The Bitch is Back

by Deja King

  "I hate that motherfucker! I can't believe he played me like that," Maya belted, slamming the car door before I even had a chance to get out. She had been calling Clip every name in the book from the time we left their condo until coming back to my crib. The curse words flowed and I didn't interrupt once. I remember how heated I was when I found out Nico had cheated on me with that troll, Porscha. It was years ago, but it remained fresh in my mind. It don't matter how many relationships follow, nothing is more painful than when your first love breaks your heart. Everybody handles their pain differently. My revenge was making sure my man got put under the jail cell, so if Maya wanted to bash her man's name, that was harmless to me. "Mrs. Mills, will you need me anymore today or this evening?" Devon asked as I was getting out. "I doubt it. But if I do, I'm sure I'll manage without you, thanks." There was something about Devon that I wasn't feeling. He was so damn polite and professional for one, and many would call that a good thing, but it seemed contrived to me. But maybe those were traits Supreme was looking for in his workers, I thought to myself as I watched Maya rambling on, waiting for me in front of the double doors. "Precious, I wanna go back to my place and fuck Clip and his hoochie up. I didn't have a chance to pounce on them long enough," Maya complained as I opened the door. "Child, please. You did plenty of damage. You knocked Destiny on her ass and probably gave her a concussion, banging her head like that. Then slapped the shit out of Clip, and more importantly, left his ass. That's the best punishment right there." "I guess, but what if he wife that chick and move her in the crib and shit?" "That is highly unlikely, but if he do, that shit ain't gon' last no way. Trust, either she will fuck around on him or she'll come home just like you did and find him waxing another ho. This shit don't start nor end with you." While Maya soaked up what I said as we stood in the foyer, all she could do was scream for the hundredth time, "I hate Clip!" "What the hell has Clip done now?" Supreme asked as he came down the hall. "Don't get her started," I said, shaking my head. "No, let me start. Supreme needs to know how trifling his artist is." "Forget I asked. That's between you and Clip." It was too late for Supreme to back out now. Maya wanted to share her misery with everybody." I came home, and Clip was in bed with that nasty skank from his music video." "What? Who was it?" "That trick, Destiny, that's who." "I can't believe that. Clip wouldn't do no disrespectful shit like that," Supreme said, trying to defend his artist. "It's true." "Why, because Maya said so?" "No, because I was there." "Supreme, I wouldn't lie about no shit like that anyway. Why would I want to lie on my man's dick?" "I'm not saying that. You know how women can sometimes exaggerate shit and make something out of nothing. They could've been sitting down on the couch having an innocent conversation, but ya will twist that and say they fucked around and made some babies together." "Supreme, if I hadn't seen this shit with my own eyes I might ride with you, but it's all true." "You was a witness?" Supreme's mouth slightly opened showing his surprise "Yep, I actually peeped it first and tried to get Maya out the apartment so she wouldn't flip out, but obviously that didn't work." "Damn, I would never think Clip would be so careless. Why would he bring some other broad to your crib and fuck her in your bed? He outta pocket with that. I never pegged Clip with being sloppy." "I know what you mean, because when I saw Destiny coming out of his room yesterday at the video set I was straight tripping." "You caught him with that ho yesterday and didn't tell me?" Maya was twisting her neck and waving her hands like she was ready to slap the shit out of me, but she knew better. "I didn't technically catch him doing shit. Destiny was coming out of his room and she was fixing herself up looking extra suspect. I confronted Clip about it but, he swore there was nothing shady going down." "Still, why didn't you tell me?" "He asked me not to. He said you had been feeling insecure lately and all this would do is get you extra paranoid. I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt, but unfortunately I was wrong. He played me with a lie and I believed him. I'm sorry, Maya." "It's not your fault. Obviously don't none of us know him as well as we thought. I feel fucked up in the game. I don't know what I'm going to do now." "Maya, you can stay with me and Supreme as long as you like, right Supreme?" I caught the grimace on his face, but he knew how close Maya was to me and wouldn't turn her away. "Of course, you can stay as long as you like." "I appreciate that. With my brother out of my life and my mother making random appearances, you guys are the only family I got. Thank you both so much." Maya gave me and Supreme a hug. My heart went out to her. She always compared herself to Supreme and me and assumed she and Clip would end up married with child. Today that dream was shattered in the worst possible way. "It's all love. I need to speak with Supreme, so get comfortable. Pick out whichever room you want to stay in and I'll be up shortly." "Okay, thanks again." Supreme and I watched as Maya headed upstairs. "So, what's up?" "Mike called me today." "What did he say?" "He admitted to setting up that shooting yesterday, but said he wasn't trying to kill me but sending a message." "What kind of message?" "That he can take me down anytime he wants. He also put Aaliyah on the phone." "Yo, I can't wait to kill that nigga," Supreme said, pacing the floor. "Did he say anything else?" "Yes, something that makes me believe whoever is helping him runs in our circle." "What the fuck was that?" Supreme stopped in his tracks, raising an eyebrow. "He knew my Bentley that was shot up was a Christmas gift from you. I didn't want to ask in front of Maya, but do you think Clip could be helping him?" "It's one thing to be fucking around on your girl, but another to line yourself with the enemy. I know Clip, he would never do no shit like that." "You didn't think he would be sloppy enough to fuck another female in the crib he shares with Maya, but he did." Supreme put his hand over his mouth and started rubbing his chin as if in deep thought. "No, Clip's my man, but beyond that he's making serious bread because of me. He wouldn't jeopardize his career, money and fame for what, to help Mike? I can't see that." "Remember, he worked for Mike. When the world thought you were dead, Mike was molding Clip to take your spot as the king of this rap game. Maybe the loyalty is still there." "Clip helping out Mike, that would be some foul shit!" Supreme bawled, unable to control his anger. "Keep your voice down. You don't want Maya to hear you." "I already did," she said, standing on top of the stairs. "What Clip did to me was fucked up, but he would never stab Supreme in the back like that. Clip idolizes Supreme." "I don't want to believe its Clip. But some shit ain't adding up. A few weeks ago you told me that Clip was getting weird phone calls, somebody hanging up when you answered. Then thousands of dollars was being unaccounted for." "Yeah, and I also said I thought it was because he was cheating on me, and come to find out, he is." "That's true, but it can also be him holding down the Mike situation." "Precious, you're making a serious accusation. Nobody can be more pissed at Clip than me, but to help my brother kidnap Aaliyah and escape from jail would make him a monster just like Mike. I can't believe that." "Supreme, what do you think?" I wanted to know my husband's thoughts. "I agree with Maya, but I could be wrong and I'm not taking any chances. I'll have a couple of my men watching his every move. If I find out its true-I put this on my life-I'll kill him with my own hands." A few days had passed since the whole Clip incident went down, and the household seemed to be in a funk. Maya was moping around missing her boo, and Supreme was frustrated not knowing if Clip was a soldier or a snake. He had decided to put distance between himself and Clip until he could get the answer. I, on the other hand, was never close to Clip, so if he turned out to be the culprit, then I say torture his ass until he came clean about Mike's whereabouts, then throw him in the ocean. The shit was real simple to me, but I understood that there were emotions running deep on both Maya and Supreme's ends. That's why after I said my peace I decided to fall back, because there was also a chance I could be wrong. The only thing I knew for sure was that Mike had somebody on the inside helping him out, and with Clip's slimy behavior towards Maya, I felt he was capable of anything. "Maya, I have to go out and get a few things. Do you want to come with me?" Maya was sitting on the bed in one of the guest bedroom
s, watching television. She had been in that same position since she got here, and I was hoping to pull her out of her darkness. "No, I'ma stay in today. I'm tired." "You've been tired for the last couple of days. Being depressed over Clip ain't gonna help your cause." "Damn, Precious, I need some time," Maya countered, rolling her eyes at me. "Time to what?" "To get over what happened to me. I was-make that, I'm in love with Clip. You might be able to get over your man just like that," Maya snapped her fingers, "But I can't. Although I wish I was, I'm not like you. I can't be strong and pretend that my heart isn't broken. I want to move on, but I miss Clip." "I understand, I really do. Take as much time as you need. I'll stop pushing you. But if you need me while I'm out, hit me on my cell." "Precious!" I heard Maya call out as I was shutting her door to leave. "Yeah?" "Sorry for snapping at you. It isn't your fault that Clip dogged me out for some video chick. I'm hurt, and he hasn't even called me begging to take him back. It's like he don't care that I left." "He's playing hard, hoping you'll call first. It doesn't mean he don't care." "Yeah right. Or maybe he been seeing that Destiny girl for a minute and he's happy I'm gone so they can play house." Tears were now trickling down Maya's face and she held on tightly to her pillow. I went and sat down on the bed next to her. "Don't do this to yourself, Maya. Clip doesn't deserve you, and trust me, its better you get rid of his sorry ass now. Imagine if you had kids with dude and you walked in on some shit like that. You're young, smart and gorgeous; you have your whole life ahead of you. Fuck Clip. After we bring Aaliyah home, I promise finding his replacement will be next on my agenda." "You mean that?" "Yes, I'll find you your very own Supreme." "But there's only one Supreme." "True, good point. I'll find you the next best thing." "Deal," Maya said with a wide smile on her face. It was good to see her with some sort of spark. I was becoming afraid that Clip had erased that for good. "You sure you don't want to come out with me?" "Not today. I do need some time, but maybe tomorrow." "Alright, I'll check up on you when I get back." When I left Maya's room, part of me did hope that Clip was responsible for helping Mike so Supreme could kill him and he'd be out of all of our lives. I hated seeing Maya in so much pain, and I wanted Clip to pay for her suffering. As I walked down the stairs, I visualized all the different ways Supreme could murder Clip, until those visions were interrupted by seeing Supreme speaking with Devon. "You can pull the car around Precious will be out shortly." "I'll do that now," Devon responded, heading towards the five car garage. Supreme made his exit to his office and I was right behind him. "Supreme, I don't need Devon driving me around," I said, closing the door behind me. I sat down on the chair in front of Supreme's desk wanting his full attention. "How can that come out your mouth with all the shit that's going on right now?" Supreme stated as he stood behind his desk, fumbling through papers. "Yeah, that's true but..." "But what? Are you worried Devon ain't qualified? Because I do a thorough background check on all my staff, so you in safe hands." "It's not that." "Then what is it?" "I know shit is hectic, but I'm grown. I don't need a damn chaperone." "I understand you like to be on your own program, but you not in Brooklyn no more, Precious." "What you tryna say?" "I said it. I know you a hood chick. I'm from the hood too, but it's time to leave that behind. We have to be more cautious with how we handle our business. You going out there following your own program can put your life and Aaliyah's in even more jeopardy. You feel me?" "I do." "Good. Where's Maya? She ain't going out with you." "No, the Clip situation still got her fucked up." "He keeps on calling me. I know he thinks I ain't fucking with him because of Maya." "So what are you going to do?" "Wait a few more days and see what my people come up with." "Any luck so far?" "Not on Clip, but they might have caught a break with Donnell." "Really? What is it?" "I'm waiting for my people to hit me back with the in formation. But the moment I hear something I'll call you." "You promise." "Yes, you got my word on that," Supreme said, giving me an open mouthed kiss. Affection was coming few and far between with my husband lately, but when I got a little taste I ate it up. "Now do what you gotta do and I'll see you later on." Supreme patted me on my ass as I was leaving. When I got out front, Devon was waiting patiently in the car. Right when my hips got comfortable in the soft leather interior seat, I realized I didn't have my cell phone. Supreme said he would call me if he got any new information about Donnell, and plus, I always felt susceptible without my line of communication. "Devon, I forgot something. I'll be right back." I fidgeted with my keys, annoyed I had left my cell. I tried to remember where I had it last, and Supreme's office popped in my head. When I entered the house it was eerily quiet. I called out Supreme's name but got no answer. I went to his office and the door was ajar. I peeped my head inside before walking in, but surprisingly he wasn't there. I noticed my cell on top of his desk right in front of the chair I was sitting in. I hurried in to retrieve it, and from the corner of my eye what looked to be a picture captured my attention. Only half of it was showing because it was under a bunch of papers that I assumed Supreme had been rummaging through earlier. I turned my head around to make sure no one was coming before going on the other side of the desk to be nosey. The paperwork appeared to be an outline of different marketing proposals for some of his label's upcoming projects. It all seemed like unimportant bullshit until I laid eyes on the photos. There were about ten of them, and each contained a picture of the same individual. "Why in the hell does Supreme have all these pictures of Nico?" I asked myself out loud. They were obviously taken by a private investigator, and it had the date and time on each photo. "These were taken yesterday." I couldn't tell the location, but it seemed to be a major city. Some pictures had Nico coming out of a corner store, another him sitting down at a restaurant, a few more with him entering and leaving what might have been an apartment building. My heart dropped as I stared at the recent photos of Nico. His whereabouts were heavy on my mind, and here he was. Knowing this wasn't the time to start reminiscing, I put everything back where I found it, grabbed my phone and left out the house. "Did you get what you needed?" Devon asked when I got back in the car. "Yes, you can go." "What's the first stop?" "Head to Beverly Boulevard and drop me off at The Beverly Center." I was completely puzzled as to why Supreme had photos of Nico, but I knew it added up to trouble. Supreme and I hadn't spoken about Nico in over a year, and to discover he had someone watching him sent my brain into overdrive. I started delving deep within my memory to recall the last conversation I had with Supreme where Nico was the topic. The only thing I could recall was when I told him that I wasn't going to cooperate with the police on the attempted murder charge against Nico for shooting me. I took it too far for setting him up on a double murder charge, and his retaliation to take out my life made us even. Besides that, I explained that Nico was willing to take a bullet on my behalf when Nina tried to murder me, so now both our slates were clean. Supreme seemed to understand and even cosigned on my decision, but maybe that was a complete sham. Regardless, I had to speak with Nico and at least give him a heads up, but first I had to find him. "We're here," Devon said, snapping me out of my thoughts as the car rested in front of the mammoth, eightstory behemoth of a building known as The Beverly Center. The shopping mall itself occupies only the upper three stories of the structure, but the lower five levels consisted of restaurants and other bullshit that tourists enjoy. I picked this spot because it was busy and nobody could really track my moves or hear my conversation. I would blend in with the other thousands ofmotherfuckers. "I'll call you when I'm on my way out," I said, rushing out, not waiting for Devon to open my door or hear his reply. I took the wavy Plexiglas tube escalators, which snake up the sides to the rooftop outdoor dining patio. When I sat down I clipped on my Bluetooth and got to dialing. "What's good?" Ricky answered. "What up, Ricky? It's me, Precious." "I was waiting to hear from you. How did everything turn out with that information?" "My husband's working on it. Hopefully we'll have some news soon, but I'm calling you about something else." "I'm listening." "I need you to locate someone for me. His name is Nico Carter." "Nico... Nico
Carter..." Ricky took a pregnant pause. "That's one of Brooklyn's finest." "No doubt, and I need to find him, like yesterday." "You don't wish him any harm, do you?" I could hear reluctance in Ricky's voice. "I mean, the way your husband, Supreme is a superstar to the world is what Nico is to Brooklyn. He hasn't walked these streets in a minute, but he's still a legend. I can't be a part of nothing to change that," he stated. "I would never want you to. That's why I need you to find him for me. Nico and I go way back, and it's imperative that I speak with him." "I got your word?" "I don't even make promises, but you got my word. I promise it's nothing but love with Nico and I wish him no harm." "Then I'm on it." "Appreciate that, but Ricky, time is of the essence and I don't have any to spare." "Then let me get off the phone," he said, and the line went dead. Before I could take off my Bluetooth, my phone was popping again and I pushed the button to answer thinking it was Ricky calling right back. "Hello?" "Precious, where you at?" I immediately recognized Supreme's voice. "At the Beverly Center. Why, what's up?" "My people called and they about to make a move. I'm on my way over there." "I'm on my way too." "No, I want you to have Devon bring you back home and stay here until I call you." "Supreme, I want to be there. I told you I don't want to be left out of the loop." "You are in the loop. I called you didn't I? I could've went and not tell you shit. Now, we agreed to let me handle the situation my way. Come home and I'll call you right after the shit go down, okay?" "You're right. I'm on my way home now. Call me as soon as you know something." "I will. I love you." "I love you too, baby. And Supreme, be careful." "I will." I yanked my purse off the table and practically did a speed leap downstairs. Between dodging and weaving through the mall crowd, I called Devon, "Be downstairsnow!" When the automatic doors opened, I couldn't get into the awaiting Bentley quick enough. "I need you to take me..." "Home," Devon said, cutting me off mid-sentence before I could spit out the address. "No, I'm not going home." "That's where I'm taking you. Those are the instructions I received from Supreme." "When did you talk to him?" "I spoke to him right before you called telling me you were on your way downstairs." I cringed knowing that after Supreme spoke to me he then called Devon because he didn't trust I would listen to him. Well, why not make a believer out of him? "I don't care what my husband told you. Either take me where I want to go, or I'll find another means of transportation." "Mrs. Mills, you're putting me in a very uncomfortable position. I work for your husband, and if I don't follow his instructions he'll fire me." "How about this? I'm getting where I want to go whether you take me or not. If I have to get another ride and anything happens to me, you're getting fired regardless, or maybe something far worse. At least if you take me, you can always tell Supreme I threatened you and left you no choice, but you kept me safe. It's up to you, but you have five seconds to make up your mind because I have to go." "It's your show," Devon said, making the wise decision to work with me instead of against me. With him deciding to step to my beat, I started believing having him as a driver might turn out to be an asset after all. "Exactly! Let's go." After giving Devon the address, I felt an adrenaline rush as he headed to our destination. I wanted to get there before Supreme, but I knew that would be impossible. When he called me he was probably already en route. The less than thirty minute ride had me twisting my hair and fidgeting with my hands until finally I unwrapped a piece of Juicy Fruit and chewed all the sweet sugar taste out. "Are we almost there?" I asked impatiently. "Yes, but for the record, I understand why Supreme wanted you to go home. This area is not safe." "Safe is defined by what environment you feel comfortable in. Sweetie, we in the hood and that's where I always feel the safest." I glanced out of the shade on the back window. When the car came to a stop on Myrrhand and Willowbrook, I saw the Heritage House, an important landmark in the city of Compton. Compton was notorious for gang violence between the Bloods and the Crips. As the Bentley continued to float down each street, the many pedestrians probably assumed one of the various hip hop stars who used to call this place home was shielded in the over quarter million dollar vehicle, taking a ride down memory lane. As I quickly studied each passing face, it was funny how most thought Compton was predominately Black, but in actuality Latinos held the largest ethnic group in the city. This was just one of the many things I learned when I attended college for all of one semester. I did take pleasure in gaining knowledge, but I took more pleasure watching Aaliyah blossom. Because I was trying to "better myself" by taking classes at the university, I missed out on precious moments, and Anna was right there playing mommy. That's how she became so attached to Aaliyah, and when I noticed it getting out of hand I had to shut it down. I dropped out of school and decided I would go back when Aaliyah started preschool. School would always be right there, but you could never rewind the clock and make up for time lost with your child. Over the last few months since quitting school, my bond with Aaliyah had grown so strong. Now Mike had to come rip us apart. No doubt he would pay in blood. "The house must be straight ahead, because it's off this street. What do you want me to do?" Devon said, pausing at the stop sign. "Can you see the house from here?" "No, I would need to drive further down." "Cross this block and then stop at that corner before going any further." I didn't want Supreme or his people to see us, but I also needed to see what was going on. I scanned the neighborhood watching for any suspicious activity, and couldn't help but notice the difference between Compton's supposed inner-city hood compared to where I grew up. My hood seemed as if it kept a dark gloomy cloud over it. Trash littered the streets. The building hallways reeked of piss and funk. There was no nature or greenery. Instead our feces-brown brick project buildings were reminiscent of a broken down prison. But in South Los Angeles, the yards were neatly situated on tree-lined streets. The houses looked clean and maintained, but any minute that would all change. The sun was beginning to set and darkness was quickly upon us, and that's when hell erupted. To my surprise, the moment we crossed over the hell had already begun. "Stop!" I screamed to Devon, surprised the action was in full affect. The light yellow house was directly facing the block in front of us, and from our spot we had a clear view of the action. It was like ten deep surrounding the house dressed in all black, with another three on the front porch. Without so much as a knock, one man kicked the red door down, and all the men swarmed in. A few moments later I saw Supreme, and he had two more men with him. I wondered where they all came from, because I didn't see one car that looked out of place parked anywhere in sight. After a few more minutes, Supreme and his men had vanished inside the house and I was itching to know what was doing down. "What do you want to do next?" Devon asked as if the answer wasn't obvious. "I want to sit here and see what the fuck is gonna happen. And don't say another word to me unless I ask you a question." I needed complete silence as I kept my eyes glued to the nondescript yellow house. I wondered if this was where Aaliyah had been since her kidnapping, and if finally Supreme would bring her home. "Who the fuck is that?" I asked out loud, but then quickly found an answer to my own question. "I have no idea," Devon answered, not realizing I wasn't speaking to him but talking out loud to myself. Instead of making him hip to it, I stayed focused on the black Denali that was being parked across the street from the house. A Hispanic lady who looked to be in her early twenties stepped out, and I knew it had to be Vernika. "Yeah, walk up in that crib so Supreme and them can jack yo' stupid ass up too." But then, homegirl wised up, because when she got closer to the crib she stopped dead in her tracks. Although the door was closed, either the kick-in it received made it look so fucked up it made her suspicious, or another clue was ringing the alarm in her head, something triggered a change of heart. She swiftly back stepped to her vehicle. "Fuck that! Block that bitch." "Excuse me?" "Motherfucker, you heard me. Block that bitch before she can drive past the corner. Hurry up." Devon reluctantly drove the car up the block until we came to the street that was off to the right. "Drive a little further up and stop." "You want me to stop in the middle of the street?" he asked, sounding surprised. "Now you get it, Sherlo
ck. Now put this shit in park and we gon' wait this ho out." The blinds in the back were still down so I couldn't see her truck driving forward, but I damn sure heard it when she started blowing the horn. "Is she looking at you?" I asked Devon, who had a clear angle from the front seat. "Yes, and since I'm good at reading lips she's also cussing me out." "Good. Put up your finger as if you're telling her to wait a minute." I watched as Devon did as told. And like I figured, she kept blowing her horn until she got so fed up she jumped out of the car, speaking fast in her native tongue. The only word I could decipher was papi. Her voice became louder and louder until she walked right up to the car. I snuck a peek out the blind, and she was twisting her neck and waving her arms being real extra with it, still speaking that damn Spanish. Finally when it dawned on her that the shit she was spitting was getting lost in translation, she opted for English. "You need to move your fuckin' car. You can't block the street like this. Who do you think you are?" "I'm Precious, bitch!" I said, jumping out the back seat as the door flew open. I caught her so off guard that while she continued to run off at the mouth, I was wrapping her hair around my hand and slamming that ass to the ground. "I know you the trick that kidnapped my daughter for Mike, and yo' foul ass gon' tell me where she's at." "I ain't telling you shit!" she belted, reaching her claws up and scratching the left underside of my face. Her nails cut so deeply in my skin that she drew blood. The excruciating pain caused a reflex, and I let go of Vernika's hair to press down on the stinging from my face. She used that as an opportunity to get the upper hand and kneed me in the stomach. I hadn't had a straightup street fight in so long, and this thickly built fool was about to whip my ass if I didn't get my game intact. Wanting to take full advantage of my distress, she quickly got from under me and stood up and looked to be reaching in her back pocket. I forgot about the pain from my scratches, and lying flat down on the concrete I kicked my right foot straight between her legs and the pointed heel on my shoe penetrated her camel toe. She screamed so loud, I knew I would hear sirens any minute. While she bent over holding her coochie area, I ran up behind her. I put one hand around the back of her neck while firmly gripping her hair with the other, and slammed her against the car. "Where is my daughter? You ain't nothing but a worthless piece of shit who don't even deserve to live, but if you tell me where my daughter is, I'll let you see another day." By now the tears were flowing out and she sounded like she was about to start hyperventilating. I slammed her head against the window, wanting her to understand that more pain would follow if she didn't cooperate. "I'll tell you where Mike is and where he has your daughter stashed. Just please let go of my hair and neck before I pass out." Vernika did seem beat down, so I eased up on my grip slowly to see how she'd react. "I need to catch my breath." I completely let go, and she turned to face me, inhaling and exhaling as if defeated. There was a gash on the top of her forehead from when I slammed it against the car, blood was trickling down her face, and there were also traces of blood coming from her vagina area where I kicked the shit out of it. I just knew this chick didn't have any fight left in her, until her eyes locked with mine and she charged at me like a raging bull with hands swinging. As I was backing away from her, my heel stepped on a rock and caused me to trip and fall down. I felt nothing but hips and ass tumbling, pinning me to the ground. I extended my hand out reaching for a rock to knock her on her head, but there would be no need. Her blood-drenched torso flopped on top of me. "What the fuck happened?" I asked out loud, struggling to move her dead weight off of me. When my view cleared, I saw Devon standing in front of me with a gun that had a silencer on it in his hand. "Why in the hell did you kill her? I wanted her alive. She has information about my daughter that I need!" "I saw her on top of you and I thought she was going to kill you. I was trying to protect you. I'm sorry." "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" I said over and over again. Trying to make the most of a bad situation, I ran to her truck, grabbed a napkin that was on the dashboard and used it while rummaging through her shit trying to find any clue about Aaliyah. There wasn't a trace, so I snatched her purse from the passenger seat, wiped down the driver side door handle and ran back to the Maybach. "Drive! We need to get the fuck outta here." I glared back at Vernika's lifeless body then her truck, hoping I didn't leave any traces of my fingerprints. I stared at the yellow house that Supreme and his men still hadn't come out of It was as if nobody lived on the dead silent street... or maybe nobody gave a fuck. TRUTH BE TOLD