17.0: Romeo Must Die

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     Tyree sat in the studio of the pool house making beats. When he heard footsteps he looked up to see Rhyme waltzing into the room. Tyree simply rolled his eyes going back to making a beat as if he didn't notice his brother. Rhyme didn't care about his attitude because he pulled up a chair sitting right next to Tyree. "What do you want?" Tyree asked after seconds of silence.

"I'm glad you asked..." Rhyme said leaning back in the office chair. "I want you to invite Romeo to Royalty's birthday." Tyree looked over at Rhyme like he was crazy. "Why?" Rhyme smiled saying, "Because I said so." "And what makes you think I can get him to come? Matter of fact, why would you want to bring y'alls drama to Royalty's birthday. You can't pick another night?"

"I don't want to. I said invite him. Tell him I'm not coming to get him to come. If you don't do it everything intended for Romeo is coming to you. Don't think I forgot that you helped that nigga. What happened at the cemetery is nothin'. So now you're gonna help me get back at him." Tyree groaned wishing he had never gotten himself involved in the middle of this. "Fine!" He finally said. Rhyme smiled standing up patting Tyree's shoulder then leaving the room.

Rhyme walked through the backyard back into the house. When he walked through the sliding back door he was surprised to see that same detective from the funeral sitting in the living room with Lola. When Lola noticed Rhyme she stood up saying, "The detective who's on Marquise's case is here to talk to you." "I see and I don't wanna talk to him," Rhyme said about to keep walking.

"I guess you don't wanna see this," the detective said holding up a cd. Rhyme stopped to look at the disk. "What's that? Your new mixtape? Fuck outta my house. I'm not interested," Rhyme said waving him off. "It's the tape from the security camera of the girls house Marquise killed himself in. I told you it seemed like someone was in the room with him when he did it. Here's proof."

Rhyme smacked his lips saying, "Come to my office." The detective smiled getting up to follow Rhyme. They went to his office and Rhyme sat behind his desk while the detective sat across from him. The detective wasn't being shy about looking around. He was probably amazed by all of the technology. Rhyme took his security very serious, especially at his home. If you couldn't be safe at home, where could you be safe at?

Rhyme stuck his hand out and the detective handed him the CD. Rhyme put it in the disk reader of his computer then opened it. He put his elbow on the desk leaning his chin into his hand as he watched the footage. He was unimpressed. "What am I looking for again? I haven't seen anyone, but Marquise." Rhyme continued to watch shutting his eyes tightly when Marquise pulled the trigger. When he opened them back up Marquise's body was slumped over.

"Either I'm blind or I didn't see another single human body in that room." Rhyme turned the screen so the detective could see. "Rewind it. Watch it again." Rhyme watched again shaking his head. "If you're talking about that floating light around him I don't know what to tell you. That's not a person. I'm sure there's an explanation for that. Dust, a bug, who knows."

"Then explain the lip gloss residue we found on Marquise's face or another persons finger prints on the gun. Explain that." Rhyme shrugged, "I don't fucking know. That's your job. It's clear as day from this footage that he killed himself. What is another person being in the room going to prove? He still pulled the trigger himself." Rhyme took the cd out of the drive extending it back to the man, but he said, "Keep it."

Rhyme sat it on his desk saying, "Do you need me to walk you out or you know your way out?" The detective smiled pushing himself up from the chair. "I'm good. I'm not gonna stop looking into this, no matter how uncooperative you are. Something's going on in this family and I'm going to find out." Rhyme stood up too saying, "Even if there is, it ain't ya business. Stick to your job. Good day." Rhyme watched as the man left then sat back down at his desk sticking the disk back in to watch it again.

Pause. Rewind. Pause. Rewind. Slow motion.

Rhyme did that a million times trying to make out the figure. He furrowed his eyebrows staring at the screen in strong concentration. "What kind of paranormal activity shit is this?" He mumbled to himself rewinding it again. Rhyme was shook to say the least. When there was a knock at the door his concentration was broken. He looked up to see Lola at the door. He gave her a nod telling her she could come in.

Lola walked in as Rhyme said, "Come look at this." She walked around the desk standing behind Rhyme as he hit play. Lola stood there at a loss for words as she watched it. When it got to the part where Marquise shot himself in the head she jumped. Rhyme spun around in his chair looking at Lola saying, "I don't even think I believe that shit. They must've done some CGI, photoshop type shit."

The way the figure comes into the room and stands over Marquise's body until he finally pulls the trigger was creepy to say the least.

"I don't know. It looks pretty believable to me." Rhyme shook his head trying to get it out of his head. They lingered in silence until Lola said, "They're just tryna get you to fold. They just need to come to terms with the fact Sarita and Marquise both decided to take their lives. It's nothing we could've done about that." Rhyme nodded his head.

"Anyway, I came in here to talk to you about Royalty. Her birthday is coming up and-" Cutting Lola off Rhyme said, "I know. What about her?" Rhyme still didn't like Royalty. In his mind all of he problems didn't start until he moved her into the house. Everybody was happy with their life until then. He didn't necessarily think it was her fault, but that's when it started.

He thought it might have to do with her innocence and naivety. You bring an outsider in and that's when people start to realize maybe it wasn't okay how they were living. That's when people start questioning things and defying all the rules Rhyme had in place. Something they didn't do before...At least not so blatantly and disrespectfully. Rhyme had lost all control over everyone and everything. It was driving him crazy.

"I know you never liked her, but-" Once again Rhyme cut Lola off saying, "I never said I didn't like her. I just didn't care to get to know her. You clearly like her seeing as she's your sister..." Rhyme had found out through his brother, Dareon. For some reason he wasn't shocked. "Well, I've been thinking. Obviously she can't work at the brothel anymore because of you getting arrested. They'll probably be watching the place closely now. So, how about when I open my beauty bar she comes to work there.."

"Wait, hold up...She's still gonna stay with us? Why can't she go back with your aunt?" "Because my aunt is not the nicest person. Seriously? Why can't she stay with us. There's plenty of room." Rhyme shook his head. "I don't think that's a good idea. Look at all of the shit she has been exposed to living with us. Do you really think that's a good idea? Working at the brothel, almost getting raped...I know the girl has to be scarred for life."

Lola sighed, "I know, but that was before I knew she was my sister. I already feel bad enough and your rule is you either have to work or go to school in your house." "Those are the rules, but I don't think it's a good idea to open the beauty bar right now either." As much as Rhyme wanted to make more money, it really wasn't. That's one more place where money could get stolen from with Romeo on the loose. "What?! I worked so hard for it to get finished this fast for a reason."

"It's not the time, Lola. We have too much personal shit going on." Lola stomped around the desk saying, "I knew you would do some shit like this!" She was about to leave Rhyme's office, but he stood up going over to her closing the door back. "Look, don't be a spoiled brat. I said not right now, not never. Right now the focus needs to be getting this house back in order. This family, us...back in order. We're a shit show right now."

Lola crossed her arms over her chest pouting knowing he was right. She just wanted to start this business quickly so she could have some money of her own coming in. Her income had been sitting stagnant for too long after selling her percent to Romeo out of revenge. Now the only money she was getting was coming from what Romeo stole. That wasn't enough for her nor was it reliable. That's when Lola remembered what Tyree told her. Play both sides...

"I just wanted something to call my own," she said still sulking. Rhyme slightly chuckled because he found it cute when she threw childlike tantrums. "And you will in due time. Until then I gotta get the brothel back where it needs to be. I also need you to start helping me with the other business," he said dragging it out in a hopeful tone. "No. I'm not having anything to do with anything that's legal. You're on your own with that one!" She said backing up from him.

Rhyme put his arm around Lola's waist pulling her closer. "I told you for a reason. I need your help. I can't be in two places at once. I just need you to start picking up the money from the pimps once a week. That's it." "No!" Lola immediately argued. "Pleaseeee!" Rhyme said getting in Lola's face making her laugh a little. "What do I get out of it?" She asked. "Some of the money, of course." Lola pretended to think then said, "Fine."

"Thank you," Rhyme said kissing her. He pulled away saying, "And like I said I'll be done with the whole prostitution thing soon. I'll shut the whole operation down in 3 months. No more illegal money." Lola raised her eyebrows saying, "Promise?" Rhyme shrugged saying, "Yeah, it's too high risk anyway. Then in six months I'm closing the brothel too. I told you I'm done with this lifestyle. It's on to something bigger and better."

Lola would believe it when she sees it. She had never seen Rhyme like this. Something had Rhyme shook and she was wondering what. He was willing to shut down everything because of it..

Lola was staring at Rhyme until he chuckled saying, "What? I got something on my face?" She laughed a little too shaking her head. "No. I'm sorry..." He jerked his head back saying, "Sorry? For what? I'm the one who should be sorry." That was the perfect chance to tell Lola that he might've gotten Karina pregnant, but he kept his mouth shut. She was really apologizing for all the stuff she participated in to get back at him, but she was still participating in it.

"That things didn't work out," she said instead. "Me too, but there's always other businesses. We'll be good. I told you that when I stopped pimping. I'ma always take care of you and you know that. As long as your loyal to me, I'm loyal to you." Lola looked at him blankly. "Yeah.." she said faintly. He kissed her cheek then lips. She was feeling terrible at this point.

The Weekend...

Royalty stood in front of the full length mirror smoothing out her black gown with a high slit. It was her birthday and she was officially 17 years old. She didn't feel any different though and she wasn't the least bit excited. Birthdays were never exciting for her. She never had a lot of friends with big parties or expensive, extraordinary gifts, let alone even an acknowledgment. She just got older, but this year was feeling different.

"Yasss, bitch yasss!" Saniye yelled loudly while snapping upon entering the room. "You better fuck it up one time for the one time! Do a spin.." When Royalty didn't move Saniye said, "Or not." Royalty just laughed shaking her head. As the weeks went by Royalty and  Saniye had gotten closer. Nobody would go as far to say that Saniye was trying replace Sarita, but she had a little sister again.

"The Louboutin's or the Giuseppe's?" Saniye asked holding each pair of heels up. "Uh, which ever one has the lower heel and I won't break my neck in while trying to walk?" Saniye looked at each pair saying, "The Giuseppe's it is then." She handed the pair of heels to Royalty as she sat on her bed to put them on. All Royalty wanted to do was go to dinner, but she could see it was already about to be extra by the attire. Everybody was suited and booted ready to go.

"You want me to do your makeup?" Saniye asked Royalty. Royalty simply said no putting the heels on. Royalty wasn't a big makeup wearer. Partly because she was a teen and her aunt told her she shouldn't be trying to look older. Also, because she couldn't do it well herself anyway. Plus, she liked being able to touch her face freely without worry of messing something up. She preferred to be au naturale.

After getting dressed Royalty made her way down the stairs where pretty much everyone was waiting on her. She was welcomed with loud happy birthdays and smiles. She awkwardly smiled back. This was weird for her. People actually caring about something as simple as her birth? Um, okay. I guess.

When Royalty got to the bottom of the stairs and saw Tyree standing there in his suit she tried not to stare. It was like no matter what he did she found herself still wanting him. But when Harmony stepped from behind him dressed up as well smiling, anger washed over Royalty. She had to simmer down and remember during a fit of pettiness and fake niceness towards the girl she somehow ended up inviting her.

Why? She had no idea. Royalty had this thought of standing up and doing a toast at dinner then telling the poor girl she had sat on, spat on, backed it up on, and bounced on her mans dick. Tasteless, but it would feel so good. Instead, Royalty has been smiling in the girls face knowing all the while she had slept with her boyfriend. Royalty figured if he wouldn't tell Harmony the truth, he would let her enjoy the lie of what their relationship was based upon.

There was no doubt their was tension between Royalty and Tyree the way they were subtly staring at each other. I'm sure everyone could notice except oblivious ass Harmony. Either she did or she was just in denial. "Okay, let's go!" Lola said with a smile. Lola did everything to make sure Royalty got the birthday she wanted. Whether it was small or big, it was going to be perfect.

They all walked outside and when Royalty saw the lined up luxury and foreign cars she stopped in her tracks. Once again she realized this was going to be a night filled with more than she asked for. "Your carriage awaits you," Lola said as a man opened the backseat of a Rolls Royce ghost. "You didn't have to do all of this," Royalty leaned in whispering. "But I did...get in," Lola said smiling. Royalty shook her head then lifted her dress up to get in he backseat.

Times like these Royalty kinda messed Marquise. She didn't condone what he did to Sarita, but that was her only other friend in the house aside from Tyree and Lola. Now that Royalty and Tyree weren't on speaking terms she was feeling lonelier than ever. Royalty sank into the seat sighing as the driver got into the drivers seat then the car began to move. She was getting the sense this was going to be a long night.

They pulled up to a building and out of habit she reached for the door handle until the driver said, "I'll get it." Royalty sat back slightly rolling her eyes waiting. Once he opened the door she stepped out of the car with his help. She looked at the building having no idea where they were. It had no name and it looked empty. It didn't look like a restaurant to her.

When she walked into the industrial style building she looked around confused. She looked at the exposed brick walls and the ceilings with rusty pipes not knowing what the hell this was. Were they taking her to her death? Were they finally tired of her living with them, so they were going to torture her and kill her? She led the way and jumped when she entered the main room when a full orchestra began playing. From a piano player, to violins and a harp.

The room was decorated with burgundy curtains on the walls and dimly lit with candles everywhere. Royalty scanned the room with her eyes seeing a long dinner table with food already prepared. There was also a table with balloons around it and gifts. Then the cake...it was a huge crown. Royalty was in aw to say the least. She wasn't expecting this.

She blinked back tears and when she turned around everyone was just staring at her. She wiped the tear before it could fall. This was a bit overwhelming. Shocked everybody looked at Royalty not knowing what to say. "You don't have to cry," Lola said going up to her rubbing her back. "It's just, nobody has ever done this for me before." Lola hugged her as Royalty sniffled then laughed a little. "I'm such a baby." They all laughed then proceeded to sit around the long table.

Before Rhyme sat down he went over to Tyree leaning down saying, "Did you invite Romeo like I said?" Tyree sighed loudly saying, "Yeah. Last time I checked he said he's on his way." Rhyme nodded then went to sit next to Lola. On the other side of her was an empty chair. One perfect for Romeo.

Five minutes later in walked Romeo holding a gift. When he saw Rhyme his smile disappeared. Lola bugged her eyes wondering why he was here, while Rhyme tried to hide a smile. He was going to try his best not to ruin Royalty birthday, but he couldn't make any promises. Tyree got up from the table walking over to Romeo. "I'll take that," he said grabbing his gift. "I thought you said Rico wasn't coming," Romeo leaned in whispering to Tyree.

"I know. I thought he wasn't, but he changed his mind," Tyree lied. "Just keep it cool for Royalty's sake. It's her night." Tyree hated being in the middle, especially of a setup. He had no idea what Romeo was walking into and what was going to happen. Rhyme could pull anything at this point. "Have a seat," Tyree said to Romeo putting his gift on the gift table.

Romeo groaned sitting next to Lola saying, "Happy birthday, Royalty." Royalty smiled saying, "Thank you." She could sense the tension in the room. Everyone could. It was to the point not even a knife could cut it. Royalty cleared her throat saying, "I just wanna thank you guys. I know I ended up in your house by mistake...due to my obliviousness and stupidity, but that's neither here nor there...I've experienced a lot in the past couple of months. A lot of bad, but I kinda wouldn't changed it. I met you guys. I met my sisters. Again thank you."

"Woo!" Saniye yelled holding up her glass. "Are you already tipsy?" Dareon asked looking at her. As they laughed Saniye pouted. Lola leaned into Romeo whispering, "What are you doing here?" "I was invited," Romeo said in a duh tone. "By who?" Lola asked looking confused. "My brother..Tyree." Lola sighed leaning back in her seat. She knew something was up for sure now. When she felt Rhyme rub her thigh she knew the night wasn't going to end well.

After eating dinner there was a live band. Lola knew Royalty liked music, so that's what she got. When Harmony tapped Royalty on the shoulder she looked up at her oddly. "Can you take our picture?" Harmony asked smiling. Royalty looked around her to see Tyree standing in the distance . Royalty was regretting ever being nice to the girl because now she thinks they're friends. Tyree's head fell, but he looked up surprised when Royalty cheerfully said, "Sure."

Harmony handed her phone to Royalty as she backed up towards Tyree standing next to him. "Say cheese!" Royalty said doing a fake smile slightly rolling her eyes. She took the picture looking at it laughing inwardly. Y'all ain't

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