THE ALGORITHM

16.

He figured his grandfather would bring up the past. Bilal still didn't understand why he was being blamed when he hadn't started the drama. He was simply sucked into it due to people trying to test him.

"I didn't start anything. The drama followed me home." Bilal defended himself. "Besides, all the stuff you named is normal situations for the life we live and you know that."

"And you made it worse." David rasped. "Now you done went and got into some drama with those white people in Brooklyn. Why would you do that?"

"Pops, I'm not affiliated with any of it."

"Well, you brought that girl around, and now you are. Maybe not at that moment, but when the Bellamys find out you're the one responsible for protecting her and paying for her lawyer fees, they're coming after you, and you're going to drag the entire organization into it."

Bilal scoffed but remained silent, sipping his beverage.

David pointed his finger at his grandson and said, "I advise you to stay far away from that girl."

"I can't do that." Bilal objected, shaking his head. "I promised her I would help her. I can't leave her without any protection. Pops, you know how those people are. They'll push for a maximum senten—"

"That is not your problem," David interjected, voice raised and lip pulled into a tight line. He was letting Bilal know that he wasn't playing. "You are a Lawson. As the head of the organization, you do everything possible to protect it."

"Alright, man..." Bilal trailed off, brushing his thumb against his face. "How did you even find out about Penny being arrested?"

"Regine," David answered without hesitation. "Tim told her, and she decided to tell me. You know the boy can barely hold water."

Bilal narrowed his eyes, thinking about Timothy and his big mouth.

"I should've known..." Bilal trailed off. "I can't let her stay in there. I'll make a few calls and see that she's released as soon as possible. I'll just make sure not to involve myself and the business."

David glanced at Victoria, who was busy mingling with Suzanne. He looked at Bilal and silently viewed him. A thought popped into his mind, causing him to ask Bilal another question.

"Let me ask you something." David began, setting his towel on the counter to wipe up the condensation that had accumulated from the iced beverage. "What is your relationship with this girl?"

Bilal looked up, furrowing his brows in puzzlement.

"What do you mean?"

David chuckled lightly as he eyed his grandson. "Are you fucking her?"

Bilal was a little stunned by David's bluntness. He blinked a few times and shook his head. "What? Nah, man. It's nothing like that. I just want to protect her. I promised her I would get her out."

"Well, you're going to do what you want to do anyway," David murmured. "You should've gotten rid of the girl like I told you to."

"Everyone has been telling him that, me included." A high-pitched voice interjected. Bilal pinpointed the person and realized it was his fiancée. "Can I get a lemondrop, Pops?"

"Now you know I can't make that." David shook his head.

"Well, what can you make, old man?" Victoria teased him. "Since you're behind the counter."

"Rum and Coke," David answered, causing Victoria to roll her eyes playfully. "With a lemon wedge."

"Alright...hook me up." She smiled, taking a seat beside her fiancé.