“I got to know something okay?” She held Malissa’s hand to her heart. “Please do this. You’re my best friend. I need you.”
“God.” She snatched her hand away. “Of course I won’t let you go by yourself. I just hope we don’t end up like Kirby.”
KAYLA AND MALISSA jumped out the cab in front of the dingy, orange Eastborn Motel.
Men, with short afros and long dreads, sat in front of the building smoking joints while women in tank tops and miniskirts danced to reggae playing from the boombox on the steps.
“Let me guess,” Malissa said as women walked out the building, straightening their clothes. “Is this Mia a prostitute?”
Kayla took a deep breath, hoping she could keep her nerves in check. “Why?”
“Oh, I don’t know.” Malissa put her hands in her pockets. “Maybe the hookers all over the place gave it away.”
The men howled and ogled when Malissa and Kayla rushed up the paint-chipped stairs.
“What room did she say again?” Malissa followed Kayla to the second floor.
“Fifteen.”
They turned the corner and found room fifteen.
“Oh,” a woman howled from room fourteen followed by the shriek of dancing bedsprings.
“Still wondering if Mia is a prostitute?” Malissa asked. “I doubt any woman would stay in this place if she weren’t.”
Kayla knocked on room fifteen. “I don’t care what she is if she can help me with Kirby’s murder.”
Mia opened the door and yanked the cigarette out her mouth. “Come in.” She gestured for them to enter.
Kayla and Malissa exchanged worried glances and hurried inside.
“Who is this?” Mia smashed her cigarette into the small tray of ashes.
“This is my best friend Malissa. You said come alone but I’m not familiar with Jamaica and need someone by my side.”
“Why?” Mia asked. “You think I’m the killer?”
“How am I to be sure you didn’t have anything to do with it?”
“If you don’t trust me, then you can leave.” Mia pointed to the door. “I’m risking my life here to help you.”
“Why?” Malissa asked, tilting her head. “What’s in it for you?”
“Peace.” Mia moved her cell phone and sweatpants out the way and sat on the bed. “Something I haven’t had because of guilt. You have no idea how it consumes.”
“I think I do.” Kayla pushed her hair behind her ears. “And, I trust you. I sort of don’t have a choice, do I?”
“I’ve done a lot of shitty things in my life, but I’m not a killer and I don’t agree with hurting others.”
“It’s okay.” Kayla sat beside Mia whose cigarette stench made her wanna gag but she fought to keep her composure. “I don’t care what you’ve done in your life. Just tell me about Kirby.”
“I’m a whore, and I move weed. I was with my supplier a few weeks before Kirby was killed.”
Malissa sat in the chair beside the air conditioner on the floor.
Mia continued, “My supplier’s name is Big D. He’s the biggest weed pusher in Jamaica.”
“Well.” Kayla swallowed, registering the admission. “You have my attention.”
“Same here,” Malissa said.
“That night I was at Big D.’s and Kirby came over.”
“Kirby?” Kayla swallowed. “So he was involved with the biggest dealer on the island?” She chuckled. “Can I even be surprised at what I learn about him now, Malissa?”
She shrugged. “You wanted answers so let her give them.”
“Big D. and Kirby got into an argument,” Mia said. “Kirby owed him a lot of money and Big D. was sick of asking for it.”
Kayla pushed her palms into her knees. “How much money?”
“Twenty thousand dollars.”
Malissa whistled. “Holy shit.”
Kayla’s shoulders dropped. “God, was my brother dealing drugs?”
“I doubt it,” Mia said. “I’m guessing he got a loan from Big D. for some kind of debt. Many on the island are indebted to him. That’s how he makes the bulk of his money.”
“So, this Big D. might be the killer?” Malissa asked.
“I can’t go to the police.” Mia sniffled. “He’ll kill me if he found out I put his name in this, but I wanted to do the right thing. Kirby died in a horrific manner. No one deserved that.”
Kayla shook her head, eyes wide. “I’m trying to process all this.”
“Big D.’s not the kind to let someone walk away if he owes him something,” Mia said. “It wouldn’t be the first time he put a hit out on someone.”
“Where does Big D. live?”
Malissa held her hand out to Kayla. “Kay.”
“Where does he live, Mia? I gotta talk to him.”
“Are you crazy?” Malissa jumped up. “You heard what she said. This is the biggest gangster in Jamaica. You can’t just walk up to him and take a meeting. We need the police.”
“The same police that’s dragging their feet?” Kayla stood, pushing off the bed. “I don’t care about the danger. I’m in this all the way.”
“Stop it.” Malissa grabbed her. “You’re scaring me. It’s like you’re obsessed.”
“I’m not obsessed.” Kayla pushed Malissa’s hands away. “I’m on a mission and I thought you understood how important this is.”
“I don’t want to lose you, idiot. You confront this guy about this and you’ll end up in a body bag, Kay.”
“She’s right.” Mia stood, pulling her blouse. “There’s no way you can just walk up to Big D. You need someone to take you inside.”
“Can you do it?”
“No.” Mia shook her head, gaping. “I can’t get involved any more than I am. If he knew I told you this, I’m dead.” She held up her hands. “I’m out at this point.”
“Mia, please.” Kayla sighed. “How do I meet him?”
“You let one of his men bring you in. That’s the only way Big D. will trust you enough to even see you.”
“Okay.” Kayla rubbed her jeans. “Anyone you can recommend?”
“No,” Malissa said. “We need to cut this shit out now and go to the police.”
Kayla got closer to Mia. “Who could help me see Big D.?”
“Out of all his men I’d say Zero is your best bet.”
“Zero?” Malissa repeated.
“Yeah, he’s a sucker for a pretty face.” Mia raised her chin, focusing on Kayla. “He’ll fall all over you. Be eating out of your hands.”
Kayla rubbed her hands, fidgeting. “Where can I find this Zero?”
“The Busy Bee Pool Hall.” Mia paced, holding her waist. “It’s like his second home.”
“Would he be there now?” Kayla asked with Malissa pulling on her arm.
Mia nodded and gave the address.
“Let’s go before that cab takes off.”
Malissa jumped in front of Kayla. “You can’t do this.”
“I’m going. Either you’re in or you’re out.”
Malissa pressed her palm to her forehead. “I guess I’m in.”
Kayla hugged her. “Thank you.”
CHAPTER 9
N o one occupied the Busy Bee Pool Hall except for three slender Jamaicans sitting at a table watching a Caribbean soap opera.
The funk of sweat and cigarettes grew stronger thanks to the circulating ceiling fan in the middle of the room.
“Well.” Malissa stared at the men who locked their sights on her and Kayla. “Think one of them is Zero?”
“Mia said he was short, dark-skinned and had dreads,” Kayla answered out the corner of her mouth.
“And, that narrows it down to the entire island.” Malissa gripped her waist. “You were so tough back at the motel so…” She shoved Kayla forward.
The men looked at each other and snickered.
“May we help you?” The tallest one with the dirty Scooby Doo T-shirt yanked the toothpick out his mouth.
“Y
es,” Kayla said. “I’m looking for a guy who hangs out here.”
“Ah, you’re American?” The chunky guy with the short, reddish dreads smiled wide. “You visiting?”
Kayla tipped her head. “Yes.”
“Welcome to Jamaica!” Chunky Guy clapped. “What is your name?”
“Kayla.” She pointed to Malissa. “And this is Malissa.”
Scooby Doo T-shirt winked, chewing the toothpick. “Beautiful names for beautiful women.”
“So?” The third man with the red shades perched on his head, turned his chair to face Kayla and Malissa. “What can we do for two American beauties? Need a tour?”
The men laughed.
“Trust me, love.” Shades winked at Kayla. “I can take you places you’ve never been.”
“We’re looking for Zero,” Malissa blurted. “Is he here?”
Shades grinned, his stare trailing Kayla’s body. “What do you need him for?”
“Is he here?” Malissa asked again. “We have something private to discuss with him.”
“Private?” Chunky Guy cackled. “We’re interested in anything private with you two.”
The men approached, circling them.
“Eh-oh.” Malissa stepped on Kayla’s foot as she backed up.
“Look, we don’t want trouble,” Kayla said. “We need to talk to Zero. Can you tell us where he is?”
Scooby Doo T-shirt blew his tobacco breath in Kayla’s face. “Is the information important to you?”
“It is.” She swallowed. “Please.”
“How important?” Shades raised an eyebrow. “Important enough to give us something if we told you where Zero was?”
“You want money?” Kayla dug in her pocket and pulled out three twenty dollar bills. “I left my purse in my hotel room and this is all I have on me.”
Shades took it. “Sixty dollars?”
“Twenty for each of you if you want it. Just tell me where Zero is.”
“This isn’t enough.” Shades dispersed the other twenties to the men. “What else you got?” He moved closer to Kayla.
“N…nothing.” Kayla took Malissa’s hand. “That’s all I got.”
“All you got?” Scooby Doo T-shirt touched Malissa’s hair. “That’s not all you got.”
“Stop it.” She slapped his hand away.
“Oh, ho, ho!” Chunky Guy laughed. “This one’s feisty.”
“How about you?” Shades asked Kayla with half-moon eyes. “Are you feisty too?” He touched her cheek.
“Don’t touch me.” She slapped him.
“Whoa.” Chunky Guy laughed with his hand over his mouth.
“Let’s go, Malissa.”
“I don’t think so.” Shades pulled Kayla back and locked his arms around her waist.
“Let me go.” She struggled.
“Leave her alone.” Malissa reached for her but Scooby Doo T-shirt blocked her.
“Show me how much you wanna find Zero.” Shades yanked Kayla’s head back and puckered his lips.
“No.” She pushed at his hard chest. “Stop!”
“Leave her alone!” Malissa fought as the others grabbed her. “Help!”
“Hey!” Tate stood in the doorway. “Let them go right now.”
Shades snickered, still holding Kayla by the hair. “Or what?”
Chunky Guy smacked his lips. “What you going to do, White Boy?”
“This.” Tate took a gun from his shorts.
“Holy shit,” Kayla whispered.
“Fuck, man.” Shades and the others backed away. “We were just joking around.”
“Didn’t look that way.” Tate stepped inside, shades placed on top of his head. “You all right?” he asked the women.
They nodded.
“Then let’s go.” He backed up to the door, gun steady on the men. “Let this be a lesson to you, fellas. When a woman says no, you should listen.”
“YOU GOT A DEATH WISH, KAYLA?” Tate glanced at her while navigating his jeep. “What the hell were you doing?”
“Finding answers to what happened to my brother in case you’ve forgotten.” She huffed and puffed in the passenger’s seat, sweat drenching her cleavage. “How did you know where we were?”
“Malissa texted me.”
“What?” Kayla turned toward the backseat.
Malissa avoided eye contact.
“It doesn’t matter how I found you be glad I did. No telling what would’ve happened if I hadn’t shown up. How could you be so stupid?”
“It wasn’t stupid.” Kayla moved the seatbelt off her breast. “You carry a gun?”
“Yeah.” He shook his head. “Kirby’s turning around in his grave right now. You have any idea the danger you were in?”
“I don’t need you coming to my rescue.”
“Apparently, you do.”
Malissa touched Kayla’s seat. “Kay?”
“You be quiet. You had no business telling him where we were. How did you know his number anyway?”
“I gave it to her at the festival. I figured you’d get yourself in trouble.” Tate made a fast right. “I wanted Malissa to keep me informed in case something happens.”
“I’m a grown woman.” The wind whipped Kayla’s hair. “I can take care of myself.”
Tate glanced at Malissa and scooted closer to Kayla, whispering, “Why have you been avoiding me?”
Kayla smacked her lips. “What?”
“I’ve been calling you all day.” He cut his gaze to Malissa. “We gonna pretend like last night didn’t happen?”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
The jeep swerved.
“Watch the road.” Kayla pointed.
He settled back into his seat. “Did I do something wrong?”
Malissa held her blowing hair out her face, snickering.
“Huh?” Tate whispered. “We can’t act like it didn’t happen.”
“No need to whisper.” Kayla laid her head back on the rest. “Malissa already knows.”
“You told her?” He scowled.
“She’s my best friend.”
“That was our personal business, Kayla.” He stopped at the red light. “Jesus.”
“It doesn’t matter because it was a mistake and it’s never going to happen again.”
“Who says?”
“I say.”
He continued through the green light. “But, you loved it.”
“Did I say that?”
Tate glanced at Malissa again. “Your body said it.”
“Just stop it. I won’t let you distract me. I came here for Kirby and not to get involved with you.”
“We like each other.” He steered with one hand. “You can’t deny it. How do you think last night happened? We couldn’t fight it.”
“I can’t do this, Tate.”
“Because of Kirby?”
“No, because of me,” she shouted. “I don’t know you.”
He huffed. “You know my finger.”
“Ooh, hoo, hoo.” Malissa slapped her hands over her mouth, laughing.
Kayla mumbled, concentrating on the street ahead.
CHAPTER 10
A fter two days of staying away from Tate, Kayla took him up on his offer to spend time together. Excuse or not to have a date with her, Kayla jumped at the chance to see him again.
Tate was a walking brochure for the sights and sounds of Kingston. He told her about the hottest spots, the places to stay away from, and the unique quirks Jamaicans shared that made them so interesting.
They began the day at eleven that morning where Tate took her to Emancipation Park, a tribute to Jamaican slaves in 1838.
The moment she set foot on the vibrant, shamrock-green grass, emotion overtook her as Tate recounted how slaves won their freedom.
After that, he took her on a cultural tour of three hours showing her the everyday life of the locals. During the scenic ride, Kayla’s mind welcomed many thoughts including the possibility of not letting Kirby’s murd
er rule the purpose of her visit, which became more confusing the longer she stayed.
Every time Tate smiled at her, looked at her, or got too close she forgot the reason she’d arrived.
A man’s presence never set her on fire as Tate’s did. Her heart burst through her chest at the sound of his voice. Her knees knocked and her stomach flipped whenever she stared into those blue eyes, which told their own story just by looking at them.
They visited the Institute of Jamaica and the National Gallery of Jamaica.
They escaped to one of Kingston’s most popular eateries, where Kayla’s palate danced in the exotic, sweet, and spicy seasonings of signature, Caribbean dishes.
When night fell, Tate took her to his place and to the backyard. “You had fun, right?” He smirked, leading her to the table on the patio. “Didn’t you?”
“How can you ask that?” Her ass relaxed on the chair cushion. “You took me on a journey.”
He smiled with delight shooting from his eyes.
“You’re an amazing man, Tate. Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Why am I amazing?” He leaned over her, placing his hand on the table. “Because of my stories? I hope you find the man as amazing as his adventures.”
“Definitely.” Kayla closed her eyes, enjoying the aroma of rum from the strawberry daiquiris on his breath. “You’re like boos.”
He laughed. “Excuse me?”
She blinked slow, eyelids weighing a thousand pounds. “I’m drunk off you.”
He stood straight, more laughter escaping. “I’ve never been described that way before.”
“Come on.” She jiggled in the chair. “Don’t tell me you don’t have this effect on all the women.”
“I don’t care about all the women, Kayla.” He dragged his fingertip up her naked arm and gripped the strap of her peach summer dress. “Just the one in front of me.”
“Why do you like me?” She tangled her fingers in his and his smirk disappeared. “Tell me.”
“Why wouldn’t I like you?” He pushed his hand up her dress, tickling the inside of her thighs. “You’re a walking fantasy.” He planted a wild kiss on her lips and then set them free with a smack. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
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