“It’s ok Savvy. It’s probably better if I just get it over with.”
In seconds the living room is full of his family, all curious as to what the hell is going on.
Asher
“A couple of nights ago, a woman was killed at the same club we took Joseph for his bachelor party, and I was arrested for her murder,” I say. I am so tired and hungry, but I know I will not any rest until I get this story out.
“So you were just at the club, what’s it called Hedonism? And what? You linked up with this woman and she ended up dead?” Atlas asks.
“Something like that.”.
“I’m really not in the mood for this shit Asher, spill the damn story so we can do what we need to do to get you out of this shit!” Josh snaps at me.
Before I can say more Jaasiel hands me a plate with a wrap, fresh fruit, raw vegetables, and bottled water. My stomach decides to growl as soon as the plate is in my hands. Eventually, everyone gets up to grab their own plate of food giving me a few precious moments to eat in peace. Jaasiel, bless his heart, brought Carla a plate as well.
“This is delicious, where did he order these from? I would love to make these a permanent lunch option,” she says around a mouthful of food.
“Good luck with that. He didn’t order this from anywhere he made it, including the wrap,” I tell her.
“Are you serious? Your brother is a chef?”
“No, he’s just a cook. His words, not mine. He insists he doesn’t want to be a chef or cook in a restaurant, but he cooks around here like it’s a Michelin star kitchen damn near every day.” Josh wastes no time making his way back to his seat, but Savvy holds him at bay long enough for me to finish my food.
Alright, Asher what is going on?” Jabarri asks
“I was not just at the club; I actually own it and that night was what is called the taste test night. Meaning current members can invite a guest, it’s one of the few times that we allow nonmembers to come without the extensive background check and vetting process. Antonia was a member and I’ve played with her on numerous occasions. I actually had a session with her right before she was killed, but when I left the room, she was alive and well. When a room attendant went to refresh the room she discovered Antonia’s body, and I immediately called the cops. The next thing I know I am being asked to go to the police station to answer some questions. On the way I called Strong, but he was out of town and he called Ms. St. Claire to come in his stead. Before I got the chance to tell you guys what was going on I was arrested at T and Angie’s baby shower.”
“So, you are telling me you’ve been keeping secrets too? Joshua says, both clearly hurt and pissed. “After Atlas’ secret that nearly got him killed; Joseph keeping Joyce a secret unnecessarily—being a dick about it, and also almost dying—You kept an entire business a secret from us? Why Asher? When did we start keeping so many fucking secrets from each other?” He finishes, truly looking and sounding betrayed.
“I just wanted something for myself, Josh.”
“What is that supposed to mean Asher? You are a successful and sought-after architect!”
“Yes, as a part of OUR business!”
“You have your own clients and do builds that we are not involved in! Like Peter’s floating resort.”
“Once again as an extension of our business. It’s not mine Josh, everything I’ve done since I carried Anson from our childhood home to your home has been all-inclusive! And I love that, I love the fact that we have amazing relationships and support systems, but I needed something that was just mine.”
“I didn’t realize it was such a burden to you Ash.”
“When did I say that, Josh? All I am saying is, I went from the second oldest to just a middle child. From having one older brother who I was close to, to three older brothers and basically being left alone to be the older sibling for four of our brothers, trying to comfort two of them especially, and make sense of what our life became after our parents were killed. I wanted something for me, that I built and had control over. So, sorry I never gave telling y’all a second thought. And if Anson hadn’t wanted to take Joseph to the club for his bachelor party, I would have never bought you guys to the club… ever,” I tell him, chest heaving. “When we came here, I felt lost, it wasn’t my brothers’ fault, we didn’t have a choice, but it changed everything. Atlas was clearly struggling with whatever he witnessed that night and the scar he carries as a reminder. The only person he talked or responded to was Joshua and you already had a close relationship with Joseph. Aryan and Jaasiel are as two peas in a pod and little Anson was so young, he stuck with me most of the time. I think he struggled the most outside of Atlas, over our parents’ death. By the time Jabarri came along we all spoiled him. The club allows me to have control, not just because it’s my business but because of the kind of business it is too, and no I didn’t want to share it like I’ve had to share everything since the night my parents died!” I wipe the determined tear that managed to fight its way down my cheek. The room is completely silent, and all my brothers are looking at me but it’s Josh who breaks the silence.
“Asher, I failed you. I am so sorry. I thought I was a great big brother but it looks like I still had a lot of work to do.”
“And me too. I had my head in my ass and was too busy wallowing in self-pity to even think about anyone other than myself,” Atlas adds.
“And I guess that makes me the biggest ass of all because I knew Josh had his hands full with Atlas, so I really should have stepped up to the plate to give you the support you and Aryan and Anson needed. You guys lost everything that night, not only your house, but your parents, and family structure. That’s too much for some adults to handle let alone children.” Joseph says.
“You guys couldn’t help with what you didn’t know. I became invisible for the most part, I made myself agreeable so I wouldn’t cause any more problems than us coming to live with y’all had already caused.” I whisper.
“You didn’t have to do that Ash, and I am sorry you felt you did. And I am sorry you feel you had to keep your business a secret from us. If you would’ve told us about it and asked us to stay away, we would have respected that,” he gives my smirk a half-smile. “We would have respected it. Even though we are closer than most families, we can mind our own business if we need to. But the secrets this family has been carrying have almost gotten us killed. We need to be open and honest with each other going forward.” Josh says as he looks around the room. “I can tell there is more going on and we will get into that shit before it gets another one of us put in the hospital or the grave. Now Ms. St. Claire, what is the game plan?” He asks as he focuses all of his attention on Carla.
Carla
I sit there shocked and touched at what I just heard and witnessed. Shocked because I thought Asher was simply the manager of the club, not the owner, and touched because there is obviously a lot of history and hurt with this family but also a closeness and vulnerability I have rarely witnessed within a family, especially one of all men. When all of the attention turned to me, I didn’t know what to say, but I pulled myself together as fast as I could.
“Well, we are still investigating. I am waiting on the security footage, and waiting for the M.E. to finish the autopsy so I can get a copy of the report. I also requested an independent examination be performed as well. I wanted Cole, Asher’s assistant manager, to provide methe membership list plus the list of who was actually at the club that night including the guests, but I think he’s waiting on Asher’s approval for that. From what I understand it’s harder to get a membership to Asher’s club than it is getting an invitation to the white house.
Once I have those basic pieces of the puzzle, I can determine the direction I need to go.” I tell the room. “Due to the limited amount of time, we have, I want to call in a couple of investigators to help me gather info if that is ok with Asher.”
“Jabarri, work on the footage. Ash, are you ok with these PI’s? And call your assistant so he can get that list. Whoever is on there will be kept confidential unless we have no other choice. I will not risk your freedom to keep someone’s lifestyle choice a secret.” Josh declares.
“Guys I know this is important stuff concerning my freedom and finding the person who killed Antonia but I need a real shower and sleep. Can we meet tomorrow morning? Then I can meet the PI’s and have Cole come with the list. It’s not kept on a computer and we can strategize all day if you want.” Asher says his voice sounding positively weary.
“Of course, go get some sleep and we’ll work on this tomorrow. I’m just glad you are home. We have three weeks to clear Asher’s name; that’s our first priority. Once that is done, we will find who killed that woman and make them pay.” Josh states.