Queen Hustlaz

by Falicia Love

  “It’s Dana, and no, I’m good,” Dana replied flatly.

  “That’s good. We just wanted to make sure you had been taken care of,” Detective Rone replied with a half-smile.

  “Yeah, I bet,” she muttered under her breath.

  Detective Harris heard the comment and looked at her. “Listen, we were just doing our job when we came to your office. And the lead you gave us was right on point. We found Ms. Mebane and closed our case.”

  “Well, that’s great for you, but y’all’s little visit got me fired!” she exclaimed.

  Both detectives stood silent for a moment.

  “That wasn’t our intention, but we did have a job to do. I apologize for getting you fired, and if there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Take care.”

  Dana rolled her eyes and watched the two officers walk away. A few seconds later, a thought entered her head, and she ran after them. “Wait!” she yelled.

  The two stopped and walked back to meet her.

  “Yes ma’am?”

  “I’m here to get someone out of jail, and right now I’m waiting for the bondsman, but if I may have a word with you before I leave, I can guarantee you it will be worth your time to speak with me,” she explained.

  Detective Rone gave Dana directions to his office and told her to come see him after she dealt with the bondsman. He told her that they would have plenty of time to talk, because it was going to take them a while to process her friend out. Dana agreed, and thirty minutes later, she was walking into Detective Rone’s office. As she shut the door, she prayed that she wasn’t making a mistake.

  Wednesday

  Thad was sitting in his office, going over the monthly report for the amount of wing sauce units sold. He was pleased by the progress that his company was making. He was confident that when it was time to let all his illegal activities go, he was going to still win. He was going over the last report when Larry tapped on the door.

  “You busy, boss man?”

  “Shit, just going over a few reports. What’s up, Larry?” he asked.

  “You know I had Farrah locked up yesterday. That bitch attacked me and Debra yesterday at Jim’s Market.”

  “Was it a coincidence that you were all there at the same time?” Thad asked.

  “I may have asked her to meet me there, but she acted out like she did on her own,” Larry admitted, smiling.

  “Whatever, man. So where is Travis?” Thad asked.

  “He is with his grandmother, but I think Farrah is out now. But I doubt any court will allow her to have custody of a child with a temper like hers,” Larry replied.

  “You’re going to hell for that.” Thad laughed.

  “I was already going to hell for all the things I’ve done with and for you, so what you saying?” Larry joked.

  Thad laughed as he stood up and patted Larry on the shoulder. “Come on. Let’s go get us a drink and light this loud.”

  “I’m all for that,” Larry said.

  As they walked out of the office, Thad looked at Larry with a puzzled expression. “You and Ms. Debra have become chummy real quick.”

  “Well, she and I have found that we have a lot in common. She is a lady that I’m very interested in,” Larry replied.

  “She seems like a good girl. You gonna try to make her your main lady?” Thad asked.

  “I don’t know. I’m just enjoying what we got going on now,” Larry answered, smiling.

  “That’s what’s up. Pour your own troubles,” Thad said as they walked into the bar room.

  As they poured their drinks, Thad looked at him. “Hey, let’s toast to parenthood. I think that was one of the best moves you made yesterday, boy.”

  * * *

  “Zack, how many Glocks do we have versus the nines?” Brittany asked after Zack handed her two bags of guns.

  “It’s four Glocks and five nines, two of which has silencers. I also brought three Tasers,” he replied.

  “Tasers? Nigga, we ain’t going in to arrest anybody. It’s a fucking robbery!” Brittany laughed.

  “Shut the fuck up, Brit! They may come in handy. What else do we need? I got duct tape, rope, and plastic bags.” Zack paused when he saw Brittany’s eyebrows lift. “Just in case,” he finished.

  “I’m not even gonna ask, Zack. Anyway, have you spoken to Dana today? I told her last night that I was taking the day off to handle this, so I haven’t talked to her today,” Brittany said.

  “I called her and said good morning. That was it. I’m going to get up with her after work for dinner, then we are meeting you all to go over the plans for Saturday,” he responded.

  “I can’t tell y’all what to do, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved until this robbery is over. Debra will meet us here later, but I’m starting to think having her ride out with us would be a mistake,” Brittany told him.

  “Why you say that?” Zack asked.

  “She just don’t act like she is really wanting to be involved in this,” Brittany replied.

  “Shit, Brit, you know her better than we do, so it’s your call. Either way, I’m in it to win it, damn it,” Zack sang.

  “Zack, has anybody told you that you’re corny as hell? Lord have mercy. Got to love your ass.” Brittany laughed.

  “Girl, stop—you know I’m an original don. I’m sophisticated and original. Ain’t none like me,” he said in a high, playful voice.

  “Shit, that’s what I’m saying, corny ass,” she replied.

  “Damn you,” he said, throwing a bean bag at her. They laughed and put all the guns together and in separate boxes. Once they were finished, they went to the pool hall to meet Zack’s people.

  * * *

  Wednesday evening, Jeryca, Stephanie, and Farrah were going to meet Dana, Brittany, and a few others at the pool hall. Farrah decided that she wasn’t going to go at the last minute. She wanted to spend some time with Travis. She didn’t know what the outcome was going to be once the weekend was over. Everyone respected her decision, and Dana pretty much expected it.

  Once she got off work, Dana picked Stephanie and Jeryca up. When they arrived, Brittany was already there, sitting with four guys. Jeryca immediately began flirting with Zack, but he dismissed her intentions quickly by grabbing Dana and pulling her to the bar.

  “You got a fan,” Dana said, laughing.

  “Aye, you see where I’m at. Don’t play. You know I’m at you,” Zack said, smiling.

  “Is that right? I’d like to know more about that. But to be honest, I can’t focus on that right now. Let’s wait ’til after Saturday and see what happens.”

  “Brit said the same thing earlier today,” Zack replied.

  “So you two have been discussing me on the low, huh?” Dana asked, smiling.

  “Just a little bit. Don’t get no big head, though. You ain’t all that.” Zack laughed.

  “Oh, yeah?” Dana asked as she pinched his side.

  “You better watch that, girl. You trying to start something you can’t finish.” He laughed as he grabbed her by the hands.

  “Anything I start, I can finish. Trust that,” Dana whispered in a low tone close to his ear.

  They walked back to the table, and Jeryca glanced up at them but returned her attention to Pete, who she now was flirting with.

  Dana whispered to Zack, “Looks like you’ve been replaced.”

  “Yes, hold me,” Zack whined playfully as he laid his head on Dana’s shoulder.

  Brittany looked at them and smiled. “Looks like you guys are getting along.”

  “Who, us?” Dana said, pointing to her and Zack. “Girl, I can’t stand him.” She laughed, playfully pushing him away.

  “She loves me already, Brit,” Zack said, also laughing.

  “Whatever!” Dana said, rolling her eyes.

  “You two are too much. Let’s talk business, and then turn up in this bitch!” Brittany laughed.

  After they laid the plans out and discussed who would carry out each tas
k, they partied until the wee hours of the morning. Zack and Dana danced the whole night, and so did Pete and Jeryca, who seemingly hit it off immediately.

  Chapter Twelve

  Thursday

  Stephanie called Robin to see if she was going to be available for lunch. Since meeting her at CVS, she couldn’t stop thinking about her. She had never been attracted to a woman and couldn’t believe that she was contemplating being with one.

  Robin told her to meet her at the Olive Garden over by her job at twelve. Stephanie was going to have to catch the bus over to that side, but she felt Robin would be worth the long ride.

  While Stephanie was getting ready for her lunch date, Farrah called.

  “What’s up, Steph?”

  “Nothing much. Just getting ready to head out for a while,” Stephanie replied.

  “Oh, that’s what’s up.” Farrah sighed.

  “What’s wrong, jailbird?” Stephanie joked.

  “Fuck you, Steph! Anyway, I’m just kind of nervous about Saturday. Did you guys meet up with whoever Brittany and Dana found to help us?” Farrah inquired.

  “Yeah, we ended up partying all night. They were some cool guys. Debra, the other chick, didn’t show up, though, so we didn’t get a chance to meet her,” Stephanie replied.

  “Is that right?” Farrah asked.

  “Yeah, but all in all, we got shit arranged, and I think Dana is going to get at you about a few things as well. But I really got to go right now. I will call you when I get back,” Stephanie told Farrah before hanging up.

  Stephanie arrived at Olive Garden thirty minutes earlier than she was supposed to, so she took that time to analyze what she was venturing into with Robin. She had been in two relationships since the age of sixteen, and she was still young. She figured it wouldn’t hurt to experiment, and considering how sexy and intriguing Robin was, she was going to do a lot of experimenting.

  When Robin finally walked in, Stephanie couldn’t take her eyes off of her. As Robin sat down at the table Stephanie had chosen, she smiled at her.

  “What’s up, sexy?”

  “Just sitting here waiting and thinking ’bout yo’ fine ass,” Stephanie replied as she looked Robin over once more.

  “So what shall we order?” Robin asked.

  “Hell, I’m good with a side of you and a short glass of red wine,” Stephanie said as she flicked her tongue at Robin.

  The two ladies ate lunch and talked about almost everything that they enjoyed. It was the first time in a long time that Stephanie felt at ease. She didn’t know what it was that had drawn her to Robin, but she was so happy that she’d taken the chance to do something different.

  After they ate, Stephanie walked her to her car.

  “I enjoyed myself with you.”

  “I did too. Would it be asking too much if I asked for a kiss?” Robin asked.

  “Hell naw! I have wanted to taste those lips,” Stephanie replied.

  Robin leaned into Stephanie and kissed her lightly on the lips, and before she could pull away, Stephanie pulled her in even more and slid her tongue in her mouth. Robin wrapped her arms around Stephanie’s neck, and the two kissed for two minutes.

  Robin pulled away and thanked Stephanie for lunch. She had a huge smile on her face as she got into her car and pulled off. Stephanie was stuck in place for a few seconds as she watched Robin pull off. Once she got herself together, she headed to the bus stop. When she sat down on the bench, her phone rang.

  “Yes?”

  “I miss you already. I just wanted to say that I can’t wait to see you again,” Robin replied.

  “Same here. I will call you when you get off work, okay?” Stephanie said.

  “That’s what’s up,” Robin replied.

  Stephanie hung up the phone, and when the bus pulled up, she decided to go home and reevaluate her life. After the lick on Saturday, Stephanie decided it was time to do things the right way. Dana seemed like the right person to call on.

  At home, she dialed Dana’s number and asked if she would assist her with applying for college courses. Dana asked her what she was looking to major in and when she wanted to enroll. Stephanie explained that she didn’t have all of that decided, but she knew it was time for a positive transition in her life. Dana expressed how happy she was that she had made that decision. They both agreed that, after the weekend, they would start the process. After they got off the phone, Stephanie lay across her bed and fell asleep with Robin on her mind.

  * * *

  “Damn, man, you’ve seen Dana every night this week, haven’t you?” Toby asked Keith.

  “Not every night, but we talk all the time. She really is a wonderful woman. Matter of fact, we got another date tomorrow,” Keith replied proudly.

  “I’m glad you and her are finally getting the chance to get to know one another, but keep our business out of y’all conversations. We don’t need any of those messy-ass bitches in our business. If we find out you told her anything, you will be dealt with,” Thad warned Keith.

  “Man, I’m not stupid. I know not to do that. My loyalty stands with y’all,” Keith replied.

  “That’s what I needed to hear,” Thad said as he patted him on the back. “Now let’s head over to the warehouse and count some money.”

  * * *

  Friday night, after Dana and Keith left the club, she invited him over to her house. She had to get him there to persuade him to give her the code to the safe at the trap house, or she would have to get it the hard way. Zack and the other girls were waiting on her to get there. Dana was nervous but ready for the play of her life. This was something that Jeryca and the other girls would do, not her. Hell, it was Dana’s plan, so she couldn’t be as bougie as they thought.

  Keith agreed to go back to her house as Dana expected. The smile on his face told Dana that she had him. Keith got into his car and followed Dana to what he presumed was her home. Once inside, Dana turned on the charm immediately. She was kissing him and tugging at his clothes. As she grabbed him by the collar, she pulled him into the bedroom. Before Keith knew it, someone grabbed him around his throat.

  “Damn, you are a cutie,” Brittany murmured.

  “What the hell is going on, Dana?” he shouted.

  “No, Keith, we will be asking the questions, and we better get the answers we want, or else,” Dana replied through clenched teeth.

  After they handcuffed Keith and laid him down on the bed, Brittany walked around to face him. She was holding a 9 mm in her hand. When she sat down, she placed a silencer on the end, never taking her eyes off of Keith. He watched her intently. He didn’t know what to expect. He couldn’t believe that Dana had played him. He thought she really liked him.

  After Brittany got into position, Dana walked out of the bedroom. As the sound of the front door opened and shut, Brittany looked at Keith with a puzzled expression, then began smirking. As she lifted her eyebrows, taunting Keith, the bedroom door opened, and Dana walked back in with Zack trailing her.

  “I know you’re wondering what this is about, and I will be more than happy to tell you. You see, your boys tried to kill me a while ago, and they been playing my girls like shit. Now, I don’t really get into anyone’s personal business, but what y’all are doing to us is wrong. What we are going to do is take the one thing that we know y’all love, and that’s money,” Dana said, smiling.

  “Dana, I didn’t know anything about them trying to kill you. I swear it,” Keith cried.

  “That might be true, but I’m after what you do know. And don’t try to lie your way out of it, because I know for a fact that you got what I need. So what I’m going to do is let you decide on whether or not you are going to give me what I want willingly, or if we got to get it the hard way. It’s really all up to you. Oh, this is Zack. I’m sure you’ve heard of him. He is the guy that Thad shot.” Dana laughed after seeing the expression on Keith’s face. “Yeah, I see by the look on your face that you’ve heard of him. Well, he is going to keep you company wh
ile you think things over.”

  As Brittany and Dana walked out the door, Dana paused before shutting the door and looked at Zack.

  “Remember, we need him conscious and able to speak.”

  “Dana, I got this!” he replied.

  “I bet you do,” she joked.

  “I can show you better than I can tell you, sweet cheeks,” he grunted.

  “We will see, but you heard what I said, man,” Dana mumbled.

  As Dana shut the door, she heard Keith yell, “Dana, wait a minute!”

  She ignored his cries and walked into the kitchen where Brittany was and grabbed a Natural Light. “I can’t wait ’til this is over. You and Debra got y’all stuff ready?”

  “Yeah, we got everything we need. What time are we going to get the others?” Brittany asked.

  “When we get what we need from Keith. I can’t deal with them being here while this is going on,” Dana replied as she took a huge gulp of her beer.

  “I feel you on that. Damn, what the hell is Zack doing to ol’ boy?” Brittany said with a concerned look on her face.

  “Hell, I don’t know, but I’m going to find out,” Dana growled. As she ran to the bedroom door, she heard a loud thud. She busted through the door and found Zack slamming a handcuffed and almost unconscious Keith up against the closet door.

  “Zack! What the fuck did I tell you? Damn it!”

  “Man, he okay,” Zack shouted as he let Keith go.

  Keith slid to the floor and could barely open his eyes. Dana ran to his side and ordered Zack to help her get him on the bed. Zack immediately did as Dana asked.

  “Keith, I really don’t want to leave you in here with that crazy-ass muthafucka again, but I will, so all I need you to do is give me the code to the safe at the ho house y’all got, and give me the key to the office where the safe is located. Now, before you say no, let me ask you: are the contents of that safe worth dying for?” Dana asked as she kneeled down, rubbing his hair.

  Keith jerked his head back away from Dana’s touch. “I’ll give you what you want, bitch, but trust me when I tell you that Thad will get you for this.”