“First things first.” Detective Gomez held his hand out. “Keep your hands to your fucking self. We’re not assaulting you, so don’t assault us.”
“You never will,” Money replied. “Get to the business.”
“We have a source that tells us there’s a meeting going down tonight,” Detective Stead blurted out to break the tension. “We want to be on the inside of that meeting.”
“Use your source.” Money took a blunt out of his front pocket and then a handkerchief from his back pocket to wipe his face.
“Our source isn’t invited to the meeting.” Detective Gomez grabbed the blunt from Money’s hand and flung it. “We need you to wear a wire.”
Money shook his head no. “I’m not doing that.”
“You don’t have a choice.” Detective Gomez’s hands started to shake.
“Are you threatening me?” Money asked with a growl.
“I’m tired of being nice to your ass.” Detective Gomez turned Money around by force. “Loon Dixon, you are under arrest for—”
“Wait.” Money moved his hands around as he felt the handcuffs touch them.
“No.” Detective Gomez closed the cuffs around his hands. “I’m tired of asking you to do shit for me. It shouldn’t be this fucking hard.”
“Stop,” Money told his workers before they reacted. “I’ll do it.”
“What did you say?” Detective Gomez made the cuffs tighter around his wrist. “I didn’t hear you.”
“I’ll do it,” Money huffed as the weight of the cuffs lifted from his hands.
“Go inside so they can get you wired up.” Detective Gomez put the cuffs back in the holder. He leaned close to his ear. “No more bullshit. Trust me, I’ll let you rot in a cell while I sleep at night in my comfortable bed.”
“You may want to refrain from threatening me.” Money walked up the ramp. “I’m very revengeful these days.”
“You better not even think about any funny business,” Detective Gomez yelled as Money disappeared through the door. “That stupid motherfucker.”
“Don’t worry about him.” Detective Stead put her hands on the rail and stretched. “Hopefully, we can get everything we need tonight to dismantle this whole fucking operation.”
“Hopefully.” Detective Gomez looked up at the sky. “Because I’m tired of this shit.”
CHAPTER 31
Aphtan parked outside of the restaurant as she watched the entire roster of guests of honor go in one after the other. She scooted down in her seat as Scooter removed himself from the car she’d bought him the Christmas before. Staking out the restaurant for twenty more minutes, she got out of the car when the coast was clear.
Aphtan crossed the street, the heels on her feet complementing the plum-colored dress that hugged her frame. Her hair blew from the soft breeze, and her fragrance trespassed inside the noses of everyone close by.
A van pulled up next to her before one of her heels met the sidewalk. The doors of the van opened as Detective Gomez and Detective Stead stared at her. They motioned for her to get in. She looked around before she reluctantly got inside.
“You look very pretty.” Detective Gomez looked Aphtan up and down.
“That fragrance.” Detective Stead sniffed the air. “What is it?”
“Never going to happen.” Aphtan looked at Detective Gomez. “Something you can’t afford,” she said to Detective Stead. “What are y’all doing in here?” She looked around the van.
“Don’t flatter yourself.” Detective Gomez cut on the small TVs as the inside of the restaurant showed on the screen. “We’re scoping out this meeting.”
“We have everything we need. The last piece of the puzzle would be you.” Detective Stead adjusted the earpiece in her ear.
“What can I do?” Aphtan fanned herself to stop her makeup from running. “I already told you two that I don’t have any information for you.”
“We know that you don’t want your husband involved,” Detective Gomez said as Aphtan held her hands up.
“I don’t give a fuck about Scooter anymore.” Aphtan crossed her arms. “As long as I’m clear, I’ll do whatever.”
“You understand your husband will be in the line of fire.” Detective Stead looked at her partner with confusion.
“Once again,”—Aphtan looked at them simultaneously—“I don’t give a fuck about Scooter these days. Trust me; things are completely different from how they were when you two first approached me.”
“That makes this so much better.” Detective Gomez rubbed his hands together. “First things first—”
“I didn’t hear anything about me being in the clear,” Aphtan cut him off.
“You have our word.” Detective Stead held her pinky finger up.
“Fuck your word.” Aphtan pointed at the notepad on top of the TV. “I want it in writing.”
“In writing?” Detective Gomez grabbed the notepad. “Are you serious?”
“Do you want my help or not?” Aphtan asked.
Aphtan watched Detective Gomez write out a letter saying that she would have immunity in the investigation, considering her cooperation. He dated it, signed it, and handed it to her.
“Let her sign it, too.” Aphtan rejected the paper. Detective Gomez handed the paper to Detective Stead, who signed it and passed it to back to Aphtan. “Okay,”—she looked down at the paper—“what do I need to do?”
“We need you to do one thing.” Detective Gomez looked at the TV monitor. “Money is wearing a wire, and once everyone in the meeting knows of this, all hell will break loose.”
“That dirty motherfucker.” Aphtan thought about the rumors of Money being involved with the police. “I can do that.”
“Make sure you get in and get out. We’re sure bullets will fly. Hopefully they will eliminate each other. We will handle it from there.” Detective Stead opened the door to the van.
“One other thing?” Aphtan stepped out of the van. “Cole Dixon.”
“Yes?” Detective Stead closed the door halfway.
“I don’t want any jail time for him if he gets caught up in this.” Aphtan reached in her clutch and pulled her lipstick out.
“I’ll see what I can do.” Detective Stead shut the door all the way closed.
Aphtan bit her lip as her eyes danced to every corner of the block while she approached the door of the restaurant. It soon became too much; she started pacing rapidly; her breathing and heartbeat began to speed and fill her ears with what-ifs. She found herself biting her lips, but forced herself to stop. It didn’t quite work, as she found herself chewing again a bare minute later, and a cold sweat had broken out between her shoulder blades. She was nervous, all right. She was like an antelope that had wandered inside of a lion’s den by mistake.
Aphtan walked closer to the door as she looked up at the luxurious restaurant sign. The Bliss was the name. Resplendent in white gloves and a tuxedo complete with tails, a hostess greeted her at the door and checked her coat and purse.
After informing the man what party she was there for, he escorted her to the private room. The walk included guiding her by placing her hand gently in the crook of his arm then, efficiently and effortlessly, seating her in a sumptuous plush mahogany chair at the table.
Scooter, Money, Cole, Levi, and the rest of the guests in their expensive garments all looked as Aphtan sat at the end of the table. No one said anything as wine and drink lists were offered; the nightly menu was not only recited but described in detail and appropriate pairings for wines and beers offered from memory. Orders were placed.
No physical menu was offered. Only four to five options were available as it was a chef’s menu, with courses at a very high price, with items like arugula salad for the salad course, followed by an appetizer of baked egg, followed by a crudo course, and then an entrée course such as duck cassoulet, and finally a dessert such as ricotta zeppole, with an after-dinner drink like a rich sweet port wine.
The lights were dimmed. The artful
ly placed candles in the fresh-flower centerpieces provided a soft, sparkling glow over the entire restaurant that gave it a rich, upscale quality that made you want to linger over a bottle of expensive wine.
The ambiance was warm, rich, inviting, and seductive. The artwork was tasteful. The music from the live piano player wasn’t too loud; it was just right. The tables were of a highly varnished and polished dark rich mahogany wood that matched the chairs and exuded wealth and luxury.
The napkins were thick and real linen. The settings were contemporary chic and elegant all at once; made of real china. The silverware was heavy and substantial: luxury for the hand. This was the kind of life Aphtan had become accustomed to as she looked into the eyes of her husband and smiled.
“You look beautiful, Aphtan.” Scooter sipped from his glass as part of her face showed from the dim light cascading over it.
“I know.” Aphtan took a sip.
“What are you doing here?” Scooter turned his wedding band with his thumb. “Who told you about this meeting?” His eyes glared at Levi.
“I didn’t say anything to Mila.” Levi puffed from the cigar in his hand.
“I damn sure didn’t mention it. I mean, hell, I haven’t talked to my own wife in how long?” He looked at Aphtan.
“Not long enough.” She winked at him.
“Let’s discuss this fucking business.” Money hit the table with anger. “Y’all can discuss this mushy married shit later.”
“I agree.” Levi stood up. “As most of you know, Boss is no longer with us. The next in line to run the streets is—”
“Aphtan, of course,” Verna said as she entered the room with a beautiful purple gown on. “Everyone knows when the CEO of a business passes away or is brutally murdered, then the next person to run the business is the firstborn.” She was led to the seat next to Aphtan.
“You can’t be serious.” Levi sat back down. “Aphtan doesn’t know shit about this business.”
“And you do?” Money chuckled. “Levi, you’re a dope boy at best. You’re not a businessman. You don’t have it in you.”
“Levi, don’t embarrass yourself.” Scooter put the cigar to his lips and puffed.
“What are you doing here?” Aphtan leaned in to ask Verna. “You’re a doctor. Why are you getting involved in this?”
“I’m standing in for your father. I’m honoring his wishes. Trust me, Aphtan.” Verna crossed her legs.
“Care to share what’s being discussed at the end of the table?” Scooter held one of his hands up. “Whispering is rude, Aphtan. I thought I taught you that.”
“The only thing you taught me, Scooter, is how much of a liar you are.” Aphtan put her elbows on the table and pointed. “You taught me how weak of a man you are. You hide behind lies for your benefit, because it sure as hell wasn’t for me.”
“Aphtan, when I met you, you were nothing; a nobody. Look at you now. Beautiful, proud, and proper, I did all of that. I made you, bitch, and you have the nerve to talk to me crazy in front of my peers? I should have left your ass in the projects with the roaches. You’re an ungrateful bitch. That’s what you taught me.”
“Watch your mouth, Chris.” Cole put his hand on his gun.
“How can I forget that my baby brother is in love with this woman; my wife. For years, he has wanted my wife.” Scooter looked around the table.
“The want is no longer there.” Aphtan grinned at Scooter as his blood boiled.
“What did you say?” Scooter gripped the edge of the table.
“You heard her, nigga.” Cole pulled his gun out and put it on his lap. “You can drop Aphtan back off at the projects. Just tell me when, though, so I can go scoop her up.”
“Are you fucking my wife?” Scooter stood up and threw his glass against the wall. “Answer me, nigga. You man enough to fuck my wife, then be man enough to say it in my face.”
Cole stood up and walked over to where Scooter was standing. His gun rested in his hand as he opened his mouth and said, “I didn’t fuck your wife. I made love to her.”
Scooter pushed him as hard as he could. “You can have that bitch.” He pointed in Aphtan’s direction. “I hope you two scum ass, trifling bitches be happy together.”
“I’m not going to be too many more bitches.” Aphtan got up from the table as Verna tried to grab her. “You better address me by my fucking name or don’t address me at all.”
“You heard her.” Cole waved the gun around.
“This is some bullshit,” Money’s voice bellowed throughout the room. “Enough of this love triangle shit. Another word of it and I’ll put all three of you sappy motherfuckers six feet under.”
“Money, you shut the fuck up.” Aphtan rushed over to him and slapped him in the face. “After what you put my family through, you better not ever threaten me.”
Money positioned his hand to slap Aphtan as Verna pointed her gun at him, causing him to put his hand down. “I wish you would.” Verna stood up. “I’ll shoot your ass and stitch you up afterwards. Try me.”
“Verna Coffee.” Money looked at her. “You sure this is the life you really want?”
“I know how to make up my mind, Money. Don’t speak to me like I’m your average broad,” Verna spat.
“Aphtan,”—Money looked at her—“I strongly suggest you get out of town.”
“Pop,”—Scooter walked toward him—“don’t talk to her like that. I’ll handle Aphtan.”
“Don’t defend me, motherfucker.” Aphtan slapped Money again. “I told you to stop threatening me, Money.”
Scooter rushed and grabbed Money to hold him back as he tried to get to Aphtan. “Bitch, I’ll kill you. You’ll be in the ground just like your fucking parents.”
“Shut your punk ass up.” Aphtan pointed at her chest as she looked around the room. “I’m sure you’re all here to discuss business. If I were you, I’d keep my mouth closed. Somebody in this room is wearing a wire.”
Frivolous chatter erupted from the mouths of the other drug lords around the table. Their workers that stood behind them all put their hands on the guns at their waist. They were ready for whatever happened next. Loyalty had flown out of the window as those words left Aphtan’s mouth.
“It isn’t me.” Levi puffed from his cigar, still upset about his request being laughed at.
Cole held his hands up. “It ain’t me.”
“Sure the fuck isn’t me.” Scooter released his grip on Money as he looked at him. His facial expression changed before his eyes. “Pop?” He felt the wire through his shirt. “Get the fuck out of here.” Scooter took two guns out of his waist, turned around, and started shooting.
Aphtan fell to the ground as bullets flew in every direction possible. She crawled as the gunfire intensified. Her dress got stuck on the leg of the table, and she ripped it to release its hold. She kept going, not knowing who had been shot or not. Her heart felt like it was on a pogo stick. For the first time in her life, she feared for herself.
Aphtan watched Money reach out, latching onto the barrel of the gun, too late to do anything. She could tell he was in shock from the look on his face. Then she saw clear white smoke and looked up at the pistol that was smoking in his weakened hands.
As his face changed, Aphtan knew he finally felt the pain. He grabbed his shoulder as if a jabbering pain almost like a hammer thudded aimlessly with enough force to make it a reality. And below that, a river of crimson ran from the blazer he’d just bought only a day ago. It was blood. He’d been shot.
Scooter’s face changed in an instant as if his heart ached in a new way. His father bleeding out in front of him was something Aphtan wished he didn’t see. He continued to shoot as he tried to make his way to his dying father’s side. The sympathy she felt for him changed as Scooter pointed his gun at her and shot, but missed. She continued crawling, using the door to get up.
Aphtan’s eyes slowly pierced into Scooter’s, the love she had for him completely turning into hate. Never in a million year
s would she have thought Scooter would shoot at her, let alone try to kill her. She could see some regret mixed with remorse on his face, yet the damage was done.
“Go.” Verna ran behind her, opened the door, and pushed her through it. “Let’s get out of here.”
“What about Cole?” Aphtan looked back at the door as they paced through the upscale restaurant.
“He’s a big boy, Aphtan,” Verna reminded her as they exited the restaurant. “Come on.” She pulled Aphtan by her dress as a black car pulled in front of them on the street.
Aphtan got inside the car with Verna following, with Cole on her mind. She prayed he was okay. There was no telling what Scooter was going to do to him. Better yet, there was no telling what he was going to do to her. She could tell he blamed her for Money getting shot. Things were an eye for an eye from now on.
CHAPTER 32
Scooter rushed over to Money as the room cleared. Bodies filled the floor as fabric and other things floated in the air due to being shot. Scooter shook Money’s body, but he didn’t move. He kept shaking him, with little hope; deep down he knew he was gone.
Scooter watched the man who shared his DNA. He had always wondered how he’d feel if the day ever came, and now that it was here, he felt like a piece of him had disappeared. A big portion of him felt enraged by his death. A larger portion of him was more concerned about Aphtan.
“Did you get hit?” Scooter stood up after closing Money’s eyes and looked at Cole. “Are you good?”
“I’m good.” Cole walked over to Scooter and stood next to him. “What are you going to do with Pop’s body?”
“Call the cleanup man.” Scooter turned over the table. “Fuck.”
“Calm down.” Cole continued to look at Money’s body. “You can’t change this, so let’s not lose our heads right now.”
“Our?” He turned around and looked at Cole. “You don’t give a fuck about Pop. You never have. All you care about is Aphtan, and look what the fuck she did.”
“She didn’t shoot him.”
“She might as well have,” Scooter screamed as he balled his fist.
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