Get Even: A Michelle Angelique Urban Action Adventure Thriller Series Book #2 (Michelle Angelique Avenging Angel Assassin)

by Lori Jean Grace

  “The next thing I know for sure is, Michelle knocked him down and knocked his ass out! No shit, just as fast as we saw her take PJ down right now, that asshole hit the ground. But he didn’t stay out, so she jumped up and pulled a gun on the bastard. When he wouldn’t stay down, she didn’t hesitate or nothing—she shot his big ass.”

  With her fist and forefinger, Angel made a gun and pointed at the floor. “Shot his ass—bam!” When she said “bam,” her hand bucked with the recoil from her imaginary weapon.

  Then she smiled, looking around the room. “Muthafucka kept his big ass down after she shot him. My name’s Angel, but Michelle was my angel because she sure saved my life.”

  “Thanks, Angel, for telling us your story,” Michelle said. “Any other questions?”

  No one had anything.

  “All right, I want you to meet the team. This is Nikky”—she motioned to her right—“and she’ll be your day‑to‑day manager. She’ll work with you on territory, transportation, hotels, police, pay—all of those business‑type things. Before you leave here tonight, make sure she has at least your name and phone number. She’ll get with each of you for everything she needs.”

  Then Michelle pointed to her other side. “And this beautiful woman is Deja. She’s your go‑to woman for your best glamorous look. Clothes, hair, wigs, nails, makeup—all of that stuff. For some of you with little kids, she’s the person to help you with childcare. She’s also your medical connection; she’ll help with the clinic and anything medical.

  “Now, ladies, before I turn the meeting over to Nikky and Deja, I have one last question for everyone here. Are you in, or are you out?”

  A woman with short purple‑tipped hair shouted out from the back of the room, “Did you say childcare?”

  “Yeah, I did. We set up a house for your kids, where they’ll be safe while you’re out working.”

  “I’m in!” Purple Hair shouted, and her declaration was met with a loud chorus of: “Me, too!”

  Twenty‑Nine: Pink Floyd

  AT SCOTT’S DINER, Michelle and Deja moved chairs out of the way to push together the two front tables. Before they finished rearranging the furniture, Nikky, Trevon, G‑Baby, and Baby‑Sister joined them. Conversations and laughing continued while everyone pitched in, organizing the seating arrangement.

  “Hey, Scott,” Michelle said. “How are you fixed to take care of a few hungry souls?

  “Your wish is my command,” he quipped.

  “Then I wish some for coffee, all around,” she quipped back. “And bring everyone the big breakfast special. Throw in a tall stack of pancakes and a pitcher of orange juice for the center of the table while you’re at it.”

  Scott strolled over to pick up a carafe, grinning at Michelle while eyeballing Trevon. He wiggled his eyebrows in a silent question, and Michelle winked back.

  Scott brought the full coffee carafes to their table, and Michelle turned to Trevon. “Trevon, did I tell you Scott, here, is the man responsible for Pink Floyd?”

  “No. We only officially met that one time after your big Muay Thai boxing match, and there wasn’t much of a chance to talk.” Trevon faced Scott. “All right, I’ll bite. How are you involved with Pink Floyd? I thought they were an old‑time rock band.”

  “No, not them,” Michelle interrupted. “Pink Floyd is Pink’s full name. I couldn’t call him just Pink. He’s a tom, after all.”

  “That Pink? You’re talking about your kitten?” Trevon asked.

  “Yeah. Scott talked me into taking him home.”

  “Hey, Trevon.” Scott shook hands with him. “Good to see you again. So you’ve met Michelle’s cat. We’d appreciate your helping her take good care of the furry little creature.” With that, Scott left the table.

  Trevon raised an eyebrow. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that was rehearsed,” he said. “And I’m not too sure I do know better.”

  “Man, welcome to the club,” G‑Baby said. “Michelle’s been getting the better of me since she was a little girl.”

  “Speaking of getting better, how’s the arm?” Deja asked.

  “Almost healed,” G‑Baby said. “I’m back to work, half‑days. I could do full days, but Baby‑Sister doesn’t go into the shop until noon, so I’m going slow to build my strength.”

  “What’s one have to do with the other?” Deja asked.

  “Well, young’n, when you’re at my advanced years, you get your getting when the getting’s good, so I figure any excuse is a good excuse.” He winked at Nikky.

  “Uncle G, you’re so full of shit,” Michelle said.

  “I don’t get it,” Deja said.

  Baby‑Sister laid her hand on Deja’s arm, drawing her attention. “G’s using healing as an excuse to help me with my Pink Floyd. You know, my little cat.”

  “Talk about being set up!” Deja said with a laugh. “I walked right into that one.”

  “On another happy note, did Michelle tell you about her new business?” G‑Baby asked Trevon, who looked at Michelle.

  “How much do they know?”

  “They know about Lewis, his crew, and Jackson,” she replied.

  “All right, that’s a lot. What about D’andre?”

  “In general terms, that, too.”

  Trevon glanced around the table. “Looks like we’re in good hands,” he said, then turned to G‑Baby. “Yes, I’m fully aware of her venture into the world’s oldest profession. I expect with Nikky and Deja’s help, it’ll be a huge success.”

  “Trevon’s setting up the trust and banking information for the corporation,” Nikky said.

  “How will that work?” G‑Baby asked. “You can’t incorporate street sex.”

  “You’re right, you can’t incorporate turning tricks,” Nikky said. “What can be incorporated are things like online sex call centers, professional escort services, a massage parlor, and a childcare center. All of these are part of the business model Trevon’s helping me put together.”

  “Not that we’ll start with all of those things,” Michelle said. “We’ll start with the women and the childcare center.”

  “What do you mean, a daycare center?” Baby‑Sister asked. “Are your girls taking care of business in the day?”

  “No,” Nikky said. “Well, yes, of course our girls work in the day. Lots of horny men in the afternoon. But no, I didn’t say daycare. I said childcare. The center is for our girl’s kids. We’re staffed to operate mostly at night. It was one of the things that helped a bunch of them decide to join us.”

  “Childcare, and Michelle kicking homegirl’s butt twice in a row, right in front of everyone,” Deja added.

  “You got that shit right!” Nikky agreed.

  “Not to change the subject but . . . I’m glad you’re finally rid of Jerome,” G‑Baby said.

  “Yes, hallelujah, thank you, Jesus,” Michelle said. “Trevon’s bodyguard took him out in the big shoot‑out last week.”

  “I also heard a new guy came up from Long Beach. Rumor has it he’s pretty much filled in the gap left by Jackson and Lewis.”

  “I heard the same thing,” Trevon said.

  “Well, I’m not in his line of work,” G‑Baby said, “but if he ever needs a day off the books or a good haircut, I can help out.”

  “Uncle G, Trevon doesn’t know about our Vietnamese friends down in Orange County, but you’re right.” Michelle turned to Trevon. “If you ever need time where your presence is absolutely not where some folk, like the police, think it is, let Uncle G know. He can make some magic happen.”

  Trevon raised one eyebrow slightly and, cocking his head, looked over at G‑Baby. “Good to know. Seems this family is full of surprises.”

  Michelle regarded Trevon, quietly questioning her feelings. She was attracted to him on so many levels, she hadn’t fully identified all of them. Yet she held back, and wasn’t quite sure why. She hated what he did. Was that it? Was selling drugs reall
y worse than what she did? No. She couldn’t rationalize assassination as better than pushing drugs—even if the guy deserved it. But hopefully that was behind her.

  She was now in the business of running prostitutes and it didn’t matter how good she treated them, they still worked on their backs. Did something deep inside make her afraid to commit to anyone? She really didn’t know. But until she sorted out her feelings, she’d keep her safety barrier with Daryl as GFB and see other men when she felt like it.

  No doubt her life was changing—and so was she.

  Helen, the morning waitress, arrived with a row of plates balanced on her arm. “Here we go, big breakfast specials all around, tall stack in the middle, with four types of syrup. Can I bring anyone anything else?”

  “No, I think we’re more than covered,” Michelle said.

  “Given the current events,” Trevon said. “I agree; we’re more than covered.”

  Thirty: GFB

  WHACK!

  Michelle slapped him on the ass.

  It was their special game—see who could wake up first and slap the other’s bottom. They only had one rule. You had to be out of the bed for at least one minute before slapping the sleeping beauty.

  “Fair enough, you got me,” Daryl said, “but damn, couldn’t you wait another minute? I was having a hot sex dream with a golden goddess.”

  “She’d better be a goddess with a short afro, standing about five‑foot‑five.”

  “No other goddess is worth dreaming about.”

  “Good answer. I’m beginning to believe you’re the best GFB ever. I mean, you say the most wonderful things, and your talents have talents.”

  “My talents have talents?”

  “Yup. That’s what I said, and I meant it. My friend, Keisha, talks about how her boyfriend makes her come like a freight train, but that earthbound shit doesn’t have anything on what you do for me. Last night you just about took me through the roof.”

  “Girl, you’ve got it going on yourself. You know that, right?”

  “I was wondering . . . if I had room service bring us some breakfast, would you be rested enough to give a girl a little lift‑off this morning?”

  “Are you saying you need breakfast before we get to business?”

  Michelle snuggled back into bed, rolled over on top of him. “Forget it, mister. You missed your chance for sustenance. Now, it’s time for some of your special stratospheric sex.”

  “Strato‑what sex? . . . How about I just fuck you real good?”

  “That’ll do.”

  Thank you for reading Get Even, the second book in the Michelle Angelique series.

  What’s Next for Michelle?

  Where do the three ladies go from here? How does taking over in Sugar’s place work out? Does Ascia still want to put Russian hookers in the hood? What happens when Trevon starts working his way into the halls of power?

  Want to know more? Sign up for my newsletter at www.lorijeangrace.com to learn about upcoming books and insider information about all of your favorite people.

  If you had fun with Michelle, Nikky and Deja, in Get Even, there’s good news! Michelle and the girls are coming back. Take Down comes next.

  Take Down is an exciting look into the hood as changes take place showing who’s down, who’s a punk, and who’s just mean, or mean and stupid. (Hint: It isn’t always the fool on the street.) One thing is for sure: Michelle always stays strong and can count on her rows, Nikky and Deja.

  Did You Enjoy Get Even?

  I truly hope you enjoyed reading Get Even and had a fun time following Michelle and the others as they met and triumphed over the challenges of the hood.

  If you would like to read more Michelle Angelique books, your review on Amazon will help Michelle and the others come back. Reviews are golden to a series like Michelle Angelique. Your review tells Amazon you enjoyed this book and want to see more like it.

  I am asking for your personal help. Please go to Get Even’s page on Amazon and write a review to tell others how much fun you had reading Get Even. It doesn’t matter how short. I deeply appreciate every review.

  Why am I asking for your help? Every review readers post is very helpful for two important reasons. Your reviews help other readers, just like you, make informed decisions. Also, reviews help me know what you want to hear more about (or less of) from Michelle and the ladies. I love your encouragement, and honestly, personally need it to keep up the work.

  Would you like to get all of Michelle Angelique’s Adventures FREE?

  Be a part of the Lori Jean Grace Advance Reader Team. Just like Michelle needs to recon an area before going on a job, I need to make sure her next book is as good as I can make it before it is published. You will get a copy of each book before it’s published. When you get your copy, you read it (like you would anyway) and tell me what you find. If you see things in the story that are wrong, or you just don’t like, tell me. If you find things that you love, tell me. If you find one of those sneaky typos that slip through the many edits, tell me. I’ll pay attention to everything you say.

  Some of the members of the Advance Reader Team can be especially helpful by posting an honest review of the book on Amazon when it’s first published. That will help make Michelle a real success and show your friends you are a part of the inside circle of my and Michelle’s Team.

  Contact me at Lori@lorijeangrace.com if you’re interested in the Advance Reader Team.

  The Authors

  The team

  Lori Jean Grace and S. Jay Jackson are a writing team. They co‑write the complete Michelle Angelique series.

  Lori Jean is the “personality” of the team. She makes sure the characters Michelle, Deja, and Nikky have enough fun while covering each other’s backs in all of the stories. She adds the reality of the hood, sex, and family from a woman’s perspective.

  Jay, the quiet one, comes up with the plots and the characters. He also makes sure the men are real, the punks are weak, and the players are strong but flawed like he knew them to be.

  Lori Jean Grace

  I’m a regular person with a pretty average history.

  My parents were great and gave us kids tons of love. Sundays were all about Mom, grandparents, and church. I sang in the choir. The rest of the week I hung out with my dad and his friends, watching them play cards or dominoes. Somewhere along the line, things changed and eventually my parents divorced.

  As a result of my parent’s divorce and my unwed teenage pregnancy, we wound up living in Compton, a gang stronghold of Los Angeles.

  Our house was deep in the hood. In time, most of my cousins and my baby brother joined gangs. Because we lived in different areas, they were in rival gangs, which made things very interesting at family gatherings. Warring loyalties are difficult to live with and hard to watch, but they make for exciting story‑telling after the violence is over.

  Eventually, I married and divorced and struggled with being a single mother. Balancing kids, work, not enough money, not enough education, an occasional worthwhile or sometimes worthless boyfriend, and not enough self‑belief, I lived many of the struggles I write about in my books.

  My love of reading books didn’t come until later, and I’m grateful for their introduction into my life. I’ve been most influenced by: Walter Mosley for the down home reality you can feel and jazz that jumps off the page. Robert Parker (the real one) for his Spenser character who never changed “Yikes!” Jean Auel for her amazing story‑telling. David Baldacci for his full family action–gotta love Marlene.

  I love to hear from readers. Drop me a line at Lori@LoriJeanGrace.com and let me know your thoughts about Michelle Angelique or any of the other people in her books.

  S. Jay Jackson

  I’m not a stranger to the environment we write about. I was born in the county hospital to a single mom on welfare. From my early childhood and throughout my teen years, we bounced around a lot, always in the hood and of
ten in the government housing projects.

  As the only boy in the family, I was surrounded by women. My mother’s house was where the neighborhood women gathered to talk. If you have ever been around that type of situation, you know how little boys become invisible and the women talk about anything and everything. If women talk about it, I’ve heard it.

  My world oscillated between outside, the guys being stupid and tough on the playground and eventually on the streets, and the women inside, talking about the idiot moves us guys did. My “safe place” was books.

  We didn’t have a TV, so I grew up reading. From early on I could get lost in, The Little Train That Could, or later in books like, Lobo in the Wild. Reading was a joy, but because we moved so often, school was arduous. After attending eighteen schools, I dropped out of high school during my senior year and joined the army. With my military duty finished, I returned to night school where my love of words paid off. Eventually, I became the first in my family to graduate from university.

  In more recent years, I worked overseas. For ten years, I lived in Vietnam and Thailand, where Michelle Angelique went through her training. The things Michelle talks about in our books are made up, but they are also based on my real experiences. Of course, I never did any of the ninja stuff. To get a free copy of our starter library of Sister’s Revenge and Get Even, Michelle’s first two books, plus the short story Extra Credit, just visit us at www.lorijeangrace.com.

  Acknowledgements

  It’s true, writing is a lonely business. It’s also true a book is only as good as the whole team who helped to make it what it is. Thank you, Kimberly Grenfell at http://goldenstandardediting.blogspot.com for your amazing insightful editing. Ed Benjamin for constant support and often commiseration at all levels. Thank you, Stephen Campbell, of www.theauthorbiz.com for your insights that were only matched by your generosity. To my family, thanks for your daily support and constant good cheer. Your smiles every morning make the many long hours every day worth it all.

  Dedication

  To Sydney . . .