My Brother's Keeper 2

by U. E. Wynn

  “Koran!” A female voice called out behind him before he could reach the end of the block.

  The trance broke and he turned to see Lisa crossing the street. Three reactions hit him at once. He was thankful for the distraction, felt a tug of arousal by the brown tight Prada dress she wore, and was annoyed feeling she had come to put pressure on him about their relationship after he clearly made it known that it was over.

  “I was on my way to your apartment. We need to talk for real.”

  Koran frowned. “I know damn well you ain’t about to tell me you’re pregnant. If so, you can save that shit for the next nigga.”

  “No, I’m not pregnant. Happy now.” She rolled her eyes. “But how can you just cut me off like that.”

  He rubbed a hand over his face. “I can’t beef with you, but I got a shorty now Lisa. What, you expect me to cheat on her?”

  “No, but I thought we were cool like that. You changed your number, you don’t call. Maybe I want to check up on you sometimes to see if you’re a’ight. It has nothing to do with sex. We didn’t start our friendship based on sex. We were friend’s remember?”

  “No doubt. We were friends, still are friends. It’s just that my shorty….”

  Before could finish the sentence a dollar cab pulled up beside them and Monica jumped out scowling. She wore a skintight Chanel body suit that emphasized her heavy breast and Buffy the Body ass. On a scale from one to ten, as far as looks, she was pushing a six, but her body added the extra four points.

  “So this the bitch you dumped me for!?” She glared at Lisa. “I guess her pussy is better than mine.”

  Koran shook his head, sighing. “You on some other shit Monica, word up. I don’t….”

  “Bitch?” Lisa smirked while taking off her earrings. “The only bitch I see is you, Bitch!” Koran placed himself between them before they could start clawing at each other.

  “A yo, you two need to chill with the bullshit. Monica you way outta line and furthermore, I don’t belong to you. I never did. I…”

  Lisa stepped around him while his head was turned and slapped the shit out of Monica. It was on then, a live girl fight! Monica retaliated by kicking Lisa on the chin, then ripped the front of her dress open exposing her apple size breast. Without caring that most of the park, passing cars, and bystanders were getting a good view of her titties, Lisa started swinging wild with her eyes closed. Monica ducked her head, unable to block the blows and grabbed a fist full of Lisa’s hair.

  “Stop yo! Stop this shit!” Koran shouted forcing himself in between them again. “How the fuck y’all think y’all look out here doing this stupid shit!”

  “Fuck that! And fuck you too!” Monica screamed, then hauled off and slapped him so hard his head jerked to the side.

  During the commotion, no one noticed when Serenity had pulled up beside the curb until she jumped out the Range Rover and ran towards them with an orange box cutter in her hand.

  “Sin, No!” Koran yelled, but she was already in motion. With one precise swing she cut Monica from her temple ripping a straight line down to the bottom of her jaw. Shocked, Lisa quickly backed away clutching her arm over her breast, while Serenity raised the box cutter for another swing. Luckily for Monica, who foolishly hadn’t moved, Koran grabbed Serenity’s arm.

  “You buggin’ Sin!” he said, pulling her towards his truck. “Let’s get the fuck outta here before you get locked up.”

  “I’ll kill that bitch if she ever puts her hands on you again!” She snatched away from him, her eyes wild with fury, and lifted the razor as if she were about to cut him. “What the hell are they doing here anyway!”

  Koran grew still. “Don’t do some shit you’ll end up regretting, Sin. And you will regret it,” he said coldly.

  “You better not, Sin!” Dej’a’ screamed, running up to them. She stood in front of Koran protectively scowling at Serenity. “Put that thing away!”

  Koran smiled while Serenity looked at her niece confused. “It’s cool Dej’a. Go back to the truck so me and Sin can talk.”

  Dej’a shot Serenity another warning glance before walking off.

  Koran shook his head, grinning. “That’s my baby right there. Now to answer your question, they popped up while I was on my way to the chicken spot.”

  He looked around at the crowds still staring, Lisa among them with tears running down her pretty cheek. For a moment he felt a pang of sympathy for her. To show he still considered her a friend, he decided to do something special for her without Serenity knowing. “C’mon, let’s go before somebody call the Jakes.”

  He led Serenity to the Range Rover, got behind the wheel, then turned in his seat and gave Dej’a a wink. She blushed holding her notebook computer up. Beside her Jamel slept in his car seat with a large Super Soaker water gun lying in his lap. A few minutes later he parked in front of his building and looked over at Serenity who still held the box cutter.

  “Why you still got that? Still thinking about cutting me or something?”

  Serenity blinked, then shook her head. “You know I couldn’t cut you.”

  “Um huh. That’s what your mouth say.”

  “I’m serious. I kinda lost it when I saw that bitch hit you.”

  “Kinda?” Koran snorted. “I know not to leave my ratchet around you. Where you learn how to use a razor like that anyway?”

  Serenity smiled. “Oh, you think I’m just another pretty face huh? All the drama me and my girls went through in junior high, we had to learn how to use razors or anything else we could get our hands on. That was the price for being down with the F.A.B Five, and how this face stayed pretty.”

  “That’s what y’all get for stuntin’ so much. Where you disappear to after junior high anyway? The last time I asked you said it was a long story. I’m all ears.”

  The smile left Serenity’s face as quick as it came. She stole a glance at Dej’a who was busy tapping keys on her computer before speaking. “We were having some personal problems in my family. Actually, it was my sister, Dej’a’s mother. She was caught up in some mess that I still don’t understand. Whatever the case she got us the hell out of the Bronx in a hurry.”

  “Oh word? You never said nothing about having a sister. She prettier than you?” he asked with a sly grin in an effort to brighten her mood.

  “Yes, but she’s…” Serenity stole another glance at Dej’a. “I don’t know what happened, but she’s…she’s like a zombie Koran. She hasn’t left our apartment in years. Dej’a sits and talks to her for hours, but all she does is stare at the wall.” Tears glistened in her eyes. “It’s so sad.”

  Koran cut his eye at Dej’a wondering if her quiet demeanor came from her mother’s condition. “Damn Sin, pardon me for asking.”

  “It’s ok, boo. C’mon, let’s go upstairs so I can show you what I bought. I got some stuff for you too.”

  Koran grinned devilishly. “You only got one type of stuff I want.”

  “Oh really?” She arched her eyebrow returning his grin. “Then stop talking about it and come get it.”

  ~~~~

  Upstairs, once Koran and Serenity made two trips to bring all their shopping bags up, Jamel woke up being his usual animated self. Water gun in hand, he ran through the apartment yelling Bang! Bang! for hours until Koran put on a Disney movie. Afterwards, Dej’a and Serenity put on a fashion show while Jamel played hostess and escorted them both through the living room to show off their outfits. Around nine o’clock the night finally wound down. Dej’a slept in Koran’s lap, Jamel drooled on Serenity’s shoulder.

  “Let’s put these two to bed so you can get your stuff,” Serenity said, smiling while cradling Jamel in her arms as she stood.

  Jahad walked in coming from work just as Koran scooped Dej’a up. Briefcase in hand, reading glasses on, he looked exactly like a legit business man. He called it his Clark Kent outfit. He gave Koran a sly grin without bothering to acknowledge Serenity, whom he made no attempt to hide his dislike from.
r />   “Family man, huh? Looks good on you. You sucka for love ass nigga,” he muttered grinning on his way to the bar.

  Serenity rolled her eyes as she brushed past Jahad bumping him intentionally. From day one it was established that they did not like each other. Why? Serenity had no idea.

  “Chill with the jokes, Jah.”

  “Oh, you sensitive now lover boy?” Jahad’s grin stayed in place while he poured a shot of Crown Royal. “Let me find out you getting soft.”

  “I’d show you how soft I am if I didn’t have Dej’a,” Koran hissed, feeling blood rush to his brain. “Why you keep fucking with me about shorty anyway?”

  Jahad downed his drink and let out a slow breath. “Because I know it pisses you off. Smart as you are, I thought you figured it out.”

  “Nah, I thought you were past all that. I love her Jah, and can’t shit change it. You fucking with me all the damn time definitely won’t change it.”

  “I know something that will,” Jahad said under his breath as Koran walked out.

  ~~~~

  Koran was awakened the next morning to breakfast in bed. Strawberry pancakes dripping with maple syrup, two sonny side fried eggs, a slab of turkey bacon, and his favorite drink, cherry cool-aid.

  “Eat Ka-wan. Get up!”

  Serenity sat on the edge of the bed, holding the tray across her lap. Dej’a was beside her while Jamel pulled his arm. “C’mon sleepy head, get up. I cooked for you this time.”

  Koran sat up on his elbows yawning. “What time is it?”

  “A little after ten and I’m missing the news,” Dej’a answered, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek. She then bounced out the room casting a warm smile before turning the corner.

  Koran grinned. “She gonna be something special.”

  “I know.” Serenity smiled after her. “Did you have somewhere to be?”

  Koran lifted Jamel, who was scrambling trying to climb on the bed. “Nah, but I gotta get some stuff together so we can bungee this weekend. We going down south.”

  “Down south!” Serenity looked stricken. “I can’t go down south and leave my mother with my sister.”

  “Damn! I forgot about that. Find somebody to chill with her until we come back.”

  “Who? And I can’t miss any classes either. What’s in the south anyway?”

  “My Mom’s. Plus Jah’ is putting pressure on me to take a vacation. We gotta figure out what to do with your sister. Don’t sweat your classes. You ain’t going to be a paralegal no more.”

  Serenity screwed up her face, holding the tray like she was about to launch it. “You or no other nigga will decide…”

  Koran patiently held up his hands. “You wanna be a paralegal or go to N.Y.U. and study law first hand?”

  The tray lowered a fraction. “What are you talking about Koran?”

  “I’m talking bout putting you through law school. If you can make the grades I’ll put up the dough. What up?”

  “Are…are you serious?”

  “Yep.” Koran smiled, taking the tray from her hands. “Might need you to represent me one day. Now, about your sister. Mrs. Harris can…”

  Too overwhelmed to speak Serenity covered his face with kisses.

  “Chill Sin.” He laughed, pulling away. “I’ma speak to Mrs. Harris. She’s like my Nana. She won’t mind holding your sister down. You cool with that?”

  “I’m cool with anything you do baby.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  The assault on Bronxdale played heavy on Hector’s mind as he drove his black 745 I BMW through the thick traffic on Beach Avenue. Close to twenty of his people were dead. Dead all because he chose to take advice from an unknown stranger, a faceless voice. It was that voice who convinced him to move his people into Bronxdale against his better judgement. His thirst to kill Jahad had blinded him to the fact that this stranger could be playing him, paving the road to his death. The thought was fresh in Hector’s mind when his cell phone rung.

  “Hola?”

  “Listen good, ‘cause I’ll only say this once. Opportunity only knocks once in a lifetime, so consider it at your door. I’m sure you know where the Shell gas station is on Story Ave, right across the street from Kana’s Fried Chicken. There’s a car wash that sit’s right beside it. This Friday between one and five I suggest you have some of your people posted there. Jah will be driving a black 600 with mirror tinted windows. If you do it right, you might be able to have your cake and eat it too.”

  Familiar with the Operator’s voice, Hector quickly pulled over and double parked in front of a McDonald’s. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “You ain’t stupid man. You know what I’m talking about. Jah and his brother, they’ll be sitting ducks if you handle your business right.”

  Hector snorted angrily. “I took your advice recently and look what happened. I killed those five Moreno bastards and it costs me most of my new recruits. You told me you were in control, what happened?”

  “That shit couldn’t be avoided. It was a spur of the moment thing. What I’m telling you now is good money, so I strongly advise you to use it to your advantage,” the Operator said, then hung up.

  Hector sat Staring at traffic while a million thoughts ran through his mind. Was it a set up? Could he trust the Operator again? As hard as it was to believe Jahad would be delivered into his hands. The bait was too enticing. He wouldn’t be there personally anyway. The way Hector saw it, if it was a trap the chance to murder Jahad was worth risking a few more of his people. No, this was one opportunity he wouldn’t miss out on.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Friday at one o’clock Derrick’s funeral was held at A.M. Zion Church in Harlem where his mother relocated after the drug war in 2000. A hint of summer hung in the air with sunny skies and a light breeze blowing off the East River. Koran’s reluctance to leave New York changed a little after seeing Derrick dressed in an all white Armani suit, arms folded across his chest, looking like a bronze statue. It made him realize his own mortality. The roles could have easily been reversed. He could see himself lying lifeless in his coffin while Derrick along with the rest of his loved ones walked by to get one last look before he was planted into the earth.

  After the funeral the Heads and their lieutenants met up at Prine’s brownstone to put together assault teams to hit Corsello and Leopardi. A special team of ten was being put together for the sole purpose of finding and killing Hector. A team Jahad personally volunteered for. Derrick was the first M.G. ever to die in battle. His death was taken personally by every last M.G.

  From their plans they calculated Corsello and Leopardi would be the easiest to hit Since they had no idea what was about to come at them. Hector didn’t fit into that equation. No one could pinpoint his movements, so random assaults would be aimed at Bronxdale and his other known drug spots. For this, the big guns would be bought out; M-16’s, AR 15’s, AK 47’s, and altered fully automatic mini 14 assault rifles. The cause was to kill everything moving, but it would open two doors. One: weaken Hector’s team. Two: eventually someone would betray Hector once they realize the killing wouldn’t stop until Hector was dead. At least that’s what they hoped for.

  After the meeting, Jahad and Koran left. Jahad drove to the diamond district to buy gifts for Michelle and Latrice, then hit Bransan for an ounce of Cush before heading home. All the while he stayed unusually quiet. Koran figured his brother’s thoughts were on Derrick. Finally, once they reached the Major Deegan, Jahad spoke in a low raspy voice.

  “You know lil’ Bruh. I’ve been wondering how my life would have turned out if I would have never started this shit.”

  Koran snapped his head away from the Hudson River choppy water. “What you talking about about, Jah? Started what?”

  “I mean, I can’t front, it has its rewards.” Jahad went on as if he hadn’t heard Koran. “The money, the bitches, the power. I can go on and on, but now I see the downside. The death, stress, fear of a muthafucka bodying somebody close
to me on some revenge shit. Not to mention always having to look over my shoulder. I can go on and on about that too. I mean, it is fucking worth it?” He looked at Koran eyes burning intensely. “A yo, word up. Between me and you, after this last move, I’ma give it four or five more months and then I’m leaving this shit alone.”

  Koran’s mouth flew open. “Get the fuck outta here!”

  “I’m dead ass. I got money to last me six or seven lifetimes. I’m thinking about coppin’ a crib out in Jersey, invest some dough in the rap game, then sit my ass down somewhere and live. Make a few babies and whatnot. I’m twenty seven and don’t have no damn kids. Yeah, I feel like it’s time I fall back.”

  “So who’s gonna handle business in the Bronx, Prince?” Jahad smiled. “Nah nigga, you are.”

  “Me!”

  “Yeah, you. Now it’s time to see if all that shit I taught you stuck in your head or went out the other ear. When you come from down south I’ll show you where the stash house is. In fact, you already know. B-10 on our floor.”

  “Mrs. Harris! Stop fucking playing!”

  “Shit, Mrs. Harris likes money too.” Jahad laughed. “Nobody will suspect that shit either. You already know how to run Joe’s. I gotta teach you how to freak the books though. I could have been showed you that shit if you didn’t spend all your damn time with that chick.”

  Koran looked away. Since he began dating Serenity he had been neglecting a lot of his duties.

  “Hit a nerve, huh?” Jahad smirked. “That’s what the truth does.”

  “You act like you ain’t never been in love, Jah!” Koran said sounding pissed off.

  “I have and know what, that shit almost got me bodied. You gonna have to learn that for yourself though ‘cause you ain’t trying to hear a damn word I’m saying,” Jahad replied bitterly, then changed the subject. “Now pay attention to what I’m about to put you up on. This is how I distribute the drugs. First, I would hit Derrick with everything that would be out for the week. The coke, heroin, and tree’s. He would pass it down to the three lieutenants. They pass it down to their individual soldiers who turn around and pass it down to the middle men. Now the middle men don’t have shit to do with the M.G.’s, but they deal with the hustlers who push weight. Tell me why it’s done like that?”