Street Soldier 2

by Silhouettes

  “What I want is for you to shut the fuck up and listen. Okay, so I knew some shit was gon’ eventually swing my way, but Mama ain’t have nothin’ to do with this. If you love her so much, then you’ll put all that other bullshit aside and help me figure this out. I mean, what would you do? I have some of the money, but not all of it right now. If I deplete all of my funds, I may have more, but that’s gon’ leave me high and dry. Then, the biggest thing is I haven’t talked to Mama. This fool could be settin’ me up. How do I know Mama is still alive when haven’t spoken to her?”

  Raylo put his hands behind his head, giving me a stern look. “You do need to speak to her before you up anything. Give me that nigga’s phone number and address. I’ll do some investigations to see what I can come up with. Do not give him one red cent until I let you know what I find out. I may even pay him a visit myself, and I’ll find out, for sure, if he has Shante.”

  “He says I got five days to bring him the money. After that, I don’t know what he’s goin’ to do.”

  “Just calm down and let me handle this. Don’t do nothin’ until I tell you to. I’ll call you later on today, and we’ll go from there.”

  I stepped forward, slamming my hand against Raylo’s and thanking him. “I know we’ve had some beef between us lately, but you need to know that I love yo’ mama and I miss her too. I’m in this damn house goin’ crazy, and the sooner she comes back to us, the better.”

  “I agree,” I said, reaching into my pocket. I gave Raylo $500, only because I felt bad for accusing him of doing something to Mama, and for being stingy with my money. “That’s all I have on me. And you know it will put a dent in my pockets if I have to come up with this money, so work with me, all right?”

  Raylo looked at the money, then gave it back to me. “Don’t worry about it right now. Let’s see what we gotta do to get yo’ mama back here, then we’ll go from there. Go cool out and I’ll get at you soon.”

  I nodded and left, hoping that Raylo could help me with this. Got in my car, and as soon as I got to the laundromat, I saw Poetry’s car parked out front. This chick’s timing was always off, and yet again, hooking up with her was the last thing on my mind right now. I walked inside, looking straight ahead and doing my best to ignore her. That in no way worked for her. As soon as I stopped to get a soda, she came over to the machine and stood next to me.

  “Morning, handsome,” she said, showing her snow-white teeth. “I thought you were goin’ to call me. And have you given any consideration to offering me a job yet? I sure could use one.”

  “I can’t call you if I don’t have your number. As for the job, haven’t given it much thought at all. But, uh, I need to go across the street to open my store. I’ll check back with you later.”

  Surprised by my attitude, Poetry backed up and moved out of my way. I opened the door to my office, got another set of keys from my drawer, and left. I hurried across the street to open the liquor store for business.

  All throughout the day, I waited on customers, trying my best to clear my thoughts. I kept picturing Mama somewhere tied up and being beaten. I saw her pleading for someone to spare her life, then I visualized her dead. I wanted to go kill somebody, but I was so unsure how all of this was going to pan out. Yet again I felt at fault for bringing hurt to the ones I loved and cared about the most. Now I was glad that Nadine’s mother had left with my son. He didn’t need to be around me and my mess. Eventually, he’d wind up paying for my mistakes. No matter where he was, he was damn sure better off than being with me.

  “Seven dollars,” I said to the woman on the other side of the window who had just purchased some lottery tickets.

  She put her money on the revolving tray and I gave her her tickets. Some kids were in line behind her, and right behind them was Poetry. The kids wanted some pickles, soda, and a whole lot of candy. I rang up their items, and after they paid, I put the items in the tray. When Poetry stepped up to the window, she was not smiling. She placed a piece of paper on the tray, and when I swung it around, her phone number was written on it.

  “Now you have my number, again, and I hope you plan to use it,” she said. “Are you? And let me know about the job thingy.”

  I shrugged, looking at the growing line of customers behind her. “I don’t know if I’m goin’ to use your number yet. We’ll see.”

  “We’ll see? I need a yes or no. I don’t—”

  I quickly cut her off and nudged my head toward the door, buzzing it. “Come inside. I need to tackle my customers behind you, if you don’t mind.”

  Poetry walked over to the door and opened it. I told her to have a seat. “What can I get you?” I asked the old woman who stood at the window.

  “Do you have any Spam?”

  “No, ma’am. But I do have some packs of bologna.”

  “Well, give me a pack with a loaf of bread.”

  I got the bologna and bread for the woman and rang up her items. Poetry sat quiet until I got a break after waiting on the last customer in line.

  “So, what’s up with you, Prince? Am I wasting my time with you or what?”

  I didn’t want Poetry to think that she was wasting her time, but her timing was off. I had too much shit going on right now, and the last thing I needed was a chick with demands. I didn’t know how to say that to her without her feeling as if I was trying to be a pain. “This ... this thing with you and me ain’t good for me right now. I got some shit goin’ on that I need to take care of, and it ain’t nothin’ against you. I think you fine and sexy as hell. Any other time I would get with you in a heartbeat, but not right now. Can’t do it.”

  “Are you involved with somebody? I see you working all the time, Prince, and I’m trying to offer my help. Besides that, I ain’t never seen a chick by your side. What’s up with that? If you say the timing ain’t right, tell me why.”

  I really didn’t want to get into details, and was saved by the bell when Jenay walked in looking scrumptious as ever. The short skirt she had on showed all thighs and her breasts peeked through a V-neck halter that she wore. She came up to the window smiling. I couldn’t help that I was all smiles too.

  “What can I get you?” I asked.

  Her pretty, round, seductive eyes stared at me through the glass, and not once did she take her eyes off me to look at Poetry. “Let’s see,” she said, finally shifting her eyes to the goods behind me, then back at me. “Okay, now I see what I want,” she teased in a soft and seductive tone. “What happened to you the other night? I was surprised that you didn’t show up. We had so much fun without you.”

  “Somethin’ came up. Too bad I missed out, but maybe next time.”

  “Maybe so. Give me a Diet Pepsi, a stick of Juicy Fruit gum, and two Powerball tickets. Maybe I’ll get lucky tonight.”

  “I hope so,” I said, trying not to show my enthusiasm because Poetry was watching my every move. See, this was the kind of mess that I didn’t want to have to answer to. I was so sure that Poetry would have something to say, and as soon as Jenay waved good-bye, and blew me a kiss on her way out the door, Poetry got it in.

  “At least I now know why you be acting all funny and shit. She got you wrapped around her finger. How old is Miss Cougar?”

  “That ain’t the reason. Jenay is not my woman. She’s my neighbor.”

  “I couldn’t tell she wasn’t your woman. Your face been flat all day, and as soon as she walked through the door, you would have thought Jesus stepped up in here or something. I guess I need to hike my skirt up a little higher, weave my hair all down my back, and get some breast implants in order for you to notice me.”

  “You ain’t got to do all that, and I have noticed, all right? Just chill out for a while, and let what’s gon’ happen, happen. I got your number and I won’t throw it in the trash. I’ll call you as soon as I can and we can talk about us, as well as that job. You have my word that I will call. Soon.”

  “I hope you keep your word. I’m going to get out of your hair and go holla
at my friend across the street. You be good and don’t go getting yourself in no trouble, if you know what I mean.”

  Poetry left. All I did was smile, knowing that she was referring to Jenay. And after seeing her, I did want to get myself into some trouble. Jenay knew how to relax me and put my mind, body, and soul at ease. There was something about being with older women that made me feel that way. Just like the attraction I had for Patrice, I felt the same way about Jenay. Needing a quickie, and craving some relaxation, I put the OUT TO LUNCH sign on the door and headed upstairs. Jenay’s apartment was directly across the hall from mine, so I lightly knocked on her door. She opened it, wearing a fishnet black shirt that revealed her bare breasts underneath and black thong that rested between her juicy pussy lips.

  “I knew you would come, but not this soon,” she said. “I was getting ready to take a shower and wash my hair. Give me about thirty minutes and I’ll be ready for you then.”

  My dick had already shot up from looking at her. I eased one of my arms around her waist, bringing her body close to mine so she could feel my hardness. She leaned in for a kiss, and as our tongues slow danced, I moved my hand down to get a squeeze of her fat ass. I was about to explode.

  Jenay moved her head back, halting our kiss. “Twenty minutes,” she said. “I’ll hurry.”

  I didn’t want to let her go, until I heard talking and turned my head. Poetry was walking down the hall with a chick whose apartment was three doors down from mine. Both of them stopped in their tracks to look at Jenay being tightly held in my arms. She lifted her finger, turning my head to face her.

  “Fifteen minutes. Now let me go shower and don’t keep me waiting.”

  When she leaned in for another kiss, I couldn’t back away. I did make it short, though, and backed away as she closed the door. I looked down the hall as Poetry turned her head, waiting for her friend to unlock the door. Afterward, they both went inside and I went into my apartment as well. Don’t know why I felt bad that Poetry had seen me with Jenay, and why I even cared. I brushed it off, anxiously waiting for the fifteen minutes to go by. Wanting to check in to see if Raylo had any new news, I called his cell phone, only to get voice mail.

  “Ay, holla back soon. I know it hasn’t been long since we talked, but you know I’m anxious for you to find out what you can. The clock is still tickin’.”

  As soon as I hung up, there was a knock at my door. I pretty much knew who it was, so I skimmed my studio apartment, making sure the open space wasn’t too junky. A few dishes were in the sink, the kitchen table had some crossword puzzle books on it, and some of my video games were on the floor. I quickly picked them up, then hurried to turn my sofa sleeper back into a couch. The plug-in Glade air freshener was working magic, so I was good with the way my apartment smelled. I opened the door, barely able to look Poetry in her eyes. Basically, I had just told her that I didn’t have time for women, and minutes later, there I was with my arm wrapped around one and kissing her. I didn’t feel as if I had any explaining to do, but Poetry didn’t see it that way.

  “I feel like a complete fool,” she said, walking inside while I dropped back on the couch and put my hands behind my head. “I don’t know what made me pursue you like I did, and if you had a woman, all you had to do was say so. You didn’t have to deny it, Prince. Why let me continue to make a fool of myself, knowing that your resisting had everything to do with that tramp across the hall?”

  “It doesn’t have nothin’ at all to do with Jenay. I told you that I’m not involved in a relationship with no one. Truthfully, all we do is have sex every now and then, and it ain’t really no big deal. Why you sweatin’ me like you’re my woman or somethin’? I’m confused by all of this and I barely know you.”

  “I didn’t come here to get in your shit about who you’re with. All I’m saying is you should have told me to back the fuck off.”

  “I have been tellin’ you that, but you ain’t hearin’ me. I told you all I was interested in was sex and nothin’ else. That’s all Jenay or any other chick that I’m down with will get. I suspected that you wanted much more than that, but if you don’t, hey, take a number.”

  “Why take a number when I’m already here?” Poetry said, pulling her stretch dress over her head. She dropped it on the floor while standing in her matching turquoise lace bra and boy shorts. “All you men ever think about is sex. Don’t no damn body know shit about love and relationships anymore! So come on and get some, Prince. I’ll give it to you and you can have all the sex you want.”

  Poetry was being sarcastic, but she looked mad sexy in her skin. She had taken off her bra and when she lowered her boy shorts to her ankles, my dick was swollen. Those thoughts of Jenay went right out the window, and Poetry’s shaved pretty pussy made me want to dive into it face first. But as much as I said it was all about sex, I didn’t want to get down with her like that. There was something about her that I genuinely liked, but didn’t have time to pursue.

  “Don’t sit there staring at me,” she said. “Take off your clothes and let’s break the damn ice. I’m sure I’ll get you to call me after I suck your dick; then again, maybe not. We gotta start somewhere, and if it starts with us fucking, then let’s.”

  I couldn’t say nothing, and when Poetry came closer, I got up from the couch. I pulled the sheet off of it, trying to cover her naked body. She snatched the sheet away.

  “What you doing?” she asked. “Ain’t this what you want? You said you wanted sex, so why you trippin’ and running like a scared chicken when I’m trying to give it to you?”

  “’Cause I don’t want just sex from you,” I said with a sigh. “One day I’ma tell you all that’s goin’ on with me, but not right now. You gotta be patient and stop tryin’ to rush this. I do like you, a lot, but give me—”

  My cell phone rang, interrupting our conversation. As soon as I answered, a knock was also at the door. “What’s up?” I said, seeing Raylo’s number on the caller ID.

  “McDonald’s. Kingshighway and Natural Bridge. In thirty minutes, be there.”

  He hung up and so did I.

  “Listen, I gotta go,” I said, looking at Poetry. When I opened the door, she covered herself with the sheet. Jenay was at the door, and she could see Poetry standing behind me.

  “Sorry, but I need to go make a run,” I said to Jenay. “I’ll stop by later.”

  “Don’t forget,” was all she said, and went back to her apartment.

  I turned to Poetry, trying to speed things along so I could go. “I do not want to hurt your feelings, but I need for you to put your clothes back on so I can go. Somethin’ urgent came up, and if you give me a chance, I’ll explain it to you later.”

  Poetry slipped her dress over her head, put her bra and boy shorts in her purse, and looked at me while at the door. “You told her you’ll stop by later, and you said you’d explain it to me later. I wonder which one of us you’ll keep your word to.”

  I didn’t respond. My mind was elsewhere right now, and I hoped Raylo had some good news for me.

  Chapter Eight

  Ladies and Gentlemen, Miss Poetry Wright ...

  As usual, McDonald’s on Kingshighway and Natural Bridge was the hangout. I spotted Raylo in the far corner, eating some fries and licking the salt from his fingers. I hurried to join him at the table.

  “So, what’s the word?” I asked.

  “Word is you got yourself and yo’ mama in some deep, deep trouble. I found out who that fool was who you met today and his name is Geronimo. They call him G for short and his brother was the one who you killed at the lounge that day. One of my partners who know G says that he got some connections with some important people in St. Louis, includin’ the chief of police. Don’t know if he’s tryin’ to set you up, but G is money hungry. Him and his brother really didn’t get along, so in a sense, you really did do him a favor. I don’t think he’s trippin’ off his brother as much as he says he is, but it’s his way of gettin’ some of your dough. As far as Sh
ante is concerned, my partner, Carlos, is one hundred percent sure that G has her somewhere. G’s posse is real tight, so Carlos don’t think nobody will slip up and tell where she is. He suggest that we get as much money as we can together, and take it to G. Says he’s not the kind of nigga who will turn down no money, and the best we can do is get someone like this fool off your back.”

  I frowned the whole time Raylo was talking. “At this point, all I care about is Mama. Can somebody just tell me if she’s alive? That’s all I want to know, and as soon as I know that, we can work out the money thing.”

  “Prince, I know how you are, but you can’t be callin’ the shots all the time. Sometimes you gotta play by other people’s rules, especially if they’re the ones holdin’ all the cards. We don’t want nothin’ to happen to Shante, and since we’re workin’ with five days, I’d say a li’l cooperation is needed. Now, I got some ideas about gettin’ some more money, and I’m willin’ to do whatever I gotta do to come up with somethin’ on my end. I know you said that you wasn’t workin’ with what his demands were, but with niggas like G, word is ... one must do their best to come correct.”

  “I ... I can swing about seventy-five ... maybe a hundred. After that, I’d have to start diggin’ deep, sellin’ and pawnin’ some things to get the rest.”

  Raylo looked around, making sure that no one was watching us. He took a chunk out of his Big Mac, then wiped his mouth. “I know where I can get the money from, but I may need your help. Can I count on it?”

  “I guess it depends on what it is. I’m not gon’ rob no banks or nothin’ like that, but what you talkin’ about?”

  “This nigga I know, Ernie Wells, won the lottery. He got 25.5 million and still lives in the same house. He real tight with his money, and from what I know, a lot of it be kept on him and in his house. I’m just sayin’ that maybe we can swing by to see what’s up. Nobody got to get hurt, and this way you can keep all the money you got, and we can take G the money we get from Ernie. Besides, he won’t miss it. With all that jack he’s got, a li’l dent in his pockets won’t hurt nobody.”