by Deja King
When I landed at JFK, the first call I made was to my husband. It was noon in LA, and I needed to call him before he even had an opportunity to start worrying about me. The studio situation worked out perfectly for me. When I woke up, Supreme was gone. Since I wasn't taking any luggage, all I had to do was quickly get dressed and get my ass to the airport. Now that I landed in NYC safely, making sure home was straight was first on the agenda. "Hey, baby, I was just checking in," I said in my most innocent voice possible, which was a stretch since everyone knew there was nothing remotely innocent about me. "How's everything?" "Good. Her flight got in really early so I'm beat. But it's wonderful seeing Ms. Duncan. We finished eating a little while ago, and now we're heading to the seminar. How's it going with you?" "I'm just now getting out the studio. I'm on my way home to handle a few things, get some sleep, then I have to come back. Dealing with the Aaliyah situation made me cut everybody off, and instead of them motherfuckers holding shit together it's all fucked up. Even Clip's shit ain't right, and that shit was due a minute ago. So much is fucked up, but I have to fix it and be done with it." "Don't get too stressed." "I'm past that." "What time will you be home so I can wait up for you?" I asked, checking his schedule so I could know how much time I was playing with. While playing my position with Supreme on the phone, I was making my way outside to where Ricky was waiting for me. He was in a black Lincoln, and I put my finger over my mouth to let him know to be quiet when I got in the car. I didn't want to give Supreme any reason to get wary about the lines I was kicking. "As much as I would love to hold you like I did last night, don't wait up for me. You'll be in a deep sleep by the time I get home." "Damn, I'm missing you already. But I have to go. Ms. Duncan is waiting for me. If you see Maya when you get home, tell her I'll call her later on. I didn't have a chance to talk to her before I left this morning." "I will. Be safe and make sure you call me later on to let me know you're good." "Will do. I love you." "Love you too." I flipped my phone closed, happy I made it through round one of the check in. "I see that you're a veteran liar," Ricky said, smiling at me through the rear view mirror. "You call it lying, I call it survival tactics." "Point made." "Tell me you know exactly where Nico is, because I have no time to waste. My flight leaves at eight-fifty-five. That gives me roughly five hours to get this shit done." "I know you're on a tight schedule and I got you," Ricky reassured me as he exited the airport, taking the left ramp onto the Van Wyck Expressway. "Nico must be awfully special for you to come all this way to speak with him for a couple of hours." "Are you expecting me to comment on that statement?" "I was simply making an observation." "Like I told you, Nico and I have a long history together. He's also my first love." "Those are pretty hard to shake. I still have a soft spot for my first love." I couldn't help but laugh thinking about a suave older cat like Ricky pining over his first love. "You're right, but I'm in love with my husband and we're going through enough. I don't need anymore bullshit to add to the plate." "So why are you interfering in what your husband has planned for Nico? Why not stay out of it and let the cards fall where they may?" "I owe Nico. He risked his life for me one time." "He also tried to take it," Ricky reminded me as if I'd forgotten. "So you heard about that rumor." "I did some research when you asked me to track him down. I heard originally you accused Nico, but then somewhere down the line you recanted your story and the charges were dropped against him. That right there tells me there is a lot of history, but I won't ask you to dig out none of your skeletons." "As if I would tell. I'll leave it up to you to use your own imagination putting the pieces of that puzzle together. The only thing I will confirm is that if I can keep Nico alive, then I will, even if it means being disloyal to my husband." For the rest of the drive there was silence between Ricky and me. I didn't know what was on his mind, but mine was on Nico. I hadn't seen him in so long, and I didn't know how much had changed in his life. The last time we saw each other he was on the run, and I was tracking Supreme's killer. Fast forward: and not only do I have a child, but my husband is very much alive and apparently wants Nico dead. The last part I'm having difficulty trying to comprehend. I glanced out the window and noticed Ricky turning onto Avenue of the Americas. He then pulled up in front of the Tribeca Grand Hotel. I was stunned that we were stopping in Tribeca, which was located in lower Manhattan. "Why are we stopping here, Ricky? What, you dropping some drugs off for some rich white man?" I said like I was joking but was very serious. "No, this is where Nico is staying." "Excuse me? Why the fuck would Nico be staying between the sectors of high finance and high fashion? Although he likes money and clothes, this neighborhood don't reflect Brooklyn or the type of people he would enjoy chilling with." The moment the words left my mouth, the answer became evident. "That's the exact reason he is staying here. He doesn't have to worry about seeing nobody from BK. He can make his moves on the low without bringing attention to himself." "Exactly. From what I understand, every time he comes to New York, this is the only hotel he stays at." "This place costs a pretty penny. I guess business has picked back up for him." "No doubt. You know Nico was always a major player. Once he got word that all charges had been dropped against him, the streets were his again. But from what I hear, he keeps his moves a lot more discreet now. After what went down with Ritchie, he doesn't trust anybody. No more partners, He's strictly solo." Hearing the name Ritchie made all the foul shit that went down flash through my head. That nigga was a straight snake. He had no qualms about fucking me or fucking over Nico, and it wasn't because he had an axe to grind like I did. He was just a weak jealous cat. He couldn't stand the respect that Brooklyn and the surrounding boroughs had for Nico. If that nigga said, "Stand up," then that's what BK was doing. I felt no guilt that I was responsible for Nico snuffing Ritchie out, because if he hadn't, it would've ended up the other way around. "That's the best way to move. I'm glad Nico is back on the come-up. The more I think about it, it ain't strange that he picked this spot to rest his head at. On our first date he took me to this joint called Butter. The place was sexy, and it was full of white model-type looking motherfuckers. Shit, this nigga the one who hipped me to Rodeo Drive." Those memories brought a smile to my face. "Nico always moved in style. He's one of the few younger cats in the game I have respect for. He's a good dude, real diplomatic when it comes to conducting business." "Yeah, we can trade stories about Nico all day, but the clock is ticking. So, do you know what room he's in?" "It's the top floor, The Grand Suite. Let me write down the room number." "Damn, he really is doing it big. Are you sure he's there?" "I told my man to hit me if he bounced, and I haven't got a call, so yeah, he's there." "Cool. So are you gonna wait down here for me?" "How long do you think you'll be?" "Maybe an hour or so." "Take your time. Just hit me when you're done. I'll be in the neighborhood. But remember you have a flight to catch." "No need to remind me. I can't miss that flight," I said, thinking about all the over-the-top lies I would have to come up with to appease Supreme. When I entered the hotel, the soaring central atrium opened up to a fleet of luxurious guestrooms, a sexy lounge, and a polished cocktail bar with an adjoining restaurant. I was tempted to take a detour to the bar, but reminded myself that time wasn't on my side. As I made my way closer to Nico's room, not knowing what his reaction would be to seeing me again had me a little nervous. When I got to the door I put my ear against it to see if he had company. I heard what sounded like a television, but that was it. I knocked and waited for a few, but got nothing. I knocked again, this time harder, and heard movement. I could hear who I assumed was Nico at the door and I figured he was looking out the peephole to get a visual, but I was standing to the side so he couldn't see me. "Who is it?" I instantly recognized Nico's voice. "It's me, Precious." He opened the door, and just like that the nervousness vanished and a sense of comfort took its place. "I can't believe you're here! How did you find me?" "Do I have to explain in the hallway, or can I come inside?" "My fault, please come in. But first, you have to show me some love." Nico held his arms open, and I welcomed the embrace. His hold
had the same spellbinding effect it did the last time I felt him, as did his intoxicating scent. After closing the door, he took my hand and led me to the spacious, slick, minimalist-inspired haven. The soothing natural colors and rich textures were showcased the moment you stepped on the soft wool carpeting. It was fitted to be chic, but with maximum comfort. The stunning panoramic views of New York and beyond were the icing on the already delectable cake. After sizing up the ambiance of the room, I focused my attention on the scenery before me. Nico still captured the essence of a true G. His flawless mahogany skin was no longer highlighted by the cornrows he had grown last time I saw him. It was back to a low cut, full of jet-black curls. His six-two frame was solid, and his full lips were still decorated with a set of perfect white teeth. He was as fine as the day he swooped me up on 125th Street in Harlem years ago. "It's been too long, Nico." "It sure has, baby girl. You're the last person I thought would be knocking at my door. You haven't yet told me how you found me." "I hired someone to track you down." "Interesting. What is so important for me to know that you felt the need to track me down? Before you answer that, how `bout we go to the rooftop terrace and have a drink?" "I would love that, I really would, but I have a flight to catch." "Leaving so soon?" "Yeah, I have to get back to LA." "I can't lie. I was surprised when I heard you were living in Beverly Hills. Do you remember the first time I took you to Rodeo Drive? I'll never forget the smile on your face when you realized a street like that existed. I loved how everything was new to you back then. You were like a little girl discovering a whole other world." "It's funny you mention that, because right before I came up here I reminisced about the very same thing." "You're no longer that little girl, but then again, you never really were. I bet you don't remember what I said to you that night on our first date when we went to the park." "Yes I do. I've never forgotten." "I don't believe you. Tell me." "You said I had the same darkness in my eyes as you, and you never met a woman or a man besides your father that had that look." "I was wrong, you do remember. But that was a lifetime ago. I know you have a flight to catch, so tell me what brings you back to NYC," he said, changing the subject. Nico sat down on a chair and I took a seat on the couch across from him. I paused, trying to find the right words to use, but there was no easy way to say that someone wanted you dead. "There's no correct way to say this, but someone wants you dead and I came to warn you." Nico sat quiet for a few minutes, and his demeanor remained intact. He was taking the news surprisingly well. "When you say someone wants me dead, do you mean there's a ransom on my head?" "I wouldn't say a ransom. It's more like the person hired someone to take you out. It's was supposed to be done a few weeks ago, but some shit came up and it was postponed. I want you to be careful, watch your back because I don't know when they'll be given the green light to strike." "Are you going to tell me who it is? `Cause obviously you know." "Honestly, I prefer not to. It's not like the person is going to do it themselves, so you need to watch out for anybody or anything that seems suspicious. I know it might seem like I'm not giving you enough but..." "No, you're actually telling me a lot," he said, cutting me off. "You're telling me that you still care a great deal about me, because I know you're going through a very difficult time right now. Your daughter has been kidnapped, but you managed to squeeze in a flight to NYC to give me a heads up." "I guess the whole world knows about Aaliyah." "Yeah, your husband is extremely high profile. I know you must have had to go through a great deal of maneuvering to make this trip happen without him finding out. But you've always been good at maneuveringmake that scheming." "I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or be offended." "How about we call you resourceful, which is a good thing. I do appreciate the information and I'll do some asking around. I'm sure once that happens I'll find out who it is you're protecting." "I'm not protecting anybody. I don't want you dead, that's all. Can't we leave it at that?" "Out of respect for you, I'll leave it alone. I want to ask you about something much more important anyway." "What?" "I know you heard that Mike escaped from prison. Is he the one that kidnapped your daughter?" "How did you know?" "I didn't, but you have now confirmed it for me. I can't believe that nigga would do something that foul. That was never his style. Shit has really changed. But then again, I never thought it would be his style to rape you. When I read about that in the paper I wanted to show up at his trial and slice him open myself." "I had a tough time dealing with that, but Supreme helped me through it. He was so good to me." "I'm glad to hear that, although I wish I could've been there for you too, or better yet, been there to protect you from Mike. How did you find out it was him who kidnapped your daughter?" "He called and bragged about it. He's a sick fuck. I guess he hasn't been in touch with you." "Hell no! That nigga knows not to bring that bullshit my way. He would definitely be carried out in a body bag. I'd lullaby that nigga like he had snatched my own seed. The police don't have any leads?" "Barely. You know how whack the cops can be. Supreme's working on a couple of leads, but the shit is moving so damn slow. I want my daughter home. It's killing me that she's with that fuckin' monster." "If I find out anything that will help, you know I'll let you know." "I know you will. We've been through some real live bullshit, but you've always been good people. That's why I'm happy to see you're still maintaining," I said, nodding my head in approval over the digs he was staying in. "I'm making a few moves on the streets and business investments at the same time. I gotta try and hustle this game before it hustles me. I'm lucky to get a second chance, so I'm trying to make the most of it. I've learned a lot." "What have you learned?" I was curious to know, since Nico always seemed on top of his game for the most part. "How the drug game should be a Fortune 500 company. It's crazy how white men move way more drugs than us, but we're the ones that always get snatched up and locked down. It's set up that niggas on the bottom of the totem pole and the ones at the very top always get popped. The game is fixed so that you can only reach a certain level and your time is up. A big factor in that is the access white men have to money laundering. They have the type of relationships and connections to have their shit so clean it's damn near impossible to take them down. All a nigga can do is get a barber shop, beauty and nail salon, invest in some real estate properties, or try to open a car dealership. You can't legitimize hundreds of millions of dollars with that type of bullshit. We can't even buy paintings worth millions of dollars without every federal agency in the world knocking on our doors." "I never thought about that before." "You have no reason to. Supreme's making legitimate money and I commend him for that. A nigga like me wanna live the life of the rich and famous based off of street dreams. But if I want to have children and grow old watching my grandchildren come into this world, I have to minimize my street dreams. I can still be rich, just not filthy rich," he laughed. "I feel you. I didn't put any value on preparing for a future until after having Aaliyah. That's when my priorities changed a lot. Before, I was quick to jump into some bullshit without giving a damn. Now I stop and think about the consequences. You know I'm still gonna jump in, but with more caution." "Caution is good." "Damn, I can't believe how much time has gone by," I said, looking down at my watch. "I hate to bring you bad news and run, but I have to go." "Not a problem. But you know if you were able to find out I was in New York and where I was staying, then you could've easily gotten my number and called me with this information you have, instead of making a long trip." "You're right. The truth is I wanted to see you again." Nico stood up and reached his hand out to me. I didn't hesitate to grab it. He lifted my chin and gazed into my eyes like he did so many times in the past. He used to call it his way of looking inside of my soul. Then his soft lips invaded mine, and I couldn't lie, the chemistry between us hadn't diminished and I wanted to give into the lust of the flesh. "I'm glad you did because I've wanted to be with you again since the last time we were together," he said, breaking the momentum of our kiss for a moment before diving right back in with even more intensity. "I can't," I said, pulling away. "This is an example of jumping in but thinking
about the consequences. That kiss is the furthest this can go. You're my first love, Nico. I'll always have a soft spot for you, but I'm in love with my husband." "Enough said. But here, take my number in case you ever need me-not for anything intimate, but as a friend." "Thank you, and I want you to take my number too, you know, if you find out anything that can help bring Aaliyah home." "I meant to tell you, I think it's a beautiful thing that you named your daughter after your mother. If she was alive she'd be so proud." "Wow, I can't believe you remembered my mother's name. Most of the time I referred to her as the `crack head' to you. I feel a great deal of shame in that now that I'm a mother. You know she had turned her life around before she got killed. I was so proud of her." "Precious, it's okay. We've all said and done things to our parents we regret or wish we could take back. But trust me, before your mother left this earth she knew how much you loved her and only wanted the best for her. You've honored her name by passing it on to her grandchild. Let it go. It's all love." The compassion Nico was showing for my mother made me for a brief second want to confide that Aaliyah could very well be his daughter just as easily as Supreme's, or unfortunately, Mike's. But what would be the point? Supreme was Aaliyah's father and it was best that it stayed that way. I gave Nico one last hug goodbye before leaving. I called Ricky on my way downstairs, and thank goodness he was already waiting. "I thought you were going to miss your flight," he said when I got in the car. "It could've easily happened, but I need to get home to my husband, speaking of him, I have to place a call. No disrespect but I need for you to be completely silent." "I'm on your clock," Ricky responded, giving one of his player smiles. I called Supreme and waited for him to pick up, hoping he hadn't got hip to my lie. "Hey, baby, I was about to call you," Supreme answered, sounding like he was still sweet on me, and I was relieved. "Hi. Sorry, I'm just checking in but these seminars go on for hours and it's hard to get a moment from these people." "Are you enjoying yourself?" "I wouldn't say enjoy, but I'm learning a lot." You'll have to school me in on it when I get home. "When will that be?" "Hopefully no later than early in the morning. When are you coming home?" "Baby, we have to hear three more people speak, so not for a few hours." "Okay, well call me when you get home to let me know you're safe." "I will. Did you have a chance to speak to Maya when you stopped at home?" "Nah, I didn't see her. I checked her room but she wasn't there. Maybe she and Clip made up." "Maybe, but I hope not. We need to find out if he is on Team Mike or Team Supreme first. Has any suspicious moves been made at that apartment yet?" "Not yet. So far ain't been a red flag, but my men are watching carefully. They on it." "Do you think Maya hipped Clip that we thought he was suspect?" "I hope not. But that's your girl. What do you think?" I pondered briefly before answering. "Not Maya, she's a little street soldier. She understands the importance of keeping your lips locked when it comes to certain situations, even when your man or ex-man might be involved." "Then it's all good, and hopefully Maya is right and Clip is on the up and up." "True, but I have to get back inside. Ms. Duncan is waiting." "Cool. Make sure you call me when you get home." "I will. Love you." "Love you too, baby." I hung up ready to exhale. "You handled that like a pro. I wonder how my sister would feel being used as your alibi?" "Is that a question? Because I know Ms. Duncan would have my back. She understands the concept of doing whatever you have to do to survive." "Indeed, but it makes me wonder if whether I should be pleased or disappointed that I never found a woman like you to marry." "What you mean by that?" "What I mean is, I admire how you're able to keep your cool under intense situations, but it's also scary that you're able to lie with such ease to the man you exchanged vows with. It's a double-edged sword, because you would be an excellent partner on the streets. I'm just not sure if the same can be said in the partnership of marriage." "Interesting analysis, but, umm, luckily I'm not your problem so you don't have to worry. On to more important things. How are we looking on time?" "Not to worry, you'll make the flight." "Good. I spent much more time with Nico than I had anticipated." "You all had a lot of catching up to do." Ricky's monotone voice made it hard for me to understand if what he said was a question or a general statement, so I ignored it. Catching the vibe, Ricky came at me again. "So how did it go with Nico? Were you able to resolve everything?" "There are some people in life you'll never be able to resolve everything with. Nico is that person for me. But I was able to see him face to face and deliver the warning, so that was an accomplishment. And of course I owe that to you, Ricky. Thank you." "That's what I do." "Yes indeed, and you're very good at it. Before I forget, although I doubt you would let me, this is for you." I handed him an envelope full of Benjamin Franklin's. "That should be more than enough to cover all your expenses." "Thank you, but I wasn't worried. If you didn't hit me off this time around, I knew you were good for it." "`Preciate the confidence, but I don't like to owe people, especially the ones I'm doing business with." "You a shrewd woman, Precious Cummings." "Mills," I corrected him. "My fault, how could I forget you're a married woman." It sounded as if Ricky was being sarcastic, but I had a flight to catch so I didn't have the time to give a fuck one way or the other. "Ricky, you can drop me off right here," I directed as he pulled up beside a yellow cab that was blocking the curb. "Are you sure?" "Hell yeah, you see what time it is, or were you so caught up in trying to read my psyche that you stopped checking the clock? Don't answer, I have to go." "Call me when you land!" I heard Ricky yell out the window as I entered the American Airlines terminal.