by Mz. Lady P
The one thing that has scared me the most was him dying due to the gun violence in this city. I would rather him be in jail then be six feet under.
Killa, Boogie, Rahmeek, and Hassan were sitting in the living room in deep conversation. Once they realized I was standing there, they stopped talking.
“I thought you were staying at the hospital?” Rahmeek asked.
“They told me it would be best if I came home. When I went in to see him all the machines started going crazy. His body needs to stabilize. I’ll go back after I get my babies situated and put on some clean clothes.”
“We’re still trying to figure out who is responsible for this. I know that you’re tired, but is there anything else you remember about last night?” Killa asked.
“No. I can’t remember anything else. I know whoever did it should be on camera. We have cameras everywhere, including the driveway.”
“Do you know how to access it? We need to look at that shit right now,” Boogie said.
“Yeah. I’m scared to go the house by myself to get the tape.”
“Come on, let’s go. You can grab you and the kids some clothes and other personal items.”
After checking on my kids, I accompanied the crew to my house. The yellow tape was still all over the entrance of my house. I tried my best not to look at the blood in the driveway.
As soon as we walked in the house, my jaw dropped. My house was demolished. The couches were sliced up. All of our pictures were knocked off the walls. Bright red paint had been thrown all over the place. The strong smell of urine permeated in the air. The sick motherfuckers pissed all over everything.
“Look at my house!”
I cried so hard I didn’t even realize I was about to fall until Boogie caught me.
“Sis, don’t trip. All this shit can be replaced. Let’s find the tape.”
We all rushed to the conference room. That was demolished as well. The entire security system was gone.
Rahmeek had lost all control and started kicking the wall. “I swear on everything I fucking love, whoever behind this shit is fucking dead!”
“Do y’all keep money or dope here?” Killa asked.
“All the drugs stay in the storage facility, but we do keep money in a safe that’s in our bedroom.”
We all went upstairs. Thank God, the stupid motherfuckers didn’t find the safe. There was over ten million dollars inside, Along with our important documents and our jewelry. The jewelry alone was worth about one million dollars. I grabbed all of the contents that were in the safe and some clothes for us. I had all of our cars towed to one of our other properties. I’m so ready for the crew to find out who the fuck is behind this. I want to be there to torture them myself. In the meantime, my focus is on my husband. I had to get back to the hospital. I’m missing my love like crazy.
Chapter 21 - Rahmeek
One Month Later
It’s been a month since Markese was shot up. His condition has improved a little since the shooting. He has been placed in a medically induced coma so that his lungs can get stronger. Once they get stronger, he will be able to breathe on his own. The security at the hospital wasn’t really good at securing anybody. Since we still didn’t know who was behind this shit, we had him moved to a different hospital.
As I rode around listening to I Know by Rich Homie Quan and Yo Gotti, I thought about all the shit that’s going on. This shit is not supposed to be happening. We are in the process of making the biggest deal of our lifetime. I keep wondering who the fuck could have done this to Markese. I can’t actually say that we don’t have beef with anyone. This shit could have come from anywhere. There are a lot of fuck boys plotting on ways to bring our empire down.
I wanted to put the word on the streets to see if anyone knew anything, but I decided against that. I didn’t want to give the nigga who was responsible a chance to skip town. Since Markese is fighting for his life, it’s up to the rest of us to keep this family afloat. We are still going to meet up with the other families. I would like for Markese to be present though. It’s important that he meets the heads of the other families. We leave for the trip in the morning. Nisa is going to stay behind and look after the cash flow and the girls.
With all that has been going on, I still have to deal with this issue with my mother. I’m glad she is back in our lives. Today we are going to meet with the lawyer who sent her the letter. I’m curious to find out what this dude wants. I could tell my mother was nervous as we sat inside of the lawyer’s office. The receptionist informed us that the lawyer was ready to see her. She grabbed Hassan and my hands and we all entered the office. The lawyer wasted no time getting down to the business.
“It’s nice to finally meet you. Juan spoke of you very fondly. I have been his lawyer and friend for over thirty years. He made me promise to find you and your daughter. I have yet to locate Anastasia, but I am still working on it. I won’t take up too much of your time so let’s get down to business. I don’t know if you’re aware, but Juan was killed last year in a gang shoot out at his estate.”
“Good for his ass. Now let’s get to the reason why I am here.”
Hearing my mother say that amused me. I forgot how feisty she used to be.
“Juan left you a substantial amount of money and property. He left you one hundred million dollars that is to be split between you and your daughter. Juan wanted to make sure that you and your daughter lived comfortably so he had both of you your own homes built. Here is the key and directions to your property. Here is a check for fifty million dollars. As soon as we locate your daughter, she will get her share of the inheritance and the keys to her property.”
“Wait a minute! This shit sounds too damn good to be true. What about his wife, Lupe, and his daughter Carmen?”
“Lupe has no rights to any properties in this city or state due to being deported fifteen years ago. As for Carmen, she is missing and is presumed to be dead. All the properties that she inherited will go to Anastasia because she is next of kin.”
I sat there in deep thought taking it all in. I couldn’t believe my mother was a rich woman. I wish I would have known all this while I was dealing with Juan and Carmen. After I take care of this business in Mexico, next on my agenda is to find my sister. She deserves to be with her family. I just hope she is not a psycho like her sister.
Chapter 22 - Aja
Rahmeek hasn’t been gone twenty-four hours and already I’m missing him like crazy. It took everything inside of me not to latch on to him and hold on for dear life. I have eerie feeling about this trip to Mexico. I didn’t tell him about my feelings. I want him to be focused at all times. Hopefully these moves they’re making will give them enough money so that they can get out the game once and for all.
I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that somebody tried to kill my brother. I know the life he lives is dangerous, but he didn’t deserve to be gunned down like that. What’s even worse is that he hasn’t woke up yet. He is not responded to any of our voices or touch. The doctors at the hospital thought that we should pull the plug. That would never happen. If I have to bring him to my house, I will. He took care of me all my life, and if this was the end for him, I will do the same.
It’s so hard seeing Trish so heartbroken. She has basically moved into the hospital. Markese has his own private area. I’m glad we have the money for him to be in such a great facility. The nurses and doctors take such good care of him. They really have no choice. My mother and Trish are by Markese’s bedside 24/7 making sure there are no fuck ups.
Right now, I’m losing hope, but I still have my faith. Since Ameenah has come into our lives, she has been such a good help. Especially since Brooklyn has to live with us until her jailbird momma gets out of prison. Ameenah has taken on the grandmother role quite well. She considers Lil Markese, Gabriella, and Juan her grandkids as well. With all that’s been going on, she has been assisting my mother with taking care of all the kids for us.
I’m glad Nisa stayed b
ack to keep us girls company. I decided to have a ladies’ night at my house. It was hard persuading Trish to join us. My mother assured her she would not leave Markese by himself. So finally, she agreed. We all needed to vent and have a drink. I really didn’t want to cook so I ordered some food from Jerk Villa. I was too busy trying to make Patron margaritas. I planned on being good and fucked up. After decorating the living room and putting all the food out on the table, I ran upstairs to get dressed. About an hour later Niyah, Nisa, and Stacy had arrived and it was time to kick back and chill.
“Why the hell you got these candles burning like we about to have a séance?” Niyah asked as she strutted into the house rocking some bad Christian Dior knee high boots. Niyah looked flawless. She didn’t look like she had just given birth to twins. Niyah never put on any weight. She always had a petite frame.
“Girl, candles set the mood.”
“I only like to burn candles when I’m with my husband. Since he is out of town, blow that shit out and cut on some music. It’s been a minute since I kicked it. Let’s get wasted.”
Everybody started laughing. Niyah proceeded to blow out all of the candles and turned the radio up sky high. Money Baby by K Camp blasted through the speakers. We all started dancing and singing to the chorus. Once the song was over, we got into deep conversation.
“Okay, ladies, what it going on with y’all?” Niyah asked as she took a big sip of her margarita.
“There hasn’t been a change in Markese condition, but the doctor said his brain waves are real strong. So he might start coming around within the next couple of weeks. I was glad he told me that. It makes me feel a little better. God knows I can’t live without that man.”
We all stood up and wrapped our arms around each other.
“I’m okay y’all. We came to kick it. I don’t want to kill the vibe. Let’s get into some juicy shit.”
“Like what?” Stacy asked.
“Like the latest with Nisa and Killa. Forgive me, but I feel a certain type of way about his behavior.”
“The latest is there is no Nisa and Killa. He actually has been messing with Remi who he had at the hospital with him that night. I have been following them around. She lives in Ashland Terrace. He is taking care of the bitch and all. I knew he was mad about what I did so I fault myself for him moving on. I just wish he would have kept it one hundred with me when I asked him if it was over between us.”
“Hell no, Nisa don’t blame yourself. We all make mistakes. You are still his wife. He is dead wrong for flaunting that bitch in your face like that,” Trish added.
“He better have all the fun he can with that bitch. If he knows like I know, he better end that shit now. Or I will end it for him,” Nisa said as she drank the last of her margarita.
She got up and poured herself another one. I don’t know if the other girls caught that look in her eye, but I sure did. Killa and his new bitch better watch out.
“What’s up with you and Rahmeek?” Trish asked, taking a sip of her drink.
“Since he came home, we have been doing quite well. Brooklyn will be staying with us until Karima is released from jail. I have gotten attached to her and that’s a good thing. Plus Karima seems to be cool with her living with us. She insists she wants nothing to do with Rahmeek and she only wants what’s best for Brooklyn.”
“Aja, don’t be no fool. Watch that bitch. Might I remind you that when y’all got into it, he ran straight to her? That bitch opened up her door and her pussy to him. Karima is putting on a facade for Rahmeek. That girl hates you with a passion. Aja, please be aware of that green eyed monster we know as Karima.” Niyah said as she downed the rest of her drink.
Once the words left Niyah’s mouth, that shit started to register in my brain. Karima is being overly nice to me. I definitely have to keep an eye on her when she is released.
“Niyah, your ass is in everybody else’s business. What’s going on with you and Hassan?”
“We are good. I just hardly get to see him. I feel like I’m raising the twins by myself. Hopefully when all this shit is over in Mexico, He will be able to spend more time with his family.”
“Girl, get use to it. Boogie ain’t never at home. He be in the streets so much that I cook his dinner and take it to him.”
“I’m glad you said that, Stacy. I have been meaning to talk to you about that. You do entirely too much for Boogie. When you told us that you be clipping his toenails, I knew you were out of your rabbit mind. You spoil him like he is a kid and he treat you like a damn a servant,” Trish said in a stern voice as if she was talking to a child and not a grown woman.
“Hold on now, I don’t judge y’all marriages. Please don’t judge mine. Everything that I do for my husband I do because that’s just the type of woman I am. You guys know Boogie’s mother beat him every day of his life and his father molested him repeatedly. He doesn’t know how to take care of himself. As his wife, I have to cater to him. I admit, Boogie is a little needy, but I don’t mind it. My husband goes so hard for me. He is showing me a life I never thought possible. My childhood was real fucked up. The day I met him, I knew he would change my life for the better. I am proud to be Mrs. Kendrick Moore.”
“Well you shut my ass up real quick. I respect for you for that Stacy. I’m sorry for judging your marriage. Please forgive me.”
“Of course I forgive you. Y’all are my sisters. Plus, I love you crazy bitches.”
We all laughed in unison and continued to drink the night away.
“Oh shit! Aja, did you hear about what happened to Slim?” Niyah asked.
“What about him? I have been steering clear of him. Rahmeek is not about to slap the shit out of me again. I’m still feeling woozy from that shit.”
“Word on the streets is that he’s missing. But here is the kicker. The motherfuckers who did his ass in mailed all his fingers to his momma.”
“That’s why his mother was blowing my phone up. I put her on the block list. I thought she was calling me for him.”
“Niyah, you talk way too fucking much. I pray you don’t fold under pressure. Please don’t make me regret pulling off that caper with you.” Nisa got up and started fixing her a plate of food.
“Come on now, Nisa. Why are you coming at my head like that? I’ve been a part of this family for too long. I’m not a snitch.”
While the girls were still talking, I had zoned out. My mind went to Slim and what could have happened to him. Who the fuck was I fooling? I know damn well my husband murked his ass. That shit had Rahmeek’s name all over it. I feel responsible for his death.
After drinking some more and talking, we ended the night with promises of getting together every month. After the girls left, I cleaned the house and got ready for bed. As soon as I my head hit the pillow, I felt the urge to vomit. I jumped up from the bed and vomited everywhere. I must have drank too much. Then I realized my period was two weeks late and I never miss my period.
About six months ago, I had a pregnancy scare. I had an extra pregnancy test in the medicine cabinet. I opened the test up and peed on the stick. The test confirmed I was indeed pregnant again. Lil Rahmeek is only one year old. It is too soon for another baby. What did I expect? I would have gotten pregnant sooner or later since my husband refuses to let me take birth control. This pushes my plan of going back to school another year. I wanted to call Rahmeek and give him the good news, but I will wait until I go to the doctor.
Chapter 23 - Trish
I was so glad I got out and enjoyed myself. It was hard for me to keep my mind off of Markese. As soon as I left Aja’s house, I went straight back to the nursing facility. I entered Markese’s room and noticed Gail had fell asleep in the bed they had put inside his room for visitors. She was sleeping so peacefully. It has been a minute since she had a good night’s rest so I let her sleep. I walked over to Markese’s bed. It felt funny kissing him on his cheek. His beard had started to grow in. His hair had grown also. I needed to call his barber in a hurry.
Markese would have a fit if he knew how he looked. I forbid any of the nurses to wash him up. That is my job.
I retrieved a wash pan from the bathroom and made some soapy water. I took the washcloth and wiped his entire body down. I even washed his private area in the hopes that he would wake up if he felt the soft caress of my hand stroking his manhood. He didn’t budge.
His lips looked so dry I went into my purse and applied some Carmex to them. I also rubbed some cocoa butter lotion on his body.
“Okay, baby, now you are so fresh and so clean. I just wanted to stop in and tend to you before I go home. I have to go get Gabriella and Juan ready for school. I will be back in the morning to read to you and tell you about ladies’ night. We had so much fun.”
I gave Markese and Momma Gail a kiss and left. I exited the hospital and noticed that the wind had picked up. The wind was so strong that it was howling. I picked up the pace trying to get to my car. The little jacket I had on wasn’t blocking the air. As I stuck my key into the driver’s side door, someone started to choke me from behind. The person started to drag me away from my vehicle. A rag with a strong scent on it was placed over my mouth. I fought, kicked, and tried to scream but the chemical on the rag caused me to pass out.
My eyes fluttered as I tried to get my eyes to focus on my surroundings. Unfortunately, my eyes were covered. My mouth was duct taped. I attempted to move but my legs were tied to together. So were my arms. I only had my panties and a bra. I wiggled as much as could to try to free myself. After awhile, I just stopped. My head and my stomach were killing me. I started to cry. The tears started to soak through the rag that was on my eyes. I had to settle down and try to take in my surroundings. Wherever I was felt like a clean environment. The bed that I was on was soft. The room also smelled fresh.
Reality set in and I knew that I had been kidnapped. My only question was who had kidnapped me. I heard a door open and I felt a presence by the bed I was lying on. The person in the room started to rub on my legs. I began shaking uncontrollably as the person’s hand slivered up my legs and viciously ripped my panties off of me. My legs were untied and forcibly spread apart.
