Baltimore Chronicles by Treasure Hernandez Read Free Book Online

birthmark?”
    Derek swallowed hard because his mother’s face came flooding back to his mind’s eye. He could see her brown sugar–colored skin and straight white teeth so clearly smiling at him. Those memories were from a time when things were so good for them. In reality, the last time he’d laid eyes on his mother, she was a gaunt skeleton with missing teeth and riddled with bruises.
    Shaking his head, Derek got it together. “It…it was a heart-shaped, cherry-colored mark on her left cheek, and she used to call it ‘a mother’s love’ and tell us she got it from our kisses,” Derek said, barely able to get the words out.
    The man was really confused when Derek said “our kisses.” He looked at Derek intensely then disappeared, armed with the answer. Within minutes, the man returned and Derek was allowed to follow him back to the secret office.
    When Derek stepped into the room, it was like time stood still. Scar was sitting behind a huge mahogany desk like the CEO of a legitimate company. Scar’s face looked much improved. His scar actually made him look dangerous, instead of ugly and deformed like it did when he was a kid. Who would’ve thought an ugly birth defect could benefit him? It was as if his deformity had dictated what he was to become.
    Derek was at a loss for words. He stared at Scar, thinking his eyes were deceiving him. Derek’s legs were weak and threatened to fail him.
    â€œAin’t this a bitch! My little big brother,” Scar said, standing up and stepping from behind the desk.
    Derek was still speechless. Like the first time he saw the wanted poster, Derek didn’t know what to do—cry, scream, or say he was sorry.
    â€œI know the cat ain’t got your tongue, niggah. You ain’t happy to see your little brother after a hundred years and shit?” Scar said, grabbing Derek for a manly hug.
    â€œI’m just so fuckin’ happy to see you, man,” Derek finally managed to say. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep my promise. I was a kid. They snatched me away from you. I had promised Mommy…” Derek rambled, shaking all over.
    â€œC’mon, man. I don’t hold you responsible for nothin’. Them white people ain’t care nothing about two black little niggahs try’na keep whatever piece of family they had together. I ain’t never blame you, my nig. Besides, if shit didn’t happen the way it did, I wouldn’t be the king that I am today,” Scar assured, offering his dumbfounded brother a seat.
    â€œI told Mommy I would always take care of you. I’m back, and I will keep that promise,” Derek assured his brother. And he didn’t lie. Although he had pledged allegiance to uphold the law of the state of Maryland, his allegiance to his family was stronger. Derek had another chance to keep his promise to his mother, and he vowed he would forever be his brother’s keeper—that is, if his brother wanted to be kept.
    From that day forward, Derek helped Scar stay above the law. He made sure Scar was always one step ahead of the jump out boys and the Narcotics Unit. But when the heat got turned up on Derek to make some big busts, he spoke with Scar and they agreed to put on their little show. Scar agreed to take a fall to help his brother look good in the eyes of the department and the public. It had all worked out—or so they hoped.

Chapter 5
A Tangled Web We Weave
    Derek had daydreamed about his childhood and his reunion with Scar all the way home. He looked at the bag of dirty money he held and asked himself if it was worth it. It gave him an ill feeling in the pit of his stomach. That was a lot of fucking money, and the old street credo—more money, more problems—was about to ring true for Derek Fuller.
    Shaking his head to clear out the cobwebs of the past, Derek pulled into his driveway. Thoughts of his wife and her warm hugs, kisses,