“Scuse’ me brother. But this seat’s taken. Me and Henry got a standing appointment, kna’mean?” The newer arrival noted the entire room. One glance took inventory of the sizable entourage, and guards posted in arms reach. Another to a very nervous clientele, and a third to Pop himself.
“Now. What we got here is something that’s going to have to fix itself. Maybe Prince Akeem and Semi, and the rest of the Zamunda Crush Crew can go see Fish. Play a game or three while I get my lineup. “ Cornell looked about for validation, followed by a theatrical laugh. On cue, his own handlers chuckled and mimicked his amusement. Not louder than their boss’s however.
T’Challa noted all of it himself. W’kabi was a split second away from reaching into his own coat pocket to find a silencer for the interruption, when his Prince raised a hand. “I may have been mistaken. We were not aware that Mister Hunter’s business operated in this manner. Perhaps our diligence overlooked neighborhood favors and debtors. Mr. Stokes, there was no insult meant.”
“I don’t think we’ve met.”
“Formally, we have not. But we’re rather intimate now, I would think.”
Cottonmouth knew that any escalation could involve much more heat than he was prepared for, especially hearing the accents that were far removed from Harlem, Manhattan, or anywhere in the city.
That, and the last thing he’d want is Mariah’s mouth for having an international incident three blocks from her campaign headquarters. Truthfully, he was a little surprised she wasn’t taking the photo ops and leading the Prince around by his elbow. Or other parts, if she had her normal way of favors.
“Cornell…today is not the day.” Pop himself finally made his way through, forming a distraction first and then a dividing line between two small, intense armies. “But we’ve got visitors. I’m not authorized to service his Grace due to…my situation. But I’m happy to take care of you in the next chair over. It’s the proper way of doing this.” His voice lowered, setting his alerted eyes on those of his longtime friend and accomplice. “I’m asking. This doesn’t go down in here. You don’t want this.”