“Let’s just say we respect each other’s ability to throw down,” Coco said and locked the door. The girls bounded down the stairs and out to the street. They saw the crowd of people milling across the street from the apartment building. “Oh, there goes Rightchus doing his thing,” Coco said as they walked by. Some guys whistled while others nodded as Coco and Josephine walked through the block.
“What’s he doing? Giving away government cheese?”
“That nigga up to sump’n. Sometimes he be looking out for the dealers and all.”
“Yo, Coco, what’s popping?” Rightchus ran toward Coco and Josephine.
“Yo, let’s see what this fool wants, Jo. You remember him from over by...?”
“How could I forget? He used to be a pest, always begging for dough and running his bullshit ass con games. I have no time for trifling niggas.”
“You sound like he took you for sump’n.”
“What? He sold me and Danielle some fake ass shit for weed. My ass was pissed. It cost me five dollars. We was going in on a dime and this lil’ short ass blue black mothafucka stole our little bit a money,” Josephine said and walked away as Rightchus approached.
“Yo, Coco, your friend ain’t got to go anywhere. She ain’t got to be scurred o’ lil’ ol’ me,” Rightchus said with a chuckle. “Yo, sweetness,” he shouted at Josephine then he turned to Coco and said, “She ain’t trying to hear the pimp in me, huh?”
“Nah, uh uh. Leave that alone. It’s her time o’ the month,” Coco said with a wink. Rightchus gave her dap.
“Ah, I get your drift. So, what da deal? Your man shooting up da place and all that mess last night?”
“Yeah, ain’t it a shame how they let Lil’ Long out already. I know he was doing some shooting but the cops gonna be hiding that because he a snitch,” Coco said.
“Nah, Coco, it wasn’t that nigga. Lil’ Long still locked up.”
“Stop playing, yo,” Coco yelled. Rightchus nodded affirmatively.
“Yo, Coco, I’m telling you, the devil keeps the people illiterate because that’s the only way he can use them as tools and make ‘em slaves. You feelin’ me?” Rightchus was about to fall into a groove but Coco knew she was on another mission when Josephine gave her the eye.
“I ain’t got time to chit chat, Rightchus. I’ll holla at you another time.”
“Coco, I’ll walk wit you to da corner. Niggas busting guns and you and your friend might need some security,” Rightchus said as he walked along with Coco. They both walked to where Josephine stood. “Goddamn, your friend is fine. That’s a sexy ass bitch right there, Coco. Hmm, hmm, hmm. Them jeans hugging those hips oh so right. Oh, it’s ah, what’s-her-name from ‘Da Crew’?”
“It’s Josephine, nigga.”
“Easy now, sis. Why you wanna jump down a nigga’s throat like that?” Rightchus asked, surprised by Josephine’s reaction.
“Rightchus, what did I say? You don’t listen, do you? We just had this conversation so leave her alone, yo. She don’t wanna be talking to anyone right now.”
“No, I’m not talking to...”
“Josephine, chill.”
“I’m chill. I’m waiting on you, girl. We got places to go.” With that, she walked away.
“Rightchus, I gotta be out, yo.”
“Yo, Coco, I’m telling you. Keep your eye out for da jakes. They called Starsky and Hutch, them hip hop po-pos. They down the block right over there,” Rightchus said as he took the cigarette from Coco’s hand.
“Oh, that’s how it’s going down? Fuck da police. I seen ‘em around da weed spot on the south side. Fuck ‘em. I’m out,” Coco said.
“Ahight, peace and tell your friend to be cool when she comes around my part of town,” Rightchus said but Coco was already down the block trying to find Josephine.
SIXTY-THREE
She walked into the store just as Josephine was emerging with a sack full of goodies including a newspaper, soda, chewing gum, and a pack of cigars.
“Here, I bought you a Pepsi.”
“You my girl, Jo. For real, I was just about to say where my girl at? And if she’s in the store, I hope she...” Coco was addressing Josephine when a voice cut into her flow.
“Hey, Coco, going to cop some of that chocolate? Don’t waste your time going down the South Drive. We busted all their fucking asses. You cop somewhere else and we’ll bust their asses anywhere you go. Coco, we coming for ‘em. You might as well let your boys know they going to jail if they sell you any weed.” Coco and Josephine looked at each other. Neither turned to see the face of the person making the threats but Coco already knew it was Detective Kowalski. She heard the Caprice peel out before she moved.
“Who...what da fuck was that about, Coco?” Josephine asked rolling her eyes.
“Just a couple of fucking dicks. Let’s get a cab, yo.”
“Lemme know if I’m hanging’ wit Amerikaz Most Wanted, you hear? I want to be ready to spit back lead at jakes. You heard me, Coco?” Josephine joked as a taxi pulled to a stop in front of them.
“You be bugging, yo. What you looking around for, Jo? Get in the damn cab already, will you?”
“I don’t want anyone to sneak us from behind. Real gangsters always watch their back at all times.”
“Get real, Josephine. You need to get in this cab before the driver thinks we’re trying to play with him or sump’n.”
“Take us to the mall at one-two-fifth,” Josephine said and with that, the cab whisked them away.
“I’m ready to party tonight, Coco,” Josephine said. “Not go to jail so be on your best behavior. We don’t want the police following us around, okay?” Josephine said. Suddenly, she leaned forward and whispered, “I’m dirty. I’ve got more of that purple haze stashed in my panties.”
“Oh, Jo, must you be saying all that? Keep all that shit to yourself.”
“Just letting you know, girl.”
The cab sped along with the rest of the traffic transporting the girls to a shopping expedition at the Mall. They paid and jumped from the cab. “Ready to get your shop on, Coco?” Josephine asked.
“Yeah, I’m ready,” Coco replied as the girls, accompanied by glances of most of the single men in the immediate vicinity, easily made their way through the mall. They shopped for outfits for the night’s party then ate, chatted, and shopped some more. “Coco, there goes another cutie, girl,” Josephine said as the girls moved from store to store.
“Let’s go check out some of those Van Dutch joints, Jo,” Coco responded and grabbed Josephine by the arm, curtailing her from following the handsome youth all the way through the Mall. “I swear you’re a bug out, girl.”
“Coco, I’m trying to get mine, girl. As long as I’ve known you, you ain’t never had a boyfriend, Coco,” Josephine said walking so close to Coco that it seemed as if they were joined at the hip.
“I ain’t got time for a nigga’s shit.” Coco answered as they walked into the store. They were greeted by another store clerk.
“He’s good looking, Coco. Push up a little sump’n.”
“We here to shop for outfits, not pick up guys, bitch.”
“Coco, you shy or sump’n, girl?”
“May I help you ladies?” the clerk asked.
“And he has manners. Ah, yes, me and my girlfriend were wondering if you’re an Aries or a Leo. Now, I was telling her by the curve of your nose that you were definitely a Leo. Am I right?”
“You’re right, I am a Leo. Let me know if you see anything you like and I’ll get you a nice price,” he said smiling as he walked away.
“See what I’m talking ‘bout? You could have a fan club at your beck and call, Coco,” Josephine said waving her arms around the store. “Don’t you want a boyfriend? Damn girl, you a virgin or sump’n?”
“I have a feeling if you continue this conversation, you’re gonna go to this party with either my foot wedged in your ass or be stuck in surgery with a doctor trying to remove it.”
“Whatever, bitch. Let me find out you muff diving or sump’n,” Josephine said and her grin was met by the flare of Coco’s nostrils. This was her signature move before she hit the boiling point. “I’m gonna be so scared in another second.” They continued to shop throwing jabs at each other like any sisters would do.
SIXTY-FOUR
They sat around a table sipping from shot glasses. Eric, along with the attorney, listened as Maruichi outlined the details of their agreement. One of the main points was that Eric would receive protection. At a cost, Eric would have real muscle and real security. He was about to be provided with a two-man security team that would not draw attention to him or them. They would be able to blend into the environment, Maruichi had explained. That was earlier. Now they sat around and sipped Cognac, toasting the deal.
“May our agreement be bulletproof, Eric,” Mr. Maruichi said and raised his glass.
Eric sipped but his mind was still on the outrageous events from last night. From the time Deedee had called until the time he was arrested, his life had been reduced to a series of mishaps. He nodded, raised his glass, and sipped but all the time, Eric wondered what Sophia’s next move was. He knew she didn’t want to talk to him. He’d heard it in her voice. Sitting downstairs from where his troubles with the photo had begun, he wanted to talk to Maruichi in private about it. Now, he wouldn’t be surprised if Sophia threw the engagement ring at him the next time they were face to face. “You still have problems with your fiancé, yes?” Maruichi asked as he cozied up to Eric.
“You could say that,” Eric said after sometime.
“It is such a beautiful thing to be in love, isn’t it?”
“Yeah but right now, the view isn’t so lovely. Not from where I’m sitting, Mr. Maruichi. It ain’t such a pretty picture,” Eric said and pulled out a cigarette.
“Apparently someone sent pictures and a doctored videotape with the car,” the attorney added. “I had someone look into the dealership. They’re straight. Our informant told us that the envelope contained pictures from the...ah, club.”
“Upstairs?” Maruichi asked, pointing to the ceiling. The attorney nodded. “We got a dirty rat in this place?” he asked violently bringing the glass down against the table. The action caused some of the cognac to spill out onto the table. “How long have you known about this? Where’s Eddie? Tell Eddie to get his nose out of the card game and get over here now,” Maruichi shouted. “Why wasn’t I told immediately?” he asked. He turned to Eric and said, “I’m sorry you’ve got to be a witness to this outburst but if your problems were a result of someone leaking information from the club then that mess must be cleaned up right away. I’m sure you can appreciate the expediency and efficiency that will be used to eliminate this minor hitch.”
Eddie Maruichi appeared at his father’s side. After a brief conversation with the attorney, he walked away.
“Eddie I want to know when you find them,” Maruichi called to his son then Eddie was off again. After that, the meeting ended. Eric walked out with a confident feeling about his security but was uncertain about his relationship with the person that mattered the most. He dialed Sophia’s cell as he drove. No answer. He listened to the outgoing message and realized how much he needed her. Along the way to the studio, Eric stopped at a florist and placed an order for a dozen roses to be sent to her office everyday for the rest of the month. There were still twenty four days left in this month. From there, he drove to the recording studio where he could hide behind the blues he felt and drown his sorrows in the creation of the better beat. It was now the only place where he still had the presence to exert his full influence with no questions asked.
SIXTY-FIVE
Couple hours after the meeting at the back of the pizza bar, Maruichi received a call from his son, Eddie. He was told that the leak was found and he should come on down to the address given. With driver and bodyguards in tow, Maruichi left his haunt immediately. They raced through the streets like a fire truck to a fire. They pulled to a stop on a lonely street lined with a row of private houses. Maruichi was greeted by Eddie. They spoke briefly then he and Eddie went up the stairs with two of the bodyguards.
At the foot of the stairs, they stopped and Maruichi knocked on the door. An older lady answered the door. She was the mother of the girls known as the Geisha twins. Looking torn, they finally came out and spoke to Mr. Maruichi. They all sat in a bleak living room. The dark hue of the leather sofa did nothing to brighten the dullness of the place.
“Hey, girls, how’re you doing? I understand we had some problems the other night, uh?” Maruichi said as he eyed both girls. “There was a breach of security, a lapse in judgment, but nothing that cannot be corrected. I’m afraid that in order for us to take the necessary steps to correct the problem, we’re going to have to get information from every single worker. You’re included in this family network,” Maruichi said smiling. “So I wanted to ask you girls in the presence of your mother, did you give anyone or provide anyone with anything because they threatened you with arrest or maybe wanted to pay you extra money for any type of pictures. That information would be necessary to bring a law-suit against this person as they’re trying to harass my employees. Also, this is not the first time it has occurred. We must end this by punishing these people to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Mr. Maruichi, we know the name of one such person. He said he’d arrest us if we told anyone but he gave us money.”
“Really, what’s his name?” Mr. Maruichi asked and his ears perked up the way animals do.
“His name is Michael Johnson. He gave us money and told us we were helping him to catch a criminal,” one of the ladies said. They were both a little nervous but had taken the reassurances that Maruichi offered as real. They spilled their guts and explained how Michael Thompson, on the pretense of catching a criminal, had paid them to take pictures of Eric or Busta, who had been a favorite client of theirs. Maruichi listened with no visible signs of rage but inside, he fumed to the point of revulsion.
Maruichi was a member of the old order. Family unity began with loyalty and silence was golden. He openly smiled when the dancers nervously told him of their transgressions and how it all started with a simple request by Michael Thompson. He had asked the girls to take pictures of all of Busta’s friends. The pictures would fetch the girls five hundred a piece. That it was enough incentive for his workers to betray him was, in itself, repulsive to Maruichi. He tapped his feet as he decided their fate then he said, “I can’t forgive you but I understand that you need to work, just not with me. We cannot tolerate employees doing things behind our backs that could sabotage the company or our clientele. That would be deadly to our future growth, you understand?” At that point, Maruichi signaled to Eddie. “Pay these ladies the usual severance and I’ll recommend you ladies to whoever is going to be your future employer,” he said as Eddie counted out three thousand dollars. “It’s fifteen hundred apiece,” he said and waved goodbye to the Geisha twins and their mother. They sobbed a little as their former boss and his entourage departed. At the foot of the stairs, the man some called Chi glanced up at the apartment before walking out.
“I want someone efficient to set this rat trap on fire. And I want you to check out this Michael Thompson. Find out his angle.”
“Yes father. Done, sir,” Eddie said and looked at his father again then asked, “Burn it all?” Eddie asked uneasily. His father gave him a cold stare before the answer came.
“Anyone who comes against you and causes you sorrow must be completely eliminated. That includes all of their family members,” Maruichi said and patted Eddie’s dome. “Burn it all. I want them dead by nightfall,” he said as he got into his car and drove away. Eddie turned to the three guys left standing with him and smiled.
“We got a job to do by nightfall, guys. Let’s get to it,” he said and the group departed in two cars.
Later that evening, fire trucks were called to the scene as flames caused by electrical damage ra
vaged the row of houses destroying everything and killing all the occupants. Included in the list of casualties were the Geisha Twins and their seventy-two year old mother. Maruichi wanted the lesson to be clear. Those who cooperate with the police will not only die but their family members will also meet the same fate. Frankie Maruichi had not earned a reputation on the street for being Mr. Nice Guy. From day one, he had set out to make sure everyone knew exactly who was in charge. Burning down a house with all its occupants was just another way Maruichi enforced his power.
SIXTY-SIX
Coco and Josephine were both dressed and ready to be a part of the party scene honoring the new rap album from Silky Black. The girls stood in Miss Katie’s apartment and examined their appearances in a full length closet mirror. Coco was stylish and cool in a denim Baby Phat jumpsuit and stilettos while Josephine heated things up with a sleeveless denim blouse and real short denim skirt and heels. She threw a red leather racing jacket over her shoulder while Coco went with the black. The girls took turns dancing and profiling for each other in the mirror.
“You think my ass looks too big in this?” Josephine asked.
“Your ass looks just right, girl. Stop buggin’,” Coco said.
“Whatever. This mirror is another thing you need up in that place of yours, Coco,” Josephine said as she twisted and arched her body in an attempt to admire every inch of her body in the mirror.
“Bitch, I mean…” Coco said to Josephine then she glanced around to see if Miss Katie was in earshot. She was not far away and could hear the chit chat between the girls. Coco smirked at Josephine then continued to speak. “Listen, Jo, I ordered a sofa and a new television that cost me nearly what?” Coco asked.
“Only three thousand dollars but remember, you got the lamps and the end tables for free.”
“Free? Don’t you know by now that there ain’t nothing for free in this world, yo?” Coco said and turned to the old lady who was pretending to be busy with Roshawn. “Talk to her, Miss Katie. Let her know sump’n,” Coco continued as she smooth down her tresses.
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