Behind the Hood (Behind the Lives)

by Hansen, Marita A.

  Tama grunted his disgust.

  Corey laughed. “Yeah ... Nike’s way prettier than the birds Naf tries to hook up with. I’d rather do him than them any day.”

  Naf punched his brother’s arm.

  The car swerved across the centre line. Corey steered it back into the left lane. “You fuckin’ bastard,” Corey spat. “How many times have I told ja not to bloody do that while I’m drivin’.”

  “Then don’t fuckin’ insult me!”

  Tama sneered. “You’re both homos. Why don’t cha go over to Nike’s house and bend over. Pooftas.”

  “Fuck off! I never said nuthin’ ‘bout wantin’ to do him,” Naf shouted.

  “Whatever,” Tama said. “Don’t you bastards have work and school?”

  “I’m workin’ the night shift this week,” Naf said.

  Corey sped up as a car tried to pass him. “I phoned in sick for school.”

  “Yeah, you’re a fuckin’ sick bastard alright,” Tama said. “Homo. No wonder Trey doesn’t turn his back on you.”

  Naf laughed as Corey flicked Tama the finger.

  “I betcha get a chubby over thinkin’ ‘bout my pretty arse too.” Tama sniggered. “Man, I should’ve left ya with that fag last night. He wuz juicin’ for ya.”

  Naf doubled over in laughter. “Stop it or I’ll piss myself.”

  Corey’s face turned bright red. “I’m not a fag, so shut the fuck up or I’ll boot you both out!”

  Tama waggled his tongue at Corey as Naf continued to laugh.

  Corey flicked Tama another finger, then pulled into his street. Tama scanned the area, making sure that the pigs weren’t staking out the Connor house. Up ahead a toddler sat in a stroller, while his mother dug into a pile of discarded toys. On the other side, a truck waited as two men loaded a couch into the back.

  Corey turned into his and Naf’s driveway, parking behind his sister’s blue VW. “Shit, what’s Beth doin’ here?” he said. “I thought she went to Ash’s. The bloody cow will dob me into Mum.”

  “She’s not a cow.” Tama jumped out of the car, and hurried towards the front door. Citrus trees framed the large single-story brick house, along with battered vehicles that Mr. Connor collected. A car door slammed behind him.

  Naf grabbed his arm and yanked him around, his expression vicious. “You dirty bastard, keep your cock in your pants or me and Corey will take to ya.”

  Tama pulled his arm free, and shoved Naf in the chest. “You fuckin’ arsehole. Why the hell would I make a pass at her? I never have before.”

  Naf’s expression went blank for a second. “Um ... sorry, man. Just when you say you like a chick it usually means you’re gonna try and pork ‘em.”

  “No, it doesn’t. I like plenty chicks, and I don’t wanna root ‘em all.” Tama’s gaze flicked to the neighbouring house, making sure that no one was watching him.

  Corey sniggered as he clomped past. “Yeah, right, and I love school.” He climbed the steps and pushed open the door.

  Tama ran after Corey with Naf at his heels. After entering the lounge, he yanked the floral curtains across and switched on the light. He relaxed slightly, taking in the portraits and beach scenes lining the floral walls. He liked talking to Beth about art, and thought it was cool that she got paid to paint.

  Beth walked out of the passage. “Whatcha doin’ home?” she asked Corey. “Don’t cha have school?”

  “Nah, its teacher’s only day.”

  Tama and Naf sniggered.

  “Hi, Tama.” Beth walked over, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

  Tama returned the gesture. He considered Beth a sweetheart. Unlike her tubby brothers she was a looker, luckily taking after their mother. She was twenty-three, a fraction shorter than him, with a fantastic figure and long black hair. Yeah, he lied to Naf, he would love to do her, but no matter how hot she was he wouldn’t lay a finger on her. For one thing, she always treated him like a brother, and secondly, she was Ash’s woman.

  “Heard you’ve been in trouble,” she said.

  Tama frowned. Ash must have given her the run down on bloody Juliet. “I didn’t touch Juliet. She molested me.”

  “I’m talkin’ ‘bout Nike’s li’l sister. Why’d ja hurt her, Tama? I thought you were better than that.”

  “Oh.” Tama didn’t expect that. He didn’t like the look on her face, the disappointment in her eyes. She’d always treated him with respect, something he rarely got shown. Guilt crept in again, and he didn’t like it one damn bit.

  “I don’t remember. I wuz high.” He even felt ashamed for lying to her. He remembered everything. At first hurting Maia had been exhilarating, exciting. He was so hyped up on booze and weed that it hadn’t bothered him. He’d thought she’d deserved it. But now, he wasn’t so sure.

  He sighed. Beth was bringing him down. He had to get out of there. “I’ve gotta go,” he said, his shoulders slumping.

  “No, don’t, Tama,” Beth said, looking guilty. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  Shit, now he was bringing her down. “Can you tell Ash I did nuthin’ to Juliet, and say I didn’t mean to hurt Maia,” Tama said.

  Corey sniggered from the couch.

  Tama turned and glared at him. “Bastard!”

  Corey’s face dropped. “Sorry, man, I thought you were bullshittin’.”

  “Fuck you!” Tama gave him the finger, then stomped towards the door. Everyone thought he was a callus prick, even his mates. Well, he didn’t need them. They could all bloody go to hell.

  Beth grabbed his arm. “Tama, don’t go. You look tired, love. Have a sleep, then we can talk later.”

  Yeah, he did feel exhausted. He’d been running on adrenalin, weed, and beer for most of the weekend. Plus, his back hurt from sleeping in Corey’s car. Naf had bitched about it, but there was no way he would’ve risked staying at the Connor house after he’d been seen with them. He pulled the curtain back a fraction as a car drove past. Yeah, maybe he could have a proper rest while the brothers kept a lookout for the pigs.

  He turned and smiled at Beth. Even though she was Ash’s missus he didn’t think she’d dob him in. Beth had known him since he was thirteen.

  “I am beat,” he said. “I could do with some shut-eye.”

  Beth let go of his arm. “You can use my old room. I’m movin’ out, so it’s pretty empty except for the bed. I’ve just gotta pop out to see someone then I’ll be back in a few hours.”

  Man, she was nice. Ash was one lucky bastard to have her. “Ta,” he said, grateful.

  “What’re you playin’ at?” Naf snapped.

  Insulted, Tama looked across at his mate. What was Naf’s problem? He’d already told him he wouldn’t touch her.

  He opened his mouth to swear at Naf then stopped. His mate’s mouth and jaw were set in an angry scowl, his eyes narrowed in on his sister.

  “What’s goin’ on?” Tama asked.

  Naf pointed a finger at Beth. “Did Ash put you up to this? Is that why you’re here? Searchin’ for Tama so your boyfriend can bash him?”

  Beth dropped her gaze.

  Tama’s heart sank. “Beth?”

  She looked back up at him, her eyes glistening. “Ash made me. He’s not upset about Juliet anymore, he knows she lied, but you shouldn’t have hurt Nike’s sister. Ash is tight with him, cos Nike’s dad stopped Ash from committing suicide when he wuz a kid.”

  “Oh fuck!” Tama covered his face then flung his hands out. “Shit!” Nike wasn’t running drugs for Ash after all, he was like fucking family. Why didn’t Sledge tell him about this?

  “Ash will kill me,” Tama said. “What the fuck am I gonna do now?”

  “Nuthin’,” Naf said. “You’re stayin’ here. She ain’t gonna dob you in or I’ll tell Mum and Dad she’s dating a drug dealer.”

  Beth turned on her brother. “He ain’t a drug dealer!”

  Naf sneered. “You’re kidding yourself if ya believe that. I’ve been to Sledge’s house enough times to know what
your boyfriend does. Where’d ja think he gets the dosh to buy all your fancy jewellery?”

  Beth glared at Naf. “He’s not a drug dealer!”

  “I don’t care what you believe, just as long as you keep your trap shut about Tama. Alright?”

  Beth continued to glare at Naf. “Okay. Just don’t tell them.”

  Naf nodded.

  Tama said to Beth, “I thought you were a mate. Even if Ash asked you, why would ja try to set me up? You do know what he’d do to me, don’t cha?”

  “He said he just wanted to talk to you.”

  Naf grunted. “You’re fuckin’ stupider than I thought. Ash bashed his own brother for it, what do ya think he’ll do to Tama? He’ll rip his nuts off and feed them to him. You’ve known Tama since he wuz a kid. What’s wrong with you?”

  Beth frowned. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know—”

  “Just piss off.” Naf waved her away.

  Beth looked back at Tama, her face softening. “I’m really sorry. I didn’t wanna do it.”

  Tama moved back as she tried to kiss his cheek. She stared at him for a moment, her expression upset, then turned and walked out the front door.

  “I think I should go,” Tama said.

  Naf patted his arm. “Nah, go rest up in my room. I’ll watch out for ya.”

  “Ta, you’re a good mate.”

  Corey got up off the couch, and walked over to stand next to his brother. “I’ll watch your back too.”

  “At least I know who my real mates are,” Tama said.

  Naf and Corey smiled.

  Leaving the brothers in the lounge, Tama headed for Naf’s bedroom, his mind racing over his options. If Nike wanted to play dirty by involving Ash, he’d just have to be more careful. He could get Naf to watch out for Nike while he visited Jess, and Sledge could keep him informed about Ash. After all, why risk things when his mates were more than willing to help out.

  26

  Maia

  Maia dreamt the same dream. Pain coupled with Tama’s smiling face followed by screaming.

  “Not again!” Stella snapped. “You’re like the worst alarm clock ever”

  Maia opened her eyes. She didn’t know what time it was, but the room was filled with natural light, making Stella’s bandage look like a halo. Stella was scowling at her, looking anything but angelic. Man, she really wanted to go home. She was sick of Stella complaining all the time. It wasn’t like she was doing it on purpose.

  “Sorry,” she said sarcastically.

  Stella’s features softened. “You having nasty dreams again?”

  “Yeah. I keep relivin’ my attack.”

  “That sucks. Personally, I sleep like a baby. But then again, I’m used to my bloke knocking me about.”

  “Why’d ja stay with him then?”

  “I love him.”

  “But he hits you.”

  Stella shrugged. “He also cares for me and pays for everythin’.”

  “I’d still leave him if I were you.”

  “Anyway ... enough about me; you had a really cute visitor yesterday, and I don’t mean Nike.” Stella grinned. “Man, I wouldn’t mind a piece of your bro. He looks like he’d be hot in the sack—”

  Maia screwed up her face. “Ooh, gross, he’s my brother! What’s wrong with you?”

  “Still yummy.”

  Maia covered her ears. God, the girl was a freak.

  Stella’s voice picked up. “I reckon he’d be a right goer.”

  “Blah, blah, blah ... I’m not listenin’ to you.”

  Stella laughed as she jumped out of bed. She leaned over Maia. “Then you won’t know who the cute guy was.”

  Maia uncovered her ears. Only Nike, Rory, and her uncle Matt visited her. She didn’t know who else it could be. “Who wuz it?”

  “Mikey Thomas.”

  Maia’s face fell. Her hands began to shake. “He helped Tama chase me.”

  Stella frowned. “Oh shit, love. I didn’t mean to scare ya. He just brought in some flowers, and wanted to say sorry.”

  Maia looked at the carnations next to her bed. “Why would he bring flowers?”

  “The boy’s sweet on you. He was all dressed up and had his hair combed nice.”

  Maia screwed up her face. Mikey didn’t like her; Saturday night was proof of that. “Just cos he’s dressed nice doesn’t mean he fancies me.”

  “He admitted to liking you. He was so shy it was sweet. He was also upset that Tama hurt you.”

  “But he chased me.”

  “Look, kid, Tama’s a mean bastard. He would’ve made him do it. Mikey’s sweet. If I were you I’d give him a try. He’s pretty cute.”

  Maia rubbed her forehead. She had wanted Mikey for so long, and now he bloody says he likes her after what he did. Man, she had shit luck.

  “He could’ve told Tama to leave me alone if he liked me so much,” Maia said.

  “I told ja, Tama’s mean. The kid was probably too scared to speak out.”

  “If ya think he’s so great, why don’t you go out with him? Me personally, I’m not interested in dating any guys now.”

  Stella pulled a face. “You’re not a lesbo, are ya?”

  “No!” As if the pain in her back wasn’t bad enough, she had to put up with Stella’s filthy mouth. “I’m goin’ back to sleep,” she said, closing her eyes.

  “Oh please, no,” Stella muttered. “Go away, Zane.”

  “Can’t I visit my girl?”

  Maia’s eyes shot open. She unstrapped herself and sat up slowly.

  A guy of medium height walked towards Stella’s bed. Like Stella, he was pale and skinny. He looked nervous as he wiped his hands on his grease-stained overalls. Except for the fact he was a thug, Maia thought he was attractive. It just showed she had bad taste in guys like Stella.

  Stella looked unsure. “You’re not mad at me?”

  Maia stared at Stella. Why would he be mad at her? Bloody hell, his head didn’t have bandages wrapped around it.

  Zane smiled, his nervousness disappearing. Shit, he has a nice smile. Maia wondered whether Stella put up with the bashing because of his looks as well as his money.

  “Nah ... I can’t stay mad at you for long.” He grabbed a chair and positioned it between the beds. “Anyway, it was that prick’s fault. He shouldn’t have touched you. Scum.”

  Stella breathed out. “He stole my phone too.”

  “Yeah, I know. I tried to call ya last night, but that arsehole answered. Said nasty shit about you too. I’m gonna shoot him for that.” He stood up and caressed her cheek. “I’m really sorry for hurting you. Thanks for not pressing charges.”

  “No probs, babe.” Stella kissed him.

  Maia rolled her eyes. It was great that the creep wanted to shoot Tama, but man, Stella was stupid for taking her boyfriend’s apology. No matter how good-looking he was, it wouldn’t be worth it. If she was Stella, she’d dump his greasy arse right before dobbing him into the cops.

  Maia grimaced as the two sucked face. Gross. She turned around and lay down carefully, then pulled her straps back on. She didn’t want to risk moving onto her back while she slept. It hurt enough without making it worse.

  She closed her eyes and waited for sleep. Stella obviously thought scumbags were ideal boyfriend material. So, if Stella thought Mikey was sweet it was best to stay clear of the guy. Then again, it wasn’t like she would have gone near him after Saturday anyway. The bastard was just as bad as his cousin.

  27

  Nike

  It’s just another delivery, nothing special, nothing different from every other. Bullshit! The mofucking place was Guantanamo-Bayed to the max with a high security fence, iron-clad gates and closed-circuit cameras in one of Auckland’s wealthiest neighbourhoods.

  Nike unwound his window and stared at the intercom. He really didn’t want to push it. Ash usually sent him to dives, with dregs that were desperate for the next snort. He could handle that, knew how to deal with rough types, but this? This shit was a
whole different league.

  He looked down at the large package on the seat next to him. Even though he knew it was cocaine, he still hoped that it wasn’t, because the weight alone would get him a long stint behind bars. He leaned back in his seat, took a deep breath then let it out. Ash was giving him a grand to deliver the package. A fucking grand! That would take a huge chunk out of the credit card bill. And he couldn’t let Jess down—they needed the money. He would just have to stop being a pussy and deliver the damn package.

  He leaned out the window and pushed the intercom. “I’m here to deliver a package from Ashley Rata.”

  A creaking noise answered as the gates slowly swung open. Nike drove through. Large trees he couldn’t name created a tunnel-like entrance as he proceeded down a long driveway. Through the trees, a tennis court, stables, and an equestrian field broke up the manicured lawn. He steered carefully around a woman as she trotted past him on a tan-coloured horse.

  Smooth lines, pillars and fancy grill work greeted his gaze as he parked in front of a white two-storey mansion. It looked as though it had been plucked out of some Southern American dream of yesteryear and plonked in the middle of Auckland.

  Nike picked up the package and jumped out of the van. He didn’t bother to lock up. It was more likely he’d kiss Tama’s arse than have his van stolen here. Anyway, if he had a choice he would leave behind his shit ride and take either the Maserati or the Lexus parked out front or ... fuck, was that a Cortina in the garage?

  His eyes bugged out as he walked closer to the vehicle behind the Lexus. Man, he loved those cars. Enough ogling Cortinas on the internet told him exactly what it was. The two-door, with a silver stripe down the dark blue paintwork, was a 1969 Lotus Ford Mark II. Although the other two were worth more, he’d kill to get his hands on the Cortina.

  He ran a fingertip reverently across the perfect paintwork. It was a much sweeter ride than the rusted red Cortina his parents used to own. His family’s car had been a cheaper version, a Mark II with four doors. His father received it in the divorce settlement and sold it when he moved to Australia. Nike wished it had been given to him, but he’d never asked for it as his father needed the money.