Risky Business |prologue|

Risky Business |prologue|

The gloomy faces sitting in the church were the family, friends, associates, employees, and employers of the great Jodi Santana. It was no secret that Jodi was a legend. He cared for everyone he met as if they were family, but still he carried with him the one thing that kept him going—Pride. Sure, Jodi cared for all, but cross him and you could kiss your precious life goodbye.

There was no other like him lurking the streets of Richmond, VA. No one had his swagger or his loyalty; No one could even compare to it. Even now, no one was to be trusted because there was no telling who was responsible for his death.

His body was found on the corner of 5th and Maine, but there were no leads and nothing else to go on except the bullet Jodi took to the back of the head six days ago.

The only person Jodi cared for was his son—Desmond. The only person who he could talk to about “personal” things… but still, even Desmond didn’t know of Jodi’s many secrets.

The pastor spoke with great passion about how Jodi was going to that better place, but Desmond sat in the front row with an empty look in his eyes. His father was gone—his only family. His mother was killed nine years ago, almost the exact same way; it was more than disturbing for him to lose both of his parents by a bullet to the head.

All the tears being shed today was proof the Jodi’s death was a true heartbreak to the city. It was almost unbearable for Desmond to be in the church watching everyone break down over his father’s death… Desmond knew he had to be strong though, His father would want it that way.

“A real man doesn’t let his emotions get in the way of what’s really important…” Jodi said to Desmond many years ago.

“Well, what’s really important, dad?” Desmond asked.

Jodi smiled. “Life son… And what’s life all about?”

Desmond thought for a minute and then he had the perfect answer. “Money and loyalty,” he responded proudly. “That’s what it’s all about.”

“That’s right lil man… that’s all that matters.”

Desmond shook off the thought and pushed these recent events out of his mind. There was no point in pondering over a lost cause. Jodi Santana was gone—the end.

Only, it wasn’t the end. This was only the beginning.