Justice's Rose Summary

Justice's Rose

by Mel Dau 2021 260 pages
4.76
696 ratings

Key Takeaways

1. Delia's Traumatic Past and Enduring Scars

I want to die.

A horrific betrayal. As a fifteen-year-old honor student and cheerleader, Delia's life was shattered when her best friend, Gina, and Gina's father, Charles, orchestrated her sexual assault. Gina lured Delia to her house, knowing her mother was absent, and drugged her. Charles, who had previously made Delia uncomfortable, then assaulted her while Gina watched, revealing a disturbing, pre-meditated plan involving multiple men.

Years of abuse. Following the initial assault, Delia was subjected to repeated violations by Charles and other men he brought in, often when her crack-addicted mother left her at Gina's house for extended periods. Charles had a sick fetish, treating Delia like a baby doll, forcing her to wear diapers, and assaulting her in a specially designed basement room. This prolonged trauma left deep emotional and psychological scars, leading to withdrawal and a changed identity.

Lasting impact. The trauma transformed Delia from a hopeful honor student into someone labeled and shamed by her community. The fear of Charles and the psychological damage from the abuse continued to affect her years later, triggering severe episodes and impacting her relationships, even after Charles was imprisoned. The past remained a constant, painful presence in her life.

2. Justice and Delia: Finding Love and Protection Amidst Trauma

She was specially made for me—mental health issues and all.

An unexpected connection. Delia met Justice, a powerful and protective man, through circumstances related to her past trauma. Despite her difficult history and mental health struggles, Justice saw Delia's true worth and fell deeply in love with her. Their relationship quickly became a source of stability and unconditional acceptance for Delia and her son, Liam.

Unwavering support. Justice's love for Delia was profound and transformative. He married her, adopted Liam, and dedicated himself to their well-being. He learned about her Bipolar Disorder and past trauma, attending therapy himself to better understand how to support her. His presence provided Delia with a sense of safety and belonging she had never truly experienced.

A fierce protector. Justice's identity as a "killa" meant he possessed the means and willingness to protect his family at all costs. When Delia's past resurfaced, Justice immediately mobilized his resources and family to ensure her safety and seek retribution against those who had harmed her. His protective nature was a cornerstone of their relationship, offering Delia a shield against the world.

3. The Christianson-Washington Tribe: A Foundation of Loyalty and Power

If you had a problem with one, you had a problem with all.

United by blood and bond. The Christianson and Washington families form a powerful, interconnected tribe bound by deep loyalty and shared history. Led by Smoke (Justin Christianson II), the oldest brother, the core members include his brothers Justice (Choppa) and Jamison (Codeine), and their cousins Khiaere and Trell (Washingtons). Their bond is generational, rooted in their fathers' close relationship and shared activities.

A formidable force. The tribe operates with a unified front, leveraging their collective strengths and resources. They are fiercely protective of their own, and any threat to one member is met with the full force of the entire group. This unwavering loyalty is a defining characteristic, ensuring that no one in their circle faces challenges alone.

Community pillars. Beyond their internal dynamics, the tribe is deeply invested in their community, particularly in Mount Pleasant. They own numerous successful legal businesses and contribute significantly to local development and welfare. This dual nature – being both powerful, sometimes ruthless operators and respected community leaders – highlights the complexity of their identity and influence.

4. The Family Business: Savagery, Strategy, and Community Impact

See, we weren’t just some savage, street niggas…we wanted more for our people.

A dual enterprise. The Christianson and Washington men operate both highly successful legal businesses and a clandestine "killa for hire" enterprise. Their legal ventures, including gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies, and brokerage firms, provide immense wealth and a legitimate public image. This wealth also serves to launder and conceal the income from their illegal activities.

Specialized skills. Each member of the tribe possesses unique skills that contribute to their operations. Smoke is a brilliant chemist and strategist, capable of creating sophisticated explosives and plans. Codeine is a master pharmacist and chemist, developing potent drugs. Justice is a skilled marksman and tactician. Khiaere and Trell manage the financial and logistical aspects, ensuring the smooth running of both legal and illegal operations.

Beyond simple violence. While capable of extreme violence, their illegal activities are conducted with a degree of strategy and purpose, often targeting individuals who have harmed others or pose a threat to their interests. They view their actions, in part, as a form of justice or protection for their community and family, distinguishing themselves from indiscriminate criminals. Their commitment to community investment further complicates the perception of their "savage" nature.

5. Navigating Mental Health and the Weight of the Past

Bipolar doesn’t make you any less of an angel. Now, your halo is just tilted a bit…crazy tilted.

Living with Bipolar Disorder. Delia lives with Bipolar Disorder, a condition that influences her moods and reactions. While often stable and high-functioning, particularly with therapy and medication, certain triggers, like encountering her past abuser, can precipitate severe episodes. These episodes can manifest as withdrawal, emotional dysregulation, or manic behavior.

Trauma's lasting grip. The deep trauma from her teenage years significantly impacts Delia's mental health. The fear and pain associated with the abuse can resurface unexpectedly, leading to panic, flashbacks, and self-destructive tendencies, such as stopping her medication. Her struggle highlights the complex interplay between past trauma and existing mental health conditions.

Family support is crucial. Delia's journey is supported by her therapist, Dr. Anderson, and her family, particularly Justice and Liam. Justice actively seeks to understand her disorder and provides unwavering support, even during difficult episodes. Liam, despite his young age, has also received counseling to help him navigate his mother's moods, demonstrating the family's collective effort to manage the challenges.

6. The Shadow Returns: Charles's Pursuit and Delia's Abduction

Daddy’s coming for you, Baby.

A predator's return. After serving ten years for his crimes against Delia, Charles is released on a technicality. Delusional and still fixated on Delia, whom he sickeningly refers to as his "Baby Doll," he believes she loves him because she kept their son, Liam (though Liam is not biologically his). He begins stalking Liam and Delia, seeking to reclaim his perceived "family."

A calculated move. Charles sends James, another man who abused Delia, to approach her at Liam's football game, knowing the encounter would terrify her. This confirms his continued obsession and willingness to use others to torment her. When James is captured and killed by Justice's family, Charles goes into hiding, eventually returning to Charleston to continue his plan.

The abduction. Charles orchestrates Delia's abduction from a busy outlet mall, drugging her friend Lela to incapacitate her. He takes Delia to a secluded house, believing he can force her back into the role he envisioned for her. His actions demonstrate a chilling lack of remorse and a dangerous determination to control Delia's life.

7. The Tribe Responds: Rescue and Retribution

Our souls were reunited again.

Immediate mobilization. Upon learning of Delia's abduction and Lela's drugging via a panic button on a necklace Zak designed, the entire Christianson-Washington tribe mobilizes instantly. Their priority is Delia's safe return, especially given her pregnancy. Reece and Zak use their technological expertise to track Delia, while the men prepare for a direct assault.

Strategic planning. The tribe employs a combination of surveillance, intelligence gathering, and tactical planning. They identify Charles's location and the limited number of accomplices he has. Recognizing the need for stealth and precision, they plan a nighttime raid on the secluded house where Delia is held, ensuring minimal risk to her.

The rescue. Justice leads the charge, breaching the house with his brothers and cousins. They quickly neutralize Charles's nephews, who are revealed to be the relatives of the previously killed James. Justice finds Delia locked in a room, unharmed physically thanks to her quick thinking about her pregnancy. Their reunion is deeply emotional, signifying the end of her captivity and the family's success in bringing her home.

8. Justice Served: The Fate of Charles and His Accomplices

You won’t be able to fuck shit in hell!

Capture and confinement. Following the rescue, Charles is captured by Khiaere and Trell and taken to the Ranch, a secure location used by the tribe. His nephews are killed during the raid. Charles is held captive, awaiting the tribe's decision on his fate, which is heavily influenced by Delia's desire for retribution.

Torture and suffering. Under Codeine's direction, Charles is subjected to prolonged torture, including being drugged with a highly addictive substance and having his hands surgically removed. This is a deliberate act of vengeance, intended to make him suffer for the pain he inflicted and prevent him from ever harming anyone again. The tribe ensures he is conscious to experience the full extent of his punishment.

Delia's final act. Delia, empowered by her family's support and her own resilience, chooses to deliver the final blow. She confronts Charles, recounting his past actions and the lasting damage he caused. In a symbolic act of reclaiming her power and body, she castrates him before Justice delivers the fatal shots, ensuring Charles pays the ultimate price for his crimes and can never violate another person.

9. Generational Growth: Marriages, Babies, and New Beginnings

We were definitely a “having babies” type of family.

Expanding the family. Amidst the drama and danger, the Christianson and Washington families experience significant growth and joy. Jamison (Codeine) and Lela officially commit to their relationship and get married, solidifying their family unit with their son, JC. This marriage marks a turning point for Lela, who overcomes her trust issues to embrace a committed partnership.

Multiple pregnancies. The family is blessed with multiple pregnancies occurring almost simultaneously. Delia is pregnant with Justice's daughter, Chell is pregnant with Smoke's third child (a son), and Tae is pregnant with Trell's third and fourth children (twins, a boy and a girl). Lela also discovers she is pregnant with Codeine's second child shortly after their marriage.

Celebrating new life. The family celebrates these new additions with a joint gender reveal party, highlighting their interconnectedness and shared joy. The event is a testament to their resilience and ability to find happiness and build for the future, even after facing significant challenges and trauma. The focus shifts to nurturing the next generation of the tribe.

10. Unearthing Family Truths and Healing Old Wounds

This man was one hundred percent Trell’s father.

Hidden lineage. During the search for Delia, the family discovers old boxes belonging to Mama Rosa, revealing hidden family history. Among the contents are two birth certificates for Trell, listing different fathers: Chadwick Smith and Jacob Christianson. This revelation throws Trell's paternity into question and uncovers a long-held secret.

Confronting the past. Research by Zak and Reece identifies Chadwick Smith as the former state governor and a long-time client of Khiaere and Trell's firm. Trell confronts Chadwick, who confirms he is Trell's biological father but avoids explaining why his name was removed from the birth certificate. This opens a new chapter for Trell as he grapples with his true parentage and his father's choices.

Delia's mother's blame. Delia's estranged mother, Delilah, resurfaces at the gender reveal, adding another layer of painful family history. Delilah reveals she blames Delia for the death of her younger brother, Dylan, years ago, claiming Delia's negligence led to the accident. This cruel accusation highlights the deep dysfunction and unresolved trauma within Delia's maternal family, contrasting sharply with the support she receives from the tribe.

11. The Power of Sisterhood and Collective Strength

My girls pulled me into their arms as I cried.

A bond forged in fire. Delia, Chell, Tae, Phy, Lela, and Zak form a powerful sisterhood, providing each other with unwavering support and understanding. Their bond is strengthened by shared experiences, including navigating relationships with the Christianson and Washington men and supporting Delia through her trauma. They are each other's confidantes, protectors, and cheerleaders.

Mutual support and protection. The women actively look out for one another, offering emotional support, practical help, and even physical protection when needed. Zak's panic button necklaces are a tangible symbol of their commitment to each other's safety. They stand together against external threats and internal struggles, demonstrating the strength found in their collective unity.

Building a legacy. The sisters collaborate on projects that benefit their community and honor their shared values, such as establishing the Stork's Nest store dedicated to supporting pregnant women and new mothers. This initiative reflects their desire to give back and create a positive impact, mirroring the philanthropic efforts of the men and solidifying their role within the larger tribe.

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