Entangled

by Elliott, K

  “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Ruff asked. Jamal grabbed Ruff’s puny neck and applied pressure. “Now, I know you didn’t think you wouldn’t see me again, did you?”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “I think you know the answer to that,” Jamal said.

  “I ain’t have nuthin’ to do with Dawg getting locked up,” Ruff said desperately.

  “I think I’ve heard enough from you, Ruff, and I know the cops have heard enough from you,” Jamal said. He threw Ruff on the floor. He pulled the gun from his waist and quickly pumped three bullets into Ruff’s temple.

  *** Jamal Stewart was still at large, and one of the would-be witnesses against him had been mysteriously murdered. Mark sat at his desk frustrated. He knew Jamal had something to do with Theodore Ruffin’s death, though the Charlotte homicide detectives said they didn’t have enough evidence to pin the murder on Jamal yet. Mark had worked on this case long and hard, and he wouldn’t be satisfied until he got some kind of closure.

  Mark had begun to become disheartened until he received a call from his old friend, Don Gonzales, of the San Diego DEA, informing him that Angelo Morgan was headed to Charlotte. Angelo had not been charged with anything. Mark hoped Angelo would lead him to Jamal.

  Mark had only seen Angelo’s mug shot, which had been taken in the early eighties while Angelo was in federal prison. Though the picture was old, Mark had no problem spotting Angelo when he got off the plane. He looked the same as he did in the picture, only his hair was gray. Mark and Ken followed Angelo to a downtown hotel where they observed him meeting with two other black guys at the front desk.

  Angelo checked in and took two pieces of luggage to his room. Mark and Ken waited out in the parking lot, hoping Angelo would come down and lead them to Jamal. Angelo never left the hotel that night.

  Mark and Ken finally got tired of waiting. They left. ***

  It was 2:00 P.M. when Keisha arrived at Dream’s apartment. She had left work early because she was still worried about her friend. They made margaritas while Dream told Keisha about the visit from the DEA. She mentioned Jamal’s vow to get even with the person responsible for putting him in the predicament. “He showed me a gun, and I think he may have killed this man. He was definitely mad enough to kill the last time I saw him.”

  “I know you’re going to stay the hell away from him now,” Keisha said. “He should be leaving any day now. It won’t be a matter of me staying away from him. He is gonna be leaving me.”

  “Have you seen your parents yet?” Keisha asked.

  Dream ran her finger around the margarita glass and licked the salt while avoiding her friend’s eyes. “I haven’t gotten a chance to see them yet.”

  “I’m going to tell your mom what’s going on if you don’t get your ass over there and see them.”

  “I’m gonna go see them today. There’s no need for you to go and make matters worse.”

  Keisha took a quick drink from her margarita before speaking. “I’m just worried about you, that’s all. This Jamal nigga is a serious motherfucker.”

  Dream looked at Keisha briefly before turning away. “I know. I don’t know why I didn’t see it coming.”

  “I tell you what, these brothers out here got some serious issues. It’s just hard to tell what kind of things they’re into . . . I mean, I met this guy downtown the other day, Rashad. The nigga is fine as hell. Chocolate complexioned, nice hair, nice teeth, and a body to die for. But he is one of the biggest liars I have ever met in my life.”

  “What did he do?” Dream asked curiously.

  “Well, for one thing, he is unemployed, but he told me he worked for American Express as a financial analyst. Lie number two: he said he didn’t have any children. He has three babies’ mamas and also got some fucked-up credit; just filed bankruptcy two months ago.”

  Dream burst out laughing. She could always count on Keisha to cheer her up. “Girl, you are too much. How did you find all this out?”

  “My private investigator. I have to check all these niggas out now. I have to be careful that I don’t get involved with no madman.”

  Dream became sad. She began to think about her past with men. Somehow she could never pick a decent man. When she was younger, it was fun hanging out with petty criminals and thugs, but now she was in the midst of a serious conspiracy. She believed it would be better if Jamal left the country, since the Feds had knowledge of them being a couple. If Jamal went away, she could go on with her life—a simple life as a middle school history teacher.

  She wondered what had happened as she looked at Keisha. Why had she fallen in love with such no-good men? She had even neglected her parents lately. She had not seen her mom and dad for weeks. She decided it was time she paid them a visit. “Keisha, will you go with me to see my mom and dad.”

  Keisha reached over and placed her hand over Dream’s. “Whatever you need me to do, I’m with you. Stop looking so sad. It’s gonna be alright. Have faith.”

  *** Janice and David Nelson smothered Dream with hugs and kisses as soon as they laid eyes on her. “My baby is safe and sound,” Janice announced.

  “Yeah, and we’re gonna make sure she stays that way,” Keisha said.

  Mr. Nelson held Dream for a long time. Though she felt as if her parents were treating her like a baby, she was glad to get all the attention. Being in her daddy’s arms made her feel like a little girl again.

  Janice had prepared lasagna and garlic bread. Keisha, Dream, and the Nelsons all sat at the dinner table eating. Everybody was kind of uncomfortable at first. Nobody wanted to talk. Dream knew there were many questions that her parents wanted answers to. She knew they deserved an explanation for her disappearance. She could feel her mother’s penetrating eyes. “Mama, I know you’ve got some things you are dying to ask me. What do you wanna know?”

  Janice eyebrow’s rose. “Now, baby, whatever you choose to tell me, I’ll be okay with it but somehow I know that Jamal boy has something to do with your being away without contacting us.” Dream turned, avoiding her mother’s eyes.

  Mr. Nelson spoke. “Don’t be too hard on her, Janice. The main thing is, our daughter is back, and she’s safe.”

  “That’s right,” Keisha said.

  Dream turned to face her mother. “I will admit I made some bad choices.”

  Mr. Nelson bit into his garlic bread. “We have all made some mistakes, baby. Like I said before, the main thing is that you’re here, and you’re alive.”

  Dream smiled at her father. “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “What you thanking me for?” Mr. Nelson asked.

  “Just for being there for me.”

  *** Keisha, Dream, and her parents all went into the den to watch the six o’clock news. Dream and Keisha glanced at each other when a mug shot of Jamal flashed on the screen. The news anchor said Jamal was armed and dangerous, and wanted for a number of criminal offenses, including the first-degree murder of Theodore Ruffin. He then went on to say that if anyone had any information concerning the whereabouts of Jamal Stewart, they should contact the police.

  Dream turned from Keisha and just stared straight ahead. Though she was surrounded by her family and her best friend, she felt alone. She felt guilty because she had known Jamal was preparing to commit murder. Now he had taken a life, and she knew this would forever haunt her.

  After a minutes of silence, Janice finally spoke. “Do you know where Jamal is?”

  Dream met her mother’s glance. “Actually, I don’t. I haven’t spoken to him today.”

  “If you knew, would you tell somebody?” Janice said.

  Dream stared at the floor. “Honestly, I don’t know,” she said finally. She wanted to do the right thing. She knew Jamal was a criminal and that he needed to be brought to justice, but she didn’t know if she could turn him in. She still loved him.

  “He’s a murderer baby. You can’t go on protecting him,” Janice spoke softly.

  Mr. Nelson walked over and sat beside
his daughter on the sofa. “Baby, if you know anything about Jamal’s whereabouts, I think you should tell the police. It’s just the right thing to do before he kills someone else.”

  Dream looked into her father’s serious eyes. He looked worried. “Daddy, honestly, I don’t know where Jamal is.”

  He rubbed her knee gently. “I believe you.”

  Dream stood from the sofa. “I think I better leave.”

  *** Jamal was napping in his hotel room when he received a call from Rico for more product. They would meet in the IHOP parking lot on Independence Boulevard. Jamal quickly jumped up from his bed, slipped on some sweatpants and a pair of running shoes. He headed out of the door with the product tucked underneath his arm. He scanned the parking lot on the way to the car. There seemed to be no immediate threat.

  Rico had been kind of slow moving the product, but he was the only person whom Jamal could trust to do business with. When Jamal pulled out of the parking lot, a dark-colored SUV appeared from nowhere and seemed to be tailing him. He quicky changed lanes, but the SUV switched lanes as well, flicking its high beams. Jamal could barely see the road.

  A half-mile later, he approached a busy intersection and the truck pulled alongside him. Jamal saw the two men in ski masks inside the truck. Spontaneously, Jamal whipped the car onto the median of the road and leapt from it.

  The two men fired repetitively as Jamal darted through a maze of cars.

  *** At 11:00 that night, Dream lay awake in her bed. She had tried to force herself to doze, but she simply couldn’t rest. Her emotions were getting the best of her. She was depressed, and the little bit of self-esteem she had left was quickly diminishing. She was saddened by the fact that her parents acted as though they no longer trusted her, and she felt stupid for failing to investigate Jamal a little more carefully before dating him. She tried not to think about him. She focused on returning to her summer job at the Sylvan Learning Center.

  At 12:30 Dream was startled by a loud knock. She got up, put on her robe and a pair of slippers, then quickly ran to the door. She opened the door slightly with the security chain still attached.

  Jamal stood before her shaking. Mud and grass covered his body and face. “I think you better leave, Jamal. Too much is happening with you. I can’t live my life on the edge with you anymore.”

  “Open the door, please. I’ve been shot at.”

  “And the first place you come is here?”

  “You’re the only one I’ve got right now. Please open the door.”

  Dream deliberated a few moments before opening the door. “What happened to you?” she asked, stepping aside after releasing the chain lock.

  “I was going to meet Rico when two men pulled up in a dark green SUV and opened fire. I had to hop out of the car and run.”

  She folded her arms in disgust. “So I guess I need to report the rental car stolen.”

  “That’s up to you. I mean, I get shot at and all you can think about is a damn car?”

  “Jamal, what do you want me to say? I’m sorry it happened. Who do you think did this to you?”

  He wiped dirt from his face with his shirt. “I don’t know. Maybe Angelo had something to do with it. I received a call from him earlier today and he threatened to kill me.”

  “How did he know where you were staying?”

  “I can’t be sure.”

  “So what do you need me for?” she asked.

  “Actually, I need a place to lay my head tonight, but you act like you have an attitude with me or something. What have I done?”

  “What haven’t you done? You’ve stolen from your friend, and according to the news, you’ve killed a man. Have you forgotten you’re a wanted man?”

  A sudden hardness appeared on his face. “Have you forgotten that you were with me when I stole from Angelo. You ain’t no fuckin’ angel. You know what? I don’t need to stay here,” he shouted as he turned toward the door.

  Suddenly he turned around with his handgun and pointed it.

  Dream’s eyes grew wide and she began to tremble.

  “You’re coming with me. Put on some clothes.”

  “Jamal, don’t do this to me,” she yelled.

  “Bitch, you enjoyed the benefits of the game, now you gotta pay just like everybody else.”

  She looked into his eyes again. He was serious and she was afraid for her life. She put on a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt and they left.

  *** Three days later, Mark lay on the sofa with the remote control in hand searching for the evening news. On channel three the huge mug shot of Jamal Stewart was shown. The news anchorman called Jamal a one-man crime spree, stating he was armed and dangerous. He was wanted on a host of charges that included kidnapping, drug conspiracy, and murder. Crime stoppers offered a ten thousand dollar reward for any information that led to Jamal’s arrest.

  Mark turned to channel 9. A huge picture of Dream Nelson was on the screen. The anchorman said Dream was a twenty-five-yearold middle school teacher who was believed to be with her boyfriend, held against her will. The setting changed to Spaugh Middle School. One of the reporters interviewed the principal. A short, bald man with a pink face said Ms. Nelson was a studious employee and that he had spoken with her just before school ended for summer break. He went on to say that he was saddened by her disappearance and was praying for her return.

  Channel 36 showed David and Janice Nelson standing in front of their home holding a picture of Dream in a cap and gown—her college graduation picture. David said she was their only child. He wanted her to know, if she was watching, that they loved her very much. Janice begged for anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of their daughter to please come forward. Midway through her speech, the tears came streaming down her face.

  Disappointed, Mark turned the television off and stared at the ceiling. He felt as if he had not done his job. His heart went out to the Nelsons. He wondered what was going on with Dream and Jamal, and he wished she had listened when he had spoken with her. It was too late now. Dream was gone, perhaps forever. He said a short prayer for her before dozing.

  *** The next day, as soon as Mark walked into his office his phone rang.

  “Hello.”

  “Mark, David speaking. I have some good news.”

  “What is it?”

  “I’ve just received some information concerning the whereabouts of Jamal Stewart.”

  “Oh yeah?” Mark said as he walked to the other side of his desk.

  “Yeah, his attorney called and apparently he saw the girl’s parents on the news and it touched him so much that he is willing to help us nail Jamal.”

  “Isn’t it unethical for an attorney to divulge information about a client?”

  “Not if it concerns an ongoing crime. Who cares about ethics, anyway? This guy is scum.”

  Mark hesitated before speaking. “I just hope the girl is still alive.”

  *** Dawg stared blankly when the judge gave him a life sentence. Mark looked on, actually feeling sorry for Dawg’s mother. He had been trained not to let his emotions get in the way of his job, but he always seemed to find himself getting kind of emotional when women were involved. He was only human. He would tell himself he had a mother, and he definitely didn’t want her to go through anything remotely like what Steven’s mother was going through, because essentially the judge had just killed Steven. He would never be free again to roam the streets. Mark was happy about the fact that he had been instrumental in getting drugs off the street, but he was disappointed that a black mother had just lost a son.

  CHAPTER 27

  A WEEK HAD PASSED since Jamal abducted Dream. While evading the Feds they had stayed at several cheap motels before finally settling in at a Ramada Inn in Davidson, North Carolina, outside the Charlotte city limits.

  Dream woke up at 6:00 A.M. while Jamal was asleep. She still couldn’t believe what had happened to her. She couldn’t believe that she hadn’t seen this dark side of Jamal. The man whom she thought wa
s the love of her life had turned out to be nothing but a gangster. Angelo was looking for Jamal to kill him and the Feds were pursuing them. She knew nothing good was going to come out of this situation. “Damn,” she cursed herself. Not for being stupid, but for being in love with a dealer.

  Two hours later, Dream pulled the curtains back and peered down into the motel parking lot. The lot was empty, except for her Mercedes and two pickup trucks.

  “Do you see anything suspicious?” Jamal asked as he sat up on the bed.

  She turned and faced him. “No, just the same two trucks that was here last night.”

  “How did you sleep last night?”

  She frowned. “How in the hell was I supposed to sleep? The Feds are after you, remember? Plus Angelo is probably looking to kill your ass.”

  Jamal stood and placed his hand underneath her chin. “Listen, Dream, baby, I’m sorry but this is the way it has to be right now. But I swear to you, it’s gonna get better. I got my lawyer working on us some passports under aliases. As soon as he gets them, we’re off to one of those third-world countries, and we can live like a king and queen.” He walked over and pulled a huge duffel bag from underneath the bed. “I got close to five hundred thousand dollars in here. Do you realize how good we can live in another country? Like I said, we’ll be on king and queen status.”

  She pulled away from him. “I don’t want to go to a third-world country. I wanna be with my friends and family.”

  He became angry. He stepped toward her and grabbed her wrist. “You see, bitch, it don’t work like that. You’re all in, and you may as well get used to it.”

  Tears filled her eyes. “Jamal, you’re hurting me.”

  “And damn it, you’re pissing me off.” He grabbed her by the hair and flung her to the bed.

  “What you gonna do now, Mr. Big Man, beat me?” she yelled.

  “Listen to me, damn it.” Jamal sat on the bed and gently held her hand. “Dream, everything is going to be alright. I promise, babe.”

  She wanted everything to be okay. She wanted everything to be like before, but she knew it never would.