by K. C. Mills
With one last glance into her eyes, he stepped out the door and as it shut, she heard his voice, “I love you too.”
Logic left the house with murder consuming his thoughts. His mind was racing out of control, but his demeanor was calm. He knew that he couldn’t behave erratically or it might cost him his life, but make no mistake about it, he was on a mission. His first stop was the block where Rah's people worked. While he parked a few blocks away and waited, his gun was in his hand, first round chambered and when the opportunity presented itself, he was out the car and moving towards the block fast as hell. Logic had watched Rah’s people enough to to know that the guy he was watching was alone. He came back behind this abandoned house where he stashed his product to re-up, so when Logic saw him moving in the shadows, he was on him like his life depended on it. He walked up on Rah’s guy and shot him twice. Once in each leg causing him to hit the ground and yell out. Logic didn't need anyone fucking up his plan, so he grabbed him by the hoodie he was wearing and drug him to a nearby alley.
“That was just your legs. If you don't want to die, shut the fuck up and answer my question.” Logic had his nine pressed against dude’s forehead as he spoke, because if he said the wrong thing, then he was pulling the trigger.
“What question nigga, you didn't ask me shit, you just shot me?” he forced out, as he grunted through the pain he was feeling from being shot.
“Oh my bad, I didn't think you would cooperate, so I decided to offer some motivation for you to answer before I asked my question.”
“Fuck you, I ain't telling you shit.”
Logic shrugged. “Okay.” He cocked his gun and dude suddenly got a change of heart.
“Wait, hold up, what the fuck you wanna know?”
“Where is he?”
“Who?”
Logic inhaled and let it out slow, trying to calm himself.
“Rah, where the fuck is he?”
“Shit, I don't know. You shot me because you looking for that nigga? Why the hell you didn't ask me that first?”
Logic was annoyed, so he ignored everything dude was saying. “I’m going to ask you one more time and if I don't like your answer, then you better say a quick motherfucking prayer to save what’s left of your soul. Where is he?”
“l said I don't know, but he lives over on Briggs, a big ass brick house. It's the nicest one on the block so you can't miss that shit. If he’s not there, I don't know where the fuck he is. It's not like he checks in with me. I work for his ass, not the other way around.”
“If you live and I don't get to him first, tell him I'm coming for him.”
“Who the fuck are you?”
“Don't worry about it, he’ll know.”
Logic walked away not feeling any type way about what he had just done. Rah could be held accountable. It took Logic about twenty minutes to make it to Briggs, and sure enough, he found Rah’s house without any issues. He parked down the block and walked towards it, gun in hand, ready to take a life. As he approached, he could see a body on the porch, but he could tell from the build that it wasn't Rah. He didn't really give a fuck; whoever it was knew him well enough to be at his house, so they just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Logic walked down the block and when he got ready to pass Rah’s house, he could see whoever was on the porch watching him out the corner of his eye. They had a blunt in one hand and the other under their shirt, where Logic knew he had a gun. The second Logic was close enough, he raised his, and hit dude right in the shoulder, jogged up the steps and kicked the gun out of dude’s hands.
“The fuck yo.” Logic’s victim grabbed his shoulder where he had been hit. After looking down at him, Logic knew it was Moses, Rah’s brother, which he also knew from watching them over the past few weeks. Moses was more die hard than Rah, always on the block and working with his people. Rah hardly ever spent any time out there.
“Where the fuck is your brother?’
“He’s where the fuck he is. Why the hell should I tell you?”
Logic laughed. “Because I’m pretty sure your life is more important to you than his.”
“Nigga, you sound crazy as fuck. I’m not about to send you after my brother, who the fuck are you anyway?”
“My bad. I guess it's rude as fuck of me to shoot your ass without a proper introduction, but what I'm curious about is how the fuck you trying to take over my shit and you don't even know who I am?”
Logic watched, as Moses gritted his teeth and sneered at him when he realized who he was.
“I don't give a fuck who you are but trust me, the second my brother finds out you were here, that’s your ass bruh.”
“You’re talking big shit for a motherfucker that’s staring down the barrel of a gun but yo, that's on you.”
“The fuck outta here with that bullshit. I ain't no bitch, so I ain't afraid to die.”
“I would challenge that, but I need you to live long enough to deliver a message to your bitch ass brother. Tell him to find me or I will find him but either way, his time is limited.”
“What the fuck ever. You ain't gone do shit to my brother.”
Logic chuckled before he raised his gun and shot Moses in the other shoulder, causing him to yell out.
“Fuck, you better be glad I can't get to your bitch ass. I put that on everything.” Moses bit his bottom lip, trying to contain the pain that he was feeling.
“Don't forget what I said. Oh, and next time you think about the value of your brother’s life over the value of yours, you might want to rethink putting him first. He don't give a fuck about you. He’s fucking your girl and that pretty little baby girl that you’re paying for is actually his. Your brother ain't shit. But don't worry, I’m gonna handle that for you ‘cause I know you’re not man enough to do it yourself.”
Logic left Moses right there on Rah’s porch bleeding, and walked back to his car. It was just a matter of time before he knew that Rah would surface. Once word got around what he had just done, Logic knew that if Rah was any kind of man, he would come for him and trust, Logic was going to be ready.
-14-
“Yo, I didn't expect to see you here.” Gotti looked up at Logic as he spoke, but knew the second he looked at him that something wasn't right. Logic walked in, went straight to the refrigerator, grabbed two beers and then leaned against the counter, placing one on it, next to him, while he opened the other.
“Is there something we need to talk about?” Gotti asked, looking Logic right in the eyes.
Logic turned up his beer and after half of it was gone, he lowered it to his side and spoke. “I shot one of Rah’s men and his brother.”
Gotti leaned back in his chair, folding his hands back behind his head, making sure that he kept eye contact with Logic. “Not that I give a fuck one way or the other, because clearly I don't, and you know I’m good with whatever moves you make, but I thought we were sitting on this for a minute.”
“Shit changed,” Logic said before he turned up his beer and finished off the other half. Once he was done, he set it on the counter next to him, picked up the other one and twisted the cap off. Again after it was opened, he turned it up and downed half of it.
“Does that change affect shit around here or is this personal?”
“Personal,” Logic said, before he finished off the second half of his second beer.
“Aight then. What do you need from me?”
“You’re good. This is my problem, so I’ll handle it. We already took one hit and I’m not willing to risk any more.”
“I hear what you’re saying and I can respect that. I can only speak for myself, but your problem, my problem. I don't really give a fuck. I’m down with whatever you need. I guess when you think about it, if something happens to you, then this shit right here is my problem, so it's all tied together one way or another, right?”
Logic chuckled. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
“Aight then. Just let me know and it's whatever. Since you’
re here, Marlo was released yesterday. He’s beat up pretty bad but he’s gonna be alright. I let Zeeno know to take some time, to help his mom get set up for Marlo at the house, and I figured you’d handle things financially.
“Yeah, I got them for whatever they need. I’ll hit him up and let him know.
Logic was relieved to know that Marlo was going to be okay, especially after everything else he had going on right now. He needed to clear his mind before he went home to Joy, and that was going to take something stronger than beer to do, so he walked back into the kitchen, opened the cabinet and grabbed the bottle of Hennessy that he knew was there.
He only got one glass because Gotti would get high as fuck, but he barely took a drink. Logic on the other hand would drink, but he barely ever smoked.
Once he was at the table, he filled his glass, downed it, and then filled it again. Before he turned that one up, he shot Joy a text to let her know that he was good, would be home soon, and then placed his phone on the table. He had no idea how long he would be, but he didn't want her up all night worrying about him.
Gotti and Logic sat there not really saying much to each other, but not much needed to discussed. Logic was using the time to clear his mind, and Gotti was handling business. He was content with getting high while he did it. It just worked for both of them, until Logic’s phone went off. It was Nova’s number, but he wasn't in the mood to talk to her so he hit ignore. A few minutes later, she called right back, so he answered, figuring she might actually need something.
“It's not a good time Nova, what’s up?”
“Auggie, can you come here?”
“Kenya, what's wrong baby girl, where’s your mom?” The first thing he thought was that Rah had gotten to Nova for coming after his brother.
“She’s in her room. She’s crying and she won't come out. She keeps saying she's fine, but she won't stop crying and she won't let us in.”
“I’m on my way, are you okay, where’s Kenyan?” Logic rattled off questions as they popped in his head, not really giving her a chance to answer until he was done.
“We're fine, he’s right here.”
“Okay, make sure the door is locked and don't open it for anybody. Not even me. I have a key, so that means I can get in. So nobody, got it?”
“Got it.”
“Yo, I need you to drive me somewhere. I’m drunk as fuck and the last thing I need is to get stopped.”
“Everything good?”
“The fuck if I know, but we’ll see in a minute.”
Logic tossed Gotti his keys, and the two men locked up and left. It took them less than fifteen minutes to get to Nova’s apartment and when they did, Logic let himself in. He found Kenyan and Kenya in the living room watching TV. Gotti sat down on the sofa while Logic tossed out questions and commands.
“She still in there?”
Kenya nodded. “Okay, you and Kenyan go pack a bag. Get whatever you need for tonight and school in the morning.
“Where we going?” Kenyan asked, looking at him concerned.
“To Aunt Mini’s house. Go ahead,” Logic nodded towards their rooms. He didn't know what was up with Nova, but if it had something to do with Rah, he didn't want the kids dealing with it.
After he walked down the hall to Nova’s room, he tried the door but it was locked, so he knocked and called out to her.
“Nova, open the door.”
“Auggie just leave, please, I’m fine.” He could tell she had been crying; her voice was shaky and strained.
“Kenya called me, you’re not fine, so open the door. Did that nigga put his hands on you? I know you were still fucking with him Nova, just open the door. I’m not mad Nova, I just need to see you and know that you’re okay.”
The room was quiet and then he heard the lock. Nova pulled the door and the second he laid eyes on her, he got heated all over again. Her face was swollen from where Rah had slapped her and she had choke marks on her neck.
Logic grabbed her chin and examined her face, but she snatched away.
“Sit down,” he commanded.
She looked at Logic like she wanted to cry, which pissed him off even more. This was her damn fault. He warned her not to fuck with Rah, told her that he was bad news, but she let dick cloud her judgment.
Nova stood there looking stupid which was making matters worse.
“Sit your ass down.”
“I’m not a fucking child Auggie.”
“I can’t damn tell. You doing childish shit Nova, now sit your ass down.” He pointed to the bed, and she finally gave in and sat down.
“The fuck is wrong with you and Najah. Why the hell y’all keep fucking with motherfuckers who like to put their hands on you? Didn't you learn anything from her situation with Fez? Damn Nova, I don't get that shit.”
“It's not like I knew, so don't compare me to Najah—”
Logic cut her off. “Why the hell not, you keep messing with motherfuckers that put their hands on you, same shit she used to do. Your father never once raised his hand to your mother, and I've never in my life raised my hand to a woman, so it's not like that shit is in our family. The fuck y'all be thinking? Dick be that good that you let a nigga do that shit to you?” Logic knew he was being harsh, but he didn't care. He didn't understand why they would allow that to happen.
“I didn't let him do anything and the only reason why it happened, is because I followed him when he went to see Joy. I watched him put his hands on her and when he saw me, this is what happened.”
“So instead of you calling me when shit went bad, you decide to try and go up against that motherfucker on your own? You sound dumb as fuck right now. If I ever thought your ass was on some dumb shit, I do right now.”
“I messed up and I know I messed up, but you don't have to come for me like that.”
“Obviously, I do. I told you not to fuck with him and look at you. Have you seen your face? Damn Nova.”
“I’m good, go worry about your girlfriend. She’s the one who you need to be protecting, since it looks like Rah still wants her.”
“She’s good, don't worry about that. Pack your shit.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Don't fucking play with me right now, it's not the time. Pack your shit. You and the kids are going to Mommy's house while I handle this.”
“He knows where your mother’s house is Auggie.”
“But he don't know to look for your ass there, and my guy will be there with you until I can go get Joy.”
“What guy, and you know Mini ain't having that?”
“She don't have a choice. Pack your shit so we can get out of here.”
Logic left Nova standing there and when he made it back to the living room, he let Gotti know what his plan was.
“Yo, you said anything I need right?”
Gotti didn't hesitated. “Anything.”
I’m taking them to my mom’s house. Nova used to fuck with Rah and he’s been there before, so I need you to chill there with them there for a minute and keep an eye on things. I need to run home and get Joy, but I shouldn't be long.”
“I can do that, but you good to drive?”
“Hell yeah, this bullshit sobered me up real fucking quick.”
Gotti laughed because he knew Logic was frustrated. Nova’s apartment was small as hell, so he heard the whole conversation, including the fact that Logic’s sister had been involved in abusive relationships.
The ride to Mini’s house was quiet. Logic was in his head about finding Rah so that he could get get this over with. He knew for sure that he couldn't keep his family hidden away at his mother's house, but for now, that was the only option he had to make sure they were all good, even if it was only for tonight.
When they pulled up, Logic glanced at Gotti. “Give me a minute.” Gotti nodded and relaxed.
After that, he turned to Nova and the kids who were all in the back seat. “Let's go.”
Everybody got out and Nova had her ass on
her shoulders, so she grabbed her bag and stormed towards the house. Logic got Kenya and Kenyan’s bags, while they stood waiting. When he was done, Kenya grabbed his hand and skipped beside him as they moved to the house. Nova was already inside and Mini and Najah were both in the living waiting for him.
“Come on, let's go get ready for bed,” Najah said reaching for the twins.
Nova had already gone to Najah’s room mad at the world, even though she didn't really have a reason to be, in fact the only person she could really be mad at was herself since, everything that happened with Rah was her fault.
Once Najah was out the room, Mini stood there waiting.
“Don't look at me like that, it's temporary.”
“You know what, I don’t even care. It’s not worth the words you’re going to waste trying to explain.” Mini glared at her son for a brief moment, without speaking.
“Gotti is going to chill here with you until I get back with Joy.”
Mini narrowed her eyes even more, but didn't say a word. She just turned to leave the room. He knew she was upset, but at this point he didn't really care. It wasn't going to change anything, and he needed everybody in the same place while he had time to think. It was the only thing he could do.
Logic stood there for a minute looking around his mother’s living room, before he left to go back to his car to get Gotti. The two climbed the steps, but stopped on the porch to have a conversation before Logic left.
“Lil Chris’ girl just had her baby, so I’m flying solo right now. You might want to run through the block and check on things before you head back this way.”
“Aight, I’ll do that.”
Gotti nodded. “They good with me being here?”
Logic chuckled. “Hell no, but I don't give a fuck. It's necessary. I hate that Rah’s bitch ass is hiding though. That’s some fuck shit.”
“Yeah, I figured he’d come at you hard, especially after you shot his damn brother. I knew he was a fucking pussy.”
“Rah ain't shit and that’s why he’s hiding, and he also don't give a fuck about his brother, trust me. But maybe he’ll man the fuck up and show his face.”
“If he comes here, you want me to handle it?” Logic knew that Gotti was only asking because he mentioned that it was personal.