“It’s so beautiful. Look, oh, look.” He just smiled as she pointed everything out to him.
They were on the taxi for about two hours. He wanted her to see as much as she could so he asked the driver to take it slow. As they approached his home SD pointed and said, “see over there. That’s were we are staying.”
Sasha was shocked. “Really. It’s beautiful.”
In all the excitement and in a place filled with beauty, S.D. was able to let his guard down a bit, but lurking behind them was the shadow of death. Someone wanted him dead, that he knew. He did not know that someone had followed him all the way to Italy.
The taxi pulled up along side the narrow walkway and stopped. S.D. hopped out of the taxi. He took her hand and helped her out. As they were getting out of the taxi a man with a heavy accent greeted them.
“Good Day, Mr. Davis.”
“Angelo, how’s it been?”
“Lovely, sir. Just lovely. So, how long is your trip this time?”
“Ah...about a few weeks maybe longer. Who knows?”
Angelo nodded. “Well, everything is here for you. May I take your bags?”
Sasha was still admiring the beauty. She did not realize Angelo was talking to her.
“Oh sorry, just taking in everything.”
“Yes, it is quite a place isn’t it? I’ll take your bags.”
“Oh sure, here, thank you.”
“What a lovely lady Mr. Davis.”
She smiled as S.D. guided her to his house. Once inside she was taken aback by how lovely the house was. The house was like a hotel. She loved it. She could not believe that he had a place like this. She kept looking around as they guided her inside. She was like a kid in the candy store. It was breathtaking.
“Sir, you have a few messages. I hope you got the letters I sent,” Angelo said.
“Yes, I received them, thank you. And I’ll go and check those messages right now. Can you show Sasha to her room?”
“Yes, Sir.”
Angelo showed her around the house as they walked to her room. The room she was staying in was stunning. I’m in heaven, she thought.
“If you need anything, just pick up the phone and dial 0,” Angelo said.
“Thank you,” Sasha said, with all smiles.
“So how do you like it? The house? Everything?” S.D. had snuck up on her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“Oh, it is amazing. The hallway, the bathroom, the rooms, everything is just perfect.”
“I brought the house about two years ago when I was here for vacation. It was a hotel that they were selling. I loved it and had to buy it. I kept everything pretty much the same except the furniture. I got rid of all that. I wanted the place to myself, you know. I did not want to keep it as a hotel. I gutted out some of the rooms and made the spaces bigger. I added my own flare. Put in some of the U.S. and kept a little of Italy.” He smiled. “This place is perfect for me. It allows me to have some me time. It allows me not to worry about what’s happening back in the States, you know.”
“This place is just amazing Steph. Thank you for bringing me here.”
“Well, enjoy your stay and make yourself at home.”
“OK! So what shall we do first?” She was ready to begin her vacation.
“Well, first, I need to check in on a couple of things. Finish making a few calls, handle business, you know.”
“Ok, but don’t to be long.”
“I won’t.”
As he left the room she hopped onto the bed and looked around the room. The room was huge. It was one of the biggest rooms in the house. It had a king size bed canopy, a chaise chair in the corner, a terrace that overlooked the waters, and it’s own bathroom with a Jacuzzi and shower. She was definitely going to enjoy her stay.
She wanted to unpack and enjoy the house and everything in it, but it had been a long trip. She was tired. Although she was tired and worn out she got up to head outside. She decided to take a swim in the pool. She needed to clear her mind and relax a little. She would wait until later to sleep. Today, she would enjoy her surroundings.
She left her room and headed to the pool located outside on the main floor. The place was amazing. It was what she dreamed of and hoped to gain soon enough. This is incredible, she thought. Very incredible.
The pool was huge and it even had his name at the bottom in script. She loved his style. His tastes were so exquisite. When she gained the fortune, his fortune that she was so ever after she would remember all this. She would make sure everything was set up with elegance and fine taste just like this was.
As she was in her thoughts the butler came and interrupted her. “May I get you something to drink or a snack?”
“Oh, yes...do you have a smoothie? Banana?”
“Yes, I will have it sent out to you shortly.”
“Great. Thank you.”
This was the life. What was the old lady talking about? It was all hers. Nothing not even that old lady would stop her from doing this.
She got up and decided to get in the pool. It was cold, but still lovely. After about a few laps in the pool S.D. came in giving orders to whoever was on the phone.
“I don’t care how you do it, just do it.”
She got out of the pool and wrapped a towel around her waist. She took a seat next to where he had just sat. He pulled her close to him and leaned against her as he spoke on the phone.
“Everything is okay with the money and our packages? Everyone on the streets has supplies, right? You supplied everyone early this morning and they are ready for today?” He waited for a reply. “Good, now, if you run out or need anything as far as more supplies from our suppliers see T. If you need anything else see T too.” He listened some more. “Yeah, I’ll be back soon. Might be away for a while, you know.” He smiled. “Everything is good just taking it easy. T will handle everything.” He seemed surprised by what he just heard. His eyebrows rose up as he listened intently.
“What?”
Another pause. She looked at him very concerned.
“What do you mean he isn’t around? You called him?” He did not look happy. “And?” He was annoyed. “He hasn’t picked up? Ok, I’ll give him a call myself.” He hung up the phone.
“What’s the matter?”
“T’s not there. They haven’t heard from him.”
“Oh. I’m sure he is taking care of some things. You will hear from him soon enough,” she said reassuring him.
“Yeah, you’re right.” He was kind of worried. He wondered if T was okay especially after the news T shared with him a few nights ago. “I’ll call him later. I’m not going to worry.”
“Nope, don’t worry about a thing. Anyway, what’s for dinner?”
“I was thinking we go out.”
“Where?”
“To this nice lavish restaurant I love to eat at when I am here. You’ll like it. Be ready at five o’clock.”
“OK.”
He got up and headed into the house.
“Where you going?”
“I’ll see you at five pm sharp. Don’t have me waiting.”
Sasha hated when he did that. He left her alone while he went to handle some more business. She was always the one who had to wait.
* * *
He watched them as they talked and cuddled a little. This was the perfect place for him to get S.D. No one would be there to protect him. S.D.’s crew was in the States. He was alone with no one to help him. He would make his move when the time was right. He would wait for the right moment to move in and take him out. It was only a matter of time before the killer would make his move.
* * *
Another man in a hoodie, however, was watching them too. It was only a matter of time before all that S.D. possessed would be his. The plan was now at work and he could not wait for the killer to take S.D. out.
Chapter 11
We think at the time that what we are doing is good and we are living the life. We’re living a life fill
ed with sex, drugs, and alcohol, and we are enjoying every minute of it. How I wished I knew better. I wished I had listened and chose the right way. My decisions messed up my future. My decisions affected the lives of others. I see that now. I really do.
* * *
“She’s back,” a nurse said.
“Good,” Dr. Stanley said.
No later than the nurse said she was back, Sasha went into shock.
“She’s dropping again, Doc, it doesn’t look good.”
“Just do it. She is too young to die,” Dr. Stanley said adamantly. “Come on pull through.”
* * *
“What made you choose Venice, Italy?”
Sasha and S.D. were at one of the loveliest restaurants she had ever been to. It’s exotic foods and atmosphere was just what she needed to get her mind off of everything.
“Well, I was born here.”
“Really?”
“Yup. My mom took a vacation here while she was pregnant with me. I was early.”
“You loved it even in your momma’s womb and decided to come out early.”
“I guess. I love it here though. You know, it is another way for me to be close to my mom. She died years ago.”
She did not know that about him. They had something in common. It seemed like everyday she was learning something new about him. He was a quiet, but talkative man. Some things he would reveal and some things he would keep to himself. I guess he felt if he poured out his feelings it would show some sort of weakness. She was happy that he opened up and since he was opening up and sharing his innermost feelings and thoughts she began to wonder if she was making the right decision. Maybe she should put a stop to all of this before it was too late.
She continued to listen closely. “So, I brought a house here and I come here from time to time to think and get away. Only T, my baby’s mom, and now you know about this spot.”
“Well, I can see why you chose this place. It is great for relaxing. You know I love the water, the rivers. I love how it surrounds the homes. Everything is just beautiful.”
“How about after dinner we take a romantic ride on the gondolas?”
“The what?”
“Oh, the gondolas are the rowing boats you see in the water.”
“Oh, yes. I’ve wanted to do that since we got here. I see it on TV all the time. It looks so romantic.”
He was showing her a different side of life and she loved it. This was the life she was meant to live. What more could she ask for or what more could she want? But, she started to weigh her options. If she were to go with the plan would she be able to enjoy all this again with the man she really loved? Or if she did not go with the plan, would he bring her here again or Ms. Gold-digger instead? After some thought, she decided to go with the plan. She would make sure that she would get everything she wanted with her man. It was all about to get better. She would have what she wanted soon enough. The plan must go on, she thought. No more doubting.
* * *
“She’s flatlining again.”
“Clear.”
For some reason Sasha kept coming back to life and leaving. The doctors and nurses wondered how long they could keep doing this.
* * *
“Where you at?” Ice asked. “S.D. is looking for you. We spoke earlier today.”
“I’m doing something.”
“Ok…but, you need to get in contact with S.D. He’s worried about you since you haven’t answered any of his or my phone calls.”
“I will be out of town for a while. I need you to take care of things. If you run into problems call me and not S.D. And don’t tell S.D. anything. Matter of fact, don’t speak to him when he calls. Just hit me up when he calls and I’ll call him right back.”
“I have to answer him.”
“Fine answer the phone and just say T is handling things. Then call me right away. Okay. Don’t get into specifics and don’t tell him that I am not there.”
“You okay, man? What’s up?”
“Nothing, some family issues came up that I have to take care of. I’ll explain later.”
Ice was one of S.D.’s hustlers who took care of those on the streets. He made sure everyone had packages and the money was right. He made sure the streets were stocked with workers and if anyone ran into problems he was the one to see. He ran a tight shift and was responsible for getting S.D. millions in the game.
As he was listening to T, something did not seem or feel right. His instincts were kicking in. “Ok?”
T hung up the phone, made a call, and continued to watch S.D., Sasha, and the killer from a distance.
* * *
“Yeah, I’m on him now. I’m in a boat. He decided to take his girl on a boat ride.”
The killer was becoming annoyed at the questions from the caller on the other end. “I got this. I’m just waiting for the right time. This city is new to me. I have to check my surroundings, have a get-away plan. You know how it goes!”
He hated being questioned, especially now. It only took away from the time he had. “Don’t worry, he’ll be dead and you shall take over the game. Everything is right on schedule boss.”
* * *
T hung up the phone after talking to the killer. All of this, the following and no action, was getting on his nerves. T wanted this over and done with, now, so that he could take over. He sat back with his arms folded, watching for the killer to make his move. Then, he would make his.
Chapter 12
Sasha and S.D. had been in Italy for four weeks. They were enjoying each other’s company and having much fun. This was the thing he needed to get his head together and to get back on track. Being far away from home was good for him, but not for his business.
Back home, the drop they were to have weeks ago was rescheduled. What he did not know was that when the drop did go as planned something happened. One night Spook and Bum went to a discreet location to get their supplies from their new suppliers. They were to go in get the product and hand over the money. It was a simple task, but precaution was a top priority. They had walked into an ambush. Someone had set them up, just like T had said.
As soon as they handed over the money guns were drawn. The two guys who were standing in front of Spook and Bum aimed the guns and pointed it at their heads. Then, a guy near the door pointed his gun at them as well. There was no way out for them.
Spook who was not a regular was only doing this as a favor. He had not expected this. All he came for was for the extra money he was promised if he went through with it. When he saw the guns being aimed at him he got scared and made a run for it. Bang. He was shot in his back and the bullet went through his chest. He died instantly.
“Thank you!” said the man standing to the right of Bum. He took the cash, gave a smile, and exited the room with the other guys who were with him. Once they left, Bum took out his cell phone and called Ice. “We got a problem?”
* * *
“He ain’t going to like hearing this. Losing the money, the drugs, and Spook dying.” Ice was upset and did not know how he should handle it. So he called an old friend, King.
“I think you should call T. Call him and see what to do and what he is up to, since he is suppose to be handling things while S.D. is gone and call me back,” King said.
“Ok, I’ll call him.” Ice hung up and dialed T. It ranged a couple of times and went straight to voicemail. He dialed again.
“Make it quick!” T said, who was really annoyed that he forgot to turn off the ringer.
“Bad…n-news man,” Ice said stumbling his way through his words.
“What?”
“T, Spook’s dead.”
“Ok, look, don’t worry about it.”
The phone clicked off. He immediately called King back and said, “He hung up on me.”
“Really?” King was not surprised.
* * *
T noticed the killer making his move. He really did not have time to stop and take a phone call. He already knew what the
call would be about so there was no need to sit and talk about it. He was more focused on the killer and what was happening. It looked like after a month tonight would be the night. T was ready and excited.
* * *
“Steph, this has been the best weeks of my life. Here with you. Being with you. I love it.”
“You always know how to make a man feel good.”
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.
“Don’t answer that? What about me? What about this.” She stood up showing her figure and shaking in front of him.
“Don’t worry I’ll handle that in a minute.” He picked up the phone and before he could say hello King started talking.
“Listen, to me!” He was in shock. He had not heard from King in a while. They had fallen out months before and went their separate ways. King was his close friend at one point, but in the end the business and people got between them.
“Your business is bad right now S.D.”
“What do you mean? What’s going on?” S.D. sat up in bed. He did not know if he should be upset with him or if he could trust him.
“Spook is dead. He went to the drop that—”
He cut him off. “What do you mean he’s dead?”
“I’m gonna put Ice in on this conversation.” King added Ice to the phone call.
“Ice, you there?”
“Yeah.”
“Tell him,” King said.
“S.D., I don’t know what happened. From what Bum said they went in and then guns were pointed at them. Spook must’ve got scared and ran and they shot him.”
S.D. thought for a moment before speaking. “I thought this drop was on the up and up?”
“It was! T gave the go ahead and said there was nothing to worry about.”
“You were to handle it and make sure they were legit. I placed you in charge of that. You should have checked your sources. That’s your job.” He was angry. He was not as angry at Ice as he was at what had been happening lately.
“I know…but T said…”
“How did he know them?”
“He said he met them down south. Said they were legit and that they had things we needed for cheap.”
“Where’s T?”
“I don’t know. He called me and told me he had something to take care of and that if you called don’t answer, but call him back and he’d talk to you or whatever and…”
Altered Destiny: A Hustler's Choice Page 7