B00CD6BCB0 EBOK

by King, Joy Deja

  “Oh, okay, that salon but why are you calling me? Maya is in charge of handling all of that business.”

  “I know but I haven’t been able to get in touch with her for a couple of weeks now.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I have a key and I run the establishment but she normally comes in once a week which she hasn’t done and she’s also missed payroll.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, and that’s unlike her. She’s always on top of everything. I’ve been calling her, left several messages on her cell and home phone but I haven’t gotten a response. I also stopped by her apartment and got no answer. I’m very concerned but before I called the police I wanted to reach out to you and see if you knew her whereabouts. You were listed as an emergency contact.”

  I started thinking back to the last time I saw Maya and it was at the hospital when I was with Aaliyah. “What did you say your name was again?”

  “Penelope Martinez.”

  “Penelope, I’m going to try and get in contact with Maya. I’m sure she’s fine. Maybe she decided to go on a vacation at the last minute.”

  “She does like to travel and if she had made payroll before she left I would agree with you but like I said, this isn’t like her.”

  “Like I said I’ll do some checking around. I’ll also have my attorney Robert Polansky give you a call so we can get payroll taken care of in the meantime.”

  “Thank you very much. The staff would greatly appreciate that.”

  “Not a problem. I’ll be in touch.” When I hung up with Penelope, before I even had a chance to start placing calls and figure out where the hell Maya disappeared to I noticed a dark tinted old model Jeep Cherokee creeping up beside me. I glanced over to my left before the light turned green and I continued to drive. There was another car in front of me that caused me to slow down and then I got caught at another red light. That’s when it happened. The back window of the Cherokee gradually began coming down and I caught a glimpse of the barrel of the gun making it’s way out. All I could do was slam down on the gas before an onslaught of bullets sprayed my silver Aston Martin Vanquish. I heard glass exploding as bullets blew out the back window. I quickly swerved around the car that was in front of me and ran the light. The Cherokee was right on my tail ready to continue the ambush.

  “What in the fuck!” I belted, in anger trying my best not to become the next causality in a drug war, as I swerved between cars. Afternoon traffic in New York City was the wrong time for this bullshit. Between dodging cars and bullets I tried to get a glance at the shooter but everyone in the car including the driver had on a ski mask. “Well fuck you motherfuckers this Bitch ain’t dying today!” I barked, before pressing my foot down on the gas pedal, searching for a way out of this shit. What was even more fucked up was I was unarmed.

  No matter how proficient I was being with my driving skills I could not seem to shake the Cherokee. Them bitch ass niggas was thirsty for my ass and was not letting up. A slight flicker of hope crept up on me when I spotted a huge truck driving up in the opposite direction of me with its turn signal on. The move I was considering would be risky but no riskier than having non-stop bullets firing off in my direction. As the truck made it’s go, I cut across the lane to make a speedy right turn but as I did the shooters made a final attempt to kill me off before I could get away. One of the bullets busted my tire, which caused me to lose control of my car and crash into 6 parked cars. My head snapped forward then back from the impact of the smash, but other than that I was fine. The humongous truck that was making the turn also, ended up swerving to avoid hitting me so the back of his truck was blocking off the street. I looked around at all the damage I caused but I didn’t give a fuck because I beat death and was alive to see another day. At this point, that’s all that mattered. Amid inhaling and exhaling clearing my mind from the fiasco I escaped only moments ago I heard my cell ringing. I had to look around because it flew in some unknown direction when I crashed.

  “There it is,” I said, still breathing heavily when I answered the phone. “Hello.”

  “Hi Precious, this is Gayle, the nurse from the New York -Presbyterian Hospital.”

  “Yes, hi Gayle.” I tried to get my rapid breathing under control. “How is everything?”

  “Not good. The doctor is in with your father now. I’m so sorry but he didn’t make it. You’re father is dead. You should get to the hospital as soon as possible.”

  “Thank you. I’m on my way.” When I hung up with the nurse I put my head down on the steering wheel completely devastated. I couldn’t fathom how I woke up next to Lorenzo feeling refreshed like I was embarking on a new exciting chapter of my life. Now this. “How did I end up with such a fucked up day!” I cried out and left wondering how it all went so wrong.

  Aaliyah

  “Your grandfather is dead.” I repeated that over and over again after receiving the call from my

  Mother minutes ago. “Damn grandfather, you weren’t supposed to die. This isn’t how the story ended.not you.not like this.”

  My heart was broken in a thousand pieces and not a soul in the world could put it back together. With swiftness, I wrote Dale a brief note explaining why I had to leave his hotel room and I would call him later. He had stepped out to handle some business and now I’m glad he did. I wanted to be alone, if only for a little while to mourn in private with nobody around. The special place my Grandfather held in my heart would now be forever void. But through my grief I still managed to find a silver lining.

  “I’ve been patiently waiting to hear from you,” Clap said, when he answered my call.

  “The wait is over. You can go ‘head and kill Maya but make sure you beat the shit out of her before you do.”

  “Your wish is my command.” I hung up with Clap and I managed to crack a smile despite my heartache. One great man had to die in order for a foul, bottom feeder like Maya could leave this earth too. Nobody said life was fair and this proved it wasn’t. I grabbed my purse and headed out the hotel room so I could kiss my Grandfather on his forehead before they put his body six foot under.

  When I arrived at the hospital on East 68th street, I had already made up my mind that I wouldn’t break down in my Grandfather’s room. No matter how painful seeing his dead body was, I was prepared to be strong for my Mother. She never said it but I knew how much she loved her father and his loss would be traumatic for her. She needed someone to be strong emotionally so she would be free to embrace her pain, let go and let God get her through this.

  I got off the elevator and headed in the direction of my Grandfather’s room. I saw several nurses and a doctor coming out his room and shook my head. I knew they all must’ve felt like crap because they couldn’t save his life today. I wanted to run over and give each one of them a hug and explain it wasn’t their fault he didn’t make it. They did all they could but a longer life simply wasn’t in the cards for him. That’s

  the very reason I damn near passed out and hit my head on the cold hospital floor when I strolled in.

  “If it isn’t my granddaughter,” my Grandfather mumbled, lifting up his arm towards me as if he wanted me to take it.

  “It’s a miracle, Aaliyah. All of our prayers have been answered. Somehow your grandfather beat death and came back to life.” My Mother delivered the news to me with a disheveled appearance but at the same time she was glowing. I was baffled how that could be the case but had no time to investigate further because all I wanted to do was hold my Grandfather. I ran to him and wrapped my arms around his frail body. He was clearly still very weak but seeing his eyes open and hearing his voice was a blessing in itself.

  “Grandfather, I can’t believe you’re awake. I’ve missed you more than you’ll ever know. I love you so much.”

  “I love you too. God is good. He’s given me another chance at life. I’m not worthy of it and it’s only by His grace so I’m thankful.”

  “So are we.” I looked over at my Mother and I co
uld tell she meant those words. Almost losing her Father made her appreciate having him in her life.

  “What a gift, to wake up and have my daughter and my granddaughter here with me.”

  “I called your other kids. They are going to take a flight tomorrow and come see you.”

  “Wonderful and what about Maya, is she on the way? Where is she?” FUCK! I forgot all about Maya! I can’t let Clap kill her. Please let her still be alive! I thought as I remembered the phone call I made.

  “I called her but her phone went straight to voicemail. She might be out of town but I’ll track her down.”

  “Please do. I want you and your sister to both be here with me.”

  “Can the two of you excuse me,” the doctor stated when he walked back in the room. “I need to run some test.”

  “Of course. Father, we’ll be in the hallway.”

  “Ok, make sure you get in touch with Maya.”

  “A parents love really does have no boundaries because in spite of Maya being the spawn of the devil he truly loves her,” my Mother shook her head and said, when we stepped outside my Grandfather’s hospital room.

  “Yeah, you’re right. He refuses to give up and let her go. Talk about fatherly love.”

  “I didn’t want to say anything in front of your grandfather but I’m actually a little concerned about Maya.”

  “Why?”

  “This woman named Penelope that manages the beauty and nail salon Maya oversees called me saying they hadn’t heard or seen Maya in a couple weeks. They also said she missed payroll. I did try to call her on my way to the hospital but no luck. I didn’t have a chance to stop by her apartment because I found myself in a sticky situation before I got the call about your grandfather.”

  “What happened? Is that why you look so disheveled?”

  “Yes, I got in a minor car accident.”

  “Are you okay…do you need a doctor to examine you?”

  “No, I’m fine. It was nothing I can’t handle. I’m just so relieved your grandfather survived. When I got that call he was dead, my heart literally felt as if it dropped out of my body. I didn’t want it to end like that. I wanted and needed more time with him to work on our relationship. I’m so grateful that we’ll have that. Now I just have to find Maya’s crazy ass.”

  “You make some phone calls and try to track Maya down while I run to the restroom.”

  “Sure. I’ll be right here when you get back.” I nodded at my Mother and jetted off to find a private location to call Clap. I ended up in the bathroom and locked myself in one of the stalls.

  Ring…ring…ring. ..”Answer the fuckin’ phone!” I screamed out loud but in a super low tone. Please don’t let Maya be dead. Dear God, I know I’m completely flawed and I’m going to screw up many more times but if you let Maya still be alive I’ll try to do better. This isn’t for me it’s for my Grandfather. I love him more than anything and if Maya dies I’m afraid of what it might do to him. My mind was pleading and begging so hard to save a chick that I absolutely could not stand but I loved my Grandfather just that much.

  Ring…ring…ring…. still nothing. All I could think was Clap and his crew was dismembering Maya’s body before they dug a hole to bury her ass. Right when I was about to try and call Clap again, I saw he was calling me.

  “Stop whatever you doing and don’t kill Maya! Do you understand or is it too late she’s already dead?” I dreaded even saying those words but I felt I had no choice because I needed to know.

  “What do you mean stop what we’re doing? You told me to kill her.”

  “I know what I told you but now I need her alive. Please tell me she’s not dead.”

  “You told me to beat her ass before we killed her so that’s what we did. She’s alive but badly beaten.”

  “Thank you JESUS!!”

  “Before you go thanking Jesus, I think you need to take a look at her. She alive but barely. We went ham on her.”

  “Do you think she needs a doctor?”

  “Yup and a good one.”

  “Did she see your faces?”

  “Nope, we kept our faces and hands covered

  just off of habit.”

  “Good. I’m gonna make a call and get a doctor over there. Now I have to figure out a way to make sure I bring this bitch back to life.”

  “We’ll do our part over here to try and get her better until you bring in the doctor.”

  “Cool, I’ll be in touch.” When I hung up with Clap I took a moment of silence to think about my next move. I didn’t want to bring Dale in on this shit but I knew he had the connections to get me a doctor that would keep his mouth shut asap. I had no choice but to place the call because if Maya was as bad off as Clap said, I needed a top notch Doctor to step in and fast.

  “Hey, Baby. Are you okay? I’m sorry about your grandfather,” Dale said, when he answered.

  “Thank you but he pulled through and he’s out of his coma. The nurse got it wrong and he survived.” “That is wonderful news. I’m so happy for you and your family.”

  “Thank you, Dale.”

  “When do you think you’ll be back to the hotel? I’m missing you.”

  “I miss you too. I’ll be back a little later but I need for you to do something for me.”

  “Sure.anything.”

  “I’m about to tell you something but please don’t cross-examine me about it right now. I just need you to take care of this for me right now. We can discuss it when I get back to the hotel room tonight.”

  “What is it, Aaliyah?”

  “Maya is being held captive by Clap and she’s in really bad physical condition. She needs a doctor immediately but of course one that will keep everything on the low.”

  “I’m on it.”

  “Thank you so much, Baby. Call Clap to get the location. I’ll see you later on tonight. I love you for this.”

  “I’ll see you when you get here.” I could practically taste the disgust in Dale’s voice through the phone. I did what I had to do though. It was either call Dale or Nico and calling my Father was out of the question. The hell I would’ve caught from him and the rest of my family, the very thought of it brought chills to my spine. I made my way out the bathroom and back to my Mother. She was wrapping up a call by the time I reached her.

  “Still no luck. Nobody has seen or spoken to Maya. It’s like she disappeared. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m worried. I think something bad might’ve happened to her.”

  “Mom, calm down. I’m sure Maya is fine. She probably ran off somewhere and doesn’t want anybody to reach her. Once she hears about grandfather waking up from his coma, I’m positive once again she’ll be all up in our faces. So relax.”

  “I didn’t want to tell you this because I don’t want you to worry.”

  “Worry about what?”

  “Whoever shot your grandfather is still after us. They even tried to get at me today.”

  “What! You mean that minor car accident you told me you got into was really a hit?”

  “Yes and now I’m afraid that those same people got Maya and she might be dead.”

  “Would that be so bad?”

  “Aaliyah, how can you say that? Think about your grandfather.”

  “But it’s not like it would be our fault. If one of grandfather’s enemies so happens to kill Maya, he can’t blame us. In the game things work out like that sometimes.”

  “Regardless, your grandfather just got out of a coma. The last thing he needs is bad news about Maya. I pray she is alive and you need to be doing the same. I don’t want to be the one to have to tell him she’s dead.”

  Precious

  “These motherfuckers are out of control. I can’t believe they tried to come at you in broad daylight. For now on you’re gonna have security with you at all times.” Lorenzo voice was calm but you could see the fire in his eyes.

  “I agree with Lorenzo. Precious, you cannot walk around these streets without security. This shit is g
etting too real right now. We finally get Quentin back and now they’re tryna take you out,” Genesis stated, before looking out the window as if going into deep thought.

  “And don’t forget about Maya. No one has still heard from her. What if she’s dead?”

  “We can’t think that right now and definitely don’t speak your concerns to Quentin. The doctor said he has to take it easy and if he believes Maya is dead that might send him into a relapse.”

  “Nico, don’t you think I know that. But we have to prepare ourselves to deliver that news to him just in case.”

  “The only thing we preparing for is taking down these motherfuckers once and for all. Genesis, has your investigator got any news for us yet?”

  “Not yet. Whoever these guys are they keep a very low profile. Getting pictures of them is proving to be challenging.”

  “Genesis, let me handle it. I have a guy that can find anybody. I’ll put him on it because this ends now.”

  “Put your man on it, Lorenzo, but I’ll keep mine on it too. Hopefully one of them will get what we need.”

  “They better because I’m tired of all these bodies dropping.”

  “Until we get this situation under control all of us have to be more careful.”

  “Precious, I have to stay and talk to Genesis about a few things but I have a chauffer-driven SUV downstairs waiting for you and two security men. They’ll take you wherever you need to go.”

  “Lorenzo, do you think all ofthat is necessary?” “If I didn’t you wouldn’t have it. You were almost killed. I’m not taking any chances with your life.”

  “Fine, I’ll see you later on at your place.” “Precious, hold up I’ll walk you to the car. I’m on my way out anyway. Genesis, Lorenzo, I’ll talk to both of you later on.”

  “How bad do you think it’s going to get before it starts getting better?” I decided to ask Nico that question while we were walking out because if anybody was going to give it to me straight with no chaser it was him.

  “Honestly, I think the worse is over.”