by Shontaiye
“Thanks. I try to be comfortable. And you of course look beautiful,” he said with admiration. Shaleea looked casual, but beautiful in fitted jeans and a black half shirt. Her neck sparkled in gold, while her waist-length Malaysian hair bounced freely, giving her an exotic look.
“Thank you. Can I get a Sangria?” Shaleea asked the bartender, who had immediately placed a napkin in front of her as soon as she arrived. The bartender took her order and walked off. Shaleea went in her mini “Lady Dior” bag and took out her matching wallet, but Razul stopped her.
“I got it sweetheart. You don’t have to pay for anything when you’re with me.”
While Shaleea thought the gesture was sweet she also found it unnecessary. She could pay her own way.
“Thank you. That’s nice of you. I’ll let you pay this time and next time I’ll pay. I’m all about equality,” she joked.
“You never told me what it is you do…If you don’t mind me asking.”
“Why? You ready to lock me up. You think I’m selling drugs,” she laughed. “Na, I’m just joking. I actually am co-owner of a chain of laundromats in the city,” she replied modestly.
“Niceee,” he said with a smile. “Sooooo, you can go ahead and pull that purse back out baby girl,” he laughed, causing Shaleea to laugh also.
“Nope. You offered,” she said with a smile.
“So how was work today and if you don’t mind me asking, what made you want to be a cop? No offense, but growing up as a kid in an urban environment, you seldom heard little black boys past ten years old talk about being a cop.”
He smiled. That was one of the things he liked about her. She was inquisitive and not self-absorbed. She could hold a conversation that wasn’t limited to reality shows and entertainment.
“Well, when I was fifteen there was a so-called drug drought. The War on Drugs had been implemented and they were doing a good job ridding the streets of drugs. However, with a decrease in the available supply of drugs came higher prices and a lot more frustration on the streets. Blocks weren’t doing the same amount of numbers and things were dry all over the city. Turf wars ensued. During the time, we were smack dab in the hood. Right in the center of everything…Shootings were happening damn near every day. I asked my mother could I get a part-time job so I could bring home an extra, you know, $400-$500 a month. I figured it would help us afford more rent so we could move to a better neighborhood. She wouldn’t allow it. I was one of the best ball players in my school and an A/B student. I could have easily gotten full ride into a decent college. She found a second job close by our house but it was nightshift. She took it. I told her I would meet her at her bus stop and walk her home every night she worked. One night I had a game and it lasted longer than I expected. I rushed to meet her but I was too late. There was a shootout and my mother was gunned down; mistakenly shot and hit by a stray bullet. Tore me to pieces. Immediately though, I knew she would not want me to be bitter; she would want me to be better. Soooooo,” he exhaled. “I went to college and majored in Criminal Justice. Took a job with the police department right after. My goal is to get as many drug dealers off the streets as I can. Not just by arresting them and sending them to prison, instead educating the ones who still have chance. Every little bit counts right,” he smiled.
“Wow,” was all that Shaleea could initially say. Razul was something special, different.”I’m sorry to hear that happened but I commend you for making a positive contribution from something negative.”
“It’s all a choice…I speak at the jail and schools from time to time and I try to instill that in these young boys. You have a choice out here no matter what circumstances you came from. Education can take the poorest person and turn them into something completely different. These kids just don’t understand that. Instead they sell drugs and glamorize the gritty life that come with it. Do you have kids?” he asked.
“Yeah a little girl,” Shaleea beamed.
“I want some. Not until I’m settled though. I want their life to be like day and night from mines.”
“I understand that. I can’t lie, I had my daughter early but I have a great family and failure was not an option. I grew up well and I am proud to say that I am able to separate her from that world you speak of.”
Shaleea thought that Razul was too good to be true. There was always a twist. She wasn’t going to look for it because she always did her best to see the good in people and be optimistic, however, she wasn’t going to sleep on him either. Ironically, he felt the same way.
<><><>
Mann sat in Sonix’s and watched from across the room as Shaleea conversed with some nigga he’d never seen before. As soon as Naomi had gotten off the phone with her, he made an excuse to rush out so he could beat her to there. Although Naomi had been suspicious, she didn’t dare question him. Mann could be quick tempered at times and since she enjoyed being with him, wanted to stay on his good side, for now.
He continued to watch Shaleea and the unknown male and a million questions ran through his mind. He wanted to confront her right then and there but knew it wasn’t the right time. He would do it later, and when he did, she’d better have her story straight. To him, Shaleea was the ultimate game player. From using him to get back at Noah, to trying to flee him like he was a pesky nuisance, to hanging out with a completely new nigga. She seemed to be scattered. If one situation was played out to her, she was onto the next. He hoped that she wasn’t the scandalous hoe that Naomi claimed she was, however, as time went on revelations about her character and conduct didn’t seem to add up. She was into games. Problem was, he wasn’t.
ELEVEN
Noah
“The results came back positive Noah. You are her father,” John stated quickly as Noah sat before him stunned.”
Before he could respond, Shaleea quietly got up and unexpectedly slapped Noah across the face so hard it created an echo in the room.
“Fuck you Noah,” she spat, before abruptly storming out. That was all that she could say, and all that she needed to say. She was done. She felt as if she had been hit in the stomach with a baseball bat. She had been betrayed and presented with a woman’s worse nightmare.
She had had enough of his shit and was taking back her life. Immediately after the results came out of from Johns mouth, Shaleea had decided that was it. She was moving forward. For the past seven-eight years Shaleea had been multiple things rolled up into one. She had been his lover, his confidant, his nurse when he was ill, and more importantly, his biggest and almost only support system. What she would no longer be was his fool and punching bag. While the blows he delivered to her were not physical, they were indeed emotional. She’d had enough.
Noah’s face tingled from the forceful slap, while his heart felt like it was at the bottom of his stomach. He didn’t bother to run behind Shaleea as he knew it would be pointless. He fucked up. He’d made mistakes. He didn’t even know what to say to her at this point. It was like Deja vu all over again. He was ready to face it.
“What’s next John?” Noah asked. “Is this enough for them to try and prosecute me?”
“I can’t say for sure Noah. I don’t know what else they have or what other information they’ve acquired…What I do know is that we won’t give up. If they come for you I’ll give them the best damn fight they’ve ever seen,” he assured him.
Growing frustrated, Noah hunched over and buried his head in his hands. He wished he were still a kid, all alone in the bathroom of his group home dorm. There he could cry silently and alone. Ever since he was little he suppressed his emotions. He learned to cope with being alone mentally. His heart ached because Shaleea had freed him from that feeling. She had helped him open up and showed him that he was not alone.
Now she was gone and the only person he had was his lawyer John who was sitting in front of him pretending to be a friend. If the money ever ran out, he’d be gone too.
“John, I don’t want to fight man,” he said displaying his growing weakened mental state. “How mu
ch to make this go away.”
John looked at Noah and worry shown on his face. “I don’t know Noah…I can’t bribe anyone. I could lose my license…What I can do is talk to a few people and see if I can get a favor for a favor. We’ll discuss prices later. Ok buddy,” John stated getting up from his large executive style desk, and patting Noah on his tired back.
“Ok John.” He was counting on him.
Detectives
“You’re fucking shitting me,” Detective Benson exclaimed angrily, as he read the notice on his desk, put there by his superior. “Read this shit,” he said before passing the paper to his partner.
Detective Bohn took the paper and quickly read it. He immediately began to shake his head in disapproval and disappointment. Noah Thomas had been officially ruled out as a suspect in the murder case of Eve Prevot. He was reading and holding the dismissal notice. The prosecutor had determined that there just wasn’t enough evidence to move forward. They were no longer to question or bother Noah Thomas, or anyone associated with him.
“You know Bohn, I took this job to help catch bad people and see that justice was served. But every day I come here, I learn more and more that the city of Philadelphia’s judicial system is based on who you know, and how much you can afford to pay. In just a few short years, I’ve seen rich assholes get off too many times to count. What are we here for?” Benson asked, not expecting an answer. He couldn’t answer the question and neither could his partner. It wasn’t the first time and they knew it surely wouldn’t be the last.
Noah
After hearing the news from John that he had been ruled out as a suspect, Noah was elated. John never mentioned, or planned to tell Noah that he knew the prosecutor from undergrad. He never liked to reveal his sources and only called upon them when he truly needed them.
A little convincing that Noah’s wasn’t there guy, and the reality that it wasn’t worth the public circus to try a rich business owner for murder of a poor, prostitute, with a criminal history, his prosecutor friend decided not to proceed. John played on the fact that the risk was huge for his career, as Noah had enough money to hire bull-dog attorneys that would literally rip through the prosecution team with their weak circumstantial evidence,
It also helped that an all expense dinner to an elite reservation-only steakhouse downtown was gifted to the prosecutor and his wife. It was a small cost for John, as lawyers often scratched one another’s back. However, it cost Noah $50,000 cash for the paperwork stating he was no longer considered a suspect and would not be furthered investigated. Anytime John went out of his way, it didn’t come cheap. Needless to say, Noah didn’t mind.
“Thanks John. I’ll have that money transferred to your account by the end of the day.” Noah paused but decided to finally go ahead and ask his counselor and legal advisor the question that was plaguing his mind. He was determined to do right from this point on.
“John, what about the baby…My uhh.” He paused, “daughter. I want to know where she is.”
“Oh, last I heard she was a ward of the state…Why do you ask…You thinking of getting custody?”
“Yeah,” Noah responded, quietly. “She’s mine and I’m going to take care of her.” He had decided and it was final. He was going to start being a real man.
“Well then…Good for you Noah. You know I’m with you no matter what. Listen. I have a good friend that works in that field. She handles custody hearings and works mainly in family court. I’ll send you her number. She’s definitely the one that can help you get your little girl.”
“Thanks John.”
“Ay don’t mention it. And Noah. Good luck buddy. Stay out of trouble.”
“No doubt,” he responded, before ending the call and sighing. Johns phone call was the only good thing that had happened to him all week.
Shaleea had left him. She hadn’t even bothered to pack her shit. He was sure she had gotten all new things, as there had been a ridiculous amount of charges totaling $10,000 on his American Express card. He was sure that had covered new wardrobes and furniture. Normally he would’ve nearly pissed himself after seeing the charges but he figured he would let her do her thing. Ultimately he was the wrong one.
The first night after finding out he was the father to Eve’s baby he felt like shit. He didn’t want a baby by her, period. He didn’t know any nigga that would want a baby by a prostitute. He had finally discovered her lies through his lawyer and police reports. She had never danced. She sold her ass. She was the lowest of the lowest, and sadly he fell right under the same umbrella. His life would never be the same. He didn’t expect it to be. His first thoughts were that he didn’t want anything to do with the baby, but then he remembered Eve didn’t have much family. His heart was cold but not that icy. After all, Eva was his flesh and blood. He made a long and conscious decision that he would do right from that point, moving forward. He would do everything in his power to get Shaleea and Heaven back but if he did not he would have Eva in his life.
TWELVE
Shaleea
Shaleea waited at Zeppis’ bar, a quiet lounge that was tucked away on the Northeast side of the city, a few blocks from her new home.
It had been weeks since her and Noah’s split and although saddened that their relationship had ended, she was happy with her decision and her life at that point.
Feeling warm and excited, Shaleea lightly fanned herself. She felt a light coat of perspiration build up on the tip of her nose.
“Here you go,” the bartender said, as she slid another Long Island Iced Tea in front of Shaleea. It was her second and she silently vowed it would also be her last. She didn’t want to be drunk.
“Thanks, she responded quietly, as she slid a $20 towards the bartender.
“Hey bae,” Razul said in his masculine voice, surprising Shaleea with his sudden arrival. She had been waiting for him but hadn’t seen him when he came in.
“Hey you.” He planted a soft kiss on the side of her neck, causing her to blush.
“How long you been here,” Razul asked. He smiled and showed his pearly white teeth. His beard was neatly tapered and he had gotten a little darker since the summer had begun. He was looking Michael Vick good.
“Not too long.” She smiled. “I’m glad to see you.” She was drunk and the sight of Razul always made her warm up all over.
They had been seeing each other for a few months and it was safe to say they were smitten with one another. Although Shaleea was the one who initially wanted to take it slow, she had decided she was finally ready to go to the next step of intimacy with him. He didn’t know it yet but it was happening when they left. He had the next few days off and she had agreed to hang out with him for the evening. It was summer and Heaven was away enjoying the shore with her father Tate.
After sitting down, Razul leaned over and gave Shaleea a quick kiss. As he pulled away she frowned. Her gaze was fixed near the entrance. She instantly grew irritated and made an internal vow that she wouldn’t engage in the foolery.
“Here we go with the bullshit,” she sighed underneath her breath.
Noah
Noah grew angry as he entered lightly occupied, dimly lit lounge. He had spotted Shaleea with a male unknown to him. He took a deep breath and fought to contain the rage traveling his body.
“What are you doing?” he asked Shaleea, as he approached her with his now signature limp. The average person would mistake it as a bop. She was surprised. She looked like she had just seen a ghost. She did her best to play it off considering the fact that she was grown and longer needed to answer to anyone concerning her dealings and whereabouts.
“I’m minding my business. Why are you here Noah?” she asked, coolly.
“What the fuck you mean, why am I here? I’ve been calling and texting ya ass for damn near three weeks and you been ignoring me. Now I see why…You out here being a fucking whore!” he yelled, no longer able to control his temper. “First you go fuck Mann, and now this shit.”
Sha
leea frowned her face by Noah’s public tirade. “You act so fucking dumb…So you following me now?” she asked. “I don’ have time for this shit,” she spat, quickly looking to Razul to signal her departure. She was embarrassed and she wasn’t doing the public fiasco with Noah so she could look like a ghetto buffoon in front of several dozen people.
“You ain’t going nowhere til you talk to me like a fucking adult,” Noah demanded, reaching for her arm.
As he grabbed at her, Shaleea snatched back and Razul quickly jumped up and moved her out of the way to stand between them. It was out of reflex but he still felt like he had to do it.
“Yo why don’t you just go ahead. She told you she wasn’t interested in talking to you,” Razul calmly stated, his eyes locking with Noah’s.
“My nigga…” Noah took a deep breath. “I don’t know you and don’t care to know you. This is between me and her. I’m just gon leave it at that,” Noah threatened, indirectly.
Noah was a street nigga and grew up witnessing some of the toughest kill and be killed behind nonsense. It was something he strived to avoid so he chose his words carefully. He didn’t make any demands and did his best to appear calm. He wasn’t trying to challenge the stranger. He didn’t want things to escalate, as he knew his own temper very well. What he did know, is that he was far from pussy and if the man before him were to get out of line in any way, he wouldn’t hesitate to put his gun on him. It had been a long time since he had to, but these days anyone could get. He was in no physical shape to fight the equally large man in front of him, so if he knew what was best, he’d fall back.
“I don’t know you either, but she’s with me right now,” Razul responded, matching his icy gaze.
Noah’s eyebrows went up. “Is that right?” he asked, looking to Shaleea.
“Noah just go please,” Shaleea begged, feeling both irritated and angry. She never enjoyed conflict or confrontation, and the situation before her was making her highly uncomfortable.
