"Don't act all high and mighty, I know what you have done," Robin shot back at her as he struggled to throw her off. He placed a hand on her thigh and tried to lift her off but to no avail. Putting his arm around her he pulled her close and then rolled around to get on top of her. Her nightgown was pulled down to her chest and it left little to his imagination. 

He quickly focused on the task and pinned her arms to the floor. "Where are the keys to the safe? If you hand it over I will not hurt you," he barked at her as she squirmed underneath him.

From the next room he heard the slamming of a door followed by the sound of running footsteps. He was sure that she was alone in the house and it confused him. From the look on Zavia's face he could tell that she was clueless as well about the other intruder. That is when he noticed the key hanging around her neck, which he had mistook for a necklace. He pulled on the chain and the key emerged from between her mounds. Pulling it off of her he quickly got up and ran to the other room.

What he saw in there shocked him. The safe was open and most of its contents were missing. A puppy was lying unconscious on the floor nearby and there was no sign of anyone else in the room. He ran to the balcony and looking down he saw James run off with a small bag around his shoulder. It dawned on him that he had been duped to break into this woman's home. Shamefully he walked back to the bedroom to find Zavia.

Zavi had one of the bedroom lamps on now. She was in the closet looking for her robe. A minute go by and she finds it. She slides it on.  The man comes back in the room before he could say anything, she pushes past him and hurries to her home office.

Entering the room, Zavi eyes tear up as she hurries to Aura the puppy and pulls her into her arms. She softly whispers as Aura whimpers and shakes

“I am so sorry…”

Zavi looked over toward the open safe and her heart sank. They took deeds, cash and her Big Mama jewelry. Closing her eyes, she could feel she was not alone, the man who causes this whole mess was back in her presence.

“I hope you are happy, sir…..If you wanted money or something you could have asked but no…….Deeds and papers are gone……now things are on a dead halt because those deeds were tied to properties that were going to help the homeless and unemployed” Zavi voice cracked “As for the jewelry……priceless”

Zavi sighs sadly as she takes Aura and puts her in her puppy bed with her favorite stuff animal. She would have to keep an eye on her. Zavi was a mess right now as she goes in the kitchen to brew some tea.  It would not be wise to involve the police, she would have to keep this lowkey.

"I.. ," he started to apologies but she cut him off. He stood there silently and listened to her as she berated him and rightly so. How could he have been foolish to believe those two siblings, if they were indeed brother and sister. He was relieved to see that the puppy was not seriously injured. Seeing Zavia walk to the kitchen he quietly followed her as she started brewing tea.

"I'm terribly sorry Miss Zavia. My name is Robin, and that man who was here a moment ago came to me for help along with his sister. They told me a story about how you took his sister Jessie's necklace while she was employed here. I believed them and that is why I came here to retrieve it." Zavia shot him a furious glance before resuming her cooking.

"Again, I'm terribly sorry. I will help you get those documents and jewelry back if you let me. I could ask around the soup kitchen, the one you down the street. Maybe someone there knows about those two. I will make them pay for what they have done, you have my word," Robin finished and waited with his hands in his pocket.

Quietly as she listens to Robin, Zavi felt a small feeling of déjà vu. She pauses for a second and then shakes it off. Within her intuition was telling her he was being sincere and that he felt horrible about the situation period.

Zavi turns to look at him, face to face. He looks familiar but Zavi nerves were slightly shot as she softly sighs

“I forgive you, Robin. I am not one to hold a grudge.”

Zavi thinks about Big Mama, approving of her behavior and she smiles weakly to herself.

“You look like you can do with a drink, Robin”

She pulls out a tall glass out of the cabinet and rinses it, Zavi goes to the fridge and pulls out a pitcher of juice and pours him a glass. She hands it to him. Zavi looks him over, he was not a bad-looking fellow he was quite handsome. He has this vibe to him but Zavi couldn’t put her finger on it

“You got hoodwinked, Robin. A lot of folks down at the kitchen knows about those morons but Emilia is not one to turn folks away, even the ones who seem like a lost cause like those two."

Zavi felt sympathy for Robin, those at the kitchen might clown him for getting swindled by the dumb and dumber team

"You are free to look around my flat, it speaks for itself”

Zavi turns her back to Robin, her tea was ready she could feel him looking at her, deep in thought. Zavi’s cheeks turn red as she remembers the awkward position the two was in on the floor earlier. The thoughts that popped in her head next, she quickly got rid of, definitely not ladylike. It had been a little while so it was natural, right? Zavi chews on her lip as she hurries to fix up her tea.

“My nerves are still frazzled, let’s go have a seat in the living room”

Zavi grabs her cup, seeing her hands still shaky, Robin quietly takes it for her to the living room, Zavi quietly thanks him.  The two have a seat, Zavi on the sofa, Robin sits in one of the recliners after he set her tea on the coffee table.

There are a couple of minutes of silence as Zavi gather her thoughts, Robin looks at her as he sips his juice. She looks so distraught which makes him feel worse. Zavi voice cracks as break the silence

“Look I am a humanitarian and I am apart of different committees, agencies and organizations to help improve the welfare of others.  In fact, I work with Emilia at Bountiful Soup Kitchen that you mention.  I have been working with Mom for a while”

Zavi smiles as she remembers how her and Emilia met. It was a touching memory.

“If you don’t, believe me, you can ask her. In fact, you can ask the regulars that come to the kitchen, I have nothing to hide”

“Now you put me in a hell of a spot because Jessie and James took documents that took me a while to get and until I get them back. I am going to have to stall because I don’t need folks to start to panic Those documents was key to helping a lot of the jobless and homeless with their needs.”

Zavi looks up at Robin her olive eyes were filled with conviction in them

“I was homeless on the streets; things happen to me beyond my control.  I know how it feels to lose it all and folks not giving a damn. Instead of helping, want to kick you while you down not everybody that falls down on hard times is bad people. “

Zavi picks up the phone and makes a few phone calls to her secretary Rebecca and Hakim her director, letting them know she be out of commission until Monday. She figures that would buy some time. Her funds were low but others needed it more, she would just have to pull from what personal resources she had.   

Hanging up the phone she looks at Aura who appears to be having a nightmare, she gets up and goes comfort her, soon she back sleeping peacefully. Zavi returns to the sofa and focuses back on Robin as she sits

“The ball is in your court, Robin”

Robin listened to her and quietly nodded as she talked about her life and her passions. The fruit juice was tasty and he took another sip off it and as he watched her he couldn't help notice how beautiful she was. His eyes wandered down her body but he quickly regained composure and went back to listening to her.

"I have met a few people who owe me favors. I can collect on them to track down those two. That piece of jewelry won't be so easy to pawn off and as for the deeds, I don't think they can do much with them. But I realize how important they are to your work and I will try to get them back to you as soon as possible."

After finishing his drink he stood up. "Thanks for the drink and for not turning me over to the police. I shouldn't have misjudged you just because you were wealthy." He headed towards the window but the realized he could leave normally. "I will meet you at the soup kitchen tomorrow for a late brunch. By then I should know more about those two. It was nice to meet you Zavi, even if the circumstances were odd." He extended his hands and shook hers before walking towards the front door. 

"You are welcome Robin and I will see you there"

Zavi smiles as she watches him open the door and leaves when the door shuts, she hurries to lock it.  She takes another moment to collect herself her heart was beating rapidly again.  Things were really backward when she lived in a house, she never got burglarize but here in a simple flat, it was just the opposite.

Zavi ponders who could she call to help her to safety proof her flat without causing concern. When there was a knock on the door about ten minutes later, startling her.  Her nerves were still jumpy as she opens it thinking that maybe Robin forgot something but it was Mireille.

Mireille was one of the quieter gladiators.  Zavi steps to the side to allow her entrance. Mireille comes inside, she gives Zavi a huge case before making her way to the balcony to get to work

Zavi relocks the door and goes into the living room with the case. Sitting it on the coffee table, she sits down on the sofa in front of it and opens it.

It was filled with purest of herbs and oils. Zavi was happy to get it. If memory serves her right, she had them all over but not here in Detroit.

Zavi takes out a homemade oil and sniffs it, she felt instantly better whatever nervousness she felt was gone. For Aura she had a special collar made for her with a rainbow tourmaline in the middle, the collar had her name engraved.

Zavi goes and puts the collar on Aura who was asleep, thankfully.  Zavi put a special homemade puppy treat next to her and rub a little oil on her. When she awakes, she should be back to herself.

Zavi goes in her room and pulls back one of the nightstands. She taps on the floor, the board loosens to reveal another safe in the ground. In order to open this one, Zavi had to use her hand. The safe opens as Zavi looks in it relieved, whatever was in it she kept to herself.  She hurries closing back up the safe and puts the nightstand back in place. Zavi goes and checks on Mireille progress

Mireille was a fast worker and Zavi flat was a lot safer now.  As Mireille was putting away her tools, Zavi offers her a drink.

“No thank you, boss, I have another job to get to.”

Mireille pauses for a second and hands her a crumpled piece of paper.

“I figure this could help you. Some weird looking man was running after some weird looking lady dropped this as I was making my way to your flat. “

Zavi nods as she puts the paper in her robe pocket. She would give this to Robin when they met up later.  Speaking of Robin, the way he looked at her made her feel weird but in a good way.

“Well, I must go. See you, boss”

Zavi escorts her out and goes get ready to head to the soup kitchen

On Saturday

Aura the puppy was back to her playful self. She was making herself at home in the flat more. While Mireille was here, she made a special door for her to come in and out to the balcony which she loved.

Zavi had not been asleep yet she was being fueled on caffeine and willpower. Working with her agents she was able to hustle up more houses to help her cause. Their houses were up to code to be inhabited. Each house she made a point to put in the new inhabitant name on the deed, over thirty families would be getting set up today.

A delivery boy arrives with deeds and keys, Zavi thanks him with a twenty-dollar tip. Afterward, Hakim arrives, he would be doing the presentation to the various recipients today.

She passes him everything he needs, he promises to touch base later and leaves.

Four days later

It was very late when Zavi finally made it home.  Walking into her flat, she misses Aura but she was away. Locking up and kicking off her pumps by the front door. Zavi heads to the kitchen for a glass of peach mango juice which was quite delicious. When she had time, she was experimenting with different combinations in the juicer.

Pouring a glass, taking a sip, it hit the spot. With a glass in hand, she goes sits out on her private balcony for a few. It was starting to rain; light sprinkles were gently hitting her skin as she sits her drink down on a small table next to the lounge chair, she was reclining back in.

Gideon did strike a nerve slightly but she couldn’t help that she prefers a partner, not a relationship. She didn’t want to be married or have kids. Maybe one day but she just wanted to kick it with someone without all weird expectations’ society put out. She enjoys letting it flow.

Plus, she desires somebody to not be so closeminded that she was who she said she was.  She was not fake; she grew in the hood but at the same time she considered proper and so that cause some confusion because most folks ate up social stereotypes.   It made it harder to date too so Zavi didn’t concern herself with dating, too much a headache.

She giggles as she thinks about Robin assessment of her being rich When she gave a majority away, she could not help that she ends up getting bless more and some properties tied to her that she truly enjoyed them was because they were secluded and she loves nature. Also, all of the houses were old but previous owners took care of them.  

The rain started to fall harder, Zavi yawns, she was finally tired enough to rest, she finishes her drink, retiring inside.

Afternoon Time

Zavi awaken to the smell of coffee brewing, opening her eyes, she glances at the clock and silently curses as she sits up stretches, sliding out of bed, she throws on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt.

Making her way out of the bedroom and toward the kitchen she notices Gideon was sitting at the breakfast nook, he was drinking on coffee. Zavi takes a seat with him and notices he made her a cup as well. She mouths thank you and take a sip. It was made the way she likes it with a French vanilla brew with some French vanilla cream.

“Good afternoon, Sleeping Beauty” Gideon chuckles

Zavi giggles at the reference. “Good Afternoon G, I didn’t think you were going to take me up on my offer”

“Well, I talk to the other gladiators who feel it be better if I stuck closer proximity to you. “

Zavi sips her coffee and nods, he knew her better than most.

“So, I take it, you heard about the burglary I am guessing …”

“Of course, and nothing like that has happened on my watch. I took the liberty of making sure the grounds are safer”

Zavi knew Gideon would always be on it without her having to give an order, he gave nothing but over 100 percent as she kept listening to him.

“So how long have you had them back?”

Zavi was caught off guard, she was not sure what Gideon was saying at first

“Surprisingly never left which caught me for a surprise but glad about it”

Gideon finishing his coffee, he gets up and washes the cup, he starts pulling out items to make Zavi some lunch.  Gideon was of Norwegian lineage. From the items he pulled out, he was making her some Kjøttkaker which was very delicious

“I realize that and understand, that is why everything was cleaned and certain things are back in safekeeping.  Such a shame too, do you have any ideals of….”

“Um, I am not hundred percent on it …. I was told to relax more but I know I am failing badly”

Gideon looks back at Zavi, he was so good with a knife he could slice, dice, amongst other things blindfolded if he wanted to

“You not failing though, you have responsibilities you honoring, there are reasons for everything…. isn’t it?”

“Of course, you had me worried at first but glad we on the same page”

“It was not intentional, now let’s get you fed, you dropping too much weight and you know I don’t want Joan on me. She can be a literal beast.”

The two laughs, Zavi continue to watch Gideon cook as she enjoys her coffee.  An idea popped in her head, she would share it with Gideon when she aligned out the details.

A few weeks later

Things were moving forward, Zavi had no time to idly sit by and do nothing so in a matter of days Zavi and her crew had a few orphanages, retirement and nursing homes up and running.  Zavi was happy less elderly and children were on the streets She was thankful for Hakim, Gideon, Indica and Rebecca.

Plus, Domenico Esposito, whom she was thankful to have joined up on her team. Domenico was her Godfather Zachary's son. Zachary sent him to aide Zavi since he knew she could be stubborn at times on accepting financial assistance.

Right now, things were tougher for her, Zavi was stressed but she was a lady of her word. She would honor her obligations and responsibilities.  The situation made her realize what she needed and that was to break free, a life of simplicity is what she longs for more. All of the other stuff was unnecessary for her but drew to her like a magnet  She was always getting bless with more and she dislike wasting.

Zavi was especially surprised that Zachary found out about the burglary so for the past few days Domenico was showing Zavi different spots that were considered safer for her to live. In the end, Zavi chose to stay in her flat so Domenico ends up buying out Zavi’s other three neighbors taking over her apartment building. Gideon, Domenico moved into the units on the lower floor and the last unit on the upper floor with Zavi was reserve for whatever Zavi decided .

Outside of the few compounds she owned this type of living is what she enjoyed in the city.

Whatever was needed to keep her going Gideon and the others worked diligenty to do but they all noticed that Zavi was quieter and off to herself more. They couldn’t help but wonder what was her next move. She was to the stage of selling off Hospitality Inns, coffee shops and restaurants to Domenico, the money went toward helping the homeless.

Zavi was well aware of what was what  but instead of addressing it, she kept it to herself to deal with it when she was ready.

Zavi was sitting her private balcony nursing a strong alcoholic drink. She was not sure what it was, all she knew was hit the spot.  Zavi was not alone, Domenico was in her presence listening.

“Well my work is done right now, getting things jumping for the homeless, it is time for me to step back, you guys got everything needed to see the job through”

Domenico nods “I understand beautiful, do what you got to do”

“I still long to open a dojo but I must make a trip to Japan for a while coming up, part of my journey. Its been too long since I saw my Sensei there”

“Gideon pops up with a folder, he hands it to Zavi, she glosses over it before busting out in fits of giggles”

“Sheer foolishness” Zavi hand the folder back to Gideon.  “You know what to do G”

Taking the folder “I know but I figure you get a good laugh”

“Oh, it did, just unbelievable”

“Well I am on my way to handle it personally”

“Good”

Gideon takes his leave, Domenico steps forward refilling Zavi glass

“What was that about?”

Zavi hesitate Domenico was a newcomer who was earning his stripes, certain things were off-limit

“Oh, nothing worthwhile just a case that needs to be handled”

Domenico sets the bottle down on the table, he was slightly confused but he wouldn’t let Zavi down, she was like a little sister to him and dad would kill him if he messes up.

“Alright, I will be going back to the office for a while, will you be ok?”

Zavi nods sipping on her drink, Domenico takes his leave but not before making a mental note for his dad. Zavi was drinking more than eating lately. She starts early in the morning to late at night, it was an everyday occurrence now.

Zavi watches him leave as she starts to ponder what she needed to do, she would have to do it alone and so she had to have all loose ends tied up, the sooner the better