It was true; he went through the money fast. He abandoned Anya, but no one took into consideration that he was in severe emotional pain.
Now Anya knew the truth. The lawyer told her today that her father was awarded several million, and it was his idea to put the bulk of the money in a trust fund for Anya.
She learned from the attorney that her mother’s heinous and brutal murder had left her father a distraught man. He was guilt-ridden for not driving her to work as he usually did. The NBA playoffs were in overtime, and he told her to take the car. Her father’s drug habit became an escape from the constant emotional pain.
This was another piece of the puzzle that Anya hadn’t known about.
The sweet revenge of ending Kaymar Crawford’s miserable life had given her great satisfaction for a while. Now the emptiness was back.
I want to get far, far away. Start a new life. Maybe in Trinidad; I can reconnect with my mother’s relatives. Find my roots. Finally get a sense of kinship. But I can’t pick up and go until I find my father. I have to make sure that he’s straight.
And I don’t want to leave without Brick, either. I need him in my life.
Anya was peering at the screen of her iPad when Brick returned to the motel. “Hey!”
He kissed her on the cheek. “I talked to your boy, Cash Money, tonight,” he said. “Caught him creeping out the back door of his mother’s crib.”
“Oh, yeah? Did you get any new information out of him?”
“Sure did.”
“What did he say?”
“He’s terrified of Smash Hitz, but he’s tired of hiding out and looking over his shoulder. He wants that man off his ass. I told Cash Money that I can help him out if he cooperates with me. I asked him to think real hard about all the females Misty had beef with.”
Focusing all her attention on Brick, Anya closed the iPad cover.
“He kept saying he only knew about the tranny. His memory was jogged after I made a few harsh threats. He told me that he remembered seeing a female stripper at the mansion that Smash was renting on the same night that Misty got attacked.”
“Do you really think that a woman attacked Misty?” Anya asked, looking incredulous.
Brick nodded. “I found it hard to believe, too. When she told me that a lone female rolled up in a sports car, got out and beat her with a tire iron, and you know…ran over her.” Brick winced at the mental imagery. “I thought Misty was hallucinating, you know…delirious or something. I’d always figured the perp was a man. I never imagined a female would be out in the middle of the night with the intention to kill. After talking with Cash Money, I found out at least two women had grudges against Misty. But only one was in the Philly area that night.”
Anya shook her head. “Misty’s on the brink of dying, and if by some miracle she survives, her life will be hell on earth. Whoever did that to her needs to suffer.”
Guiltily, Brick looked down; laced his fingers together. “There’s something I need to tell you,” he said. “The reason my wife wants to divorce me… The reason she’s tryna get me locked up…” He looked up, his eyes locked on Anya’s. “I’m the person responsible for Misty’s condition.”
“What do you mean?”
“Misty begged me to help her end her suffering. Even though it was over between us, we still shared a bond. I couldn’t watch her suffer.”
Anya scowled. “What did you do to her?”
“It wasn’t my idea. It was Misty’s. She pleaded with me to help put her out of her misery. She was tired of living inside a body that didn’t function anymore.”
Anya expression softened. She nodded in understanding.
“Misty was paralyzed but she had the partial use of one of her hands. And she had a strong will. Somehow, she managed to store a mixture of pills. Her stash was scattered under the bed.”
“Wow. That took a lot of effort.”
“She was serious about checking out. She asked me to gather up the pills and put ’em in her mouth.” He took a deep breath. “So, I did what she wanted. But instead of slipping into the peaceful death that she wanted, Misty ended up in a coma.”
Anya rubbed Brick’s hand. “You tried, babe. You did what she asked you to do.”
“But her mom… She’s looking at it from a mother’s perspective. And I get that. Believe me, I didn’t want to lose Misty, either, but she claimed she’d seen the other side. She said a better life was waiting for her.”
“Do you believe in life after death?”
“I don’t know, man. Misty believed it, so it doesn’t matter what I think about it.”
“I hope my mother’s in a better place,” Anya mused. “And I hope Kaymar Crawford is rotting in hell,” Anya said with her mouth twisted in hatred. “His partner in crime—Theodore Belgrade—better pray he stays locked up for the rest of his miserable life. If he ever gets paroled…” She shook her head. “He’s gonna end up as rat bait, too.”
Thinking about his situation, Brick zoned out for a moment. “Yo, it’s time for me to make some moves. But I don’t want to leave you in this motel. Maybe you should consider reconnecting with your people in Indiana. That way, I’ll know you’re safe.”
“I wouldn’t feel safe.”
“Why not?”
“I only feel safe when I’m with you.”
“You can’t get involved in this. Dealing with Kaymar was easy; wasn’t nothing to it. But Smash Hitz has a squad he pays to protect him. Touching that man is gonna be complicated. And dangerous.”
“I thought you narrowed the suspects down to a particular female.”
“True. But I don’t how to get to her. The only information I have on this chick is that she works for Smash Hitz.”
“My money came through. I can help you.”
“Nah, I’m good,” he said, although he didn’t know how long his money would last.
“You helped me in so many ways. Let me return the favor, Brick.”
“No! I couldn’t forgive myself if something happened to you.”
“I’ll be all right. We’re good together. Let me help you.” She caressed Brick’s face. “I got your back. You know I do. Besides, I’ve never been to Miami. It could be a working vacation.” Anya gave Brick an alluring smile.
CHAPTER 47
“I was looking at some old blogs and I came across some information,” Anya said.
Brick looked at her curiously.
“You can rule out D.B. Spydah and Baad B as suspects. On the night in question, Baad was big and pregnant and she and Spydah were both at her baby shower—a grand event held in Miami. The photos were splashed all over the internet the next day.”
“Okay. I’m not surprised. I didn’t think they were involved.”
“I also checked Smash’s current concert schedule, to see if we could catch him on the road, but he only has two shows left on his tour.”
“Where?” Brick asked.
“He’s playing in Boston tonight; the final show is tomorrow night at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.”
“It’s too late to get to Boston, but we gotta make the show in Hartford.”
“Suppose he leaves Hartford right after the show?”
“There’s no other choice. It’s not like I have the man’s home address. I gotta get to him the best way I can.”
“Going to Hartford might be a wasted trip, though. Lemme check something else.” Anya perused the iPad screen. Brick waited. “Ah, here we go.”
“Whatchu find?”
“This coming Saturday, Smash Hitz is gonna be making an appearance at a nightclub in Hollywood. We can get a table and bottles in the same VIP section that he’s in.”
Brick grinned. “Wow, you on the ball. Is he gon’ perform at the club? Might as well enjoy his talent one last time.”
“I doubt it. He’s paid to just show up, mingle a little, take a few pictures…have some drinks. The good thing is, a couple of stacks will buy us a table real close to the man.”
“What else
do you get for two G’s?”
“Not that much. You have to pay for bottle service and the liquor is pricey,” she said and chuckled.
“How pricey?”
“Like…three hundred a bottle.”
“Wheeeeew,” Brick uttered, grimacing.
“I know, right? And you have to commit to buying at least two bottles. We’ll get a better table location if we order an impressive amount of bottles in advance.”
“Umph! They robbing mufuckas!”
Anya laughed. “At least we won’t have to worry about making trips to the bar. We’ll have our own personal server throughout the night, mixing our drinks and keeping our table clean. While we’re enjoying the scene, we can keep our eyes on Smash Hitz.”
“Aye, aye. So how much we gon’ need. What we talking altogether?”
“We gotta spend like ballers to get close to Smash Hitz. So you already know we have to come with the money.”
Brick briefly pondered Anya’s words. “Yeah, well, that nigga can expect to get a couple bones crushed for making me blow a bunch of unnecessary dough.”
“Don’t worry, babe, I got this. Money’s not an issue anymore. Remember?”
“This isn’t your problem, Anya.”
“Yes, it is. You helped me and I’m glad I can return the favor. To fit in with Smash Hitz’ crowd, we’re gon’ have to go all out. Flashy jewelry, clothes, and a limo. I gotchu, Brick. Let’s do this!”
Brick took a deep breath and exhaled. He didn’t argue with Anya.
Hoping to get shots of A-list celebrities before they were whisked inside, paparazzi stalked the front and back entrances of the upscale nightspot.
Anya and Brick were both blinged out in luxurious jewelry, and were dressed to impress. Wearing an attention-grabbing cocktail dress that showed off her sexy curves and shapely legs, Anya could easily be mistaken for someone famous. Brick looked extra handsome in an untucked dress shirt and a pair of four-hundred-dollar jeans. Anya noticed the paparazzi trying to figure out who she and Brick were as they exited their limo.
Bouncers closely guarded the velvet rope entrance, where a long line had formed. Having reserved a table, Anya and Brick were on the guest list, and were greeted by a host who escorted them inside the club.
It was still early, but the club was already packed; the music was blasting. The host ushered them past throngs of people, guiding them to the posh section they’d be sharing with rap icon, Smash Hitz.
Settled into soft leather seats, the VIP section was a relaxing and intimate haven away from the chaos. Their table was set up with candles, a bottle of Patrón and a bottle of Belvedere vodka. Also, a colorful assortment of garnishments, juices and soda were arranged on the table.
Glamorous people milled about and Anya noticed numerous famous faces, but there was no sign of Smash Hitz.
“Is that the bull from that new show on Cinemax?” Brick’s eyes darted to the left.
Anya’s eyes went in the direction of Brick’s gaze. She smiled as she recognized one of the hot male stars from Zane’s The Jump Off. “Yup, it sure is,” she said. “That’s one of the frat brothers from Zane’s new show.” Her eyes appreciatively scanned the actor from head to toe.
“You like what you see?” Brick asked.
“He’s a hot piece of chocolate, but he doesn’t excite me the way you do.”
Brick took a sip from his drink, stifling a smile. “Did I tell you how gorgeous you look tonight?”
“Yes, but I don’t mind hearing it again.”
“You look beautiful. This is your element—the kind of lifestyle you could be leading all the time.” He looked down, and then pointed to himself. “A guy like me…I’m just a regular dude. Hand me the remote after work, give me dinner, a few beers every now and then, and I’m good.”
“I wanna fight over the remote and share those dinners and beers with you.”
“But you got money now.”
“So! Money isn’t everything.”
Brick looked around. “Seeing you in this environment is giving me a change of heart about everything. I don’t want you to get involved in this, baby. After I make contact with Smash…if the nigga ever gets here…” He looked around in disgust. “I want you to go back to the hotel, pack up and start all over. Find your family in Trinidad.”
“We’re doing this together, Brick.”
“I screwed up my life; I’m fucked. But you…” He caressed her hand. “It’s not too late to back out of this, Anya.”
Anya shook her head. “I told you…I’m all in.”
Over the loudspeaker, someone announced that Smash Hitz was in the house. There was a big commotion as Smash Hitz and his entourage entered the VIP area.
Anya felt a rush of excitement, smiling like an adoring fan. She grew up listening to Smash’s music and, on one hand, she was excited to see him up close and personal, but on the other hand, she was itching to beat the shit out of him—if that’s what it took to get the information that Brick needed.
Smash’s entourage consisted of six tall, well-built, gorgeous men and three beautiful women. Knowing of the rapper’s predilection for men, she wasn’t sure if his entourage were there to protect him or merely eye candy. Though muscular, the men in the entourage seemed too handsome to be throwing punches. They looked more like male models than bodyguards.
CHAPTER 48
Not wanting to openly stare, Anya and Brick furtively watched Smash Hitz as he shook hands and mingled with the VIP guests. Every step he made, he was flanked by two men on each side.
Anya searched the faces of the two women, trying to decide if either female was actually a transvestite.
“Let’s make a move,” Brick said. Anya and Brick stood and then walked over to Smash Hitz’ table. Using fake names, they introduced themselves to the famous rap artist.
“I can’t believe I’m actually meeting you in person,” Anya gushed.
“It’s an honor, man,” Brick said, graciously. Smash Hitz took in the love, smiled, and then headed for the stage.
Back at their own table, Brick and Anya watched Smash Hitz take the stage performing his latest song. The crowd was going off, reciting Smash Hitz’ lyrics for him. For a moment, Anya and Brick were caught in the music. They swayed and rocked with the crowd until Smash yelled, “Peace,” and then exited the stage.
Instantly, they went into a panic. “I know that nigga ain’t split already,” Brick said as they noticed he didn’t return to his table. “That’s it?” Brick asked in surprise.
“I hope not.”
“He was only here for an hour.” Brick looked down at his new, diamond-encrusted watch. Anya looked over at what was left of his entourage. The women and a few of the men were still sitting there laughing, talking, and drinking.
“He left half of his entourage behind. I’m sure he’s coming back. If not, we’ll get to him through his people.” Anya stood. “I’ll be right back.”
Feeling bolder without the larger than life presence of Smash Hitz, Anya strutted over to his table. “Did Smash leave?” she asked one of the men.
“That’s confidential information,” he said and smiled. The dude’s teeth were even and white; he’d obviously spent a fortune on his smile. He perused Anya and then shot a glance over at Brick. “Is that your man?”
“Yeah, we’re together.”
“Do you party together?”
Anya detected some sort of hidden message, but went along with the conversation. “Oh, we definitely like to party.”
“If you can leave your inhibitions here at the club, both of you are invited to Smash’s private party at a secret location.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit up.
“Give me your number and I’ll text you with the address after I clear it with Smash.”
“Okay.” Anya rattled off the cell number from the disposable phone that she was using while in L.A.
“I’m Bradford, by the way.”
“Hi, my name is Kenya,” she s
aid, using her alias.
“Okay, sweetheart. You’ll hear from me later on tonight.”
Anya sashayed back to her table. “We’re invited to a private party at Smash’s crib. It’s on the hush-hush. That dude I was just talking to is going to text me with the secret location.”
Brick broke into a grin. “That’s what I’m talking about, baby. Now we’re getting somewhere.”
“He instructed us to leave our inhibitions here at the club. I don’t what to expect, but it sounds to me that we should prepare ourselves for something super freaky,” Anya said, looking a little nervous.
“Don’t worry about those freak niggas, baby. I’ll fuck a mufucka up if somebody tries some shit with you. I got something real special in store for that freak, Smash Hitz, but he ain’t gon’ like it.”
Brick rubbed his hands together as he imagined inflicting bodily harm on Smash Hitz and everyone else that was involved in hurting Misty.
When the text came through with the address to the secret location, Brick tipped the limo driver and sent him on his way. He and Anya switched to an inconspicuous rental car, and drove to Malibu.
They parked in front of a mansion, and were met at the gate by a brawny, security dude. “Name?” he asked, stone-faced.
“Kenya and Stone,” Anya replied. Brick noticed the slight tremor in Anya’s voice. He put his arm around her waist, reassuringly.
The guard looked at the screen of his phone. “Okay, you’re on the list. Go ahead,” he said, stepping aside.
Nothing could have prepared Brick or Anya for the bizarre world they walked into.
“What the fuck!” Anya whispered.
“Damn!” Brick muttered.
They both gawked at the two nude men that held trays. Both men were dark complexioned, with close-cut, platinum-colored hair. One wore green contact lenses and the other wore blue. Most startling, however, were their full, jiggling feminine breasts—a stark contrast to their humongous dicks that swung pendulously as they moved about.
“Champagne, Patrón, or Grey Goose?” the green-eyed blonde asked Anya. “My name is Malaysia and I’m your server tonight.”
Brick (Double Dippin') Page 23