Free Shattered Trust by Leslie Esdaile Banks

filled their expressions, as though it had been silently transferred from Akhan to everyone else in a matter of telepathic seconds.
    Najira glimpsed Steve from the corner of her eye, which brought her father’s attention first to her, and then it settled on Steve.
    â€œWelcome to the family,” Akhan said calmly, taking a slow sip of his juice.
    Steve simply stared at him. No one spoke. Akhan didn’t smile or avert his eyes, but set his glass down very precisely.
    â€œAt my age, one becomes very philosophical,” the elderly man said, his tone neutral. “One may be old, but do not assume blindness.”
    â€œDad, see—”
    Akhan held up his hand, stopping Najira’s words while everyone else held their breath. “No need to explain. I saw it at Laura’s wedding.” He nodded toward Steve, who gave a quick, nervous nod back. Akhan’s gaze slid to James. “He was your partner for years, watched your back, and stood as your best man. I take that as an endorsement from a man whom I respect.”
    James nodded. “We go back a lotta years, and dude’s always been righteous.”
    Akhan nodded, sighed, and pushed back in his chair, folding his hands over his stomach. He then looked at Jamal. “My son hung with you, has been living with his sister for a year or so now.” He kept his penetrating gaze on Jamal. “My son, like me, has good discernment in character—a necessary thing for survival in the streets. There would have been a falling-out, if things were not as they should be. Jamal is still here, therefore I can only assume that things are correct.”
    â€œYeah, Pop,” Jamal said quickly, glancing at the others. “It’s all good.”
    Akhan again nodded, and then turned his attention on Laura. “With all that is at stake, and all the unspoken business that must be conducted, I know my dear niece would not have you as a part of her inner circle, if you could not be trusted. Of all those I know, Laura is the shrewdest most skilled strategist.”
    He let his gaze linger on Laura. Warmth and pride filled her at the most profound compliment her uncle had given her. Yet it also sent a chill through her, as his small speech had the ring of a eulogy to it—someone unburdening his spirit so he could make his peace and go home to glory.
    â€œHe’s been with us since it all started,” Laura said, resting her hand on Akhan’s shoulder.
    Akhan briefly covered the touch with a rough hewn palm and then both their hands fell away. He fixed his gaze on Najira, who was looking down, until her eyes met his.
    â€œDaughter ... he makes your eyes smile and also become shy. He has the endorsement of those I most cherish and trust in the world. Why wouldn’t you come to me and let me know? Haven’t I always taught you that a house united will stand, a house divided will fall?”
    She nodded, her eyes glistening with myriad emotions, and that’s when Akhan finally smiled.
    â€œThen, given what we have to face, I thought it best to go into the challenges united. We do not have time for old prejudices to divide what has become our house.” Akhan looked up at Steve’s stricken expression. “Ashé?”
    Steve nodded, still seeming unsure.
    â€œYou pass inspection,” Akhan said with a soft chuckle. “Laura, make some tea. We pour some libations to honor the ancestors and call it a day. I’m tired.”
    â€œJust like that, Pop? You cool?” Jamal, incredulous, stood and walked to the stove to make tea, when Laura’s legs couldn’t push her to stand fast enough.
    â€œAt my age, you don’t waste time. You observe, accept or decline, and then move on. I accept.”
    Steve almost toppled Akhan’s juice and water glasses, quickly reaching over the table to shake his hand. “I’m not playing games with her, sir, and will do right by her.”
    Akhan shook