by Nene Capri
“I know you’re naive. I know you have surrounded yourself with your enemies and can’t even sort them out.” His riddles had KoKo’s mind all over the place. “I’ma hand you this envelope, then I don’t want to see you again.”
“If I blow your fucking head off you won’t see me again.”
“Maybe. But I’m sure the DA would love to know about that robbery down in GA.”
“So you’re a sorry muthafucka and a snitch.”
“Nah, just a little insurance.” He rose from his seat. “Take this and do what you gotta do. Protect my grandson and my son’s investments. From what I understand, he was in love with you.” He buttoned and straightened out his suit jacket. “Remember, our business is done. I’ve given you all you need in this envelope. The only advice I can give you is, open your eyes.” He extended his arm, handing her the envelope.
KoKo internalized his advice as she moved toward his desk. Reaching out for the envelope, they both held an end and locked eyes.
“Also, never threaten the life of a man who isn’t afraid to die,” Tyquan said.
“And never threaten a bitch who ain’t afraid to kill. Today you get a pass.” She snatched the envelope and moved to the door.
“Open your eyes, KoKo,” he said again as she left out the door. Tyquan picked up the phone and pressed the intercom button. “Julie, have my car brought around front and cancel all my appointments for the rest of the day. I have to leave town.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Wells.”
Tyquan stood there for a few minutes and then moved out.
-43-
Trappin’
Boa was tired as hell from running the streets for the last couple days. He wanted to just hop in the shower and then get some much needed sleep. He opened the door to his new apartment, amazed by what he saw. Huge red candles were lit all around the room, and approximately twenty bouquets of black roses filled up tall vases wrapped with big red ribbons. A remnant of red carpet with black rose petals scattered on it led to his bedroom. He followed the trail. When he got to the door, he saw KoKo wearing a black negligee, holding a Moet flute in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other. Vases of black roses aligned his bedroom and a dark red satin comforter and many huge pillows decorated his bed. Music playing in the background set the mood.
“I figured you might need something hot,” she said in her sexy voice.
Boa kept a serious face as he looked around. Her flawless body glowed. Her hair was pulled back off her face.
“What’s all this about?” Boa said, trying to maintain a serious demeanor even though his dick was talking to him.
“I don’t want to fight with you, Boa,” KoKo stated as she seductively set down the glass and bottle and strutted over to him. Standing right up on him, she searched his eyes for some warmth. Boa grimaced, still mad about Rock coming to the city.
“I know you’re not going to stay mad at all this.” She placed her hands on his chest and kissed his lips. Closing her eyes, she parted his lips with her tongue and he received her well. Turning her head to the side, she grabbed him by the back of his neck. Now she could feel him heating up. She reached down and rubbed gently on that steel. That’s what I’m talking about, she thought.
“So you think you can just show up, get a nigga dick hard, and all that shit you was popping just magically disappears?” He moved her hand.
KoKo looked at him and smiled. “You still trippin’ over that? Fuck you on? Your period?”
Boa stepped back. “I don’t have time for this shit. Watch out.” He moved past her and headed to the bathroom.
KoKo immediately went to plan B. She had anticipated Boa not easily just rolling over. Not only had she cussed him out, she had been turning down his offer to be his woman. She was too scared of feeling for someone. At that moment, she realized she needed to calm down and surrender some of her power. Too much shit was at stake. As KoKo stood there thinking, she heard the shower come on. She swallowed her pride and walked to the nightstand where she poured herself another glass of champagne. After drinking it down, she grabbed the remote, turned up the CD player, and then headed to the bathroom.
Luther Vandross’ “If only for One Night” played in the background as KoKo watched the water run over Boa’s body. Turned on by the splendor of his muscular frame, she slowly removed the straps of her nightie off her shoulders, stepped out of it, and then entered the shower behind him. He looked over his shoulder and then turned back around. KoKo placed her hands on his back and placed tender kisses up his spine.
Boa took a deep breath as he prepared his mind to talk to KoKo.
“I meant what I said. I don’t want to fight with you,” KoKo said a little above a whisper. She reached around his waist and firmly caressed his steel in her hand. The water ran over their bodies as her hand slid effortlessly up and down the length of his dick.
Boa came to attention as he closed his eyes and enjoyed her wrist play.
KoKo kissed along his back and soothed his mind. “Baby, I know I can be a bitch sometimes, but you gotta be patient and ride with me. I promise it’ll get better.” She turned him toward her, took him by the back of his neck, and placed soft kisses on his lips. “Be nice, baby.” KoKo moaned as she rubbed the head of his long, thick, massive dick on her clit.
He broke their kiss and looked down at her rubbing him in her wetness. “He look delicious, don’t he?” he said, his voice dripping with confidence.
“Yep, and I want to feel him.”
“Nah. You on knock off.”
“I got something for you to knock off.”
“You don’t get it, do you?”
“Lay it out for me, Boa.”
“You always want what you want when you want it. And you can’t have no more of Boa.” He moved her back and stepped out the shower.
“Hold the fuck up. You serious?”
“Hell yeah, I’m serious. I told you I need to have all of you. And I know you fucking with that nigga down in the ‘A’.”
“What nigga? What the fuck are you talking about?”
“What am I? Stupid?” he asked, getting charged up. “I know what the fuck goes on between you and that nigga Rock when you down in the ‘A’.”
KoKo kept quiet.
“Yeah, I thought so.” He turned to walk away.
“Boa, don’t.” She grabbed his arm.
“Don’t what? I can’t share you, KoKo. I want all of you.” He gave her that intense stare.
“Boa, I’m sorry,” she responded.
The room fell silent as Boa looked into her eyes. The Whispers “Chocolate Girl” filled the empty space when words could not.
Boa moved closer to KoKo and then took her into his arms, picking her up off her feet. Boa kissed her lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Boa hadn’t had any of that sweet chocolate in weeks, and he was ready to devour her. As he laid her on his bed, the coolness of the sheets comforted their sexually ignited bodies.
“Let me love you, KoKo,” Boa said as he kissed her neck and eased inside her inch-by-inch.
“I’m afraid,” KoKo responded, showing all of her innocence as her very words caused a tear to fall from her eye.
Boa looked down into her eyes. “You ain’t got to be afraid of me.”
“You can’t hurt me. I can’t do it again.”
“I won’t hurt you. I promise,” he whispered as he stroked her nice and slow.
KoKo closed her eyes and squeezed him tight.
“From this day forward, all this belongs to Boa. Am I clear?”
“Yeeesss. Make me feel like it’s yours, Boa,” she moaned, sending him into overdrive. He stroked and moaned as KoKo put that wet on him until he came long and hard.
Boa placed sensual kisses all over her face and neck as he whispered, “I love you.”
KoKo just lay there with her eyes closed, enjoying the feel of his lips as they moved around her body. It was official . . .Boa was trapped.
This is My House…
&nb
sp; With shit getting thick, KoKo sent Monique and Quran back to Dubai. She took a little time out of her already busy schedule to check in on them.
“Mommy!” Quran yelled as he ran to KoKo. She scooped him up and placed him in her arms.
“Hey, my little prince. What you doin’?”
“Playing,” he said as he placed kisses on her face.
“You love your mommy?”
“Yeeeees . . .” he said. Quran put his lips on her cheek and blew, making a loud sound, which always caused him to crack up with giggles.
“Ewwww . . .” KoKo said and tried to wipe her face.
“Noooooo . . .Mommy, don’t. It’s my power.”
“Your power?”
“Yes,” he said, shaking his head up and down.
“You’re a silly little boy,” she said, putting him down and walking toward the kitchen.
Quran ran to the couch, picked up his remote control, and continued playing his game.
“Hello, Miss KoKo. We didn’t expect to see you today,” Monique said as she kissed KoKo on the cheek. KoKo faked a smile.
As Monique pulled back, the sight of the large hickey on KoKo’s neck immediately angered her. She quickly turned to the sink and began washing the dishes. “I know you have moved on from my son. I’m a woman and I understand. But I didn’t think you would come to my son’s home with another man’s mark.”
“I’m a grown woman. And if you haven’t realized it, this is my house.”
“You’re right.” she said. Monique chuckled for some reason. Then, with her back facing KoKo she mumbled, “I guess when you know a person’s weakness you can get whatever you want.” Those words shot through KoKo like hot lava. Her hands trembled forcibly.
“Excuse me?” KoKo said, burning a crater in Monique’s back with an intense gaze.
Monique smiled and took a deep breath before turning to face her. “Maybe I misspoke. You and Quran are all I have. I just want the best for you. Kayson would want me to do that for him. You understand?”
KoKo fought to speak through the lump that had now formed in her throat. “Yeah, I understand,” she said, mustering a smirk. Monique began drying the dishes.
“Quran, get your stuff. I want you to go with mommy for a little while,” she shouted. She summoned all the willpower she could in order to not grab a knife and cut Monique’s throat.
“Go with you?” he asked, looking up at her and pulling on her hand.
“Yes, baby. Out with me,” she said, looking at his little face. She used the last bit of kindness inside her to keep her composure.
Quran took off, grabbing his little backpack and stuffing things inside. “What time will you be back? Quran and I have an appointment in the morning,” Monique asked.
“I’ll call you.”
“I’m ready.” He ran up to KoKo all excited. He had been really missing his mom. “Come on, Mommy.” He pulled her hand in his direction.
Monique turned and bent down, placing her hands on her knees. “Come give your grandmother a kiss.” Quran ran to her and threw his arms around her neck. Monique hugged him tight as if it was her last time. “Grandma loves you.”
He pulled back and kissed her cheek. “I know. I’ll be back.” He ran back to KoKo.
She made eye contact with Monique and mentally fought off her killer instinct. She knew that if she didn’t leave now her son would witness his first murder.
Puzzled…
Spring had set in and the leaves were beginning to form on the trees as the budding flowers began to decorate the city. KoKo had been spending everyday with little Quran. It felt good to have him with her. She took him to all the local museums and aquariums, and of course, his favorite, Dave & Buster’s. They had just finished lunch and were driving back to the house when she got a call.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Wells, your chain is ready,” the jeweler said into the phone. She had dropped it off weeks ago after the attempt on her life.
“I’ll be right there.” She hung up and headed to the shop.
Thirty minutes later, she walked into the Cartier jewelry store on 5th Avenue in Manhattan. “You want something, Quran?”
“Yes. I want that, that, and that.” He began pointing at several pieces of jewelry.
“You trying to break my pockets.” She looked down at his smiling little face.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Wells,” the jeweler said in his French accent.
“Good afternoon.”
“My wife is cleaning it. She will be right here.”
“Okay, can I see that little watch for him?” She pointed at the small black men’s Fendi with the diamond face. The jeweler removed it from the case and she tried it on Quran. “I like it. Fit it for him and put it on my bill.” She handed him her American Express card and sat down.
“Here you go.” He handed her a bag with the chain and watch inside.
“I want it,” Quran said, holding out his arm as his little face beamed with joy. She reached in the bag and began placing the watch on his arm.
“You satisfied?” she asked. Quran eagerly shook his head yes.
“Okay, have a nice day,” she said to the jeweler.
“Oh wait!” the jeweler’s wife came from the back.
KoKo turned around.
“The little key.” She came over to the counter holding a little gold key.
“What is this?”
“It was in the medallion,” she replied.
KoKo’s brows folded with curiosity as she reached out for the key. “Thank you,” she said as she held it in her hand. What does this go to? Whatever it went to she was about to find out. She jumped in the car and headed home.
*****
Once KoKo got Quran bathed and fed, she put him to bed. She went to her office and pulled out all the information she collected in her search for her parents’ killer and spread it out on her desk. She went through everything carefully to see if there were any links. Exhausted after a couple hours of poring over the files, KoKo rose from her seat and rolled a blunt. She lit it and sat back down, puffing and staring at the papers. The various conversations she’d had with Nine, Pat, and Tyquan played in her head. The thing that stuck out the most was Tyquan saying, “Open your eyes.” She took another look and realized the signatures on the insurance policies and the one on the checks to the facility where Keisha resided, matched. Then she thought about that key. Shit just wasn’t adding up. She gathered the paperwork, placed it back in the envelope, and headed up stairs.
“Open your eyes,” she repeated as she walked into her bedroom. Then it hit her. Her heart started to race when she thought about Monique coming to the mansion with Quran. She ran to the closet, turned on the light, and began looking through everything. First, she checked the secret drawer that was under the jewelry case. Then she began going through every drawer. She stood in the middle of the closet and looked around. “Think KoKo,” she said aloud.
Just as she turned, her eyes settled on Kayson’s chair. She remembered Monique standing over there when she came in the closet. She moved to the chair and pressed her foot on the rug. KoKo got on her hands and knees and pulled at the corner of the carpet. It began to lift. She pulled back each layer until she saw a gold safe. Reaching in her pocket, she pulled out the key and stuck it in the lock. It cracked. KoKo grabbed the handle and pulled it all the way open. It was filled with stacks of hundred dollar bills. In between two stacks was a brown folder. She grabbed it and opened it up. There it was. The missing piece to the puzzle.
-44-
The Boss is Back
KoKo carefully went through each one of the envelopes she received from all parties involved and possessed all the information she needed to serve justice. She figured she would handle the inner circle first, and then go after the big dog when the drama settled. The last couple of months she had lost a lot of good men. But with what she had learned from Kayson, she was able to build a whole new crew. Everyone was tense, not knowing their fate.
But KoKo was calm, handling shit like a well-groomed puppet master. She called a meeting to make a much-needed announcement.
“Is everyone here?” She looked around the room to take count. She had the new crew on one side and everyone else on the other side. Those who were left after the fallout. In a small section in the opposite corner were Goldie, Chico, and Zori. Seated across from her spot at the table were Night and Aldeen. Aldeen sat there full of pride as he thought that maybe this would be his chance to get back near the top of the throne.
“Okay, we have a lot of business to handle. We’re making huge moves. Goldie and Zori will continue to run the clubs, answering only to me. The men you see on my right will now head each borough. Y’all on my left fall in under them and make them aware of all goings on. Night is still second in charge. All reports go to him. Chico is still in charge of Atlanta. You are to also report to Night. Chucky, you have been bumped up. You are now in charge of the DMV area.”
Aldeen began to move around in his seat. The whole situation appeared to be excluding him, and he could no longer remain silent. “So where do I fit in this picture?”
“Oh, you. We have something very special for you, but I will not be the one giving it to you.”
Aldeen looked over at Night. “What? I gotta take my orders from him again?”
“No, you have to take them from me,” Boa barked as he moved from the shadow by the door.
All the color immediately drained from Aldeen’s face. Boa moved over to KoKo’s side of the table, sat down and stared Aldeen right in the eyes. “What, you ain’t happy to see me?”
“What the fuck? You got this nigga sitting at the head of my brother’s table?” he complained.
“I sit at the head of this muthafucka. And as for your brother, you decided to kill him?” KoKo calmly replied, as her team looked on in shock, ready to make their move.
“You don’t know what the fuck you talking about,” he said, looking over his shoulder.
“I know everything I need to know.” She crossed her legs and sat back.
Night was on edge. He had made a promise that if he found out Aldeen had anything to do with Kayson’s death he would kill him.