by T. Styles
He winked.
“So how we do that?” she asked.
“For starters, let’s get the fuck out of here.”
****
“Now I don’t want to hurt you,” Audio explained as he aimed a .45 at the pretty girl, who he now knew as Tomi, nickname Mercy. She was so light skin she could pass for white but at the moment her skin was crimson.
“I can’t tell,” She trembled. “Because right now it looks like you want to kill me. What do you want?”
Audio turned his cap toward the back. “Some time ago you were entertaining a nigga wearing black and red. Matter of fact that’s all he ever wears…black and red.”
“The one who was murdered?”
“Yes.”
“You were there that night,” she mistakenly pointed at him. “I remember you now…at the bar.”
He shook his head. “I wish you never said that. I really do.”
She covered her mouth with her fingertips realizing her mistake may cause her life. At least now she knew what he wanted. “I knew him…well kinda.”
“How?”
“They have private parties at a mansion that’s off the grid. You have to go through hell to get invited and even then there’s a gate that circles the entire property.”
“Who the fuck are they?” Audio asked. “Drug dealers?”
Her eyes widened. “Wait, you really don’t know? You really must not be from DC.”
Silence.
“They’re vampires. Well…not in the traditional sense. They crave blood and host elaborate parties to lure people. Now they don’t bite or anything like that. It’s nothing like you see on TV because they use razors instead of teeth. Slits.” She raised the sleeve of her dress and showed him her arm. Embedded on her skin were several pinkish raised marks.
“Fuck is that?” He frowned.
“Cuts, from when they tore into my skin. It didn’t hurt especially with the ecstasy. To be honest there’s something erotic about how they do it that I can’t explain. As they’re cutting you want more because you can’t get enough.”
He noticed how a slight smile spread on her face and her left leg rocked as if she was trying not to piss on herself.
“That’s what you keep in the back of the bar?” He paused. “X?”
She nodded. “It’s not mine. The owner makes the deals and I just bring the stuff to his clients.”
“Since they host parties that means they don’t care who knows where they live.” He reasoned.
“Far from the truth,” she corrected him. “They never allow people to know where they live. To come and go they give you some kind of sweet drink, tastes like grape Kool-Aid but I don’t know what it is really.” She paused. “Anyway the drink must be laced with something, probably Rohypnol but I’m not sure. All I know is they pick the people they want, buy them the drink at the bar and when they wake up their in the mansion.”
“Why bring them to their house though?”
She shrugged. “Not really sure about that either. I think they give on site infection tests because one time when I woke up I had cotton in my mouth. Like from a swab or something.”
He laughed. “So these creeps drink blood and giving out HIV tests?”
“I don’t know what they give out I’m just assuming. What I do know is that it’s always a good time in the mansion and the people they pick are theirs for the weekend. Food, liquor, a pool, a bar, a bowling alley, you name it and it’s in that house. It’s a pleasure being with them if I’m being honest.” She smiled and her leg rocked again. “Very seductive.” She gazed into the night.
“So you’re no use to me since you don’t know where they live.”
Her eyes widened. “I never said I don’t know where they live.” She paused. “Rohypnol has no effect on me. Never has. Maybe it’s because I suffer from something called Anesthesia Awareness and can’t even go under when given general anesthesia before surgery. All I know is that I was awake on the way to the mansion. And I was awake when we were driven out.”
****
Slowly Audio pulled next to the trees surrounding the mansion, some feet away from the iron wrought gate. He was close enough to see the house but not be detected on their cameras. From his viewpoint he was amazed at all of the beautiful black people in big luxury cars that entered and exited the premises.
He could certainly see the appeal.
“You’re in there Farah. Aren’t you?” He said to himself.
After observing a bit more he knew it was time to leave, fearful he would be spotted.
“Sorry I did that too you, Tomi,” Audio said as his eyes remained glued on the residence. “But with this info I can get my family out of a bind. Because now at least we know where they lay their heads.”
He looked in the passenger seat at Tomi who was already dead after he delivered a bullet to her gut. “It’s just too bad I had to kill you in the process.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
FARAH
“I Can Remember Like It Was Yesterday.”
The members of The Fold were convened around the dining room table as they listened to Dr. Weil boast of profits gained from their recent ventures. He was flanked to his left and right by members of The Fold and appeared certain that good things were coming their way.
With a glass of wine raised in the air he said, “There’s no denying that we’re worth more than ever. And I’m calling this meeting to announce that I’ve purchased a new property in Delaware that we will be relocating too shortly.”
Everyone sighed. “Sir, but why?” Mayoni asked, Carlton sitting at her side. “I thought when you purchased this property you said it would be forever.”
“I made a mistake and we talked about that in the last meeting.” He paused. “Besides, we’ve gained some unwanted attention and I think it’s time to relocate. Nothing is forever, Mayoni.”
Quiet whispers filled the room.
“But, sir, this is home,” Carlton continued, worried Mayoni was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. “Are we sure this is the right move for the family now?”
His fears for Mayoni’s mental condition were warranted. After being left in an orphanage in Korea, and adopted in America, only to be left again, Mayoni suffered from fear of abandonment. This was also one of the reasons she was admitted into Crescent Meadows and placed under care. When Dr. Weil helped them escape he represented stability and she needed that trait for peace of mind.
Essentially she hated major changes.
“It’s happening. We moving,” Dr. Weil announced happily.
“All I’m saying is why so soon?” Mayoni pleaded. “I thought we’d have more time.”
Dr. Weil cleared his throat. “I think you need to remember something, beautiful, this is my organization and—”
“No!” Carlton yelled bringing his fist down on the table, rattling plates and silverware. “This is all of ours! You may have helped us escape but you did not build this business alone.”
Bones rose to his feet and pointed at Carlton, causing him to settle down quickly. “If we must leave then we must. Arguing about it won’t stop it from happening, besides, the paperwork has already been signed.”
Mayoni frowned. “So you knew about this? And didn’t tell me?”
“He knows everything,” Dr. Weil added.
“I have an announcement to make too,” Farah interrupted. “I’ll be leaving in a day or so. I know my trouble on the streets has inspired this move and I think it will be best if I left.”
“But Farah, you heard what Dr. Weil said,” Bones responded. “Nothing is forever.” He grabbed her hand and she wiggled out of his clutch.
“Let her go, Bones,” Mayoni pleaded. “It’ll be best for us all.”
“She’s right,” Carlton added. “Let’s put it to a vote. Who here wants to see Farah gone?”
The members shuffled a little and one by one everyone but Dr. Weil, Bones and Zashay raised their hands. “Well, it’s unanimous. She has to leave immediately.”
<
br /> Being voted out hurt but Farah understood.
“I will never forgive you for what you just did,” Bones said to Mayoni. “You will remember this.”
Tears rolled down Mayoni’s cheek. “Listen to me, I know you care about her. I have a soft spot in my heart for Farah too.” She gazed up at Farah. “But this is too much. We have to let her make her own mistakes. Now we supported you in the beginning but look what it has gotten us? Lootz killed. Who must die next before you choose us?”
“So we have to let her go,” Carlton added. “It’s the only way.”
“It’s not that easy,” Bones continued as if Farah weren’t present.
“Why not, brother?”
“Because if she goes I will too.”
Farah looked down at him. “Please don’t do this.”
“I’m not going to stand by and watch this,” Mayoni wiped her mouth with the white linen napkin and rose. “If you want her instead of The Fold then so be it.” She exited with Carlton following.
****
Bones tried to find Farah in the mansion but when he couldn’t he retreated to his room. As always Zashay followed. “You’re making a fool of yourself.”
He laughed sarcastically. “Let it go, Zashay.”
“I won’t! You asked me to follow that bitch and now you’re willing to leave if she does? Causing the family to take it to a vote. What is happening to you? You’re tearing us a part for a woman who doesn’t give a fuck about you or us.” She dropped to her knees. “Not like I do.” She kissed his feet.
Farah who was in the doorway moved deeper into Bones’ room upon seeing the performance. She focused on Zashay who stood up and brushed her knees.
“You should’ve stayed down there where you belong, snake.”
“Farah, I was just playing with Bones,” Zashay smiled, wiping tears from her face. “How long were you there?”
“Long enough to see all I needed to.” Farah laughed. “If I ever catch you on the street I will open up your throat,” she said to Zashay. “Remember that.”
Bones stepped. “Farah—”
Stay the fuck away from me,” she yelled pointing at him. “Both of you!”
****
Farah walked into Mayoni’s room who was sitting on her bed sipping a glass of blood colored red wine. “I bet you can’t remember the day you first met me,” Farah said playfully.
Mayoni smiled partially, still devastated at the upcoming move. “Yes I do. You were coming out of Platinum Lofts and this dude approached you, angry over something you did.” She shook her head. “I must say, trouble always follows you doesn’t it?”
“Wrong,” Farah corrected her with a smile. “Not about the trouble but the other part.”
Mayoni searched her mind. “No, that was it. I can remember like it was yesterday.”
“I can too. It was the day that changed my life forever.” She sat next to Mayoni. “But our meeting occurred on an elevator. You were with Carlton and I thought you were as beautiful then as you are now.”
Mayoni laughed. “While I appreciate the compliment we were outside your building. I’m sure of it. And I asked, “Are you Farah Cotton?” She paused. “And you said….”
“Who’s asking?” they both said together.
Now Farah remembered.
They giggled before simmering down. Mayoni was right and she was wrong. “I’m sorry I caused you so much pain, Mayoni. And I want you to know no matter what I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”
“So you really are leaving?”
“Yes.”
She nodded. “Is it because of Slade?”
Silence.
“Be decent and tell me the truth, Farah. After everything I have a right to know.”
Farah sighed and held her hand. “I have never and will never love a man more than I love him, Mayoni. It’s impossible. I know we can never be together but I won’t be happy with anyone else if he’s not at least safe.” She squeezed her hand a little harder. “I’m sorry for hurting Bones and I hope you understand. It was not my intent.”
Mayoni exhaled. “Take care of yourself, Farah. And thank you for letting Bones go.”
****
Mayoni was brushing her hair when Dr. Weil slid into her room, closing the door. He stuffed his hands deeply into his pockets and walked toward her. “He can’t leave.”
“Sir?” Her eyebrows rose.
“Bones. If he leaves all of this goes away.” He raised his hands and turned around the room. “Do you know where this Slade is?”
“I do sir. He’s in prison.”
“Find a way to kill him. If you kill the man she will have no choice but to come to him.”
“Sir—”
“Let me make this clearer. Bones can’t leave under any circumstance. See to it that doesn’t happen.”
****
Farah was on her feet again.
Since the plan was to give herself over to the Bakers she wanted to have one last hunt for old time Shikar. If she was going to die she needed to make sure her last days were filled with her desires.
K. Michelle’s voice boomed from the speakers as she glided down the highway, the night sky dark purple. Driving a rental, her mind was on Slade and what never became of their lives together. Touching her belly she imagined how it would have felt to have his seed inside of her, a bestowal she would never realize.
Tears rolled down her face and were blinding as her thoughts roamed. What kind of mother could she possibly be when the quest for the hunt was more important than life? She was drawn to risky behavior, sexually and mentally and there was no way out but quietus.
Wiping the tears from her eyes she decided to speak to the Man on High. Something she’d rarely done. “God, if I’m not supposed to be who I am please take this urge away from my—”
THWACK.
Her eyes widened, as she was jolted forward by a thunderous racket. She wondered where it stemmed from as she gazed through the rear view mirror. No one was behind her so what occurred? Pulling to the side of the road she parked eased out and ascertained the damage.
It was a flat tire.
“Fuck!” She called out into the night.
When a set of headlights drew nearer, a detailed white Cadillac Escalade eased behind her car and parked. Seconds later a 6 foot 4 inch Adonis, with butter brown skin, covered mostly in tats, exited the vehicle. A black Kufi sat on top of his raven colored hair that was pulled into a long ponytail.
She’d never seen anything like him in her entire life.
Was he black or Pakistani? She couldn’t be sure. What she did recognize was his perfection. His presence filled up the space, similar to Slade but different. It was obvious that this man was loved upon.
He was also an alpha male.
“Trouble?” He asked examining the blown tire.
“Not anymore,” Farah said, wondering how sweet his blood would taste.
Considering her response he investigated her long and hard. Chemistry was brewing between them and it was as if they were created from the same pen. “You want to get out of here then?”
She grinned. “If you’ll have me I guess I’m coming with you.”
As Farah sat in his car she thought about the silent prayer she was making before the tire blew. “God, if I’m not supposed to be who I am please take this urge away from my soul,” was what she wanted to say.
Unfortunately her personal demons answered first and brought the sexy blood bag her way.
“By the way, the name’s Rasim,” He said steering the truck down the road, deeper into the night. “What do they call you?”
“Farah,” she whispered. “Farah Cotton.”
****
This wasn’t supposed to be the plan but making love to him felt so right. There was something to be said about being fucked by a man sitting on a chair, his body under hers, as he pumped into her hot flesh. Even still this fuck session was different. She got the impression that Rasim made lovemaking
an art which as why she hadn’t tasted his blood. Farah wanted to witness the experience, allowing it to last a bit longer than in the past. She was still wearing her bra waiting for the perfect moment to cut and yet it had not happened.
But why?
Farah was drawing nearer to her first orgasm when he kissed her chin, pressed down on her lower back and exploded into her pussy. They came at the same time and gazed into each other’s eyes.
He was a magician and his fuck game was like magic.
When his cell phone rang, with his dick still tucked inside her body, he carried her over to his bed and laid her down face up. Kissing her once before pulling out of her hotness. Glancing at his cell phone on the nightstand he turned toward her and sighed. “It’s my wife, I have to answer this.”
“No explanation needed, Rasim. I understand.”
He lifted the handset and bopped into the bathroom as she observed his chiseled muscular physique. He was covered in so many tats that his skin was barely visible.
The man was moving art.
In the bathroom he flipped the light on and the door remained open. From her vantage point she could see him clearly. Pressing the phone against his ear he said, “Don’t come over, Snow. I have company.”
Silence.
“You wanted it this way so let it be,” he continued.
Silence.
“Well I’m not fighting for us anymore either. It’s over!” He ended the call and slammed the door leaving Farah confused. The purpose of their meeting was blood and yet she hadn’t quenched her thirst. Things had gotten so serious.
This was something she would have to remedy.
Advancing toward the bathroom she opened the door without permission. Startled, her jaw hung when she saw him tearing at a tattoo on his chest with the name Snow etched across his heart, a gate in front of it. The blade he was using was shoddy at best and didn’t penetrate the skin deep enough.