Cameron 5

by Jade Jones

  “I’ma get up with you later or something,” Jag said when he was fully dressed.

  Lark climbed out the bed, and walked him to the front door of her townhome. Before he walked out, he leaned down and kissed her lips.

  After they pulled apart, Lark stared into his deep blue eyes. She then gently ran her fingertips over the two-inch scar on Jag’s cheek. As much as she told him that it didn’t bother her, he hated it.

  “Aight. I’m out,” Jag said.

  Through the cracked door, Lark watched Jag climb inside his Porsche. She wasn’t Cameron, but in his mind she was the next best thing. Lark was young, single, child-less and beautiful. The only catch to her was that she stayed with her hand out, but that was to be expected considering her career choice.

  Jag had just started the ignition to his sports car when his cellphone rang. After seeing the call was from the jail, he eagerly accepted the charges and waited for his brother to connect.

  “Nigga, you ain’t finna believe this shit!” Joaquin exclaimed. “These motherfuckers releasing me tomorrow, dawg! Ya boy, Jude really came through for me, man.”

  Jag was at a loss for words. That was the last thing he expected to hear from Joaquin, and there he was on his way to meet with a lawyer.

  “My girl came through and saw me earlier. Man, I never thought I’d actually have a good day locked up, bro’. And not once did I have to flip out on one of these dudes.”

  Jag had temporarily drifted off into a world of his own. A part of him was happy that his brother was being released, but he was kind of disappointed that he wasn’t the one to get him out. Now this motherfucker, Jude gonna be feeling like I owe him, Jag thought.

  “Aye, bro’! Say something!” Joaquin laughed.

  “Man, you know I’m happy than a mug. I’m just as surprised as you. Actually at a loss for words and shit,” Jag said.

  Joaquin had no idea about Jag and Jude’s fall out. In his mind, everything was just as cool as it was before he’d gotten locked up. He was completely unaware of the tension between both men since no one had filled him in.

  “Just tell me what time you need me to pick you up and I got you,” Jag said.

  32

  Cameron’s pink polished toes dug into glistening white sand as she and Jude walked along the pristine blue sea, containing an array of colorful underwater sea life. Jude had dropped over twenty-three grand to rent out the entire Wilson Island for a 4-night recluse.

  A getaway to Australia was just what the couple needed to bring them closer. Instead of pampering themselves in luxury, Cameron and Jude enjoyed a simple indulgence on the tropical island. There was no 5-star hotel, only two lavish tents on the coral cay within the Great Barrier Reef.

  It was one of the most romantic settings the couple had ever experienced. A slight breeze blew through Cameron’s shoulder length hair. She wore only a pink bandeau swimsuit with a straw sunhat. Jude was clothed in only a pair of white linen shorts. They could’ve both been naked, and it wouldn’t have mattered since they were the island’s only inhabitants.

  A few loggerhead turtles rested on the shore of the beach. Thin wispy clouds drifted in the beautiful indigo sky. Nighttime would be approaching soon. Jude had plans that evening for a romantic picnic dinner on the beach.

  When Cameron and Jude made it back to their living quarters, a feeling of guilt took over Cam. She was tired of feeling like she was hiding something important from her husband—especially when she expected honesty from him.

  “I can’t believe we’re here, Jude,” Cam said, taking a seat on a hammock. “Being here feels like a dream. People only dream about places like this or only see it on TV. But we’re here…snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and living life to the fullest.” She paused. “But somehow I feel guilty enjoying this time knowing I’m keeping something from you.”

  Jude grabbed the two of them drinks from the wine cooler and headed over to his wife. “Is that right?” he casually asked. Surprisingly, he didn’t seem upset by the fact that Cameron was keeping secrets.

  Cam took in a deep breath and released it. She didn’t know how Jude would take the news, but she would feel a lot better once it was finally off her chest.

  Jude took a seat next to Cameron on the hammock, and handed her drink. Beautiful emerald green trees and tropical birds surrounded them.

  “I can’t demand honesty from you if I’m not being real myself,” Cameron told him. “And I can understand if you no longer trust me…but the truth is…Jag and I—”

  “Cameron, I don’t wanna know,” Jude interrupted her. “’Cuz whatever you say ain’t gon’ change the way I feel about you.”

  Cameron looked up at Jude with tear-filled eyes. She’d been fighting with herself about telling the truth, and now that she was finally ready to Jude didn’t want to hear it. It was obvious that he loved her past her flaws and mistakes. Cam had never had something so real and pure. She made a silent promise to herself that she’d never make the same mistake.

  Jude placed his drink in the sand, and gently pulled Cameron’s face close to his. “We all fuck up sometimes,” he told her. “We each got our own share of dirt. And like I said…we all got our own lil’ secrets…”

  Cameron’s eyes narrowed as she stared deeply into Jude’s brown eyes. In them, she saw something she’d never recognized before…

  ***

  Jude and Rumor were nearly in Fairburn, Georgia when they pulled over on the side of the highway. After killing the engine and turning off the lights to her Lexus, Rumor watched as Jude lifted Calix’s bloody body from the trunk.

  It was late so traffic was light on the highway. With practically no streets lights to illuminate the road, the three of them were cloaked in darkness. Jude used it to his advantage as he dragged Calix’s body off into the thick mass of trees and bushes.

  Rumor followed him deep into the woods to make sure that he properly disposed of Calix’s body. She didn’t want his disappearance to come back and haunt her. In one hand, Rumor held onto her purse and in the other was a hard point shovel.

  Once they were deep enough inside the woods, Jude placed Calix’s body on the ground and wiped the sweat off his forehead. He was beyond pissed that Rumor had forced him into such a fucked up situation.

  “Here you go,” Rumor handed him the shovel.

  Irritated by her mere presence, Jude snatched the shovel out her hand and proceeded to dig Calix’s grave. Sweat dripped off his brow as he roughly jammed his shovel deep inside the dirt.

  Once the task was finally completed, Rumor said, “You really aren’t that bad of a guy, Jude…”

  POP!

  POP!

  POP!

  Jude snatched his gun out his waist and released three shots into Rumor’s torso. Her eyes widened in surprise as she looked down at her bloodied shirt. Before she could realize what had just happened, she dropped to the ground beside Calix’s lifeless body.

  Using his sleeve, Jude wiped the sweat off his face and tucked his 9mm away. He didn’t think twice about his actions. As much as he hated to do it, Jude couldn’t risk Rumor blackmailing him in the future and threatening his marriage. He also didn’t want Cameron mixed up with her considering everything she’d gone through with past friends. They were already going through enough shit already, and Rumor was the last problem Jude needed to deal with.

  At the end of the day, she was a stone cold killer. Jude figured she was better off buried under the earth than causing others grief. He barely thought about the decision before pulling the trigger. In silence, Jude proceeded to bury the couple’s bodies. He hoped their life would be better together in death than in life.

  33

  Two Days Later.

  Joaquin brought his car to a slow stop in front of Roxie’s townhome. She had no idea that he was outside because he wanted to surprise her that afternoon. Pulling out his cellphone, he dialed her number and prayed that she was home.

  Roxie anxiously answered on the second ring
. “Joaquin, oh my God!” she exclaimed. “You’re out?!”

  “Come outside,” Joaquin said before hanging up.

  He stepped out the car, and patiently waited for Roxie to meet him outside her apartment. When she came out front, her mouth instantly dropped open at the sight of the silver 2012 Bugatti Veyron.

  “Yeah, you remember that Bugatti I was tellin’ you ‘bout?” Joaquin smiled and rubbed his hands together for good measure.

  Roxie started jumping up and down in excitement like a kid on Christmas morning. “Oh, my God, Joaquin!” she screamed. “You didn’t! Oh my, God! You didn’t!”

  Joaquin burst out laughing. “Hell nah, I didn’t. This my shit, girl!”

  Jude had brought Joaquin the flashy car as a welcome home present—even though he hadn’t been incarcerated for so long. He looked out for the youngster the same way King did for him.

  Roxie didn’t find amusement in Joaquin’s cruel joke. She tried her best to keep a straight face, but eventually wound up laughing with him.

  “Come here and give me a hug, girl. I missed yo’ sexy ass.” Joaquin held his tattooed arms out.

  Roxie sauntered over towards him and embraced him. Joaquin felt so good in her arms, and made her feel so protected and secure. “I missed you too,” she whispered.

  Handing Roxie the car key, Joaquin said, “Here. I’ll let you drive her to the mall.

  Roxie grinned, snatching the key out his hand.

  ***

  Joaquin swaggered inside The Warehouse that evening like he owned the place. He’d been feeling himself ever since he was released from custody. Jag ambled behind him with a grim expression on his face. Secretly, he felt like he didn’t belong since he hadn’t spoken to Jude since their fall-out.

  Why the fuck am I even here, Jag kept asking himself.

  Jude approached both brothers and gave them dap. The loud sound of machinery surrounded them, but it was music to their boss’ ears. “It’s good to have ya’ll back,” Jude said, looking directly at Jag. He wanted him to know that there was no bad blood between them.

  “Good to be back,” Joaquin said. “You really came through for me, man.”

  “We’re brothers,” Jude told him. “That’s what we do.” He then looked over at Jag again. “Can I holla at you in my office real quick?”

  Jag’s heart sank to the pit of his stomach. He assumed Jude planned on confronting him about Cameron. “Uh…yeah…sure,” Jag hesitantly agreed.

  “Aye, I’ma get up with you later,” Joaquin told his brother. “I’m finna make myself comfortable in somebody’s bar.”

  Jag, Jude, and Joaquin exchanged departing daps.

  In silence, Jag followed Jude to his office. Once inside Jude took a seat behind his large oak desk and gestured for Jag to do the same.

  “I gotta different assignment for you,” Jude told him. “I need to put you on transportation. I’ve already had two men back out of the responsibility, and I really need someone to handle these trips. The pay is awesome,” he added. It was the same job King had given to him after he’d gotten his foot in the door.

  Jag released a mental sigh of relief because he thought Jude was going to continue with their last conversation.

  “You got it,” Jag told him. A few robberies would never deter him from making some quick cash. “Have you found ole dude who’s tippin’ off the pickup points?” he asked. Jag was just as anxious to find the perpetrator as Jude was.

  “Not yet,” Jude told him. “But eventually he will slip up.”

  ***

  Future, Drake, and Juicy J’s “Shit” pumped through Joaquin’s custom speakers. He sat directly beside Flint’s Hummer at a red light. Ironically, his business associate didn’t even notice him since he was so busy talking on his cellphone.

  Talking 'bout you popping tags, nigga you ain't bought shit…

  Talking ‘bout a hunnid bottles, nigga you ain't popped shit…

  All you talk ‘nana clips, nigga you ain't shot shit…

  Spending money on these hoes, nigga you ain't fuck shit…

  “The hell is this fuck nigga up to?” Joaquin asked himself. As soon as the light turned green, he kept his distance behind the suspicious man. I just know this motherfucker is not to be trusted, Joaquin thought. He had no proof, but there was a feeling in his gut that told him to stay alert.

  Trying to remain as discreet as possible, Joaquin followed Flint to a mom and pop bar and grille in the hood. The moment Joaquin parked his car a few vehicles down from Flint’s his cellphone rang.

  To his surprise, the caller was Roxie. “Yo, wassup babe,” Joaquin answered. He made sure to keep his gaze locked on Flint’s Hummer. He refused to let the sneaky motherfucker out his sight.

  “Are you busy right now?” Roxie asked in a small voice. It was obvious that something was on her mind.

  “Lil’ bit, babe. Why? What’s up?” Joaquin opened his door when he saw Flint head inside the small bar.

  “I just found out I’m pregnant,” Roxie confessed.

  Joaquin immediately stopped in his tracks. Life felt like it had just slapped him in the face. “What’chu say?” He was in utter disbelief by the news.

  “I just took a test,” Roxie continued. “Well, two tests to be exact. They both came back positive.”

  Joaquin paused. “Do you think it’s mine?” he asked in a hushed tone. Although he was scared of her response, he just had to know the truth.

  “Joaquin, I had a period before we started fucking around,” Roxie said matter-of-factly. She was disappointed that Joaquin doubted her. His response was definitely not one she had anticipated. “You know what? Nevermind—I hate that I even brought it up to you—”

  “Roxie, chill I wasn’t saying it like that,” Joaquin clarified. “I just…I wanted to know.” He ran a hand over his short tapered Mohawk. “I’ve never gotten a girl pregnant before. Man, the thought of even bein’ a father…” His voice trailed off. A dozen thoughts ran through Joaquin’s mind as he stood in the parking lot of a hole in the wall bar. “I wasn’t brought up in a traditional family…I’m not a traditional man. I can’t even control my own temper half the time.”

  “Look, I’m not asking you to do anything for me, Joaquin,” Roxie said with an attitude. “I just thought you should know. You don’t even have to come to the clinic with me—”

  “Woah. Woah. Slow down, ma,” Joaquin cut her off. “I never said anything about getting rid of it.”

  “Well, you haven’t said anything about keeping it either!”

  Joaquin could hear the despair in Roxie’s voice. As expected, she was terrified. Truthfully, she’d found out the morning Joaquin was released. However, she could no longer keep the news to herself; especially now that he was out.

  “Baby, I’m here in your corner,” Joaquin told her. “Whatever you decide to do, I’m rockin’ with it…but honestly I hate the thought of you killin’ my seed.”

  There was a brief pause on Roxie’s end. “Can you come to me now so we can talk?” she asked.

  Joaquin mulled over her question. Five minutes earlier Flint had walked inside the bar. This could perhaps be his only opportunity to catch him slipping. “I can’t right now ‘cuz I’m handlin’ somethin’,” Joaquin said. “But after this, I’m all yours.”

  “Promise?” Roxie asked.

  “I promise,” Joaquin agreed.

  After disconnecting the call, he made his way inside the establishment. To his dismay, Joaquin didn’t spot Flint anywhere at the bar. Realizing, that he might be in the restroom, Joaquin strolled inside. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a person in sight.

  Joaquin was just about to walk out when he heard a muffled voice inside a bathroom stall. The door was closed, but he was sure it was Flint.

  “…Don’t worry I got my girl on it,” the Michigan native whispered. “He ain’t on to me yet, but I’m sure it’ll only be a matter of time before he realizes it’s me.”

  Joaquin crept over towards the cl
osed door and listened intently.

  “I’m up here at Dudley’s with the new few pick up locations,” Flint informed Champion. He’d been helping him steal Jude’s business and clients from right under his nose. And since his boss had yet to suspect anything, he didn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

  Flint quickly disconnected the call, and started to walk out the stall—suddenly, the door flew inward smacking Flint in the mouth! He stumbled backwards and fell onto the toilet. Blood gushed from where his lip had been split open.

  “Motherfucker, I always knew yo’ ass was up to some shit!” Joaquin yelled angrily. If he didn’t control himself he would surely black out…and for once Jag wasn’t there to have his back if he did.

  “What the fuck, man?!” Flint cried out with a bloodied mouth. Redness smeared his usually pearly white teeth. He couldn’t believe that he’d been caught in the act—and by one of Jude’s most loyal workers.

  Joaquin snatched Flint out the stall and tossed him to the restroom’s piss-stained floor. “Who the fuck was you just talkin’ to?!” he demanded to know. “Was it that nigga Champion?”

  Flint spit a mouthful of blood onto the dirty tiled floor as he groaned in pain.

  “Answer the fuckin’ question!” Joaquin barked.

  “Nigga, I ain’t tellin’ you shit!” Flint hissed. He was positive that he would need his grill repaired. But if he didn’t start answering questions, he would have more than a set of broken gold teeth to worry about.

  “Don’t fuckin’ piss me off!” Joaquin warned Flint. “You don’t wanna piss me off, dude! I don’t know what I’m capable of—and since I don’t know you really shouldn’t test me, man!”

  “Okay. Okay,” Flint finally agreed. He’d already heard the horror stories about Joaquin through mutual co-workers. He was more dangerous during a blackout than he was conscious. “It was me. I’m the one that’s been settin’ up robberies for Champ. But I was only doin’ what I was told to. Man, this mothafucka got people watchin’ me like the Feds and shit,” Flint cried. “I never wanted this shit to go this far! What the fuck was I supposed to do?!”