My phone rang a few seconds after the last attempt to call him and I was hoping he was calling me back. I glanced down at my phone’s screen and it was Nadia.
“Hey girl,” I was trying to sound all upbeat and shit, but that fakery was for the birds.
“Sup boo? How you doin’?” She asked. I had a feeling that she was pretending too. There was something in her voice that made me think that something was wrong.
“I’m good. What about you?”
There was dead silence for at least a few seconds and then she started crying.
“Jason left me.” She suddenly started sobbing louder.
I was at a loss for words, which was a first. Why the hell had he done that?
“What? Uhhh…why…?”
“I didn’t even tell you Sen. I ain’t shit.”
“C’mon DiDi, talk to me. Why the hell would Jay leave you? I mean, ya’ll were so in love and I thought everything was good.”
“It was, but I’m so fuckin’ stupid Sen…I…I cheated on Jay with Corey.”
“Corey?” I turned my nose up. “Why him?”
Corey was Nadia’s ex who had slept with her first cousin. He had a baby with her and that shit was trifling as hell. I just knew that she was done with him. She hadn’t told me about it because she knew that that I would curse her ass out. Being that Jay had left her and shit, I was going to play it cool. There was no need for me to kick my friend when she was already down.
“I had a weak moment Sen.” She sniffed as I tried to get herself together.
“It’s okay. Shit happens, but…”
“I think this is Corey’s baby,” she suddenly said before her sobs started again.
“Oh shit,” I let out. Corey was nowhere near as responsible as Jay. “Why did you tell him?”
Corey was a dog and he didn’t know how to treat a woman at all. To say that he was another Trell was a good way of putting it. He had been jealous as hell and controlling throughout their relationship and even put his hands on her. Of course he had no respect for her because he messed around with her family member. He had even tried me once, but I had told that fuck nigga where to go.
“I didn’t. That nigga Corey did. He popped up at the crib and shit.”
“Wow, how the fuck could you keep that shit from me? I’m your best friend bitch.” Then I wanted to eat my words up because I was keeping so many secrets from her too.
“I didn’t want you to think I was stupid. You can be harsh as fuck Sen.”
I laughed. “And so can you bitch. I mean, c’mon. Corey ain’t shit.”
“I know, but the dick is so good. Why the fuck is it like that? Damn. It’s like the one who is better for me can’t make me cum and the nigga I know is toxic makes me feel…shit, words can’t explain the way Corey makes me feel.”
I rolled my eyes. “I know how it is to get some good dick boo, but it damn sure ain’t worth risking the real thing.”
The sound of Nadia’s sigh let me know that the shit was really getting to her. If the circumstances were different I’d be jumping on the first plane going to Miami. However, I knew how dangerous traveling there could be.
“I’m so sorry boo. I wish it was something I could do.”
She said exactly what I hoped she wasn’t going to say. “It’s okay. I’ll just come up there. I need a getaway. I already got my ticket. I’m leavin’ in the morning.”
My heart dropped. I didn’t want my pregnant, heartbroken best friend to be around when death came knocking at my door again. I couldn’t put her in a fucked up ass situation like that. Damnit. What could I say to talk her out of coming? She said she’d already purchased the ticket.
“Uh, I understand that you need to get away, but I have to be honest with you Nadia,” I said quickly. Telling her the whole truth was not an option over the phone, but I had to tell her not to come right now.
“This isn’t a good time. There’s a lot going on that I can’t really get into over the phone. I promise that when it’s all over I’ll come there. I’ll even reimburse you for the ticket, but you can’t come here.” There, it was out, but I didn’t know how she was going to take it.
“Well damn, it’s like that?” Nadia wasn’t crying anymore. Now she sounded upset. “You got a new boo and so now you ain’t fuckin’ wit’ your girl? Wow. I should’ve known. Corey warned me about you.”
I was taken aback. “Corey warned you about me? Now I have to say wow. I have been nothing but a good friend to you just like I’m being now by trying to save your fucking life. Just so you know, that nigga tried to fuck me. I guess that’s why he warned you about me. So, you wouldn’t believe me when that shit came out. Fuck this. I got enough drama and bullshit going on in my own life. Do you Nadia. I hope you’re happy with that loser.”
“Fuck you Sen! You always got your nose stuck up in the air like your shit don’t stink! You ain’t all that! I’ve been there for you too, but when I need you here you go with excuses! Save my life? Really? Stop. If you don’t want me around just say it. I guess you’re worried about your nigga trying to fuck me. Karma is a bitch. Corey told me that you tried to fuck him, but he wasn’t trying to do that shit.”
I laughed so hard I almost choked on my own spit. “Really DiDi? You believe that? That nigga fucked your cousin and has a son with her. You’re not the person I thought you were. As a matter of fact, I don’t even know you. I’ll never fuck with a broke ass, lame ass nigga like Corey. I wouldn’t even fuck him with your pussy. However, regardless of the fact that he’s not on my level, I wouldn’t disrespect you like that. I know that you’re pregnant and emotional right now, so I’m going to end this conversation. I just hope you think about what the fuck you just said to me.”
“Bye Felicia,” she hissed and hung up the phone.
I just shook my head as the entire exchange played over in my mind. Nadia had pissed me off, but I wasn’t mad enough to completely cut her off. If she had to be mad at me to keep her away, then so be it. I was just disappointed that she would believe that nigga Corey over me and then keep the fact that he told her that bogus story away from me. That nigga had warned her about me? He had the audacity to pretend that I was the problem and not him. The stunts that niggas pulled never ceased to amaze me.
Trying to push that bullshit out of my mind, I finally had the nerve to call my mother. After six rings the voicemail came on. Instead of leaving a message I decided to call again. It went to the voicemail again. Instantly my instincts came into play. Something was wrong. What if they’d sent a hit man after her? That meant I was next since I was the one who had actually killed Will. Did the thought of my mother being dead make me sad? No, not at all. In a way it would be a relief.
* * *
Keenyn
Mendosa had helped me open Wade’s safe with some type of torch and I was happy to see that it held over five bands and a bag full of pills. I didn’t really fuck with that shit, but I figured I could get rid of them. That was double what he owed me and an extra stack, plus the potential to make a straight profit.
“Damn youngin’ you been rackin’ up some bodies lately,” he said shaking his head after I told him about what had gone down with Wade. “You bein’ careful?”
“Hell yeah.” We had returned to the sitting room and he poured us both a glass of Brandy.
“Want one?” He passed me a Cuban cigar, but I politely declined.
“Nah, yo’ strong ass liquor is enough.”
He chuckled. “Well, let me get to it then.”
Suddenly his face and tone were serious. “Like I said before I know the nigga who tried to kill Sen. That was his real license and shit.” After he cleared his throat and took a sip of his drink he continued. “I shot that nigga ten years ago after I caught him and Melissa together. After I kicked her out she moved to St. Louis with that nigga and left Sen with me for two months. I hired somebody to find her and that nigga. I went there to kill him and I thought he was dead. Now, my guess at first was he
came after Sen because of me. Then I found out that Melissa was never in Puerto Rico. Come to find out, she was in St. Louis and I presume she was wit’ that mufucka. Now I have no clue where she is. I went to St. Louis to see if I could find her, but obviously she fled after knowing that her man wasn’t coming back.” He puffed his cigar with a furious look in his dark eyes.
Shit, I was floored. Sen had been wrong. “So that shit wasn’t even connected to Will. Damn. We should tell Sen.”
Mendosa shook his head. “Not yet. I have to find her mother and find out what’s goin’ on. In the meantime I want her to keep her ass where I know she’s safe. At this point we don’t know if Will’s people are really a threat to her. If she finds out that nigga was connected to her mother she’s going to want vengeance. She’s just like me in that way you know.”
Did I? “Hmm, I know. So, what next?”
“I got somebody lookin’ for Melissa. In the meantime let’s just continue to work together to keep Sen safe?”
That wasn’t much, but what the fuck could I say. “A’ight. You know I’ll do anything for her.”
Mendosa nodded. “I’m startin’ to see that. Now, don’t get too comfortable. I’m still not really sold on the idea of you two being together.”
“I understand that one hundred percent Mendosa, but if not me, who would you want her to be wit’?” I was really curious to know.
As he thought about it his face twisted with contemplation. Then suddenly his eyes dimmed over like Sen’s tended to do. “Let me think on that a little bit longer and I’ll get back to you later.”
That was my cue to leave that subject alone, so I did. We sat there and sipped in silence with our own thoughts churning in our heads. I was thinking about the link between Sen’s mother and the man I’d murked for trying to kill her. That shit was definitely not expected. Did her mother know that he was coming after her the entire time?
“Well, I have some shit to handle. You need to head on back to the crib because my nigga Jake will be there in ‘bout an hour or so. I want ya’ll to officially meet.”
“Okay, but you know yo’ daughter gon’ be pissed.”
“She’ll get over it,” Mendosa said sternly as if dismissing me.
I left and got in my car with my mind on over drive. What the fuck could happen next?
* * *
“What’s up pops?” I hurried to answer when I saw my old man’s number on my cellphone’s screen
“Not much son. Look, I know that a lot has gone down since we talked about it, but I still wanna get on. I need you to talk to Mendosa for me.”
“Shit, I thought once you was done wit’ that bitch you’d be over that? Why pops? If you need something just ask. I got you.”
“I don’t wanna have to depend on my son for shit. At first you told me to think about it. Remember?” His voice was different. It was like he was holding something back from me.
“I know, but I thought you’d think about the reason why you got out in the first place and change your mind.” I shook my head as I watched Sen pout because Jake was there.
In my mind we both should’ve been glad that he wasn’t there when Malcolm tried to kill her. Then her father would know all about that shit. That would make him feel that being with me only added danger to her life and he definitely wouldn’t accept our relationship.
“Well, I haven’t.”
“Why is it so pressin’ for you to get back in pops? Please explain that shit to me.”
There was silence on the other line. “Kelly took all my money from my stash spot before she left. Honestly I had changed my mind, but now…”
“Fuck pops, I told you to get a safe built into the wall! Why did you even let that hoe know where your stash was in the first place? How much did you have?”
“I know, but damn, I didn’t know she was grimy like that. I had more than two hundred fifty grand and she took it all.”
“Shit!” I could feel my anger building.
Sen’s face was suddenly straight when she sensed my agitation. She quickly moved to sit beside me with a curious look on her face.
“I can make it all back in no time son. Just talk to Mendosa for me. Tell him to front me some work and…”
I cut him off. “Nah pops. I’m gon’ get yo’ money back from that bitch.”
“Shit, the way she spends I’m sure it’s gone by now.”
I had some money saved up, but I didn’t have enough to replenish his stolen money and stay afloat with my lifestyle. “We gon’ come up wit’ something pops. Until then I got you.”
My pops let out a sigh of frustration. “Like I said, I ain’t takin’ handouts from my son. I’ll talk to Mendosa myself and I don’t want you goin’ after that hoe either. She ain’t worth it. Fuck her.”
“Fuck her? That’s all you gotta say about that bitch robbin’ you? Shit, after she robbed me too.” At that moment I had to tell him about JJ so he wouldn’t feel the same way about me taking care of that trick.
“What do you mean she robbed you? Let it go Keys. You already know she had nothin’ to do wit’ that.”
“Really pops? Let it go? Well, how ‘bout I found out that Kelly was fuckin’ JJ and she helped him rob me. She opened the damn shed for that nigga.”
“How you know that?”
“JJ’s mom sent me a picture of them together. He introduced her to her as his new girl,” I filled him in.
“Send it to me.” He sounded like that shit had him fucked him up more than that bitch taking his life’s savings.
My pops should’ve had way more than a quarter mill in the stash, but I’m sure he spent most of his money on her over the time they were together.
“Okay pops. I think you’ll change yo’ mind once you see for yourself.”
He didn’t say anything for a while. “A’ight son. I’ll call you back later.”
“A’ight old man.”
I pressed END and Sen’s eyes were glued to mine. “What happened?”
“That bitch Kelly stole all of my pops’ cash and he wants me to talk to your pops about puttin’ him back on.” I sent him the picture of Kelly and JJ.
“Oh hell to the nah. We gotta get that bitch.”
“You ain’t doin’ nothin’ Sen. I’m sick of involvin’ you in shit. I let you handle what was personal, but this has nothing to do wit’ you. I’m gonna keep that shit wit’ Lena and Malcom from your pops, but I can’t let you be involved in this. No way.” I said it in a hushed tone so Jake wouldn’t hear.
He was outside on his cellphone, but I still didn’t want to take any chances.
“This shit has everything to do with me. You’re my man and she tried to fuck you. Oh, this shit is very personal.” She narrowed her eyes to draw her point.
A few seconds later I got a text from my pops.
Pops: Do what you gotta do to that bitch.
Me: Already
Sen peered over my shoulder and I moved my phone from her view.
“There you go with that sneaky ass shit,” she snapped with an attitude.
“Ain’t nobody bein’ sneaky. You just don’t need to know everything.”
“But you need to know everything about me though. I love you Keys, but you can be a real asshole.”
Suddenly something on TV caught my attention.
“Shhh…” I put my index finger to my lips and turned the volume up. That asshole comment didn’t go over my head though.
The news was on but we’d had it on mute. The stoic looking female reporter, with the mousy looks and brown hair was saying something about a murder and the scene looked like it was in front of Wade’s house. I listened.
“The deceased has been identified as 25 year old Johnathan Wade Thompson. His roommate found him with multiple bullet wounds and reported that his safe was missing. This homicide looks like a random robbery, but police are investigating. There were no witnesses to the murder itself, but one neighbor did report seeing a white sports car leaving the scene aro
und the approximate time of the murder. If you have any information please contact the Gwinnett County Police Department. More is coming on this developing story soon.”
Damn, I had to get a paint job asap. I dialed a number real quick.
“Sup man?”
“Shit, I need a paint job like right now man. You got something I can push ‘till you done?”
“Uh huh. You goin’ bring it in?”
“Nah, I need you to come get it and be discreet too.”
“You done got into some shit huh?”
“When you comin’ man?” Nosey muthafucka.
“Gimme a hour at the most.”
“A’ight.”
When I hung up Sen’s eyes were really on me hard. I hadn’t told her about what happened with Wade.
“Why do you need a paint job Keys? What the fuck are you keepin’ from me?”
I shook my head not needing her nagging me at the moment. It was a good thing that Jake was there so that I could leave. For the first time Sen was getting on my nerves. I was deeply in love with her still and that wasn’t going to change, but I just wished she’d let me just do what I needed to do without all of the meddling.
“Did you have something to do with that murder?” She didn’t look or sound surprised.
I decided to just go ahead and tell her about it so that she’d leave that shit alone.
“So, I gotta handle that,” I finally said.
“Make sure you get your tags changed. Tell them that your tags were stolen. Oh and make sure you change your registration to the car’s new color. It’s a dead white dude, so the police are going to go hard. They’ll probably search for all white sports cars within a one hundred mile radius. That would include yours,” she said.
I was a criminal justice major and when I watched TV I stayed glued to the ID channel. She was right. I had to cover all of my tracks to make sure that I kept my ass out of prison.
“I’m on it baby.”
“But, that’s not it though. You’re hiding something else from me. I can feel it.” Her eyes were desperate to know what I was keeping from her. “I mean, the way you sneak to talk on your phone or try to hide the screen from me. Are you cheating on me already Keys?” The tears that were gleaming in her pretty eyes made my heart sink.
The Plug's Daughter 2: It's Love and War Page 10
