Carlos and I met with our crew to discuss the logistics for the weekend. With all the major players in town anything could happen. Once all plans had been discussed and confirmed I gave my men the final order

"Everyone goes home, cover each other and don't let ego get in the way"

"Understood" everyone in the crew responded.

Carlos and I drove separately with a security team. We took different routes and arrived separately. Carlos had been on edge and had a feeling something was off. I trusted him and his feelings. So we added the extra precautions and security.

The security check to get into The Office was longer, they were triple checking that everyone came in clean. This event was being held in a different part of the club. We were still on the main floor but further back. The atmosphere was chill'. It was obvious this was not a normal Parlay, I saw quite a few of the OG's in attendance. There had been talk that Zador would be here this evening.

There was an all female crew sitting towards the front of the room. In White Fitted Pant suits they all wore a gold chain with a square charm. I had never seen them before. One of them happened to pass by and I was able to see it wasn't a square but two capital letter F's one upside down the other right side facing each other. From a distance it resembled a square. Interesting.

The room filled up as the guest arrived. And one of them happened to be Remi's Russian. I sized him, he would be a formidable foe, for the average man , but I'm not average.

I could see how he could be intimidating. He was tall and well built and his crew was almost as sharp as ours. I was glad that he didn't know who I was.

After an hour all the guests had arrived. There were about 200 people in the room. Some people I recognized others I didn't

In front of the room there was a podium and microphone. The hostesses began to pass out leather bound books , when I received mine I flipped through the pages briefly. It looked like a book of regulations. Once all the guests had received a copy of the book the meeting officially began.

Good evening Associates,

Thank you all for attending this evening. As you all know this meeting was called by the Zador. We ask that you all hold any questions you have until the end of the meeting. Please let the hostess know if there is anything you need. Without further ado please welcome our Zador.

Everyone began to look around trying to figure out what door the Zador would enter from, slowly the room broke out in whispers as we realized the entry point was not a door, The Zador was elevated up on a platform positioned behind the podium.

At the same time the hostess in the Blue suits made their way to stand on either side of the podium. Individually they were nice looking but all together they were eye-catching.

In less than a minute the room erupted in murmurs, gasp , and different comments of surprise and disbelief. Some even clapped and whistled.

"Good evening, are you all happy to see me or surprised to see me."

I turned my attention back to the podium and I would say I would fall in the surprised category.

" A Lot of you here already know me because we do business together. But for those who do not, let me introduce myself. I am Zadore Baptiste. Today is the anniversary of the truce signed following the L'été' des Balles, the Summer Bullets."

The room became silent

"For those of you who may not remember eighteen years ago our city experienced three months of extreme violence and unimaginable loss, there has been much speculation on what led to the Summer of Bullets and If you will indulge me I will share the the reason with you all today, so that the reason you all were invited here will make sense"

The tension grew, and if security wasn't so tight I might be a little anxious myself.

" That summer a Commander was approached by an Independent. The Independent did not belong nor were they familiar with the Crew Culture.

The Independent asked for a meeting with the Commander and it was granted. However the deal proposed was denied because it would violate our unspoken rules"

"Over the course of a few weeks whenever the Independent would see the Commander or members of his crew he would again express the desire for a joint venture. It was during the last encounter that the first misunderstanding occurred"

It's so quiet that I look around to make sure I am not the only one in the room and realize that all eyes are on the Zador. I turn to look at Carlos and notice his hands are balled into fist but he is captivated.

"The Independent approached the Commander in a local restaurant and asked the Commander to consider the joint venture. The Commander explained that under no circumstances would they be doing business together and to make this the last time he approached him or his crew about the matter."

The guests were sitting up listening, because no one had ever heard or knew the truth.

" The Independent left that encounter feeling disrespected and humiliated, not understanding that the mere act of discussing Crew business in a non vetted public place was yet another violation of our unspoken code. This was a misunderstanding."

" In retaliation for his perceived disrespect and humiliation the Independent ordered an unsanctioned hit on the Commander's son. The Commander's son was a fifteen year old young man, who had not been introduced to the Culture, he was an innocent. "

"The hit was carried out in a public place, the commander's son was shot three times while leaving a public mall, killing not only the commander's son but other innocents"

"In retaliation for the death of his only son, The Commander ordered the execution of the Dealer and all the members of that Independents organization."

"That summer from June until September, the streets of Miami were under siege, the shootings led to a summer of retaliation and that is how

The Summer of Bullets Began"

The room was silent once again. The Zador continued

" All of you have received a copy of The Book of Original Codes, this book contains all of the rules, regulations codes and rules of engagement for most activities associated with our Culture."

"These rules have been discussed and agreed upon by all Crews present as well as previous Commanders, it was agreed that all members of any crew that is a member of the East Coast Parlay operate using these rules and if not they will receive sanctioned actions"

" In the last few years there have been positive changes made to our Crew Culture, starting with the East Coast Parlay. There is one more change. The East Coast Parlay will now be The Kings Parlay"

" The name is to honor the young man who lost his life by the first bullet that started the Summer of Bullets, Raphael King Baptiste, my brother."

The air in the room became still as shock circulated through the room

" I know some of you are wondering what in hell but to clarify it a bit, most of you in this room know me as Remi-Blu of RBlu Legal Consulting. I have helped many in this room, others of you know me as Dominica Velez, I am both, I am Remi-Blu Dominica Baptiste, daughter of the Baptiste Family and also your current Zador.

At that moment the women who had been standing to either side stepped forward and the crew of all women in white stood.

"Before I answers questions please let me introduce you to my crew the

Force De Femmes, these women are the force that moves us in the right direction."

The Room exploded in applause. I was shocked to see Merci, Lani and Miko based on the way they were positioned. Merci was her Second, Lani her Advisor and Miko was the Uzi, the one in charge of all of the crew's security.

The room quieted down as The Zador opened the floor for questions.

The first question was asked by a Female Commander "Zador Baptiste, so you are the creator of the East Coast Parlay I thought it was created by Commander Adino?"

"Yes I am the creator, but even he didn't know"

"But if I recall correctly the first East Coast Parlay was hosted by his crew"

"You are correct, Commander Adino was sent communications asking if he would host, the communication was from the Future Zador, my name was never mentioned.

It was a coincidence that he asked me to host his party, he wasn't aware of my identity or that I was even familiar with the Culture."

"You are full of surprises" Dante yelled out and Remi smirked.

There were several more questions asked and just when I thought they were over a female Commander asked

" Zador, can you confirm the rumors that you are married to a certain Commander." The speaker then nodded toward Gavril

Remi's expression softened and she smiled but she answered the question.

"I am married but not to the Commander everyone thinks, "

Remi looked in the Russians direction and winked, He in turn raised his glass to her.

"Believe it or not my husband is learning of my identity as the Zador tonight with the rest of you, so out of respect for his privacy, I will leave it up to him if he wishes to make himself known"

Oh my girl is good , she never made eye contact with me, which fueled another round of murmurs as people waited to see what commander it was, quite a few people turned to look at the Russian.

"Say you better claim your wife before it's another misunderstanding up in here" Carlos laughed

I took his advice. I stood up and buttoned my suit jacket and joined my beautiful wife at the podium. She looked gorgeous tonight in her midnight blue fitted suit. It showed off her curves and the silky skin of her chest. Her hair was different, it was bone straight and parted down the middle, her makeup like her was flawless, she looked powerful.

People didn't notice me until I was a few feet from Remi, I took the last steps to stand next to her and heard the response. A mixture of shock and excitement.

"Am I allowed to kiss the Zador?" I whispered in Remi's ear. She nodded but I was respectful and kissed her cheek as my arm circled her waist. She was the Zador, the advisor to all the crews, the one who would settle disputes and give legal advice but first and foremost she was my woman and I needed everyone to understand that.

"Not that he needs an introduction but please let me introduce you to my husband Commander Navarro."

The room became loud with applause and more whistling as the Navarro Crew clapped and whistled for their commander, they seemed to sit up a little straighter too.

"Well it makes sense the rumors about your husband being um protective" the female Commander added.

The Commander from the Brethren Crew asked " Is this not a conflict of interest?" He wasn't disrespectful but it was an obvious question.

"That is a valid question and what I can say is it ultimately will be a matter of trust and respect. You all will have to trust that I will continue to be the same Zador you all have had for the last four years. I will continue to respect you all. Commander Navarro can speak to how seriously I take my role and how careful I am to protect those I am responsible for."

The answer seemed to be accepted

Then a question was directed at me "Commander Navarro how does it feel to find out that your wife is the Zador" I looked at Remi

"Do you want me to answer?" I asked out of respect.

"Of course, I am not a dictator," she smile up at me.

" I have to admit there is a shock factor, Remi- The Zador has kept this secret close, I had no idea but now that I know, I feel better knowing that all the traveling is for Crew Business" I gave them smile and the crowd laughed

"Commander Navarro one more questions, how do you and the Zador meet, and why was the wedding kept secret"

These motherfuckers were nosy as hell but I understood, some of them knew I had married Tina, and if I didn't give a brief explanation it could tarnish Remi's and my reputation. I looked at Remi. " Do you want to explain or should I?"

"Nah you tell them, you the one that was married" she whispered and laughed.

"You're going to get later " I kissed her cheek and pulled her a little closer.

"Remi, and please forgive me for not calling her Zador. That will take some getting used to. We met at the first East Coast Parlay, The wedding wasn't made public because unfortunately by the time I convinced her to marry me I was already away" the sounds of understanding went around the room.

" Well it seems we answered all the pressing questions" Remi smiled

"I thank you all for attending, I appreciate you all coming at a time that is difficult, enjoy your night"

"You are something else, but I am proud of you and proud to be with you" we walked off the stage, Remi turned and kissed me, a passionate kiss that promised a good night was in my future.

"I have to make sure these female Commanders know you are off limits, thirsty bitches" Remi wiped her lipstick off my lips and turned to give a fake smile to a few women who were staring in our direction I just laughed in response

Carlos walked over to Remi and I, he gave Remi a hug " Shit I love being connected, the Zador is my damn Sister in Law"" he joked with Remi

"In all seriousness, I love what you doing, and I liked that you did it this weekend," He looked like a man who might just recover from his broken heart

After dabbing me up Lo let me know his vacation had officially started.

"Say, I am out , and don't call me for shit, you don't need me with the wife you have" He smiled we hugged

"Enjoy yourself man, and take your time" with that he left and I was happy that he looked happy, I hope he enjoys his vacation

That night when Remi and I got to her place we made love for hours and talked about our future together, I told her that I wanted to have a real wedding. We had already obtained and filed our Florida marriage license. But I wanted to have the wedding we both deserved.

I had been married before but I felt more like a prop than an actual groom.

Remi agreed but said she had to make peace with her family. That morning she called her mother and invited them down for a visit the week before Ria's birthday, that is when we were having her party.

I called my mother and invited her and my father. Now we just had to broker peace with our parents. We had talked about it before and decided that we did want them to be a part of Ria's life.

So far everything was going better than I dreamed it would , I just hope it stays that way.