Trap Goddess

by Sasha Ravae

  “We?” Reko asked.

  “Yes, we. I’m coming, Reko. I was going when Jonah was alive, and that hasn’t changed now. He brought me around for a reason. Remember that.”

  “Trina, what you and Jonah had was what ya’ll had, but RG is my responsibility now, okay? I don’t need you to be consulting the situation. I got this.”

  “Reko, I’m not asking for your permission to do shit. I’m letting you know that Franco is expecting me,” she said turning around walking back into the church leaving Omari and Reko behind.

  . . .

  Trina stepped off the plane with her hobo bag hung across her right arm and Ron by her side. After Jonah’s funeral, Reko tried to convince her to stay home, but she already had her mind made up. Jonah had been training her for exactly this, and she refused to let him down. She booked her flight the same day, and Ron agreed to fly with her, but Reko just wanted him to keep her out of the way.

  “Earth to Trina,” he said snapping his fingers in her face.

  “Sorry, Ron, my mind has been gone all day.”

  “What’s up?”

  “You mean other than the fact that I just buried the love of my life yesterday? Well, everything, Ron. I don’t even know what I’m doing here,” she said stepping out into the Miami heat.

  “Trina, you were just as much a part of RG as a lot of these niggas. You were by Jonah’s side to the end whether he was making a business run or a trap run, but to keep it a hunned, these niggas won’t acknowledge that because you’re a female. Plain and simple.”

  “What year is it?” she asked walking through the crowd that filled the terminals to get to the baggage claim.

  “It’s just how it is, but if Franco wants to see you, there’s nothing Reko can do, and he knows that.”

  “Thank you for coming with me, Ron.”

  “I’m an adult, and this is business. At the end of the day, we all have the same goal and that’s getting this money, so why make it hard on each other?”

  “Ask your man,” Trina said standing in front of the circular, metal conveyor belt as bags were dropped out with no regard.

  “I just appreciate you. I mean without Jonah here, I don’t really have anybody, you know?”

  “Where’s Yari’s loud-ass at?”

  “Shit, I don’t even know. I haven’t seen her since the drive. She left me a couple messages, but I didn’t feel like dealing with her drama. You know Omari broke up with her, right?”

  “Yeah,” Ron said laughing, “Mar told us he was cancelling her ass on our way there.”

  “It was bad, and even though Jonah’s dead, I know she would find a way to make it all about her.”

  “Give your girl some credit,” he said snatching Trina’s oversized suitcase down as it passed them.

  “If it wasn’t that, I’m not sure that she could’ve stopped herself from trying to fuck on you again especially if she knew Mar was coming to Miami too.”

  “Ya’ll wild,” he said laughing again, “Plus, I’m into the finer things.” He softly pinched her cheek before grabbing the rest of their luggage.

  As they exited Miami International Airport, the heat immediately hit them in the face. Luckily Trina saw a driver holding a sign that said, Mitchell, and a town car parked behind him.

  “I’m Trina Mitchell,” she said walking up to the driver.

  “Just who I was expecting. I didn’t expect you to be so beautiful though,” the young brother said not even seeing Ron’s burley frame standing her.

  “Ay, man, just do your job,” he said shoving one of the suitcases into his chest.

  “My apologies. I didn’t mean any disrespect,” he said never taking his eyes off Trina. All she could do was laugh.

  “Ron, chill.”

  “Fuck that. My nigga just died. These thirst buckets better fall back.”

  “I don’t need a babysitter.”

  “Fuck a babysitter,” he said opening the car door letting her inside, “You got a cock-blocker for life.”

  An hour later, the driver pulled up in front of an isolated villa, and Trina couldn’t help but to admire the small piece of paradise. Trees and flowers of all kinds surrounded the compound.

  “This is beautiful,” she said taking in the view as the driver got out of the car.

  “Ms. Mitchell,” he said holding the door open.

  “Thank you. This place is amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever been here before.”

  “Shit, me either,” Ron said looking around.

  Trina walked up to a huge black iron gate that sat in front of the multimillion dollar estate. “Do we knock?”

  “Knock on what? Press the call button on the gate, Trina,” Ron laughed, “This is serious. I need you to get it together.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m just nervous.”

  “Well, pretend like you’re not,” he said hurrying to press the small black button that sat on the metal panel.

  “Hola`.”

  “Yeah, I’m looking for Franco.”

  “Who’s asking?” the voice asked in a thick Spanish accent.

  “Ronald Williams, and I have Trina Mitchell here too.”

  “Un momento.”

  Ron and Trina stood still and waited quietly. A few minutes later, there was a loud beep, and suddenly, the gate swung open finally granting them access. They walked up the long driveway to a door that was purposely left open. When they walked inside, they were both surprised to see Reko and Omari already seated alongside Franco.

  “Welcome,” he said getting up, “I know you’re probably asking yourself why I asked you here. Being that Jonah had passed, and I considered him a dear friend, I thought it would only be right that we meet in my home. It’s more intimate, no?”

  “Thank you for having us,” Trina said, “Your home is very beautiful.”

  “Thank you, mami,” he said walking toward her, “How are you doing?” He grabbed her hand and waited for her to speak.

  “I’ve been better.”

  “Well, I intend to get to the bottom of this. Have a seat,” he said escorting her to his camel-colored leather couch, “Ron, my man, how are you?”

  “Good, boss, I’m just ready to get things back on track. I feel like I’m losing money just being here.”

  “And you are, son, but I am here to stop the hemorrhaging.”

  Ron sat down next to Trina but not before he quickly gave dap to Omari and Reko.

  “Now from my conversations with Jonah, he let me know that a runner was shot and killed only a few days ago?”

  “Yeah, Jamal Jackson,” Reko said, “But why start there if you’re ultimate target was Jonah?”

  “Well, I’ve been hearing a few things. Apparently, there are two men from Atlanta who have just come to Sacramento. No names yet, but I’ve been told that they’re ready to setup shop, so it makes sense that they started off with young Jamal. That was just a warning shot to let you guys know they were there. I always told Jonah that he left himself too open. He never wanted to carry a gun or have any security with him.”

  “His niggas were his security.”

  “Apparently not,” Franco said sitting back down, “Jonah’s trust in his community became his downfall.”

  “Then he died the only way he could have,” Trina said softly, “Jonah loved his city, and he loved helping those who believed in him, but now that he’s dead, does that mean that his killers are gonna just try and take over?”

  “Essentially, yes, but if they’re smart, they’ll wait a while. Things are too hot right now, but if they do it right, they could take all the business in the streets. Jonah was smart enough to invest most of his money into many lucrative businesses, but selling dope was just as lucrative.”

  “What do we do, Franco?” Reko asked scooting to the edge of the couch.

  “It needs to be business as usual. I know what Jonah wanted to do, but we have to lure these cowards out.”

  “Well, it’s settled then,” Reko said rubbing his hands to
gether as a smile spread across his face.

  “And what is that?”

  “That I’m taking over Rich Gang,” he said proudly.

  “Just think of me as just a consultant, papi, but I think that’s a mistake.”

  “Excuse me.”

  “Listen, I didn’t know about Jonah’s day-to-day operations, but I know one person who does,” Franco said turning to Trina and placing his hand on her knee.

  “Me?”

  “Diosa, don’t be so modest. You’re smart, and at this point, you have nothing to lose. I feel like you will be able to take Rich Gang to the next level, but again that is just my humble opinion.”

  “With all due respect, Franco, I was Jonah’s right hand, so it’s only right that I step up in the absence of my fallen brother. How would it look putting his girl on the front line?”

  “Not in the front, papi. Think about it,” he said shaking his head, “Never mind. I can sense that I’ve overstepped my boundaries. I am here to provide the product you need, and I intend on doing just that. I just want to make sure that the workflow is sufficient.”

  “It’s taken care of,” Reko said leaving out of the same door he had come in only an hour before.

  “We’ll be in touch as always, Franco,” Omari said standing up. He walked over to shake his hand hoping to be the peacekeeper, “You good, Ron?”

  “Yeah, I’ll hit you.”

  “Yep.”

  “Bye, Trina.”

  “Bye, Mar,” she said still playing Franco’s words over and over in her head.

  “I can only tell the truth, papi,” he said shrugging his imported silk covered shoulders.

  “Franco, did you really mean what you said?”

  “Yes, I never kid when it comes to business. You are the only woman I’ve met when it comes to Jonah. I have never even met his children’s mother. Every time you came to one of our meetings, you were always so attentive, and when something didn’t make sense, you asked questions, and believe me, it took some getting used to, but I always appreciated your interest. If Jonah trusted you like that then I do too. Loyalty means everything to me, and I see that in you, but Reko is a very stubborn man. He’s nothing like Jonah. Just think about it, okay?”

  Chapter 6

  “Hello?” Trina finally asked after reaching for her phone that sat on the nightstand beside her. The all-white goose down comforter she was buried under hid her face from the sunlight.

  “You still sleep?” Ron yelled into the phone.

  “No,” she lied.

  “Listen, shorty, if you’re really serious about this shit, you gotta be about this life. I’m not about to vouch for you and put my name on the line for some some-timey shit.”

  “Ron, I said I was up.”

  “Reko said that he wanted to hold a meeting today…”

  “A meeting for what?”

  “To let everyone know that he’s the man now, and Omari is second in command.” Trina remained quiet as Ron continued. “To be honest, I think Omari should of stepped up, but he’s lowkey. He likes the background, you know?”

  “Well, I’m ready to put my name in the race. I mean Franco was right. Jonah didn’t lace me for nothing. Everything’s in my name. Reko needs me.”

  “It’s gon’ be a hard sell, baby, but I’m behind you one hundred percent.”

  “Thanks, Ron, I don’t know what I would do without you,” she said pausing, “Can you do me a favor?”

  “Anything.”

  “Can you see if Reko will have the meeting here?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I just want to get the chance to tell my side of the story.”

  “I’ll hit you with the details later.”

  “Okay, talk to you then,” Trina said hanging up the phone as she threw the comforter back over her head. Her heart was beating a mile a minute. As nervous as she was, she knew what she had to do. She couldn’t imagine handing over what Jonah had worked so hard for over to Reko. She just prayed that RG saw things her way. Before she got the chance to calm her nerves, her phone rang again. This time it was Yari.

  “Hello?”

  “Uh, hello to you too, tramp. I’ve been calling you for like a week now.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. I’ve been dealing with a lot of shit. I’ve just been caught up.”

  “Save the excuses, Trina. I know when you’re bullshitting.”

  “Okay,” she sighed, “I’ve been avoiding you.”

  “Why?” Yari screamed into the phone.

  “Cause with everything going on with Jonah, I haven’t had the energy to deal with anything else.”

  “That’s fucked up. I’ve been here worried sick, and you’ve been avoiding me on purpose?”

  “Yari, stop with the dramatics. I’m sorry, okay?”

  “Yeah, yeah, how you been though?”

  “Okay, I guess. I can’t think about Jonah without crying every two seconds, but being in this house alone all the time doesn’t help either. I never knew how much I really depended on that man. I miss him, Yari,” she said beginning to cry again.

  “Trina,” Yari whined into the phone, “I didn’t mean to make you cry, mamas. I’m sorry.”

  “No, no, it’s okay,” she said wiping her face, “How are you holding up?”

  “What, you talking about that shit that happened with Omari?”

  “Ummm, yeah.”

  “I’ve been past that. I met somebody else.”

  “Who?” Trina asked ready for a needed distraction.

  “Well, his name is Malachi.”

  “Malachi?” Trina asked laughing, “Where you meet him at?”

  “I was coming out the Wells Fargo off Stockton, and he was pulling in.”

  “He’s from out here?”

  “No, I think he said Atlanta. I can’t remember. I just met him like three days ago, but the $2,000 Armani suit he had on was all I needed to see.”

  “Here you go.”

  “Look, Omari has me more than fucked up, so I have to show him that he’s not the only one who can move on. I’m more than capable especially with a man who looks, smells, and feels like nothing but money.”

  “Well, I’ll definitely put that in his ear when I see him tonight.”

  “See who?”

  “Omari.”

  “What are you seeing Omari for?” Yari asked sucking her teeth.

  “Reko’s having a meeting with RG, and I wanna be there.”

  “For what?”

  “Damn, Yari, you are asking hella questions. Listen, an opportunity presented itself, and I intend to take full advantage of it. I’ll let you know when I find out more.”

  “I don’t like all this secretive shit.”

  “Bye, Yari, I’ll talk to you later.”

  “I don’t know what you and Omari are doing,” she hurried to say before Trina hung up, “but don’t tell him about Malachi. I want him to hear it from me, so I can see his face crack.”

  “Bye,” Trina said laughing. All she could do was shake her head as she rolled out of bed. After all of Yari’s morning pettiness, she was finally ready to start her day.

  . . .

  Ding. Dong.

  Trina walked to the door in her black Giuseppe heels, white button up shirt, and gray pencil skirt. When she opened the door, Ron was standing there.

  “Where you going?” he asked laughing as he walked inside.

  “What?” she asked looking down at her outfit.

  “You look like an accountant or some shit.”

  “Well, good, I’m tryna count this money.”

  “Trina, listen, if you want these dudes to respect you and want to do business with you, you gon’ have to relax a little, ma. Be yourself.”

  “I am being myself,” she snapped, “Just cause I don’t have my titties out doesn’t mean that I’m not being myself, Ron.”

  “I’m just saying maybe if you had them things out, you would get a better response.”

  “Is that really how y
ou look at me? Like just another piece of ass?” she asked not giving him a chance to respond, “Let me do this my way please.”

  “Yes, boss,” he said saluting her, “Ay, is anybody here yet?”

  “Nope, you’re the first one. Help yourself to some refreshments,” she said pointing into the kitchen.

  “Refreshments?” Ron walked into the kitchen to see every counter filled with different finger foods, fruit, and waters. “What is all this?”

  “What? I thought people would get hungry,” she said as the words spilled out of her mouth, “I’m nervous.”

  “Trina, look at me,” Ron said popping a garlic meatball in his mouth, “You’ve turned this shit into a mothafucking PTA meeting. Jonah did a lot to help niggas wash they money over the years and finally go legit, but those aren’t the dudes coming over tonight. These niggas sell drugs, and essentially, you are asking to lead them in doing so. They are not looking for fucking cucumber sandwiches. They are looking for someone like Jonah, and you are that someone. Everybody knows that Reko doesn’t have that same mindset, feel me? But his pride would rather run RG into the ground before he would admit it. His first priority is to find out who killed Jonah as it should be, but what’s the next step? He’s ready to go out shooting when that’s not even our style. Jo was very strategic. Be strategic. Stop tryna be these niggas’ friend and just show them that you are about this money, period. Can you do that?”

  “Yeah,” she said softly.

  “Trina, can you do this?”

  “Yes,” she said louder.

  Ding. Dong. Ding. Dong. Ding. Dong.

  “Prove it,” he said walking into the living room.

  Trina took a deep breath and put all of her reservations aside. She felt like if she didn’t fight for a piece of Rich Gang, she would be losing Jonah forever. She had his kids to think about and his mom, and fuck it, herself, and for the first time, she finally embraced what life had created her to be, and she didn’t have to pretend anymore. She walked to the front door and took one last deep breath before opening it.