The Lion Read Free

and allow her to investigate.”
    Brandon lifted a brow. “You've talked to Khalil about that?”
    Rion shook his head. “No, I saved him for last. You know how he is about this kind of stuff.”
      “His radical ass is going to pop off,” Brandon agreed. “Mac is going to need to keep an eye on him.”
      “That's that Black Panther blood in him,” Rion explained. “I think his daddy is Huey Newton reincarnated.”
      Brandon looked at the paper again. “Don't take this lightly Rion. Racism is a scary and ugly thing. Many of our warriors have died trying to cross boundaries and break color lines into new territory.”
      “But it had to be done otherwise where would you and I be?” Rion questioned.
      “We all have your back, but make sure you keep looking behind you anyway. Don't take any chances,” Brandon told him.
    Rion smiled. “It's good to be back fam.”
      “We're all back home again. It's time to get it poppin' and whoever this idiot is...” Brandon held up the letter. “He doesn't know who the hell he's messing with.”
      Rion saved his last visit of the day to meet with Khalil. This had been a strategic move because if he'd told Khalil first, the rest of the day would have been a wash because they all would've had to keep him under control. Khalil was Khayla's twin brother and they were true twins in temperament. Both could be intelligent and rational then switch over to militant and deadly. Their parents were New Black Panther Party members and had raised them on Black Panther ideals.
      “Uncle Rion!” The little boy ran up to Rion and wrapped his arms around his waist.
      “Kyros, what's up little man?” Rion said returning the boy's embrace.
      The young face smiled up at him. “Daddy told me you were back! I got the new glove you sent me. Thank you!”
      “Anything for the young warrior. Where's your Daddy?” Rion asked.
      “In the house cooking. You staying for dinner Uncle Rion?” he asked in anticipation.
    Rion smiled. “Of course. What are we having?”
    Kyros grabbed Rion's hand and began leading him inside. “Daddy's making whatever.”
      “What is he making?” Rion asked again.
      “Whatever, Uncle Rion.”
    Rion paused. “What is that?”
    Kyros smiled and shrugged. “Daddy says he just throws whatever into the pot and cooks it.”
    Rion frowned and looked down at Kyros. “I'm taking you out to eat tomorrow night.”
      “Okay.” Kyros led Rion into the house and to the kitchen where his daddy was standing over the stove.
      “Daddy! Uncle Rion is here!” Kyros said excitedly.
      Khalil turned to his friend. “Welcome to the young god!” He gave Rion a hearty hug then stepped back looking him over in his designer navy suit and tie.
      “Look at you, dressed in the man's attire looking like a million of the fake dollars we've been forced to accept as his unilateral currency.”
      Rion rolled his eyes as Kyros left the room leaving the two men alone. “Hey Khalil. It's good to see you too my brother.”
      “Always brother, I'm glad you are back home where you belong and no longer performing for the system.”
      Rion knew very well Khalil's opinion of him playing professional baseball so he took a seat and changed the subject. “How's Khayla?” he asked unbuttoning his suit jacket.
      Khalil smiled knowing that his friend didn't want to have that discussion today. “Khayla is good. She helped Lance open his new restaurant.”
      “Yeah, I was there earlier. Nice place. Lance is really doing his thing.”
      Of the entire group, Lance was the only one who'd never attended a University. His natural hustle skills and a few business classes at the community college had been all he'd needed to create his success.
      Khalil turned to the stove. “Yeah he is. That brother is determined. Nothing stops him. He's like a bull.” He turned back to Rion.
      “You staying for dinner?” he asked checking the large pot on the stove.