The New York Sour

By Marvin Koyo

The New York Sour is the following book in the series of Edged Up: My Fair Share for Christmas. In the underworld, businesses are still on the run. The Bracho’s auto repair shop, a family owned business, faces a recession in the last two quarters of the fiscal year of 2018. Some family members are involved in a murder Eddie Bracho and his cousin Felicia are investigating after their arrival back in New York.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9781532078682

Marvin Koyo

Born on September 19th, 1993 in Ivory Coast, Marvin Koyo is an undergraduate student majoring in Human Resources Management at University of North Texas located in Denton, and the membership chair advisor of Mean Green Lions, a small portion of Lions Club International. For his passion on reading books and typing articles over the internet, he has been posting several articles and poems about his personal life, social and cultural events on Blogger since March 2012. As a matter of facts, he belongs to an extended then multicultural family, in which he is the second child among his fathers four children; on the other side, he is the last one among two children.

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Copyright © 2019 Marvin Koyo.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7866-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7867-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5320-7868-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019909985

iUniverse rev. date:   07/17/2019

CONTENTS

Acknowledgment

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

T HANKS TO MATHEW Vondersaar, Omar Garay, Mary Katherine Gowdy, Matias Masson, Daniela Jasso. Georgia Waters, and Dr. Penny

1

D URING THE CHRISTMAS night, Victoria heard knocks on her front door. Wondering who was that late guest, she left her dishes soaking in the hot and soapy sink then cleaned her hands under a weak yellow lightbulb. Victoria walked past the living room animated by the TV light switching from white to orange. Between the entrance and the stairs, Victoria peered through the door peephole at her friend Danielle. Victoria quickly opened the door. Watching her guest walked through without greetings, Victoria questioned herself before opening any conversation. Why everyone seems so moody every day?

What’s going on Danie? Are you okay?

Danielle said nothing. She walked fast and took a seat on the couch facing the TV. Her glimpses fixed the corner of the square table.

I have family issues Vicky. Like I don’t have too. Victoria said it to herself.

Look honey, suit yourself. I’ll be right back.

No, problem.

Danielle stayed at the living room watching the Roman Empire on Netflix, especially the episode talking about the life of Augustus. Meanwhile, Victoria was changing her clothes and arguing with Hector glancing at his computer screen.

What are you working on Hector? Stop whatever you are doing, and let’s go.

I won’t. I got to take care of this Vicky.

Na. Like you and the girls say all the time, vamonos.

Victoria approached her husband with an anger that could cause any tornado at any moment. The Bracho’s bedroom seemed to be a bit untidy. The bed wasn’t made, shoes were all over the place and Hector filled the desk with a ton of paperwork. Checking on the Office documents, and opened tabs her husband was working on; Victoria closed Hector’s laptop.

What’s up Vicky? I’m stupidly hurt.

Hector frowned and shook his fingers. He watched them as if he could have seen the pain his wife caused.

I don’t care. Are you serious? Why are you working on the Bracho’s transactions if you already resigned from your position?

That’s the problem with you Victoria. You’re missing the point. I’m not working for my family anymore. I’m checking what the SWOT are because I’m opening my own car dealership soon. (Strength Weakness Opportunities and Threats).

Hector was a good liar. Though his wife urged him to cut off ties with the business since summer, Hector was still doing this for the sake of his widowed mom. He carried on. Honey stay here, and let’s spend the night together just you and me.

I wish I could, but I already promised Felicia I’ll be there.

Okay.. Hector sighed. By the way who’s here?

It’s Danielle..

Hector reopened his Surface Pro. Victoria caressed her husband’s shoulders.

Please stop working on that business and give me some attention honey.. Hector calculated the average of cost of goods sold from September to November. He replied.

If she asked about me, tell her I’m not home.

Why? Isn’t she your best friend?

Honey just tell her..

Okay.

What am I going to with such husband? Victoria thought. Dejected, she inside retrieved a red mauve dress from her closet before donning her Louboutin, - the same as Danielle’s then pocketed a red mask matching with her dress inside her handbag. Victoria checked herself in the mirror while pinching and holding the mid-bottom of her robe like a princess. The smile on her face was the perfection of a night full of happiness. Hector, nonetheless, slowly removed his glasses after calculating the margin loss of his family business.

So, you’re leaving now?

Yes, why that question, my sugar?

Because I want you to stay with me.

I have a visitor now so let me take care of her and I’m coming back at you.

Hector’s wife left the room and went straight to the kitchen. Hector needs to get out a little bit. He never leaves the house unless he goes working out or chasing money. She came with some whiskey sour she stored in her fridge and served Danielle who was deep inside her documentary.

Merry Christmas my love.. Merry Christmas Vicky.. Both clinked their drinks altogether.

What’s wrong Danie?

Victoria sipped her whiskey hoping nothing too dramatic happened.

Your husband’s twin is back, and he is giving me a heart attack with all his dividends’ problems, notwithstanding Lola has been claiming her shares since the beginning of the year. I don’t know why Eddie’s so obsessed with money.

No wonder why those two people look alike. I was just trying to convince Hector to go out with us tonight, but he denied my proposal. .

Victoria put her palm over her left cheek. Thinking about her marriage life, she felt like divorcing since she knew she wasn’t too valuable for Hector. She had headaches talking about Hector and her, therefore, Victoria changed the subject.

By the way, do you know whether Aziz would show up tonight?.

Victoria whispered. She also gave a smile filled with excitement. Danielle, on the other hand, came closer and spoke at a normal volume.

I believe he is. Helena texted me when you were inside your room. He was going to take a shower before going out, so I guess that’s a yes.

That’s fabulous.. Victoria smirked. Look, don’t get mad at Eddie. He’s still in the business working hard for the family unlike Hector who resigned and just got back at it again.

Are you for real?. Danielle’s shouts sounded like she was losing her voice. She jumped a bit forward.

I’m serious. I caught him working on an Excel spreadsheet titled as Fourth quarter 2018.

Danielle rolled her eyes. She moved further forward now at the edge of her seat before speaking.

I’m not sure if that’s possible. Maybe he’s working for the last report of the year. He resigned around the end of July. So, it could be his last steps before his complete termination. But we really need him back please tell him that.

I can’t promise that. I don’t want him to do anything at all.

Why?. Danielle’s phone was vibrating. She checked who was calling her and resumed. Anyway, I got to go, we’ll talk about it later.

Okay sweetheart. Later..

Danielle hugged her cousin’s wife and left. Victoria, in the meantime, went seeing Hector. She looked desperate when noticing Hector was still on his desk. While he moved all fingers moving his keyboard, Victoria thought. I wonder when you’ll understand women like me. Giving them the care and love they need. Life isn’t about money all the time. She tried not to get on his nerves, so caressed Hector’s shoulders until Hector put his laptop next to the TV screen, dumped his stuff away, carried Victoria over his desk, and kissed her on the neck.

2

I T WAS WHEN the stars started socializing in the universe around one thirty in the morning on the Times Square. Diego and the girls were at the bar drinking and talking about business at The Living Room. Going for a little walk by the couches, Victoria Bracho went sitting on one of them with Danielle as both left the three other sisters at the bar. Victoria replied to Danielle while skimming a WhatsApp text message from Eddie.

Talking about Eddie whining all the time makes me exhausted. He’s my good friend, but please Danielle let’s change the subject this guy is…

Danielle’s phone rang too. She checked her WhatsApp message. Victoria continued.

Everywhere.

I know right. But it’s a serious matter. Can’t you understand, everyone is in pain? Most of us say you’re the root of our problems right now.

Victoria answered in an immediate time. Excuse me? How dare you telling me this? She couldn’t digest what Danielle just said. She asked her.

Am I a difficulty for you as well?

Well sort of. Victoria, you know Eddie doesn’t have his shares, right? Here we go again with the same story. Victoria sighed, and Danielle carried on. Listen to me, everyone is thinking about it but not you. I may not only be Hector’s and Eddie’s cousin, but I also am your friend. I got to tell you the truth. We need you all back in business we don’t have a lot of customers.

Victoria moved aside a bit to the left boundary of the couch. She said a straight No.. She already had enough of her husband ignoring her as if she was just an achievement for him.

I can’t and probably never will think about that.

Why?. Danielle asked while shouting. She was concerned about her cousin not getting paid since the beginning of the year.

I just can’t. I don’t have that authority to do so.

C’mon Vicky. Come back, that’s important for the family business.

Danielle, I’m sorry, but I’m third place in Hector’s life and you know that. I tried before but now I don’t want him working on them anymore.

While talking to her bestie, Victoria looked around. She saw a guy with some dreadlocks dressed in a black suit and western African tie. It was Aziz blowing kisses to Victoria. She completely blushed when he smooched her hand.

"Hey Vicky, how are you?’

I’m fine, please can we talk later.

Na, it can’t wait.

Ok, Danielle can you leave me for a second?

Danielle shook her head. No. She then waved at her sisters to come next to them.

Danielle. Victoria shouted. What are you doing? Aziz only wants to talk to me. Why are you calling the others?

Victoria suddenly stood up and walked with Aziz. She ignored Hector’s cousins and went to the table next to the couch where she recently sat. Victoria was a bit tipsy so less focused to listen what Aziz wanted from her. She was paying attention to Danielle’s mumbles.

I told her to meet this guy just to hook up. Why are you blaming me if she’s dating him? And why do you suddenly care when you keep blaming her about your missing shares?

Danielle fired at her twin Lola.

You’re not getting it Danielle. The point is early in this evening, when we went back home. I saw this guy dealing some… Felicia shoved Lola. drugs on Alej…. That time Helena and Felicia hit her on both shoulders.

What? What Felicia?.

Lola became hysterical while her sisters tried to tell her Victoria and Aziz were just next to them so they could hear their conversation. Too late, Victoria listened most of it and brought her toy boy as well while impelling Lola.

What’s wrong with you Victoria? You want to fight me after stealing my shares?

Lola calm down. We’re already talked about it yesterday afternoon. I’ll pay you since it’s not her fault..

Felicia replied. She smiled to her little sister and posed her right hand on Lola’s shoulder to calm down her temper. Lola, on the other hand, got rid of her big sister’s hand. The two other twin sisters stepped back while Victoria gave first her smartphone to Danielle then left her bag on table.

I honestly don’t know what you are talking about Lola. And stop daydreaming.

Vicky. Danielle tried to get Victoria’s attention. She redundantly called her, but Victoria ignored Danielle in order to say all the things she wanted to get off her chest.

I don’t have time to fight a dumb girl like you gossiping all the time.

Vicky calm down. Lola is not mad at you. She’s just being protective. Right now, there’s a crisis we all need to fix and that’s your husband’s fault.

Danielle responded while Victoria walked in circle. She ignored a lot about the business being her first enemy. Victoria looked around till her gazes stopped on Lola’s eyes.

What did Hector do? Don’t tell me again he stole your dividends to get me satisfied. My husband has nothing to do with your pennies. You’re just a broke and lazy ass girl. Why don’t you go begging outside for your shares? Get over it, Lola.

Lola slapped Victoria while Felicia and Helena laughed at their cousin’s wife sounding like a meowing cat.

I just did. You, the silly slut, are cheating on my cousin for someone who can’t even pay a cab to go home. If I don’t get my shares back, I’ll kill you. Anyway, let’s enjoy our Christmas night now. I’ll get the first round.

Victoria caressed her cheek and went to the bar with the other girls. As all gathered, they encountered their manager, Brayan, talking to the bartender. Meanwhile, Diego hollered at Felicia.

Hey Felicia, what’s wrong with the twins?

Which ones? The boys or girls?

I’m talking about Eddie. He sent us a text message taller than his height. Is he fucking high?

I don’t know. I’ll check it out later.

3

"A CCORDING TO THE constitution of our family business, I, Eddie Bracho, hereby request a meeting for our business quarter’s. It has been lately a disgrace our cash flows disappeared into fights and j okes.

I won’t be sorry to be that knucklehead who always asks about his shares, but I’m saving all my shares for four reasons. The repair shop is my freedom, my lifestyle, my work, and my tuition fees.

We worked too hard on that business sitting next to dad while he was there until I got few C’s and Ds. Your late-night facetime calls put me in an academic probation for a semester.

I appreciate the hard work from Danielle, Felicia, and Brayan; however, I still have my shares and my twin missing. I don’t know what’s wrong with Hector and my calls haven’t been returned yet.