“What you wanna do, Coco?”
“Let’s take a ride uptown. I wanna go see Mrs. Jones.”
“Why?”
“I just wanna talk to her, that’s all.”
“You sure?”
“That’s it, yo.”
“Okay, let’s go uptown, and see Mrs. Jones then.”
They girls left the apartment and were uptown in minutes. Deedee found parking, and now the people in front of the building volunteered to look out for her car.
“Hey Dee, don’t worry ’bout it. We got you,” someone said.
Deedee flashed the peace sign while the people in front of the building ran over and gave Coco hugs. It was a good feeling. She had not returned since her mother’s funeral and they were happy to see her.
“We got mad love for you Coco,” someone said.
They walked to Kim’s mother’s building which was not far away. Coco and Deedee waited on the elevator.
“That’s mad love they show you Coco. I mean they always show you love but that was like wow. Over the top,” Deedee smiled.
“Yeah, but they gave you props. You ain’t gotta worry ’bout your car getting touched out here. That’s real right there, yo.”
The elevator came, and they got inside. Before long they were standing in front Mrs. Jones’ apartment door. Coco rang the doorbell several times, and Deedee gave her a strange look.
“She’s got a hearing problem, yo.”
“Okay…”
The door opened after a few more rings. Mrs. Jones stood at the door for a couple of beats before recognizing Coco and Deedee.
“Coco, it’s you. For a minute there, I thought you were your mother. My, my, my, you’re as beautiful as she was when you’re all dressed up. Girl, come in, come in,” Mrs. Jones greeted.
“You remember my friend Deedee, right?”
“Oh yes, how’s your uncle, Deedee?” Mrs. Jones asked.
“Thank you, my uncle is fine,” Deedee smiled.
“Y’all come and sit down with me. Coco, you know Kim just left not too long ago,” Mrs. Jones said, closing the door. “Yes, she was here all dressed up saying she’s going to hang out with Tina.”
“I came to talk to you about my mother,” Coco said.
Kim was on her way to Tina’s apartment after dropping her son off to the babysitter. They were going out clubbing after an evening of shopping. Kim saw Flack on his way out of the apartment building. He was moving too fast to see her slip inside, heading to the elevator.
Tina was inside her apartment getting ready for another night on the town. She heard the doorbell, and went to open the door.
“Use your key, ho’,” Tina greeted.
“I wasn’t trying to be all up in your biz like that. What if you had a man up in here or sump’n, bitch…?” Kim said.
“It wouldn’t be the first time your nosey ass catch me giving some ass to a nigga. You ho,” Tina said.
“Uh-hmm… Guess who I saw running out your building just a while ago?”
“I don’t fucking know ho’,” Tina said.
“Flack, bitch. You still fucking that nigga?”
“Shut your face! You saw him. That nigga was up here and his cell phone was ringing off the hook.”
“He still gave you some ass. And then he ran home to his wife. I heard she jealous as fuck. She some fat Dominican chica from da Heights.”
“She ain’t gotta worry ’bout me. I only need her nigga every now and then to bang me out,” Tina laughed.
“You love fuckin’ other bitches’ man and shyt, huh? Make you feel like you got better pussy than the other bitch?”
“Shut your face, bitch! Why don’t you make yourself useful? Stop analyzing me and roll up a blunt.”
They continued sipping a champagne-and-Hennessy mix while Tina put on her jewelry and Kim adjusted her makeup. Finally they completed the process by smoking weed, grabbing their handbags, and heading out the door.
Strutting their stuff outside, Kim and Tina couldn’t take a step without a man greeting their presence.
“Damn, you looking good, mamis. Twin delight, let me be your papi tonight…” a passerby said.
Kim and Tina laughed and waved for a cab. Before the taxi could arrive a short Latina woman walked hurriedly to them.
“Hey are you Tina?” she asked.
“Shyt, what is that to you, bitch?” Kim asked.
“I just want to know that’s all,” the woman answered.
“I’m Tina. What about it?” Tina asked, walking a few paces toward the woman.
“I just wanna make sure you’re the right bitch, that’s all,” the woman said. “The man you been fucking. I’m his wife and I don’t like it.”
It happened in a flash. By the time they saw the glint from the knife’s blade, it was already too late. In one swift motion, the woman lurched forward, shoving the knife deep into Tina’s chest. Then she took off running. Kim was behind Tina and was unaware of what had taken place until the woman was already way down the street. Tina turned facing Kim. The handle was the only part of the knife visible. A trickling of blood showed where the blade entered and disappeared into Tina’s flesh. For one horrific beat Kim stared at her friend in disbelief. Then she let out a blood curdling scream.
“Shyt! Bitch she stab you!” Kim shouted.
“Help me,” Tina said, clutching at the knife’s handle with both hands.
Stainless steel was lodged inside her and Tina didn’t have the strength to pull it out. She collapsed in Kim’s arms and they both sat on the asphalt as Tina faded. Kim pulled out her cell phone and dialed.
“Help! I need help. Some bitch just stabbed my friend and she’s dying,” Kim screamed into the cell phone.
“What’s the victim name?” the 9-1-1 operator asked.
“Tina Torres,” Kim said.
A small crowd had formed by the time the ambulance showed up. They scooped her and started to immediately working on Tina. She was carted off to the emergency room with her life dangling on a string.
The following morning Eric Ascot sat with his attorney and listened to the grim news. Their defense had been dealt a crushing blow. Tina Torres was in critical condition in the hospital, and they didn’t know when she would be available. Max Roose was incessant in trying to convince Eric to pay the judge.
Eric listened attentively and realized that his defense was crumbling. Witnesses were disappearing left and right. First Rightchus then Tina. He stared at the facts thinking about Coco and Deedee. Besides Sophia, they were the only ones there inside the apartment. Eric never wanted to get his niece or Coco involved in this caper.
Sure life wasn’t always a bed of roses, but he did not want to jeopardize his niece or Coco’s lives. Eric had made a promise to care for each of them like a father, and wanted to stick to that. Yet protecting his freedom was dependent on putting them in harm’s way. Sitting in the interview room at the courthouse with his attorney, his coffee had gone cold. Eric’s mind revisited the fateful incident that could cost him. He thought those events were dead, but they seemed to be resurfacing right at his doorstep.
“Everyone listen, this is the story. We were having guests over and this thug broke in trying to rob us. I shot him to protect mine. These are my guns and I have the right to use them. I was defending my guests, my property, and myself. All everyone has to do is please just stick to the story, all right?”
“Honey, honey, please! I mean, are you in your right mind? How’re you gonna explain the guns, huh? This is not a project building. There are no armed looters randomly visiting you. There is absolutely no reason for you to be sitting in your living room with guns,” Sophia said worriedly.
“I was in the bathroom when he broke in. That’s all. He didn’t know that I was home so I surprised him. That’s it, sweetheart. It’s that simple.”
“I don’t like it, Eric,” Sophia said regaining her senses. The blow to her head had initially rattled her. “Why don’t we just tell the tru
th, Eric?” she asked. “The more you lie, the more you’re gonna have to keep lying in order to cover up the other lies.” Sophia appealed to Eric. “I’m just afraid somewhere along the line someone might…” There was a long silence as Sophia paused. It was as if she was the voice of their deepest fears. “What if one of us breaks down? Or some key thing is overlooked? Then what?” Everyone heard the question but no one dared answer. Sophia continued, “I just think we should tell the truth and take our chances.” She pleaded with Eric but he shied away from looking directly at her face. He looked to the floor instead.
Eric already had his mind made up. He had defended himself against a violent and illegal intruder, someone who not only wanted to rob his guests but who had also shot and killed Kamilla. Eric knew it was the best story and he defended it.
“The truth, honey, is that the police ain’t gonna hear anything I’ve got to say. They’re gonna hear what they wanna hear, then they’re gonna start questioning and dragging this case out trying to bring me down. The cops, they’re all about bringing the next Black man down. It’s not happening here,” Eric said, hoping for sympathetic ear. “Everyone just has to stick to the story. It’s easy. I mean, is everyone on the same page or what?” Eric asked looking at everyone’s face but paying close attention to Sophia’s body language.
“I’m with it. If we decide that’s it then that’s all that po-po is getting outta me, yo,” Coco said.
“Deedee, are you okay? Do you understand what is going on, sweetheart?” Eric asked. Immediately, she knew the reason for his inquiry. He wanted to make sure he understood the worried look that had spread across her face. He moved to comfort her. Wide-eyed with alarm, she recoiled when Eric tried to touch her. He eventually was able hold her and felt her heartbeat slow down from triple time.
“But Uncle E…”
“It’ll be all right, sweetheart. Everything will work out,” Eric said patting his niece’s shoulder and nodding as he looked at Sophia. He knew she didn’t want it like this but this was the only way no one would go to jail. If it didn’t go the way he planned then the question would be, was he prepared to go? The thought fast-forwarded through his overactive mind. He would be ready.
“We have to make this deal with the judge while the chance is still available, Eric. Our indecision could cost us,” Max Roose said, as if he was counting his words.
Eric considered all aspects of his circumstances and figured whatever was done in the dark was slowly coming to light. Eric hoped to remove the boulder that was now weighing heavier than ever on his mind. He smirked when he spoke.
“Okay, make a deal,” Eric said.
The case was temporarily adjourned for the day. This gave Max Roose a chance to meet with the judge. Eric Ascot escaped the paparazzi by leaving quickly in his limousine. This allowed Max Roose to do his other job, communicating with the media.
“We’re going to settle this very soon and hopefully make a deal…”
23
Eric Ascot was busy finishing Coco’s album and together they had already done twelve songs. Eric’s focus kept Coco’s artistry stimulated and she delivered a combination of songs that offered a great sampling of not only her singing voice but also her command of rapping.
The collaboration was dynamic, and the pair often spent heavy hours laboring on the collection of songs. Eric gave Coco his full and far-reaching musical experience, sampling not just beats and R&B vocals, but also rock guitars and other sounds. He wanted the album to be different—not just an average, run-of-the-mill rap album. Hence, he experimented with Jimi Hendrix–styled guitar riffs and Talking Heads organ samples. Coco was eager to learn the nuances of recording and became the consummate professional. With deep and thoughtful lyrics, Coco poured her soul into the recording sessions and gave her all to the performances. She was slowly blossoming into a superstar.
No one was prouder than Deedee. They became tighter, and often slept in the same bed. Awaking in each other’s arms they would kiss and hug. Sometimes they just chilled, staring into each other’s eyes. Deedee enjoyed having Coco living under the same roof with her. They were in the room when Eric received the call from Max Roose. Twenty million was a very steep price to pay, but it would guarantee no jail time and Eric would have made friends in high places.
Eric made his way to the café to think. He quickly did the math and realized that he would have only a million left. That wouldn’t be enough to do a movie and the album. He gazed at the waitress and thought of the figure. Twenty million dollars was a very high cost for freedom. He was contemplating the prospects when his cell phone rang.
“What’s your answer, Eric? It’s now or never.”
Eric felt hounded by Max Roose, but knew he had to pull the trigger, and authorized the requested money to be wired to his attorney’s account. Then he walked back to his apartment in a zombie-like state, thinking about all that he was giving up. The pain didn’t come cheap, and neither did the relief of his sorrows. Eric headed straight to bottle of Louis XIII and poured himself a couple of shots.
Coco was in the studio listening to her recordings. She saw Eric walk in and smiled at him.
“Uncle E,” she greeted. “How’re you?”
“I’m fine, Coco,” Eric smiled.
“I just wanna say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you’ve done,” Coco said.
“You’re welcome from the bottom of my heart,” Eric smiled and hugged the beaming teen. “Are you ready to work?” he asked.
“Oh, no doubt,” she said, checking her lyrics written on the notepad. “I’m fired up, yo.”
Eric Ascot got busy making songs. The process of creativity altered his mind state and before long he was thinking of how big Coco could become. She was a hard worker and a fast learner. Coco became the prodigy he always knew she would develop into. Eric sat at the controls listening to her do her thing. Singing, rapping, she owned the songs and made it easier for him to see the finish line.
His cell phone rang and Eric glanced at it. The number was one he didn’t know and Eric hit the reject button on his phone. He went back to listening as Coco rap. Then he came up with an idea to do a video. It was a long shot. With all his industry connections, Eric felt he could not only pull it off in a couple days, but also have the video aired nationally. Eric hurried out of the studio and dialed on his cell.
“Nick,” he said.
“What up, E?”
“I need a favor,” Eric continued.
“Go ahead…”
“You know how you used to use the artist’s hood as a background when you used to direct rap videos?”
“Yes, I showed the QB in Nas’ videos,” Nick said.
“Yes, I need you to recreate one of those like back in the days for my new artist.”
“Who’s that?”
“Coco,” Eric said with a smile.
“I heard about her. You got it. Tell me when and I’ll make it happen.”
Eric was smiling when he ended the call and returned to the small studio. Deedee was listening to Coco go through her lyrics in acapella style. The renowned music producer signaled for a timeout.
“We’re gonna make a video,” Eric shouted.
“When…?” both Coco and Deedee chorused.
“Tomorrow afternoon,” Eric said.
Both girls jumped with joy. Coco and Deedee ran over to where he stood. They both hugged Eric and he smiled at their unwavering affection.
“I’m gonna have to get your outfits ready,” Deedee said.
“Yes and we’ll set up at Coco’s old building and use the people who were at the funeral for extras,” Eric announced. “We’ll use the song you dedicated to your mother,” he smiled at Coco.
She hugged him tighter and there were tears in her eyes. Deedee smiled and they were caught in the moment.
“Alright, okay, Deedee. You got wardrobe, and Nick will bring all the necessary equipment. Coco, you chill out, and just be you. Your real work will start tomorrow
. I have to make a couple calls. So let’s get the show on the road,” Eric said and both girls cheered.
Coco and Deedee could hardly wait for the day to arrive. They spent most of the evening preparing for the video shoot. Deedee collected all the items of clothing that were necessary. She went into her closet and brought out Gucci, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana outfits with the tags still hanging,
The next day involved, “Lights, camera, action!” In the making of Coco’s first music video-shoot. It took place center-stage in front of Coco’s old building. Eric, Coco, and Deedee were transported in the limousine site and cameras were already rolling when they arrived.
“Hey Nick, what’s good?”
“Cool man. Eric how’re you?”
“I’m good. Nick, this is Coco. Coco this is director extraordinaire, Nick Quest,” Eric said.
Kim was there, dressed and ready to go. Just like Eric planned, the shooting of the video brought out the entire neighborhood, and he gladly welcomed the participation of the people. He took time out to address them. Then he walked over to the director’s chair, and spoke with Nick.
“You’re really taking this shoot like what we used to do back in the days, E,” the director said to Eric. “It’s a great day to use the raw natural light, and the landscape looks good for the backdrop.”
“Yes you got it, Nick. I want you to use all that footage. From the moment we arrive and all…”
“I got you, E,” Nick said. “I already shot some footage of the area.”
“Great,” Eric said, nodding in agreement. “So let’s do it.”
“Are you ready Coco?” Nick asked.
Deedee had been working on her makeup and fixing Coco’s wardrobe. She looked up and answered.
“The star will be ready in a couple seconds,” Deedee said.
Nick took over the video shoot and Coco performed her song. She did it several times on several takes, but eventually she got the knack. She held the audience in her hand, Coco performed brilliantly.
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