by T. Styles
She sat closer. “Jay, we had a good time last night. And we had a nice time this morning over breakfast. I don’t care if I’m the other woman. Just as long as I can be in your life some kind of way and—”
“I didn’t come back to Maryland to have a relationship outside of my wife.” I walked away. “I came here so I could find her. And I know it’s fucked up but I got caught up in the drama and…”
“You fucked me.” She cried. “Wow. I feel so stupid.”
My hand hovered over her shoulder because as her head hung I wanted to touch her and tell her I was sorry. I wanted to comfort her because how I acted was foul but I knew if I gave her one-ounce of love she would read things the wrong way.
“I didn’t fuck you. I let you suck my dick. There’s a difference.”
I got up, walked toward the door and looked back once before going out. The moment I was on the other side of it Danny was waiting. He frowned and said, “What’s wrong with Quinn? Is she in there crying?”
“A long story, man.”
“Well walk with me out back. I have to talk to you.”
When we walked outside he took a deep breath. “I have a plan to get Parade back. It’s putting things on the line for me but it’s worth it.”
My eyes widened. “Don’t play with me, Danny. For real I’m not in the mood.”
“You know I wouldn’t do that.” He paused. “This is serious. But I’m gonna need you to do some things to make this work.”
“Anything.”
“You have to convince Quinn you feeling her,” he paused. “Because she’s a huge part of the plan. And it may mean her life.”
Fuck.
****
JAY
I was in the back of a movie theater with Quinn feeling like a chump. Had I not let her give me head before everything went south then I might not have to do so much. But now I was in another bind and after speaking to Danny I realized she was our answer and a necessary part to bring Parade home.
After the movie I took her to a small restaurant where people wouldn’t recognize me and focused. “Listen, Quinn, I wanna apologize again.”
She smiled as she ate a fry. “Apologize or make up?” She asked placing her other hand on my thigh.
“Come on, Q.”
She yanked her hand away. “Jay, what’s going on? You said you were sorry and then brought me out and now you tripping again. I can’t with all the mental games.”
When someone walked toward us and dropped something on the floor, we both jumped. “Sorry about that,” the stranger said before picking up his wallet and walking away.
Everything made me nervous being out and I definitely needed to get back to her house but she wasn’t smoothed over enough yet.
“I realize I do want something with you,” I lied. “But I can’t put names on our relationship right now. Is that good enough?”
She nodded her head up and down and smiled. “That’s all I was asking for. I know you made vows. I just want a place with you that’s all.”
I took a deep breath. Next I picked up my cell and placed it to my ear as if someone called. “Oh yeah, okay, I’ll let you know. Yeah, I’m out with her right now.” I winked at Quinn. “Cool.” I fake hung up and sipped my beer. I needed her to ask who was on the phone first instead of coming at her crazy to complete my plan.
“Who was that?” She asked.
Yes! I thought.
“Danny.” I said. “He said he has a plan for Mercer.” I paused. “I’m glad.”
“Why you say that?”
“To be honest I was starting to think nothing would go as planned so I’m happy to hear that something is in the works.”
“What does he have in mind?” She asked with wide eyes. “I mean, did he give you the details or did he just tell you about having a plan?”
“Wait, you still wanna help?” I paused. “Because you haven’t really said anything about Parade since we left the hotel and—”
“Jay, if you in the picture I’m in the picture too.” She said smiling. “Especially now since I’m a part of your world. I mean, you did so much today to prove that you care and that’s all I wanted. Now I feel like, like, you give a fuck and…well…I just want to say thank you that’s all.”
I knew it. She was basically saying that if I didn’t give her a place in my life then she wouldn’t help me find my wife. That’s what I can’t stand about some females. They connect one thing that doesn’t have anything to do with the other when they mad.
“You know I care about you, Quinn.” I drank some of my beer since the lie tasted like shit in my mouth. “But I need to take care of business so my mind can be clear first. You get that?”
“I get that.” She said. “So um, what’s the plan? I mean if you don’t mind me asking.”
I sat up and clasped my hands in front of me on the table. She was falling right into our trap. “We need you to call Mercer and get him to be at a certain location.”
She frowned. “What you mean?”
“He just needs to be at a location we set up.”
She sat back. “So how can I get him there?” She paused. “I mean you saw how suspicious he was when he came to the hotel room. An open place will probably make him snap on me.”
“I know but we need this. And I also understand that it’s dangerous but, well, if you don’t go I’ll never get Parade back.”
Suddenly she had a look in her eyes that made my stomach shift. It was almost as if she was considering not helping so that Parade would never come home. “I want to help, Jay,” she said softly. “Honestly.”
“Good, because if she not back I’m not gonna be right in the head.” I put the truth out there so that if she even thought about us running off in the sunset she would have to think again. “Shit not gonna be cool with me. You get what I’m saying?”
“Yes,” she nodded rapidly. “We’ll bring her back. You’ll see.”
****
JAY
Me, Wayne and Danny were seated at the table with Quinn at the house. Tonight was the night to move forward to put an end to the games and find my wife. Besides, Wayne was told by the friends he has watching over our kids that Logan was spending more time at his girl’s and that Landon was having trouble dealing with Ella because she was too mouthy. It was time for me to return to L.A. with my wife and put shit back in order. It was time for all of us to head back.
“Remember to sound hysterical,” I told Quinn.
“But what if he doesn’t come?” She asked looking at me and then Danny and Wayne. “What if…what if…”
“Listen, suga, he’s called you every other hour since leaving you at the hotel right?” Wayne asked her.
I wasn’t even aware of that but it was good to hear.
“Yeah, I mean…”
“So if he’s calling you every hour that means he’s feeling you,” Wayne continued. “And that means he will come if you sound scared enough. He’s desperate to keep you but you have to put everything into the call okay?”
She nodded and then slowly a glare came over her face. “I know yah just using me but whatever.”
Here she go with the wacko shit. I thought.
I looked at Wayne and then Danny. This was the last thing we needed right now. Danny and Wayne had already gotten things together on their end and we didn’t need her fucking up. I had to take charge or risk her pulling out or even asking us for money depending on how foul she was at the moment.
“You know what,” I said. “This why I can’t be with you.” I got up and walked across the room toward the sofa. I wanted to rock the power she had over us right then. “And you wonder why I left you for Sky.” I flopped down. “You know what, fuck it, don’t do nothing for me. We’ll think of another plan.” I was definitely bluffing because although we knew where Mercer stayed, he had yet to lead us to Am’rak.
Quinn jumped up and sat next to me. “No, I was just talking, Jay. You know how I behave sometimes. But I’ll do it.” S
he placed her hand on my knee. “I promise.”
When I glanced up I saw Wayne sitting with his arms folded tightly across his body. I knew he was heated that she was touching me but I had to give him a look to fall back. That wasn’t working and then I sighed in relief when I saw Danny hold Wayne back from snatching her head off.
“I’ll call him right now.” Quinn got up and grabbed the phone off the table. “I won’t let you down, Jay. I promise.” She dialed the number and took a deep breath.
I watched impatiently from the sofa.
“Hello,” she cried hysterically. “Mercer, it’s me.” She paused. “Yes, somebody just stole my purse and I need you to pick me up.” She cried harder. “Please.” She paused and looked at us. “Yes, thank you so much. Thank you.” She hung up and wiped the fake tears that rolled down her face. “Was that good enough for you?” She asked.
I nodded yes, but also realized that she had more shit with her than I thought.
****
MERCER
“Where are you?” Mercer asked on his cell phone. “I got shit to do tonight and I hope you not out here playing games.”
When Mercer got off the phone with Quinn’s voicemail his line rang again. This time it was Am’rak. “Where you at?”
“I got some errands but I’ll be there soon.”
“How come you seem out of it lately? Ain’t dependable no more?”
Mercer frowned. He was trying his best to respect Am’rak. After all he had done a lot for him and he knew it. Including finding out about Parade’s life. At the same time he was pushy and he carried on as if he owned him.
“Am, look, man, I do everything you need me to do. I’m on duty twenty-four seven and even said fuck my life so you could have one.”
“Never asked you to do that.”
“You didn’t have to. At the same time that’s how you carry shit if I don’t move fast enough.” He paused. “Now let me handle my business but trust me when it’s time to move I will.”
“Just make sure you be watching the spot in an hour,” Am’rak said. “I got word that the police finally bit the fake leads we gave them. So I need to put Parade in position.”
“I promise I’m on it,” Mercer said. “Just make sure she’s ready.” When his phone rang he looked at it. It was the other line. “I gotta take this.” Mercer hung up before he could respond. “Hello,” He paused. “Quinn? Where you at?”
“I’m up the street. Can you see me?”
He squinted and saw her waving one block up. He smiled. “Yep, got eyes on you now.” He put the car in drive. “I’m on the way.”
The moment he pulled in front of her and unlocked the door, two people he didn’t see originally slid inside. They were Adrian, Wayne’s flamboyant gay friend who took over the front seat while Dayshawn, who although was normally reserved slid in the back. They both were dressed in drag and shimmering.
When Mercer looked at Quinn she ran away.
“Who the fuck are you?” Mercer asked reaching for his gun before Dayshawn held a knife to his throat from behind. Adrian noticed and took the gun from inside Mercer’s waist.
“We just looking for a ride, baby boy,” Dayshawn said. “Ain’t no need in dying over it.”
“So this a set up?” Mercer asked, as he plotted against Quinn in his mind.
“Set up?” Adrian laughed. “Chile, we saw you alone and needed a ride. I don’t know what all else you talking about.” He said, trying to spare Quinn any additional trauma that would probably come her way. “Now do us a favor and ride.”
“Where?”
“Away from here,” Dayshawn said looking out the window behind him. “We got people looking for us and the last thing we wanna do is sit around.”
“Listen, I can’t—”
Dayshawn jabbed the knife into his side, pricking his flesh. “You can and you will.” He said through clenched teeth. “Now go.”
Angry with the world, Mercer drove up the street even though they didn’t give him a firm address. Despite it all, the only thing he was worried about was Quinn and if she would be okay. He no longer felt like she set him up.
They were a mile up the road when suddenly an unmarked police car pulled up behind him. “Oh no!” Dayshawn yelled looking back at the flashing lights. “They fucking caught up with us.”
“Who is it?” Mercer asked frantically, although knowing full well it was the police. “And what ya’ll got me into? I ain’t got nothing to do with yah niggas!”
“Just keep driving!” Adrian demanded. “And don’t let him catch us.”
“I’m not gonna keep driving.” He pulled over. Besides, it wasn’t like he had drugs in his ride. “You crazy?” He cut the car off and tucked the keys in his pocket. “Fuck this shit. You gonna have to shoot me or something.”
“They gonna lock us up!” Adrian acted.
“You?” Dayshawn screamed. “I’m the one they looking for!”
“Wait?” Adrian said. “Why you the one?”
“License and registration,” Danny said approaching the driver’s side of the car with extreme authority, flashlight shining directly into Mercer’s face.
“I can give you that, sir,” Mercer said softly. “But before I do I just want you to know that I have nothing to do with these niggas in here. I was waiting on my girl and they—”
“License and registration!” Danny snapped.
Mercer nervously collected the documents and gave him what he asked for. When Danny reviewed them he flashed a light into the car on Adrian and Dayshawn who struck a pose. Danny secretly felt Adrian was doing too much by living up to gay stereotypes but who cared? They flew in town when called upon. Being available helped the bottom line.
“And who are you two?” Danny asked Adrian and Dayshawn.
“You know who I am.” Dayshawn said. “You locked me up enough times already.”
Danny smirked. “I just want to hear the words,” Danny said.
“I was trying to make a little money okay?” Dayshawn shrugged. “A working girl’s gotta earn even if it is selling bussy.” He rubbed Mercer’s shoulder and he violently knocked it away.
Mercer’s eyes widened. “Wait…this isn’t what it looks like, sir. I don’t know why he in here lying but—”
“And what does it look like?” Danny asked.
“That I’m…that…”
“You’re picking up two male prostitutes,” Dayshawn said finishing his sentence.
“Yes, but they jumped into my car without me knowing and—”
“That’s what they all say,” Danny said. “But I do know this,” he paused. “You’re gonna be the laughing stock around the precinct when I book your ass tonight. Just hope your friends find it as amusing as I do.”
Just thinking about his reputation and how damaged it would be put him on the immediate path to a panic attack. Am’rak’s response alone was enough to make him go crazy. “Please don’t lock me up,” Mercer said. “I’m begging you.”
“This nigga in here acting like it’s the worst thing to be caught buying bussy from us,” Adrian said to Mercer. “If you would try us a little you’d know we the best in the business.”
“I don’t want no parts of this shit,” Mercer snapped at them both. “Now stop fucking around before I go off on you!” He looked back at Danny and took a deep breath. “Please, officer. Don’t take me back to the precinct with them. I’m willing to do anything.”
Danny shined the light on his face. “Anything?”
“Just say the word.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
JAY
We had Mercer tied up in the basement of Danny’s aunt’s house. She lived alone and barely went downstairs so we knew it was the perfect location to question him more. At the moment the plan wasn’t to hurt him. I just wanted to find out where Parade was and to make sure she was okay.
The problem was I couldn’t trust myself. Just thinking about her being affiliated with these niggas made me more than
jealous.
It made me psychopathic.
To help out with our plan Danny had his two cousins Brad and Daley with us. They were a couple of dudes who didn’t have lives outside of the streets but would jump at the chance for trouble. Still, they seemed to respect Danny and that’s all I needed.
Mercer was tied up to a wooden chair while me and Danny stood in front of him. The moment Mercer saw my face he shook his head. I guess everything made sense now and he knew he had to come clean. At least I hoped so.
“Where is she?” I asked plainly.
“I can’t help you with that,” he rolled his eyes and looked away.
Brad, the biggest of Danny’s cousin’s went upside his face with a whip stick, which ripped into the flesh of his cheek. Danny was mad that his cousin reacted so crazy so he shoved him away.
I smiled, especially when Mercer started talking. Can’t lie. Mercer took me as the type to hold on to Intel but apparently he was pretty weak. “Listen, I don’t know where he took her, man.”
“How come I don’t believe you?” I asked. “You be with the nigga everyday.”
Mercer frowned, blood running down his eye. “How you know that?” He paused. “Huh? You don’t know nothing about me or the niggas I roll with. You fresh out the hospital bed anyway.”
“I’m asking the questions around here,” I said. I was trying to throw him off of Quinn’s track because I didn’t want her harmed after all this. “Now where the fuck is my wife?”
“I don’t know.”
This time I hit him after snatching the whip stick from Brad’s hand. I went upside the other side of his face with as much force as I could. “WHERE THE FUCK IS SHE!” Danny pushed me back but I shoved him across the room as I approached Mercer again. “I’m not gonna ask you no more. I promise.”
Mercer, whose head was hung low and bloody took several deep breaths and looked up at me. “There are some things you don’t know about Am’rak. He ain’t the kind of person who tells you everything he does so he keeps me on a short leash.”
