by KR Bankston
“My employer will now explain everything to you,” Nero began again. “You will remain quiet and show him respect until he has finished speaking,” he went on. “Then if he so desires, he will answer any questions you may have.”
Finishing his speech Nero, turned to Ray and bowed slightly. The man never rose from his chair, simply crossing his arms and legs, and began addressing the men gathered in the room.
*****
“First of all, for everyone else except Ramell and Jacoury,” he began. “My name is Ray Lockhart,” he told them. “You’re all here tonight because of a mutual friend and my love and loyalty to him,” Ray told them cryptically.
Everyone frowned in confusion as he remained quiet a few moments more before beginning again.
“Top, Ice,” Ray began, addressing the two men exclusively. “Mark Autry is not going to prison because you two were sloppy,” he told them, shedding light on the friend he was here to protect.
Mark Autry owned a large marketing firm in Atlanta, as well as several small independent banks. They used him to launder millions of dollars in illegal tender out of the country. Ray saw the questions in their face and sighed lightly.
“This is Agent Kai Colbert, D.E.A.,” he told them as Kai stepped forward and Ray gave him the floor.
“In approximately 40 mintues the D.E.A. is going to raid each of your homes, businesses, and safehouses in Atlanta and Florida,” he addressed Tariq and Ian. “They will find nothing out of the ordinary, but they will shut the businesses down on the suspicion of illegal activity until a thorough investigation has been concluded, which could take years,” Kai informed them.
Tariq was blown. Who the hell was Ray Lockhart that he had D.E.A. in his pocket? This guy was no joke.
“Now, gentlemen,” Ray began again as Kai stepped back. “I have gathered, at great expense I might add, all the documentation that was collected on your various groups by Victor Tripp and Shanise Tedrick, FBI,” Ray told them. “I’ve arranged a change in blame for the outcome of the case, which is unfolding at their headquarters right now, as we speak,” he said, taking a quick break and asking for water.
Kai quickly retrieved his request and Ray began again. “You gentlemen are done here in Atlanta, Miami, and Tampa,” he said simply. “You will leave tonight and go wherever you like, except Kansas City and Overton Park,” he iterated. “In exchange, these files will never surface and none of you will face criminal prosecution for the myriad of crimes you’re responsible for, as well as those your respective partners are responsible for,” Ray told them eloquently. “If however any one of you gentlemen finds this agreement to be unfair, please let me know now and we’ll settle that.”
No one spoke and Ray grunted his approval. “You gentlemen now have 30 minutes,” he began again before looking at Kaitlyn, and holding her stare. Sighing deeply once again, Ray rose and walked over to her.
“Its time for your choice,” he told her simply. “If they stay here to fight over you, everyone’s life will be over as they know it,” Ray continued as Ian gave him a hateful glare.
“Choose now,” Ray finished, pulling her away from Ian and standing her in the middle of the two groups of men, directly in front of Tariq and Ian.
Kaitlyn wasted no time walking to her husband and embracing him.
“KiKi, you don’t have to do this,” Ian told her, angry that she hadn’t chosen him.
“Let it go Ice, seriously,” Tariq threw back angrily.
“Fuck you Tariq, she’s only over there because she’s afraid to hurt you,” Ian told him.
Kaitlyn finally released Tariq, turning to Ian and addressing him.
“Ice, I love Tariq with my whole heart,” she told him calmly. “I always have, but hell you knew that,” Kaitlyn went on, seeing the hurt and disbelief in Ian’s eyes. “You did everything you could to keep us apart, even trying to kill him,” she added as Ian finally fired back wanting to show her the real Tariq.
*****
“He’s no fuckin’ saint KiKi,” Ian growled. “Believe that shit. Ask me where the hell I was all these years,” he taunted.
Tariq began to become slightly uncomfortable. He wasn’t sure how Kaitlyn would take the information Ian was intent on giving her.
“Where Ice,” she threw out tiredly.
Ian told her about Tariq drugging him and having him committed to an insane asylum for years.
“Do you remember the night of your breakdown KiKi,” Ice began again as Tariq told him to give it up. “She’s made her choice, man up and live with it,” Tariq growled as Ray continued to watch, slightly amused, directing his men to keep the odds even.
“You scared now, scared of her knowing the real you,” Ian taunted.
“What about my breakdown,” Kaitlyn asked, her curiosity piqued.
Ian told her about the hotel, about her not being herself and him trying to take care of her.
“He found us together,” Ian lied. “He brought an execution squad,” he added to the lie as Kaitlyn turned and looked into Tariq’s eyes.
“Is that true,” she asked softly.
He sighed lightly and told her only partially.
“Baby, you were on the verge of total breakdown,” Tariq explained patiently. “Ice drugged you, he put it in your crown,” he told her as Kaitlyn nodded vaguely remembering that.
“He made you shoot me KiKi,” Ice told her as she spun around again, eyes wide, looking at Ian.
“What,” she asked, now at a total loss.
“No baby,” Tariq told her as she turned again and regarded him. “You shot Ice as he lunged at you, because you thought he was Carlo,” he finally told her truthfully as the tears came to her eyes and she turned to Ian again.
“So you’re still lying to me,” Kaitlyn told him as Ian opened his mouth to speak and she cut him off. “Still telling me half truths and trying to manipulate me,” she went on the hurt coming full circle. “Ice, I’m gone, I’m done, there is nothing left inside me for you anymore, nothing,” Kaitlyn told him, turning her back a final time and walking back to Tariq, who took her into his arms and held her.
Ian shut down when she turned away from him. His emotions went cold and he felt nothing. Even looking at her now, he told himself he wanted to kill her. Kaitlyn’s rejection had destroyed him. Ray saw the change in his eyes and went to where he stood, regarding him.
“Even when we can’t have what we want most in the world, we find a way to replace it,” Ray told Ian calmly. “I’ve heard a lot of things about you Ice,” he continued. “Perhaps we should talk further,” he added as Ian thought about his statements and told him maybe they should.
Turning around, Ray’s eyes found Jacoury’s. “Here we are yet again Mr. Slaughter,” Ray began. “Let this be the last time I find myself bailing you out of trouble,” he told him and turned away without awaiting reply.
“So Gentlemen, do we have a deal or not,” Ray asked as Kai announced they had 18 minutes.
“We’re gone,” Tariq said calmly as Ray grunted his acknowledgement.
He ordered his men to escort Tariq, Mook, Shells, Jaron, Ramell and Jacoury from the house to the trucks outside. The men were shocked to see all the women already there waiting for them.
”This dude is a nightmare,” Mook remarked. “I sure as hell hope he wasn’t serious about hooking up with Ice, that muthafucka would be unstoppable,” he added as Tariq frowned deeply and told him he was right.
“I don’t give a fuck though,” he added as they got closer to the truck and the driver opened the door for Kaitlyn to get in. “I still beat him, and that’s some shit he’ll hafta live with forever,” Tariq told Mook who smiled and agreed with him.
Climbing in with Kaitlyn, Tariq finally got the opportunity to hug her and kiss her, telling her how much he loved her and how glad he was to have her back.
“Riq, I have to tell you something,” she began seriously as the convoy began to roll.
“What is it baby,” he asked swee
tly, still holding her in his arms.
“I, um, Ice he um,” she tried as Tariq kissed her again and told her he understood and she didn’t have to say it.
“That’s over baby, it’s all over,” he added as she sighed deeply, relaxing in his arms her mind finally at rest.
*****
Ian and Jalen rode in the same truck. His mind was still reeling over Kaitlyn’s rejection and Tariq’s victory.
“You can never go back to Philly now,” Ian told his brother as Jalen nodded thoughtfully.
“I know,” he replied simply. “Are you really going to just let her go like that,” Jalen asked, looking Ian in the eye.
He smiled slightly but said nothing and Jalen wisely decided not to push.
“I think I’m ready to learn more,” he said finally as Ian again smiled.
“That’s good to hear,” Ian returned.
“Where are we going,” Jalen finally asked after they’d been riding for a little while. “Bayou country,” Ian replied thinking how good the state had been to him when he was there.
Creeper and Pirate had their own problems once their wives found out they were back in the game and their entire lives had to be uprooted. Still the two men remained loyal and told him they were also coming with him to Louisanna.
Things weren’t the way Ian had envisioned, but they turned out far better than they could have, given the D.E.A. and FBI involvement. He’d spent all the time locked up he planned too at the mental hospital, Ian brooded as he finally relaxed for now, his mind recalling his conversation with Ray Lockhart after Kaitlyn left with Tariq. Once I get everything up and rolling, I think I will drop him a line, Ian told himself, glancing at the business card in his hand and sliding it into his pocket. Looking over at his twin, he smiled again. Jalen had gotten his trial by fire and survived, with a little more grooming and a few more live trials, the Bailey brothers would once again be a serious force to be reckoned with.
Part III: Life After Atlanta
Mook and Kim were getting ready to head out. Everyone was meeting tonight at Bacchus, the club Ramell and Jacoury owned and ran together. They would finally find out tonight where Tariq had decided to start over.
“I’m glad this going to be settled tonight,” Kim told him, putting on the dress she was wearing. “I need to have everything set up for KiSean when he comes,” she added, sliding her shoes on.
They’d been in Gary for two weeks now and she missed her son terribly. Neither she nor Mook took the chance on contacting him though. They waited until they were sure that Ray Lockhart had kept his word and no one was looking for them. Once they did call, Maria told them they children still had another month of school left. As hard as it was to say yes and let KiSean stay, Kim had done it. She had to think of her son and his wellbeing. Uprooting him from his friends at the end of the term wasn’t a good thing. She knew Maria was taking great care of him and that definitely eased her mind.
“What,” Kim asked, turning around and finding Mook giving her a look.
“When you get that dress,” he asked, looking her over.
“Couple days ago,” she replied, praying he wasn’t going to balk about it.
The dress was wrap, deep majestic purple in color, with mint green accents. The three inch stilettos accentuated her legs and the gold charm laden anklet brought attention to the shoes.
“Hmph,” Mook said simply as Kim continued to pray silently.
It stopped mid thigh, but was tasteful in her opinion.
“What’s under the dress,” he asked, his expression never changing.
Shit, Kim thought, knowing she was wearing the simple g-string.
“Underwear, Mook,” she tried as he walked over and pulled her too him, his hand sliding under the dress.
“Oh hell no,” he told her giving her a look. “Now you either put on some boy shorts with this shit or some pantyhose, but something,” Mook said evenly, though his hands never left her skin.
“OK, so let me go get them,” Kim told him in reply, already picturing the black boyshorts she would wear.
Mook pressed himself against her, grinding slowly.
“No,” Kim replied trying to pull away. “We don’t have time,” she tried again as Mook destroyed yet another thong and sat her on the counter. “Mook, wait,” Kim managed before his tongue was in her mouth and she felt his hardness sliding inside her.
******
“Shit,” Tyashia cursed under her breath dropping the glass and hearing it shatter.
“What’s wrong baby,” Jacoury asked, coming to her and hugging her. “You’ve been jumpy all day,” he added giving her a look.
“I still don’t think tonight is a good idea, Jacoury,” Tyashia pleaded.
He wanted to introduce her to everyone tonight.
“We’ve talked about this,” Jacoury replied, stroking her face gently. “I know you’re nervous baby, but its gonna be fine,” he reassured her.
Tyashia wasn’t sure about all that, but she couldn’t figure a way out of the meeting, at least not yet. I should have never hooked up with him, she thought as Jacoury began kissing her neck softly. She cared for him, actually starting to feel herself falling in love with him, and that was something she vowed never to do again. What about the baby, her mind told her. Tyashia couldn’t believe how quickly Jacoury had gotten her pregnant. They’d only had unprotected sex twice, but as the picture on the box told her she was definitely carrying his child.
Jacoury returned to her lips kissing her deeply and disturbing her thoughts as he took her hand leading her to their bedroom.
“Everything is going to be fine baby,” Jacoury told her undressing her as he spoke. “I’m going to be right there by your side so you won’t be alone with anyone,” he went on. “These are my folks, and they are gonna be your folks too,” he told her finally laying her gently on the bed, removing his own clothing and joining her.
“I’m so scared,” Tyashia told him honestly.
“Don’t be,” he replied simply his mouth finding her nipple and pushing the pending meeting tonight to the back of her mind.
Jacoury was again as sensuous as he always was, bringing her to orgasm quickly. “Mmm, Tyashia, my girl,” Jacoury moaned thrusting deeply inside her as she sighed quietly loving the things he did to her.
He returned to her lips, kissing her again as he slowed his pace and patiently brought her to orgasm again.
“Jacoury, oh god,” Tyashia cried out as she came hard and her body trembled.
He began again as her hands slid down and gripped his butt squeezing hard and pulling him deeper inside her.
“Shit girl,” Jacoury moaned, stiffening as his orgasm arrived and he made no attempt to remove himself from her.
After gathering themselves a few moments, Jacoury kissed her lips softly and spoke.
“Come on let’s shower so we can go,” he told her as every bit of apprehension and fear came crashing forward for Tyashia all over again.
*****
“What are you saying,” Jaron asked Gabrielle trying to control his temper. They’d been arguing for the past hour.
“I don’t want to live like this anymore,” she told him calmly. “I want a normal life, with a normal man, and normal surroundings, working a normal job,” Gabrielle explained.
The drama of the last few weeks had taken their toll and she knew then she wasn’t cut out to be a hustlers chick.
“So you wanna leave me, leave our life, our love,” Jaron asked, never taking his eyes from her. “Who you leavin’ me for Gabrielle,” he asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.
“I’m not cheating on you Jaron,” she yelled. “I just can’t do this anymore,” she told him, trying to hold the tears. “Those men coming to the house scared the hell out of me,” Gabrielle told him, as one of the captive tears escaped and ran down her cheek. “Watching Kim kill that FBI agent turned my stomach,” she added, beginning to cry earnestly. “I can’t do any of that Jaron,” Gabrielle finished
, breaking down and sobbing deeply.
Going to her, he took her in his arms and held her. “Gabrielle, Kim is a different kind of chick, cut from a different cloth,” he began soothingly. “I’m not asking you to be her,” he continued. “I just want you to continue being you baby, I love everything about you just the way it is,” Jaron tried. “I know things are up in the air right now, I know the other night scared the hell out of you,” he told her. “But its not going to always be that way. You know for yourself this is the first major issue we’ve had in the years you and I have been together,” Jaron threw out, praying he was getting through to her.
He loved Gabrielle with his entire being and her leaving him was an impossibility in his mind. “What if you’re pregnant, then what, who’s going to take care of you and the baby,” Jaron tried again.
“I’m so scared Jaron,” Gabrielle finally admitted. “I don’t want you to get hurt, or locked up, or even killed,” she told him finding his eyes again. “What am I supposed to do then,” she asked as the tears returned.
Sighing deeply he pulled her close again.
“Baby, I’m going to be fine, and we’re going to be fine,” he told her, even knowing everything she’d just spoken was true.
“OK baby,” Jaron asked, tilting her face to his own.
Gabrielle stared into his eyes for a long time saying nothing.
“Please, Gabrielle,” Jaron tried again as she sighed softly.
“OK,” she replied as he smiled and kissed her, his passionate coming to the forefront.
Gabrielle responded, unbuttoning his shirt and caressing his chest. Jaron returned the favor, continuing until he had her completely naked. He began licking her nipples as they hardened and Gabrielle moaned softly. Jaron continued his work, lowering himself until he was tasting her arousal and she was arching her back to give him more.