Hard White

by Shannon Holmes

  Melquan was feeling good. His day was off to a good start. It was eleven a.m., and time to get down to business. He smiled at the prospect of counting money with Mike Copeland. He was on his way and Melquan chuckled not knowing which one made him feel better. Was it pussy or money?

  He pondered this question in the cab, riding from Co-op City to Edenwald projects. The ride went by quickly and Melquan was still pondering. He paid his fare, hopped out the cab, and entered his building with money on his mind.

  Inside his room at his mother’s apartment, Melquan and Mike Copeland counted out money. They sat on Melquan’s small bed, dividing the loot. His mother knocked periodically on the door, pretending to be checking on them. All she wanted to do was be nosey.

  Melquan ordered that the bulk of the money was to be kept out of sight. He knew that his mother was a money hawk. She would continuously spy on them and if she saw too much money she wouldn’t hesitate to ask for some. On cue, Ms Tina walked into the room unannounced. Melquan shot Mike Copeland a smirk.

  “You know this room has not changed one bit since you were a boy, Melquan,” Miss Tina noted.

  “Ma, what’s good?” Melquan asked. “Don’t you see we takin’ care of bizness up in here.”

  “Boy, lemme tell you a thing or two. First of all, ain’t nobody think about y’all. And secondly, I’ve seen lots of money getting counted before?” Miss Tina asked.

  Miss Tina had tried to unsuccessfully quell her son’s suspiciousness, her eye betrayed her. They were continually drawn to the bed, where stacks of money were being counted and stacked.

  “Okay ma, it’s not that serious. We just tryin’ to handle our bizness and be out.”

  “Well, ain’t a damn soul stopping you,” Miss Tina said.

  “You are!” Melquan insisted. “Talkin’ to us while we doin’ this can throw off the count.”

  “Anyway, now that you getting big money don’t you think it’s time you buy some new furniture,” Miss Tina said, walking out the door.

  “Ma, I gave you more than enough money for yourself. If you really wanted to you could have redecorated this room a few times.”

  “That money was for me! Not no furniture, boy.”

  The room went silence for a moment. Melquan and Mike Copeland continued to take their individual money count as Miss Tina looked on.

  “Ma, do me a favor, please?” Melquan suddenly asked.

  “What?” she answered.

  “Could you get me and Mike sumthin to drink? We a lil thirsty, back here…”

  “Oh okay. I got some Pepsi or some Orange juice. Which one y’all want?”

  “Pepsi sound good,” Melquan said.

  He winked at Mike Copeland when Miss Tina exited the room. The two shared a private joke. They knew that Melquan had purposely made the request to get rid of his mother’s domineering presence. Continuing with the divison of money, they quickly packed most of it away. Melquan stashed it in a Nike shoebox and closed the closet door.

  “Yo Mel, you know ya mom’s is right, right? You do need some damn new furniture up in dis piece.”

  “Oh yeah…? Then why don’t you buy me some, huh?”

  “I may damn well have to…”

  “Right now, none of this shit matter to me. I don’t even be up in here that much no more. You musta forgot that I lay my head at India’s crib. Besides, I ain’t doin’ my mom no more favors than I have to. Shit, all that money I done gave her, she should buy it. It’s about ten years overdue!”

  “No question. That’s your mom’s my dude, break bread!” Mike added.

  Miss Tina suddenly reentered the bedroom with two tall glasses of soda in her hand.

  “That’s right Mike tell him a thing or two. Melquan is too tight with his money. I don’t know where he get that stingy habit from? Must be his father’s side of the family… Cause it sure ain’t mine.”

  Mike Copeland stared at the gorgeous older woman and nodded. He looked over at Melquan and said, “You gotta learn how to enjoy this money while we gettin’ it like this. And start takin’ care of Ma Dukes a lil better.”

  Melquan listened, but wasn’t about to change his mindset. Not to accommodate his mother’s strong craving for money.

  “What about them rainy days? What about puttin’ away lawyer and bail money? Funny I ain’t hear nobody mention that.”

  “My dude, we seein’ way more than enough cake to cover all that...”

  “You think…?”

  “I know my dude, c’mon. Look how much dough we just finish countin’?”

  “And if the man run down on us right now, it could be all gone. Bottom line is, we don’t know when this run gon’ come end,” Melquan fired back.

  “I hear you, my dude and I’m a sum it up like this, let’s live until we die.”

  “Amen, Mike. That’s sure saying a thing or two,” Miss Tina cheered. “Well put, Mike.”

  Mike continued, “I don’t know about you, but I’m a take a few stacks and make a trip to the car lot. Why don’t you grab a few and hang with your boy. I’m tired of havin’ a closet full of money and no riches. I think it’s time to let niggas know. We gettin’ crazy dough...”

  The trio jumped in a cab and headed to National Auto Sales on Boston road. This car lot wasn’t big, but had lots of fly whips on the lot. Melquan, Mike Copeland, and Miss Tina fanned out in different sections of the lot. They were searching for the vehicle that appealed to them the most.

  “Yeah, my man, this me all day, right here,” Mike Copeland said to a salesman.

  “Sir, this is a two thousand and eight Porsche Cayenne. It goes zero to sixty in six point four seconds and can go up to a hundred and fifty-five miles per hour. It’s got dual airbags and rear entertainment system and the girls love it…”

  “Yeah, say no more. I want to test drive this bitch right now,” Mike Copeland said excitedly. “I’ll look good in this shit. Huh, I’m a lil’ nigga too…”

  “This vehicle will definitely make you popular if you’re not already… The fellas on the block will hate on you for sure,” the salesman laughed.

  “They already do… Fuck ‘em though! I’m a really give ‘em a reason to hate. This one for my bitches…” Mike Copeland said. “Yo Melquan, peep this!”

  Melquan was busy checking out a black Range Rover Sport. He smiled when he saw Mike Copeland hop in the Cayenne sport and take it for a test drive.

  “Yeah Mike, get that. It’s a good look for you,” Melquan said, barely able to take his eyes off the Range Rover Sport.

  Melquan now officially had succumbed to the pressure of his peer. Watching Mike actively car shopping made him want get himself a nice whip too. Totally disregarding what he had said earlier about saving money for a rainy day, Melquan joined the fray. He was about to wear out some major dollars.

  “Yeah, this really me right here, you feelin’ me Mr. Salesman…? Let’s go test drive this bitch. If it drives as good as it looks, you just might have a sale.”

  The sales man smiled and ran off to retrieve the keys to the Range. Miss Tina, not to be outdone, also found a convertible Nissan 300ZX, a ride she liked. She sat inside and slammed the car shut. Taking a deep breath, she soaked up the new car scent. A car salesman came by, and began to seriously stroke Miss Tina’s ego.

  “This is a sophisticated car for a classy woman like yourself. Damn Miss, you’re a really fine woman but you driving this car, now that would really stop traffic.”

  “Thanks,” Miss Tina said with a toothy smile. Turning her head, she shouted. “Melquan, come here I found something I like. Come over here for minute, boy.”

  Melquan walked the short distance over to where Miss Tina sat in the red convertible.

  “I thought you wanted to get the X5 over there?” Melquan asked.

  “Can’t a girl change her mind? Don’t I look better in this though?”

  “Yes, ma,” Melquan deadpanned.

  “This the one I want. Melquan, so you gonna get it for me, huh?
”

  “Yes ma. But lemme do me first. Before I get your car, I need to get mine.”

  “Okay, I’m ready. And I promise not to change my mind again.”

  Melquan nodded and walked away with the salesman. Miss Tina followed closely behind them. They all walked into the business office and began to negotiate.

  About twenty minutes later, Mike Copeland returned. He walked into the business office, singing the Cayenne’s praises.

  “That shit is no joke, Mel. I took that shit for a test run and I was out, my dude,” he exclaimed. “Zero to sixty in six seconds, purring like a cat. Man, I’m coppin’ that bitch.”

  The others looked at him smiling. All were pleased and looking happy. Melquan was visibly pissed. He didn’t like the fact that Mike Copeland was showing the car dealers just how much he liked the car. He on the other hand was the complete opposite. If the numbers weren’t right, Melquan was prepared to walk off the car lot without the car he liked. To him this was nothing more than business, an investment.

  “Mike, lemme holla at you for a minute,” Melquan abruptly announced.

  They both walked a few feet away, just out of the earshot of Miss Tina and the car sales people.

  “Look, Mike you gotta be easy. Be hyped about coppin’ a whip later. Right now I’m tryin’ to bring the sticker price down on all three of ’em whips. They keep hearin’ you holla about how great da car is, then I ain’t gonna have no kind a leverage. So fallback and start hittin’ these cats with your best ice grill.”

  “No doubt…” Mike Copeland said, nodding in agreement. “Say no more…”

  Melquan went back inside and began to negotiate vigorously with the big boss, Joe. He drove a hard bargain and the dealers pushed back. Then he produced cold hard cash, and the dealership relented. They agreed to accept the numbers Melquan proposed.

  When the agreements were signed and money was paid, it was time to enjoy the lifestyle that came from hustling drugs. Melquan, Mike Copeland and Miss Tina entered their vehicles that had been issued temporary tags.

  “Good lookin’ Joe,” Melquan announced. “We gon’ do bizness again. Just as long as ya continue to show me love like that…”

  “Love is love, fam.” Joe said. “Money talks and bullshit walks.”

  “Meet y’all back in the ‘jects,” Mike Copeland shouted.

  “Y’all…? Just keep ya cellphones on I’ll hit on ya da jack,” Melquan suggested.

  “A’ight,” Mike Copeland said. “Cuz, I’m about to blow it.”

  “Drive safely,” Miss Tina said, pulling off. “I tell you one thing. Get back to the projects in one piece now.”

  One by one the luxury cars exited the car lot. Mike Copeland was a blur in his new Cayenne. Once he merged into oncoming traffic, he put every ounce of his car’s horsepower to the test. Melquan tailed him closely for a few seconds testing the power of his Range. It had power but he decided to fall back. Miss Tina took her time deciding to slowly style, and profile in her new 300ZX convertible.

  By early dusk all three vehicles were parked in Edenwald projects. Shiny and new, the cars were attracting a lot of attention. Miss Tina went upstairs and called all her girlfriends to brag about her new car. Melquan and Mike stayed outside in the public eye, soaking up all the admiration.

  “Let’s go to Smitty’s tonite, my dude,” Mike Copeland suggested. “That a nice spot from all I hear.”

  “Bet, I heard the same thing…” Melquan added. “I heard they got plenty ho’s up in dat piece too.”

  “You already know my dude…” Mike Copeland laughed.

  “A’ight, that’s what’s up? I’ll meet you out front in a couple hours.”

  “Get fly my dude, you know I gotta look good in da new ride.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dealing with haters…

  Melquan and Mike Copeland entered the building looking like millions. Fresh to death, Melquan was outfitted in white Versace button down shirt with turquoise cufflinks, blue True Religion jeans, and Louis Vuitton loafers. Mike Copeland was Ed Hardy down, jeans, hat, shirt and black Prada shoes. The only thing lacking was jewelry. Melquan and Mike Copeland both felt like they didn’t need any. Their luxurious whips would provide any X-factor.

  An unmarked DT car drove through the drive as the duo were about to get into their rides. There were three officers riding in the undercover car, slowly rolling by. All eyes were focused on Melquan and Mike Copeland getting into their expensive rides. Mike Copeland coldly stared back at the detectives. Melquan avoided all eye contact with their icy grills. The cops nodded and kept on driving.

  Mike Copeland and Melquan from the projects getting in posh European cars burned them up. On their present salary, none of the cops could afford any of those vehicles. One detective couldn’t help but speak on it.

  “Tommy, can you tell me where the hell these bastards are getting all that money from?” the detective asked.

  “What do you know something that I don’t know,” another said. “I’m interested in finding out.”

  “Crack baby. This is the crack cocaine city! These sons of bitches are making a fortune pushing that poison,” Tommy answered.

  “You know what Tommy?” the first detective asked. “Maybe we’re in the wrong business. What you think?”

  “Hey, maybe... It looks like now is a good time to be a bad guy, huh?”

  Occupants of the undercover car exploded in laughter. They drove though the horseshoe, observing for awhile then they drove off.

  By the time Melquan and Mike Copeland arrived Smitty’s on Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, there was a line in front the club. Mike Copeland gave the bouncer a hundred dollar bill and the duo breezed through the door and security checkpoint. They were inside once admission was paid. The hot spot was crowded and swarming with fine women.

  The club’s sound system pumped the latest R&B and rap records. Swigging bottle after bottle, Melquan and Mike Copeland were thrust into an intense party. Bouncing to the club’s atmosphere, the stress from the streets quickly dissolved. The duo relaxed and were blending in.

  Young Jeezy featuring Jay Z and Fat Joe, Go Crazy blasted through the speakers. Melquan and Mike Copeland smiled at revelers dancing and mingling.

  When they play a new Jeezy all the dope boys go crazy

  and watch the dope boys go crazy!

  I pop my collar then I swing my chain

  You can catch me in the club, pimpin doin my thang Aye...

  “Da spot’s jumpin’, you smellin’ me, my dude?”

  “Yeah, it’s a good night to be out gettin’ that groove on,” Melquan observed, surveying the room. “Stay on point Mike. I seen a few heads from the hood up in here.”

  “I got you, my dude.”

  “Let’s go sit up in VIP,” Melquan suggested. “Just feel like sittin’, chillin’ watchin’ these broads.”

  “That’s what’s up,” Mike Copeland said, looking at the girls dancing in the club.

  They were seated and drinks were ordered in the VIP section by the time Fat Joe’s verse rang through.

  What up Jeez

  Cracks...life, what’s the matta wit yo head?

  Cracks...life, all you niggaz gon end up dead

  Cracks...life, everybody servin rat till he ride

  Everybody think they somebody, till somebody end up shot

  Listen, I’m in that GT, Choppa on the passenger side

  No skeets skeets, choppa on the passenger side

  The sound of popping champagne bottles attracted the girls’ eyes and in a hot New York, Melquan and Mike Copeland became the center of attraction.

  “Yo, Mike, cheers,” Melquan announced. “Here’s to us. May our run be long.”

  “Yeah, yeah you already know my dude. Edenwald projects in da buildin’…!”

  Toasting and laughing, the duo danced around with a group of party hearty girls while Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco remix of Touch The Sky, thumped through the club’s speakers.

&nb
sp; I gotta testify, come up in the spot looking extra fly

  For the day I die, I’m a touch the sky

  Gotta testify, come up in the spot looking extra fly

  For the day I die, I’m a touch the sky

  The night wore on and pretty young ladies for the picking, flocked around the duo’s table. Mike Copeland already helped himself, grabbing up on every pretty face that passed. Meanwhile Melquan eyed a voluptuous dark skin cutie. He corned her and began rapping to her, feeding her drink after drink. Melquan and Mike Copeland felt like they had the keys to the city. They were having fun when suddenly out of nowhere Precious appeared. Looking stunning in her simple black dress and jewelry, she was seething in her six-inch heels. Mike Copeland’s jaw dropped when he saw her.

  “Damn! Precious is that you…? Ooh-whee…!” Mike Copeland whistled and laughed. “You stepped your game up! I take back every bad think I ever thought about you.”

  “Mike, shut up!” Precious snapped, brushing him aside.

  She couldn’t resist smiling at the backhand of a compliment, but she was not in the mood for Mike Copeland’s sarcasm, no matter how true it was. She wanted Melquan to shower her with compliments. Precious was here to make Melquan see her. She waited for a few minute. Nothing came. It was as if she was not even there. Precious turned away and moved closer to Mike Copeland.

  “Mike, what’s the matter with your friend?” she asked.

  “Fuck I’m ‘pose to know? I can’t even speak for the next man. He right there, why don’t you ask him?”

  “Hi Mel,” Precious leaned over and said. “What’s wrong with you? Can’t speak?”

  “I’m chillin’. What the fuck you doin’ up in here anyway?”

  “Nigga, I’m grown! I didn’t know I needed ya damn permission to go out!”

  “I ain’t sayin’ that, but I wish I would’ve known you was gonna be up in here.”

  “Nigga, pul-leeze, this a few muthafuckin’ country last time I checked… Anyway, I heard you, Mike and ya moms copped some whips today. What’s up with that? I thought I was gonna be the first bitch to ride up in your new joint?”