them. But, I know his men, the guys he trust and that trust him, will respect my authority and position, if I come with more than a name. So, credentials are something I am after.

I said as much to my father before I flew here and he told me he was proud of me and would run it beside me from Ohio, until I felt steady enough to fly solo.

An hour or so later, I had one of the workers show me to the car that needed to be delivered.

I was impressed as fuck. It is a Maybach, in Stone Gray. The interior is the color of coal with pink accents. I can see they had two custom car seats installed, one pink and one blue.

With a quick inspection, I see they must be anchored in behind the seat, which is smart. In the event of car accident, they won’t jerk and the kids necks won’t move. Immediately I recognize my father’s signature ballistic glass that is only distinguished from others like it, by the sliver plated shield he has embedded in them. If you don’t know what to look for you wouldn’t notice it.

Finally is the armored steel that is covering the outside of the car. It is shiny with a matte tint if looking at it from another angle.

Meeting the guy who owns this vehicle, was something else altogether. Let’s just say I left with more questions than I came with.

I pull up the address to the drop off spot on the GPS and set off. I have one of the shop boys following me so he can drive me back. Twenty minutes in, I know we are entering an exclusive community unlike anything I have never seen. But, it is beautiful and it is giving me ideas for a place for me and my girl.

I pull up to the gate and my mouth falls open. This freaking place is a fortress. I mean there is a fucking guard station when you pull up. “Do you have an appointment?” One of them asks. These dudes are serious. They have on all black and earpieces. I see the pieces at their side and now I am more than curious who the hell this guy is. All I know is his name is Dario Lassiter.

“I am from Luna and Sons. I believe Mr. Lassiter is expecting his new car to be dropped off.” He says something into his earpiece and then the gate opens. I pull in and once again my mouth is wide open. There has to be hundreds if not at least several thousand acres here. I swear if I squint I can see another mansion down the way.

I pull in, turn the car off and get out, keys in hand. “I was expecting Manuel.” A man says walking down the steps. He is flanked by another man, who looks like he used to box with Tyson.