Suave’s business lawyer, his accountant, and Daddy Lizard were also frequent visitors to the house as Suave liquidated his assets, giving Daddy Lizard his fair share. Suave was officially legit and completely out of the illegal drug business.
* * *
“I’m going to make a move and just want to run it by you,” Daddy Lizard informed Suave one evening as the men sat on Suave’s veranda chilling. It had been seven months since Suave was shot, and he had recuperated nicely. “I’m planning on building a plaza and opening up a small movie theater. The rest of the space I’ll rent out.” Daddy Lizard peered at Suave and then added, “In Trinidad.”
“Trinidad?” Suave was surprised. “Who’s in Trinidad?”
“You remember Natasha, right?”
Suave bobbed his head. Natasha was the mother of Daddy Lizard’s first daughter, Krystal.
“She got a job and moved there with Krystal about six months ago.”
“And you didn’t tell me?” Suave asked, frowning.
“You had a lot on your plate. Anyway, we’ve been talking and getting close again. I want to see where this can go.” Daddy Lizard’s eyes locked with Suave’s. “I want to start over fresh, Suave. I want to settle down with a good woman, be a good father to my children, and just live life and love God.”
With a big grin on his face, Suave reached over and shared a man hug with Daddy Lizard. “Go and be happy, my friend. You deserve it.” Suave reached into his pocket and took out a little black box. He peered through the open door inside the house, then opened the box and showed Daddy Lizard the big oval diamond ring inside. “I’m making a fresh start as well.”
Daddy Lizard whistled. “All right now. Who’s that for?”
Suave cut his eyes at him. “You better stop playing. You know a brother has been straight and plans to stay that way. I’m finally going to do the right thing and marry that wonderful woman God gave me.”
“Okay, Brother Suave.” Daddy Lizard laughed out loud when Suave rolled his eyes at him. “Congratulations, man.”
“I’m also planning on leaving this place,” Suave said seriously. “I’m going to marry Monica, and we’re moving to the Bahamas. I want the same fresh start in a new environment, a new country. I’m glad you and I are getting a chance to do that.”
“We are a few of the lucky ones,” Daddy Lizard replied.
“Thank you, Lord,” Suave said sincerely.
* * *
Suave and Monica’s wedding took place in a private ceremony on the East Lawn at Devon House, two months later. Surrounded by luscious green trees, a variety of scented, exotic flowers, with the magnificent nineteenth-century Devon House Mansion in the background, the couple exchanged vows by a water pond filled with colorful fish and water lilies.
In attendance were Monica’s parents, who flew down from the Bahamas, Daddy Lizard, Alwayne and Annette, Bishop Hudson and First Lady Hudson, Nadine and her husband, Suave’s nine children, and little Mr. Chin. Reverend Stanford officiated the ceremony.
Three months later, true to his word, Suave sold the house in Jacks Hill and his hideaway hut in Belgrade Heights. The luxury cars and trucks were also sold as Suave and Monica got ready for their permanent move to the Bahamas.
“What’s this letter?” Monica asked, waving an envelope in her hand as she walked into the living room where Suave was lying on the couch.
“Oh, Alwayne gave it to me last night at church, and I completely forgot about it.” Suave took the letter, and Monica went back to her packing.
I wonder who would send a letter to me at my lawyer’s address, Suave pondered as he opened the envelope and took out the letter. He sat up straight as he began to read.
Hello, Smooth Suave. I hope when this letter reaches you, you will be fully recovered (smile). I also hope that you have learned your lesson. You betrayed me, and for that, you had to pay. I checked around, and while there is a warrant out for my arrest, it’s not for attempted murder. I guess you never told the police who shot you, huh? Too many secrets, boo? Anyway, I’m back where I am freeee to be meeee! Big Apple, baby! Aren’t you glad I’m such a poor shot? Or maybe it was actually my intention for you to live? After all, I had the gun right at your heart but aimed instead at your stomach. And I only fired one shot. Hmmm, that’s something for you to think about. Anyway, I’m good now. I showed you that I’m a sissy only when I choose to be. I’m no punk, Mr. Funk. Cheers, darling! Pat.
Suave quickly folded the letter and stuffed it in his pants pocket. After he had gotten home from the hospital, Suave had contacted Detective Stone and was informed that Pat was released on bail the day before Suave was shot. “It wasn’t that large an amount of cocaine, so the judge granted him bail,” Detective Stone had said.
“I hope you stay in New York,” Suave mumbled. “I’m done with all this crap.”
“Say something, baby?” Monica went and sat beside her husband.
“I’m ready to get up out of here.” Suave reached over and kissed her passionately. Two days later, he, Monica, and their kids were off to the Bahamas.
In the Bahamas, Suave continued attending church with Monica and the children. Monica got saved and was baptized within weeks of them being there. Something she had wanted to do for years.
Suave, however, needed some more time to sort out a few things. He continued his counseling with Annette by phone and had long talks with Alwayne discussing the Bible and God.
Suave also closely followed Queen Bee’s trial. Lizzy and the sinful angels who were arrested each took a plea deal of five
