When his cries stopped, I planted soft kisses on both of his cheeks then his lips. I knew he needed me; even if he didn’t tell me.
“I love you Cameron.”
Cameron looked at me and smiled. It wasn’t the big smile that I was used to, but it was still sexy.
“I love you too, Skye. Look, I need you to understand that shit is going to be crazy from now on. My pops is gone, so not only do I have to handle the niggas responsible, I have to run this organization. Let’s not forget it’s a fucking snake running rampant that needs to be beheaded as well. I love you, and I want to be with you, but I’m not asking you to go through this with me.”
Was he kidding? It’s obvious that this is where I want to be. I could have walked away a long time ago. It’s time for him to realize that I was there, and I didn’t have plans on going anywhere.
“You don’t have to ask me, Cameron. I’m where I want to be. What type of woman would I be if I left you when you needed me most?”
Before he had the chance to speak, his phone started ringing. Cameron looked at it and sadness fell over him once again, but that didn’t stop him from answering.
Cameron
Although I was expecting Harris’ phone call, it didn’t make the shit any easier. Ty and I were gonna head down there and verify the identification of my pops body. But first, I had to tell my mom’s and Vic. That was going to be the worse part of dealing with his death. I had to make sure my sister and mother were straight, and I knew they were gonna take it hard. I found a little comfort in knowing that I had a shorty who was going to stick with me through this shit. I just hoped that when shit really did go down, she would stand by her decision to ride.
“Go downstairs and take my mother in the living room. I’mma go get Vic from her room and I’ll be down there.” I said to Skye as I kissed her forehead, and headed out the room.
I dreaded every step I took toward my sister’s room. Her and my pops were extremely close. She would definitely take losing him the hardest. When I got to Victoria’s room, I tapped on her door.
She took a minute but finally said “It’s open.”
I opened the door and walked in. Vic was sitting in her window with her laptop on her lap, and phone in hand; probably on them social sites, because that’s all she did.
“Wassup big bro. I didn’t know you were coming over today.” She squealed as she stood up to hug me.
My baby sister was my life. We were extremely close. We didn’t have the normal brother and sister relationship, because we never argued, or disagreed. I could be dead ass wrong, but Vic was standing by me and vice versa.
“What’s good mini me, come with me downstairs I gotta put you and mommy on to some shit.”
I turned around and headed out the room, and she followed. When we got to the living room, we found my moms, Ty, and Skye chopping it up. I had the most important people in the world in that room, and I made a vow right there and right now that I wasn’t losing none of them. Losing my pops was enough.
“You feeling better baby boy?” My mom’s said, smiling up at me when she noticed me standing in the archway.
I took a deep breath and moved an inch closer. “Mom and Vic, I need to tell y’all something about Dad.”
Her smile instantly turned into pain. It hurt my heart to see my mom’s mood shift like that. Seeing her made me want to break down, but I couldn’t. I had to be strong for my family. I was now the man of the house, and I had to maintain our life.
“This is all me! I can’t be weak… I CAN’T BE WEAK.”
Once I convinced myself that I could handle the responsibilities, I continued. “I just got a call…” I felt like shit that I had to leave out pieces of information, but I figured the less they knew the better. “Dad’s was found, in an abandoned house…”
Victoria got up and stormed out the living room. Without me even having to ask her, Skye got up and followed her. I sat down next to my mother who was completely shaken up. She had been with my father since she was 15. He was her first, her only, and her everything. I knew she felt like her world just came crashing down around her. She had me though, and even though I couldn’t bring my pops back, I had her. I was going to make sure she was good. I wrapped my arms around her and held her as she cried. Only god himself understood the physical pain I was placing on myself by trying to suppress cries, scream, and volatile behavior. As my mother calmed down, I explained that I had to go to the morgue. I hated that I had to leave my mother, but I had a load of shit to take care off. I texted Skye from the car, letting her know that I needed her to take care of my moms and sister until I got back. I felt a little better knowing that she would help console them anyway she could.
****
When Ty and I pulled up to the coroner’s office, I had to reach deep within to drag myself out the car. Part of me didn’t want to have to say bye to my father, but I knew I needed to get it done and over with so I could handle everything else. Once I stepped in the building, a chilling feeling flooded my body. Nah, it wasn’t because the air was on; even thought that tripped me out because it was December. I guess the bodies needed to stay cool or some shit. Knowing that building was probably filled to capacity with dead bodies was creeping me the fuck out, but I was on a mission.
After signing in, I had to sit and wait to be called. Shit felt like I was there forever, but in actuality it was only fifteen minutes; fifteen minutes too long if you ask me. I was escorted to the room where my father’s body was held, and they said I could go in or look through the glass. Since I knew it was him, and I was just doing this shit as a formality, I opted for the glass. I watched as the mortician pulled the sheet back. Seeing my father laying there with his eyes open with a tiny bullet hole in the center of his head enraged me. I had to get out of here. I nodded my head so he could cover him up, before returning to me with paperwork. I signed those shits with lightning speed and dipped.
Chapter Eleven
Ariana
When I got the text message from Skye about Cam’s dad, a sense of guilt filled my veins. I felt like I should have spoken up when I realized what was up. How could I though? What would I say? And would Ty still have been involved with me? He was the first guy I’d been with in a while that really showed me that he cared, and just wasn’t in it to hit and split. I didn’t want to lose that. I know that if Ty and Cam found out that I knew something was going on and didn’t share it, it would be not only the end of Ty and my relationship, but my life as well.
It’s not like I had anything to do with it. Maybe they would understand the position I was in.
I cursed out loud. “SHIT!”
Why was I wasting time trying to convince myself that this wasn’t going to end badly either way I put it. I fucked up and probably would suffer dire consequences because of that. I wished I could go back to that day. If only I could go back to that day...
****
I paced the floor as I thought about everything that took place that day. I was leaving the radio station after my shift. I host the late show, and usually didn’t drive. It was a little after eleven, and I was standing outside my job, trying to flag down a cab. I was surprised to see my ex, Man hopping out his whip. He said he understood that I had a man and respected that he just wanted to see me and have dinner as friends. It was freezing outside and I didn’t see a yellow taxi in sight so I took him up on his offer.
We ended up hitting this bar uptown for wings and drinks. It was cool, we kicked it about the brief relationship, and why it didn’t work. I was never one to dwell on the past, but Man felt the need to tell me how he still felt like I was the one that got away. He could have told that story walking though. I don’t digress, he had his chance and the shit passed. We were laughing, joking, and enjoying the music and shit when he got a phone call.
Man kept yelling “Unc chill. I got it covered.”
I already knew the shit he was involved in, so that didn’t faze me.
When he hung up he spoke to
me. “My uncle Max be on some scary shit.”
Of course at the time I didn’t really put two and two together; not until Ty told me they were beefing with Man and his boys from Cypress. That’s the same time I remembered that Cam’s guard was Max.
“WHY THE FUCK DIDN’T I SAY SOMETHING!” I screamed as if someone was with me.
Chapter Twelve
Cameron
After the coroner’s office, we headed to one of the warehouses we had in Brownsville. I needed to pick up the recording to the cameras, and something told me to scrutinize those shits because we were missing something. I learned a long time ago to go with my gut, and at that point, my gut was screaming at me; telling me to look at the recording.
When we got to the warehouse, everything seemed in place. Only people who knew about this spot was Ty, his pops, my pops, and me. If something was out of place, I would have definitely had to step to Ty, but it wasn’t so I could relax; at least for now.
****
After we left the spot we headed to the city. I needed to hit up a few stores in SOHO to get Skye some clothes and shit. I wanted her to stay with my mother and Vic until I got to the bottom of this shit. I felt better knowing that they were safe and in the same spot. A select few people knew where the house was, so they should be good there.
As we headed back to Long Island, I thought about reaching out to some other niggas that worked for my pops. I felt like there were other niggas I could probably trust, but truth be told I wasn’t trying to risk it. Ty and I would handle that shit on our own; at least until his pops, Jeff touched down. Jeff was out the country though, handling some shit in Panama, but he would definitely be ready to lay down a serious murder game when the news hit him about my pops. We decided to wait till he was back in the states to let him know, because he needed to be focused on the shit he was dealing with out there.
Skye
We were all laid out in Mariah’s California King sized bed. I looked over at them sleeping. Instantly, a wave of sorrow went through me. I felt extremely bad that I couldn’t do much to help ease the pain that Victoria and Mariah were going through. I did the best I could though. I made them some food, tea, and comforted them while they cried themselves to sleep. I really couldn’t imagine dealing with the death of my father. The thought alone made me feel sick to my stomach. I needed something to take my mind off the madness that was going on. I picked up my phone and went to my kindle app. I remembered that I didn’t finish Love Lies and Obsession by this new author, Demettrea. I thought about going downstairs, but decided against it. I wanted to be there if one of them woke up and needed me. After propping up a pillow, I got comfortable and dove into the book.
That lady was ill with the pen. I was so wrapped up in the story line that I forgot about what was going on around me; that’s until Cameron came busting in the door. I raised my finger to my lip quickly, hushing him before he had a chance to wake them up. I was happy to see him. I had no clue what he went out to do, and at the moment it didn’t matter. I was just glad he made it back safely. I slowly got out of the bed and walked out the room behind my man.
I pulled Cameron by the back of his shirt, stopping him in his tracks. When he turned to face me, I pulled him close and hugged him. Being in his arms felt so right. If I could have stayed in that moment forever, I would. He used his index finger to lift my chin, and kissed me.
“I love you, Skye.”
I felt tears well up in my eyes, but as soon as they began to fall he wiped them away.
“Don’t cry ma. I’m straight.”
He was back to being Cameron with the tough ass exterior. I knew better though; he was far from straight. I followed him into his room where I saw a bunch of shopping bags on the floor. I was confused because he was supposed to be handling some business when he went out.
“Baby you went shopping?” I asked, walking over to his bed and sitting down.
“Nah, those are for you. I need you to stay here for now. Just until I …”
I cut him off. He didn’t really need to explain to me. I didn’t want to be anywhere but near him in case he needed me. I also didn’t mind being there for his mother and sister.
“No need to explain babe. I’ll, stay and thanks for the stuff.”
He stood in front of me, leaned over and kissed me. I wanted him; right then, in that moment.
“Baby, I gotta go downstairs and discuss some shit with Ty. Are you hungry or anything?”
Damn so much for the quickie I wanted to have. It was okay though because I understood he had a lot on his plate. It was my job to be understanding, so that’s what I planned on doing.
“No, I made us something to eat, before they went to sleep. I’mma jump in the shower and just relax; probably finish reading. I’m here if you need me.”
Cameron smiled at me, I was happy that through all of that, he could still manage to smile. I admired his strength.
“I love you beautiful.”
I blew him a kiss, and watched him walk to the room door.
“I love you too.”
Chapter Thirteen
Ty
While Cam was upstairs checking on his moms, sister, and Skye, I was able to have my moment. I knew not to cry or show how hurt I was in front of Cam. I had to be strong for my nigga, but truth be told I was hurting like shit. Hassan was like a second pops to me. He was the true definition of a real nigga, and a straight leader. He made sure everybody ate well, and didn’t treat the cats who worked for him as peasants. Hassan was well respected, which is why that shit was so shocking. Who had big enough balls to cross him in that magnitude? Stealing from him was one thing, but killing him? There’s no rock on Earth that the culprits could hide under. Cam and I were gonna hunt those niggas down and drop them one by one. Just thinking about that shit hurt my heart. I felt tears well up in my eyes and didn’t even attempt to hide them. I let the tears fall.
When I heard footsteps approaching I wiped my eyes and sat up straight.
“Yo bro, come downstairs.”
I looked up and saw Cam standing in the doorway. I really had to give it to that man. The way he was holding his shit together was shocking. I didn’t know if I would have even been able to function if it was my pops.
“Aight.” I got up off the couch and followed him down to the bunker.
“Son, we gotta watch this DVD, and I mean really watch it. These niggas are not that smart. They had to have slipped up. I just have a feeling the answers to everything are on the tape.”
If my pops watched that shit and didn’t see anything out of order other than the robbery itself, I doubted that we would. But I decided watch it to satisfy my brother’s curiosity.
“Aight put it on.”
There was a red leather sofa sitting across from the fifty-two inch TV that was holstered up on the wall. I walked over to the couch and sat down, propping my feet up on the table. After Cam put on the DVD, he took a seat on the other end of the couch. We were focused on the DVD that was playing. We watched as Max and Rick unloaded the money and the product from the car. Rick took everything inside to put away while Max stood guard outside. There was nothing out of ordinary except that somebody was always supposed to be on lookout while the other stashed the product and bread. Max made a phone call before joining Rick inside. Why didn’t he stay outside? Cameron must have been thinking what I was thinking because he sat up and really focused on what was going on.
Minutes after Max went inside behind Rick, a black SUV pulled up; some old ass Durango. Four guys hopped out, and all of them were wearing masks except Man. Dumb niggas! After a few minutes of prepping their weapons, two of them headed inside, and that’s when the shots started. We saw Rick run out of the warehouse, and was stopped dead in his tracks by the tip of Man’s piece. We saw the gun flash and Rick dropped. As painful as that was to watch, we couldn’t stop. My mouth nearly hit the floor as we watched Max walk out the warehouse with the other two dudes carrying the bags that were filled with the
money and the product. I turned to Cam, only to find him pointing his nine at me with tears streaming down his face.
Cameron
“Son, what the fuck is your problem?” Ty asked.
Was that nigga about to sit there and try to play me for a dumb nigga?
“Fuck you mean what’s my problem? Son your pops watched this video. He saw all this shit go down.”
I watched as a shocked expression covered Ty’s face as the truth behind my statement hit him like a ton of bricks. I wanted to believe that he had no idea the snake shit his father was on, but at that point, everybody was a suspect. Fuck that.
“Cam, you my nigga; my brother, son. I would never cross you or your pops.”
A part of me wanted to lower my gun, because we was family. Why did it have to come to this? Why? I was battling with just letting him live until I got to the bottom of it, or just killing him off GP. He kept trying to plead his case.
“Cam, son why the fuck would I watch this with you if I knew the shit would implicate me? Think! I’m just as shocked as you bro.”
Ty had a point, but I wasn’t ready to put my gun down.
“Call your pops, and tell him I sent you to review the tapes from that night again. Ask why he lied.”
PPP Box Set Page 27
