The King Of The South

by Blake Karrington

  “No, Ma, I’m not.”

  “Are you?” Yogi asked with a raised brow.

  “No, for real. I’m not, Ma.”

  “Man, forget about him, Ms. Yogi. I got real baby momma problems,” Kareem chimed in.

  “Child, you ain’t got no problems. As far as Tiana, she is only asking that you be around to help raise the children and stay out of jail. But you got to remind her that she knew what it was when she got into it with you.” Yogi spoke while sipping her mimosa. “You boys got to learn that just because it looks good, doesn’t always mean it is good for you.”

  “Hey bro, hey Mommy!” Khristian said when the hostess escorted her to the table.

  “Hey sis, look at you.” King embraced Khristian. “Come on, have a seat.” King said, pulling out a chair for her.

  “Thank you.” Khristian said.

  “Hello everybody,” Imani, Kristian’s best friend said. “Hey Ms. Yogi, I am loving that blouse!”

  “Hey baby, come on sit down. I haven’t seen you at the house in a while. How are your parents?”

  “They are good. They’re in Hawaii right now. My daddy had to go to a convention. I have been working a lot lately, which is why I haven’t been by the house. You know I miss those Sunday dinners.”

  “Well, the two of you know you need to go to church with me and then have dinner. I know you are grown, but you still need family and the lord in your lives.” Yogi said, squeezing Imani’s hand and looking at Khristian.

  “Yes ma’am, I promise we will stop by soon. I am so glad we got together for brunch. So how is my niece doing?” Khristian said, looking at King.

  “She’s fine. You know she needs some clothes and shoes. Why don’t you, Imani, and Mama pick her up and take her shopping today?” King said.

  “That would be fun!”

  King reached in his pocket and handed Khristian a stack of money.

  “Dang bro, she is only five. You want me to buy the entire mall? It’s like five racks here.”

  “Nah, that’s for all four of you. Have fun on me, sis.”

  Khristian squealed and hugged King. “Thank you, bro!”

  King loved seeing Khristian happy. When his mother married Carlton, she was only eight years old. Khristian followed him everywhere he went, and King loved having a little sister. He never knew or asked about her mother, he just remembered her coming to live with them when Carlton married Yogi. Khristian had an innocence that was rare with an OG’s daughter. She was always happy, smart, and giving. King and Carlton spoiled her as much as humanly possible, but she was far from being a brat. She was determined to make her own way in the world. She was in college, had a job at a lawyer’s office as a receptionist, and her own apartment.

  Occasionally, King would pay a utility bill for her. Not because she asked, but because he wanted to feel like he was helping. She had grown up so quickly, and much like Carlton, King just liked feeling needed by her sometimes.

  Everyone ate brunch and caught up on what was going on in their lives. Khristian and Imani laughed a lot, and Kareem stared at Imani the entire time. Watching how her nose crinkled when she was amused, and how she cut her food, he felt like he was seeing her for the first time. He wasn’t seeing her as the friend of King’s little sister, but as what she was, a beautiful woman.

  Chapter 6

  King sighed as he listened to the women’s chatter. He had somehow been convinced to meet them at the house and drive them to the mall. Yessenia had dropped Malani off, and King was glad he had missed her before he arrived. He looked in the rear view mirror at his sister, Imani, and his daughter. His mother sat quietly in the passenger seat looking out the window. He pulled up to the front of the mall near the food court entrance.

  “All right ladies, curb side service. I will meet you inside after I find a space.” King said as he got out to open the doors for the women.

  Malani giggled and jumped down. “Thank you, Daddy,” she said. “Aunt Khristian said I can get a big sugar cookie!”

  “Oh she did?” King said, looking at Khristian. “Well, don’t eat too much, okay? You don’t want to ruin your appetite for dinner.”

  “Okay, Daddy,” she said with her infamous pout.

  Yogi laughed and held her hand out for her. “Come on, lady bug. Let’s go get you some new clothes!”

  King watched them walk into the mall, and then he turned to walk back to the driver side of the truck. As he opened the door, he noticed a black Monte Carlo slowly driving by. King felt his pulse quicken as he watched the car. He stepped inside the SUV, and watched as the car drove up an aisle, passing several empty parking spaces.

  King checked his console for his Smith & Wesson and pulled away from the curb, looking for the closest parking spot he could find. He found a space near the front door and backed into it, scanning the parking lot for the Monte Carlo the whole time. The car seemed to have disappeared from sight. King took out his phone and sent a text to Panama. He wanted to ensure that if something popped off, he had some extra heat behind him. He put the gun in his waist and pulled his shirt over it.

  “I can’t have a damn moment’s peace!” King said to himself as he opened the door of the SUV. He checked the lot once again and walked towards the entrance of the mall.

  As he reached the mall, he caught the reflection of the black Monte Carlo in the large glass doors. He turned around, and the car window on the passenger side began to come down. King could feel his blood flowing through his veins, and he placed his hand on the butt of his gun. The car stopped and King swallowed. The Monte Carlo idled for a few seconds, and then slowly pulled away from the curb. King could not make out anyone inside, due to the limousine tint that was on the window. He pushed the glass door, and walked inside.

  The aroma of the food court surrounded him. He did not realize that he was walking with his hand still on the butt of his gun until he reached the elevator and caught a glimpse of himself in the doors. He relaxed his arm and pushed the white button with the arrow pointing up. King held the door for a woman with a baby stroller before he pressed the number 3. His heart slowly returned to its regular beat, and he relaxed his shoulders.

  As he exited the elevator, he took his phone out and texted his mother to let her know where he was located. He knew the women were probably knee deep in shoes or something by now. Sending his mother a text was the best way to get a response, as he knew his sister and Imani probably were trying on the latest must have fashions. Shopping was the only time either of them would not respond to a text message within seconds.

  King placed the phone back in his pocket and walked into Milan’s Jewelry. He headed straight for the Rolex watches and diamond bracelets.

  “Good afternoon, my name is Sloan. May I show you something?”

  “Yeah, I want to see this Rolex right here.” King said without looking up.

  “That is a beautiful piece.”

  King sighed. He didn’t need to hear anything about the craftsmanship or how many karats it was, he just wanted to see how it would look on his wrist. He continued looking at the other watches as she opened the display case.

  “Okay sir,” the sales person said.

  King looked up as she held the watch for him to view. He felt a shiver go down his spine as he met the largest set of coal black eyes he had ever seen. The red lipstick highlighted full lips and made her white teeth gleam. King’s eyes scanned the face that was in front of him. He cleared his throat, hoping that his voice would return.

  “Would you like to try it on, sir?” Sloan asked, unaware of the effect that she was having on King.

  King shook his head and held out his arm.

  She placed the watch on his wrist. “It fits you,” she said. “Sir, are you okay? Do you not like it?”

  “Umm, no… yeah, I like it.” King finally said, looking at the watch on his arm. “Yeah, yeah it looks good.”

  “It is gorgeous, and it will go from casual to business.” Sloan continued while King studied he
r lips. The words that were coming from them were inaudible to him, but their perfect shape mesmerized him.

  “Yeah, umm I will. Do you have any crosses?” King said, trying to get his thoughts together. “Something elegant, but eye catching.”

  “Yes, I think I have what you are looking for,” Sloan said, taking the Rolex off his arm.

  She placed it back in the case and walked over to a black case that displayed several necklaces with cross pendants. She opened the display and pulled out a beautiful gold cross with diamonds trailing down the center. “I can fit it to any chain you like.” she said.

  “You know, that looks like something she would like.” King answered while looking at the cross. “I would rather have it on a bracelet, but something unique.”

  “Well, I can have our designer come out and sketch something for you.” Sloan added, getting her salesmanship on.

  King studied her. She had a full bust line, slender waist, and full hips. She played her figure down by wearing a conservative white blouse and black pencil skirt. She was articulate and sophisticated.

  “I’ll tell you what, Sloan. You design it for me.” King spoke, feeling his cool coming back.

  Sloan laughed. “Well, ok, but at least tell me something about your wife, so I will know where to start.” she answered.

  “I can’t tell you anything about my wife.”

  “You can’t? Why?”

  “Well, she hasn’t agreed to come to dinner with me yet.” Sloan had a puzzled look on her face. “So, Sloan, will you have dinner with me? That way, I can learn what my wife might like.” King uttered in his smoothest tone.

  Sloan’s eyes widened then she laughed. “You are funny! Corny, but funny!” she said.

  “So, corny, huh? Well, are you going to go out with this cornball?” King said, flashing his smile at her. “By the way, my name is King.”

  “I must say, you really have a sense of humor… King?” Sloan said, rolling her eyes. “So do you want me to have the designer come out?”

  “No, I don’t. I want you to design it for me. It is for a special woman, and it needs to be exquisite, and I can tell…” King said, looking over her body. “You understand style. I also will take that Rolex, and your phone number.” King handed her his Black Card, along with one of his business card. Sloan giggled as she looked at his credit card.

  “You were not joking about your name being King.”

  “No, why would I joke about that? That would really make me a cornball.” King laughed

  She shook her head and walked over to the register. “I need you to fill out this paperwork for your watch, and sign the order for the bracelet.” Sloan placed the papers on a clipboard and handed it to him.

  King began filling out the paper work as she rang up his purchases. She keyed information into the computer and the printer began to whirl.

  “Okay, Mr. King, here is your paperwork, your card, and here is my card. I see you have an email on your business card, so I will email you when the bracelet is ready for you to pick up.”

  “And what about you?”

  “I’m sorry?”

  “What time can I pick you up?” King said as he placed his card back in his wallet. “I am serious about dinner. If you are comfortable meeting me somewhere, that is fine. How about Ruth’s Chris tomorrow evening at six?”

  “You don’t stop, do you? Well, I can’t. I have to work tomorrow.”

  “Right, right, well then I will pick you up on Friday.” King said, taking the bag from Sloan. “Or I will call you and you can tell me where you can meet me.”

  “I tell you what. You can meet me at The Cup at nine on Friday. Do you know where it is? It’s off of King Dr.”

  “Nine on Friday? I will be there.”

  “Umm hmm,” she said, walking away. “Have a good one.”

  __________

  “This is so cute!” Khristian said as she held up the little red sweater dress. “Come on, Malani, let’s try it on.”

  “I like that one, cause it has a unicorn on the hood!” Milani said as she ran to the dressing room.

  Khristian laughed and followed her.

  Yogi shook her head and sat down in the large pink chair with purple and green hearts on it.

  Imani continued looking through the racks of little rompers, and dresses. Total Girl really lived up to its name. Everything was pastel colors, frilly, and had plenty of little animals to make any little girl squeal with joy. Imani felt her phone vibrate; she smiled as she looked the screen.

  I can taste you right now. Can’t wait until this evening, I want you now. Where are you?

  “I know that look. You are smiling too hard, you’re lighting the entire store up.” Yogi said and chuckled.

  “Oh, it’s nothing, Ms. Yogi. Just a friend.” Imani said as she sat down on the small white stool.

  “Child please, I may be old, but I know the look and the smile when someone is in love. So who is he, where is he from, and what does he do?” Yogi said, crossing her legs.

  “Whoa, Ms. Yogi, you want his genetic code too?”

  “Well, if you got that and his fingerprints that would be a good start.”

  “Look, Nana!” Milani said interrupting the ladies’ conversation.

  Yogi twirled her around. “Don’t you look pretty!”

  “Yes, we do.” Khristian responded while joining Malani, who was now dancing and singing.

  “Ok, ok, let’s get a few more things, and then we can go to the toy store!” Khristian said, out of breath.

  “Toys! I know exactly which one I’m getting. Come on, Auntie, help me get this dress off so we can go!”

  “Slow down, good grief!” Yogi said to Malani as she zoomed by her to the dressing room. “The store isn’t going anywhere, my Lord!”

  Imani shook her head. She looked at her phone and sent a text back.

  At the mall with fam now, but I can’t wait to see you later. I bought something I know you are going to like.

  I like you naked laying back on the bed with my face between them thighs.

  Imani giggled. She felt her nipples becoming hard, and she was warm all over.

  “So, you not going to give me details about this new man?” Yogi said, studying Imani.

  “What man? Oh you mean the one I still have not met?” Khristian said as she walked out of the dressing room, right into the conversation.

  “Maybe she will tell you something about him, because she is tight lipped around me. I think he is either really old or ugly.”

  “Shut up, Khristian!” Imani said and threw a sweater at her.

  “What… I mean I haven’t met him, and you have been out of town with him a few times. You never bring him to the apartment, and you guys are always meeting out. I mean, what is the big secret? Seems like you are sneaking around to me.”

  “Yeah, sneaking around.” Malani repeated.

  “Hey, watch your mouth little girl!” Yogi said, tickling her. “Let’s go pay for your pretty outfits.” Yogi and Malani walked off, but Khristain continued the interrogation.

  “So, you got another booty call from the mysterious man?” Khristian said as she checked her lip-gloss.

  “It is not a booty call, and don’t be jealous. When was the last time you had your walls rubbed by something that wasn’t battery operated?” Imani said, not looking up from her phone.

  “Whoo… going for the jugular? He must be laying it down.”

  “Shut up Khristian, you so stupid,” Imani said and stood up. “Come on, your mother is ready to go.”

  Khristian and Imani walked out of the store with Yogi and Malani ahead of them. Khristian and Imani walked arm in arm, stopping occasionally to look in the store windows.

  “Oh, that would be so hot on me!” Khristian squealed as she looked at a red cocktail dress.

  “Yeah, that would look good on you,” a voice said from behind them.

  Khristian and Imani turned to see a tall young girl smiling at them. “Hi Khristia
n, how are you?”

  “Umm, hi Cara, how are you?” Khristian said.

  “I’m great. Doing some shopping?” Cara asked, forcing a smile and looking at Imani, whose arm was still linked with Khristian’s.

  “Yeah, me and the fam came out to do some shopping. This is my best friend, Imani. Imani, this is Cara.”

  “Nice to meet you, Cara, and where did you get those pants? They are fire!” Imani asked.

  “I got them from Mohawks on level two, and thanks. I think I bought the first pair they had. They were bringing them from the back, and they had a lot of different colors.”

  “Well, I want a pair! Did they have purple?”

  “Umm, I’m not sure, but if they don’t have them in the store, I’m sure you can get them online.” Cara said, not taking her eyes off Khristian.

  “Sweet!” Imani’s phone buzzed. “Excuse me, I need to take this,” Imani said and walked towards the railing.

  “Well, you’re looking good, Khristian. I haven’t heard from you in a while.” Cara said.

  “Yeah, well you know I got busy. I had papers to write, and work. Call me sometime, and we can hang out. I need to get going.” Khristian said as she turned to walk toward Imani. As she walked by Cara, she felt her hand on her elbow.

  “I will call you, Khristian,” Cara whispered as she slid her finger up Khristian’s arm.

  Khristian gently pulled away from her and quickly walked in the direction she had seen her stepmother and Malani walk in.

  __________

  King sat near the window of the food court. He could see Panama sitting in the black Sonoma truck. He had parked in the space near the doors, right next to the handicapped parking spaces. King knew that if Panama was visible, the rest of the crew was lurking somewhere less noticeable. Hiring Panama had been one of the best moves he could have made. Although expensive, Panama brought talent and loyalty to his team, something that many other kingpins didn’t have. Panama’s mother lived in Washington; she was the only thing or person that would make the man smile. Taking care of her was all he cared about. He would live on the streets under a bridge, as long as his mother lived well. Like King, Panama had lost his father, but he was not quite as lucky as King to have a stepfather who was a real dude. His mother had ended up with a broke ass African dude who liked to use her for boxing practice. He was Panama’s first kill.