Bitch Reloaded # 4

by Deja King

  "Listen to me. I'm about to tell you the truth," she said, twisting in her seat as she prepared to spit her story. "This girl that I'm cool with called me like a few weeks ago asking me did I want to make some easy money. And of course I was down for it `cause I'm in school and I do little bullshit videos and stuff on the side to make a couple of dollars. So, I was like, as long as I don't end up in jail or dead I'm down for whatever."

  The girl then looked down, eyeing my gun as if pleading, Please don't kill me!

  "So the girl promised me that the job was real easy. All I had to do was call this chick up and say x, y and z, collect some money, and I'm good."

  "Yo, your story sounds like some bullshit."

  "I swear! Look in my purse and you'll see the notes she gave me.

  I kept my gun purposely aimed at the girl and grabbed her purse that was sitting on her lap.

  "There it is, right there," she gestured with her finger, pointing to a manila envelope.

  I opened it and saw what appeared to be a highly specific script. It even had the comment Nico made in reference to death before he shot me. I studied every word on the script, looking for a clue. "I don't see anything on here about how much money you were supposed to ask me for in order to get the information on Nico."

  "She never gave me one. That's why the first time I spoke to you I had to cut our conversation short, because I wanted to find out what amount of money to say. The girl told me to ask for whatever I wanted, because more than likely you would pay. Plus, she said your paper was like that. She did tell me to ask you for a cute amount, and give her twenty-five percent since she put me on. The deal I made with you was going to pay for my tuition, and I wouldn't have to do videos no damn more. I get tired of having to fuck bum-ass rappers and their boys all the time. I couldn't believe it when you agreed to the amount, but now I see why you planned on snatching me up regardless."

  "So, did the girl show you a picture of me?"

  "Nope."

  "Did she tell you who she was working for?"

  "Nope, she kept everything real simple. It's like a bunch of us that all run in the video girl circuit, and she was just putting me on to some quick dough."

  "What's her name?"

  "Who's name?"

  "Bitch, the chick that set this shit up?"

  "Oh, her name, LeeLee."

  "What was the next move you were supposed to make after I picked up the envelope and you got the money?"

  "She told me to call her and let her know you picked up the envelope and I got the money. That was it."

  "Well then, that's what you gonna do. What's yo' name, Ma?"

  "Vita."

  "Night, here," I said, handing Vita her phone. "Call that chick, LeeLee and tell her that I must've changed my mind `cause I never showed up. Tell her you've been waiting for over an hour, and when you tried to call me I didn't pick up my phone. You understand?"

  "Yeah," Vita nodded her head.

  "But yo, don't play no clue games wit' your homegirl. `Cause sweetheart, I would hate to have your brains splattered in my Range Rover, but if that's what has to be done, then than so be it."

  "No, I won't try nothing, I-I-I promise," Vita stuttered. "If I knew it was going to be all this drama I would've said forget it.

  "What type of shit did you think you were being a part of when you were calling me, demanding money, and throwing faulty shit around about a nigga that tried to kill me?" I questioned.

  "Honestly, I didn't want to know. Some easy money was the only thing on my mind."

  "Huh, I guess nobody schooled you that all money ain't good money. Now make that call."

  As Vita dialed LeeLee's number, I unzipped a bag full of goodies I brought for today's mission. I listened intently as she let her friend know the deal never went down. I could hear the frustration in the girl's voice as she asked Vita a million questions. Finally, I motioned my hand letting her know to wrap up the conversation. When she hung up I made my next move.

  "Are you going to let me go now?" A naive Vita asked.

  "Do you know what information is in that envelope my partner picked up?" I asked her, ignoring the bogus question she hit me with.

  "I assume the address to where the guy Nico is. I already told you that."

  I hope it is the correct address, because there's nothing like the element of surprise. If Nico and whoever is helping him thinks I never picked up the envelope, then they won't be expecting me to show up. Fucked up for them, but great for me, I thought to myself. "Just checking, making sure your story is legit. Now put your hands behind your back." Vita looked down strangely at the handcuffs I was holding. "What, you ain't neva seen no handcuffs before?"

  "Why, you want me to put these on?"

  I chuckled for a minute, wondering why dumb broads get themselves involved in shit that's way out of their league. She is playing with her life over greed, and she wasn't even a warrior. "Vita, don't ask me no questions just make things easier on yourself and do as I say," I told her calmly.

  "Are you going to kill me?" Her eyes were filled with tears and fear.

  "If I wanted you dead, you would be. So just cooperate and we good."

  She breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly complied with my request. I then pulled out my rope, tied her feet up, and then put duct tape over her mouth. I pushed the seats in the back down and directed her to get in the trunk. As she lay with her feet facing me, I tied her legs up. Without saying a word, I used the butt of my gun to pound her in the back of her head, and she was out like a light. I hoped she would remain unconscious until I finished handling my business. I covered her up with blankets and pushed the seats back up.

  My next stop was to scoop Maya up. I called her, and right when I pulled up to the drug store she came outside. "Is everything cool?" she asked after closing the door.

  "Yeah, you did real good. Now let me have that envelope."

  Maya pulled the envelope out of her pocket and I ripped it open. Nico's name was written at the top with an address underneath. I knew this had to be a setup. They were expecting me to drop the money, pick up the envelope, go to the address and then be ambushed. The shit might've worked if I hadn't snatched up Vita, but now I hoped that I had turned the tables and I would ambush they're asses.

  I pulled up to the address on the paper, and I couldn't help but think the area seemed so familiar. I didn't come to Chelsea often, but I knew I had been in this area recently. I looked around trying to see a landmark, but then my cell rang, bringing me out of my thoughts. I saw that it was Jamal calling. I eyed the clock and realized it was two o'clock.

  "Hi, Jamal," I said with ease.

  "Precious, where are you and where is Nina?"

  "Nina? She hasn't gotten to the hotel yet?"

  "No. I figured she was with you. She's not picking up her phone and nobody seems to know where she is."

  "No, Nina isn't with me. I got caught up in some drama with Mike's little sister, and now I'm stuck in traffic, but I should be there shortly. Nina probably left her phone someplace and is stuck in traffic too. When's the last time you spoke to her?"

  "Last night before she left to stay at one of her girlfriends' houses. She didn't want me to see her again until she walked down the aisle."

  "Jamal, I'm sure Nina will be there any minute. There's nothing that can keep her from marrying you. Just hold tight, I'll be there shortly."

  "You're right, but hurry up. I want you to be here," Jamal said, sounding much calmer.

  "I will."

  I glanced at Maya, and she was giving me the lips poked out look. "What?" I asked her after hanging up with Jamal.

  "Some drama came up with `Mike's sister'? How you gon' blame your tardiness on me?"

  "You claim you wanna be down, so let's call you taking the blame on that earning your stripes."

  "Well, if you put it like that, I'm cool," Maya said, smacking her lips like she was `bout it `bout it.

  I refocused on my surroundings. I was parked
a few buildings down from the address on the paper. I was checking to see if any familiar faces went in or came out, mainly Nico's. I wasn't expecting to see him, but then again, anything was possible. I eyed the clock again and time was definitely not on my side. If Nico was in there, then I needed to handle my business and be out.

  "Maya, I want you to sit tight. I have to run up in that building, and hopefully I won't be gone too long. If an emergency comes up, call my cell, if I don't pick up, here." I handed her two hundred dollars. "Take a cab over to the hotel where the wedding is. But no matter what, don't tell anybody about what went down this afternoon. If anybody asks, just say I dropped you off at the hotel and said I'd be back shortly. You understand?"

  "I understand, but you are coming back, right?" She reached over and gave me a hug. My eyes locked with hers, and I saw traces of panic and genuine concern.

  "Don't worry, Maya, I'll be fine. Just follow my lead." Honestly, I wasn't sure if I would be fine because I didn't know what was waiting for me. All I knew was that I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to come face-to-face with Nico Carter. I wanted to bring this chapter of my life to an end. If I didn't avenge Supreme's death, I could never move on. Nico was the holdup, and he had to go. There was no other way around it.

  "Give me back the hat," I told Maya. She handed over the black baseball cap and I twisted my hair up in a bun.

  "Be careful!" Maya hollered before I shut the door.

  I walked briskly towards the building, and to my relief a man was about to go in. Finding someone to buzz me in was one obstacle I didn't have to encounter. On my way in, I quickly searched the buzzer for the super's name and apartment number. I peeped that there was no name listed under the apartment Nico was supposedly staying at.

  I knocked on the door praying that the super would answer. "Mr. Sanchez, are you there?" I heard a television and a dog barking.

  A few seconds later, a petite Hispanic lady opened the door with a little terrier right by her side. She had to be the super's wife. First she just stared at me, not saying a word. "Do you speak English?" She nodded her head yes, but still didn't say a word. "I need your help." I gave the sweetest and most sincere voice I could muster.

  "Help?" Mrs. Sanchez questioned in a thick Spanish accent.

  I could tell she was no pushover and I would have to give a very convincing story to get what I needed from her. "Yes, last night I got in a huge argument with my boyfriend, and before he left he stole a watch my father left me before he died. I called the police, but after speaking to my ex they said there was nothing they could do because my boyfriend denied it, and it was my word against his. I know that watch is in his apartment, and I desperately need it back. That watch is all I have left from my father. Not only did my ex break my heart by cheating on me with my best friend, but now he has my dead father's watch." I let a tear roll down my cheek for a special effect, hoping that would bring a twinge of sympathy. I studied the older lady's face, and I could see I was somewhat reaching her.

  "What can I do?" She put her hands up as if confused.

  "Let me in his apartment so I can get my father's watch. My ex went out of town this morning, so he's not home and he'll never know. I promise I won't be in there long."

  The lady's eyes got extra big and her head switched back in forth as if stunned. "Are you crazy? I can't let you in someone else's apartment. Dat's against the law."

  I lowered my hands, motioning for her to calm down. She was now talking loud and I didn't need to raise any suspicion. "Listen, no one would have to know. He's not home. All you have to do is give me the key and I'll be in and out. I promise it will be worth your while."

  I finally struck a cord with the lady. She lifted her eyebrow waiting to hear what I was offering. I pulled out a knot of money, full of nothing but Benjamin Franklin's.

  "What apartment is he in?" she asked in a much more cooperative tone.

  "Seven-E."

  "Oh, yes, I do see a young lady visit him often. He don't leave apartment that much, only very late at night. Must be when he come see you. He two-timer. What a shame, tsk, tsk, tsk..."

  "Yes, two-timer. He was living with me and seeing my best friend."

  "What a shame. You deserve your father's watch back," Mrs. Sanchez continued, now with her hand out as if every word she spoke cost me money.

  I started dropping one bill after another in the palm of her hand. When I hit five I stopped.

  "No key, no father watch."

  I gave her five more, and she rolled up the grand and tucked it in her bra. Then she pulled a bunch of keys from her bathrobe pocket. "You get caught, I say you robbed me for key, then you go to jail." She wiped her hands, "I have nothing to do with this. I don't know what you're doing, I've never seen you before," she said with her eyes closed as if I had miraculously disappeared and she hadn't handed over the apartment key.

  I said nothing. I had what I needed. I was also happy, that I had my baseball cap pulled down real low over my face so if shit hit the fan she wouldn't be able to give the police an accurate description of me. She closed the door as if nothing happened.

  As I walked quietly up all seven flights of stairs, my heart was beating so fast. I didn't know if it was an adrenaline rush from being so close to ending Nico's life once and for all, or anticipation of the unexpected.

  When I reached his floor, I put my ear to the door to see if I could hear anything, but there was complete silence. I discreetly pulled out my gun as I slowly opened the door with the key Mrs. Sanchez gave me. With it slightly open, I used one eye to scan the open area. No one was in view, so I took my chances and went straight in with gun raised.

  I could hear what sounded like the shower running. After closing the door, I glanced around looking for clues that Nico was in fact staying here. The place was decorated decently enough, with coffee-colored leather furniture, a throw rug and a few plants, nothing spectacular but respectable. I made a beeline to the bedroom and I instantly knew that this was the place Nico was laying his head every night. He still wore the same cologne and the aroma filled the room. For a moment it brought back memories of how good he used to feel inside of me.

  Hearing the water stop snapped me out of my daydreaming. I hurriedly tiptoed out of the bedroom and hid inside a hallway closet. I kept the door cracked open and watched as Nico came out the bathroom. He was butt naked, and his smooth chocolate skin was glistening, highlighting every muscle on his solid frame. He let his short, curly hair grow out and he was now sporting cornrows. Part of me wanted to fuck him one more time before I had to lullaby his ass, but that was a bad idea. I stood patiently in the closet as I saw him walking back and forth from the bedroom to the bathroom, getting dressed. When he was done, he went into the living room, turned on the television and sat down.

  I waited about five more minutes so he could get comfortable and then sneaked up on him. "Long time no see," I said, sneaking up on Nico with my nine-millimeter pointing directly at his head.

  His dark eyes remained fixed on mine, and he didn't flinch even with death staring him in the face. "My lovely Precious, I knew we'd meet again."

  "I'm sure you did, just not under these circumstances."

  "What do you mean by that?"

  "Save the bullshit, Nico. I know you and some bitch named LeeLee was tryna set me up. You thought I was gonna show up here so the two of you could ambush me, but I deaded all that."

  "Yo, on the real, I don't know what the fuck you're talking `bout. I had no clue you was going to show up here. You think I would be chillin' on the couch watching TV waiting for you to put a bullet in my heard? You know me better than that."

  "Actually, I don't, because not in my worst nightmare did I believe you would come back and kill my husband. I can understand you seeking revenge on me and tryna end my life because I tried to end yours first by setting you up on that murder charge. I'll take that as settling the score, even though because of your actions I also lost my unborn child. That was foul. But
to then come back and blaze Supreme while we're leaving the hospital. For that you gotta die."

  Nico let out a deep sigh and shook his head. He put his hands over his mouth and rubbed his chin as if thinking.

  I stepped back a little bit while keeping my finger firmly on the trigger. I didn't know if the nigga would try to get slick and jump at me to try and take my weapon. He was much more powerful than I was, and I had to keep the upper hand at all times.

  "We've both done some fucked up shit to one another, but I swear on everything I've ever loved, which includes you, I ain't kill Supreme. And honestly, when you said you were pregnant I didn't believe you. I thought you were trying to manipulate the situation and have me pity you so I wouldn't finish you off. I'm sorry I took the life of your unborn child, but I swear that I didn't kill Supreme. That's my word."

  I felt a slight pain in my heart. Nico spoke each word so clearly and defiantly. I knew this man on many levels, and it scared me because part of me believed he was telling the truth. "You a fuckin' lie. Don't try to snake your way out this shit. You the only person that had reason, and is crazy enough to come at Supreme in broad daylight. I know it was you."

  "In your heart, if you really believe I was the one, then go head and pull that trigger... go head," Nico pressed on.

  I stepped forward and gripped the gun tighter wanting to blast off so badly, but something held me back.

  "You know I'm speaking the truth. Whoever took out Supreme had their own agenda. It was just easy for the blame to fall on me because of what went down between us."

  "Well if it wasn't you, then who?" I was more confused then ever. I was dead set on believing that Nico was the culprit, but my gut knew he was telling the truth. It wasn't him.

  "Honestly, I don't know, but it wasn't me, that I can promise you.

  I was so caught up in digesting what Nico was saying that I never heard the front door opening. Before I knew it, I had a gun pointing at me, and now my life was flashing before my eyes.

  "Bitch, put that gun down before I waste you."