“Brother or not, next time homeboy step to me like that, I’m-a rock his ass to sleep.”
– Young Carter
The Diamond family sat in their living room along with Polo and Young Carter. The room was quiet; no one knew what to say. Taryn’s and Breeze’s eyes were puffy because of all the crying they had been doing, the horrific images of their loved one being kicked out of his casket haunting their thoughts.
Mecca’s Armani shoes thumped the marble floor as he paced the room back and forth, totally enraged, two twin Desert Eagle handguns in his hands. The Haitians had shown the ultimate sign of disrespect and was sending a clear message that they were trying to take over Miami. In fact, it was Carter’s decision to not cut the Haitians in on his operation that ultimately led to his assassination.
Polo stood up and slowly walked to the window. He looked in the front and saw henchmen, all strapped, scattered around the house to ensure their safety. With the Haitians merciless tactics, he didn’t underestimate them. He saw the fire in Mecca’s eyes and tried to calm him.
“We have to keep our heads on straight. These niggas are going hard at us. The Cartel still runs Miami, remember that! We have to retaliate to get our backs out of the corner.” Polo removed the suit jacket that rested on his black silk shirt.
“Fuck that! Let’s get at they ass, guns blazin'! I don’t give a fuck no more!” Mecca screamed, a single tear sliding down his cheek.
Money stared into space without blinking. He was in complete shock. The death of his father was very hard on him. He remained silent as his twin brother let out his frustrations. He couldn’t come to grips with his father’s death.
Money snapped out of his daze and looked over at Young Carter. It was obvious that he was his brother. He looked so much like Carter, it was unbelievable. Young Carter had thick, dark eyebrows just like his father, and he even shared his tall, lean frame. His mannerisms were even the same. He watched as Young Carter rested his index finger on his temple while in deep thought, just as his father used to do.
It hurt his heart that his father had an illegitimate child. The perfect image that he had of his father was somewhat tarnished by the news. How could this nigga be my brother? Daddy wouldn’t step out on Momma like that, Money thought as he stared at Young Carter.
Taryn noticed Money staring and decided to address the issue. She knew that there were other things to worry about and wanted to explain the complex situation. With tears still streaming down her face, she stood up. “I want you guys to meet Carter Jones… your brother.” Taryn rested her hand on Young Carter’s shoulder.
Breeze lifted her head in confusion. She looked at her mother and then to Young Carter. “What?” she managed to murmur. She couldn’t believe what her mother was telling them. The words were like daggers to her heart. She was so busy grieving, she didn’t even notice how closely Young Carter resembled her Poppa.
As she looked at Young Carter, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She just thought that he was one of The Cartel’s henchmen. He looked like a younger version of her father. Oh my God, she thought as she placed her hand over her mouth.
Mecca came closer to Young Carter and stared him in the face while saying harshly, “This ain’t my fuckin’ brother. He ain’t a mu’fuckin’ Diamond!” Mecca gripped his pistols tighter, refusing to believe the obvious.
Young Carter returned the cold stare at Mecca, not backing down whatsoever, but he still remained silent. Young Carter was respectful because he was aware that his presence presented a conflict to the Diamond family, but he wasn’t about to back down from anyone. And the way Mecca was gripping his pistols caused Young Carter’s street senses to kick in. He slowly slid his hand to his waist, where his own banger rested. He stood up so that Mecca wouldn’t be standing over him. Young Carter was a bit taller than Mecca, so he looked down on him, not saying a word.
“Mecca, he is your brother! Sit down and let me explain,” Taryn yelled, trying to reason. She rushed over to Mecca as the two men stared at each other intensely. “Mecca!”
“Fall back, bro,” Money said as he stood up.
Mecca jumped at Young Carter as if he was about to hit him, but Young Carter didn’t budge. Not even a blink. Young Carter grinned, knowing that Mecca was trying to size him up.
“That’s enough!” Polo made his way over to them.
Young Carter kissed Taryn on the cheek and whispered, “Sorry if I caused any more heartache. I didn’t come here for this.” And before Taryn could even respond, he was headed for the door.
“Yo, wait!” Polo said as he followed Young Carter out.
“Let that bitch-ass nigga go!” Mecca yelled as he continued to pace the room.
It took all of Young Carter’s willpower not to get at Mecca, but he figured that he would give him a pass for now.
Polo caught up to Young Carter just before he exited the house. “Yo, youngblood, hold up a minute.”
“There’s no need for me to be here. I don’t know why I even came to this mu’fucka anyway,” Young Carter stated, an incredulous look on his face.
“Listen”-Polo placed his hand on Carter’s shoulder, trying to convince him to stay-“Mecca has a lot on his mind right now. The family really needs you.”
“Look, fam, I ain’t got shit to do with them. I just came to pay my respects and keep it pushing, nah mean? Brother or not, next time homeboy step to me like that, I’m-a rock his ass to sleep.” Carter clenched his jaw.
Polo took a deep breath and saw that Carter was noticeably infuriated, but kept his composure out of respect. Young Carter reminded Polo of his late best friend in so many ways. Polo looked into Carter’s eyes and said, “Just give me a minute to talk to-”
Carter cut him off mid-sentence, not wanting to hear any more. “Look, I’ll be at the Marriott off South Beach until tomorrow night.” With that, he left Polo standing there alone.