Rowena: Book One The Sisterhood Series, #1

By Kim L. Walton

Unofficial sisterhood leader Rowena works hard to give her family a better life, often sacrificing her own needs. Rowena finally feels she has accomplished a significant feat at the old age of thirty-two, planning for retirement. Her company, Goddess Package and Delivery Service, is a success and has provided her the opportunity to retire on the sandy shores of Maui.

As Rowena prepares to step back from her many responsibilities, and entertains a new love interest. Never before seen forces rear their ugly head and drag Rowena into a war, not of her choosing. Fighting to stay alive ahead of an old client bent on the ultimate revenge; Rowena's life.

Digging deep within herself; Rowena must find the strength and courage to ride out the storms overshadowing her life. From New York to Washington D.C. to Virginia to Hawaii, Rowena will experience unimaginable horrors. As the storm clouds thicken and threaten to suffocate Rowena. Can she find the strength to keep going?  Live out her dream on the sandy beaches of Maui, and hold on to the love she thinks she's' found?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Walton
• Release date: Aug 31, 2019
• ISBN: 9780997613865

Book preview

Chapter One

Rowena

HERE I GO AGAIN, ROWENA thought to herself. The anticipation of another long night had her feeling moody and on edge. Rowena walked along the streets of New York City, longing, for her home. Looking around, she could only marvel at how the city streets resembled a prison corridor. Doors and windows on either side of the road had bars that crisscrossed over the windows. No store was exempt. From the drug store to the grocery store, they all had bars for decoration.

The world had changed a lot since the affluent thought they were taking over in twenty seventeen. Their systematic way of taking over only helped, to destroy a country already at its tipping point. People who are already poor and broke down. Decided one day they needed to band together, and they fought the affluent back. This country was on the brink of another civil war! Until crucial members from both sides got together and demanded that the violence stop. That everyone worked together to save the country.

Did working together bring peace to everyone? Hell no, two years later, the poor are still struggling to make it. While the affluent are still greedy and getting greedier. As Rowena walked, she reflected on an old saying that Mavis, her adoptive mother had a habit of saying. Old scars stay present unless someone works on them or rubs them out!

Rowena guessed that the bars decorating the windows reflected the times and were the least of someone’s worries. Besides the bars that adorned the doors and windows. Businesses had added retina security scans. They claimed it was for safety? Just to buy food, you had to look through a store’s retina security system before they would let you inside. How the hell is that about safety? Those scans give these businesses the right to pick who they allow inside. Rowena hated that part; a scan determining whether or not your family eats.

She paused outside of a clinic where people sat lined up. Each hoping that one or more of the doctors inside would have pity on them and give aid. So many ways to keep people locked and down, Rowena grumbled to herself. For a country that feeds other countries homeless and less fortunate. There was not a lot of love shown to our own homeless and disadvantaged.

This was why Rowena hated coming to the city. It always fucked up her mood. Shaking the feeling that something was off tonight. Rowena stopped her musings and picked up her pace.

Over the past few years, Rowena had to remind herself why jobs like tonight were so important. Tonight like all the others was just another means to an end. She needed a few more assignments like this, that paid well. Then she could retire and live in comfort. Rowena was making her way to Maui. Kihei to be exact. Kihei is on the southeast shore of Maui. Rowena had purchased three acres of land on the island back when she was a young twenty years old. And another ten acres, that surrounded her property. All-in-all it took thirteen years to pay for the land and have her home custom built the way she wanted.

All her hard work over the years was worth it! She loved the white sand. The temperatures of the seasons running together and watching the whales swim by. Now that was a sight to see. Rowena also owned and operated a gym on the island called Goddess. She knew the name was corny. It was a playoff her name and what it meant. It fits in with her delivery company’s name, ‘Goddess Package and Delivery Services.’

Whenever Rowena talked about moving to Maui for good. Everyone asked how did she end up buying a home in Maui and what made Kihei so special? Rowena was in Wailea, Maui for a job. And that job changed her life for the better. Rowena had completed everything ahead of time for her clients, with time to spare.

One day she explored the island, which led her to wander into Kihei. Rowena fell in love with the area. The small towns in the region were just enough for socializing. The lush green scenery that the trees and vegetation offered called to her. The views were stunning and unusual. Rowena had felt for the first time she was home. She never had a home before, and never desired to have one until then. Now she had a home, two thriving businesses, properties, and a safe place for her family!

Ķ£Ŵ

Shaking off the melancholy mood she was in. Rowena picked up her pace. She had a few more deliveries to make after this one, and she believed in being on time. The life of a delivery service person could be difficult. Especially for a black woman who owned her own small business. Over the years; she had built her reputation on honesty, trust, fair prices, security, and being reliable.  Rowena moved and delivered any and everything. But drawing the line at people and drugs.

As Rowena rounded the street corner, she saw Josh up ahead. He was her contact for this delivery. Anyone looking at Josh would never think he had a head for technology. They would see a tall, dark-skinned man with a head full of dreads, and believe he didn’t know shit about computers. Boy, would they be wrong? Josh had to be, if not the fucking best techie that Rowena had ever worked with, then close to it.

Josh and Rowena met years ago when he was first establishing himself, and she needed good and secure equipment at a reasonable price. No one would think delivering packages would be dangerous. However; Rowena had learned the hard way, that if someone wanted a package, it could mean life or death for the carrier. After that first meeting, Josh had designed all of her communications and security software. No matter the job or what she was doing. She could rely on her connections, not breaking down.

Josh waited as Rowena closed the distance between them. Anyone watching, Rowena walk down the street would think she was relaxed. The hell she was; she only appeared calm on the outside. Josh knew Rowena was aware of her surroundings. At almost six feet tall, she stood above most women and some men. He always noticed that whenever they were together. Men and women would stop and take a glance, at the tall beauty walking beside him.

They took notice of the large breast always encased in a t-shirt and Rowena’s large, firm butt in denim jeans. She didn’t have a flat stomach or a six-pack, and that made her even more appealing. Josh couldn’t blame them for looking and wondering. He watched and thought those naughty thoughts until he got to know her. Josh soon realized that Rowena couldn’t care less about being sexy. That’s what got people’s attention, Rowena’s lack of caring about how she appeared to other people. That confidence Rowena carried was in everything she did. From her natural hair to her love of riding bikes and her take me or leave it attitude. Rowena was a natural, sexy ass woman, and it oozed out of her when she moved and talked.

Rowena walked up to Josh. Do you have them? she asked, arching a brow at him. Rowena was not one to waste time with pleasantries.

Well, hey. Hi Josh, how are you tonight? Nice night for some business! Josh said, glaring at Rowena.

Rowena glanced around them before letting her eyes drift back to Josh. Hey, hi, Josh! What a beautiful night. This may not be the place or time for either of us to be dropping our guard. She said before tapping his shoulder with a finger. Let’s walk and talk, she ordered and walked away from him. Rowena knew Josh didn’t like when she was abrupt with him. But times like this. Business came first, and he knew that about her.

You are something else, said Josh shaking his head. Josh followed Rowena’s lead and walked down the sidewalk. This is like home turf; you know. Josh tried telling Rowena. But Rowena kept walking ignoring his comment, she turned off the street and led them down a side alley. Halfway down the alley, Josh turned about to say something. He stopped when he saw Rowena pause and cock her head to the side. What? he asked nervously.

Raising a hand, Rowena placed a finger to her lips. She stepped close to Josh and put a finger to his lips. Shut up for a second. She whispered. Did you hear something? Rowena knew she had heard something. But what was it, was the question? Cocking her head to the side, Rowena did her best to focus on the sound and the direction it was coming from.

All jokes aside now, Josh became all business. He knew if something had grabbed Rowena’s attention. Then they both needed to be paying attention. Cocking his head, he realized he heard footsteps, and they were getting closer to Rowena and his location. Simultaneously, Josh and Rowena drew their weapons and pointed them in the direction the footsteps came from. As the steps got louder, they could hear whistling accompanying it. The footsteps stopped, and a lone figure appeared at the mouth of the alley. The figure kept whistling while he watched them with his hands in his pocket.

Josh nudged Rowena with his gun hand. Is that who I think it is? Why is he watching us? As the figure kept whistling, Josh’s eyes got big and round. Why, the fuck is he whistling at us!  Oh, shit, Row.  Josh was becoming more agitated by the minute. He knew who the figure was. Rumors were all over the place about this man, and he wanted nothing to do with him. What the fuck did you do to get on that mean mother’s bad side? Josh wasn’t asking Rowena a question. He was so nervous that he didn’t know what to do. His voice came out strained, even to his ears. Rowena and Josh looked at each other for just a sec. When they looked back down at the mouth of the alley, he was gone. Just like that, his whistling was the only thing left for them to hear. Okay, can you say creepy Row? Right, that was creepy. Why the fuck is he always lurking around. Josh exclaimed, shaking his head from side to side.

Rowena took one more look at the mouth of the alley before putting her weapon away. She wasn’t worried about the man that seemed to pop up whenever she needed help. Rowena also didn’t believe half of the rumors people spread around about him. She turned back to Josh. Come on; let’s get our business done. I know you need to go change your undies. She said, smiling at him.

Josh, who was still looking at the mouth of the alley, turned around so fast she thought his neck had popped. Really; you got slapstick jokes now! Did you do something to that psycho? he hedged.

Rowena knew she had to pull Josh in quickly before his emotions and paranoia took over. Josh had worked with her long enough to know if she said chill. Just chill. Rowena grabbed Josh by the front of his shirt. Pull yourself together; if he wanted a piece of either of us, it would have happened by now.  Patting Josh’s arm reassuringly, Rowena softened her tone Hell, he helped me out a few months back. Remember when I was in the Baltimore region, and shit was about to go bad. He was the one that contacted me and told me to watch my back because I had gotten bad Intel for that job.

Stop patting my arm like I am a damn baby, said Josh as he swatted her hand off his arm. I don’t like not knowing what he wants, you know. We still don’t know how the hell he knew where you would be that night. Seriously, how did he know where you were going and whom you had business with? Doesn’t it bother you that he knew you were in trouble and you didn’t?

Rowena rubbed her temple with two fingers, she had a headache brewing. The assignment in question, Rowena had to pick up a personal delivery in Baltimore and deliver it to a client in North Dakota. The job should have been simple. However, Rowena learned on her way to the drop-off point, that someone else wanted her clients’ packages, and was willing to kill for them.  Well, hell, Josh! I would like to know how the hell dude knew I was in trouble or walking into a trap on that job. However, I’m grateful that he contacted me. Yeah, he probably saved my life. Rowena watched as Josh’s eyes got even bigger than they were before. If that was even possible as he processed all she had just said.

Oh, Row, I’m sorry. It’s just that he has a questionable rep.

He is only one man! She said, shaking her head in disbelief at Josh. How could he let rumors drive him? Josh didn’t know the man, no more than she knew him. Tristian that was his name. Rowena had researched him and then stopped. She only cared that he seemed trustworthy, and she only researched him so she could repay what he had done for her. The man had wanted nothing from her. Said it was all about the business. Rowena and Tristian had crossed paths a few times outside of their companies. The guy was always polite and friendly.

Mr. Savior had gotten her attention over time. There was something so sexy about him. Rowena had already noted that he was tall, which she liked in her men. He looked about 6.2, 6.3, lanky... but you could tell that he was built. Rowena hated that she found him attractive. Whenever they came in contact with one another, her body always had a mind of its own and would let her know what it wanted from him, and it was not business. Did she find his actions tonight a little weird? Yep, but Rowena didn’t take it as a threat.

You know the rumor is that he killed with his bare hands. No, I will not be taking anything on that has to do with coming within arms-reach of that man. Josh snapped his voice border-lining on hysterics.

We will not have to. Look, Mr. Savior disappeared. Tonight is getting longer, let’s get this done. Rowena smiled, even though her thoughts were elsewhere. Rowena wondered what was going on with Tristian. They had several encounters, all peaceful and professional. But just as Josh said, Tristian did not usually make his presence known when she was out on business. Maybe it was time to ask what the hell was going on. Rowena decided that after this business tonight. She would reach out to Tristian and find out.

Ķ£Ŵ

Josh and Rowena leaned against the side of the building in the alley. Rowena watched as Josh pulled his backpack around, opened it, and reached inside. A small velvet box appeared in his hand. Josh held the tiny black box out to Rowena. The chips are all here. I had enough for your client and a few extra. The extra ones are for you. He said.

Thanks, said Rowena. She was pleasantly shocked and surprised by this turn of events. How much can I get for them? What about you?

Josh watched as shock registered on Rowena’s face. She was family to him, and the reason his tech firm was up and running. Rowena’s backing and money helped him out in ways people will never know. Josh also knew Rowena wanted to slow down, relax, and focus more on her family. You find the right customer. I know you can and will. He nodded at her. You could pocket at least a million!

Are you serious? she asked, fumbling with her prize.

Yeah, Row... you always make sure that my deals are fair. In all these years, no one has even tried to cheat me. Because of you, I have made some serious cash with no type of drama, or trouble popping up. It’s all because of you. He was grateful for all that she did and still does for him.

Rowena looked at Josh, she was overwhelmed with gratitude. I do what you pay me to do.

I know that! But we both know you have gone above and beyond plenty of times. You placed your name with my business; that was a significant risk alone. Your name carries a lot of respect, and everyone wants to hire a woman who not only fights for the underdogs but works with them. It scared me, in the beginning. I was so afraid of failing and messing up the opportunity you provided me. You taught me to have confidence in myself and my business.

Um, you making my head swell, big guy.

Josh threw an arm around Rowena’s shoulders. I know you want to retire from this life. Those chips can help. Think of them as a small token of appreciation.

Rowena looked up at his boyish face. Thank you, and tell Marcel that she talks too damn much.

She loves you and understands your need to get out. She wants to retire comfortably, herself one day?

The Marcel that Josh and Rowena were discussing was one of her sisters. She owned and operated her protection and security company. Are you and Marcel working on something for her? Rowena questioned.

Shrugging his shoulders, I am doing what she will let me do.

I hear that! We can be proud and prideful. I know that, can work your nerves. But my sister loves you, and you love her. Give her time, and she will bend, and let you in. Rowena felt that Marcel would let Josh do what she felt was right for her, and it was her business. Rowena tapped Josh's chest before removing his arm from around her shoulders. Check and make sure your money came through before I leave you. She said, nodding at his mobile in his hands.

She walked towards the mouth, of the alley giving him privacy to check that his funds were in his account. She was tired and wired at the same time. Her body needed rest, Rowena thought as she stood at the mouth of the alley looking at the light traffic walk, and cruise by. However, her night was not over yet. Once she left Josh, she still had to complete everything with her clients. All clear, said Rowena. The streets are pretty much, empty right now... go. Tell my sister I will see her in a few weeks.

She watched, as Josh looked both ways, raised his hood, and pulled it over his face. Before walking, off, Josh turned in her direction and nodded. Will do, and stay safe! He said in a nervous voice. She didn’t have to tell him to go twice, she thought amused.

The job tonight was a big payday for Rowena. For years, she had been making moves to retire from her delivery company and hand it over to her baby sister Christine to run. From the dreams of a teenager in a detention center, who decided she would make it no matter what. To the grown woman who was making it happen on her terms.

It’s was after one in the morning, and Rowena had just completed her deal with her clients. They wanted her to send their chips to them by special delivery, instead of having her bring them herself. She felt it was ‘stupid.’ They paid $2.5 million for those chips and wanted them shipped. Instead of trying to change her client's mind, Rowena went to the docks where there was a package service open all night. She could have used her people if the client had waited. Now she just wanted them out of her hands. Rowena shipped, those bad boys off. After confirming; first, that her money had been wired to her account!

Ķ£Ŵ

Chapter Two

Say Yes

ROWENA MADE HER WAY slowly, from the docks. Her tiredness caused her to lose focus and not pay attention to her surroundings. Rowena had just cut off of Van Brunt Street, when she was grabbed, from behind. A strong arm wrapped around her waist, lifting her off of her feet. Rowena’s slow reflexes finally kicked in, and she went into defense mode upon being raised in the air. She attempted to throw the back of her head into her assailant’s face, hoping to smash the person’s nose.

Rowena’s body was pushed, against the wall as soon as she tried that maneuver. Her assailant was pending her against the wall with his body. Rowena could tell that a man had her. Their bodies were too close for her not to notice the bulge in his pants.

While pinned against the side of a building. Rowena thought about how she had left her bike, way over on Conover Street. She had used public transportation on purpose tonight, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention to herself. Rowena kept thinking she would not be getting robbed right now. If her clients had not desired those blasted, chips shipped tonight, and if she had just taken her bike. She knew that she would not be in this situation.

Rowena had used The Brooklyn Port area since she knew the people that ran the package service in the area. They handled sensitive materials and other packages that Rowena didn’t want pushing through her own company, Goddess Package Delivery service all the time. Rowena knew that she should have waited to ship the chips off.

His voice was a whisper against her cheek. I have an offer for you. All you need to say is yes, or no?

NO! Now, let me go. She spat out between clenched teeth. Rowena was so angry that he had gotten the jump on her. Yeah, she knew who the hell it was, it made no difference to her. She had slipped, and the fool behind her thought