A Hustler's Queen

by Saundra

  Promise shook her head. “I just hope she’s found.” Her cell phone rang and she stared at the phone then ignored the call.

  One thing I knew for sure, Promise never ignored her calls. “I know that was Clip,” I informed her. “Ain’t no use in hiding. I heard your conversation at the club. So what’s up with you two?”

  “Shit really. We just kickin’ it. He’s actually really sweet. So I’ma see what’s up with him.” She gave me a sly grin. “One thing for sure, his ass is bangin’ under them sheets.”

  I laughed. “That information I did not need to know.”

  “Shit, you need to hear that. It might encourage you to get some. Hell, it’s been too long. I don’t know how you do it.” Promise looked at me like I was living the impossible.

  “Easy. I try not to think about it. Truthfully, that’s my only hope.”

  “Good luck with that. Aye, so I’m sending out invites for the salon’s grand opening. I need a radio advertisement. And to have a decent run I need fifteen thousand.”

  “I got you, so let me know when you need the money. But right now I got to get out of here and go get some sleep. I am so tired.”

  “Do what you gotta do. Let me know if you hear anything about Maria.”

  “No doubt.” I stood up to leave.

  At home, I fell into bed and slept until my cell phone woke me.

  I didn’t even bother to look at the number. “Hello.”

  “Precious, they found my mother’s car but no sign of her or Rebecca,” Susanna cried into the phone.

  My heart skipped a beat.

  Chapter 41

  Weeks had passed and still no word on Maria or Rebecca. It was simply unreal; it was like they had evaporated from the earth. Susanna said the police didn’t have any leads or a clue as to what could have happened to them. Maria’s car contained no evidence that would give them an indication as to what could have happened. Investigators weren’t even sure if Maria and her daughter had been together when they disappeared. But they were still investigating all the possibilities. Susanna was a wreck. Jose had tried to get her to go back with him to San Diego, but she refused. She wanted to stay, in case Maria and or Rebecca returned. The good thing was that their house was paid off. DaVon had told me that he had paid her house off when it had once gone into foreclosure. So for the most part she only had utilities to pay. I wanted to help out, so I told Susanna I would continue to give her Maria’s salary. Once Forensics was done with Maria’s car, they had returned it. I tried to keep in touch with Susanna just so she knew I had her back. Maria meant a lot to us.

  But I tried to put all that behind me. Promise had worked hard and tonight was her grand opening. I wanted to be sure it was an epic night for her, so I planned to be all smiles. When I arrived, the crowd was nice. I was overwhelmed with happiness. I just stood outside for a minute and read the name: Precious Promises Kept Hair Salon.

  Promise was engaged in conversation with a few people when I made my way inside. I decided not to disturb her and grabbed a glass of wine. The place was just sensational. The front part was an open reception area with three big-screen TVs. Off to the left was the waiting area.

  “You made it.” Promise approached with the people she had been talking to when I came in.

  “Promise, the place is so beautiful.” I teared up.

  “Thank you, Sis. I am so grateful for you.”

  “No, I’m grateful for you.” We hugged.

  “Oh, I want you to meet my team. Well, at least this is some of them.” She introduced all three ladies as stylists who specialized in different things. “This is my twin sister, Precious, so whenever you see her, spoil her. No questions asked.” All the ladies smiled.

  I grinned and shook hands with all of them. “It was nice meeting all of you, and I look forward to seeing all of your work. On my head.”

  “No worries, I got you. I already have some ideas.” Trice, the tall, dark stylist who specialized in cuts and sew-ins, beamed.

  “Aye, I’ll book you next week.” I took her up on her offer.

  “Congratulations.” Clip stepped into our conversation. He wrapped his arm around Promise’s waist. “The place is beautiful, and so are you.”

  “Oh please.” I playfully rolled my eyes at him.

  “Keep going, Clip, because you’re right.” Promise egged him on.

  Stacy, one of the other stylists, giggled. “Promise, we’re going to exit stage left.”

  “Oh, my bad. Y’all go ahead and mingle. Little networking and clients.”

  “And wine,” Trice added. The other stylist agreed and they strolled off.

  “Promise, I’m sorry I was runnin’ late; my day has been so busy.”

  “Hey, don’t worry. I get it. You’re here now.”

  I stood there and sipped my wine and listened to them like I was watching a reality show. I grabbed another glass of wine as one of the waiters passed by.

  “I can’t stay. The streets still callin’ me.” Clip glared at me.

  I sipped my wine. “Why you lookin’ at me?”

  “Just thought I might blame it on you. Since you my boss,” Clip joked.

  “Ha, whatever.”

  “Well, thankfully for you, I understand.” Promise placed her hands in Clip’s hands and kissed him on the lips.

  “I swear, I ain’t for this.” I playfully rolled my eyes. “Get a room.”

  “And we will.” Promise and Clip were face-to-face, smiling at each other.

  “A’ight, babe. I’ll see you later tonight.”

  “You do that.” Promise seductively bit her bottom lip.

  “Precious, I’ll keep you posted. Stack the bricks.” He winked, then bounced.

  “Ugh. You two are all the way disgusting,” I joked.

  “Nah, we just downright nasty.” Promise giggled. “So what you think of my team? Think they’ll work out? I’ve never been nobody’s boss.”

  “One thing for sure, you’ll know in due time. But they might be cool. How many more of them are there?”

  “I have one more stylist and the two receptionists. And I’ll fill in as a receptionist as needed. I didn’t want to bring in another person so we can keep costs down the first year.”

  “See, you already making good financial decisions. I think it’s going to be fine. I was afraid of runnin’ the dry cleaners but it’s working out . . . you’ll see.” I watched Promise’s facial expression suddenly change from a smile, to shock, then anger.

  I followed her eyes and they led me to the front door. I watched as Keisha and Nicole strutted inside. Keisha had an unbothered look and Nicole, as usual, was a mirror of Buffy, dressed like a two-dollar hooker.

  “What is that bitch doing here?” Promise’s right hand slid to her hip. “Precious, I swear if that bitch ruins my grand opening, I will personally shoot her trifling ass.” Promise seethed.

  “Don’t worry, if she does, you won’t have to shoot her, I will.” I sauntered off and stopped in front of Keisha. I had no idea why she was there or how she even knew about the event. So her appearance was a shock. “What’s up?”

  “I came out to support.” Keisha smiled and I was not sure if it was fake or genuine.

  “Keisha, you better not be on no bullshit. This is Promise’s event.”

  “Hell no, I ain’t here for that. Like I said, I’m here to support . . . and of course apologize.” She allowed her eyes to roam the place for a second.

  “Hey, Precious,” Nicole said. Nicole and Buffy were really close, so I didn’t even understand why Keisha was out with her tagging along.

  But I didn’t have time to worry about that—that was between them. Right now my concern was Promise. I focused my attention back on Keisha without responding to Nicole. “Keisha, I ain’t playin’. Don’t fuck wit’ me.”

  “Precious, you should know better. I told you I was sorry. I feel bad about that shit.”

  Promise approached and stood next to me with her arms folded across her c
hest.

  “Hey, Promise,” Keisha said first. I was interested in what she might say next. “Promise, I know it looks crazy that I’m here and shit, but I wanted to support you. And also tell you I’m sorry about that bullshit I pulled at the club. I was on one. But I didn’t mean none of that shit. You Precious’s sister and she my girl, so I’m all the way cool wit’ you.”

  “Well y’all here now, so drink up and schedule an appointment or something,” Promise said.

  “Damn right, I will. Yo, this place is the shit.” She looked around again. “Hey, where’s your bathroom? I was sippin’ before I got here.”

  “Down that way to the left.” Promise pointed.

  “I’ll go too. That gin runnin’ straight through me.” Nicole was just as ghetto as always.

  “Well, follow me, bitch.” Keisha led the way.

  “Ugh. I swear, these hos.” Promise giggled and followed. “Listen, I still don’t trust that bitch or choose to fuck wit’ her. But I’ll keep my cool tonight cause I refuse to allow her rude ass to ruin my shit.”

  “Bet.” I cosigned.

  Chapter 42

  “Hey, Clip.” I answered his call a few days after the party. I figured something was up, someone robbed, short on product, or murdered. “Everything okay?”

  “Operation straight.” When we spoke on the phone we used codes, never straight discussion. That meant nothing was wrong on the drug home-front. Either he just wanted to discuss Promise, or operational changes to improve business. “We need to meet up later this evening. I got some news, so clear your schedule for me.” Before I could question him, he ended the call. I started to call him back, but Keisha called on the line before I could.

  “What’s up? Don’t tell me yo’ ass still in the bed?”

  “Nah, I’m up.”

  “So what’s up with you today? Working at the dry cleaners?”

  “Nah, I’m going to run by there though.” I yawned.

  “Good, since you not busy, stop by the club so we can catch up and shoot the shit.”

  “No doubt. I can do that.” It had been a minute since we had hung out. Things felt a little weird after that stuff between her and Promise. Plus, we all had things going on. But Keisha was always funny and fun. I couldn’t wait to hang out with her.

  “Well, I’ll see you then.” Keisha ended the call.

  Chapter 43

  After a quick visit to the cleaners to go over the sales, I dropped off the deposit from the night before and headed over to meet up with Keisha at the club. The parking lot was empty at this time of day. I parked close to the door and made my way inside.

  “Hey, Keisha!” I yelled out.

  “I’m over here.” She stepped out from behind a wall.

  “Why you hidin’ in your own club?” I joked. “And turn on the damn lights up in here. You tryin’ to save money or something?”

  “You got jokes. I ain’t hidin’ I was up in VIP. I thought about gettin’ in one of the cages and practicing my routines.”

  “You mean the new being cheap.” I continued to poke fun. “What routine you claim to be practicing?”

  “A dancer. Girl, you know I’m the best twerker around. It’s okay for you to admit it.” She bent over and started twerking.

  “No, you’re not. So stop. Please.” I threw my hand up in a stop motion. “A big booty does not make you a natural-born twerk master.”

  “Aye. I knew you were jealous. It’s cool. I’ll teach you and we can get you some butt implants. No problem.”

  “Whatever.” I laughed. “This booty has been voted perfect.” I playfully slapped my butt. I enjoyed kidding around with Keisha. She kept me in good spirits. The girl was crazy and funny, with a great sense of humor.

  “Come on, let’s grab a drink and sit at the bar.”

  “I’m here for that,” I cosigned.

  “So I’m thinking I’m going to open up a second location.”

  “Dang, business booming like that?”

  “Yep. Line around the corner all three days the club is open. We turnin’ too many people away. We can’t have that. We may as well take cash money and throw it in the trash can.”

  I nodded my head in agreement on that. If it made dollars, it made sense. “I guess if you think about it that way. Do you have any idea where you might open it?” LA was an oasis of open spots for clubs. The people never sleep and are always ready to party.

  “Not sure just yet. I’ma start lookin’ in two weeks though. Gotta get this done before the thrill is gone.”

  “How is the hair store doing? It’s been a minute since I been by there. I need to grab some bundles though.”

  “Please do. You better support ya girl.” She laughed. “The store all good though. You know money just rollin’ in all over the place. It is what I wanted you know. Just might be able to get that house out in Bel-Air after all.” She laughed.

  “See, I knew you could. I tried to tell you.” I looked at my phone. Promise was calling. “Hey,” I answered.

  “Just answer me yes or no,” Promise whispered to me. “Are you alone?”

  “No.” It felt strange answering her this way and not knowing the reason.

  “Are you with Keisha?”

  That sent my question cells all over the place. I was alarmed and it probably showed. “Yes. Of course, I am,” I answered.

  “Precious, I need you to listen to me. Keisha is up to something. So I want you to get ya shit and get out of there. Clip called me and tried to explain some stuff and I really ain’t all that sure because he was in a hurry. But you need to go.”

  “No doubt. I’ll hit you up.” I played it off and ended the call. A million thoughts crowded in on my mind. Confusion was at the top of the list. I looked up at Keisha, who was staring at me. “Listen, some shit just came up and I gotta go.”

  “Who was that? Everything cool?”

  “Oh yeah. Just business, so I have to make a run.” I stood up.

  “Wait, you can’t stay just a little while longer?”

  “No, I have to go now.”

  “Come on. I wanted to finish tellin’ you about the club and my new ideas.” Keisha stood up too. Suddenly, she seemed nervous.

  “We’ll talk later. Thanks for the drink.” I grabbed my Gucci bag.

  “Quincy!” Keisha suddenly yelled. I turned to walk away. A hand went to my nose.

  * * *

  “Precious, Precious.” I heard my name but couldn’t respond. I felt like I was in a dream but couldn’t fully wake up. “Precious.” I heard my name again. I shook my head from side to side; my body felt so heavy and I was groggy. “Precious. Wake up.” I felt my eyelids flutter. I tried to open them. My vision was blurry for a second, and then I was able to focus on Quincy, who was standing in front of me. I realized that he was the one calling my name.

  “Quin . . . Quincy,” I muttered, unable at first to utter the words.

  “It’s me. Now wake yo’ ass up!” he screamed. “You ain’t supposed to go to bed.” I focused in on him and he smiled. Then I saw Keisha standing behind him.

  Suddenly, I remembered her calling him, and that was the last thing I remembered. I then realized I was sitting in a chair. Looking down, I saw I was not restrained. But Quincy had a gun pointed at me. Keisha stood next to him and he whispered something to her.

  I thought of how I could break free from the gun pointed at me. “What’s going on? Get that damn gun outta my face.” I almost panicked, but tried to stay calm. Then I remembered Promise’s call. The looks on Keisha’s and Quincy’s faces was slick; they were different, not my friend and employee.

  “Precious, stop the dramatic shit. All those stupid-ass facial expressions. Just relax, ’cause you can’t control this shit.” Keisha looked irritated.

  “I could relax if my so-called friend would release me from my captivity. What bullshit is this?” I was angry. “Quincy . . . nigga, say some or do some. Why this?” I eyed him. “Tell me this shit a joke.”

&n
bsp; “Nah, I ain’t no fuckin’ comedian ya know.” Quincy chuckled and I didn’t find nothing funny. “But here is what you can do: You and I both know this game out here is a beast, right. So this shit gone be easy for you. Give up the name of the connect.” He sniffed as if to clear his sinuses. “Do that and I will allow you to live.” His tone was matter-of-fact.

  I should have known that was what this was all about. Since DaVon had died, Quincy thought he was entitled to the throne. And for that he would betray me. I shook my head with disappointment. “I can’t believe this,” I said. Even more shocking was Keisha. How could she stand by and let this happen? “So, Keisha, you just gone let yo’ man do this to your friend?”

  “Like you just said. He my man.” She folded her arms across her chest.

  “Yeah, and I can’t believe you gone stand by him after he slept with your best friend. And that’s probably his baby,” I declared with disgust. “You should want more.”

  “What I want, I will have. Never mind me staying with Quincy. We have a bond you could not understand. But if you must know, I cheated on Quincy with his brother and he forgave me. So of course I would forgive him for what he done. We gone be together always. We got something you miserable bitches will never have. And that’s real love. Oh, and our new empire.” She laughed. “If you bitches had just stayed out of my way. I tried to give you something to keep you busy. That’s why Maria was killed.”

  “Are you sayin’ y’all killed Maria and her daughter? She was the sweetest, nicest person in the world. She deserved better. And her daughter?”

  “Her daughter was just a victim of circumstance. But you loved Maria, so I knew that shit would keep you busy for a minute,” Quincy said.

  “Fuck all that. You too full of emotion. You don’t need to be worried about Maria and that daughter of hers. Bitch so sensitive but wants to run an empire.”

  “Bitch, fuck you sickos. You two deserve each other,” I said, my tone full of disgust.

  “Damn right we do. Now it’s time for you to do what your man wouldn’t,” Keisha said, her face devoid of emotion. And at that moment I knew they had killed DaVon.