A Gangsta Twist Saga (33 page)

“Yeah, you know how it is. Got a li'l older and shit, but still doin' my thang. What the fuck you doin' around the 'hood? Last time I seen you, you was at Do-Low's funeral.”

“Just came through with H-Hop to holla at y'all for a minute. It's been too long, and I wanted to make sure that you young bucks was maintaining this Hoover Groove.”

Astro laughed and said, “Is that right? One thang's for sho', big homey. You ain't even gots to worry about how we gets down out here. Every nigga in the city knows how we handle ours.”

One of the teenagers who had followed H-Hop and Clifford into the backyard stepped up and said, “Cuz, who the fuck is this old nigga?”

Astro frowned because he knew that Li'l Bomb was a young hothead not to be taken lightly. “Cuz, this is the big homey, C-Baby. He's one of the first Hoovers in the city. When the big homies came out here from Cali, they put him on first to help start the set,” Astro said as he fired up a Newport.

“What up, cuz? I'm Li'l Bomb,” said the teenager who couldn't have been more than fifteen—sixteen years old, tops.

Clifford extended his hand and said, “What's up, cuz? They call me C-Baby.”

After shaking hands, Li'l Bomb asked, “So, you're a gee from the set, huh?”

“You better believe it, loco!”

“Cuz, just 'cause you're a gee don't mean shit to me or any of my niggas. We're runnin' the set now, loc. And to be honest with you, cuz, I don't think you gots what it takes to be a 107 Hoover in the twenty-first century!”

A few other young Hoovers had came and stood next to Li'l Bomb as he spoke. Clifford noticed this, and he knew it was his time to either leave or check these youngsters and let them know he was still in fact an original gangster from 107 Hoover Crips. “Let me tell you somethin', li'l nigga. Since when does a killa forget how to kill? Don't get it twisted, cuz. Just 'cause I haven't been around in a minute doesn't mean that I've lost my heart, loc.”

Li'l Bomb smiled and simply said, “Prove it.”

“What?”

“I said prove it, cuz. If you're still that gee you claim to be, come and put some work in with me and the homies.”

“Li'l nigga, I ain't gots to prove shit to no young-ass niggas like y'all! I've put in mines long before you li'l niggas were even thought of.”

“Just like I thought. A has-been-ass Hoover comin' around here talkin' that O.G. shit, but ain't gonna bust a grape on skates. Come on, cuz. Let's let this old nigga chop it up with H-Hop and Astro. We gots some work to put in,” Li'l Bomb said as he turned to leave the backyard.

“Hold up, cuz! I like how you seem to have leadership qualities. The set has always needed that. So, this is what I'm goin' to do. Go get the straps and come back and scoop me. But it's goin' to be just you and me, loc. We don't need your li'l fans to roll with us,” Clifford said with a sarcastic smile on his face.

“You ain't sayin' shit, cuz! I'll be right back!” Li'l Bomb yelled as he left the backyard to go get some weapons for himself and Clifford to use.

“C-Baby, I don't think you should fuck with that nigga, Li'l Bomb. That nigga is a straight fool wit' it,” Astro said as he lit up a blunt of some very strong-smelling weed.

“Fo' real, cuz. That nigga gots bodies all over the fuckin' city,” added H-Hop.

“Damn, cuz! What's with you niggas? Ain't shit changed, and I'm gon' show this young nigga that once a Hoover, always a Hoover! These niggas are gon' always give me my props around this bitch, whether I come around here every day or not! I've earned mines.”

Even though Clifford was still dressed in a pair of slacks and a long-sleeved buttoned-up shirt, he was ready to go kill some of his enemies with Li'l Bomb. For some strange reason, he wasn't nervous, nor was he worried about the fact that he was about to go commit a murder . . . or possibly murders. He felt just like he used to feel back in the days when he was one of the hardest Hoover Crips in the city. The only difference now was that he wasn't about to go put in work with any of his old crew. They were either all dead or locked up in prison somewhere. H-Hop and Astro were two of the few left from his old wrecking crew.

Cliff took a deep breath and rotated his broad shoulders so that he could loosen himself up a little. His six foot frame was solid, and he was still in pretty good shape for a man his age.

Suddenly, common sense seemed to have slapped him in his face.
What the fuck am I doing? I may have lost my job, but I haven't lost my fuckin' mind! I can't be doing no shit like this!
he thought to himself as he stared at Astro and H-Hop.

Before he could speak his mind, Li'l Bomb came back into the backyard carrying a large duffel bag in his hand. He walked up to him and set the bag in front of him and said, “All right, cuz, choose your shit.”

Clifford watched as Li'l Bomb unzipped the bag and pulled out several handguns. There were 9 mm pistols, Tech-9 semi-automatic pistols, as well as an AK-47.
What the fuck am I going to do now?
he asked himself.
Fuck it! I done got myself caught up in this shit now. I can't lose face to this li'l nigga of the Pepsi generation.
He bent toward the bag and chose two of the nine-millimeters and asked, “All right, who we blastin'?”

Li'l Bomb smiled and said, “Some of those Prince Hall niggas. Who else?”

“I thought since they redid that projects those niggas weren't around no more.”

“Nah, cuz. Them mark-ass niggas are still around. You just have to know where to look. And, believe me, cuz, I know right where they be at,” Li'l Bomb replied confidently. “Come on, let's go!”

Clifford couldn't believe he was actually falling for some peer pressure from a fucking baby.
This has got to be the craziest shit in the world,
he thought as he followed Li'l Bomb. They climbed inside of a '77 Cutlass Supreme that was obviously stolen, because Li'l Bomb started the ignition with a screwdriver. Once they were on their way, Clifford tried his best to calm his nerves.
Everything is going to be all right. You know how to put in work, nigga. It's just like riding a bike,
he thought as he took a quick glance at the baby driving the car he was inside of.
Fuck it! It's too late now!

Li'l Bomb parked the Cutlass and said, “Come on, cuz. We're walkin' from here.”

“Walkin'? Li'l nigga, you trippin'! Where the fuck them fools at?”

“They're right down the street, cuz. I don't do drive-bys, loc. I like to be up close and personal. I gotta make sure that I gets my man. Now, are you comin' or what?”

“Lead, li'l nigga. I'm right on your bumper, cuz,” Clifford said as he followed Li'l Bomb.

Li'l Bomb smiled as he led the way toward their enemies. About halfway down the street from where he had parked the stolen Cutlass, there were about seven teenagers and a few older people dressed in all blue and standing in front of an apartment complex. Li'l Bomb stopped and said, “There they go, cuz. Since you're dressed like a fuckin' goody-goody, this is what we should do. Walk up and ask them niggas, do they have any work. Once they relax a li'l after figuring out you ain't ‘one time,' start blastin' they ass. After you put yours in, break back to the car.”

“What the fuck are you goin' to be doing while I'm handlin' mines?”

“Watchin'.”

“Watching? Cuz, you gots me fucked up if you think I'm puttin' this work in by myself!”

“Chill out, loc. Once you've handled your business, I'm comin' behind you to play the clean-up man. I don't like leavin' witnesses when I put in work, cuz,” Li'l Bomb said menacingly.

Damn! This li'l nigga is heartless,
Clifford thought to himself. But to Li'l Bomb he said, “Whatever, cuz. Now watch how a gee does it.” He cocked both of his guns and made sure that a live round was inside of the chambers. He then casually walked toward the group of people standing in front of the apartment building.

Once he made it in front of the group, he said, “Man, can I get somethin' for forty?”

Two of the young gang members looked him over for a full minute before one of them asked, “You a police, nigga?”

Shaking his head no, Clifford said, “Nah, man, I'm just tryin' to get some work for me and this freak bitch I got. So, can I get somethin' for forty or what?”

The two young men smiled at one another. “Yeah, I gots you right here, cuz. Where the money at, though?” asked the young man who seemed to be in charge.

Clifford stared at them for a moment then said, “Right here, cuz,” as he pulled out his weapons and started firing at them simultaneously. He hit the two youngsters in their upper torsos then he turned his aim toward the others and started shooting at them.

Once both of his guns were empty, he turned and started running as fast as he could back toward the stolen getaway car. He was back inside of the car when he heard Li'l Bomb doing his cleanup. The sound of that AK-47 was loud as ever to Clifford as he waited for Li'l Bomb to finish handling his business. After what felt like forever but in actuality was just a couple of minutes, Li'l Bomb came running back to the car.

He climbed inside of the Cutlass, smiled and said, “Now, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout, cuz!” He started the car and drove off as calm as ever, as if they didn't have a care in the world. Once he had the car out into traffic, he turned toward Clifford and said, “You still a down nigga, O.G. I gots love for you, C-Baby.”

Clifford smiled and said, “You better, loc!” They both started laughing as they went back to their 'hood.

Clifford leaned his head back on the seat and let what he had actually done sink in.
I've just committed murder again. I thought this part of my life was over with. I guess not, 'cause now that I've done it again, I'm ready for some more bodies. Taz and his crew are about to feel the wrath of an O.G. Hoover Crip,
he thought to himself with a smile on his face.

Taz and Sacha walked into Tazneema's hospital room to see her. Mama-Mama and Tazneema's best friend, Lyla, were laughing about something. “What's so funny?” Taz asked as he stepped up to Mama-Mama and gave her a hug.

“This here crazy li'l white girl was tellin' me and 'Neema about how she wants to be a stripper! Can you believe her, Taz? A stripper! Her parents done paid all of this money for her to get a good education at OU, and she's talkin' 'bout becoming a stripper!”

Taz laughed and said, “Lyla, I know you're playin', right?”

Lyla, who was a small woman but built nicely, frowned at Taz. Her long, brown hair hung loosely past her shoulders as she sat down and crossed her long, slim legs. She was definitely a pretty young lady. Taz couldn't deny that fact. Lyla smiled and said, “Of course, I'm serious, Taz. It's not like I want to make a career out of it or anything like that. It's something that I want to try, though. It seems exciting to me.”

“Come on, Lyla. You can't be serious,” Tazneema said as she sat up on her bed.

“I don't see why not. I'm an adult, and I can do whatever I want to,” she replied stubbornly.

Before Lyla could continue with her tirade, Tari entered the room with a huge smile on her face. “Guess who's getting ready to be cleared to go home tomorrow?” She gave Mama-Mama, Sacha and Taz a hug.

“Stop playing, Tari! Please tell me you're playing!” Tazneema said anxiously.

“I'm serious. The doctor told me a few minutes ago that he didn't see any reason for you to remain here. As long as you agree to stay off of your feet for a few more weeks, he's going to let you go home in the morning.”

“Well, he won't have to worry about that none. She's comin' home with me, and ain't no way I'm gon' let her be on her feet!” Mama-Mama yelled happily.

“I know that's right, Mama-Mama!” Tari said with a smile on her face. She turned toward Taz and said, “We need to talk. It's kind of important.”

Taz nodded, turned toward Tazneema and said, “Excuse me for a minute, y'all. I'll be right back.”

Sacha smiled and said, “Don't you be trying to steal my man, Tari! I got my eyes on you, girl!”

Tari laughed and said, “He's too damn old for me now, girl. I got my sights set on a teeny bopper!”

They both started laughing as Taz followed Tari out into the lobby. She led him toward some chairs by the elevator bank, sat down and said, “We're moving in the morning. Won got the call he was waiting for last night. He wants us to be at your house in thirty minutes.”

“Damn!”

“What's wrong?”

“I haven't had time to get at Sacha yet.”

“Get at her about what? She already knows what's what, doesn't she?”

“Yeah . . . kinda.”

“What you mean, kinda, Taz?”

“I promised her that I was done with this shit. I never told her about our decision to finish this shit up for Won.”

Tari smiled and said, “You're going to be in some big trouble, sir.”

“I know. Fuck!”

“Listen. Just tell her that there's something that we have to take care of, and that I'm going with you. She'll never think I'm going to be doing something wild with y'all.”

Shaking his head no, he said, “Nah, I'm not goin' to lie to my Li'l Mama. I gots to keep it one hundred with her at all times.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I'm sure.”

Tari stared at Taz, her friend, her ex-lover, and said, “We have to get this hit over with, Taz.”

“I know. But tell me something. Why are you so damn worried about Won letting me go?”

“'Cause I love you, stupid! I want you to have the happiness you've been looking for. You deserve it.”

“But what about you? You deserve some happiness too.”

“As long as you're happy, baby, then so am I.”

He stared deeply into Tari's blue eyes and saw the love she had for him in them.
Damn! This girl really does love a nigga. If only I could have loved her the way she wants me to,
he thought.

Tari's long blonde hair was pulled tightly in a ponytail. She was looking extremely good in her nurse's uniform. For a white girl, she was packing some major ass . . . an ass that would make some sistas feel bad. She stood close to six foot barefoot, and was definitely one sexy-ass lady.

“I wish we could have—”

“Stop that shit, Taz. It is what it is. Everything happens for a reason, baby. I know you love me, and I know you're not in love with me. That's life. What matters most to me is that you're safe. Let's get this shit over with so we can move on and live happily ever after,” Tari said with a smile on her face.

“You sure?”

“Yep!”

“You know it's gon' be hard workin' with you, right?”

“Don't worry 'bout me. I can handle my own. I'm a big girl, see?” She got out of her seat and slapped herself on her behind.

“Yeah, I see all of that ass you got, but ass has nothin' to do with what we're about to get into,” he said seriously.

“Maybe you're right, but you never know what the power of a big ass can do for you.”

Taz smiled and said, “You're crazy, girl! Look, let me go get at Sacha then I'll round up the crew so we can all get on point.”

“All right. You know Bob made it home last night, huh?”

“Is that right?”

“Yep. Won told me before I left for work this morning.”

“Cool. I'll holla at the nigga before we bounce.”

“I'll see you in a little bit,” she said as she turned and quickly hopped inside one of the elevators before the doors closed.

Taz went back inside of Tazneema's room and told her, “Baby girl, I want you to make sure that you do everything that Mama-Mama tells you, okay?”

“Since when has she not done everything that I tell her to, boy?” asked Mama-Mama.

“Come on, Mama-Mama. You know what I mean.”

Tazneema could tell that Taz had something on his mind and asked, “Is everything all right, Taz? You look kinda funny.”

“I'm good. I have to go out of town for a day or so to tie up some loose ends and stuff,” he said as he cut his eyes in Sacha's direction.

“Don't worry, Taz. I'll be okay.”

“I know, but I want you to know that I don't want you talkin' to that nigga Cliff, 'Neema.”

“Taz,” she whined.

“I mean it, 'Neema. I'm your father, and I expect for you to obey my wishes on this shit.”

Before Tazneema could say a word, Lyla yelled, “Her father? How? When? Wait a minute! You're her
what
?”

Everyone inside of the room started laughing, except for Lyla. After the laughter had subsided a little, Tazneema said, “Taz is my daddy, Lyla, not my brother. Everyone thinks he's my big brother, so we let people think what they want.”

“But, Tee-Tee, why didn't you tell me? I'm your roommate and best friend. I've actually been flirting with your father! Ugggh! That's like so gross!”

“Why, thank you, Lyla!” Taz said with a smile on his face.

“I didn't mean it like that, Taz. I just—”

Taz held up his hand and said, “I know, I know. I was just clownin'. But, look, I gots to go get ready. I'll give y'all a call to see how everything is when I get to where I'm goin', okay?”

“Okay, Taz. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby girl. Please do as I asked you to.”

“I will.”

After giving Mama-Mama and Lyla a brief hug, Taz grabbed Sacha's hand and led her out of the room. Before he could say a word, she said, “Take me to my house, Taz. I think I'm going to stay there while you're out of town.”

“You're that mad, huh, Li'l Mama?”

“What the fuck do you think?”

“I'm gon' keep it real with you, Li'l Mama. After we finish this mission, there will be one more, and then it's over with.”

She laughed in his face and said, “You know what's so crazy about all of this shit, Taz? You actually believe that shit Won is hand-feeding your ass. You're never going to be through with this shit! Won's not going to let you. And you're not even man enough to say no to the big man! I'm telling you, Taz, you really need to think. 'Cause if you don't start using your head, you're going to lose everything you got. And I'm not just talking about me, I'm talking about everything!”

 

 

After Taz dropped Sacha off at her home, he drove back to his house and started to pack his bags. After he was finished, he grabbed the phone and called Bob's house.

Gwen answered on the second ring, sounding as happy as ever. “Hello!”

“What's good, Gwen? Where's my nigga at?” Taz asked with a smile on his face.

“He's right here, Taz. Hold on a sec.”

Bob accepted the phone from Gwen and said, “What it do, my nigga?”

“Ain't shit. What's with you, dog? You good?”

“Yeah, I'm straight. Still a li'l sore and shit, though.”

“Damn, dog! Why you didn't vest up like you was supposed to?” Taz asked seriously.

“I tripped the fuck out, gee. I mean, I didn't think about it until we were already on our way to do us. By then, I was like, fuck it! Everything is goin' to be everything, so I didn't say shit to y'all.”

“That shit is crazy! You know better, dog. Where's that nigga Magoo at? I want to thank him for lookin' out for your crazy-ass.”

“After he dropped me off, he said he was on his way to go get with Won. He said something about meeting up at your spot. What's up with that, my nigga?”

“We're almost to the finish line, dog. We got two more things to take care of. Then it's a done deal.”

“How are y'all goin' to handle up? I won't be able to roll for at least a couple more weeks,” Bob said with a hurt sound in his voice.

Bob's cracking voice damn near broke Taz down. “Don't worry about it, dog. We can handle it. Your lucky-ass gets to retire a li'l earlier than us,” he said, trying to make Bob feel a little better.

“Fuck that shit! We're a six-deep crew! We trained for it always to be that way! And, no matter what, we don't move unless we all move!”

Taz took a deep breath and said, “Look, gee. We on the clock, and we don't have the time to wait until you can get back on your feet. So, it is what it is right now.”

“So that nigga Magoo's taking my place, huh?”

“Fuck, no! You know damn well we don't know that nigga like that.”

“Then who is it, Taz? Don't lie to me, my nigga.”

Taz took another deep breath and said, “Tari.”

Bob burst into laughter and said, “Now, ain't that somethin'! I done got replaced by a bitch! A white bitch at that!”

Bob's comment about Tari pissed Taz off, but instead of getting into it any further with him, Taz said, “Look, we're about to bounce. I just wanted to holla at ya to make sure that you're straight. We'll get over there to see you when we get back.”

“Whatever, dog,” Bob said sadly, and hung up the phone.

After Taz hung up the phone, he grabbed his bag and went downstairs to the den. He poured himself a drink from the bar and said, “Damn! It seems like all of my peoples are salty at me right now. I can't do any shit good at the moment.”

There was a knock at his front door just as he finished draining his glass. He went to let the crew in. Keno, Bo-Pete, Red, Wild Bill and Tari filed inside of his house, and followed him back inside of the den.

“Have you gotten at Bob yet?” asked Wild Bill as he sat down on the sectional sofa.

“Yeah.”

“Did you tell him?” Red asked with a smile on his face.

“Yeah.”

Red started laughing and said, “I know that nigga is pissed the fuck off!”

Taz smiled and said, “That's puttin' it real mild like, dog.”

“Aww, poor Bob's mad 'cause I get to play with his li'l friends!” Tari said playfully.

“It don't matter. This shit is almost over any fuckin' way,” Keno said as he leaned against Taz's pool table.

Before anyone could respond, Won and Magoo knocked at Taz's front door. After Taz brought them inside of the den, Won said, “All right, peoples, this is how it goes down. Pitt runs the Bay Area out in Cali. His strength in the game comes from the heroin and the ya-yo. After y'all arrive out in Oakland, you will then go check into the Marriot Courtyard, located in downtown Oakland. Your rooms will already be reserved, as usual.

“Downstairs in the underground parking lot will be a blue Navigator parked for y'all. Your weapons will be inside of Taz's room under the bed, with all of the equipment you normally use.

“After y'all strap up, you are to drive to east Oakland. Take Main Street all the way into the East Side of town. Once you make it to Shaw Boulevard, you are to make a left turn, and on your immediate right, there will be a bail bondsman's office. Bypass it and bust a U-turn down the street.

“Once you have seen that everything is clear, you are to park behind the bondsman's office and go in from the rear. The back door will be unlocked, and the alarm will have already been tripped. Once you're inside, you'll see four safes. Combination are as follows . . .”

Won stopped and waited for Taz as he pulled out a pen and a pad so he could write the numbers down. When he saw that Taz was ready, he continued.

“The combination to the safe on the far left side of the room is three to the right, twenty-six to the left, and seventy-one to the right. The safe right next to it is forty-nine to the right, sixty-one to the left, and ninety-nine to the right. The next one is fifty-two to the right, fifteen to the left, and sixty-six to the right, and the last safe, which will be placed at the far right of the room, is thirty-three to the right, seventy-seven to the left, and eighty-four to the right. Each safe will contain at least twenty or more kilos of cocaine and heroin. If there is any money inside of any of them, it's yours.