“I want two twenty-bags till next week, Devlin.”
“I ain’t let you hold a nada without the dollar?”
The man eyeballed Devlin and backed away. He put his hand in his jacket and laughed. Devlin took a few steps backward, bumping into people when he saw the gun. His gun was in the car.
“Get the fuck out of my way!” Devlin yelled pushing people out of his way.
He headed for the car. Shots popped off and sparked against a wall next to him.
“Gimme them bags, Devlin, fore I kill yo ass!”
People standing around on Lenox started running in every direction. The man popped a chick in her back. Devlin got low and ran harder banging his knee on the bumper of a parked SUV. He zig-zagged through people. He passed by his ride. Devlin was a few feet ahead of it when the shooter posted up on the street side of a parked car. Vanessa saw Devlin and was happy.
“You’re finally back,” she said opening the car door.
“Vanessa, stay in the car! Please!”
The shooter popped one off when Devlin was three steps away. Vanessa screamed.
Devlin waited to hit the concrete but it didn’t happen so fast. He didn’t know it then, but the shot bounced off the concrete and sliced trough the meaty part of his calf muscle. He fell to the street. Adrenalin made him get back up off the pavement to save Vanessa.
“Vanessa!” Devlin screamed and jumped at her using his body to shield hers.
He wrapped her in his arms and rolled on the concrete banging his head on a hubcap. Devlin was dizzy and powerless. When he looked up, the shooter was running away.
Vanessa felt lifeless in his arms. Pounding his fist in the street, Devlin cried and begged anyone to call an ambulance. Those diamonds and that ride of his didn’t mean so much anymore.
Devlin rocked her a few times and prayed. It was the first time in a long time he had prayed. He kept asking her how she felt but she wouldn’t say anything. Devlin patted her down looking for a bullet wound. He found one. Her blood soaked his jeans. It was horrific. He heard the sirens and dumped all the rocks he had on him before the police arrived.
At the hospital, the doctors worked on Devlin’s leg while he worried about his sister. They told him they’d update him as soon as they got the latest word on her condition. He was in the dark, depressing hospital for a day. There was a nasty ammonia smell that made him sick. After the drugs wore off, they allowed him to use a walker to get over to Vanessa’s room. Right before stepping inside a doctor explained her condition.
“She has a partially severed spine, Devlin. She cannot move and is heavily sedated right now. If she reacts, we don’t want her to get excited. Speak to her softly. You can’t touch her just yet. You got it?”
“Yeah, I’m ready. Let me in there.”
She looked miserable. There were all kinds of machines around her pumping, beating and bleeping. Devlin stroked her forearm.
“It’s your brother. It’ll be okay, little one. The doctor’s are taking good care of you. You’ll be out of here in no time.”
She flinched but her eyes stayed shut.
Devlin laid low until Vanessa healed. He didn’t sell a single bag for about two months. Rico understood. Time passed and hope faded. It didn’t appear she’d ever walk again. She’d never dance. No more roller coasters for Devlin’s little sister.
Devlin hurled the wide-body Benz into traffic. He glanced at his reflection in the rearview mirror. Devlin had longer money than any of his friends and could get any chick but Shawna Reid, a self-made rich bitch, stuck. She was just what he needed. Devlin floored the Benz on the Cross Bronx Expressway, smiled and dialed.
“Shawna! Whaddup, girl! You ridin’ wit me today, so put on your Friday’s nastiest and meet me downstairs in twenty minutes.”
“Nigga, the last time I checked you weren’t the one who fucked and came in my mother twenty one years ago.”
He hit the steering wheel laughing.
“I know you know I’m the shit D. That’s probably why you constantly rubbing up on my property whenever you see me. Ain’t you…? You perverted ass street nigga.”
“Better be downstairs when I call you again. No need for you to wear any panties today, ya heard me?”
“Whatever…Just hurry ya ass up. My schedule is kinda tight, just like the stuff you like, OK?”
Devlin thought about what Shawna said and called her back.
“Change of plans. I’m coming upstairs. Open the door for me.” He said then hung up before she could answer.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THINGS FALL APART
“What was up with last night?”
“I drank a little too much and passed out,” I said, lying. Eric and I had hit a strip club. We only spent an hour pimping dollar dances.
“Why are you always doing this to me, J?”
Bria and I were entering a Jamaican restaurant on Amsterdam. She was about to put me through the ringer. She looked so beautiful with this fresh pattern a braids I couldn’t name and a denim zip-up suit. A pair of sand-brown high-heels, she was matching perfectly. She should’ve known not to come out the house wearing that. Her apple-bottom was on full display and shaking all over the place. I’d address that after she dug into me about being late and not calling. I sat down at the table and she served me the ice-cold grill.
“What do you want to eat?” I asked. She saw through my game.
“I’m not hungry,” she said sternly. I knew I was in trouble.
“Give me a break, Bria.” I slid into her side of the table and caressed her. “Don’t we spend tons of quality time together?” I whispered in her ear.
“Not really. I don’t think a party here and there and the movies once a month is quality time. I want to do something different, Jaden. When are we gonna do something new for a change, like take a road trip or sump’n?”
“Baby, I don’t have the cream for that right now. But I’m hustling hard to get it. Be patient.”
She sucked her teeth, turned away and locked her eyes on a hot Lexus convertible as it rolled up to a red light right in front of the spot. It was Will, another hustler who used to attend our school. He was expelled in our sophomore year. Will returned pitching trees at school. It was like he never left. I was a little worried when my true love smiled at him.
“Why are you playing me like that?”
Bria sucked her teeth again. Will had the nerve to signal for her to call him, before peeling off. I was pissed.
“Yo, why’s Will doing that…? You have his number?”
“Yes, I have his number, and so what, Jaden?”
I got heated and leaned toward her.
“What did you just say?” I asked, getting louder every second.
“You heard me correct, J. I didn’t stutter.” She jerked her neck to focus on me and twisted her lips. “He just happened to pass by when I was on my stoop in front of my building and we talked. That was around the time when you were supposed to call me but you had better things to do. Didn’t you, Jaden?”
That cut me deep. I never imagined my dream girl could ever run with another dude.
“When….When did you start acting brand new? I mean, that’s one night that I didn’t get back to you on time,” I said standing.
Heads turned to us and I hoped she’d quiet down but she got up out of her seat, put her hands on her hips, whipped her hair back.
“I know what you’re trying to do here, Jaden. Clown in front of all these people so I can tell you to calm down and that we’ll work things out. But that shit ain’t happening today,” she said poking her finger into my forehead. “You need to grow up!”
Bria grabbed her bag and left. I had too much pride and didn’t chase her. I had to leave before I was forced to hurt one of these patrons laughing at me.
I called Eric to find out who had the green, then power-walked up the hill to my spot. Eric’s connect showed up right on time with major pillows. I headed to the roof of the building. Sitting ne
xt to the door, I watched the sky and wondered why all my opportunities were being taken away. Maybe I was too proud. I could’ve been more humble. Inspire more kids to look for the right path. I twisted, lit up and took a huge drag. My phone started to ring.
“What’s up, Bria?”
“Nothing, I just wanted to tell you that I’m thinking about ah... going out with Will.”
“What? You’ve got to be kidding… Right?”
“I’ve been thinking about it. You can’t blame me, can you?”
“Hell yeah, I’m a blame you. Will ain’t nothing but a wanna-be.”
“Your history isn’t so clean either and that’s real talk.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
LIFE WITHOUT HIM
“So what did he say girl? I know he’s fittin’ to kick Will’s ass?” Veronica called Bria and asked.
“Nope. He was more hurt than angry. It sounded like a good idea when we talked about me telling him what was really good a few days ago, Veronica. It sure don’t feel good now. I think I really hurt his feelings.”
“So what, bitch! All he cares about is running with his friends. Will’s a hustla and might be locked the fuck up tomorrow but at least he fattening your bank account. Oh, I know you not even trying to get at Jaden. Are you?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about him a lot. You know I’ve been hanging with Will for a couple weeks now. All we did was kiss. Only once. Just a peck.”
“Now I know you lying.”
“Why I gotta be?”
Then Veronica had her sister call and inform me on Bria’s running. I didn’t want to believe it was real. I wanted to hang up but couldn’t.
Bria was ravishing in a snug pair of jeans and sexy black halter top.
“And just where do you think you’re goin’, Bria?” Her mother asked.
“I’m going out on a date.” Bria answered.
Later, Will scooped her in his Lexus SC320 with no bra.
“Do you wanna hit the highway and get the breeze going through that hair, baby doll? Maybe stunt a little bit on Broadway?”
“Nah, let’s just go get something to eat.”
“Hold on, sweetness.” He pulled out his cell phone the second it started ringing. “Sup? Yeah, yeah, tell him to hit up my connect for three more. He moving it like hot cakes, so I can trust him with that much…”
They headed to Justin’s. On the way, Will was hardly ever off his cell phone. He was dropping dough on her and took her shopping twice. Bria thought he was an ass.
Things got worse on one of their dates. With all the local hoochies floating by, Will couldn’t keep his head straight. Then he ordered food without even asking her what she wanted. It was strike three. Bria excused herself to go to the ladies’ room and called me.
“What’s good, Bria! It’s been a while.”
“Yeah, maybe I was a little rough on you last time, J.”
“Maybe? Huh. You was out for blood, if you ask me. You know, it takes a while for a dude to recover after you done clowned him in front of everyone in that Jamaican spot.”
“Please, J, ain’t nobody know you in there.”
“So am I gonna see you soon?”
Bria opened the door and poked her head out. Will was chatting to a chick at another table.
“Oh, you’ll see me sooner than you think. I’ll call you later, all right?”
“I’ll be waiting.” I laughed.
“I know, stupid.” Bria walked back to the table.
After going on and on about making more money, Will noticed that his talking was not impressing Bria.
“What’s wrong, Bria? Is it the food or sump’n?”
“Take me home, Will. I don’t feel too good.”
Fifteen minutes later they were on the road. He put his hand on her thigh. Bria pushed Will’s hand away. He did it again and she slapped his hand.
“You need to keep your hands to yourself, Will.”
“It seems like all I’ve been doing is keeping my hands to myself. I mean, it’s been what, two weeks and we haven’t done anything but hold each other and kiss and shit. I ain’t good enough for nothing but cuddling and what-not?”
“Apparently you got the game twisted. I don’t just go throwing my stuff around like all them skeezers you be messing with.”
He kept feeling on her legs. Bria had enough and told him to pull over so she could get out. She walked past his door and he grabbed her arm.
“You gonna walk from here? That’s like fifteen blocks, Bria. Come on, keep it real. You ain’t trying to walk that whole way in them sexy little heels.”
“Get off me, Will!”
“Girl, don’t be getting loud with me!”
When he wouldn’t let go, fire lit in her eyes before she slapped him. He threw the hazards on, put the car in park and hopped out like a jungle cat.
“You know I’m not the type to…”
“Hit a chick?! You could’ve fooled me the way you twisted my wrist.”
“I knew you was a stuck-up bitch, acting like your shit don’t stink.”
Two days later, Veronica and Bria were at the Rucker. Bria was trying to get her mind off relationship problems. They were sitting in the bleachers checking out guys. This cute stocky one with a baldy smiled at Bria and looked away. He looked familiar.
“What’s up ladies?” He greeted.
“Hi,” they both said.
“I gotta admit that you had my eye.”
“Where do I know you from?” Bria asked.
“School, I’m on the squad with Jaden. I seen y’all around. All right. Nice meeting you.” He walked away.
“It’s like everybody knows about you and J.”
Bria sucked her teeth pretending to be mad but she knew Veronica was right. Smack That by Akon blared through Veronica’s cell phone.
Veronica and Bria danced to the ring-tone.
“Girl, stop it, I gotta answer the phone. I done missed the call cause you being so silly.” She called the number back. “Are you serious? All right. I understand. I’ll be there in 20 minutes. Bye,” she hung up then said, “I gotta go, Bria. I gotta baby-sit my nephew for a couple of hours.”
“Cool, call me later.”
She left and Bria lay back on the rafters watching the guys shoot hoops. After a while Bria got hungry and headed for a pizzeria up the block. On the way a chick bumped into her so hard that she damn-near made her spin.
Bria turned around and stared at the chick dressed in a snug blouse with her back exposed, Capri pants and high-heels.
“I think ‘excuse me’ are the words you trying to get out of your mouth!”
She threw her hands on her hips like she was posing for a picture. Bria stepped up closer to her and realized how much bigger the girl was. She was top-heavy with about a half-foot on her. There was a pound of fake-ass hair on top of her head. She wore too much makeup.
“Look, bitch, you gonna apologize, or I’m a have to lay your little cute ass out,” she said.
“Oh so you think I’m cute, huh? That makes sense. You look like a dyke, bitch.”
Her hand reached for Bria’s throat. Bria slapped her fist across the girls weave causing her to stumble but she had a grip on Bria’s neck. They danced around for a good minute. The guys cheered. Bria grabbed the girl’s top and yanked hard ripping it open. She held Bria tight while trying to hide her tits. The crowd swarmed around and boys had cheap feels when the girls tumbled into them.
“Get the hell off me, bitch!” Bria screamed.
Two minutes in, they were swinging and ripping each other’s clothes apart. All who were in the park had their eyes on the girls. She grabbed Bria’s hair and forced her to bend over. Then she tried kneeing her in the face, but Bria covered her face and raked her fingers against the girl’s face. She started swinging Bria around. Finally, Bria hit her with a punch to the throat and broke free. Bria squeezed the girl’s face with her nails and scratched her.
“Bitch, you scratched my face! I�
��m gonna kill your ass now!”
“That bitch got a knife!” Somebody in the crowd screamed.
Bria backed up. She watched the girl flip the knife open and charged. Bria dodged behind a parked car trying to lose her. The girl was too fast. She grabbed Bria’s hair and yanked her back. Bria panicked. She rolled away toward the gutter and reached for a bottle. She took too long and let out a scream when the tip of the knife made contact with her hip. She kicked the girl’s arm before the knife went deeper.
Blood ran down from Bria’s side. She put her foot to the girl’s belly and pushed her back. The girl slipped and fell on her ass. She got back up and tried to stab Bria again. Bria got a firm grip on the bottle and swung for her face and missed. Bria got close and slammed the bottle into the girl’s elbow. She shrieked in pain. She dropped down to one knee and Bria promptly smashed the bottom of the bottle against the curb and dragged herself over to the girl. A crowd urged her on.
“Kill that slut bitch, Bria!”
“She would’ve killed your ass!”
“Bria don’t!” It was a familiar voice.
“Bitch, you gonna wish you killed me,” she said.
Bria whirled to see who it was and the girl sliced her across the wrist with the knife. She squealed in a high pitched tone and buckled to the concrete, watching her blood trickle. The girl with the knife took off limping. Cops sirens got close as Veronica ran to her. Everyone had scattered by then. Veronica helped her to get behind a van a few yards away and waited. All that was left in the park was a broken 40-ounce bottle and puddles of blood. Bria spent the rest of the night trying to figure out why she was attacked.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
PARTNERS IN CRIME
That night Nick told me he stuck up an out-of-towner. It was good news but people knew them and the brave broad daylight stick-up got sloppy. Cops were laying the hammer down on everybody. We called it summer roundup.
Hustle Hard Page 6