by Wahida Clark
“Aww, fuck!” he yelled as the burning sensation hit him. He turned around and saw two blue bandannas turn the corner. He ran up the stairs behind them. “Here I go! Take me one on one, pussies!” He was twirling around in circles, wanting someone to step up. “Come on!” He began walking up and down the tier. He heard a few snickers but other than that everyone was acting as if they didn’t see him. The next thing he knew he was being thrown to the floor, facedown, his wrists being handcuffed behind his back.
“Charade’s over!” the burly Hulk Hogan wannabe in an officer’s uniform said.
“I ain’t do nothing man! I’m the one bleeding! Look at my back!” Crack. He was hit over the head.
“Shut the fuck up!” two of the other officers yelled at him.
“This is bullshit,” Peanut mumbled as they picked him up and brisked him away.
That was almost three days ago. Now here he was, listening to this old man tell him some more bullshit.
“Youngblood, you need to watch your back. No pun intended. They’re teasing you right now and at the same time testing your manhood.” He was twirling a toothpick around in his mouth. He had a huge birthmark on the left side of his face that resembled a burn. His head was shaved clean. His droopy eyes and sagging jowls put about fifteen years on his fifty.
“Tell me something I don’t know OG”
“What the hell you think I’m tryna do! If you ain’t gittin’ outta here today you better strike first. ’Cause it’s not gonna be a teaser the next time.” He swaggered over to the bottom bunk and laid down. He was an ex-Blood himself.
Peanut was now sitting all the way up, his feet dangling off the bed.
“Youngblood, take this.” He passed him a bundle of cloth. Peanut grabbed it and unwrapped it. Running his hand over what used to be the top of a mop handle, it was now a shank, a piece of protection, a piece of mind. Not much, but it was something.
“I ’preciate this OG.” Peanut got down and secured his protection. “OG?”
“What Youngblood? I’m tryna take a nap. You want me to show you how to use it too?” he snapped.
“Naw OG, I can handle it. I need to know where them other two niggas that came in with me are.”
“How in the hell should I know?” He pulled the sheet over his head, then mumbled, “They got discharged.”
Peanut finally decided to tell it all to Shan. She picked up on the first ring. After the operator said “Go ahead, sir,” Peanut caught a lump in his throat.
“Peanut…Peanut…” Shan cried his name. “Please don’t tell me you’re hurt. Are they raping you? What happened? Why are you in jail? Peanut, you know you are all I got; don’t do this to me. It’s been four days since I heard from you, you could have called sooner.” She rattled off.
“Shan! Shan! I’m cool. I’m okay. I just need you to handle some things so I can get the fuck outta here as soon as possible. A’ight?” Instead of answering she just kept on crying. “Shan you gonna help me or not?”
“Of course I’ma help you. What kind of bullshit question is that? Tell me what happened Peanut.”
“Niggas tried to jack me at the wrong place at the wrong time. The po-po was everywhere to make a long story short. Brianna was the only other person who knew what was going down.”
“How do she know your business?”
“That’s a whole ’nother story. Patch me through to Keke. She got that damn block on the phone. She hasn’t called you looking for me?”
“No.”
“That bitch probably in Atlantic City somewhere celebrating the fact that I haven’t been home. And I need you to pull yourself together.”
“All right. All right. Hold on.” She dialed Keke’s number and after the voice mail kicked in Shan left a message saying Peanut was locked up and to call her ASAP. “I’ma go over there,” she assured Peanut.
“Where the fuck is this bitch when I need her?” Peanut hissed. His pride was hurt. “Call Nick too.”
“Just tell me what you need me to do. Fuck her! We all we got Peanut.”
“I need a real lawyer, like yesterday. I declined the fake ass pretender they tried to give me. Tell that bitch to give you that 20Gs she holding for me.”
“Got you.”
Peanut then gave her the rest of the info on his arrest and the numbers to a couple of people that was holding money for him.
His old lawyer that he had on retainer, they fell out and he just fired him. He gave Shan a number to another lawyer.
“You got all that?”
“I got it Peanut. Now can I get a word in?”
“What’s up?”
“Are you okay?”
“I told you I’m straight.”
“You didn’t get into any fights?” She was talking like a concerned parent.
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“That’s not what I asked you!” she snapped.
“No fights. Listen. Stop worrying, a’ight. Just get me a lawyer so I can get the fuck outta here.”
“One more question?” She heard him let out a huge sigh. “Look, boy. You all I got so I know I can be concerned. This will be my last question.” She snapped.
“What is it?”
“Did they rape you?” Someone was trying to get through on her line.
Peanut let out a chuckle, which assured her that he was surviving. “You need to stop watching Oz and the rest of that shit. There are plenty of niggas willing to give up the ass. Niggas don’t have to go around raping niggas.”
Shan breathed a sigh of relief. “When are you gonna call me back?”
“Later. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Shan hung up and checked her voice mail.
Nyla was sitting on the porch when her cell phone rang. When the operator said, “Collect call from Peanut, Wayne County Jail,” her eyes got so big her sister Lisha thought they were gonna pop out of their sockets.
“Who is that?”
Nyla waved her off and she got up and began walking. She didn’t want her sister to be privy to the fact that she was talking to another man. “Yes. I’ll accept. Peanut, what’s going on with you?”
“I got caught up in some shit. I should be out in a couple of days. You a’ight? You need anything?”
Nyla laughed. “I should be asking you those questions. Let me send you some money.”
“Nah. I’m straight. Like I said, I’ll be out in a few.” He was relishing the sound of her voice and was imagining running his fingers through her locks.
“I want to. That way I won’t keep feeling guilty for accepting money from you. If my husband ever found out…well, I can’t even fathom the outcome.” She let out a nervous laugh.
“The only way he’ll find out is if you tell. Plus, I already told you to look at it as a gift.”
“Yeah, right. A gift of money from the next nigga! If your wifey did that, how would you respond?” Peanut laughed. “That’s what I thought. Plus I’m already being accused of wanting to move on to the next nigga.”
“So ya’ll two doing a’ight, or what?”
“Considering the circumstances, we’re maintaining.”
“Aww, dayumn. That wasn’t the answer I was looking for.” Nyla blushed. “Look, can I see you next weekend?”
“Peanut you know that wouldn’t be a good idea. I got a husband, you got a wife. I enjoyed our conversations but you know the sayings: all good things must eventually come to an end and don’t play with fire and expect not to get burnt.”
“So you’re going to end our friendship?”
“Umm-hmm. I know you can respect that.”
Peanut allowed a few seconds of silence to elapse before saying, “A’ight. I’ma give you that.”
“Thank you. Take care of yourself Peanut.” Nyla remained standing in place in deep thought with her back to Lisha.
“Who is Peanut?” Lisha was standing behind her with her hands on her hips.
Shan checked her voice mail and was surprised to hear Brigg
en’s voice. She immediately called him back.
“Hey.” Her voice trembled.
“Hey to you too!”
“Glad to hear that you are alive. You scared me and I don’t appreciate that.”
Briggen chuckled then coughed. “Damn.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Naw. It’s not you. It hurts when I cough, when I laugh, hell, even hurts to breathe. But shit, at least I’m living, and you’re living, am I right?”
“Yeah, you’re right. How many bullets did you take?”
“Three.”
“Three?” Shan gasped.
“It’s not as bad as it sounds. One went through me and you are lucky it didn’t hit you. I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself.”
“Oh my God!” Shan cried out. “Calvin, I—”
“Hey. It’s over. It’s all good.” He cut her off. “No need to worry about it. Now when are you gonna come and check on a sick man?”
“Nigga don’t even try it! All of them—”
“Look at you. A second ago you were in tears apologizing. In a matter of seconds you switched to bitch mode.”
Shan smiled. “Like I said; don’t even try it. You probably got two bitches there right now. What? They went to get you something to eat so that’s how you were able to sneak a call in to me? I can’t fuck with you Briggen.”
“I don’t have to sneak and do nothing. I’ma grown-ass man. Just say the word and I’ll make sure ain’t nobody here but me and you. You need to come and check on a sick man. It’s almost time for my sponge bath.”
That image alone caused Shan’s pussy to wake up. But she immediately shook it off. “I told you. I can’t fuck with you like that.”
“Come on now. Make a sick man happy. I saved your life remember? That deserves me getting a visit from you; in a candy striper’s outfit, no panties, and a sponge bath. That’s a fair exchange.”
That got a laugh outta Shan. “Nigga you don’t give up do you?”
“Not when it’s something I’m after.”
“Let me think about it okay?”
“What’s there to think about?”
“I told you. I got a big problem with all of them hoes you got.”
“Girl I told you they run my businesses.”
“Plus, I’m talking to somebody. Hold on. I’m expecting another call.”
“From him?”
“No, from my brother’s girl.” She clicked over and it was Keke. “Girl, you saved me. Where have you been? Don’t go nowhere; let me get rid of this nigga.” She clicked back over. “Briggen that’s her. I’m glad that you’re okay, for real. I gotta run.”
She hung up not allowing him to respond. Then she filled Keke in on what was going on with her brother.
16
SHADEE
After they formulated a plan, Sha and his crew spent the next two hours cleaning up the place and deciding the best way to handle the situation. Finally Shadee took Janay, Kay-Gee, the dope, the money and left. The rest of the crew were left behind to get rid of the bodies and torch the building. The three of them rode in silence all the way to Kay-Gee’s where Shadee dropped him and the dope off.
As he headed for his house he kept glancing over at Janay who sat balled up into a knot. She didn’t utter a sound as she stared out the window.
Janay could not believe what she had just been through in the last seventy-two hours. She banged her head up against the headrest and she replayed the events of the last three days. Her two bodyguards, who were also her cousins, Jeff K and Biz, were just sittin’ around chillin’ and servin’ through the dope slot on the door. She noticed that Biz was a little edgy that evening. When the knock came that got shit started, Biz answered the door. When he came back he told them that there was some peeps wanting to get served some nice weight. Janay had said no. Jeff K was agreeing with her. Biz was persistent and finally blurted out that he would vouch for them and to go ahead and serve them. Janay finally gave in and when Biz opened the door there were three slimy-looking cats. Soon as they got inside they drew their weapons and the tall one warned, “Y’all know what time it is.” Jeff K, wasting no time, fired first. Janay dove to the floor, crawled to the sofa and got her gun. She automatically went to shooting and didn’t stop until her gun was the only one being heard. When it got quiet and she peeked over the sofa, Jeff K and one of the robbers were down. Biz was yelling because he was hit in the leg. She was so busy releasing fire power she didn’t know when the other two robbers escaped. She then jumped up and locked the door.
“I’m hit Janay! I’m fuckin’ hit Janay!” Biz screamed and tried to get up but Janay kicked him twice in the stomach.
“You fuckin’ snake! You ain’t no good Biz! How could you? We family, you skank motherfucker!” She kicked him again.
“What you talkin’ about Janay? What’s the matter with you?”
She went over to Jeff K and was trying to feel a pulse. “He’s dead Biz. Damn it! Damn it!” She stomped.
“You act like my bullet is what did it!” he screamed out.
“Your punk ass, you could’ve stopped it! It might as well had been your bullet. You let those bastards in! What was your cut? You greedy bastard! How much was you gonna get?” She was now throwing things at him, she was so furious.
“No fire was supposed to go off!” Biz argued, while trying to duck the objects.
“What was your cut?”
“Jeff fired first Janay!”
“Of course he did! What did you think, he was gonna stand there and let us get robbed! You know what?” she screamed. “Naw, fuck it!” She gave him the hand. “I got somethin’ for your bitch ass. Help me move these bodies!”
“Fuck them! Let’s get the fuck outta here!”
“Boy, you betta get your punk ass up and help me move these bodies.” She warned.
“I’m hit Janay, damn!”
“Big fuckin’ deal! Jeff is dead.” The tears were streaming down her cheeks.
With that said and Biz seeing that there was no way out of it, he forced himself up, limping, and he helped Janay move the tall robber who Biz said was named Winston. Then it was Jeff K’s turn. As they carried his body to the back, Janay started gagging. She let go of his legs and let Biz drag him by himself.
“Place him facedown,” she ordered.
“What difference does it make?”
“Place him facedown, Biz!” He did it but mumbled, “It don’t make no damn difference.”
As he turned him over Janay aimed her gun at him. “It does make a difference.” When he turned around she put two holes in his chest. “This is for family, nigga.”
Immediately afterwards she began calling Shadee. When she couldn’t get him she called her sister Crystal who panicked. Which is the main reason Big Choppa never put her in charge. It took Janay almost an hour to calm her down. She didn’t really sweat it because she needed to talk to someone. She finally decided on staying put until Shadee made it over because he would know what to do.
She turned and looked over at Shadee who was intensely staring at the road. “Are you sure they’re gonna handle everything?” She was watching him with hopeful eyes and was practically holding her breath.
“Yeah. I’m sure.”
Janay let out a huge sigh of relief. “Thanks babee.” Then blurted out, “I got a new body on my hands.”
“It’s over Janay. Learn to let go.”
When they pulled up in front of Shadee’s crib, Doc was sitting on the porch looking pissed off. Janay was surprised that he wasn’t around when everything went down.
“Where was Doc, your right hand man?”
Shadee sucked his teeth. “I don’t know where that nigga been.”
They stepped out of the car and headed up the walkway. Doc didn’t get up; he just stared at Shadee.
“Hey Doc,” Janay said.
“What’s up?” He stood up.
Shadee didn’t say anything as he unlocked the door and they all went
inside.
“You a’ight?” Doc asked Janay.
“I guess so,” she mumbled.
Janay really didn’t want to be left home alone. Plus, she wasn’t ready to go into detail and explain to Shadee all the shit she was into. Not yet. And with Doc there she knew Shadee was getting ready to hit the streets. So she went in the bedroom and grabbed a change of clothes. She was relieved that she hadn’t drove her car over to the projects but instead rode with Jeff K.
“Shadee, I’m going over Mama’s. Make sure you lock up.”
“I just gotta make a quick run. I need you to stay put until I get back. We gotta talk. You gave me your word that you wasn’t gonna hustle no more. You got some explainin’ to do. I’ll be right back.”
“Sha, don’t start. You know damn well a quick run could mean days. I don’t want to be by myself. Come pick me up whenever you finish and we’ll talk then.” Without waiting for a response she slipped out the door.
“Janay!” Shadee yelled after her. “I’ma fuck that bitch up.”
She ignored him, and jumped in her ride and sped off. She only got two blocks away from her house when she had to pull over. As soon as she shut the engine off, she burst out crying. She still could not believe the chain of events that took place over the last seventy-two hours. She kept mulling over the fact that she foreal, foreal had a new body on her hands and her cousin was gone. Her mother’s oldest brother’s baby son, Jeff K, was dead. She wasn’t up to bearing that bad news and was still undecided as to if she should even tell them. She was resting her head on the steering wheel and was now crying uncontrollably. She almost jumped outta her skin when an elderly woman tapped on the glass. “I’m fine!” Janay blurted out before the woman could ask her what the problem was. Janay didn’t even look at her as she started the car, turned it around and headed back to her house.