City Culprits (Book 1)

by Brittany Nicole Allen

“I’m only helping you out because I care for Zamora. I don’t want anything to happen to her.”

  “And I appreciate that to.”

  “I expect that when I need a favor Mr. Rivera, that I can count on you just the same.”

  “You have my word Magnum. Anything that you need. Only for Zamora.”

  “Let me know what happens with that. I’d feel better knowing that she was safe.”

  “I’m sorry that the two of you can never see each other. It would probably be good for her.”

  “I can’t risk Paco finding who she really is. He’ll kill her.”

  “I hope he wouldn’t be that stupid.”

  “You’re both one in the same Mr. Rivera. It doesn’t matter whose bloodline we come from…it’s just who we are, and what we’ve done.” Magnum told him.

  Braydon and Annabeth were watching cartoons before bed. He started sobbing quietly.

  Minnie and Salena heard his sniffles.

  “Braydon? What’s the matter?” Minnie asked kindly.

  He didn’t answer.

  “What’s wrong Braydon?” Annabeth looked over at him.

  He pouted his lip out.

  “Where’s-my-Aunt Zamora?” He asked.

  Minnie sighed.

  “Annabeth why don’t you go get your pajamas on.” Salena told her daughter.

  “Is Braydon gonna be okay?” She asked her mother.

  “Yeah. He’ll be fine. Go do what you’re told.” She kissed her forehead.

  Annabeth left the room on her own.

  “Come here Braydon.” Minnie told him.

  He slowly got up still sobbing. Minnie held out her arms for him. He ran over to her. She picked him up sitting him on her lap.

  “Listen buddy. Aunt Zamora just went away for a little while. But she’s gonna be back real soon. She left you here so that you and Annabeth can have fun together. She didn’t want you to be bored.”

  “But her didn’t-say-bye.” He sniffled rubbing his eye.

  Minnie glanced at Salena unsure of what to say. She had to lie to him.

  “She had to leave in a hurry. She didn’t mean to not say bye. Aunt Zamora left you with me. She wanted me to tell you that she loves you very much.”

  “Is her coming back soon?”

  Minnie paused. “I think so buddy. I hope so.” She pressed his head to her chest to comfort him.

  Paco used his machete to cut off someone’s hand. An older man. Everyone was standing around watching. Like they were forced to. The man screamed.

  “I let you borrow money. When you don’t give it back I take it as a sign of stealing. You stole from me. So I steal from you.”

  The man tried catching his breath.

  “I suggest you hurry up and stop the bleeding, unless you want to bleed to death.” He laughed.

  The room was silent. Only Paco’s voice and the man’s moaning.

  “You return my money. I’ll return your hand. If you make it fast, you might be able to reattach it.”

  Paco turned his attention to the crowd.

  “Don’t steal from me! I do you a favor. You return it.” He told them.

  “Get this garbage out of here.” He told Quickz and Lucky.

  “I’ll even put your hand on ice for you huh?” He smirked at the man.

  “Get back to your shit!” He yelled to everyone.

  Paco threw the hand on the ground. Someone picked it up while trying to keep the blood off them by wrapping it up in plastic. He then handed his machete to someone else to clean it off as he always did after he had used it.

  Lupe wanted a conversation with his cousin.

  “So ah. What about Tyson and his Posse? What do you want to do?” He asked him.

  “We will be taking action soon. I want them to know that I am the only one with the guns around here. No one is going to be taking over these streets. Those scumbags are going to learn how it works around here.” Paco said.

  “Are you sure you want to start a war again?” Lupe asked.

  Paco thought.

  “These streets belong to me. I am the king here.” Paco said confidently.

  “You need to eat something.” Cassius told Zamora with food and water in his hand.

  “I’m fine.” She sat up against the wall. Her ankle still shackled up.

  Cassius set the food and water on the table.

  “Don’t make me force you to eat. You’re not going to starve yourself. We won’t let that happen. I’m sure you don’t want to see anything happen to Nikkya huh?”

  Zamora looked him in the eyes.

  “You going to threaten me with Nikkya every time I don’t do something?”

  “That was the idea.”

  “Well you and Tyson and the rest of your shitty little posse…can shove it up your ass. Because I’m not helping you with shit.” She told him.

  Cassius smirked. “I beg to differ. You know the consequences if you don’t.”

  “I’m not afraid of any of you. Personally I think you’re all dicks.” She told him.

  “That mouth on you is getting old.”

  “Get used to it.”

  “You really are Carlos Rivera’s child.” He laughed. “Personally…I’m glad he had a daughter instead of a son.”

  “He did have a son. Someone killed him.”

  “That was because of your father’s sin. He should’ve done what his enemies asked.”

  “You know it doesn’t work that way.”

  “And look where you are now. Luckily for you…you have too much value to be killed.”

  “I’m done talking.” She told him.

  Cassius turned to leave.

  “You better eat. Don’t make Tyson come in here after you.”

  Cassius left locking the door back up from the outside.

  Zamora stared at the door a few seconds after he left. She then looked at the food.

  Magnum wanted to meet with Paco. He went to his warehouse.

  “Please have a seat.” Paco said it more as a demand.

  Magnum sat down.

  “So what is it that you want? This is very unlike you. I hope it has nothing to do with the guns.”

  “Actually, it has something to do with the Jamaicans.”

  “What about them?”

  “I know that you plan to start a war with them, but you can’t do that now.”

  “Who the hell are you to tell me that?”

  “I’m not telling you how to do anything.”

  “Then what is the reason?”

  “They’re holding Zamora Rivera.”

  “What use is that to me? What makes you think I give a shit about that?”

  “She’s a kingpin’s daughter. A cartel kingpin’s daughter to be exact. Are you really willing to risk putting her in the crossfire? Look I know that you don’t give two shits about any of that. But I promise you that is not a war that you want to start. If you kill his daughter, he’s going to come after each and every one of you. He’ll burn everything you have right into the damn ground.”

  “So you expect me to do nothing?”

  “No. Carlos Rivera has a way to get his daughter back from them. He’s making the move in a few days. You can pass it off as your own idea for all I care.”

  “So what? You’re trying to look out for me or something? What the hell is this?”

  “I’m saying this city can’t handle a war with Carlos Rivera. You know the kind of things he’s done. This city ain’t ready for that shit.” He told him. Magnum didn’t really care about that at all. He was just only protecting Zamora because he cared about her.

  “I will take that into consideration. I will think of something. Now get out.” Paco told him.

  Tyson was having sex with one of his girls. The same one that had been on his lap before. She was his favorite and his most trusted. The room was dark. His room. She kept her heels on. He pinned her wrists down to the bed with his hands. They climax together. Tyson lies on top of her for a moment. His cell phone rings
. He reached over to answer it. The girl got up heading to the bathroom. Tyson watching her from behind. She closed the door and turned on the shower.

  “What is it man?” He answered.

  Tyson listened. Something was said that caught his attention. He sat up.

  “Whose idea was it?” He asked.

  He got up from the bed using the sheet to cover him.

  “NO! Go ahead and set it up. Let’s see what that bitch ass has to say.” He said before hanging up. He threw his phone onto the bed.

  Cassius grabbed the hand of one of the girls in the warehouse, dragging her off to a room. She went willingly and even smiled.

  Carlos and Minnie were enjoying each other’s company in bed. The home was quiet. He kissed his wife’s lips from on top of her. She pushed him away feeling guilty.

  “This just doesn’t feel right. With everything that’s happening.” She confessed.

  “Relax baby. I told you that I’m going to fix it.” He rubbed his finger through her hair.

  “I’m just worried. She’s the only child we have left.”

  “Trust me mi amor. I promise you that I will bring her home. Both of them. Just enjoy the moment baby.” He said trying to calm her down.

  Carlos kissed her body until he was underneath the covers. He goes down on her. She enjoys herself. Minnie moans. Carlos comes up from the covers and enters her body slowly. Her nails scratched his bare back. They liked to do it slow. It was more enjoyable for Minnie.

  Paco was waiting in a public place for someone to arrive. Quickz and Lucky waited nearby. Three men pull up on their motorcycles. Tyson, Jamarco and Deandre. Jamarco and Deandre also waited nearby but away from Quickz and Lucky. The four of them all kept eyeing one another cautiously.

  Tyson joined Paco at a table. Sitting across from each other.

  “The famous Paco Ruiz. What da hell do you want?” Tyson asked him.

  “The big bad Tyson.”

  “What the hell do you want? Why did you call me here?” Tyson raised his voice.

  “You should keep your voice down. We don’t want any unwanted attention.”

  “Unwanted attention? Look at us.”

  “I want to talk business.” Paco told him.

  “What business? There is nothing to talk business about.”

  “You sell guns.”

  “What’s your point?” Tyson wondered.

  “My point, Tyson, is that it is my business.”

  “Not anymore. I have just a right to sell as you do.”

  “That’s where you have it wrong. This city belongs to me. These people belong to me.”

  Tyson laughed at him.

  “This city belongs to you? Who the hell do you think you are? You think that you are king of this city?”

  “That is exactly what I am.”

  “I don’t see a crown on your head.”

  “You think that you can just come into this city and take what’s mine?”

  “Why not? You did. You came into this city and took everything that belongs to the other crews. You even killed your own kind to do it.”

  “That’s the way it works. If you want something. You have to take it.”

  “I don’t recall taking anything from you. This has been part of my business for a very long time. I’m not going to change it up just because some spick thinks he owns the city.”

  “I’m not sharing the business with some niggas.”

  “You better watch your words my friend. You don’t know who you are dealing with. You don’t know the kinda things we are capable of. Do you know how feared we are in my home country?”

  “I could say all the same.” Paco said back.

  “I don’t know what you expected to happen here Paco. I’m not giving up the business of guns. The Rivera Cartel deal in drugs…you don’t see me complaining about that. Why don’t you stop being a whiney little bitch…and get over yourself.” Tyson said angered.

  Tyson’s words angered Paco causing him to almost pull out his gun. But he retreated taking his hand off of it.

  “You don’t want a street war with me. Those who challenge me, don’t live to tell.” Paco said.

  “And you don’t want to threaten me. I don’t give two shits who you think you are…this city does not belong to you. It belongs to all of us.”

  “If you screw with my business….you will regret it.” Paco threatened.

  “What are you going to do Paco huh? Hack us all with that precious Machete of yours?” He laughed. “You’re going to need a lot more than that to take down the Jamaican Posse.”

  “You want a war with me Tyson? You got it. I do suggest though…that you hurry up and return that precious Rivera blood you’re keeping hostage. Three is a crowd.”

  “How did you know about that?”

  “You can’t hide things in this city.”

  “Are you sure about that? You don’t know everything.” Tyson was referring to Zamora’s true identity.

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Paco wondered.

  “It means Paco…that you don’t know everything about the Rivera’s as you might think. If you only knew the truth…you wouldn’t be so focused on me.”

  “You know something I don’t?”

  Tyson grinned.

  “If I told you…we’d be fighting for the same thing. I can’t have that. Maybe someday it will be revealed to you huh?” He laughed.

  “Well I’ll make sure to dig a little deeper into their past.” He paused. “But in the meantime, I suggest you shut your arms business down, or I’m going to take everything you have.”

  Tyson leaned into Paco.

  “There is nothing that you can ever say or do…that will make me turn my shit over to you. I’m not anybody’s bitch. If you want to go to war with me, you go right for it. This city could use a bit more color anyway. If you know what I mean.” He chuckled.

  “You’re making a mistake.” Paco said as a warning.

  “Am I?”

  “That is not a road that you want to go down with me.” Paco threatened.

  “Do you know the kind of things that I have done Paco? The kind of man I am?”

  “I guess you and I are a lot alike.”

  “We’re all alike. We’re all killers. We do what we have to do to get what we want.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to change your mind?” Paco questioned.

  “I’m sure. This conversation is over. So why don’t you…take your whiney little bitch ass back home.”

  Paco stood up.

  “This isn’t over. This is far from over. War with me…is deadly.” Paco told him.

  “Right back at ya.”

  Carlos, Pito and Alex waited anxiously for the day to arrive to extract Jamarco and Deandre. Axel waited at home with his sister while his mother picked up an extra shift at her job. JT never stopped worrying about Nikkya. His worst fear was that of losing his sister. Magnum worried deeply for Zamora fearing that Paco would go to war with Tyson before she had been rescued. Zamora and Nikkya stayed locked away in the rooms always being watched on the cameras. Tyson constantly looked at Zamora’s. Minnie did her best to care for Braydon as she’d promised. She cared for him as her own son. Dice did pull-ups in his cell, counting down the days on a calendar for the next visit with his son. Paco and his crew prepared for the war.

  Jamarco and Deandre lifted weights at the gym. It was something they only did together and to give them a break from the business. Carlos, Pito, and Alex waited outside for them. It was late. They covered their faces and were armed with guns. They were using a van.

  “What happens if this doesn’t go down right?” Pito questioned.

  “It has to. It’s the only chance we have to get back my daughter and her friend.” Carlos replied watching them through the window.

  “Whatever’s necessary boss. I just hope that he goes for it.” Alex said.

  “He better. Otherwise these two brothers are going to be dead men.”


  They waited patiently until Jamarco and Deandre finished an hour later.

  “All right. They’re packing up. Get ready to extract these sons of bitches.” Carlos got his weapon ready.

  They waited for them to come outside. Jamarco and Deandre were having a conversation with each other while leaving through the doors. They walked back to their vehicle. They put their bags into the trunk of the car. The van pulled up to them and stopped. Jamarco and Deandre both turned around at the same time. They saw the driver wearing a mask.

  “What the hell?” Jamarco said.

  The van doors opened. Carlos and Pito quickly jumped out aiming their guns.

  “Who the hell are you?!” Deandre yelled.

  Tyson and Cassius were sitting on the couch. Tyson smoking a cigar. He looked at his watch noticing his henchmen were late.

  “Where the hell are they? They should be back by now.” Tyson said like he was worried.

  “I don’t know. They never take this long though. You think something happened to them?” Cassius asked concerned.

  “Who the hell would be stupid enough to do that?”

  “Try calling them. It’s probably nothing.” Cassius suggested.

  Tyson pulled out his cell from his pant pocket. He dialed Jamarco’s phone to receive no answer. He dialed Deandre to receive the same.

  “What the hell is going on?” Tyson put out his cigar.

  Tyson’s cell rang. Jamarco’s number popped up on the ID. He answered.

  “Where the hell are the two of you?!” He shouted.

  Someone else was on the other end.

  “Listen here you piece of shit. I’m the one in control now.”

  Tyson immediately recognized the voice.

  “Carlos Rivera.” He said.

  Cassius didn’t know what to think when he heard the name.

  “I have your men. Your favorite men.”

  “What are you doing with my men?”

  “I want to make a trade. Your men for the girls.”

  “What makes you think I give a damn about them?” Tyson tested him.

  “Don’t try to play mind games with me. I know that you need them. I know that you would trade them. I know the kind of reputation you’ll get if you don’t.” Carlos told him.

  “You…son of a bitch.” Tyson’s voice was full of rage. His eyes full of evil. “You know the kind of power I have over your daughter?!” He shouted.