by Ricky Black
Her mouth was like the sweetest honey, glorious nectar that Lamont savoured. He hungrily massaged her lips with his own, trying to avoid worrying if he was kissing her right. He seemed to be doing okay. She moaned in his mouth, grinding her hot body against his. Lamont’s erection tented in his tracksuit bottoms now, so engorged that it hurt. It pressed into Rochelle. There was no way she couldn’t know it was there. Lamont’s embarrassment immediately evaporated when she rubbed against it.
They were in the house now, stumbling upstairs, lips glued to one another. Rochelle threw him on the bed, slowly undoing the buttons on her shirt. Raising her eyebrows, she paused. Lamont took the hint, quickly stripping. He lay on the bed fully naked, feeling foolish, yet more turned on than ever before. She watched him wordlessly, clad in a black bra and thong. Then, they were gone.
Lamont’s breath seemed to catch in his chest. He had never seen a naked woman in the flesh before, so he had nothing to compare it to, but Rochelle was a vision. Her opulent breasts hung freely, complimenting proportioned hips and thighs. Her caramel skin seemed to glow in the streetlight’s ambience outside the window.
‘Do you have a condom?’ Rochelle whispered.
Lamont nodded, rummaging through his trouser pockets for his wallet. He had two condoms in there that he’d started carrying around. He opened one with trembling hands, hoping he was putting it on the right way.
When it was secure, Rochelle started kissing his body, knowing precisely where to strike. Everywhere she touched left a warm tingling feeling that Lamont relished. His breathing was shallow. He was trying to stay calm, to avoid finishing before he had even started. Rochelle reached down and stroked him slowly. Her grip was loose, slowly grazing, sending bolts of pleasure down his shaft. He groaned out loud, unable to hold back, then reached out and probed her with one finger. Rochelle gave a shudder and threw her head back. Lamont stopped.
‘Sorry! Did I hurt you?’ he spluttered. Rochelle gripped his jaw.
‘Don’t stop. Do that again,’ she ordered. Lamont obliged, amazed at how wet Rochelle was. She moaned his name softly, and he revelled in the power of giving her pleasure.
‘That’s enough.’ Rochelle moved his hand and climbed on top, lowering herself onto him. Lamont closed his eyes and braced himself. This was it. He was finally losing his virginity. And it was like nothing else he had ever experienced. As enjoyable as everything else had been until this point, the feel of Rochelle cancelled everything out. The heat from her was powerful, so intense Lamont felt it constricting through the protective sheath of the condom.
Putting her hands on Lamont’s chest, Rochelle’s hips bucked, slowly rotating in circles. Lamont closed his eyes, trying to stave off how good it felt. He couldn’t finish now. He had to go the distance. Rochelle was moaning, rocking faster, her eyes closed, mouth parted. Lamont grabbed her breasts. Raising his body off the bed, he began sucking as if they were the most succulent fruit he had ever tasted.
Rochelle’s moans spurred him on more. He pushed his hips into her, wanting to increase Rochelle’s pleasure as much as his own. They were both moving at a clumsy pace but it was an enjoyable clumsiness. Rochelle was trying to dictate the pace, but in his inexperience, Lamont didn’t realise. He greedily grabbed at her body, unable to keep his hands to himself.
‘Let me do it,’ Rochelle whispered, the softness of her voice sounding like the song of angels. She began bucking her hips crazily, Lamont unable to keep up. His teeth gritted together, his toes wiggling, a twinge in his midsection. What Rochelle was doing felt too good and before he could stop himself, Lamont exploded. His body jerked a few times as he filled the condom, and then he was still.
Lamont breathed heavily, Rochelle too. She placed both her hands on his chest, digging her nails in. It hurt, but he wasn’t going to tell her to stop. He was semi erect, and it didn’t feel comfortable. Sensing this, Rochelle climbed from him, hurrying to the bathroom. Using both hands, Lamont removed the condom, wrapped it in tissue and threw it in the bin. He felt awkward being naked, so he put his boxer shorts back on.
A few minutes later, Rochelle came out of the bathroom. She smiled, but it flickered, never showing in her eyes.
‘What’s wrong?’ He asked, praying she wasn’t disappointed with his performance.
‘I’m just mad.’
‘Mad at me?’
Rochelle’s expression was rueful.
‘Madder at myself. I told you nothing could happen, and then I slept with you . . . I can’t believe I was so stupid!’
‘Rochelle, I wanted this. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life. I mean that.’ Lamont, openly staring at her magnificent body, wanting to file away every inch for future reference, scared he was dreaming. Reaching out to touch her, it surprised Lamont when she recoiled.
‘I think you should go. Please, just leave.’
Lamont watched in dejected bewilderment as Rochelle burst into tears. Respecting her wishes, he dressed himself. As he was putting on his t-shirt, he couldn’t help it. He tried to hug Rochelle, but she pushed him away.
‘Don’t touch me! Don’t ever touch me again!’
Startled, Lamont backed away. He opened his mouth, then closed it. He tugged his hooded top over his head, mumbled an apology and hurried down the stairs. He left at the same time Mia was walking in. They stared at one another awkwardly. Mia gaped at him like he was a ghost.
‘L? What are you doing here?’ she asked, noting his rumpled hoody and tracksuit bottoms. His hair was tousled, and he had what looked like teeth marks embedded in his jawline and neck.
‘Gotta go.’ Lamont darted past Mia, out of the front door and was halfway up the street before her mouth could close. He needed the safety of his bedroom. One thing was for sure though, Lamont thought sadly as he turned the corner. He would never have another shot with Rochelle again.
Chapter Nine
Tuesday 20 May 1997
Marcus came into Lamont’s room later that night. Lamont stared into space as Marcus closed the bedroom door behind him. Lamont didn’t even look up.
‘You cool, L?’ Marcus started, looming near the wall. It was funny how different Lamont’s room was to his own. In Marcus’s room, you could tell it was his. Lamont’s room could have belonged to anyone. Apart from the books and writing notepads, it was practically empty. There was a battered wardrobe for Lamont’s clothes, some shoeboxes and an old cassette player. Apart from that, there was nothing. Nothing to show Lamont belonged.
Marcus wondered to himself if that was the reason Lamont acted as he did sometimes; because he didn’t believe he had a home.
‘I’m fine,’ Lamont’s voice was hoarse. Awkwardly, Marcus wondered if he’d been crying.
‘I spoke to Mia,’ Marcus was trying his hardest to be subtle. ‘She said she saw you at the house.’
Lamont didn’t speak. Marcus continued.
‘Said you left in a hurry, and that Shelly was quiet. Didn’t even come down from her room. What’s up with that?’
‘What do you want me to say, Marcus?’ Lamont said, finally looking at him. Marcus’s face broke into a wide grin.
‘You know what I want you to say. Tell me you handled your business,’ he said gleefully. Lamont looked at Marcus but didn’t reply. He hesitated a moment too long, and that was all the inclination his friend needed.
‘Yes! That’s my fucking boy! I knew you had it in you!’ Marcus clapped Lamont on the back.
‘Chill. It’s not a big deal.’
‘Course it’s a big deal! You finally lost your v, and more importantly, you lost it with a thoroughbred. Rochelle is all that man. I bet it was good. Be honest, was it good?’
Lamont smiled at Marcus’s enthusiasm. ‘How would I know? I have nothing to compare it to. I enjoyed it though.’
‘Did she?’
‘She looked like it . . . during, anyway.’
Lamont confided in Marcus what had happened after they had finished. Marcus made a face.
&nbs
p; ‘That is strange. Shelly’s quiet though. You never know what she’s thinking. She’s like you. Why do you think I said you needed to grind her? You’re a lucky dude, man. Wait till I tell people. You’re gonna be the man around here.’
‘Don’t tell anyone,’ Lamont’s voice was firm.
‘Why? L, this is a good thing. This is what you need. Finally, people are gonna see what I see. You’re stone cold, but within you, I dunno. Hard to say, but there’s like . . . I don’t know, an aura,’ Marcus said. Lamont stared at him.
‘An aura?’
‘Yeah, man. Listen, you know I’m not good with words. But you’re a quiet motherfucker. Lot of people, they see that and it makes them think you’re weak. But I know different. Always have. You’re a force. You just need to let people see it.’
It was Lamont’s turn to gape at Marcus now. They had joked over the years, but he had never heard Marcus speak with as much conviction as he was now. Lamont didn’t know if he was drunk or high, but he immediately dismissed Marcus’s words.
‘Don’t tell anyone. I want you to give me your word that you’ll keep it to yourself.’
‘L, man, c’mon,’ Marcus kissed his teeth.
‘Please. This is important to me.’
‘Fine. You wanna keep quiet on the best piece of news you’ve ever had, then fine. I’ll do one better and tell Mia to keep her big mouth shut too.’
Lamont smiled again. ‘Thanks, bro.’
One Thursday, Lamont had finished his History exam and headed home. Later, he was walking down to the shop when he heard a voice calling him. Turning, he saw Shorty. They touched fists.
‘How’s it going, Shorty?’
‘It’s all good. Just went to go meet someone,’ Shorty replied, his eyes flashing excitedly. ‘Did you hear about Craig?’
Lamont hadn’t, but lately, Craig seemed more stressed than normal. The last time Lamont saw him, he had been wearing the same hooded top and trousers he had worn the time before that.
As Lamont and Levi weren’t seeing eye to eye, he didn’t know what was happening, but he suspected it concerned Blair and the Yardies. Lamont couldn’t help but think about the incident where Marcus had beaten up Blair. He wondered if that was the right way to handle the situation.
‘What happened?’
Shorty laughed. ‘Him and two of his boys stomped out Leader on Francis Street. It was wicked!’
‘Which Leader? Who’s that?’ Lamont asked. Shorty kissed his teeth.
‘You need to stop reading them books and hit the streets. Leader runs one of them little Yardie groups. He’s the one Blair ran to for protection. He’s a psycho.’
‘So why would Craig attack him?’
‘Because he’s an idiot. Everyone knows about Leader. This ain’t gonna be the end, I guarantee that.’
Lamont didn’t understand why there needed to be a war. There was enough money for everyone to get rich. There was no profit from the violence.
‘What’s the point?’ He finally said.
‘What?’ Shorty looked at him.
‘In fighting. Craig is supposed to be about making money. Why would he allow himself to get caught up?’
‘Hype, nothing more. Craig’s snorting, running with pure fools who just wanna see him in trouble while they steal his money. I’m telling you, when he flops, they’ll move on to the next guy.’
‘Craig’s on drugs?’ Lamont was surprised.
‘Yeah. Has been for a while. Why do you think he’s entertaining this stupidness? He’s taking coke, trying to keep hold of that slut he stole from Blair. That’s what all this shit is over. He’s fronting like he’s got a real piece, when really she’s always been available to dudes. Even I shagged Kierra.’
Lamont’s mouth hung open. ‘When?’
‘Ages ago. Met her at a party. Linked her afterwards and banged her in an alleyway.’ Shorty laughed at the expression on Lamont’s face.
‘Why would you do that? What about Craig?’
‘What about him? He’s got a couple guys he chills with that slap people around, but he’s got no heart. He was just in the right place when Delroy was looking for people and he got put on. He’s nothing.’
Lamont said nothing. Delroy Williams was known for importing and supplying drugs all over Yorkshire. Lamont hadn’t known he was Craig’s supplier, but it made perfect sense. Craig had access to weed whenever he wanted it. There weren’t many suppliers who could accommodate this. Shorty sighed, his expression changing.
‘Listen, you need to learn the streets if you wanna survive. Craig’s running around on that powder thinking he’s invincible. If he thinks Delroy will back him in this war, he’s a dickhead. Delroy likes it quiet.’
‘So what’s gonna happen?’
Before Shorty could reply, they heard gunshots.
‘L! Down!’ Shorty hit the deck. Lamont mirrored his actions, his heart pounding with fear. There was no way to tell where the gunshots were coming from, but Shorty seemed to think they were close.
‘C’mon, we’re alright. The gunshots were round the corner. C’mon, let’s go see who it was.’ Shorty hurried down the street. Lamont followed, not knowing what he was getting into. They were running now. Lamont could feel his nose dripping. He wiped it hastily, noting that it was snot rather than blood. He had hit the pavement hard, but he was okay.
A crowd gathered a few streets down, loudly whispering about what transpired. A woman in tears ran past Lamont and Shorty. He wondered if she would call an ambulance. They moved in closer now, pushing their way through the crowds.
Two guys were stretched out on the pavement. They were so still it looked like they were sleeping, but the blood seeping from their bodies was a sign that they wouldn’t be waking up from this nap. They were face-down, so it was impossible to tell who they were, but Lamont was sure he recognised the hooded top one of them was wearing. He hoped he was wrong, but the nauseous feeling in his stomach told him otherwise.
Finally, an ambulance turned up, two flashing police cars behind it. The police began pushing people back and trying to establish order. The local youths didn’t take kindly to the pushing, and there was a stand-off, resolved when the police threatened to call for backup.
When Lamont finally got a good look at the clothing, his heart leapt in his throat.
‘C’mon, L, we need to leave. Now.’ Shorty was already stomping up the road.
‘Shorty, that was Craig!’ Lamont hissed, hurrying after him.
‘I know it was Craig. He’s dead and standing around won’t do anything. We need to find Levi.’
‘We need to go back; find out who did it.’
‘We know who did it. It was Leader’s guys. Craig thought he could beat him up and get away with it,’ Shorty was half talking to himself.
‘So, now what? Do we get him?’
Shorty stopped in his tracks. ‘You wanna go after Leader? I’m telling you; you do that, you’re dead. Simple as that.’
‘Yeah, but—’
‘But nothing. Craig did something stupid. I’m not letting you do the same thing. Now, cut that suicide talk and let’s find Levi. He needs to hear from us, not someone else.’
Hours later, they gathered in Levi’s kitchen. His Nana was upstairs, but every once in a while they would hear a wail. Lamont didn’t know why Levi wasn’t up there comforting her, but kept it to himself. Shorty had bought brandy. They’d each had a glass out of respect, but Levi had drunk three more. With each glass he became more animated, before finally standing, tears streaming down his face.
‘They’re all dead. I’m gonna wipe the lot of them out,’ he shouted. Draining the last dregs of the glass, he threw it against the wall.
‘Levi, calm down,’ Lamont said. Shorty stared at the floor. K-Bar dolefully watched Levi’s tirade.
‘How am I supposed to calm down? They killed my fucking brother, L. Murdered him on the streets and you want me to just let it go?’
‘I’m just saying; think rationally
. There’s no use getting mad. It won’t solve anything. We need to plan our next move.’
‘I know exactly what my next move is. Shorty, get me a strap and I’ll dead every one of them!’
Shorty finally looked up. He met Lamont’s eye before he replied to Levi.
‘I’m not getting you a strap. You wanna go prison over your brother’s beef?’
‘Fuck you, Shorty. You got away with murder; why shouldn’t I?’
‘Shut it. Don’t talk about things you don’t understand,’ Shorty snapped.
‘I’ll talk about anything I want.’
‘Lay off that brandy, because you can’t handle it. Your bro knew what he was getting into. He rolled with a crew. Fall back and let them handle it.’
‘If you don’t gimme a strap, then Marcus will,’ Levi said matter-of-factly.
‘No, he won’t. We’re not gonna let you go shooting up the streets over this. Calm down, sleep off the liquor and comfort your Nana. Listen to her, man. She needs you to be there for her.’
‘Shut the fuck up! I run this team. I brought you all in. If it wasn’t for me, then—’
‘Are you still harping on about that?’ Shorty kissed his teeth. ‘Levi, get real. I was doing this long before you. You ain’t the boss of nothing. L kept this in line. Don’t go thinking you’re Nicky Barnes because your brother supplied us. Chill out and stay in your lane.’
Levi stormed over to Shorty. ‘Get up.’
‘Why?’ Shorty said, sniggering.
‘We’re gonna fight.’
Shorty grinned at Levi. ‘Are we?’
‘Yeah, we are.’ Levi’s voice shook.
‘This won’t get us anywhere,’ Lamont interjected. They ignored him.
‘C’mon. Get up,’ Levi urged.
Shorty shook with laughter. ‘What did I just say about staying in your lane?’
‘What did I just say about getting up?’