“Sounds like you were getting your ass chewed out by your aunty,” Li'l Will replied.
“Nigga, you better come on with it. I need some compensation for the shit I just went through. Dick, please,” Machumu demanded.
“What about the tongue?” he asked playfully.
“Both will do just fine. Come here, baby,” she said softly.
They went at it hard until neither had any strength left to continue loving all over the other.
Chapter Fifteen
Demetri had received word of his brother's death. He tried calling Damien and Nicole, but neither answered. Why would they, he thought to himself. He sat the phone down on the bar top and sipped from the glass of Smirnoff sitting in front of him.
By now, he figured, he had no one who he could turn to for assistance besides his own personal crew. The thing about that is, he needed them with him. “Fuck it,” he thought out loud. It was better for him to be dead than for him to find out everything and turn against him too, was Demetri's train of thought.
He thought about the people he had been loyal to, although for his own selfish reasons. The one person he felt like he could count on was, Li'l Will, so he called Machumu's phone. She answered immediately.
“What's going on, Demetri? My condolences. Your brother was a great man and an even greater friend,” Machumu said.
If he could see through the phone, he would see an I don't give a damn expression written all over her face.
“Thank you, Machumu,” he replied sadly. “Is your husband around? I would like to speak with him.”
“Sure,” she replied. “Hold on,” she said before handing Li'l Will the phone.
“Demetri, my heart goes out to your family. A good man died today in a horrible way. Have any idea who would call such a hit?” Li'l Will said, trying to sound concerned.
“No need of trying to chase ghosts, my friend. All I can do is make sure the same ill fate doesn't fall upon me,” Demetri replied.
“So, what's this phone call about?” Li'l Will asked, getting to the point. He wasn't good with fake kicking it too long.
“I'm in need of your help. I don't have anyone else who I can trust,” answered Demetri.
Li'l Will grunted. He looked at his wife, who eyed him back with a facial expression that said, I'll fuck your world up if you fall weak. Not that he was going to, but the look she gave him reminded him of Renika's words: “There's only one winning side of the coin. What side are you stamped on?” The words were like a ghost haunting his mind.
Li'l Will chuckled nervously. “My man, as much as I hate saying this, fuck you,” he said and ended the call.
Machumu gave him a high five. “That's my man!” she exclaimed.
Tired from all of the erotic sex, they fell asleep in each other's arms.
***
Damien had made it to the compound. His first expression matched that of his sister's when she had seen the mansions and the people who lived in them. They were all of African descent. It was like an earthly version of a black Heaven.
They were having a meal with Dominica at a cookout hosted by Josephine. Actually, it was her son's ninth birthday. The grills were pumping, and the aroma of grilled fish and vegetables, fresh coconuts, fig pies, and some of everything else was filling the air. And the food tasted as good as it smelled.
Nicole and Damien were made to feel as though they were at home. They didn't get too many heartwarming smiles, something Josephine had forewarned Nicole about. But it was all love.
The soothing rich sound of reggae filled the air. People danced to the rhythm, some by themselves, while others grabbed partners to enjoy the moment with.
“I see you enjoy the festivity!” Dominica walked up and yelled over the music.
Nicole and Damien both nodded.
“Unfortunately, we have business to discuss! Let's go!” she yelled.
Damien and his sister followed Dominica. The music and joys of laughter and dance faded as they walked down the cobblestone path. It wasn't the same path they had taken to get to Josephine's party, but neither he nor his sister questioned their whereabouts. They figured, if she wanted them dead, that could have been arranged before arrival.
“If you're wondering where we are going, I'm taking you to my private place where I conduct all of such business,” Dominica said looking over her left shoulder at Damien.
Neither he nor Nicole spoke a word. They followed Dominica, enjoying the scenery while they walked. They noticed everyone they passed along the way spoke politely to them and asked them to sample food, drink, cologne or perfume. Not wanting seem disrespectful, they accepted the offers.
“Wow! This is nice!” Nicole exclaimed smelling the coconut scented perfume she just sampled. “Where can I purchase a vial?” she asked.
“From the person who asked you to try it,” Dominica replied. She knew Nicole would not have understood the old woman because her English was terrible.
“Oh. It's homemade?” Nicole said. She admired the woman for her skills.
“Yes, it is. Everything we just sampled is made by those who offered the samples. They feel it is their way of contributing to the community and it is their own personal business,” Dominica replied with a sense of pride.
Nicole nodded. “An Italy version of Black Wall Street. I'm definitely amazed. How much for a vial?”
“$25,” answered the old woman. Her English might have been terrible, but she had no problem with giving the price of her merchandise.
“Great. I'll take two, please,” Nicole said while reaching into her purse.
Damien reached into his front right pocket. “Make that four. I gotta buy two for Tanji. She - “
“Tanji who?” Dominica asked, cutting him off.
Seeing her facial expression caused Damien to hesitate. He knew the “choose your next words carefully” look from anywhere. “Tanji Harris. My fiancée,” he replied.
Dominica shook her head. “I don't think that's a good idea, child. I hope y'all have not slept together yet.” Looking at his facial expression, she knew the answer. “What the hell?” she said and threw up her hands.
Damien and Nicole were confused and Dominica knew it. “Your father's name is Noah, right?”
They nodded.
“Noah Sylvan, my Uncle Maceo's son,” she stated. She continued shaking her head. “Y'all cousins.”
That is what Damien was afraid she was going to say. He dropped his head, staring down at the cobblestones. The cream, dark brown, and ashy grey colors started melding together. “There goes my fucking future plans for a family,” he said, sounding upset.
Damien took out his phone and called Tanji. She answered on the first ring, and sounded happy to hear from him. “Hey bae! What's up?” she said.
Damien was at a loss for words. Dominica saw how hard of a time he was having and extended her hand in his direction, saying, “Give me the damn phone, boy. You all tongue tied.”
He handed her the phone. “Hello?” Dominica said as she put the phone to her ear with a smirk on her face.
“Who is this?” Tanji asked warily.
“Put my sister on the phone, child,” Dominica demanded.
Tanji was a little irritated by the woman's demanding tone. “Who is your sister, ma'am?”
“Ain't your name Tanji Harris?” asked Dominica.
“Yeah. Now who the hell are you?” Tanji shot back defensively.
Her wittiness caused Dominica to laugh. “Gal, you show got your mama's spunk! Put Sarah on the phone!”
Tired of exchanging words with the woman, Tanji called her mother to the phone. “Who is it?” Sarah asked before taking the call.
Tanji shrugged her shoulders. “I don't know. Says she's your sister.”
Curious, Sarah took the call. “Sarah speaking. Who is calling?”
Dominica kept her eyes on Damien. He looked like he had lost his best friend. “Sarah Sylvan, how's my little sister?”
The deep island over
tone in her voice told it all. “Dominica?” Sarah said hesitantly, not sure if it was truly her.
“Yeah, baby gal, it is I. What in the hell have you allowed my niece to get herself into?” Dominica said.
By the sound of her voice, Sarah could tell whatever it was, it was serious. “Nothing. She is good. Actually, she about to get married.”
Dominica started laughing again. Although it was a serious matter, their ignorance of who was who made the matter funny to her. “Nawh, gal, no marry between dem two. Dey kin, gal. Da boy here is Uncle Noah's son boy. How dey gon' marry?” Dominica said.
Sarah damn near dropped the phone. “Ah damn! Dey is kin! Okay gal. Me talk with she now. We on da way dere. We catch early rise flight, gal.”
“Okay. See ya soon, baby gal. Loves ya,” Dominica said.
“Yes, ole gal, me loves ya too.” Sarah said and hung up. Tanji was looking at her, waiting on an explanation. But what she got, she wasn't prepared for. Reverting back to English, Sarah said, “You cannot marry Damien Citural because he is your cousin. He and Nicole are your Great Uncle Maceo's son Noah Sylvan’s children.”
Tanji's eyes went wide from shock. “You gotta be fucking kidding me!” she said angrily.
“I'm sorry, baby girl.” Sarah said as she hugged her daughter. “And that was my sister, Dominica, your aunty, on the phone.”
“Well, she could have said that from the jump,” Tanji replied coldly.
“Let’s finish packing, youngster,” her mother said.
They started packing again. While doing so, Tanji thought about how Damien must have felt when he received the same news she just received.
Chapter Sixteen
Teddy and Mike was holding a news conference out front on the steps of City Hall. Their security was beefed up because of the cop killing that was happening at random in Albany. They knew who was behind it, but they had no intention on having them locked up for it. The dead cops families were standing at the front of the crowd, demanding justice be served for the deaths of their husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers.
As Albany's mayor, Teddy took center stage, addressing the matter as best he could with few words. The victims’ families weren’t letting up on him. They barricaded his mind with not so easily answered questions. Some of which he had no ready answer to or for.
Once they realized Teddy had provided all the information and comfort he could, the families and reporters turned their questions and concerns to Mike. As the sheriff, they expected him to have information on the leads in the ongoing investigation. He stated what he could recall from the statements provided by investigators and public citizens. Other than that, he didn’t have much to offer them for comfort or peace.
“People of Albany, especially families of the fallen public servants of Albany, we are going to bring to justice those who are responsible for such heinous crimes! To the victims’ families, there will be city assistance offered! Starting tomorrow morning, come down to my office, and there will be a form for you to file in order to get $500 every two weeks for six months to assist with daycare and whatever else you need help with!” Teddy said. His speech soothed over some of the tensions felt from the families.
Teddy and Mike answered a few more questions for the media, and called it a day. They entered Teddy’s office, closed and locked the door, and relaxed.
“Fam, I could use a fat-ass blunt of chronic,” Teddy said, rubbing his head.
“Hell yeah. Bro, what the fuck is wrong with that nigga? Who he think he is, Fred Hampton of Albany?” Mike asked.
Teddy laughed, shaking his head. “Definitely what shit looking like, fam. My solution to his bullshit is, cutting him out of the game. Let him make his own way. And if he fuck up, let him take his licks.”
“Damn, great idea, fam,” Mike said. He called Henry.
“Yo, fam, what’s popping?” Henry answered the phone and said.
“Dink is on ice as far as touching any work. We ain’t got control over what he buys, but he gets nothing handed to him. Understood?” Mike said warningly.
“Say no more, fam. Consider it done,” Henry replied. “Aye, my nigga, bounce! We ain’t producing that tired-sounding shit!” he yelled at an artist while hanging up the phone.
Overhearing Henry yell at an artist before he hung up had Mike laughing. “Fam, those niggas Henry and T are off the chain with that music shit.”
“They must be cussing out another wannabe gangsta rapper,” Teddy said.
“Hell yeah. Niggas be knowing they ain’t about that life. Talking about jacking and killing. Niggas ain’t never witnessed a real jack move. Know their ass soft as marshmallows,” Mike replied.
“Probably piss and shit themselves if they did, or snitch like a li'l bitch,” Teddy added.
They kicked back and cracked jokes about rappers. Neither was trying to be seen in public because they weren’t trying to answer any more questions.
***
Sopia and Tanya was serving a breakfast meal on the house for the families of the dead cops. It was something Mike and Teddy had asked them to do, assuring them they would make sure the tab was taken care of. Everything was going great until four masked and heavily armed robbers walked in and started shooting up in the ceiling.
“Y’all motherfuckers know what it is! Break yourself! Throw all ya watches, iPhones, money and valuable shit in the bags! Any sudden moves, and ya ass down bad! Move!” one of the gunmen yelled.
Three of the masked and AK-47-carrying robbers walked around collecting the wealth of the customers. Tanya came walking from the back in a hurry at the sound of gunshots. The order she carried slipped out of her hands upon seeing the masked gunmen. When the dishes hit the floor, the noise spooked one of the gunmen, and he turned around and opened fire.
Tanya’s body caught every bullet the automatic rifle released. She was dead before her body hit the floor. Seeing that, the customers started screaming and scattering in panic mode. The masked man who was overseeing the armed robbery panicked and began shooting.
Bodies of men and women were riddled with bullet holes. Sopia had come running out and fell victim to a headshot that splattered brain fragments and blood on the wall. Not a soul survived inside of the restaurant. The gunmen ran out with everything they had collected, jumped in the Dodge Caravan, and fled the scene.
They made it back to their hideout. Quickly, Dink, China, Kaila, and Dolo took off the Dickie jumpsuits and masks. Kaila started a fire in the fireplace and tossed the jumpsuits and masks in it. They watched it burn.
“Man, what the fuck went wrong?” Kaila asked angrily. She was hoping for a clean arm robbery, not a massacre.
“Ain’t shit go wrong. We got in and we got out,” Dink replied.
Kaila frowned upon his response. “My nigga, we fam and all, but a bitch ain’t with killing innocent people just for a few crumbs.”
“You think that’s what that was about? Them so-called innocent people were the family members of the pigs we offed! And the City of Albany was funding the meals for them motherfuckers! Fuck that! My tax money ain’t gonna feed no pig’s family!” Dink yelled, defending his actions.
“Whatever, my nigga. We’ll get up tomorrow. Let’s slide, China,” Kaila said. They collected their shares. As they walked out, China threw up the peace sign.
Dolo and Dink was left alone. Dink knew there was a good possibility they would not see or hear from Kaila or China again. While he thought about it and while Dolo rolled up a blunt of Lowd, his phone started vibrating on his hip.
“Yo. Who this?” he answered.
“Seriously, nigga, your ass got issues, bruh!” Teddy yelled through the phone.”
Dink held the phone away from his ear with a smirk on his face. Who the fuck this nigga thinks he talking to? he thought to himself. He held the phone back up to his left ear. “I ain’t got issues, fam. Y’all niggas, you and Mike, are the only two niggas with issues. Y’all niggas supporting the mother fuckers who kill young black tee
ns. Not me.”
Teddy laughed, not because he found the shit his brother was saying funny. He was mad as hell. “Yeah? Well, how about this?! I’m personally cutting your ass out of the work! Now, test my G, fam!” he warned him and hung up.
Dink was furious. He punched a hole in the drywall before he knew it. “Fuck!”
“What’s up, homie?” asked Dolo.
“Goddamn brother just cut me off. Then he threatened me after the fact, talking about test his G. My nigga, I’m Dink, the first Slaughter Boy. I started this G shyt,” Dink stated while beating on his chest.
They smoked the blunt Dolo rolled up and sat around enjoying the high. Dink remembered he had told Mindy he would get up with her and smoke something. “Say, fam, I gotta bounce. We’ll get up in a couple of days. Let shit die down.” Dink got up and left.
He sat in his ride texting Mindy to see where she was at. She texted him back immediately, letting him know that she was at home. She texted Dink her address, and he hit her back, texting that he was on his way.
Dink swerved over to Mindy’s crib and parked on the curb. He jumped out of his ride and trotted up to the front door and knocked. He could hear footsteps approaching.
“What’s up, Dink?” Mindy said after opening the door. She was dressed in a Victoria’s Secret red panty and bra set with a long flowing open see through top to match. The attire was a compliment to her fiery red hair.
Dink took in her body and fragrance. “Us. Fuck the world.”
She giggled girlishly. “Come in.” Mindy walked away from the door, leaving it open for him.
Dink walked in and shut the door behind him. Not once did he take his eyes off her nice-sized jiggly booty. He followed her into the den and plopped down on the loveseat next to her. He couldn’t keep himself from staring at her, and she knew it.
“What’s on your mind, bae?” she asked.
“Wondering if the hair between your thighs is as fiery as the hair on your head. Then again, I’m definitely wondering if the pussy matches it all.”
“Let’s find out.” Mindy said as she came up out of the lingerie.
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