by Mikal Malone
“I got word that somebody was trying to steal from the house,” he said huffing and puffing pretending he was out of breath. “So I came to see ‘bout it.”
“Is that right?” Yvette asked doubting every word he said. “And how the fuck you know where the house was at?”
Erick was so shook that he didn’t stop to think about that before he ran off his mouth. He thought quick as Derrick was ready to give his soldiers the order to end his life. “I came looking for Doc. His girl hit me up saying he wasn’t there yet. When I did, I saw Derrick’s soldiers at Unit C, and they told me ya’ll went to see ‘bout something over here.”
“Which nigga was that?” Derrick asked, making mental notes to check whoever it was later.
“I can’t remember, man. It all happened so fast. You can ask ‘em though.”
“Oh we will,” Derrick promised.
“Well I’m hearing different stories,” Yvette added. “I’m hearing you fucking with Doctanian’s bitch and ya’ll tried to set us up.”
Figuring that word must’ve gotten out that he talked to Jordan, he concocted another lie. He wasn’t worried about Jordan vouching for his story, he had already pumped lead in her body, and stuffed her in the dumpster around back. He made a promise the night CJ and Charles were killed, never to have witnesses, and he wanted to keep it that way.
“Like I said….Jordan called me trying to contact Doc because he wouldn’t answer his phone. Ya’ll know we used to kick it way back when and she still had my number. Ain’t nothing else to it, I swear!”
When it was obvious they didn’t believe him, he went a bit further. “Ya’ll can ask her right now,” he continued, throwing up his hands for added effect.
Since the call placed to Yvette from Doctanian indicated something was not right, they decided to let him go. But Derrick promised to finish him later if he found out anything different, and Erick had a feeling he had every intention to keep his promise.
Once again, Erick got away.
Chapter 27
Closing the Deal
February, Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.
Mercedes
Driving three hours to Dreyfus’s compound in Virginia gave me some extra time to clear my mind and prepare for what needed to be done.
My goal was to convince the biggest dealer in D.C. that he should stop doing business the way he had been, and start doing things differently.
Yvette was able to get the number of the connect from the new chief of Tyland Towers. She told him we were running shit for the Emerald City squad, which was common knowledge to most people anyway. Stoney, the chief, ain’t see nothing weird about giving us the info when we told him we were running low and them niggas were in Vegas. The truth was we gave away testers and put our own money together before we even approached him.
I was amazed at how cool, calm and collected Yvette was about the whole matter. My girl was made for this life! Me? Well, I loved the glamour of it all but I could’ve done without the violence. But Yvette, she proved over and over that she was more than willing to do whatever needed to be done to takeover. I guess that’s why I couldn’t handle seeing her the way she was when Thick left her. It was like she was going through withdrawals. I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on in her head now. Even though she seemed to be doing the best out of all of us.
Carissa cried every time somebody in the hood asked her about Lavelle. She would break down the minute his name was called. And Kenyetta had been acting as if she didn’t have time for us outside of handling business. But it was cool though. We all had to deal with shit the best way we could.
As for me, Cameron was my life so I took my emotions out when I was at home alone. Ain’t no sense in me adding to the burdens. I was trying to be strong for Yvette, because sometimes I felt like she was holding shit down by herself.
“Shit, girl! This nigga Dreyfus is paid for real!” Yvette said as she looked out of the window and onto the four lush acres of land his property sat on.
In the middle of his circular driveway was a huge waterfall. His place was laid. The huge yard was flanked by streams and bordered by a lush green forest. This was definitely different from what we were used to seeing, considering the only birds in the hood were pigeons.
“I guess he would be living the life. Emerald City keeps his ass cozy with the price he charges on the weight.”
“I know, I know. But that’s why we need to stick to the plan,” Yvette said as the butler immediately came to the car to greet us. “We’re here for one purpose and one purpose only, to convince him that business will be better with us than it was with them.”
“How ‘bout I just let you do the talking since you’re more talented in the oral department than I am.” I laughed.
“You heard that rumor too?” Yvette laughed while walking up his huge steps leading to his double doors. “Yeah…..it’s true. I do have skills. So let me handle this, little girl. You just watch my flow and take notes,” she continued as she patted me on my back, holding the steel briefcase tightly in her hand.
Once inside, we were awestruck at the limestone floors, oak paneling, vaulted ceilings and oversized fireplace. As with most drug kingpins, there were several beautiful women walking around wearing tiny miniskirts. Some were carrying trays that held drinks and nose candy. The butler took us to the rotunda where Dreyfus was drinking a glass of red wine. He looked much older and more reserved than I envisioned him. If I saw him walking down the street, I would have pegged him for a senator instead of a king pin. Looking up over the glasses resting on his nose, he stood up, shook our hands and offered us a seat.
The room had a fireplace tucked away in the corner. The crackling from the fire filled the air, considering he had yet to speak. His quiet nature put me on edge and I wanted to grab Yvette’s hand and run out the door. We had a nerve thinking we could handle business on this level. The only thing that prevented me from running was the pencil skirt suit I was wearing. It was so tight I probably would’ve busted my ass trying to get out of there.
Yvette said we should rock the professional look so we both had to run out and buy dress suits. We had a few fly ass dresses in our closet, but nothing professional. I chose a white pencil skirt suit with the jacket buttoned all the way up, and no bra. My white pumps with the steel heels made the outfit classy but nasty. I turned shit out with my platinum necklace with the diamond drops.
Yvette was wearing a black form-fitting suit with a lace chemise under it. She looked vicious showing off her thick, pretty legs.
“Now what can I do for you ladies?” he asked as he sipped from his wine glass.
“We’re sorry to bother you Dreyfus, but as you know the fellas are away in Vegas, and Emerald City’s low on supply,” Yvette said.
“How is that? They just got over $500,000 worth of supply a few weeks ago. Are you telling me you’re so low that you can’t wait until they get back?”
“Yes I am. I’m sure you know that we run Emerald City. All they do is stop by to check the status. So we’re the best people to tell you what’s going on. Which is why I wanted to discuss something else with you,” Yvette said just as smoothly as the wind blows. “We aren’t in business with them anymore. So if you want in on the Emerald City business, you’ll be dealing with us from now on.”
Dreyfus’ laughter pissed me off but didn’t faze Yvette. She didn’t smile and didn’t take her eyes off his the entire time.
“And just how do you intend on running an operation alone? I mean, you are some very beautiful ladies but I’m sure you know this business is a man’s,” he continued while chuckling.
“I’m sorry, Dreyfus, we were under the impression that your only concern was cash. Not whether it was dealt from a man or a woman,” I said.
“It is!” he said angrily. “But be careful, pretty lady. Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness. Now how do you know I’d even be interested in dealing with you? Man or woman?” he asked turning his attention back to Yvette.
“Bec
ause we’re here to settle their bill, as well and pay you up front for the weight we need now,” Yvette said as she stood up and placed the steel suitcase on the table, covering his paper. She popped open suitcase containing over $500,000. Three hundred thousand was for the consignment and the rest was for what we needed now. When the case was open, she turned it toward him.
“Well I see you settled the bill, but there appears to be a little extra cash in here than what’s owed,” he said after seeing we were talking his language, Dollar Bill. “So what’s the deal?”
“Like I said, we’re settling their bill and paying up front. I realize that in the past you worked on a consignment basis for Emerald City. But going forward we’re not going to operate like that. The interest we’re paying is too high and the return is too low.”
“Now why should I accept money upfront from you, when I can make almost thirty percent more on consignment with your little boyfriends?” He laughed. “This makes no fucking sense. You’re not dealing in the minor leagues, this is the majors!”
“You should accept our offer because if you don’t, you’ll be cut out of the Emerald City profit all together. Now I know you’ve become accustomed to your glamorous lifestyle,” Yvette said as she turned around as if she was seeing his place for the first time. “I mean, your place is FAT. And I’m almost positive that Emerald City keeps you paid. I would hate to see you cut back a little,” Yvette said slyly.
“You obviously didn’t hear me, little girl,” Dreyfus yelled becoming angry at the idea of a woman giving him options instead of the other way around. “Why the fuck should I fix something that ain’t broke? I’m fine with my current business arrangements. So unless you can tell me what my benefit is,” he said as he removed stacks of money totaling $300 grand and closing the suitcase, “there ain’t shit else to talk about.”
“Did you know that the Emerald City squad is in Vegas right now meeting a new connect?”
When my friend gave up that morsel of information, the smile was completely wiped off Dreyfus’s face.
She continued. “When they return, they have plans to settle the bill and sever all ties with you. We don’t want to do that. We love the product you provide and so do our customers. So what is your benefit? Money,” Yvette said with a smile. She knew from that point on she had his full attention.
“We want to pay up front because we’ve had several attempts on the houses. We don’t want unpaid product to be fucked with. We rather give you what’s owed up front, and handle business with whoever tries to fuck with us on the side. We don’t want the two connecting anymore,” I said.
I could tell we had got to him, and that the news of possibly losing income in Emerald City wasn’t sitting well with him.
“Uh….do you know this for sure?” he asked more humbled in his approach. “I can’t see them telling you so much of their business.”
“They have two women with them now in Vegas, and one of our lieutenants has a relationship with one of them. Well…an understanding, that is. And she advised him, and he told us,” I said trying to seal the deal that Yvette was closing. “So do we have a deal?”
“You can wait if you’d like until they return to tell you the same thing. But if you do that, our deal is no longer open to you,” Yvette said.
Damn! My girl was going in for the kill. He took off his glasses and stood up. As he walked toward the door, we got a good glimpse at how tall he was. He had to be about 6’4” and he was much more intimidating when standing. For a minute, I thought he was getting ready to blast our heads off. Instead, he closed the door and locked it behind him then made his way over to the couch against the wall and took a seat. As if he said something to Yvette I couldn’t hear or understand, she stood up, removed her suit jacket which revealed the curves of her breasts, hips and legs. She slowly walked over to him, and knelt down.
Finally figuring out what was going on, I stood up from my chair and removed my suit jacket as well. He smiled as he saw my bare breasts with the diamond dropped necklace in between them. Unzipping my skirt, I slid out of it letting it fall to the floor revealing my white lace panties and pumps.
I moved toward the couch, cradling him with my breasts against his face. Yvette had already brought him to stiffness. And for a man in his late forties, he had it going on in the dick department for real. Tilting my head to the right so my soft curls could dress my shoulders and back, I kissed him on his lips, tasting a hint of the wine he drank just moments earlier. I hadn’t noticed that Yvette had already slid out of her skirt leaving nothing on but her black Jimmy Choo pumps and lace chemise. Working him to a complete thickness with her hand, she looked up at him and smiled at how his body shook as he anticipated her taking him into her mouth.
“Dreyfus,” she started in a low, soft voice. “Do we have a deal?”
“Yes…” He moaned as she engulfed him fully while I fed him my nipples. “We have a deal.”
I was surprised at the tongue skills he possessed on my breasts. I knew this was business but I had all intentions of taking advantage. Plus he was paid, and power always turned me on. He impressed me so much with his tongue action, that I was able to rearrange the setup to my advantage.
Yvette continued to suck his dick while I positioned my ass directly over his face. His pussy eating skills were as good as I’d hoped they’d be. He grabbed my ass while his tongue searched ferociously around my pussy, devouring up all the months of built up tension. I was on the verge of cumming when I tried to pull away to give my girl enough time to do what she was doing. But as if he was starving, he placed his hands on my lower back pulling me closer toward his face. I had no other choice but to explode inside the mouth of a business associate and man I really didn’t know. When I turned I saw Yvette was already done and dressed.
I got off him and quickly got dressed too. Yvette walked to his desk and wrote down her number. He smiled at both of us, and wiped my wetness off his mouth with a napkin. Tying his housecoat tightly, and putting his glasses back on, he told us when and where the weight would be delivered and to arrange for someone to unload it. We were almost out the door when he called us back.
“Ladies.”
“Yes?” Yvette said holding the empty briefcase in her hand.
“I wasn’t implying for you to go that far. I was sold the moment you told me they were using a new connect.”
“I know,” Yvette said, smiling.
“And you did it anyway?” he asked.
“Yeah…..I was trying to show you there are several benefits to working with a woman. And today you learned one of the most lucrative. Good night, Dreyfus. We’ll be in contact,” she said as we walked out the door.
“You’s a bad bitch!” I laughed. “Do you even have a heart?” I continued while we jumped in my Mercedes the valet pulled around front for us.
“Not anymore. Not anymore.”
Chapter 28
The Time Is Now
February, Friday, 8:10 p.m.
Derrick
The gatekeepers called a meeting in the community center around the back of Emerald City projects.
The meeting consisted of Doctanian, Derrick, Bruce, Jones, Harold and Ed. They called the meeting to let everybody know what was going on from here on out. Some people were happy about the change because they didn’t care for the Emerald City squad but some didn’t.
“So what are we supposed to do when they ask us what’s up with their cash?” Harold asked as he sat in his chair, balancing himself on the back two legs. “This doesn’t make any sense.”
“You’re supposed to tell them to see us about it,” Yvette responded, looking him dead in the eyes. “You can put full responsibility on us.”
“You sure ‘bout that?” He laughed as he looked at Ed.
“I’m positive,” she snapped. “But can you handle what we’re asking you to do?”
“Hey…as long as I get my cash, I ain’t tripping,” he laughed as he gave Ed dap.
“So w
hy you ask?” Yvette shot back, not liking his response.
“Huh?” Harold said.
“I said, if you were totally comfortable, all that shit you asked me before was a waste of fucking time,” she said making him feel stupid.
“Does anybody else have any legitimate questions?” Mercedes added, in an attempt to help Yvette gain control over the meeting.
“I do,” Derrick asked, sizing Mercedes up in her black fitted pants and black button down top.
“Go ahead, Derrick,” Mercedes said.
“Are ya’ll good on manpower? I can give up two more of my boys if the ones you have on my squad ain’t enough.”
“Naw, we good. Thanks,” she said giving him a look that lingered on longer than it should have. It was clear that they were feeling each other up.
“Well if nobody else has any other questions, the meeting is adjourned. I’m expecting them to come through tomorrow night. Be on guard. If you see anything suspicious, hit us on the Blackberry,” Yvette added.
As the lieutenants made their way to the door, Yvette called Doctanian and Derrick back. When she was sure the others were out of sight, she addressed them.
“Listen…I’m gonna need ya’ll to be looking out for Harold and Ed. I have a feeling they gonna do us greasy,” Yvette whispered.
“I was thinking the same thing,” Derrick said.
“And you know whatever I can do, I’m in,” Doctanian added.
“Thanks. Have you heard anything ‘bout Jordan yet?” Mercedes asked Doctanian.
Everything about him had changed since Jordan had gone missing. He didn’t take care of his appearance the way he used to. He let himself go and wasn’t sociable. The biggest indicator that he wasn’t the same came from Lil C. He kept coming to her saying something was wrong with Doctanian. She was afraid her son had gotten too attached to a man who owed him nothing. It was also the first time she’d ever seen her son worried.
“No. I ain’t heard nothing. I’m telling you, if somebody hurt her I’ma kill ‘em!” he said, fighting back tears.