by King, Deja
Fuck the nigga didn’t give off headshots like I told his clown ass to do. Dumb ass niggas. Everybody knows these Milano’s stay vested up, he thought with concealed displeasure. I’ma have to plan some other shit for Bonjo, but in the meantime I gotta worry about getting Gio to plunge from grace. He only felt horrible for the pain he was about to cause Semaj. She’d be a’ight though and she’d never expect anything. Got Micah and ‘em dressing in Jamaican wigs when we return home and have ‘em rob us to shake her up. They know to hit me and miss her. A nigga can take a gunshot to the leg or something for the position I will assume. Semaj will be so shook and eventually she’d convince her people to let me run everything, Vega thought deceitfully but had no idea that the real Jamaicans were actually lurking in the shadows, and was gunning for the Milano’s head in retaliation for the hit Gio
had put on Ox’s family.
“No… not really. I’m just glad you coming here with me. We need this time and I’m going to enjoy it for as long as I can,” she whispered as she grabbed his hand and kissed him on the back of his wrist. “I’ma get some sleep because I have a feeling I’ma be up the entire time on this trip.” Semaj closed her eyes as the plane ascended into the perfect night skies, having no idea that a storm was brewing.
“I could fuckin’ kill Semaj for being so damn blind and naive!” LuLu yelled as she paced back and forth for the hundredth time enraged, practically burning a hole through the floor.
“Would someone let me know what is going on?” Gio asked as he disconnected the call with Semaj and looked up at his nieces.
“That fucking husband of hers is foul and I can smell the shit surrounding him. He on that flight with Semaj right now,” LuLu spilled.
“He’s what?” Gio shouted as if he hadn’t heard her correctly. “I’ve made it clear that Semaj was to go on all trips alone. Are you saying that she disobeyed my word?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” she replied. “Uncle, I promise I’ve been watching how dude been moving lately and he on some rehearsed shit.”
“Let me ask you something and I’ll just deal with Semaj concerning that issue once she returns,” Gio said. “Security was tight as usual, right?”
“Virgin Mary tight,” Emilia answered matter-of-factly. “I still can’t get how someone was able to get inside the club strapped and everyone walks through the metal detector besides our crew—”
“And Vega’s,” LuLu chimed in. “Something is telling me that shit with Bonjo had something to do with his crew or he was involved with it with his crew. Either way, someone has to deal with the consequences. I don’t care who fault it was, but somebody has to be made an example of. I think we should begin with Vega. Sooner or later Semaj will get over it. I’ll take care of him ASAP for the Family. Fuck a wait. I’ve been wanting to sniff nigga’s lights out and I’ma make it dark for that dude soon as he get back. He gotta go.”
“I feel you on that, LuLu,” Emilia agreed. “It was too coincidental that all of this popped off at a club that’s wrapped killer tight with ready-to-bust bodyguards. A mu’fucka ain’t stupid enough to come gunning for Bonjo, especially knowing that we all up in there. Unless,” she paused as if a thought had clicked in her head, and then continued, “Someone tipped someone off and gave specific instructions on how to pan everything out.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Gio said, cool, calm and collected. There was nothing else he needed to know. He picked up his phone scrolling down to Jah-Jah’s name and pressed dial. He was determined to find out who this guy was linked to that Bonjo had killed. By any means necessary, he was going to get down to the bottom of it.
Chapter 12
“I can’t believe this fucking cockroach is trying to move an operation into the fucking States. Our territory is not appointed to the families by divisions even if our family hasn’t tapped into the Miami drug market yet. The fucking prick Julio is stepping out of his boundaries creating a global faux pas amongst our family and the Cubans. Blatant disrespect is what I call it,” Ortiz said as they discussed business on Ortiz’ estate, sitting poolside underneath the awning umbrella. The pool’s nightlights illuminated the massive area. “As long as the International Eight Families has been standing no one has ever tried to pull a grimy move towards each other. We’ve had a treaty that wasn’t to be broken. Greed is a sure enough way to cause conflict and ignite wars.”
“So Julio wasn’t bullshitting when he said he wanted a piece of that Miami money, huh?” Semaj asked, puzzled, as she slowly sipped on a mimosa. “We’re still in war with the Jamaicans, and I can almost guarantee you that mu’fucka Ox still pissed at how Poppa did his family. Now, the Cubans is a whole new beef that I ain’t trying to fan the flames to, Ortiz. Who I need to holla at to see about this issue?” Semaj asked casually and knew she needed to nip the problem with the Ordonez Family in the bud before it escalated. “I’m telling you uncle because if we have to go against Julio and his people I’m sending my goons down to Cuba and stamp our family name on their soils. I’m not finna keep playing with the Jamaicans and most definitely not our own people. Fuck is this Cuban mu’fucka on?”
“I assure you, Maj that you don’t have to worry about Julio or none of his family members for that matter. The 16 Tent takes loyalty very seriously and it is the only thing in this world besides our word that is free. I promise that is being handled as we speak. We don’t take kindly to betrayal and Julio is well aware of the consequences for those that display treachery. You don’t have anything to worry about and I’m almost sure that the Jamaicans have tapped out this time and is begging for a truce.”
“I would like to believe that you’re right, Uncle Ortiz, but I don’t doubt anyone and as long as Ox is still breathing I’ll never let my guards down on him. As far as Julio’s goes, I’m for everything that you’re saying,” she said. “But I’ma allow you two to establish a relationship while I handle business with the Queen. My car is out front waiting. You said my plane leaves out after midnight, right?” Semaj asked.
Colombia, the Cocaine Capital of the World
Semaj was thousands of feet above land as she made her way through the city of Bogota on a private helicopter that had been arranged to pick her up from the El Dorado International Airport. She wore headphones over her ears to drown out the overwhelming sounds of the aircraft’s propeller. The pair barely served its purpose though, and Semaj found herself escaping the annoying noises by consuming herself in her thoughts.
Guilt weighed down heavy on her heart and she thought about her cousins as she watched the beautiful city fly by in a blur. I swear their asses don’t trust nobody. I don’t know how I’ma do it, but I’ma have to get them to trust me on this one. Vega is my husband and we all in this shit together. He’s my family just as well as they are and Vega would never pull no grimy shit on me. I’ve known him too long and we’ve been through too much bullshit for him to double cross me. Vega ain’t even that type of nigga to betray someone he loves.
Semaj was so engrossed with her thoughts that she hadn’t realized that she already flown over the light blue ocean and passed through city limits until the chopper had cleared the water and a beautiful countryside setting was visible. Rocky-like mountains and endless green rolling fields took up most of the land, and twenty-five minutes later Semaj watched as the pilot maneuvered over what appeared as a compound. Her mouth dropped to the floor as the aircraft swayed back and forth as it prepared to land on the estate’s landing pad. She hadn’t really known what to expect when she got there, but the extravagance before her was beyond anything that she could ever imagine. This bitch on some super cartel shit, Semaj thought as she watched through the window as the helicopter descended upon the dirt less field.
To her surprise, Valentina stood leaned against a golf cart awaiting her arrival. I can’t believe she’s actually waiting for me. The gust from the velocity of the helicopters blades created a mini hurricane of whirling wind, causing leaves from the trees to blow wil
dly. Once the aircraft landed safely and the propellers had stop spinning the ground handler opened the door.
Semaj took a deep breath, instantly greeted by the overwhelming heat as she stepped out off of the helicopter. The thin white Badgley Mischka sundress that she wore even seemed too much fabric for the South American heat. The hot, muggy conditions and Colombia’s air was like no other as sweat began to build on the tip of her nose and she was dying to get out of the hell-like climate.
“Semaj, my darling!” Valentina yelled as she waved her over and greeted her with air-kisses. “It’s finally good to have you on my home turf. The Milano Family’s princess.”
“Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to see how a Queen lives,” Semaj stated with a friendly smile. “Your estate makes mine look like the slummiest projects back home. I know you couldn’t
live here all by yourself?”
“Of course not,” Valentina answered as they got inside the cart and rode the five hundred feet stretch to the edifice of her complex. “When I purchased this home fifteen years ago I moved my entire family in here. My compound is divided into many sections and everyone has their own private space.”
“Wow, now that’s what you call living large,” Semaj said and looked around in complete awe. The place was unbelievable. Semaj was surrounded by lush mountains, greenery, waterfalls and rock walls. Some of the rock walls even had pure stream cascading down its stones. It was like paradise.
Once they approached the front entrance, Semaj and Valentina got out the motor cart. Surprisingly, the place wasn’t guarded. Semaj didn’t see one-armed bodyguard on ground. “I find it odd that a woman of your stature doesn’t have your home safeguarded. I expected this place to be flooded with security,” Semaj said. She walked a few steps behind her and down an extended hall that overlooked a colossal 250-meter indoor lap swimming pool. It was surrounded by stainless-steel ceiling panels and full-length glass walls.
“Just because you don’t see any guards doesn’t mean that I don’t have anyone watching me, darling. As you know we must use enforcers and bodyguards to our advantage, although a fucking prick wouldn’t dare step within one hundred feet of me let alone near the vicinity of my home.”
They both laughed as they entered a room. There was an extra large sectional sofa with eight roundtables throughout the spacious area. For a minute, Semaj didn’t recognize the man that was tied up to one of the chairs. But when she did, it was as if a light bulb flicked on in her head and the conversation she had with her uncle dawned on her. The 16 Tent takes loyalty very seriously and it is the only thing in this world besides our word that is free. Ipromise that is being handled as we speak. Valentina had Julio restrained to a chair with electrical tape sealed across his lips to keep him from
speaking.
“See, I finish distractions before they ever get started. If you eliminate the problem before it actually becomes a major one, then there is actually never a problem. I’ve told Gio this many of times but he’s hardheaded. It has caused him to fight many wars that could have been prevented by one simple reaction.” Valentina extended her arm and waved her arm dismissively at the problem she had solved for her. “Fuck this Cuban piece of shit. Let’s get down to the reason you came here today. We’d discuss everything over brunch.”
Valentina escorted Semaj out to the back of her house and they chatted, ate and drank like old friends on the French tete-a- tete outside on the portico. The two of them hadn’t spent much time together, but the little time they had, Valentina found herself observing Semaj’s laid-back moves and listened to her choose her words carefully. The more they talked, the more she saw the potential in the young woman. Semaj wasn’t even twenty-five yet, but if she played her cards right she would be at a place in the game that she’d never even imagine by the time she hit thirty. “You know, I see something in you that I have never seen in a woman besides myself. That’s what brings forth this meeting. Since the death of your mother, I’ve supplied the Milano family with one thousand kilograms of pure cocaine twice a month. Before then it was five hundred kilo’s but she changed that. For several years it was stuck at one thousand and it hadn’t changed until you came along and doubled that amount in a matter of months. I figured at the rate you’re going you will undoubtedly take out your competition back in the States.
“We’re going to use a new method to smuggle our cocaine over to your family. Submarines will be the name of the game. I have border protection and coast guards on my payroll from here to Europe. The underwater boat will be about one hundred feet below surface and twenty-five nautical miles offshore so that it goes undetected. This way will give you the opportunity to move business into Miami and expand down south. Can you handle two and a half tons of cocaine Semaj?”
“Twenty-five hundred bricks!” she shouted as her eyes bugged wide in astonishment. “You mean move through five thousand keys a month?”
“It may sound like a lot, but that’s actually nothing compared to the many tons that I’m responsible for. I’m talking over fifty tons every month. Besides, London is an unclaimed market since the Abbott Family was killed off and during the next meeting I was going to consider you as their replacement by default anyway. There’s this guy named Nasah out there that has been reaching out to some of my close associates. He’s allegedly the new man around the British parts but doesn’t have a solid coke connect. He’s seeking one though. I was thinking I could set up a meeting between the two of you if you are willing to accept my offer.
“This opportunity would be perfect for you. Not only will you supply the U.S. but have a hand in the U.K. also. This can mean big business for you. I say we can set the increase of product up as soon as possible. What do you say?”
“You know Ortiz is the one who accepts the change in quantities and I haven’t spoken with him about—”
“I know a lot of things must be ran by Ortiz, but that’s something you don’t have to worry about. Between me and you, he’s honored to call you his niece and brags to me about how you are changing things and creating bigger business for the Family. Trust me, Ortiz will sign off on this deal. So what do you say?” Valentina asked again.
“That’s a huge responsibility, Valentina. I’d need to visit the Abbott’s old territory and scope things out before I can accept your proposal.”
“There’s no need to rush it, darling. You think about it and let me know at your earliest convenience. I suggest you fly out ASAP, though, just to check things out. If you decide on it then it is a go and then I’d set everything into motion. Deal?” she asked as she extended her hand and Semaj shook it with a gracious nod of the head. “There is something that I will like for you to see.” Valentina handed Semaj the binoculars and pointed up at the top of the mountain as a hot-air balloon hovered over the mountain.
Semaj accepted the device and looked through the circled lens to witness Julio badly beaten with a bloody face as he hung upside down in the air by a thick rope attached to it. Abruptly, an amber orange flame erupted and engulfed the helium balloon, sending pieces flying through the air and it looked as if the sky was raining debris. “I’ve been in this business a long time and I’ve learned to get rid of the bad seed. You’ll last a lot longer in this game, Semaj, if you think likewise. Remember I told you that you have to allow your emotions to be thrown out of the window?” Valentina asked.
“Yes, I remember,” she answered.
“I meant every word. Now, I’ll be honored to handle them fucking dread heads?” She said sternly and slightly grinned. “I want you to be careful out there Semaj. It is very dangerous and very cutthroat. Never trust anyone because even the closest ones to you will betray you. Over something as valuable as paper with prominent faces on it. I’ve myself, had to learn that the hard way when I had to murder my husband behind it,” she confessed. She had never told anyone that she had committed that murder, but she felt some sort of special bond with Semaj. Sort of like the daughter that she never had. “If you d
on’t believe anything else I say, trust me on that. The closest person to you will turn cold. You see what Julio did for the love of money. People aren’t to be trusted, Semaj.”
Semaj stood from her seat and walked over to where Valentina was seated. She bent over and hugged her neck and then air-kissed both of her cheeks. “No doubt. I trust you. I really enjoyed our morning together, but I must be going now. I have my uncle and husband waiting for me. I will thoroughly think your offer over and if I need your services in any way I will not hesitate to give you a call.” Semaj smiled and patted her on the shoulder gently before
she walked away.
Valentina stood and watched her stroll down the unroofed corridor as she strutted through the long passageway. Semaj was one of few that she was willing to take underneath her wing. Valentina knew that if she schooled her right in the game that she’d die at an old age playing it. There were very few players left who understood the rules to being great and Semaj had proved that she was one of those who were in the know and was proving that she, too, could be one of the great ones.
All Valentina could do was nod her head as she watched her soon-to-be protege disappear down the open-air hallway, and thought, I’ma make sure that she’s the baddest bitch that ever moved dope. From the United States to the United Kingdom, she will flood cities with the purest cocaine in the world.
Chapter 13
Back to Present Day
The tires from the five Hummers screeched against the pavement as each vehicle came to a fast halt in front of the private hospital. Without waiting for anyone or the truck to make a complete stop, Semaj hopped out and rushed into the ER unaware that there were more sets of eyes on her than before. Uncertainty and apprehension ate away at her as she approached the nurse’s station.
“I need to see Nathan Giles!” Semaj said. The nurses looked at her in bewilderment. She was covered in blood and drenched in gore.