Success, Opulence and Power, Hebru Young [inspirational novels .txt] 📗

always been stories about my mob ties, but they had always been just that, stories. With my trial being such a public affair, it would only reinforce what people suspected about me.

The kids got back from church later that afternoon, and my mom decided to pop in before heading back to her annex. Mom loved it when the kids went to church with her. Going with the kids gave her the opportunity to show off how great her grandkids are—her pride and joy.

 “Hey Dad, I’m going to be heading back to Connecticut in a couple of hours, I have lectures tomorrow afternoon. Is it okay if I take the jet?” Carlie asked.

“Sure, no problem. Get Brandon to get the flight crew together,” I said.

“Excellent! Thanks, Dad,” Carlie said.

“Hi Mom, how was church?” I asked my mom.

“It was good. Father Thaddeus asked about you again,” my mom replied.

“He did?” I asked.

“Yes, he did. With everything that is going on, it wouldn’t hurt to go see him for prayers, you know. It would also help rebuild your image,” my mom said,

“Mom might have a point here, honey. A few press photos with him would be a good look for you,” Laura said.

“Not you as well, Laura. Fine, I’ll go see Father Thaddeus,” I said, reluctantly.

“Good,” my mom said.

I hadn’t been to church in a while. I just had no interest in the rhetoric. It was the same stuff every time: love your neighbour, repent, have faith, Jesus loves you. The same stuff over and over, but I will make the time to go see him just to make everyone happy.

“Okay, if I’m no longer needed here, I’ll be heading to the study. Hey, Jonny, you got a minute, kiddo?” I said.

“Of course, Dad,” Jonny replied.

“So, how are things with you, school okay?” I asked.

“Yeah Dad, I mean the kids have been asking a lot of questions but nothing malicious really,” Jonny replied.

“Oh, I’m really glad to hear that. I know kids can be mean at times, I just wasn’t sure if you were being picked on because of everything that has happened,” I said.

“Nah, nothing like that, Dad. In fact, a lot of the kids that I hadn’t even been friends with all want to hang out with me now. I’ve got kids wanting to buy me lunch, some of the younger kids wanting to carry my school bag and stuff. It’s all a bit weird, to be honest,” Jonny said giggling.

“Ha-ha, it’s called respect, son. I never wanted things about my business to come out this way. Now that it has, and people know you are my son, they want to get close to you. They probably think that an affiliation with you is cool,” I said.

“Oh, I see,” said Jonny.

“Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying here, though. I never wanted you to have this type of attention. There is nothing cool about the allegations I am facing,” I said.

“Did you do all that stuff that they are accusing you of?” Jonny asked.

“I’m gonna pour myself a drink. Have you tried alcohol yet?” I asked.

“Ummm…” Jonny hesitated.

“You don’t have to lie to me, Jonny,” I said.

“Okay, yes I have, but I’ve never been drunk or anything like that. A few of my friends go out and get drunk and stuff, but that’s not my style,” Jonny said.

“Fair enough. Well, I would like for us to have our first official drink together. I’m a vodka-and-club-soda guy. Here’s a glass. Try some and let me know what you think,” I said.

“Arrrgh, it’s a bit strong,” Jonny said.

“Ha-ha, I know. Now here’s the thing, I have been involved in things that I am not proud of. Some of my business dealings haven’t been on the up and up. Growing up where I did and in the times that I did, I was exposed to a lot of bad stuff. As a result, I’ve had to be involved in shady dealings with shady people. However, I have cleaned up my businesses to a point where they are ninety percent legit. The plan is to get all the businesses I own clean and legit over the next five to eight years. So that by the time you and your sister come to inherit all of it, it will be completely clean,” I said.

“I understand Dad, you did what you had to do. Nothing will ever change the fact that I love and respect you,” Jonny said.

“Son, that is the best thing I have heard in a long time. Come here, you,” I said.

Jonny was a smart kid, and the conversation we had made me a bit emotional. Kids are very forgiving. One will gain their trust and respect as long as you’re honest with them and don’t treat them like idiots. From that moment on, I decided I was never going to hide things from the kids.

Chapter 29

Success

Where: Dominguez residence, North Walnut Grove, Miami

When: 0730 hours, Thursday, June 7, 2012

Currency: US dollar

It was graduation day, and Eddie was excited that high school was finally over. He would be moving on to college, where he would have more flexibility in what and when he wanted to study. Anna was very proud of her son. Despite all the trauma Eddie had experienced, he still maintained good grades. He also helped her in the restaurant most days after school, which was a difficult task. Most kids only needed to worry about homework, but Eddie was juggling many things at his young age. Anna couldn’t be prouder.

It had been a few months since the drug-dealing escapade, and Eddie and his friends had made a significant amount of money. So much that Raphael opened his own restaurant and stopped dealing drugs altogether. He still dabbled in petty scams here and there, but