by Styles, T.
“What you in the mood for?”
When Farah faced him, from the driver’s side window she saw somebody jump out of the passenger seat of another car, and aim a gun in their direction. The bullet shattered the glass and hit Juice in the neck.
Rhonda screamed to the top of her lungs, and bent over to protect her belly. “Don’t hurt my baby! Don’t hurt my baby!”
“Oh, my God!” Farah screamed.
Juice’s man grabbed his weapon from his waist, rolled his window down, and started busting at the shooter. Gunfire flew from every direction, and she had no doubt that she was going to get hit. Juice, barely alive, pressed his hand on his neck as blood oozed through his fingers. He pressed the gas, and did his best to drive wildly away from the scene. When his eyes closed, and his hands dropped, the truck rolled into an active construction site a few feet ahead. Some of the workers tried to move out of the way but unfortunately one of them didn’t make it. Pinned underneath Juice’s truck Farah could hear the man beg for his life.
Thinking the shooter was coming back to finish her off, Farah hopped out of the truck and opened Rhonda’s car door. She was in the backseat, stuck and motionless. Bloodstains were splattered on her face, and her eyes were wild and bugged out. Randy wasn’t playing, and she knew it was just a matter of time before he finished what he started.
“Let’s go, Rhonda! Now!”
Chapter 60
“Tonight you just saved a whole lot of lives.”
—Beverly Glasser
Beverly Glasser walked into the police department with hate gripping her heart. Her coat was open, revealing her light blue housekeeping uniform, with a gold name badge that protruded from her right breast as if it were being seen in 3D. She had a gun in her brown leather purse, and was fully prepared to shoot at least twenty cops in the name of love. She was devastated that her only son, Amico, had not been found, and that the police department seemed uninterested with her case. She slogged up to the white officer behind the counter.
“Good evening, ma’am, how may I help you?” He smiled.
Beverly was trembling so hard she could barely speak. Sweat poured off her forehead and into her eyes, making it difficult to see. She never committed the smallest crime, yet she was fully prepared to commit the ultimate offense known to man. She wiped the sweat from her face, reached into her purse, and placed her hand on her weapon.
“Ma’am ... are you okay?” the officer asked sincerely. He came from around the counter, and it was apparent that he was one of the good guys. Unfortunately for him, the uniform he wore put him on the wrong side. “You don’t look so well. Do you need a doctor or something?”
She was just about to shoot him when Nadia Gibson approached the two. “Mrs. Glasser?”
Beverly turned around with her hand still on the gun inside her purse, and faced the officer. “Yes.”
Nadia smiled, but it dissipated when she noticed the way her hand seemed to be stuffed inside her purse with a purpose. “This is so uncanny.” She looked at her hand again. “My name is Nadia Gibson, and I was just about to call you.” She looked at the officer. “I got it from here, Daniels.” He smiled, touched Beverly on the back, and walked away.
When they were alone she said, “You were gonna call me for what?”
“Because I’ve just been assigned to your case. I’m so sorry to hear about your son, Amico, but you need to know that he’s my number one priority. Not to mention, I think I may know who is involved with his disappearance. They gave one name, but I’m pretty sure it’s another person.” Beverly’s hand remained firm inside her bag. “It may be hard to prove at first, but I’m gonna give this everything I have.” She smiled. “The funny thing is, I met the person I believe is responsible some time back.” She was being presumptuous and unprofessional, but she didn’t care. She was sure Farah was involved, and all she had to do was prove it.
“How? They told me they didn’t have any information on his case. I’m not even sure how you knew it was me.”
“I came to talk to you at work today, but they said you quit.” Beverly’s head fell in shame because she’d been at that job for fifteen years. “They also said that you indicated that you would be going away for a long time.” She looked at her hand in her purse again. “Your picture was on the wall for outstanding customer service, for every month this year. She smiled. “Your supervisor said he was going to offer you a promotion next month and everything. So I hope you reconsider leaving.”
“This whole thing has been killing me. I love my daughter, I truly do, but there’s something about a mother’s love for her son that just goes deeper.”
“I understand, but I think we can solve this case. I interviewed a few people and, I’m sad to say, I almost rented a room from the person I believe is the culprit, in Platinum Loft apartments. If I had taken the room, I might not be talking to you right now. Who knows how crazy this chick is.”
Beverly looked her over, and made a quick assessment of her character. She was trying to determine if she could trust her, or if she should pull her weapon and finish what she came to do. After a few seconds, Nadia’s eyes told her she had a motive, but she was willing to accept her help even if she did. In her opinion, motivation was the best way to win a war.
Removing her hand from her weapon, and from her purse, she pulled the zipper to close it and smiled. “You’re an angel, Nadia Gibson. Because tonight you just saved a whole lot of lives.”
Chapter 61
“Whenever we talk, I need to make sure it s in person, especially now.”
—Knox
Knox was looking at the Platinum Loft apartments from across the street. He’d just stepped out of a cab, but couldn’t enter the building right away. Getting out of a Benz was the girl who haunted his dreams for the longest time. Trotting across the street, he made it into the building and into the elevator to be with her before the doors shut. The left side of her body was covered in blood spots, and she appeared distraught. He wondered what held her mind and what she just went through. It took everything in his power not to harm her, but he mastered the art of self-control a long time ago. Everything had to be done in the right time.
“Thanks for holding the elevator for me,” Knox said, trying to get a complete look at her face. He knew it was her, he just had a need to be sure. “It’s cold as shit out there.”
Her eyes remained on her feet when she said, “Huh? She was still thinking about the murder she just witnessed, knowing full well that the hit was in her name.
“Never mind, you look like you in deep thought right now.”
“I am.” Farah continued to look at the dirty floor, as if it could explain to her why Randy wanted her dead so bad. The last thing she needed was to hold a conversation with a complete stranger. “Sorry, I’m having a bad day.”
When the elevator doors opened, they both stepped off on the same floor. Knox wanted to see her face more than he did his own mother’s. Hoping she’d turn around, he didn’t knock on Markee’s door right away. Instead he watched her slog down the hallway and toward her apartment. When she reached her destination, she placed the key in the door, looked at him, and smiled. “Good night.” She waved.
It’s her.
Knox focused on Markee’s door, and pounded heavily. When he opened up, his mouth dropped when he saw who was standing there. “Oh, my God!” Markee said, covering his mouth like the bitch-ass nigga he was. “Are you fucking serious? Do you realize how many mothafuckas are looking for you?”
Knox, remembering why he was so secretive in the first place, checked his surroundings and said, “Are you gonna let me in or what?” He took one last look at Farah’s door. “It’s too hot to be out here.”
Markee backed up and said, “Oh, yeah ... I’m sorry, man. Come in. It’s just that I can’t believe you’re actually here. Markee closed and locked the door. “You want a beer?” He walked toward the kitchen.
“I don’t drink.”
“You want something to eat?”
/>
Knox examined Markee’s robust body and declined. “Where are my brothers?”
He turned back around to the living room. “They went to a club.” He could tell from his attitude that he didn’t fuck with him. “I gave them some cash so they could have a nice time.” He embellished the fact. The true story was that Randy gave him a little money to give to Slade and his brothers for being on the scene when he met his father. He was also trying to seduce them with cash, so he didn’t have to result to violence. Lately he couldn’t trust anybody around him, and although he was sure Slade hated his guts, unlike some of his crew, at least he knew where he was coming from. “Since you been gone they ain’t been right, Knox. Y’all never been without each other, so they been taking it hard. You want me to call Slade on his cell?”
“No ... don’t use the phone to call him about me.” Knox looked at him seriously. “Never use the phone to call a cell phone about me.” He sat on the sofa. “Whenever we talk, I need to make sure it’s in person, especially now. That’s why I’m here.” His mind was still on the girl in the elevator. “Do you know everybody on this floor?”
“Most of them. Why?”
“The girl who lives on the far end of the hall. You know her too?”
“The cute red bone? In 1316?”
Knox wasn’t impressed. “I guess.”
“Yeah ... Slade fucks with her. Why you ask?”
Knox stood up and said, “What you mean he fucks with her? That bitch been around my brother?”
“Yeah. Why? Is something up?”
“Nah ... but, look, I gotta go take care of something. I can’t stay right now.”
“Where you going?” If he left and got lost again in the world, Slade would kill him. So he moved for the phone. “Maybe I should call Slade, man. Just to let him know he needs to come home. And that it’s important.” He picked up the handset. “That nigga hates my guts, and he’d kill me if I don’t say something.”
“I said don’t worry. I’m gonna be back. Now put down the phone.” Markee slowly placed it on the hook. “Don’t say nothing to my brothers ... any of them. I’ll talk to them when I get back. If they get back before I do, and I’m not here, tell them to go see The Clapper. I’ll probably be with her.”
“Wait ... you talking about the white bitch who be on heroin?”
“If you wanna fuck with me, never disrespect her like that again,” he said seriously. “That white bitch you talking about saved my life.”
Chapter 62
“I’m confessing my sins because I want you to give God my message.”
—Farah
Farah was preparing water for a bath when there was a knock at the front door. When she came home, and the apartment was empty, she was excited about having a night to herself. Hoping Slade was stopping by to make up, she looked over herself, stood on her toes, and looked out the peephole. It was the man she met in the elevator, so she thought about her next move, and slowly opened the door. “Farah?” Knox said, standing before her. “Don’t think I’m crazy; my cousin just told me your name.”
Her throat felt like it was about to close, so she swallowed and said, “What do you want with me?”
“You don’t remember me, do you?”
Her jaw flexed. “Should I?”
“Maybe you should or maybe you shouldn’t.” He grinned, and Farah didn’t seem amused. “Let me stop fucking with you. I’m Slade’s Brother.”
A short, uneasy feeling pierced her stomach. “Really? Her face appeared to brighten with understanding. “The brother he’s been looking for?” Knox nodded. “I heard so much about you, it’s like I know you already.”
He raised his arms. “You got me. I’m the one and only Knox Baker.” He looked her over. “Can I come in?”
“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea.” If he came in, she didn’t know what would happen. She couldn t judge her actions as they changed from moment to moment.
“Aw, come on. We almost family now.”
She stepped back and said, “Enter at your own risk.”
Knox stepped inside and observed her apartment. “Fly-ass crib.” He looked into her eyes. “You live here alone?”
“No, I have a roommate I can’t stand. My sisters and brother live with me too.” She closed and locked the door. “They aren’t here now though, so we’re alone. So you don’t have to worry about your privacy.”
“Why would I worry?”
“Because your brother made it sound like you’re hiding. Anyway, I was running my bath; give me a second to turn the water off. Okay?” He nodded and she walked into her room before coming back a few minutes later. When she got back she asked, “Can I get you something to drink? Beer? Water?”
“No.” He walked into her space and she felt violated.
“So how can I help you?” She stepped back. “I know Slade is happy to have you home. Your mother too.”
“He told you why I couldn’t connect with them?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Slade doesn’t say much of anything.”
He grinned. “My brothers don’t know I’m back yet. He moved in closer, almost as if he had a strong desire to be sexual with her. “In fact, you’re the first person I came to see. And if I knew you were here, I would’ve been here sooner.”
“You don’t seem too happy to see me now.” She stepped away from him again.
“You really don’t remember me, do you? How many people have you killed? Where you can’t even remember my face? Farah was motionless.
“You’re not Slade’s brother, are you?”
“Sure, I am, but I’m also the person you hit and left to die under your Benz. Had it not been for Eleanor, I wouldn’t be alive today. Then again, you don’t give a fuck, do you?”
“You have the wrong person.”
“I’m gonna tell my brother who you are,” he threatened. “I’m gonna make sure that he never bothers himself with you again.” Losing Slade forever made her feel doomed. When he noticed her dismal expression he said, “You love him, don’t you? He laughed, and pointed in her face. “Too bad, because I want you to know how it feels to be alone, and broken. Only to have someone step up to you, and place their dirty hand over your mouth and nose, so you couldn’t breathe. You are a killer, and a manipulative one at that, and you’re going to stay the fuck away from my brother and the rest of my family.” Farah’s husky laugh caught him off guard. She went from exhibiting fear to humor in a second flat. “Glad you’re not playing games anymore.”
He walked up to her, grabbed her jaw and applied extreme pressure. Her mouth flew open and he said, “If I catch you around Slade, I will kill you. If you think I’m a joke—”
The blade entering his stomach, and piercing his liver, halted the rest of his words. When he released her face, she turned the knife clockwise, followed by a quick counterclockwise motion. He tried to squeeze her neck, but she pushed it in deeper before he dropped to the floor. Not wanting blood on her favorite robe, she tossed it to the clean part of the kitchen floor, and crawled on top of him in her white panties and bra set.
With her hand on the handle, she took her fist and hit the top of the knife again. His feet flew up in the air before slamming back to the floor. She bent down, looked into his eyes, and in a soft voice said, “I knew who you were the moment you stepped into the elevator. But I figured you didn’t know me, but I was severely wrong, wasn’t I? I thought you were dead.”She pushed the knife in deeper. “You should’ve never come here, Knox. You should’ve gone on with your life.” She removed the blade, licked the blood, and smiled. “Your blood is sweet; you must be a diabetic.” She placed the knife on the floor and said, “You know, I’ve killed over fifteen people since I’ve been here. I killed the man who tried to rape me, I killed a kid across the hallway from Markee, but this was the first time I ever tried to hold myself back. I warned you about coming in here. Even said enter at your own risk. Yet you came inside anyway.”
“Please ... I need hel
p.”
“I know you do, Knox.” She grinned. “But right now, I’m confessing my sins because I want you to give God my message. My heart was in the right place at one point in my life.” She ran her hand along the side of his face. “My mother made me this way, and that’s why she’s sitting in front of a TV right now alone ... with her throat slit. She was asleep when I walked in, and was wearing this black Muslim shit. She even had a veil over her face. After I stabbed her, I took it off so everybody would see how ugly she really is.” She was tearing up, and quickly wiped them away. “When I took off the veil, her face was so destroyed I didn’t recognize her. This disease ... this awful, fucking disease ate up her skin. And it was then that I knew even more that I’m not gonna look like that. Nobody goes to see her, so I’m sure she’ll be there for days.” She exhaled and her face produced a deranged smile. “I gotta tell you, though, that I’ve never been better. I feel so much more alive, now that I told you all of this. Thank you so much.”
When he tried to speak, she placed her ear next to his mouth to catch his words, “Please ... get ... get me some help.” Red blood started to cover his pink tongue. She placed her lips against his, and sucked some of the blood from his mouth.
“So fucking good!”
Knox couldn’t believe this was happening, but he couldn’t waste his last breaths on asking why. “If ... you say you love my brother ... you have to let me help him. I have evidence ... to keep them out of jail.” He tried to reach into his pocket, but he didn’t have the energy. “I ... promise not to ... say anything.”
Farah rose, dug into his pocket, and pulled out a black phone in a silver case. “So this will save your brother? A cell phone?” She laughed. “Well, unless Slade does me right, he won’t be needing this anyway.”
When someone knocked at the door, she stuffed a dirty dishrag in his mouth and reached under the sink to grab a roll of duct tape. She placed a long strip over his mouth from ear to ear to silence him. When someone began to bang harder, she washed her hands, grabbed her robe, and walked to the door. When she saw a woman she didn’t recognize, she looked behind her to be sure Knox didn’t crawl into view. Finally she reluctantly opened the door.