by India
Chapter Forty-Four
Gucci
I just had to go see for myself if the shit this cop was spitting was true. So I went with Tonya to the morgue. There Roscoe was, laid on the table still rocking his famous I’m so hood chain and his Gucci loafers but his face was completely gone. Tonya almost had a heart attack. I was contemplating consoling her but the thought of who shot Nikki wouldn’t leave my mind so I left. I was so perplexed as I got into my car, that I went straight over to the Doll House instead of Tonya’s where I meant to go back to so that I could retrieve my shotgun. “If Roscoe was dead and still at the club, then Tonya could’ve been the only one to drive his car…but how would Tonya or Roscoe know where the truck was supposed to be in the first place?” I thought aloud as I pulled into the club’s parking lot. “What up Gucci?” Someone said as they were getting out of their car. I nodded and kept it moving. No time for small talk.
I entered the club through the back door because I didn’t feel like talking to any of the customers tonight. I saw three girls in the dressing room. They all looked scared as shit when I busted them doing lines on the vanity tables.
“Oh girl, you scared me! Shit, I thought you was William’s ass.” Dazzle said and then went down for a line. William was the old owner and he would’ve given them a warning and put them on restriction. Restriction meant they were only allowed on stage but no lap dances or VIP dances. Which meant they ass would go home broke because the money was definitely in private dances. I looked at the group and rolled my eyes because I personally didn’t like none of them hoes. The fact they had to get high to dance really pissed me off. Hell, nobody wanted a wasted stripper that was too high to even look sexy. The Doll House was supposed to showcase the hottest women in Detroit, giving the customer the illusion of perfection. Things hadn’t been like that for the last two years but I was about to change that right now.
I walked towards the stoners and wiped the powder off the counter spilling it onto the ground.
“Take that shit and go work on Woodward some damn where.” Referencing that street because it’s known for having high levels of prostitution.
“Bitch that was good blow! What the fuck you do that for?” Kenya asked standing up like she wanted some of me but we both knew better.
“’Cause I can bitch! In case you ain’t heard, I own this bitch now and I don’t want my dancers to look like zombies and shit. I don’t care about how you fuck up your body but when you fuck up my money then there is a problem.” Dazzle, Kenya, and the other girl, Pretty looked at me in shock. They knew I wasn’t the one. So they collected their shit and got to steppin’.
“Yo’ Pretty.” I called and she looked back. “You can stay.”
“Thanks Gucci. Girl I promise I won’t bring that shit up here no more. I need this job, I got three kids. I knew that you had my back!” She reached for a hug and I stepped back. I only called her back because she fit the Doll image to a tee. The customers loved her half Black, half Asian look. Cutting her off would cut my pockets and I couldn’t have that.
“We ain’t cool. You just make money and like I said, I ain’t fucking up my money.” I dismissed her and walked out into the hallway that led me to Williams’ old office trying not to be noticed but I failed. “Gucci, aye some chick is here and wants to see you. She say her name is Mina or some shit like that.” Randy my bouncer said pointing over to Mina who was sitting at the bar looking as uncomfortable as the devil in church.
“Send her in here.” I nodded at the office. He hustled back towards her and pointed her my way. She walked with her mouth opened as she took in the sight of naked bodies everywhere. I laughed because I knew she wasn’t cut out for this.
“Hey Gucci…so you own this place now huh?” She looked around the junky office that reeked of cigarette smoke.
“Yeah I just got the papers to it yesterday so you’re in luck.” We laughed. “So show me your moves.” I sat behind the desk in Williams’ leather chair and rocked back and forth.
“Right here, right now.” She blushed.
“Yeah, shit if you can’t dance for me, then you definitely can’t dance for a crowd.” I pointed out.
“But you’re a woman.” She shyly announced and I rolled my eyes.
“Girl I ain’t no pussy eater. I’m strictly dickly! Plus there will be plenty of women in that audience every night! Hell dykes are the best customers.”
“Okay.” She stood and removed the jacket and slid out of her skirt revealing a really pretty pink see through baby doll top, matching thong, thigh highs ,and a garter belt with some pink platform heels. Her make up was flawless. I decided that even if she couldn’t dance, I would hire her anyway to be a waitress or something. The sound of Ciara’s song Ride flowed into the office through the speakers that were on the wall. She began to work it. She rolled her hips and eyed me seductively. Then she shocked me by even making her booty clap. Because those were the three necessities for this type of position, I had no choice but to give her the job. “Pick a name for yourself doll, welcome to the Doll House.”
“Oh my god are you serious? I was nervous as hell!” She admitted
“You did good and once you learn some pole tricks you’ll be the shit.”
“Um, am I supposed to pick the name of a doll that’s out or what?” She looked at me for clarification.
“Well we add Doll behind it so when they announce me they say let’s welcome the Gucci Doll. We have a Pretty Doll, Satin Doll, Pynk Doll, Sexi Doll, Toy Doll, and Diamond Doll.” She thought for a minute then smiled at me.
“What about the most popular doll of them all, Barbie.”
“Barbie Doll does fit you but I think you need a wig or something to go with your theme.” I got up and took her into the dressing room introducing her to the ladies that were beginning to arrive. I gave her my old locker. I even found a pink wig for her to rock for tonight. Then I took her back into my office to give her the rules and regulations. I put her on game about the club, which customers to stay away from, as well as which dancers to steer clear of. I told her that I absolutely needed her to obtain a cabaret license in order to dance but I would allow her a week to get her money together; which reminded me about why she was here in the first place. “What does your husband think of this new profession.”
“Girl he hasn’t been at home lately. Just in and out. Also, he’s been getting so high he can’t think nothing because his mind ain’t all there.” She tried to smile but I saw the pain in her eyes.
“So you need the job to feed his habit.” I guessed.
“No…not at all! I would never support that shit. I need the job because he fucked over someone’s product and I’m trying to pay that bill. In fact, I think my life depends on it.” She averted her eyes because she already knew that I knew the deal about Tre’ and Mario missing drugs.
“Well once you pay it off, what you gone do?”
“I’m leaving this place and his ass; never looking back again.”
I smiled. I liked her even more because she could’ve ran already. Because she stayed, it showed me she wasn’t grimy.
“Well I hope you do just that. Pay the debt off and never look back!”
Chapter Forty-Five
Nikki
“Where am I?” I thought as I heard voices that sounded distant. I blinked rapidly but my vision was cloudy as tried to focus. I felt like shit but once I saw my husband I was thankful I was still alive.
“Oh my god baby. Thank god you opened your eyes.” He stood at my side looking as though he needed a nap, a shower, and a shave. “You been in here for seven days baby. The doctors thought you wouldn’t make it but I knew you would baby. I knew you would.” Tears began to drop down his face and then mine.
He grabbed my hand pulling it towards his face, then his lips, then on his chest right over his heart. “I swear on my life, we looking for the niggas that did this baby. Sam said he saw a blue and black Marauder leaving the warehouse. Gucci thought it was Rosco
e’s old one but when she got over there, the police showed up and said he was dead.” He looked hurt about that. Then he continued, “Tonya was next on our list of suspects but we waiting to make a move since we don’t even know how they would know about it in the first place. The truck was left untouched and that really gets me.” He scratched his head. “I know this was no random shooting. Whoever shot you thought it was me, and must’ve known what was in the truck, so why did they do all of that to just leave the truck there?” He looked up at the ceiling. He was overloading me with information and my heart rate accelerated. I couldn’t speak because of the tube in my throat. I began to point at it hoping he would call someone to remove it. “Oh you want to say something.” I wanted to say hell yeah it was Tonya’s ass but I just nodded gently instead. As Mario hit the call button for the nurse to come in and remove the breathing tube, a very large man with a security shirt burst through the room door like a gust of wind. “Mr. Wallace your mother called and wanted me to let you know your son is not feeling well so they won’t be coming for a visit today.”
“What she say was wrong with him?” Mario replied.
“I don’t know but it sounded urgent! She said she was taking him to the hospital. She wants you to call her as soon as possible.” The man urged, pushing the cell phone towards Mario.
“Nikkita don’t trip baby, it’s nothing.” Mario said as he turned towards me and noticed my worried expression.
Hearing the mention of my son being in some sort of danger and having to be rushed to the hospital sent me into shock. I began pulling at the tube vigorously while simultaneously trying to get up from the bed.
“Stay calm Mrs. Wallace.” The nurse said as she walked in. The monitors were all going off and my eyes began to roll inside my head.
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPP!
“We’re losing her. Everybody out now!” Another voice yelled.
“Baby don’t do this to me. Please don’t do this to me. Nikki stop it please!” Mario screamed in panic as my body went into a seizure. Before I knew it, it was lights out. I felt as if I were in another world as my inner spirit stood in that hospital room crying and watching my outer body lose its lease on life. Although the medical team barked orders for Mario to leave the room, he never let go of my hand.
“Nikkita stop this shit!” He screamed as the tears poured from his weary face.
“Baby I’m scared. It’s not me that’s doing this.” I wanted to say but all that came out was gurgling noises.
“Oh my god. Nikkita we got plans. Don’t fucking do this to me. Baby I can’t breathe without you.” He fell down on the side of the bed to his knees.
Someone climbed on top of me. I felt a volt of electricity, then another, and another.
“Sir you have to step out and give us room to save this patient, your wife.” The black middle aged female doctor said with a kind smile, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“Nikki, baby don’t leave me. I swear ma, I will fucking die without you!” He said as he backed his way to the door. “You hear me baby? I’m dead out here without you! I fucked up and I’m so sorry Nikki, I love you!” Was the last thing I heard followed by the room door closing. I tried with all that I had to get back to my husband but I was getting weak. There was some super-natural power forcing me to turn my back away from the hospital scene and make my way into the light. I wiped a tear and looked back at the lifeless body that those people were desperately trying to save. “I’m sorry Mario and I love you too!”
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPP.
Chapter Forty-Six
Tonya
“Brothers and sisters, today is not the day that we should mourn for the lost life of our dear brother, Roscoe Jameel Jones. Instead we should be rejoicing, for he has earned his wings. He has gone on to glory to be with the Lord our savior. He is now sitting on the right hand of God and we know he is smiling down on us.” Preached Pastor King of Mt. Glory Baptist Church, which was my mothers’ home church. I sat still and was numb as people passed by wishing me and my kids well. Telling us to call if we ever needed anything. I rolled my eyes at half of them because I knew they were just blowing smoke up my ass! Truth be told, I knew that if I ever decided to pick up the phone and dial their numbers, nobody would answer.
“You be strong okay.” Someone patted me on the shoulder.
“Mommy where is my daddy?” My daughter, Ciara whispered and asked me in my ear. I looked at her and smiled. She was so pretty in her royal blue which was also Roscoe’s favorite color. I looked into her eyes and pointed up to the ceiling. “Daddy is in heaven.”
“Well, where is heaven?” She quizzed.
“Heaven is where the angels live.” She looked at me in confusion. Then replied, “how was daddy an angel when he did bad things? And plus mommy he went to jail remember?”
I didn’t respond but yes, I did remember. Part of me still wished he was there. At least I would know he’d have another opportunity to come home to me.
Ciara tapped me to remind me of her question. I didn’t know how to respond to her. I was glad I didn’t have to, because the Pastor then asked us to bow our heads for a prayer. So we did.
The memorial service was nice but I felt incomplete because Roscoe’s body wasn’t here. He had been cremated. I watched as people flooded in, some still dressed from the night before and smelling like it too. They reeked of liquor, weed, and partying, and it made me nauseous because that’s how he’d died…partying! At the thought of that selfish bastard, I smacked my lips. I twisted in my seat, getting up, and retreating to the bathroom. The thought of him pissed me off because he wasn’t a man! Real men don’t leave their families behind in poverty while they go to a fuckin’ party. If that nigga would’ve kept his mind on his money and been handlin’ his business, then we would be chillin somewhere on a got damn vacation! Instead, now I got bills to pay and no money to pay them with. I knew with Nikki being laid up in the hospital right now wasn’t the time to press my luck, but I had to figure something out to get paid.
“Excuse me Tonya.” Someone tapped me on my shoulder. I swung around to see some young dark-skinned girl with dark shades and a long weave smiling brightly at me.
“Yes.” I said pushing the door to the bathroom open with her in tow.
“I just wanted to say I’m so sorry about what happened to Roscoe. He will truly be missed.” I looked at her like how the fuck do you know my man. She must’ve gotten my drift because she quickly extended her hand. “I’m sorry, my name is Amber, and I grew up with Roscoe. You could say he was like a brother to me. I moved away with my family years ago and we lost contact.” She explained.
“Oh okay.” I went into the stall ignoring her extended hand. I mean, who does that? Were we supposed to become bff’s and share old memories or something? I don’t think so! I had big girl problems and the bills to go with them. Therefore, if she wasn’t talking about money, then we couldn’t talk. I opened the stall door and walked right past her silly looking-ass towards the sink, “You still here?”
“Yes. Tonya I’m here and I want to help you.”
I gave her the screw face. “Help me with what? You don’t even know me. So what could you possibly help me with, huh?” I shifted my weight over to my right leg and folded my arms.
“Well.” She stalled. “No I don’t know you, but I did know Roscoe. I know that you guys have children together. With him gone, can you pay your mortgage? Can you pay your bills or put food on the table? I want to help you so please let me.” She pleaded.
“What’s the catch?” I rolled my eyes.
“No catch. I’m just doing what I know he would do for my family if the tables were turned. Here take this and call me if you need me but I’ll be in touch real soon okay.” She handed me a manila envelope, turned on her Red Bottoms and left the restroom. I ripped the envelope open with my index finger. My mouth fell to the ground when I saw six thick stacks of rubber banded money. Who was this girl and where did she come
from? I thought to myself as I flipped through the green bills.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Chloe
“It’s Robin bitch!” I said under my breath as I walked away from the church and stepped into my brand new Mercedes Benz. I had just left that Tonya chick speechless and I knew it. Her ass didn’t know what to think. I knew with her gold-diggin’ ways that she would soon try to become my new best-friend. I smirked to myself and let out a wicked laugh. If she only knew that she was a very big piece to my puzzle. See now that Nikki and Mario were out of the way, I really had room to do what the fuck I wanted. Sam was so busy trying to run the dope game that he wasn’t paying little ol’ me any attention. That was cool with me. I was doing my own thing and making shit happen. This Chloe shit has been a front the whole time. I could really care less about Sam and his new position. Shortly, he would be history anyway. Soon I’d have key evidence to turn the streets inside out. Shit, with an informant like Tonya, who would agree to testify to anything that I asked her to, after I paid her off. I knew I was about to blow the lid off this drug case that I’ve been working for the past six years.
I didn’t really want Sam or Mario. I wanted the head nigga in charge Zion. He was supplying the streets with major weight and heavy arsenal. Kids were dying and that shit didn’t sit right with me. I know that earlier I told you my name was Chloe, which I have been for six years, but before that life, my birth name was Robin Jones. I wasn’t lying about the rest of my story. My father was a hustler and my mother did die a hustler’s wife. Year after year, it was the same story. I watched my dad go in and out of jail as my mother constantly looked over her shoulder. No thanks, that lifestyle has never appealed to me. However, it did entice my big brother. You know him as Roscoe. That in fact is his real name. Growing up he got mixed up in the street life early due to our parents’ influence. He left home when he was eighteen. I was only thirteen at the time so we didn’t keep in touch. I saw him a time or two after our mom’s funeral which was several years later. We were like two ships passing in the night. He stayed in his lane and I stayed in mine. He resented me for becoming a cop and turning my back on the family hustle. I of course, felt the same way about him and his profession. He was the scum that I put away on a daily basis. So why would I associate with the likes of him and his kind. A year after my brother went to jail, I constantly begged to be put on cases surrounding his associates. I wanted to put those muthafuckas away. Eventually, I got the break of a lifetime.
