Country Boy

by Karrington, Blake

  “Damn Dina, stop tripping, you know I’m only fuckin’ wit’ her. Anyway, what’s good?” He said patting her on her ass.

  “Oh nothin’,” she said now sounding all sweet and shit.

  “Look I need a favor from you ma.”

  “Anything you need just let me know Q? I got you.”

  “Aiight ma, page me any time after nine and make sure you already got the room. You need money?”

  “Nah I’m straight Baby.”

  “Aiight get at me,” with that said he walked by the other two girls giving them a wink and a nod. “Damn that bitch do got a fat ass,” he thought.

  Jumping back into the car he noticed, June had laid both clips out on the seat. “Damn nigga, you going to war or some shit?”

  “Just as soon as you give me the green light nigga, I’m a sit down on this whole mothafuckin’ spot.”

  “It won’t be long now homie. I just got the ball rolling. Them two nigga’s riding high right now but when it go down all this Boro shit gonna be hip to The P.G. Crew.”

  Tex and Da Da had been on the low since the shooting. The police would make a few bogus reports then fake like they looked for a mothafucka. Within two weeks it would be old news. Besides the police weren’t crazy. They knew whoever it was that did the shooting didn’t give a fuck about killing again. All they wanted was eight hours. Eight trouble free hours. Tex and Da Da knew Tim was already dead. No one could live through that many shots. Then the two wet tee-shirts they gave him at close range put the icing on the cake.

  “Da Da, it’s been two weeks nigga. Let’s roll. That shit’s old news now duke.”

  “Yeah it’s probably cooled down by now. At least the cops won’t be harassing our asses. That’s unless your mother told them something.”

  “That’s why you should’ve let me smoke her ass. Her and that bitch.”

  “Tex, you’re a cold blooded mothafucka. What kinda person would kill his child’s mother, not to mention his own?”

  “I’ll tell you what kind Da Da. The kinda nigga who’s already been to hell and back. I’m twenty nine years old nigga. The odds had me never making twenty. So I’m nine to the good. If my mother told the police anything then she’s against me. If you’re against me then you’re my enemy. I don’t give a fuck who you are. I’m a lay yo’ ass down.”

  Tex and Da Da rode through their set, Salisbury Street. Business was looking a little slow for a Thursday. Females were always walking up and down the street trying to catch the attention of a baller coming through.

  “Damn Tex, shit looks dead around here. Did you give that joint to Dex?”

  “Yeah Da, I gave him the whole thing homie. He paged me two hours ago and said money was flowing.”

  “Flowing? Nigga this shit look dead to me.”

  “Maybe the jump-out rode through on the runners. Pull over at the mini-mart Da Da. I see that nigga Ham talking to Shea, Dina, and Neese.” They both jumped out the car. Da Da ran inside the store while Tex hollered at Ham. “What up my nigga, you aiight?”

  Ham was looking around all nervous and shit. “What up Tex?” He said still looking suspicious.

  “What’s the matter with you nigga? Five-0 been through here or something? You look like you seen a ghost homie.”

  “Man you just missed them two cats from Rockingham.”

  “WHAT?!? Them two niggas stopped on our shit?”

  “Yeah homie, them two niggas creeped through this bitch like they wanted war Tex. They stopped right here and that big nigga jumped out like he owned this mothafucka.”

  “Who did he talk to?” Tex asked Ham.

  “He spoke to Dina, Neese, and Shea.”

  They were still standing at the phone booth. Dina hated Tex with a passion. Her brother was murdered in cold blood in front of at least twenty people who wouldn’t come forward and point out his killer. Everyone knew it was done by the nigga known as “Tex” around The Boro. The cops only needed one witness to make an arrest, still no one came forward. Dina was furious, she hated nothing more than a coward. She had confronted Tex one day on her own, calling him a murderer, vowing one day to get even.

  “That damn Dina’s gettin’ on my nerves Da Da. She’s been sending little fucked up messages about her brother’s murder through Shea.”

  “Fuck that bitch Tex. She doesn’t got any proof about Bolo’s death.”

  “Aiight Da, but if she keep on stressing a nigga ‘bout that dumb shit, I’m a see to it she be dealt wit’.

  After Da Da and Tex made their quick exit, Dina dropped Neese and Shea off at their houses. After seeing Tex and Da Da come through, just like always she began feeling the pain of her brother’s death all over again, a pain that could only be relieved by her thirst for revenge. After getting the room she paged Q and put the room number in his pager. She then showered and laid across the bed and went to sleep.

  Q dropped June off on The Block. He had a couple more stops to make before he could meet Van for lunch. He pulled into the salon’s parking lot at about 10:30 a.m. It was already crowded. Tee’s business was doing well, and Q was proud of her. She had come up through the ranks of the salon business. Now she was one of the front runners. Getting out of the car Q headed inside the salon. Beep-Beep. His phone was going crazy. He read two messages: Room 204 Hampton Inn...

  Message #2 - Daddy it’s Thursday again. Pick me up tomorrow I love you Keonne. Looking at his last message he smiled. “I love you too Lil’ Mama,” he said to himself. They had gone to Carowinds the week during Tim’s accident but Keonne would never miss seeing her daddy two weeks in a row.

  “Hey Q,” someone said breaking his train of thought. It was Elbony.

  “What up El? Where you heading?”

  “Oh no where special Q, just picking up lunch for everybody.”

  “Aiight then lil’ sis.”

  Tee was looking through a hair design book with a client when Q walked in. She looked up and smiled at him as he headed to the back office to call his daughter. After talking to Keonne for a few minutes, well, after listening to Keonne give him her list of things she had planned for the weekend, like any other daddy’s girl, he agreed and said he would see her tomorrow. “Early daddy!” She had responded.

  After calling Dina he sat and waited for Tee to get a break from her clients. Looking at his watch it was 10:45 a.m. He was meeting Van at 12:00 for lunch at the Golden Corral. Tee walked in looking a little strange. “What is it Tee?” Q said not knowing what to expect.

  “I’m cool Q, just tired of standing on my feet so long. We’ve been backed up every since Terri’s been gone. I spoke with her this morning before we opened. She promised to start putting in some hours come Monday. Whew! That was some of the best news I had in a while to start my day,” she said sitting on her couch.

  Q sat beside her before he spoke. “Come ‘ere ma!” Grabbing her he slowly removed her shoes. He then began to massage her feet.

  “Mummmm!” she moaned. “That feels good Boo. I see you haven’t lost your touch.

  “Never that,” he replied. “Never that.” After relieving some of the stress Tee was feeling Q finally left to meet Van for lunch.

  The Golden Corral was crowded for a Thursday. He spotted Van sitting at one of the booths close to the back behind the salad bar. She greeted him first by looking at her watch.

  “Don’t even try it ma, I’m on time.”

  “Yeah, you’re on time baby, but that’s what scares me. You’re usually never on time!” she said pinching his arm. They enjoyed lunch together while discussing their situation. Van spoke, “You know Baby Rasta’s sacrificing a lot by getting involved in this? He really thinks a lot of the whole crew.”

  “Yeah you’re right ma. You don’t meet many people in The Game like Rasta. To us it’s only a come up, but to him this shit is business. They live and die for this hustle game. Me and The Crew have counted out millions of dollars with Ras and his people. Never once have we come up short. That alone will gain the r
espect of your connect. So when we have differences they feel it’s their problem too. Its trouble enough with one mad rasta, but when you got more than one, be ready for blood.”

  After seeing Van home Q headed to the Hampton Inn. His thoughts returned to Baby Rasta. Rasta had showed up on The Block outta the blue. After meeting him he told Q his reason for being there. “Rasta, I appreciate you wanting to help but... I’

  “But what mun? Baby Rasta feels like you dissin’ him mun. You’re my brethren.”

  Q knew there was no use in arguing with Ras. “Aiight Baby, what’s your plan?” Q said to him.

  “Listen to me mun. Meet my sister.” Rasta’s sister’s name was Inga, aka Poison. She was fine. Before Q could put his pimp game down Rasta gave him the low-down on his sister. She was deadly, already with seven bodies to her credit. She earned her nickname Poison from her ability to lure some of the most difficult targets into her wrath. Looking at her Q painted a clear picture in his mind of the surprised look her adversaries had on their faces when the Black Goddess standing before them naked with them almond eyes was nothing more than morning star himself... Death. Shaking the thoughts from his mind was a lot easier than shaking off the chill his body was feeling. He knew it could have been him that got caught slipping. “Damn,” he said to himself, “a hard dick ain’t got no fuckin’ conscience. I’ve got to slow my black ass down!”

  Chapter 16

  Dying With Your Boots On

  Knock-Knock-Knock. Dina opened the door wrapped in only a sheet. She spoke, “I ordered pizza if you haven’t already eaten.”

  “I’m cool right now ma. I ate something earlier.”

  Dina had run water in the Jacuzzi for Q After relaxing in the hot water he laid his head back enjoying the sensations throughout his body. His mind drifted back to Rasta’s sister. There was no way he would ever take a chance on becoming one of her victims.

  Dina’s voice caused him to open his eyes. “Do you mind if I join you?”

  She no longer had the sheet wrapped around her body. Q thought of Rasta’s sister once more before his dick took control.

  “Well,” he mumbled to himself, “so much for slowing down”.

  “Did you say something?” Dina said now in the water with him.

  “Nah ma, come ‘ere’?” He turned her around and teased her until he could see her juices running out of her. Slowly he entered her.

  ***

  Two days later Q met Dina outside of Wadesboro. It was time to bring the rest of the plan together. “What’s up Dina?” Said Q. “Sorry I’m late ma. This is my main man, Baby Rasta. He’ll be going with you.”

  “Hey Rasta,” she said handing him her hand.

  Rasta responded, “No disrespect mun, but ya’ beau-t-ful mun. Just like the boom-ba-clot sunshine. Q how can you keep something so beau-t-ful waiting mun?”

  Dina loved Rasta’s accent. He was only about five feet six inches tall but Q knew the damage he could do. He was known throughout Jamaica as the “Ghost”. His brother was murdered in a spot in Kingston a few years back. Baby Rasta infiltrated the spot and by time they knew who he was he was already gone, leaving eleven bodies.

  Q, Rasta, and Dina sat and ate lunch while discussing the situation at hand. Q spoke to Dina. “Dina, you just do as you would normally do on the days you and yo’ girls hang on Salisbury Street.”

  “Aiight, but I don’t know how much longer I can stand seeing this nigga who murdered my brother for nothing walk around like he some kinda God.”

  “Just hold on ma,” said Q. “He might think his ass is God or sum’em, but when I leave The Boro the next time I stop through, Tex will make one more ride down Salisbury Street on his way to the cemetery.”

  ***

  Since Tim had come out of the coma he told Q and the rest of The Crew what went down, everybody had vengeance in their hearts. None worse than Q or June. Tension had become thick enough to cut with a razor, but Q held The Crew together. After hanging with The Crew Q could see that their money was still booming. He even stopped by their other spot which was set-up just like he told them. They had more drugs pumping outta that bitch than Kerr and Walgreen put together! “Damn nigga, y’all got this spot jumpin’ huh?” said Q.

  June responded, “Yeah homie, we probably do about eight to ten a week in break downs. The Block is mostly where the weight is sold.”

  “Aiight homie, let’s roll,” said Q. “I have to meet Van in an hour.” After getting home before Van for a change, Q showered and had begun cooking something to eat when Van walked in the house.

  “Hummm, something smells good Boo,” she said walking up behind him, squeezing him softly.

  “What’s up ma? I didn’t hear you pull up.”

  “That’s because you got the music so loud,” she said reaching for the remote. “And why’s my baby locked in the garage?” She was referring to Bear.

  “Because he thinks he’s running my house ma,” he said turning and grabbing her.

  “He does when you’re not here mister. Now go get my baby,” she said giving him an elbow.

  “Aiight ma, let me get these steaks done.”

  After eating they lay in their den in front of the fireplace. Bear was snoring lightly on his rug. Van spoke, “You know Terri called me on my cell earlier.”

  “Oh yeah,” said Q.

  “Yeah. She said Tim was doing well and would be starting his rehab next week.’’ Turning serious she continued. “Baby, it’s time to put an end to all this nonsense. We almost lost another family member to these streets. That could easily have been you or me. I don’t want to know how it will be handled. I trust your judgment. If you need me I’m here.” Sitting up she reached for a box on the table. “I think you might need this,” she said pulling his Colts twin brother from the box.

  “Thanks ma,” he said taking his horse from her getting the feel of it all over again. Q hadn’t carried both his guns in over a year.

  There was no need since he was no longer in The Game. “Thanks ma. I’ll make sure I use this one to cut Tim’s name in them niggas.”

  “Be careful love.”

  “I will.”

  Q made love to Van as if it was their last time. All through the night she screamed his name over and over. Seeming to sense what they were doing Bear got up from his rug, stretched, and went in the next room to sleep in peace.

  Early the next morning while getting dressed Q was lost in his own thoughts. Van’s voice snapped him out of his trance back to the present. “Why didn’t you wake me Baby,” she said. “Would you like something to eat?”

  “Nah ma, I’m cool.” She noticed how mellow his mood had become over the past few days. Tim’s condition had gotten a lot better since the shooting. But as his wounds were healing, Q’s wounds were becoming deeper and deeper.

  Now sitting up in the bed she called him over to her. “My phone lines will be open at all times. If for some reason you can’t reach me, call Kiki’s cell. I won’t call you... It will only cause more distractions.” Reaching behind her neck she loosened the chain Q had given her years ago.

  “What are you doing Boo?” He asked.

  “What does it look like Q? I’m going to war with you,” she said placing the chain around his neck. “We’re ONE, remember.” Q just stared at her, not surprised, but grateful she belonged to him. Van’s status as a soldier was on a level most females could only dream of.

  ***

  Salisbury Street was busy. All the local hustlers were out getting their grind on. Most of them had four of five runners working for them.

  The whole strip was only about one thing ... Drugs. Da Da was supplying almost 100% of the product being sold. Sitting on the hood of his Impala he exhaled smoke from his nostrils before he spoke. “Damn Tex, this fuckin’ hydro is that killa’ homie! It’s got me fucked up!”

  “Yeah, me too. Especially chasin’ it wit’ this mothafuckin’ Hen-dog. So what’s up wit’ yo’ new connect Da? It must be his shit that got thes
e heads walkin’ around lookin’ like this.”

  “Yeah Tex, we put that new shit on the strip about two days ago and it’s driving the fiends crazy homie.”

  “Man you have to turn me on to this nigga Da.”

  “Not right now homie. I just got plugged in myself. Maybe you’ll get to meet her after I’m locked in.”

  “Her?!? What the fuck you mean her Da Da?”

  “Just what I said nigga. Once I’m locked all the way in then you can meet her.”

  Tex continued to sip on his Hennessey thinking about what Da Da had just told him. A female putting this type of shit on the streets. “This nigga gots to plug me into this bitch,” he thought to himself. “Once I’m plugged in Da Da’s services will no longer be needed.”

  A group of winos and some dope fiends all gathered around a small barrell beside the Mini-Mart on The Strip. Whenever a fiend saw a sell coming through they would cut them off before another fiend had a chance to get the sell. J.R., Snake, Huck, and Jackie-D all stood around the fire talking to the new wino with the funny accent. “Pass the bottle Lil’ Man,” said Jackie-D.

  Snake broke into the conversation. “I got 75 cent on another bottle,” he yelled.

  Jackie-D responded, “Nigga, you just got ten dollars from that nigga Tex.”

  Hearing his name made the one called Lil’ Man become alert, hiding under his ragged coat and beat up hat.

  “Yeah he just gave me $10 but we just finished smokin’ that shit up nigga. He wants us to meet him at the car wash at 9:00 tomorrow morning to clean both his cars.”

  Jackie responds. “Shit nigga, we’ll be there at eight. That’s at least forty, fifty dollars.”

  “Yeah, but you know Tex never gets there before 9:30...” Jackie broke toward the side of the store cutting off a potential sale.

  Lil’ Man spoke to Snake, “I got two bucks mun. Pu’ tit on the bottle.”